TheStraitGate

ORGREATDIFFICULTYOFGOINGTOHEAVEN

PLAINLYPROVING,BYTHESCRIPTURES,THATNOTONLYTHERUDEANDPROFANE,BUTMANYGREATPROFESSORS,WILL

COMESHORTOFTHATKINGDOM.

byJohnBunyan

'Enteryeinatthestraitgate;forwideisthegate,andbroadisthewaythatleadethtodestruction,andmanytherebewhichgointhereat:

becausestraitisthegate,andnarrowisthewaywhichleadethuntolife,andfewtherebethatfindit.'—Matthew7:13,14

TableofContents

ADVERTISEMENTBYTHEEDITOR

TOTHEREADER

THESTRAITGATE

ANINTIMATIONOFTHEKINGDOMOFHEAVEN

DESCRIPTIONOFTHEENTRANCEINTOTHISKINGDOM

ANEXHORTATIONTOSTRIVETOENTERINTOTHISKINGDOM

MOTIVETOSTRIVETOENTERINTOTHISKINGDOM

SECONDTHEWORDSBYWAYOFOBSERVATION

REASONSWHYSOFEWARESAVED

USEANDAPPLICATIONOFTHEWHOLE

ADVERTISEMENTBYTHEEDITOR

IfanyuninspiredwriterhasbeenentitledtothenameofBoanerges,orasonofthunder,itistheauthorofthefollowingtreatise.Herewehaveamostsearchingandfaithfuldisplayofthestraitnessorexactdimensionsofthatall-importantgate,whichwillnotsuffermanyprofessorstopassinto the kingdom of heaven, encumbered as they are with fatal errors.Still 'it is no little pinching wicket, but wide enough for all the trulygraciousand sincere loversof JesusChrist;while it is so strait, thatnoothers canby anymeans enter in.'This is a subject calculated to rouseand stimulate all genuine professors to solemn inquiry; and it waspeculiarlyintendedtodartat,andfixconvictionsupon,themultitudesofhypocriticalprofessorswhoaboundedinBunyan'stime,especiallyunderthereignsofthelaterStuarts.

During theProtectorate,wickednesswas discountenanced, and skulkedin the holes and corners ofMansoul; but when a debauchedmonarch,whohadtakenrefugeinthemostlicentiouscourtinEurope,wascalledtooccupy the throneofhis fathers, themost abandonedprofligacyandprofanenesswereletlooseuponthenation.Vicewasopenlypatronized,while virtue and religion were as openly treated with mockery andcontempt. Bunyan justly says, 'The text calls for sharpness, so do thetimes.' 'With those whose religion lieth in some circumstantials, thekingdom swarms at this day.' When they stand at the gate, they will'shake like a quagmire—their feigned faith, pretended love, shows of

gravity, and holiday words, will stand them in little stead; someprofessors do with religion just as people do with their best apparel—hangitonthewallalltheweek,andputitononSundays;theysaveittilltheygotoameeting,ormeetwithagodlychapman.'Thisstateofsocietycalled for peculiar sharpness, and Bunyan preached and published, in1676,thisawfulalarmtoprofessors.Nosubjectcouldbemorepeculiarlyapplicable than 'TheGateofheaven,' and 'thedifficulties of entering inthereat';asubjectofthedeepestinteresttoallmankind—tostimulatethecarelesstofind,andtoenterthegateofthistheonlycityofrefugefrometernal misery—to fill the heart of God's children with love and joy intheirprospectsofablessedimmortality—andtostingthehypocriteswiththe awful thought of finding the gate shut against them for ever. Theircries and tearswill be too late; theywill standwithout andvehementlycry,'Lord,Lord,openuntous';invainwillbetheiroutcry,'thedevilsarecoming;Lord,Lord,thepitopenshermouthuponus;Lord,Lord,thereisnothingbuthellanddamnationleftus,ifthouhastnotmercyuponus.'Thesewereprofessorswhopretendedtohavefoundthegateandwaytoheaven; who passed for pilgrims who were seeking a better, even aheavenly country; such deluded victims must be, of all men, the mostmiserable.

FaithfulnessbecomestheministersofChristindealingwiththesoulsofmen;andpre-eminentlyfaithfulisJohnBunyaninthistreatise.Reader,he will be clear of thy blood. Enter upon the solemn inquiry, Have Isoughtthegate?ShallIbeadmittedinto,orshutoutfrom,thatblessedkingdom?Theopenlyprofanecanhavenohope.Areyouaprofessor?—thereisdangersill.Invainwillitbetourge,'Wehaveprophesiedinthyname,andinthynamecastoutdevils.'Tothesecretlyprofane,whatevermaybetheirprofession,therecanbenowell-groundedhopeofentranceinat thisgate.ThoseonlywillbeadmittedwhomtheLordknowstobehis—the sheep of his pasture,whohaveheardhis voice, and obeyed it.Againstallothersthedoorwillbeshut,andtheawfulwords,'Iknowyounot—depart, ye cursed,' will hurry them to eternal darkness. Thequestion, 'Are there fewthatbesaved?'will suggest itself toourminds;maytheanswerfixuponourconscience, 'STRIVEtoenter in.'It isveryprobable that it was in preaching upon this text, Bunyan was assailedwithawantofcharity.TheanecdoteisthusnarratedbyMr.DoeinThe

Struggler:—'As Mr. Bunyan was preaching in a barn, and showing thefewnessofthosethatshouldbesaved,therestoodoneofthelearnedtotakeadvantageofhiswords;andhavingdonepreaching,theschoolmansaidtohim,Youareadeceiver,apersonofnocharity,andthereforenotfit topreach; forhe that [ineffect] condemneth thegreatestpartofhishearers hath no charity, and therefore is not fit to preach. Then Mr.Bunyan answered, The Lord Jesus Christ preached in a ship to hishearersontheshore(Mat13),andshowedthattheywereasfoursortsofground, the highway, the stony, the thorny, and the good ground, butthoserepresentedbythegoodgroundweretheonlypersonstobesaved.Andyourpositionis,Thathethatineffectcondemneththegreatestpartof his hearers, hath no charity, and therefore is not fit to preach thegospel. But here the Lord Jesus Christ did so, then your conclusion is,TheLordJesusChristwantedcharity,andthereforewasnotfittopreachthe gospel. Horrid blasphemy; away with your hellish logic, and speakScripture.' Of one thing we are certain, that while hollow-heartedhypocritical professors will ever complain of faithful dealing with theirsoul's eternal interests; the sincere and humble Christina will be mostthankfulforsearchinginquiries,that,ifwrong,hemaybesetrightbeforehisfinaldestinyisirrevocablyfixed.Mayoursoulssubmittoascripturalmeasurement of this gate, and the terms upon which alone it can beopeneduntous.

The difficulties that prevent 'the many' from entering in are, 1.Forgetfulnessthatwecanonlyenterheavenbythepermissionofthelaw—every jot and tittle must be fulfilled. Now, if we could live from ourconversion toourdeath in theholiestobedience toall itsprecepts, yet,havingpreviouslyviolatedthem,thestainmustnotonlybewashedawayinthebloodofatonement,butwe,aspartofthebodyofChrist,must,inhim,renderperfectobedience.2.Inadditiontothedisinclinationofourheartstosubmittothisperfectrighteousness,wehaveoutwardstormsoftemptation and persecution. 'The world will seek to keep thee out ofheaven with mocks, flouts, taunts, threats, jails, gibbets, halters,burnings, and a thousand deaths; therefore strive! Again, if it cannotovercometheewith these, itwill flatter,promise,allure,entice,entreat,anduse a thousand tricks on thishand todestroy thee; andmany thathavebeenstoutagainstthethreatsoftheworldhaveyetbeenovercome

withthebewitchingflatteriesofthesame.Othatwemaybygraceescapealltheseenemies,andsostriveastoenterintothejoyofourLord.'

GEO.OFFOR.

TOTHEREADER

COURTEOUSREADER,

God, Ihope,hathput it intomyheart towriteunto theeanother time,and that aboutmatters of greatestmoment—for nowwe discourse notaboutthingscontrovertedamongthegodly,butdirectlyaboutthesavingordamningofthesoul;yea,moreover,thisdiscourseisaboutthefewnessofthemthatshallbesaved,anditprovesthatmanyahighprofessorwillcomeshortofeternallife;whereforethemattermustneedsbesharp,andsodislikedbysome,but let itnotberejectedby thee.The textcalls forsharpness,sodothetimes,yea,thefaithfuldischargeofmydutytowardstheehathputmeuponit.

Idonotnowpipe,butmourn;and itwillbewell for thee if thoucanstgraciouslylament.(Matt11:17)Some,saythey,makethegateofheaventoo wide, and some make it too narrow; for my part, I have herepresentedtheewithastrueameasureofitasbytheWordofGodIcan.Readme,therefore,yea,readme,andcomparemewiththeBible;andifthou findest my doctrine and that book of God concur, embrace it, asthou wilt answer the contrary in the day of judgment. This awakeningwork—ifGodwillmakeitso—waspreparedforthee:iftherebeneed,anditwounds, gethealingbyblood: if it disquiets, getpeacebyblood: if ittakes away all thou hast, because it was naught (for this book is notpreparedtotakeawaytruegracefromany),thenbuyofChrist'goldtriedinthefire,thatthoumayestberich,andwhiteraiment,thatthoumayestbe clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear, andanoint thineeyeswitheye-salve, that thoumayest see.' (Rev3:18)Self-flatteries,self-deceivings,areeasyandpleasant,butdamnable.TheLordgive thee a heart to judge right of thyself, right of this book, and so to

prepare for eternity, that thoumayest not only expect entrance, but bereceivedintothekingdomofChristandofGod.Amen.

SopraysthyFriend,

JOHNBUNYAN

CHAPTER1:THESTRAITGATE

'STRIVE TO ENTER IN AT THE STRAIT GATE; FOR MANY, I SAYUNTOYOU,WILLSEEKTOENTERIN,ANDSHALLNOTBEABLE.'—LUKE13:24

These are the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and are, therefore, inespecialmannertobeheeded;besides,thesubjectmatterofthewordsisthemostweighty, towit,howweshouldattain salvation,and thereforealsotobeheeded.

TheoccasionofthewordswasaquestionwhichonethatwasatthistimeinthecompanyofthedisciplesputtoJesusChrist;thequestionwasthis,'Lord, are there few that be saved?' (verse 23) A serious question, notsuchastendedtothesubversionofthehearers,astoomanynow-a-daysdo;butsuchasinitsownnaturetendedtotheawakeningofthecompanytogood,andthatcalledforsuchananswerthatmightprofitthepeoplealso.ThisquestionalsowellpleasedJesusChrist,andhepreparethandgivethsuchanansweraswaswithouttheleastretort,orshowofdistaste;suchananswer,Isay,ascarriedinitthemostfullresolvetothequestionitself,andhelptothepersonsquestioning.'Andhesaiduntothem,Strivetoenterin,'&c.Thewordsareananswer,andaninstructionalso.First.Ananswer,andthatintheaffirmative;thegateisstrait—manythatseek

willnotbeable,thereforebutfewshallbesaved.Second.Theanswerisaninstructionalso;'strivetoenterin,'&c.,goodcounselandinstruction;prayGodhelpme,andmyreader,andallthatlovetheirownsalvation,totakeit.

Mymannerofhandlingthewordswillbe—FIRST,Bywayofexplication;andthen[SECOND],Bywayofobservation.

[FIRST.THEWORDSBYWAYOFEXPLICATION]

Thewords are to be considered, FIRST,with reference to their generalscope;andthen[SECOND],withreferencetotheirseveralphrases.

FIRST.Thegeneralscopeofthetextistobeconsidered,andthatisthatgreatthing—salvation;forthesewordsdoimmediatelylookat,pointto,andgivedirectionsaboutsalvation:'Aretherefewthatbesaved?Strivetoenterinatthestraitgate.'

Thewords,Isay,aretodirectusnotonlytotalkof,ortowishfor,buttounderstandhowweshall,andtoseekthatwemaybe,effectuallysaved,andthereforeofthegreatestimportance.Tobesaved!whatislikebeingsaved? To be saved from sin, from hell, from the wrath of God, frometernal damnation, what is like it? To be made an heir of God, of hisgrace,ofhiskingdom,andeternalglory,whatislikeit?andyetallthisisincludedinthiswordsaved,andintheanswertothatquestion,'Aretherefew that be saved?' Indeed this word SAVED is but of little use in theworld,savetothemthatareheartilyafraidofdamning.ThiswordliesintheBibleasexcellentsalveslieinsomemen'shouses,thrustintoahole,andnotthoughtonformanymonths,becausethehouseholdpeoplehavenowoundsnorsores.Intimeofsickness,whatsosetbyasthedoctor'sglassesandgally-potsfullofhisexcellentthings?butwhenthepersonisgrownwell,therestisthrowntothedunghill.

Owhenmenare sickof sin, andafraidof damning,what a text is thatwherethiswordsavedisfound!Yea,whatawordofworth,andgoodness,and blessedness, is it to him that lies continually upon the wrath of aguiltyconscience?'Butthewholeneednotaphysician';hetherefore,andheonly,knowswhatsavedmeans,thatknowswhathell,anddeath,and

damnationmeans. 'What shall I do tobe saved?' is the languageof thetrembling sinner. 'Lord saveme,' is the language of the sinking sinner;and none admire the glory that is in thatword saved, but such as see,without being saved, all things in heaven and earth are emptiness tothem.Theyalsothatbelievethemselvesprivilegedinalltheblessednessthatiswraptupinthatword,blessandadmireGodthathathsavedthem.Wherefore,sincethethingintended,bothinthequestionandtheanswer,isno less than thesalvationof thesoul, Ibeseechyou togive themoreearnestheed.(Heb12)But,

SECOND.Tocometotheparticularphrasesinthewords,andtohandlethemorderly,inthewordsIfindfourthings.First.Anintimationofthekingdomofheaven.Second.Adescriptionoftheentranceintoit.Third.An exhortation to enter into it. And, Fourth, A motive to enforce thatexhortation.

ANINTIMATIONOFTHEKINGDOMOFHEAVEN

First.Anintimationofthekingdomofheaven;forwhenhesaith,'Striveto enter in,' and in suchphrases, there is supposed a place or state, orboth,tobeenjoyed.'Enterin';enterintowhat,orwhither,butintoastateorplace,orboth?andthereforewhenyoureadthisword,'enterin,'youmustsaythereiscertainlyincludedinthetextthatgoodthingthatyetisnot expressed. 'Enter in'; into heaven, that is the meaning, where thesavedare,andshallbe;intoheaven,thatplace,thatgloriousplace,whereGod,andChrist,andangelsare,andthesoulsorspiritsofjustmenmadeperfect. 'Enter in'; that thing included, though not expressed in thewords, is called in another place, the Mount Zion, the heavenlyJerusalem, thegeneralassemblyandchurchof the first-bornwhicharewritteninheaven.(Heb12:23)Andthereforethewordssignifyuntous,thatthereisastatemostglorious,andthatwhenthisworldisended;andthat this place and state are likewise to be enjoyed, and inherited by agenerationofmen forever.Besides, thisword, 'enter in,' signifieth thatsalvation to the full is to be enjoyed only there, and that there only iseternalsafety;allotherplacesandconditionsarehazardous,dangerous,

fullofsnares,imperfections,temptations,andafflictions,buttherealliswell;thereisnodeviltotempt,nodesperatelywickedhearttodeliverusup,nodeceitfullusttoentangle,noranyenchantingworldtobewitchus.There all shall be well to all eternity. Further, all the parts of, andcircumstances that attend salvation, areonly there tobe enjoyed; thereonlyisimmortalityandeternallife;thereisthegloryandfulnessofjoy,and the everlastingpleasures; there isGodandChrist tobe enjoyedbyopenvision,andmore;therearetheangelsandthesaints;further,thereisnodeath,norsickness,nosorrownorsighingforever;thereisnopain,norpersecutor,nordarkness,toeclipseourglory.OthisMountZion!Othis heavenly Jerusalem! (2 Cor 5:1–4, Psa 16:11, Luke 20:35, 36,Heb12:22–24)

Behold,therefore,whatagreatthingtheLordJesushathincludedbythislittleword,'IN.'Inthiswordiswraptupawholeheavenandeternallife;evenasthereisalsobyotherlittlewordsintheholyScripturesoftruth:as where he saith, 'Knock, and it shall be opened unto you,' and 'theelectionhathobtained it.'Thisshould teachus,notonly toread,but toattend in reading; not only to read, but to lift up our hearts toGod inreading; for if we be not heedful, if he gives us not light andunderstanding,wemayeasilypassover,withoutanygreatregard,suchawordasmayhaveagloriouskingdomandeternalsalvationinthebowelsofit;yea,sometimes,ashere,awholeheavenisintimated,whereitisnotatallexpressed.TheapostlesofolddidusetofetchgreatthingsoutoftheScriptures, even out of the very order and timing of the several thingscontainedtherein.SeeRomans4:9–11,Galatians3:16,17,Hebrews8:13.But,

DESCRIPTIONOFTHEENTRANCEINTOTHISKINGDOM

Second.Aswehavehereanintimationofthekingdomofheaven,sowehaveadescriptionoftheentranceintoit,andthatbyadoublesimilitude:I.Itiscalledagate;II.Astraitgate—'Strivetoenterinatthestraitgate.'

[Itiscalledagate]

I.Itissetforthbythesimilitudeofagate.Agate,youknow,isofadoubleuse.Itistoopenandshut,andso,consequently,toletinortokeepout;and to do both these at the season; as he said, 'Let not the gates ofJerusalembeopeneduntilthesunbehot';andagain,'Icommandedthatthegatesshouldbeshut,andchargedthattheyshouldnotbeopenedtillafter the Sabbath.' (Neh 7:3, 13:19, 20) And so you find of this gate ofheaven, when the five wise virgins came, the gate was opened; butafterwardscame theothervirgins,and thedoorwasshut. (Matt25)Sothen, the entrance into heaven is called a gate, to show there is a timewhentheremaybeentrance,andtherewillcomeatimewhenthereshallbenone;and,indeed,thisisachieftruthcontainedinthetext—'Strivetoenterinatthestraitgate;formany,Isayuntoyou,willseektoenterin,and shall not be able.' I read in the Scriptures of two gates or doors,throughwhichtheythatgotoheavenmustenter.

1.Thereisthedooroffaith,thedoorwhichthegraceofGodhathopenedto the Gentiles. This door is Jesus Christ, as also himself doth testify,saying,'Iamthedoor,'&c.(John10:9,Acts14:27)Bythisdoormenenterinto God's favour andmercy, and find forgiveness through faith in hisblood, and live in hope of eternal life; and therefore himself also hathsaid,'Iamthedoor;bymeifanymanenterin,heshallbesaved';thatis,receivedtomercy,andinheriteternallife.But,

2.Thereisanotherdoororgate—forthatwhichiscalledinthetextagate,istwiceinthenextversecalledadoor—thereis,Isay,anothergate,andthat is the passage into the very heaven itself; the entrance into thecelestialmansion-house,andthat is thegatementionedinthetext,andthedoormentionedtwiceintheversethatfollows.AndthisJacobcalledit, when he said, Bethel was the house of God, and this is the gate ofheaven; that is, the entrance, forhe saw the entrance intoheaven.Oneend of Jacob's ladder stands inBethel,God's house, and the other endreachethuptothegateofheaven.(Gen28:10–17)Jacob'sladderwasthefigure of Christ, which ladder was not the gate of heaven, but the wayfromthechurchtothatgatewhichhesawaboveatthetopoftheladder.(Gen28:12,John1:51)Butagain, thatthegate inthetext is thegateorentranceintoheaven,consider—

(1.)Itisthatgatethatlettethmeninto,orshuttethmenoutofthatplace

orkingdomwhereAbraham,andIsaac,andJacobis,whichplaceisthatparadisewhereChristpromisedthethiefthatheshouldbethatday,thatheaskedtobewithhiminhiskingdom;it isthatplaceintowhichPaulsaid hewas caught,whenhe heardwords unlawful or impossible for amantoutter.(Luke13:28,23:42,2Cor12:1–6)

Quest.ButisnotChristthegateorentranceintothisheavenlyplace?

Answ.He is he without whom noman can get thither, because by hismeritsmenobtainthatworld,andalsobecausehe,astheFather, isthedonoranddisposerofthatkingdomtowhomhewill.Further,thisplaceiscalledhishouse,andhimselftheMasterofit—'WhenoncetheMasterofthehouseisrisenup,andhathshuttothedoor.'(Luke13:25)Butweuse tosay, that themasterof thehouse isnot thedoor.Menenter intoheaven,then,byhim,notasheisthegate,ordoor,orentrance,intothecelestial mansion-house, but as he is the giver and disposer of thatkingdomtothemwhomheshallcountworthy,becausehehathobtaineditforthem.

(2.)Thatthisgateistheverypassageintoheaven,considerthetexthathspecialreferencetothedayofjudgment,whenChristwillhavelaidasidehismediatory office, which before he exercised for the bringing to thefaith his own elect; and will then act, not as one that justifieth theungodly,butasone that judgethsinners.Hewillnowbe risenup fromthethroneofgrace,andshutupthedooragainstalltheimpenitent,andwill be set upon the throne of judgment, from thence to proceed withungodlysinners.

Object.ButChristbidsstrive: 'Strive'now'toenterinatthestraitgate';but if that gatebe as you say, the gate or entrance intoheaven, then itshould seem that we should not strive till the day of judgment, for weshallnotcomeatthatgatetillthen.

Answ.Christ,bythisexhortation,Strive,&c.,dothnotatalladmitof,orcountenancedelays,orthatamanshouldneglecthisownsalvation;butputtethpoorcreaturesuponpreparingforthejudgment,andcounselleththemnowtogetthosethingsthatwillthengivethementranceintoglory.This exhortation ismuch like these: 'Therefore be ye also ready, for in

suchanhourasyethinknottheSonofmancometh.—Andtheythatwerereadywent inwith him to themarriage, and the doorwas shut.' (Matt24:44,25:10)

Sothatwhenhesaith,'Strivetoenterin,'itisasifheshouldsay,Blessedaretheythatshallbeadmittedanotherdaytoenterintothekingdomofheaven;buttheythatshallbecountedworthyofsounspeakableafavour,mustbewellpreparedandfittedfor itbeforehand.Now,thetimetobefittedisnotthedayofjudgment,butthedayofgrace;notthen,butnow.Therefore, strive now for those things that will then give you entranceintotheheavenlykingdom.But,

[Itiscalledastraitgate]

II.Asit iscalledagate,soit iscalledastraitgate—'Strivetoenterinatthestraitgate.'

Thestraitnessofthisgateisnottobeunderstoodcarnally,butmystically.You are not to understand it, as if the entrance into heavenwas somelittlepinchingwicket;no,thestraitnessofthisgateisquiteanotherthing.This gate is wide enough for all them that are the truly gracious andsincere loversofJesusChrist,butsostrait,as thatnotoneof theothercanbyanymeansenterin:'Opentomethegatesofrighteousness:Iwillgointothem,andIwillpraisetheLord:thisgateoftheLord,intowhichtherighteousshallenter.'(Psa118:19,20)Bythisword,therefore,ChristJesus hath showed unto us, thatwithout due qualifications there is nopossibilityofenteringintoheaven;thestraitgatewillkeepallothersout.When Christ spake this parable, he had doubtless his eye upon somepassageorpassagesoftheOldTestament,withwhichtheJewswerewellacquainted.Iwillmentiontwo,andsogoon.

1. The place by which God turned Adam and his wife out of paradise.PossiblyourLordmighthavehiseyeuponthat;forthoughthatwaswideenoughforthemtocomeoutat,yetitwastoostraitforthemtogoinat.But what should be the reason of that? Why, they had sinned; andthereforeGod'placedattheeastofthatgardencherubims,andaflamingsword,whichturnedeveryway,tokeepthewayofthetreeoflife.'(Gen3:24)Thecherubims,andtheflamingsword,theymadetheentrancetoo

strait for them to enter in. Souls, there are cherubims and a flamingswordatthegatesofheaventokeepthewayofthetreeoflife;thereforenonebut them thatareduly fitted forheavencanenter inat this straitgate; the flaming swordwill keep all others out. 'Know ye not that theunrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived,neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, norabusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nordrunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom ofGod.'(1Cor6:9,10)

(2.) Perhaps ourLordmight havehis eyeupon the gates of the templewhen he spoke this word unto the people; for though the gates of thetempleweresixcubitswide,yettheyweresostrait,thatnonethatwereunclean in anythingmight enter in thereat (Eze 40:48), because therewereplacedatthesegates,porters,whoseofficewastolookthatnonebutthose that had right to entermight go in thither. And so it is written,Jehoiada set 'porters at the gates of the house of the Lord, that nonewhichwasunclean inanything shouldenter in.' (2Chron23:19)Souls,Godhathportersatthegatesofthetemple,atthegateofheaven;porters,Isay,placedtherebyGod,tolookthatnonethatareuncleaninanythingmaycome in thither. Inat thegateof the church,nonemayenternowthatareopenlyprofane,andscandaloustoreligion;no,thoughtheypleadthey are beloved ofGod: 'What hathmy beloved to do inmine house,'saiththeLord,'seeingshehathwroughtlewdnesswithmany?'(Jer11:15)

Isay,IamveryapttobelievethatourLordJesusChristhadhisthoughtsupon these two texts, when he said the gate is strait: and that whichconfirmsmethemoreinthethingsisthis,alittlebelowthetexthesaith,'There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall seeAbraham,andIsaac,andJacob,andalltheprophets,inthekingdomofheaven, and you yourselves thrust out.' (Luke 13:28)Thrust out,whichsignifiethaviolentact, resistingwith striving those thatwould—thoughunqualified—enter.Theportersofthetemplewere,forthisverything,toweararms,ifneedwere,andtobemenofcourageandstrength,lesttheunsanctifiedorunpreparedshouldbysomemeansenterin.Weread,inthebookofRevelations,oftheholycity,andthatithadtwelvegates,andatthegatestwelveangels;butwhatdidtheydothere?Why,amongstthe

restoftheirservice,thiswasonething,thattheremight'innowiseenterintoitanythingthatdefileth,orworkethabomination,orthatmakethalie.'(Rev21:27)

Threethingsthatmakethisgatesostrait

Butmoreparticularly,toshowwhatit isthatmakeththisgatesostrait.Therearethreethingsthatmakeitstrait—1.Thereissin.2.Thereisthewordofthelaw.3.TherearetheangelsofGod.

1.Thereissin;thesinoftheprofane,andthesinoftheprofessor.

(1.)Thesinoftheprofane.Butthisneedsnotbeenlargedupon,becauseitisconcludeduponatallhands,wherethereisthecommonbeliefofthebeingofGod,andthejudgmenttocome,that'thewickedshallbeturnedintohell,andallthenationsthatforgetGod.'(Psa9:17)

(2.) But there is the sin of professors; or take it rather thus, there is aprofessionthatwillstandwithanunsanctifiedheartandlife.Thesinofsuch will overpoise the salvation of their souls, the sin end being theheaviestendofthescale;Isay,thatbeingtheheaviestendwhichhathsininit,theytiltover,andsoare,notwithstandingtheirgloriousprofession,drownedinperditionanddestruction;fornonesuchhathanyinheritancein thekingdomofChristandofGod; therefore 'letnomandeceiveyouwith vain words; for because of these things cometh the wrath of Godupon the children of disobedience'; neitherwill a profession be able toexcusethem.(Eph5:3–6)Thegatewillbetoostraitforsuchasthesetoenter in thereat. A man may partake of salvation in part, but not ofsalvation in whole. God saved the children of Israel out of Egypt, butoverthrew them in the wilderness:—'I will therefore put you inremembrance,thoughyeonceknewthis,howthattheLord,havingsavedthe people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them thatbelievednot.' (Jude5)Sowesee that,notwithstanding theirbeginning,'theycouldnotenterin,becauseofunbelief.'(Heb3:19)

2.There is thewordof the law, and thatwillmake thegate strait also.Nonemustgointhereatbutthosethatcangoinbytheleaveofthelaw;for thoughnomanbe, or canbe, justified by theworks of the law, yet

unlesstherighteousnessandholinessbywhichtheyattempttoenterintothiskingdombejustifiedbythelaw,itisinvainoncetothinkofenteringinatthisstraitgate.Nowthelawjustifiethnot,butupontheaccountofChrist's righteousness; if therefore thou be not indeed found in thatrighteousness,thouwiltfindthelawliejustinthepassageintoheaventokeep thee out. Everyman's workmust be tried by fire, that it may bemanifestofwhat sort it is.Thereare twoerrors in theworldabout thelaw; one is, when men think to enter in at the strait gate by therighteousness of the law; the other is, whenmen think theymay enterintoheavenwithouttheleaveofthelaw.Boththese,Isay,areerrors;foras by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified; so without theconsentofthelaw,nofleshshallbesaved. 'Heavenandearthshallpassaway,beforeone jotor tittleof the lawshall fail, tillallbe fulfilled.'Hethereforemustbedamnedthatcannotbesavedbytheconsentofthelaw.And, indeed, this law is the flaming sword that turneth everyway; yea,thatliethtothisdayinthewaytoheaven,forabartoallunbelieversandunsanctified professors; for it is taken out of the way for the trulygracious only. It will be found as a roaring lion to devour all others.Because of the law, therefore, the gate will be found too strait for theunsanctifiedtoenterin.WhentheapostlehadtoldtheCorinthiansthat'theunrighteous shouldnot inherit thekingdomofGod,' and that suchweresomeofthem,headds,'Butyearewashed,butyearesanctified,butyeare justified, in thenameof theLordJesus,andby theSpiritofourGod.'(1Cor6:9–11)Closelyconcluding,thathadtheynotbeenwashed,andsanctified,andjustified, inthenameoftheLordJesus,thelaw,fortheirtransgressions,wouldhavekeptthemout;itwouldhavemadethegatetoostraitforthemtoenterin.

3. There are also the angels ofGod, and by reason of them the gate isstrait.TheLordJesuscalleththeendoftheworldhisharvest;andsaith,moreover, that theangelsarehis reapers.Theseangelsare therefore togatherhiswheatintohisbarn,buttogathertheungodlyintobundlestoburn them. (Matt 13:39, 41, 49) Unless, therefore, the man that isunsanctifiedcanmasterthelaw,andconquerangels;unlesshecan,asImaysay,pullthemoutofthegatewayofheaven,himself isnottocomethitherforever.Nomangoethtoheavenbutbythehelpoftheangels—Imeanat thedayof judgment.FortheSonofman 'shallsendhisangels

withagreatsoundofatrumpet,andtheyshallgathertogetherhiselectfromthefourwinds,fromoneendofheaventotheother.'(Matt24:31)Ifthose that shall enter in at the strait gate shall enter in thither by theconductoftheholyangels,praywhendoyouthinkthosemenwillenterinthither,concerningwhomtheangelsarecommandedtogatherthem,to 'bind them in bundles to burn them?' This, therefore, is a thirddifficulty.Theangelswillmakethisentrancestrait;yea,toostraitfortheunjustifiedandunsanctifiedtoenterinthither.

ANEXHORTATIONTOSTRIVETOENTERINTOTHISKINGDOM

Third.Icomenottotheexhortation,whichis,tostrivetoenterin.'Strivetoenter inat the strait gate.'Thesewordsare fitly added; for since thegateisstrait,itfollowsthattheythatwillenterinmuststrive.

'Strive.' This word strive supposeth that great idleness is natural toprofessors; they think to get to heaven by lying, as it were, on theirelbows.Italsosuggesteththatmanywillbethedifficultiesthatprofessorswillmeetwith,beforetheygettoheaven.ItalsoconcludeththatonlythelabouringChristian,manorwoman,willgetinthither.'Strive,'&c.

ThreequestionsIwillpropoundupontheword,ananswertowhichmaygiveuslightintothemeaningofit:I.Whatdoththiswordstriveimport?

II.Howshouldwestrive?III.Whyshouldwestrive?

[ImportofthewordSTRIVE]

I.Whatdoththiswordstriveimport?Answer,

1.Whenhesaith,Strive, it isasmuchas tosay,Bendyourselves to theworkwithallyourmight.'Whatsoeverthyhandfindethtodo,doitwiththymight;forthereisnowork,nordevice,norknowledge,norwisdominthegrave,whitherthougoest.'(Eccl9:10)ThusSamsondidwhenhesethimselftodestroythePhilistines; 'Hebowedhimselfwithallhismight.'(Judg 16:30) Thus David did also, when he made provision for the

buildingandbeautifyingof thetempleofGod.(1Chron29:2)Andthusmustthoudo,ifeverthouenterestintoheaven.

2.Whenhesaith,Strive,hecallethforthemindandwill,thattheyshouldbe on his side, and on the side of the things of his kingdom; for nonestriveindeed,butsuchashavegiventheSonofGodtheirheart;ofwhichthemindandwillareaprincipalpart;forsavingconversionliethmoreintheturningofthemindandwilltoChrist,andtotheloveofhisheavenlythings, than in all knowledge and judgment. And this the apostleconfirmeth, when he saith, 'Stand fast in one spirit, with one mindstriving,'&c.(Phil1:27)

3.And,moreparticularly, thiswordstrive isexpressedbyseveralotherterms;as,(1.)Itisexpressedbythatword,'Sorunthatyemayobtain.'(1Cor 9:24, 25) (2.) It is expressed by thatword, 'Fight the good fight offaith, lay hold on eternal life.' (1 Tim 6:12) (3.) It is expressed by thatword,'Labournotforthemeatwhichperisheth,butforthatmeatwhichendureth unto everlasting life.' (John 6:27) (4.) It is expressed by thatword, 'Wewrestle—withprincipalitiesandpowers,andtherulersof thedarknessofthisworld.'(Eph6:12)Therefore,whenhesaith,Strive,itisasmuchastosay,Runforheaven,Fightforheaven,Labourforheaven,Wrestleforheaven,oryouareliketogowithoutit.

[Howshouldwestrive?]

II.Thesecondquestionis,Howshouldwestrive?

Answ.Theansweringeneralis,Thoumuststrivelawfully.'andifamanalsostriveformasteries,yetishenotcrowned,excepthestrivelawfully.'(2Tim2:5)

Butyouwillsay,Whatisittostrivelawfully?[I]answer—

1.TostriveagainstthethingswhichareabhorredbytheLordJesus;yea,toresisttothespillingofyourblood,strivingagainstsin.(Heb12:4)TohaveallthosethingsthatarecondemnedbytheWord;yea,thoughtheybethineownrighthand,righteye,orrightfoot, inabomination;andtoseekbyall godlymeans theutter suppressingof them. (Mark9:43,45,

47)

2.Tostrivelawfully, istostriveforthosethingsthatarecommandedintheWord.—'Butthou,OmanofGod,fleetheworld,andfollowafter,'thatis, strive for, 'righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness;fightthegoodfightoffaith,layholdoneternallife,'&c.(1Tim6:11,12)

3.He that striveth lawfully,mustbe thereforevery temperate inall thegoodand lawful thingsof this life. 'Andeveryman that striveth for themasteryistemperateinallthings.Nowtheydoittoobtainacorruptiblecrown;butweanincorruptible.'(1Cor9:25)Mostprofessorsgiveleavetotheworldandthevanityoftheirhearts,toclosewiththem,andtohangabouttheirnecks,andmaketheirstrivingtostandratherinanoutcryofwords, thanahearty labouragainstthe lustsandloveof theworld,andtheirowncorruptions;butthiskindofstrivingisbutabeatingoftheair,andwillcometojustnothingatlast.(1Cor9:26)

4.Hethatstrivethlawfully,musttakeGodandChristalongwithhimtothework,otherwisehewillcertainlybeundone.'Whereunto,'saidPaul,'Ialso labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in memightily.'(Col1:29)Andfortherightperformingofthis,hemustobservethesefollowingparticulars:—

(1.)Hemusttakeheedthathedothnotstriveaboutthings,orwords,tonoprofit; forGodwillnot thenbewithhim. 'Of these things,' saith theapostle, 'puttheminremembrance;chargingthembeforetheLord,thatthey strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of thehearers.' (2 Tim 2:14) But, alas! howmany professors in our days areguiltyofthistransgression,whosereligionstandschiefly,ifnotonly,inafewunprofitablequestionsandvainwranglingsaboutwordsand thingstonoprofit,buttothedestructionofthehearers!

(2.)Hemusttakeheedthatwhilsthestrivesagainstonesin,hedoesnotharbour and shelter another; or that whilst he cries out against othermen'ssin,hedoesnotcountenancehisown.

(3.)Inthestriving,strivetobelieve,striveforthefaithofthegospel;forthemorewebelievethegospel,andtherealityofthethingsoftheworld

tocome,withthemorestomachandcourageshallwelabourtopossesstheblessedness.(Phil1:27)'Letuslabourthereforetoenterintothatrest,lestanymanfallafterthesameexampleofunbelief.'(Heb4:11)

(4.)Asweshouldstrivefor,andbyfaith,soweshouldstrivebyprayer,byfervent and effectual prayer. (Romans 15:30) O the swarms of ourprayerlessprofessors!Whatdotheythinkofthemselves?Surelythegateofheavenwasheretoforeaswideasintheseourdays;butwhatstrivingby prayer was there then among Christians for the thing that givesadmittanceintothiskingdom,over[what]thereisintheselatterdays!

(5.)Weshouldalsostrivebymortifyingourmembersthatareupontheearth.'Ithereforesorun,'saidPaul,'notasuncertainly;sofightI,notasone that beateth the air; but I keep under my body, and bring it intosubjection, lest that by anymeans,when Ihavepreached the gospel toothers, Imyself should be a cast-away.' (1 Cor 9:26, 27) But all this isspokenprincipallytoprofessors;soIwouldbeunderstood.

[Whyshouldwestrive?]

III.Icomenowtothethirdquestion,namely,Butwhyshouldwestrive?Answer—

1.Becausethethingforwhichyouarehereexhortedtostrive,itisworththestrivingfor;itisfornotlessthanforawholeheaven,andaneternityof felicity there.Howwillmen that havebefore thema little honour, alittleprofit,a littlepleasure, strive? I sayagain,howwill theystrive forthis? Now they do it for a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible.Methinksthiswordheaven,andthiseternallife,oughtverilytomakeusstrive, for what is there again either in heaven or earth like them toprovokeamantostrive?

2. Strive, because otherwise thedevil andhellwill assuredlyhave thee.Hegoesaboutlikearoaringlion,seekingwhomhemaydevour.(1Peter5:8) These fallen angels, they are alwayswatchful, diligent, unwearied;they are alsomighty, subtle, andmalicious, seekingnothingmore thanthedamnationofthysoul.Othouthatartliketheartlessdove,strive!

3.Strive,becauseeveryluststrivesandwarsagainstthysoul. 'ThefleshlustethagainsttheSpirit.'(Gal5:17)'Dearlybeloved,Ibeseechyou,'saidPeter, 'as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which waragainst the soul.' (1 Peter 2:11) It is a rare thing to see or find out aChristianthatindeedcanbridlehislusts;butnostrangethingtoseesuchprofessors that are 'not only bridled, but saddled too,' yea, and riddenfromlusttosin,fromonevanitytoanother,bytheverydevilhimself,andthecorruptionsoftheirhearts.

4.Strive,becausethouhastawholeworldagainstthee.TheworldhateththeeifthoubeaChristian;themenoftheworldhatethee;thethingsofthe world are snares for thee, even thy bed and table, thy wife andhusband, yea, thy most lawful enjoyments have that in them that willcertainly sink thy soul tohell, if thoudostnot strive against the snaresthatareinthem.(Rom11:9)

Theworldwillseektokeeptheeoutofheavenwithmocks,flouts,taunts,threatenings, jails, gibbets, halters, burnings, and a thousand deaths;therefore strive! Again, if it cannot overcome thee with these, it willflatter,promise,allure,entice,entreat,anduseathousandtricksonthishandtodestroythee;andobserve,manythathavebeenstoutagainstthethreats of the world, have yet been overcome with the bewitchingflatteriesofthesame.

Thereeverwasenmitybetwixtthedevilandthechurch,andbetwixthisseed andher seed too;Michael andhis angels, and thedragonandhisangels, these make war continually. (Gen 3, Rev 12) There hath beengreatdesiresandendeavoursamongmentoreconcilethesetwoinone,towit,theseedoftheserpentandtheseedofthewoman,butitcouldneveryetbeaccomplished.Theworldsays,theywillnevercomeovertous;andweagainsay,byGod'sgrace,wewillnevercomeover to them.But thebusinesshathnotendedinwords;boththeyandwehavealsoaddedourendeavours to make each other submit, but endeavours have provedineffectual too. They, for their part, have devised all manner of crueltorments tomakeussubmit,asslayingwiththesword,stoning,sawingasunder, flames, wild beasts, banishments, hunger, and a thousandmiseries.Weagain,ontheotherside,havelabouredbyprayersandtears,bypatienceandlong-suffering,bygentlenessandlove,bysounddoctrine

andfaithfulwitness-bearingagainsttheirenormities,tobringthemovertous;but yet theenmity remains; so that theymust conquerus,orwemustconquerthem.Onesidemustbeovercome;buttheweaponsofourwarfarearenotcarnal,butmightythroughGod.

5.Strive,becausethereisnothingofChristianitygotbyidleness.Idlenessclothesamanwith rags, and thevineyardof the slothful is grownoverwithnettles.(Prov23:21,24:30–32)Professionthatisnotattendedwithspiritual labour cannot bring the soul to heaven. The fathers before uswere 'not slothful in business,' but 'fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.'Therefore 'benot slothful,but followersof themwho through faithandpatienceinheritthepromises.'(Rom12:11,Heb6:12)

'Strivetoenterin.'Methinksthewords,atthefirstreading,dointimatetous, that the Christian, in all that ever he does in this world, shouldcarefullyheedandregardhissoul—Isay, inall thateverhedoes.Manyare for their souls by fits and starts; but a Christian indeed, in all hisdoing and designs which he contriveth and manageth in this world,shouldhaveaspecialeyetohisownfutureandeverlastinggood;inallhislabours he should strive to enter in: 'Wisdom [Christ] is the principalthing;thereforegetwisdom:andwithallthygettinggetunderstanding.'(Prov4:7)Getnothing,ifthoucanstnotgetChristandgrace,andfurtherhopesofheaveninthatgetting;getnothingwithabadconscience,withthehazardof thypeacewithGod,andthat ingetting it thouweakenestthygraceswhichGodhathgiventhee;forthisisnottostrivetoenterin.Add grace to grace, both by religious and worldly duties; 'For so anentrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlastingkingdomofourLordandSaviourJesusChrist.'(2Peter1:8–11)Religiousduties are not the only striving times; he that thinks so is out. Thoumayest help thy faith and thy hope in the godly management of thycalling, and mayest get further footing in eternal life, by studying theglory of God in all thy worldly employment. I am speaking now toChristians that are justified freely by grace, and am encouraging, orrathercounsellingofthemtostrivetoenterin;forthereisanenteringinby faith and good conscience now, aswell as our entering in body andsoulhereafter;andImustadd,thatthemorecommonitistothysoultoenterinnowbyfaith,themoresteadfasthopeshaltthouhaveofentering

inhereafterinbodyandsoul.

'Strive to enter in.' By these words also the Lord Jesus giveth sharprebuketothoseprofessorsthathavenoteternalglory,butothertemporalthings in their eye, by all the bustle that theymake in theworld aboutreligion.Sometherebe,whatastirtheymake,whatanoiseandclamour,with their notions and forms, and yet perhaps all is for the loaves;because theyhaveeatenof the loaves,andare filled. (John6:26)Thesestriveindeedtoenter,butitisnotintoheaven;theyfindreligionhathagoodtradeattheendofit,ortheyfindthatitisthewaytocredit,repute,preferment,andthelike,andthereforetheystrivetoenterintothese.Butthesehavenotthestraitgateintheireye,noryetinthemselveshavetheylovetotheirpoorandperishingsouls;whereforethisexhortationnippethsuch,bypredictingoftheirdamnation.

'Strive to enter in.' Thesewords also sharply rebuke themwho contentthemselves as the angel of the church of Sardis, did, to wit, 'to have aname to live, andbedead' (Rev3:1),oras theyof theLaodiceans,whotook their religionupon trust, andwere contentwith apoor,wretched,lukewarm profession; for such as these do altogether unlike to theexhortationinthetext,thatsays,Strive,andtheysitandsleep;thatsays,Strivetoenter in,andtheycontent themselveswithaprofessionthat isneverliketobringthemthither.

'Strivetoenterin.'Further,thesewordsputusuponprovingthetruthofour graces now; I say, they put us upon the proof of the truth of themnow;forifthestraitgatebethegateofheaven,andyetwearetostrivetoenter into itnow, evenwhilewe live, andbeforewe come thither, thendoubtlessChristmeansbythisexhortation,thatweshouldusealllawfulmeans toproveourgraces in thisworld,whether theywill stand in thejudgmentorno.Strive toenter in;get thosegracesnow thatwillprovetruegracesthen,andthereforetrythoseyouhave;andif,upontrial,theyprove not right, cast them away, and cry for better, lest they cast theeaway,whenbetter arenot to behad. 'Buy ofme gold tried in the fire';mark that. (Rev 3:18) Buy ofme faith and grace that will stand in thejudgment; strive for that faith; buy of me that grace, and also whiteraiment, that thoumayestbeclothed, that theshameof thywickednessdothnotappear,andanointthineeyeswitheye-salve, thatthoumayest

see.Mindyouthisadvice;thisisrightstrivingtoenterin.

Butyouwillsay,Howshouldwetryourgraces?Wouldyouhaveusrunintotemptation,totryiftheybesoundorrotten?Answ.Youneednotrunintotrials;Godhathordainedthatenoughofthemshallovertaketheetoprove thy graces either rotten or sound before the day of thy death;sufficient to theday is the evil thereof, if thouhast but a sufficiency ofgracetowithstand.Isay,thoushalthavetrialsenoughovertakethee,toprovethygracesoundorrotten.Thoumayest,therefore,ifGodshallhelpthee,seehowitisliketogowiththeebeforethougoestoutofthisworld,to wit, whether thy graces be such as will carry thee in at the gates ofheavenorno.

Buthow shouldwe try our gracesnow?Answ. (a.)Howdost thou findthem inoutward trials?SeeHebrews 11:15, 16. (b.)Howdost thou findthyselfintheinwardworkingsofsin?(Rom7:24)(c.)Howdostthoufindthyselfunderthemosthighenjoymentofgraceinthisworld?(Phil3:14)

But what do you mean by these three questions? I mean graces showthemselvesatthesetheirseasons,whethertheyberottenorsound.

(a.) How do they show themselves to be true under the first of these?Answ.Bymistrustingourownsufficiency,bycryingtoGodforhelp,bydesiring rather todie than tobringanydishonour to thenameofGod,andby counting that, ifGodbehonoured in the trial, thouhast gainedmore than all theworld could give thee. (2 Chron 20:12, 14:11, Acts 4,20:22,2Cor4:17,18,Heb11:24,25)

(b.)Howdotheyshowthemselvestobetrueunderthesecond?Answ.Bymourning, and confessing, and striving, and praying, against them; bynotbeingcontent,shouldstthouhaveheaven,iftheylive,anddefilethee;andbycountingofholinessthegreatestbeautyintheworld;andbyflyingtoJesusChristforlife.(Zech12:10,John19,Heb12:14,Psa19:12)

(c.)Howdotheyshowthemselvestobetrueunderthethird?Answ.Byprizingthetruegracesaboveall theworld,byprayingheartilythatGodwillgivetheemore;bynotbeingcontentwithallthegracethoucanstbecapableofenjoyingonthissideheavenandglory.(Psa84:10,Luke17:5,

Phil3)

'Strive toenter in.'ThereasonwhyChristaddeth thesewords, 'toenterin,' isobvious, towit,becausethere isnotrueand lastinghappinessonthissideheaven;Isay,nonethat isbothtrueandlasting,Imean,astooursenseandfeelingasthereshall[be];'Forherehavewenocontinuingcity,butweseekone tocome.' (Heb13:14)Theheaven iswithin, strivethereforetoenterin;thegloryiswithin,strivethereforetoenterin;theMountZioniswithin,strivethereforetoenterin;theheavenlyJerusalemiswithin,strivethereforetoenterin;angelsandsaintsarewithin,strivethereforetoenterin;and,tomakeupall,theGodandFatherofourLordJesus Christ, and that glorious Redeemer, is within, strive therefore toenterin.

'Strive to enter in.' 'For without are dogs, and sorcerers, andwhoremongers,andmurderers,andidolaters,andwhosoeverlovethandmaketh a lie.'Without are also the devils, and hell, and death, and alldamned souls; without is howling, weeping, wailing, and gnashing ofteeth; yea, without are all the miseries, sorrows, and plagues that aninfinite God can in justice and power inflict upon an evil and wickedgeneration; 'Strive therefore to enter in at the strait gate.' (Rev 22:15,Matt25:41,Rev12:9,Is65:13,14,Matt22:13,Deut29:18–20)

'Strivetoenterinatthestraitgate;formany,Isayuntoyou,willseektoenterin,andshallnotbeable.'

MOTIVETOSTRIVETOENTERINTOTHISKINGDOM

Fourth.WearecomenowtothemotivewhichourLordurgestoenforcehisexhortation.

Hetoldusbeforethatthegatewasstrait;healsoexhortedustostrivetoenterinthereat,ortogetthosethingsnowthatwillfurtherourentrancethen, and to set ourselves against those things that will hinder ourenteringin.

Inthismotivetherearefivethingstobeminded.

1.That therewill beadisappointment to someat thedayof judgment;theywillseektoenterin,andshallnotbeable.

2. That not a few, but many, will meet with this disappointment; 'Formanywillseektoenterin,andshallnotbeable.'

3. This doctrine of themiscarriage ofmany then, it standeth upon thevalidityofthewordofChrist;'Formany,Isay,willseektoenterin,andshallnotbeable.'

4.Professorsshallmakeagreatheapamongthemanythatshallfallshortofheaven;'Formany,Isayuntoyou,willseektoenterin,andshallnotbeable.'

5.Wheregraceandstrivingarewantingnow,seekingandcontendingtoenterinwillbeunprofitablethen;'Formany,Isayuntoyou,willseektoenterin,andshallnotbeable.'

ButIwillproceedinmyformermethod,towit,toopenthewordsuntoyou.

[ImportofthewordsFORMANY]

'For many,' &c. If he had said, For some will fall short, it had been asentencetobeminded;ifhehadsaid,Forsomethatseekwillfallshort,ithadbeenveryawakening;butwhenhesaith,Many,manywillfallshort,yea,many among professorswill fall short, this is not only awakening,butdreadful!

[Various applications of the word MANY]—'For many,' &c. I find thiswordmanyvariouslyappliedinScripture.

1. Sometimes it intendeth the open profane, the wicked and ungodlyworld,aswhereChristsaith,'Wideisthegate,andbroadistheway,thatleadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat.' (Matt7:13)Isay,bythemanyhere,he intendsthosechiefly thatgoon inthebroadwayofsinandprofaneness,bearingthe'tokens'oftheirdamnation

intheirforeheads,thosewhosedailypracticeproclaimsthattheir'feetgodowntodeath,andtheirstepstakeholdonhell.'(Job21:29,30,Isa3:9,Prov4)

2.SometimesthiswordmanyintendeththosethatcleavetothepeopleofGoddeceitfully,andinhypocrisy,or,asDanielhathit,'Manyshallcleavetothemwithflatteries.'(Dan11:34)Thewordmanyinthistextincludethall those who feign themselves better than they are in religion; itincludeth, I say, those that have religion only for a holiday suit to setthemoutatcertaintimes,andwhentheycomeamongsuitablecompany.

3.SometimesthiswordmanyintendeththemthatapostatizefromChrist;suchasforawhilebelieve,andintimeoftemptationfallaway;asJohnsaithofsomeofChrist'sdisciples: 'Fromthattimemanyofhisdiscipleswentback,andwalkednomorewithhim.'(John6:66)

4. Sometimes thiswordmany intendeth them thatmake a great noise,and do many great things in the church, and yet want saving grace:'Many,'saithChrist,'willsayuntomeinthatday,Lord,Lord,havewenotprophesiedinthyname?andinthynamehavecastoutdevils?andinthynamedonemanywonderfulworks?'(Matt7:22)Mark,therewillbemanyofthese.

5. Sometimes this wordmany intendeth those poor, ignorant, deludedsoulsthatareledawaywitheverywindofdoctrine;thosewhoarecaughtwiththecunningandcraftydeceiver,wholiethinwaittobeguileunstablesouls: 'Andmanyshall followtheirperniciousways,byreasonofwhomthewayoftruthshallbeevilspokenof.'(2Peter2:2)

6.Sometimesthiswordmanyincludethalltheworld,goodandbad:'Andmany of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some toeverlastinglife,andsometoshameandeverlastingcontempt.'(Dan12:2)ComparewithJohn5:28,29.

7.Lastly.Sometimesthiswordmanyintendeththegoodonly,eventhemthatshallbesaved.(Luke1:16,2:34)

[How MANY is applied in the text] Since then that the word is so

variouslyapplied,letusinquirehowitmustbetakeninthetext.And,

1.Itmustnotbeappliedtothesincerelygodly,fortheyshallneverperish.(John10:27,28)2.Itcannotbeappliedtoalltheworld,forthennofleshshouldbesaved.3.Neitherisittobeappliedtotheopenprofaneonly,forthen thehypocrite isby it excluded.4.Butby themany in the textourLord intendeth in special the professor; the professor, I say, how highsoeverheseemstobenow,thatshallbefoundwithoutsavinggraceinthedayofjudgment.

Now that the professor is in special intended in this text, consider, sosoonas theLordhadsaid, 'Manywill seek toenter in,andshallnotbeable,'hepointeth,aswithhisfinger,atthemanythatthenheinspecialintendeth; towit, themamongwhomhehad taught; themthathadeatand drunken in his presence; them that had prophesied, and cast outdevils in his name, and in his name had donemany wonderful works.(Luke13:26,Matt7:22)ThesearethemanyintendedbytheLordinthistext,thoughothersalsoareincludedunderthesentenceofdamnationbyhiswordinotherplaces. 'Formany,'&c.Matthewsaith,concerningthisstraitgate,thattherearebutfewthatfindit.Butitseemsthecast-alwaysinmy text did find it; for you read, that they knocked at it, and cried,'Lord,openuntous.'Sothen,themeaningmayseemtobethis—manyofthefewthatfinditwillseektoenterin,andshallnotbeable.Ifind,attheday of judgment, some will be crying to the rocks to cover them, andsomeatthegatesofheavenforentrance.Supposethatthosethatcrytotherockstocover them,are theywhoseconsciencewillnotsuffer themoncetolookGodintheface,becausetheyarefallenunderpresentguilt,and the dreadful fears of the wrath of the Lamb. (Rev 6:16) And thatthosethatstandcryingatthegateofheaven,arethosewhoseconfidenceholds out to the last,—even those whose boldness will enable them tocontendevenwithJesusChrist forentrance; them, I say, thatwillhaveprofession,castingoutofdevils,andmanywonderfulworks,toplead;ofthissortarethemanyinmytext:'Formany,Isayuntoyou,willseektoenter in,andshallnotbeable.'Couldwecomparetheprofessorsof thetimeswiththeeverlastingwordofGod,thisdoctrinewouldmoreeasilyappeartothechildrenofmen.Howfewamongthemany,yea,amongtheswarmsof professors, haveheart tomake conscience ofwalking before

Godinthisworld,andtostudyhisgloryamongthechildrenofmen!Howfew, I say, have his name lie nearer their hearts than their own carnalconcerns!Nay,donotmanymakehisWord,andhisname,andhisways,astalking-horsetotheirownworldlyadvantages?

God calls for faith, good conscience, moderation, self-denial, humility,heavenly-mindedness, love to saints, to enemies, and for conformity inheart, inword,andlife,tohiswill:butwhereisit?(Mark11:22,1Peter3:16,Heb13:5,Phil4:5,Matt10:37–39,Col3:1–4,Micah6:8,Rev2:10,John15:17,1John4:21,Matt5:44,Prov23:26,Col4:6)

[ImportofthewordsISAYUNTOYOU]

'Formany, I say unto you.' These latter words carry in them a doubleargument to prove the truth asserted before: First, in that he directlypointethathisfollowers: 'Isayuntoyou':Many,Isayuntoyou,eventoyouthataremydisciples,toyouthathaveeatanddrunkinmypresence.I know that sometimesChrist hath directed his speech to his disciples,not somuch upon their accounts, as upon the accounts of others; buthere it is not so; the 'I say unto you,' in this place, it immediatelyconcerned some of themselves: I say unto you, ye shall begin to standwithout, and to knock, 'saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us, and he shallanswer and say unto you, I know younotwhence ye are; then shall yebegin to say,We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hasttaughtinourstreets.Butheshallsay,Itellyou,Iknowyounotwhenceyeare;depart fromme, all yeworkersof iniquity'; it is you, you,YOU,thatImean!'Isayuntoyou.'Itiscommonwithaprofessingpeople,whentheyhearasmartandathunderingsermon,tosay,Nowhasthepreacherpaidoffthedrunkard,theswearer,theliar,thecovetous,andadulterer;forgetting that these sinsmaybe committed in a spiritual andmysticalway.Thereisspiritualdrunkenness,spiritualadultery,andamanmaybea liar that calls God his Father when he is not, or that calls himself aChristian,andisnot.

Wherefore, perhaps all these thunders and lightnings in this terriblesermonmaymoreconcerntheethanthouartawareof: 'Isayuntoyou';untoyou,professors,maybetheapplicationofallthisthunder.(Rev2:9,3:9)

'Isayuntoyou!'HadnottheLordJesusdesignedbythesewordstoshowwhat an overthrowwill one day bemade among professors, he needednot to have you'd it at this rate, as in the text, and afterwards, he hasdone;thesentencehadrunintelligibleenoughwithoutit;Isay,withouthissaying,'Isayuntoyou.'Butthetruthis,theprofessorisindanger;thepreacher and the hearer, the workers of miracles, and workers ofwonders, may all be in danger of damning, notwithstanding all theirattainments. And to awaken us all about this truth, therefore, the textmust run thus: 'Formany, I say unto YOU, shall seek to enter in, andshallnotbeable.'

Seeyounotyet that theprofessor is indanger,andthat thosewords, 'Isayuntoyou,'areaprophecyoftheeverlastingperditionofsomethatarefamousinthecongregationofsaints?Isay,ifyoudonotseeit,prayGodyour eyes may be opened, and beware that thy portion be not as theportion of one of those that are wrapped up in the 28th verse of thechapter:'Thereshallbeweepingandgnashingofteeth,whenyeshallseeAbraham,andIsaac,andJacob,andalltheprophets,inthekingdomofheaven,andyouyourselvesthrustout.'

'For many, I say unto you.' These words, I told you, carry in them adoubleargumentforconfirmationofthetruthassertedbefore:first,thatprofessorsarehereparticularlypointedat;and,secondly,itisthesayingoftheTruthhimself:forthesewords,'Isay,'arewordsfullofauthority;Isayit,Isayuntoyou,saysChrist,ashesaithinanotherplace,'ItisIthatspeak; behold it is I!' The person whose words we have now underconsideration was no blundering raw-headed preacher, but the verywisdom of God, his Son, and him that hath lain in his bosom fromeverlasting, and consequently had the most perfect knowledge of hisFather's will, and how it would fare with professors at the end of thisworld. And now hearkenwhat himself doth say of thewordswhich hehathspoken;'Heavenandearthshallpassaway,butmywordsshallnotpassaway.'(Matt24:35)

'Isayuntoyou.'Theprophetsusednottospeakafterthismanner,noryettheholyapostles;forthustospeak,istopressthingstobereceivedupontheir own authority. They used to say, Thus saith the Lord, or Paul, orPeter,anapostle,ora servantofGod.Butnowwearedealingwith the

wordsoftheSonofGod;itisHEthathathsaidit;whereforewefindthetruth of the perishing of many professors asserted, and confirmed byChrist's ownmouth. This consideration carrieth great awakening in it;but intosucha fast sleeparemanynow-a-days fallen, thatnothingwillawaken them but that shrill and terrible cry, 'Behold, the Bridegroomcometh;goyeouttomeethim.'

[TwothingsthatbefallProfessors]

'ISAYUNTOYOU.'Therearetwothingsuponwhichthisassertionmaybe grounded—1. There is in theworld a thing like grace, that is not. 2.ThereisasincalledthesinagainsttheHolyGhost,fromwhichthereisnoredemption.Andboththesethingsbefallprofessors.

1.Thereisintheworldathinglikegrace,thatisnot.(1.)Thisisevident,becausewereadthattherearesomethatnotonly'makeafairshowintheflesh,'that'gloryinappearance,'that'appearbeautifuloutward,'thatdoasGod'speople,buthavenotthegraceofGod'speople.(Gal6:12,2Cor5:12,Matt23:27, Isa57:3,4) (2.) It is evidentalso from those frequentcautionsthatareeverywhereintheScripturesgivenusaboutthisthing:'Be not deceived: Let a man examine himself: Examine yourselveswhether ye be in the faith.' (Gal 6:7, 1 Cor 11:28, 2 Cor 13:5) All theseexpressions intimate to us that theremay be a showof, or a thing likegrace, where there is no grace indeed. (3.) This is evident from theconclusionmadeby theHolyGhostupon this very thing: 'For if amanthinkhimselftobesomething,whenheisnothing,hedeceivethhimself.'(Gal6:3)TheHolyGhosthereconcludeth,thatamanmaythinkhimselftobesomething,maythinkhehathgrace,whenhehathnone;maythinkhimselfsomethingforheavenandanotherworld,whenindeedheisjustnothing at all with reference thereto. The Holy Ghost also determinesuponthispoint,towit,thattheythatdosodeceivethemselves: 'Forifaman think himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceivethhimself';hedeceivethhisownsoul,hedeceivethhimselfofheavenandsalvation.Soagain: 'Letnomanbeguileyouofyour reward.' (Col2:18)(4.) It ismanifest fromthe text; 'Formany, I sayuntoyou,will seek toenterin,andshallnotbeable.'Alas!greatlight,greatparts,greatworks,andgreatconfidenceofheaven,maybewherethereisnofaithofGod'select,noloveoftheSpirit,norepentanceuntosalvation,nosanctification

oftheSpirit,andsoconsequentlynosavinggrace.But,

2.Asthereisathinglikegrace,whichisnot,sothereisasin,calledthesinagainsttheHolyGhost,fromwhichthereisnoredemption;andthissindothmorethanordinarilybefallprofessors.

Thereisasin,calledthesinagainsttheHolyGhost,fromwhichthereisno redemption. This is evident both from Matthew and Mark: 'ButwhosoeverspeakethagainsttheHolyGhost,itshallnotbeforgivenhim,neither in this world, neither in the world to come.' 'But he that shallblaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is indangerofeternaldamnation.'(Matt12:32,Mark3:29)Wherefore,whenweknowthatamanhathsinnedthissin,wearenottoprayforhim,ortohavecompassiononhim.(1John5:16,Jude22)

Thissindothmostordinarilybefallprofessors;fortherearefew, ifany,that are not professors, that are at present capable of sinning this sin.Theywhich'wereonceenlightened,andhavetastedoftheheavenlygift,andweremade partakers of theHolyGhost, and have tasted the goodwordofGod,andthepowersoftheworldtocome,'ofthissortaretheythatcommit thissin. (Heb6:4,5)Peteralsodescribesthemtobesuch,that sin the unpardonable sin. 'For if, after they have escaped thepollutionsof theworld through theknowledgeof theLordandSaviourJesusChrist, theyareagainentangled therein,andovercome, the latterend is worse with them than the beginning.' (2 Peter 2:20) The otherpassageinthetenthofHebrewsholdethforththesamething.'Forifwesinwillfullyafterthatwehavereceivedtheknowledgeofthetruth,thereremainethnomoresacrifice forsins,butacertain fearful lookingforofjudgmentandfieryindignation,whichshalldevourtheadversaries.'(Heb10:26, 27) THESE, therefore, are the persons that are the prey for thissin;thissinfeedethuponPROFESSORS,andtheythataresuchdoveryoftenfallintothemouthofthiseater.Somefallintothemouthofthesinbydelusionsanddoctrinesofdevils;andsomefallintothemouthofitbyreturningwiththedogtohisownvomitagain,andwiththesowthatwaswashedtoherwallowinginthemire.(2Peter2:22)Ishallnotheregiveyouaparticulardescriptionof thissin—thatIhavedoneelsewhere;butsuchasinthereis,andtheythatcommititshallneverhaveforgiveness.AndIsayagain,therebeprofessorsthatcommitthisunpardonablesin,

yea,morethanmostareawareof.Letall,therefore,lookaboutthem.TheLord awaken them that they may so do; for what with a professionwithoutgrace,andbythevenomofthesinagainsttheHolyGhost,manywillseektoenterin,andshallnotbeable.

[ImportofthewordsWILLSEEKTOENTERIN]

'Willseektoenter in.'Thiskingdom,at thegateofwhichthereprobatewillbestopped,willbe,atthelastjudgment,thedesireofalltheworld;andthey,especiallyTHEYinmytext,willseektoenterin;forthentheywillseethattheblessednessistothosethatshallget intothiskingdom,according to that which is written, 'Blessed are they that do hiscommandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and mayenter in through thegates into the city.' (Rev21:14)Toprove that theywill seek, although I have done it already, yet read these texts at yourleisure—Matthew25:11,7:22,Luke13:28.And,inaword,togiveyouthereasonwhytheywillseektoenterin.

[Whytheywillseektoenterin]

1.Nowtheywill seewhatakingdom it is,whatglory there is in it,andnowtheyshallalsosee theblessednesswhich theyshallhave that shallthenbecountedworthy toenter in.The reasonwhy thiskingdom is solittleregarded, it isbecauseit isnotseen;thegloryof it ishidfromtheeyesoftheworld.'Theireyehathnotseen,northeirearheard,'&c.Aye,butthentheyshallhearandseetoo;andwhenthiscomestopass,then,eventhen,hethatnowmostseldomthinksthereofwillseektoenterin.

2. Theywill now seewhat hell is, andwhat damnation inhell is,moreclear than ever. They will also see how the breath of the Lord, like astream of brimstone, doth kindle it. O the sight of the burning fieryfurnace, which is prepared for the devil and his angels! This, this willmakework inthesoulsofcast-alwaysat thatdayofGodAlmighty,andthentheywillseektoenterin.

3.Nowtheywillseewhatthemeaningofsuchwordsastheseare,hell-fire, everlasting fire, devouring fire, fire that never shall be quenched.Nowtheywillseewhat 'forever'means,whateternitymeans;nowthey

will seewhat thiswordmeans, 'the bottomless pit'; now theywill hearroaring of sinners in this place, howling in that, some crying to themountainstofalluponthem,andotherstotherockstocoverthem;nowtheywillseeblessednessisnowherebutwithin!

4.Now theywill seewhatglory thegodlyarepossessedwith;how theyrestinAbraham'sbosom,howtheyenjoyeternalglory,howtheywalkintheir white robes, and are equal to the angels. O the favour, andblessedness, and unspeakable happiness that now God's people shallhave!andthisshallbeseenbythemthatareshutout,bythemthatGodhath rejected for ever; and thiswillmake them seek to enter in. (Luke16:22,23,13:28)

[Howwilltheyseektoenterin]

'Will seek to enter in.'Quest.But somemay say,Howwill they seek toenterin?[I]answer,

1.Theywillputonalltheconfidencetheycan,theywilltrickandtrimuptheir profession, and adorn it with what bravery they can. Thus thefoolish virgins sought to enter in; they did trim up their lamps, madethemselvesasfineastheycould.Theymadeshifttomaketheirlampstoshine awhile; but the Son of God discovering himself, their confidencefailed,theirlampswentout,thedoorwasshutuponthem,andtheywerekeptout.(Matt25:1–12)

2.Theywillseektoenterinbycrowdingthemselvesinamongthegodly.Thusthemanwithouttheweddinggarmentsoughttoenterin.Hegoestothewedding,getsintotheweddingchamber,sitscloseamongtheguests,and then, without doubt, concluded he should escape damnation. But,youknow,oneblacksheep issoonseen, though itbeamongahundredwhiteones.Why, even thus it faredwith thispoorman. 'Andwhen theking came in to see the guests, he saw there aman that had not on awedding garment.' He spied him presently, and before one word wasspokentoanyoftheothers,hehadthisdreadfulsalutation,'Friend,howcamestthouinhither,nothavingonaweddinggarment?

Andhewasspeechless';thoughhecouldswaggeritoutamongtheguests,

yet the master of the feast, at first coming in, strikes him dumb; andhavingnothingtosayforhimself,thekinghadsomethingtosayagainsthim.'Thenthekingsaidtotheservants,'theangels,'Bindhimhandandfoot,andtakehimaway,andcasthimintoouterdarkness;thereshallbeweepingandgnashingofteeth.'(Matt22:11–13)

3.Theywillseektoenterinbypleadingtheirprofessionandadmittanceto the Lord's ordinances when they were in the world. 'Lord, we haveeatenanddrunkinthypresence,andthouhasttaughtinourstreets';wesatatthytable,andusedtofrequentsermonsandChristianassemblies;we were well thought of by thy saints, and were admitted into thychurches;weprofessedthesamefaithastheydid;'Lord,Lord,openuntous.'

4.Theywillseektoenterinbypleadingtheirvirtues;howtheysubjected[themselves]tothisministry,howtheywroughtforhim,whatgoodtheydid intheworld,andthe like,butneitherwill thishelpthem;thesameanswerthatthetwoformerhad,thesamehavethese—'Departfromme,yethatworkiniquity.'(Matt7:22)

5.Theywillseektoenterinbypleadingexcuseswheretheycannotevadeconviction. The slothful servant went this way to work, when he wascalled toaccount fornot improvinghisLord'smoney. 'Lord,' sayshe, 'Iknewtheethatthouartanhardman,reapingwherethouhastnotsown,andgatheringwherethouhastnotstrawed,andIwasafraid,'&c.,eitherthatIshouldnotplease in layingout thymoney,or thatIshouldput itintohandsoutofwhichIshouldnotgetitagainatthyneed,'andIwentahidthytalentintheearth;lo,therethouhastthatisthine';asifhehadsaid,True,Lord,Ihavenotimproved,Ihavenotgot;butconsideralsoIhavenotembezzled,Ihavenotspentnor lostthymoney; lo,therethouhastwhatisthine.(Matt25:24–28)Therearebutfewwillbeabletosaythese lastwordsat thedayof judgment.Themostofprofessorsare forembezzling, misspending, and slothing away their time, their talents,theiropportunitiestodogoodin.But,Isay,ifhethatcanmakesogoodanexcuseastosay,Lo,therethouhastthatisthine;Isay,ifsuchanoneshallbecalledawickedandslothfulservant,ifsuchanoneshallbeputtoshameatthedayofjudgment,yea,ifsuchanoneshall,notwithstandingthis care to save his Lord's money, be cast as unprofitable into outer

darkness,whereshallbeweepingandgnashingofteeth,whatwilltheydothat have neither taken care to lay out, nor care to keep what wascommittedtotheirtrust?

6.Theywillseektoenterinbypleadingthatignorancewasthegroundoftheirmiscarrying inthethingswhereintheyoffended.Wherefore,whenChrist charges themwith want of love to him, and with want of thosefruits that shouldprove their love tobe true—as, that theydidnot feedhim,didnotgivehimdrink,didnottakehimin,didnotclothehim,visithim,comeuntohim,andthelike—theyreadilyreply,'Lord,whensawwetheeanhungered,orathirst,orastranger,ornaked,orsick,orinprison,anddidnotministeruntothee?'(Matt25:44)Aswhoshouldsay,Lord,wearenotconscioustoourselvesthatthischargeisworthilylaidatourdoor!Godforbidthatweshouldhavebeensuchsinners.But,Lord,givean instance;whenwas it,orwhere?True, therewasacompanyofpoorsorrypeopleintheworld,veryinconsiderable,setbywithnobody;butforthyself,weprofessedthee,welovedthee,andhadstthoubeenwithusinthe world, wouldst thou have worn gold, wouldst thou have eaten thesweetestoftheworld,wewouldhaveprovideditforthee;andtherefore,Lord,Lord,open tous!Butwill thepleado?No.Then shallheanswerthem,'Inasmuchasyediditnottooneoftheleastofthese'mybrethren,'yedid itnot tome.'Thisplea, then, thoughgroundedupon ignorance,which is one of the strangest pleas for neglect of duty, would not givethemadmittanceintothekingdom.'Theseshallgoawayintoeverlastingpunishment,buttherighteousintolifeeternal.'

Imight add other things bywhich it will appear how theywill seek toenterin.As,

1.Theywillmakeastopatthisgate,thisbeautifulgateofheaven.Theywillbegintostandwithoutat thegate,asbeing loathtogoanyfurther.Neverdidmalefactorsounwillinglyturnofftheladderwhentheropewasabout his neck, as these will turn away in that day from the gates ofheaventohell.

2.Theywillnotonlymakea stopat thegate;but there theywillknockandcall.Thisalsoargueththemwillingtoenter.Theywillbegintostandwithout, and to knock at the gate, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. This

word,Lord,beingdoubled,showsthevehemencyoftheirdesires, 'Lord,Lord,openuntous.'Thedevilsarecoming;Lord,Lord,thepitopenshermouthuponus;Lord,Lord,thereisnothingbuthellanddamnationleftus, if,Lord,Lord, thouhastnotmercyuponus; 'Lord,Lord,openuntous!'

3. Their last argument for entrance is their tears, when groundlessconfidence,pleadingofvirtues,excuses,andignorance,willnotdo;whenstanding at the gate, knocking, and calling, 'Lord, Lord, open unto us,'will not do, then they betake themselves to their tears. Tears aresometimes the most powerful arguments, but they are nothing worthhere.Esaualsosoughtitcarefullywithtears,butithelpedhimnothingatall.(Heb12:17)Thereshallbeweepingandgnashingofteeth;forthegateisshutforever,mercyisgoneforever,Christhathrejectedthemforever.All theirpleas,excuses,andtearswillnotmakethemable toenter intothiskingdom. 'Formany,Isayuntoyou,willseektoenter in,andshallnotbeable.'

[ImportofthewordsSHALLNOTBEABLE]

I come now to the latter part of the words, which closely show us thereason of the rejection of thesemany thatmust be damned; 'Theywillseektoenterin,andshallnotbeable.'

Ahypocrite,afalseprofessor,maygoagreatway;theymaypassthroughthe first and second watch, to wit,may be approved of Christians andchurches; but what will they do when they come at this iron gate thatleadeth into the city? 'There theworkers of iniquity are fallen, they arecastdown,andshallnotbeabletorise!'(Psa36:12)

'Andshallnotbeable.'Thetime,asIhavealreadyhinted,whichmytextrespecteth, it is thedayof judgment, adaywhenallmasksandvizardsshallbetakenofffromallfaces.ItisadaywhereinGod'willbringtolightthehiddenthingsofdarkness,andwillmakemanifestthecounselofthehearts.'(1Cor4:5)Itisalsothedayofhiswrath,thedayinwhichhewillpayvengeance,evenarecompencetohisadversaries.

At this day, those things that now these 'many' count sound and good,

will then shake like a quagmire, even all their naked knowledge, theirfeignedfaith,pretendedlove,gloriousshowsofgravityintheface,theirholidaywordsandspeciouscarriages,willstandtheminlittlestead.Icallthemholidayones, for I perceive that someprofessorsdowith religionjustaspeopledowiththeirbestapparel—hangitagainstthewallalltheweek,andputitononSundays.Forassomescarceeverputonasuitbutwhen they go to a fair or amarket, so little house religionwill dowithsome;theysavereligiontilltheygotoameeting,ortilltheymeetwithagodlychapman.Opoorreligion!Opoorprofessor!Whatwiltthoudoatthisday,andthedayofthytrialandjudgment?Coverthyselfthoucanstnot;goforaChristianthoucanstnot;standagainsttheJudgethoucanstnot!Whatwiltthoudo?'Theungodlyshallnotstandinthejudgment,norsinnersinthecongregationoftherighteous.'

'And shall not be able.' The ability here intended is not that whichstandeth in carnal power or fleshly subtlety, but in the truth andsimplicityofthosethingsforthesakeofwhichGodgiveththekingdomofheaventohispeople.

Therearefivethings,forthewantofwhichthispeoplewillnotbeabletoenter.

1.Thiskingdombelongstotheelect,tothoseforwhomitwaspreparedfromthefoundationoftheworld.(Matt25:34)HenceChristsaith,whenhecomes,hewillsendforthhisangelswithagreatsoundoftrumpet,andtheyshallgathertogetherhiselectfromthefourwinds,fromoneendofheaven to another. (Matt 24:31)Andhencehe saith again, 'Iwill bringforthaseedoutofJacob,andoutofJudahaninheritorofmymountains,andmineelectshall inherit it,andmyservantsshalldwell there.' 'Theyshall deceive, if it were possible, the very elect.' 'But the election hathobtainedit,andtherestwereblinded.'(Rom11:7)

2.Theywill not be able to enter, because theywillwant thebirthright.The kingdom of heaven is for the heirs—and if children, then heirs; ifbornagain, thenheirs.Wherefore it is saidexpressly, 'Exceptamanbebornagain,hecannotseethekingdomofGod.'Bythisoneword,downgoesallcarnalprivilegeofbeingbornoffleshandblood,andofthewillofman.Canst thou produce the birthright?But art thou sure thou canst?

Foritwill littleprofit theetothinkoftheblessedkingdomofheaven, ifthouwantestabirthrighttogivetheeinheritancethere.Esaudiddespisehis birthright, saying,What goodwill this birthright dome?And therearemanyintheworldofhismindtothisday.'Tush,'saythey,'theytalkof being born again; what good shall aman get by that? They say, nogoing to heaven without being born again. But God ismerciful; Christdiedforsinners;andwewillturnwhenwecantendit,anddoubtnotbutallwillbewellatlast.'ButIwillanswerthee,thouchildofEsau,thatthebirthright and blessing go together; miss of one, and thou shalt neverhave the other! Esau found this true; for, having first despised thebirthright,whenhewouldafterwards'haveinheritedtheblessing,hewasrejected; for he found no place of repentance, though he sought itcarefullywithtears.'(Gen25,Heb12:16,17)

3.Theyshallnotbeabletoenterinwhohavenotbelievedwiththefaithof God's operation; the faith that ismost holy, even the faith of God'select. 'He thatbelievethon theSonofGodhatheverlasting life;andhethatbelievethnottheSonshallnotseelife;butthewrathofGodabidethonhim.'(John3:36)Butnowthisfaithistheeffectofelectinglove,andofanewbirth.(John1:11–13)Therefore,alltheprofessorsthathavenotfaith which floweth from being born of God, will seek to enter in, andshallnotbeable.

4. They shall not be able to enter in that have not gospel-holiness.HolinessthatistheeffectoffaithisthatwhichadmitsintothepresenceofGod,andintohiskingdomtoo.'Blessedandholyishethathathpartinthefirstresurrection,onsuchtheseconddeath,'thatis,hellandeternaldamnation, 'hath no power.' (Rev 20:6, 14) Blessed and holy, with theholiness that flows from faith which is in Christ; for to these theinheritance belongs. 'That they may receive forgiveness of sins, andinheritanceamongthemwhicharesanctified,byfaith,'saithChrist,'thatisinme.'(Acts26:18)Thisholiness,whichisthenaturaleffectoffaithinthe Son of God, Christ Jesus the Lord will, at this day of judgment,distinguish from all other shows of holiness and sanctity, be theywhattheywill,andwilladmitthesoulthathaththisholinessintohiskingdom,whentherestwillseektoenterin,andshallnotbeable.

5.Theyshallnotbeabletoenterinthatdonotpersevereinthisblessed

faith and holiness; not that they that have them indeed can finally fallaway, and everlastingly perish; but it hath pleased Jesus Christ to bidthemthathavetherighttoholdfastthattheyhave:toenduretotheend;andthentellsthemtheyshallbesaved—thoughitisastruethatnoneisof power to keep himself; but Godworketh together with his children,and they are 'kept by the power of God, through faith unto salvation,'whichisalsolaidupinheavenforthem.(1Peter1:3–5)

'The foolish shall not stand in thy sight; thou hatest all workers ofiniquity.' (Psa 5:5) The foolish are the unholy ones, that neither havefaith,norholiness,norperseveranceingodliness,andyetlayclaimtothekingdomofheaven;but 'better is a littlewith righteousness, thangreatrevenueswithoutright.'(Prov16:8)Whatisitformetoclaimahouse,orafarm,withoutright?ortosay,allthisismine,buthavenothingtoshowfor it?This isbut like the revenuesof the foolish;hisestate lieth inhisconceit.Hehathnothingbybirthrightandlaw,andthereforeshallnotbeabletoinheritthepossession.'Formany,Isayuntoyou,willseektoenterin,andshallnotbeable.'

Thusyousee,thatthenon-electshallnotbeabletoenter,thathethatisnot born again shall not be able to enter, that he that hath not savingfaith,withholinessandperseveranceflowingtherefrom,shallnotbeabletoenter;whereforeconsiderofwhatIhavesaid.

SECONDTHEWORDSBYWAYOFOBSERVATION

Icomenowtogiveyousomeobservationsfromthewords,andtheymaybethree.

FIRST.Whenmenhaveputinalltheclaimtheycanforheaven,butfewwillhave it for their inheritance. 'Formany,Isayuntoyou,willseektoenter in, and shall not be able.' SECOND. Great, therefore, will be thedisappointment thatmanywillmeet with at the day of judgment: 'Formany will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.' THIRD. Going toheaven, therefore, will be no trivial business; salvation is not got by a

dream;theythatwouldthenhavethatkingdommustnowstrivelawfullytoenter:'Formany,Isayuntoyou,willseektoenterin,andshallnotbeable.'

FIRST. I shall speak chiefly, and yet but briefly, to the first of theseobservations;towit,Thatwhenmenhaveputinalltheclaimtheycantothe kingdom of heaven, but few will have it for their inheritance. Theobservationstandethof twoparts.First.That the time is coming,wheneverymanwillputinwhateverclaimtheycantothekingdomofheaven.Second.Therewillbebutfewofthemthatputinclaimthereto,thatshallenjoyitfortheirinheritance.

[First.ALLWILLPUTINWHATCLAIMTHEYCANTOTHEKINGDOMOFHEAVEN]

I shall speak but a word or two to the first part of the observation,because I have prevented my enlargement thereon by my explicationuponthewords;butyoufindinthe25thofMatthew,thatalltheyonthelefthandoftheJudgedidputinalltheclaimtheycouldforthisblessedkingdomofheaven.Ifyoushouldtakethemonthelefthandasmostdo,forallthesinnersthatshallbedamned,thenthatcompletelyproveththefirstpartoftheobservation;foritisexpresslysaid,'Thenshallthey,'allofthemjointly,andeveryoneapart, 'alsoanswerhim,saying,Lord,whensawwe thus and thus, and did notminister unto thee?' (Matt 25:44) Icould here bring you in the plea of the slothful servant, the cry of thefoolishvirgins;Icouldalsohereenlargeuponthatpassage, 'Lord,Lord,havewenoteatenanddrunkinthypresence,andthouhasttaughtinourstreets?' But these things are handled already in the handling ofwhichthis first part of the observation is proved; wherefore, without morewords, I will, God assisting by his grace, descend to the second partthereof,towit,

[Second.THEREWILLBEBUTFEWOFTHEMTHATPUTINCLAIMTHERETOTHATWILLENJOYITFORTHEIRINHERITANCE]

I shall speak distinctly to this part of the observation, and shall firstconfirmitbyaScriptureortwo.'Straitisthegate,andnarrowistheway,which leadethunto life, and few therebe that find it.' (Matt7:14) 'Fear

not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you thekingdom.'(Luke12:32)Bythesetwotexts,andbymanymorethatwillbeurgedanon,youmayseethetruthofwhatIhavesaid.

Toenlarge,therefore,uponthetruth;and,First,moregenerally;Second,moreparticularly.Moregenerally, I shall prove that in all agesbut fewhave been saved.More particularly, I shall prove but few of them thatprofesshavebeensaved.

[First.Generally—inallagesbutfewhavebeensaved]

1.Intheoldworld,whenitwasmostpopulous,eveninthedaysofNoah,we read but of eight persons that were saved out of it; well, therefore,might Peter call them but few; but how few? why, but eight souls;'whereinfew,thatis,eightsouls,weresavedbywater.'(1Peter3:20)Hetouches a second time upon this truth, saying, He 'spared not the oldworld, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness,bringinginthefloodupontheworldoftheungodly.'(2Peter2:5)Mark,all therestarecalledtheungodly,andtherewerealsoaworldof them.Thesearealso takennoticeof inJob,andgo therealsoby thenameofwicked men: 'Hast thou marked the old way which wicked men havetrodden? which were cut down out of time, whose foundation wasoverflownwitha flood,whichsaiduntoGod,Depart fromus,andwhatcantheAlmightydoforthem?'(Job22:15–17)

TherewerethereforebuteightpersonsthatescapedthewrathofGod,inthedaythatthefloodcameupontheearth;therestwereungodly;therewasalsoaworldof them,andtheyare to thisday in theprisonofhell.(Heb11:7, 1Peter3:19,20)Nay, Imustcorrectmypen, therewerebutseven of the eight that were good; for Ham, though he escaped thejudgment of the water, yet the curse of God overtook him to hisdamnation.

2.When theworldbeganagain tobe replenished, andpeoplebegan tomultiplytherein:howfew,eveninallages,dowereadofthatweresavedfromthedamnationoftheworld!

(1.) One Abraham and his wife, God called out of the land of the

Chaldeans;'Icalled,'saidGod,'Abrahamalone.'(Isa51:2)

(2.)OneLotoutofSodomandGomorrah,outofAdmahandZeboim;oneLot out of four cities! Indeed his wife and two daughters went out ofSodomwithhim;buttheyallthreeprovednaught,asyoumayseeinthe19thofGenesis.WhereforePeterobserves,thatLotonlywassaved: 'HeturnedthecitiesofSodomandGomorrahintoashes,condemningthemwithanoverthrow,makingthemanexampleuntothosethataftershouldliveungodly, anddelivered justLot, that righteousman.' (Read2Peter2:6–8) Jude says, that in this condemnation God overthrew not onlySodomandGomorrah,but the citiesabout themalso; andyet you findnone but Lot could be found that was righteous, either in Sodom orGomorrah, or the cities about them;wherefore they, all of them, sufferthevengeanceofeternalfire.(verse7)

(3.)Comewenow to the timeof theJudges,how few thenweregodly,even then when the inhabitants of the villages ceased, they ceased inIsrael!'thehighways'ofGod'were'then'unoccupied.'(Judg5:6,7)

(4.)TherewerebutfewinthedaysofDavid:'Help,Lord,'sayshe,'forthegodlymanceaseth,forthefaithfulfailfromamongthechildrenofmen.'(Psa12:1)

(5.)InIsaiah'stimethesavedwerecometosuchafew,thathepositivelysaysthattherewereaverysmallnumberleft: 'GodhadmadethemlikeSodom,andtheyhadbeenlikeuntoGomorrah.'(Isa1:8,9)

(6.)ItwascrieduntotheminthetimeofJeremiah,thattheyshould'runtoandfrothroughthestreetsofJerusalem,andseenow,andknow,andseekinthebroadplacesthereof,ifyecanfindaman,iftherebeanythatexecutethjudgment,thatseekeththetruth,andIwillpardonit.'(Jer5:1)

(7.)GodshowedhisservantEzekielhowfewtherewouldbesavedinhisday,bythevisionofafewhairssavedoutofthemidstofafewhairs;forthesavedwereafewsavedoutofafew.(Eze5:5)

(8.)YoufindinthetimeoftheprophetMicah,howthegodlycomplain,thatastonumbertheythenweresofew,thathecomparesthemtothose

that are left behind when they had gathered the summer-fruit. (Micah7:1)

(9.)WhenChristwascome,howdidheconfirmthistruth,thatbutfewofthemthatput inclaimforheavenwillhave it for their inheritance!Butthecommonpeoplecouldnothearit,andtherefore,uponatimewhenhedid but a little hint at this truth, the people, even all in the synagoguewherehepreachedit, 'werefilledwithwrath,roseup,thrusthimoutofthe city, and led himunto the browof the hill,'whereon their citywasbuilt,'thattheymightcasthimdownheadlong.'(Luke4:24–29)

(10.) John, who was after Christ, saith, 'The whole world lieth inwickedness;thatalltheworldwonderedafterthebeast;andthatpowerwasgiventothebeastoverallkindreds,tongues,andnations.'Powertodowhat?Why,tocauseall,bothgreatandsmall,richandpoor,bondandfree, to receivehismark, and tobebranded forhim. (1 John5:10,Rev13:3,7,16)

(11.) Should we come to observation and experience, the show of thecountenanceofthebulkofmendothwitnessagainstthem;'theydeclaretheir sin as Sodom, they hide it not.' (Isa 3:9)Where is the man thatmakeththeAlmightyGodhisdelight,andthatdesignethhisgloryintheworld? Do not even almost all pursue this world, their lusts andpleasures?and so, consequently, sayuntoGod, 'Depart fromus, forwedesirenot theknowledgeof thyways;or,What is theAlmighty thatweshouldservehim?ItisinvaintoserveGod,'&c.

SothatwithoutdoubtitwillappearatruthinthedayofGod,thatbutfewof them that shall put in their claim to heaven will have it for theirinheritance.

BeforeIpassthishead,IwillshowyoutowhatthesavedarecomparedintheScriptures.

[Towhatthesavedarecomparedinscripture]

1.Theyarecomparedtoahandful:'Thereshallbeahandfulofcornintheearthuponthetopofthemountains,'&c.(Psa72:16)Thiscornisnothing

else but them that shall be saved. (Matt 3:12, 13:30) Butmark, 'Thereshall be a handful':What is a handful,when comparedwith thewholeheap?or,whatisahandfuloutoftherestoftheworld?

2. As they are compared to a handful, so they are compared to a lilyamongthethorns,whichisrare,andnotsocommonlyseen: 'Asthelilyamong thorns,' saithChrist, 'so ismy loveamong thedaughters.' (Cant2:2)By thorns,weunderstand theworstandbestofmen, evenall thataredestituteofthegraceofGod,for'thebestofthemisabrier,themostupright'ofthem'asathorn-hedge.'(Micah7:4,2Sam23:6)Iknowthatshemaybecalledalilyamongstthornsalso,becauseshemeetswiththepricksofpersecution. (Eze2:6,28:24)Shemayalsobe thus termed, toshowthedisparitythatisbetwixthypocritesandthechurch.(Luke8:14,Heb8)Butthisisnotall;thesavedarecomparedtoalilyamongthorns,toshowyouthattheyarebutfewintheworld;toshowyouthattheyarebutfewandrare;forasChristcompareshertoalilyamongthorns,soshecompareshimtoanapple-treeamongthetreesofthewood,whichisrareandscarce;notcommon.

3. They that are saved are called but one ofmany; for though there be'threescore queens, and fourscore concubines, and virgins withoutnumber,' yetmy love, saithChrist, is but one,myundefiled is but one.(Cant6:8,9)AccordingtothatofJeremiah,'Iwilltakeyouoneofacity.'(Jer3:14)That sayingofPaul ismuch like this, 'Knowyenot that theywhichruninaracerunall,butonereceiveththeprize?'(1Cor9:24)Butone, that is, few of many, few of them that run; for he is not herecomparingthemthatrunwiththemthatsitstill,butwiththemthatrun,somerunandlose,somerunandwin;theythatrunandwinarefewincomparisonwiththemthatrunandlose:'Theythatruninaracerunall,but one receives the prize'; let there then be 'threescore queens, andfourscoreconcubines,andvirginswithoutnumber,'yetthesavedarebutfew.

4.They thataresavedarecomparedto thegleaningafter thevintage isin:'Woeisme,'saidthechurch,'forIamaswhentheyhavegatheredthesummer-fruits,asthegrape-gleanings'afterthevintageisin.(Micah7:1)The gleanings!What are the gleanings to the whole crop? and yet youheresee,tothegleaningsarethesavedcompared.Itisthedevilandsin

thatcarryawaythecartloads,whileChristandhisministerscomeafteragleaning.But thegleaningof thegrapesofEphraimarebetter than thevintageofAbiezer. (Judg8:2)ThemthatChristandhisministersgleanupandbindupinthebundleoflife,arebetterthantheloadsthatgotheother way. You know it is often the cry of the poor in harvest, Poorgleaning, poor gleaning. And theministers of the gospel they also cry,Lord,'whohathbelievedourreport?andtowhomisthearmoftheLordrevealed?' (Isa 53:1)When the prophet speaks of the saved under thismetaphorofgleaning,howdothheamplifythematter?'Gleaning-grapesshall be left,' sayshe, 'twoor threeberries in the topof theuppermostbough, four or five in the outmost fruitful branches thereof, saith theLord.'(Isa17:6)Thusyouseewhatgleaningisleftinthevineyard,afterthevintageisin;twoorthreehere,fourorfivethere.Alas!theythatshallbesavedwhenthedevilandhellhavehadtheirdue,theywillbebutasthe gleaning, they will be but few; they that go to hell, go thither inclusters, but the saved go not so to heaven. (Matt 13:30, Micah 7)Whereforewhentheprophetspeakethof thesaved,hesaiththere isnocluster;butwhenhespeakethofthedamned,hesaiththeyaregatheredbyclusters.(Rev14:18,19)Osinners!butfewwillbesaved!Oprofessors!butfewwillbesaved!

5. They that shall be saved are compared to jewels: 'and they shall bemine,saiththeLordofhosts,inthatdaywhenImakeupmyjewels.'(Mal3:17)Jewels,youknow,arerarethings,thingsthatarenotfoundineveryhouse.Jewelswilllieinlittleroom,beingfewandsmall,thoughlumbertakesupmuch.Inalmosteveryhouse,youmayfindbrass,andiron,andlead; and in every place you may find hypocritical professors, but thesavedarenotthesecommonthings;theyareGod'speculiartreasure.(Psa135:4) Wherefore Paul distinguisheth betwixt the lumber and thetreasureinthehouse.Thereis,saithhe,inagreathouse,notonlyvesselsofgoldandsilver,butalsoofwoodandofearth,andsometohonour,andsometodishonour.(2Tim2:20)Here isawordforwoodenandearthyprofessors; the jewelsandtreasuresarevesselstohonour, theyofwoodandeartharevesselsofdishonour,thatis,vesselsfordestruction.(Rom9:21)

6.Theythatshallbesavedarecomparedtoaremnant:'ExcepttheLord

ofhostshad leftuntousaverysmall remnant,weshouldhavebeenasSodom, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah.' (Isa 1:9) Aremnant,a small remnant,avery small remnant!Ohowdoth theHolyGhost word it! and all to show you how few shall be saved. Every oneknows what a remnant is, but this is a small remnant, a very smallremnant.Soagain, 'Singwithgladness forJacob,andshoutamong thechief of the nations: publish ye, praise ye, and say, O Lord, save thypeople,theremnantofIsrael.'(Jer31:7)WhatshallIsay?thesavedareofteninScripturecalledaremnant.(Eze9:4,8,Isa10:20–22,11:11,16,Jer23:3,Joel2:32)Butwhatisaremnanttothewholepiece?Whatisaremnantofpeopletothewholekingdom?orwhatisaremnantofwheattothewholeharvest?

7.Thesavedarecomparedtothetitheortenthpart;whereforewhenGodsendeththeprophettomaketheheartsofthepeoplefat,theirearsdull,and to shut their eyes, the prophet asketh, 'How long?' to which Godanswereth,'Untilthecitiesbewastedwithoutinhabitant,andthehouseswithout man, and the land be utterly desolate, and the Lord haveremovedmenfaraway,andtherebeagreatforsakinginthemidstoftheland.Butyet,'asGodsaithinanotherplace, 'Iwillnotmakeafullend,''in it shall be a tenth,—so theholy seed shall be the substance thereof.'(Isa6:10–13)Butwhatisatenth?Whatisoneinten?AndyetsospeakstheHolyGhost,whenhespeaksoftheholyseed,ofthosethatweretobereservedfromthejudgment.Andobserveit,thefatteningandblindingofthe rest, itwas to their everlasting destruction; and so bothChrist andPaulexpoundsitoftenintheNewTestament.(Matt13:14,15,Mark4:12,Luke 8:10, John 12:40, Acts 28:26, Rom 11:8) So that those that arereservedfromthemthatperishwillbeveryfew,oneinten:'Atenthshallreturn,sotheholyseedshallbethesubstancethereof.'

Ishallnotaddmoregeneralsat thistime.IprayGodthattheworldbenotoffendedatthese.Butwithoutdoubt,butfewofthemthatshallputintheir claim for heaven will have it for their inheritance; which will yetfurtherappearinthereadingofthatwhichfollows.

[Second.Particularly—butfewofthemthatprofesshavebeensaved]

Therefore I come more particularly to show you that but few shall be

saved.Isay,butfewofprofessorsthemselveswillbesaved;forthatisthetruth that the text doth more directly look at and defend. Give me,therefore,thyhand,goodreader,andletussoberlywalkthroughtherestofwhatshallbesaid;andletuscompareaswegoeachparticularwiththeholyScripture.

1.It issaid, 'ThedaughterofZionis leftasacottageinavineyard,asalodgeinagardenofcucumbers,asabesiegedcity.'(Isa1:8)ThevineyardwasthechurchofIsrael,thecottageinthatvineyardwasthedaughterofZion,orthetrulygraciousamongst,orinthatchurch.(Isa5:1)Acottage;Godhadbutacottagethere,butalittlehabitationinthechurch,averyfewthatweretrulygraciousamongstthatgreatmultitudethatprofessed;andhaditnotbeenforthese,forthiscottage,theresthadbeenruinedasSodom:'ExcepttheLordofhostshadleftuntous,'inthechurch,averyfew,theyhadbeenasSodom.(Isa1:9)Wherefore,amongthemultitudeofthemthatshallbedamned,professorswillmakeaconsiderableparty.

2. 'For thoughthypeopleIsraelbeas thesandof thesea,aremnantofthemshallreturn,''aremnantshallbesaved.'(Isa10:22,Rom9:27)Forthough thypeople Israel,whomthoubroughtestoutofEgypt, towhomthou hast given church-constitution, holy laws, holy ordinances, holyprophets,andholycovenants; thypeoplebyseparationfromallpeople,andthypeoplebyprofession;thoughthisthypeoplebeasthesandofthesea,'aremnantshallbesaved';wherefore,amongthemultitudeofthemthatshallbedamned,professorswillmakeaconsiderableparty.

3. 'Reprobatesilvershallmencall them,becausetheLordhathrejectedthem.'(Jer6:30)Thepeoplehereunderconsiderationarecalled,inverse27,God'speople,hispeoplebyprofession:'Ihavesettheeforatowerandafortressamongmypeople, that thoumayestknow,andtry theirway.'What follows? They are all grievous revolters, walking with slanders,reprobatesilver;theLordhathrejectedthem.Inchapter7,verse29,theyare called also the generation of hiswrath: 'For the Lord hath rejectedandforsakenthegenerationofhiswrath.'This,therefore,Igatheroutofthese holy Scriptures,—that with reference to profession and church-constitution, a people may be called the people of God; but, withreferencetotheeventandfinalconclusionthatGodwillmakewithsomeofthem,theymaybetrulythegenerationofhiswrath.

4.InthefifthofIsaiah,youreadagainofthevineyardofGod,andthatitwasplantedonaveryfruitfulhill,plantedwiththechoicestvines,hadawall,atower,awine-pressbelongingtoit,andallthingsthatcouldputitintorightorderandgoodgovernment,asachurch;butthisvineyardofthe Lord of hosts brought forth wild grapes, fruits unbecoming herconstitution and government, wherefore the Lord takes from her hishedgeandwall, and letsherbe troddendown.ReadChrist's expositionuponitinMatthew21:33,&c.Looktoit,professors,thesearethewordsofthetext,'Formany,Isayuntoyou,willseektoenterin,andshallnotbeable.'

5. 'Son ofman,' said God to the prophet, 'the house of Israel is tomebecomedross,alltheyarebrassandtin,andironandlead,inthemidstof the furnace they even are the dross of silver.' (Eze 22:18) God hadsilverthere,somesilver,butitwasbutlittle;thebulkofthatpeoplewasbutthedrossofthechurch,thoughtheywerethemembersofit.Butwhatdoth he mean by the dross? why, he looked upon them as no better,notwithstandingtheirchurch-membership,thantherabbleoftheworld,that is,withrespect to their latterend; for tobecalleddross, it is tobeputamongsttherestofthesinnersoftheworld,inthejudgmentofGod,though at present they abide in his house: 'Thou puttest away all thewicked of the earth like dross; therefore I love thy testimonies.' (Psa119:119)

God saith of his saved ones, 'He hath chosen them in the furnace ofaffliction.'Therefiner,whenheputtethhissilverintohisfurnace,heputslead in also among it; now this lead being ordered as he knows how,works up the dross from the silver, which dross, still as it riseth, heputtethby,ortakethawaywithaninstrument.AndthusdealsGodwithhischurch;thereissilverinhischurch,aye,andthereisalsodross:nowthe dross are the hypocrites and graceless ones that are got into thechurch,andthesewillGoddiscover,andafterwardsputawayasdross.Sothat it will without doubt prove a truth of God, that many of theirprofessors that shall put in claim for heaven, will not have it for theirinheritance.

6.ItissaidofChrist,his'fanisinhishand,andhewillthoroughlypurge

his floor,andwillgatherhiswheat into thegarner,buthewillburnupthechaffwithunquenchable fire.' (Matt3:12)Thefloor is thechurchofGod:'Omythreshing,andthecornofmyfloor!'saidGodbytheprophet,tohispeople.(Isa21:10)Thewheatarethesegoodonesinhischurchthatshallbeundoubtedlysaved;thereforehesaith,'Gathermywheatintomygarner.'Thechaffgrowethuponthesamestalkandear,andsoisinthesame visible body with the wheat, but there is not substance in it:wherefore in time theymust be severed one from the other; thewheatmust be gathered into the garner, which is heaven; and the chaff, orprofessorsthatwanttruegrace,mustbegatheredintohell,thattheymaybeburnedupwithunquenchablefire.Thereforeletprofessorslooktoit!

7.ChristJesuscastsawaytwoofthethreegroundsthataresaidtoreceivetheword.(Luke8)

The stony ground received it with joy, and the thorny ground broughtforthfruitalmosttoperfection.Indeedthehighwaygroundwastoshowusthatthecarnal,whilstsuch,receivenotthewordatall;buthereisthepinch, two of the three that received it, fell short of the kingdom ofheaven; forbut oneof the three received it so as tobring forth fruit toperfection.Looktoit,professors!

8.Theparableoftheunprofitableservant,theparableofthemanwithouta wedding garment, and the parable of the unsavoury salt, do each ofthem justify this for truth. (Matt 25:24, 29, 22:11–13, 5:13)That of theunprofitable servant is to show us the sloth and idleness of someprofessors;thatofthemanwithoutaweddinggarmentistoshowushowsomeprofessorshave the shameof theirwickedness seenbyGod, evenwhentheyareamongthechildrenofthebridegroom;andthatparableoftheunsavourysaltistoshow,thatasthesaltthathathlostitssavourisfitfornothing,no,notforthedunghill,buttobetroddenunderfootofmen;sosomeprofessors,yea,andgreatonestoo,forthisparablereachedoneof the apostles, will in God's day be counted fit for nothing but to betroddendownas themire in the streets.O the slothful, thenaked, andunsavouryprofessors,howwilltheyberejectedofGodandhisChristinthejudgment!Looktoit,professors!

9. The parable of the tares also giveth countenance to this truth: for

thoughitbesaidthefieldistheworld,yetitissaid,thetaresweresowneven in the church. 'And whilemen slept, his enemy came and sowedtaresamong thewheat,andwenthisway.' (Matt13:24,25)Object.Butsomemayobject,Thetaresmightbesownintheworldamongthewheat,though not in the churches. Answ. But Christ, by expounding thisparable,tellsusthetaresweresowninhiskingdom;thetares,thatis,thechildrenof thedevil. 'As thereforethetaresaregatheredandburned inthefire;soshallitbeintheendofthisworld.TheSonofmanshallsendforthhisangels,andtheyshallgatheroutofhiskingdomallthingsthatoffend,andthemwhichdoiniquity,andshallcastthemintoafurnaceoffire;thereshallbewailingandgnashingofteeth.'(verse30,39–43)Looktoit,professors!

10.Theparableofthetenvirginsalsosuitethourpurpose;thesetenarecalled the kingdom of heaven, that is, the church of Christ, the visiblerightly-constituted church of Christ; for theywent all out of theworld,hadalllamps,andallwentforthtomeetthebridegroom;yetbeholdwhatanoverthrowtheone-halfof themmetwithat thegateofheaven; theywereshutout,bidtodepart,andChristtoldthemhedidnotknowthem.(Matt25:1–13)Tremble,professors!Pray,professors!

11. The parable of the net that was cast into the sea, that alsocountenanceth this truth.The substanceof thatparable is to show thatsoulsmaybegatheredby thegospel—therecompared toanet—maybekeptinthatnet,drawntoshore,totheworld'send,bythatnet,andyetmay then prove bad fishes, and be cast away. The parable runs thus:—'Thekingdomofheaven,'thegospel, 'islikeuntoanetwhichwascastinto the sea,' the world, 'and gathered of every kind,' good and bad,'whichwhenitwasfull,theydrewtoshore,'totheendoftheworld,'andsatdown,'injudgment, 'andgatheredthegoodintovessels,butcastthebadaway.'Somebadfishes,nay,Idoubtagreatmany,willbefoundinthenetofthegospel,atthedayofjudgment.(Matt13:47,49)Watchandbesober,professors!

12.'And—manyshallcomefromtheeastandfromthewest,andshallsitdownwithAbraham,andIsaac,andJacob,inthekingdomofheaven.Butthechildrenofthekingdomshallbecastout.'(Matt8:11,12)Thechildrenof the kingdom, whose privileges were said to be these, 'to whom

pertaineththeadoption,andtheglory,andthecovenants,andthegivingof the law,and the serviceofGod, and thepromises.' (Rom9:4) I takeliberty to harp the more upon the first church, because that thathappenedtothem,happenedastypesandexamples,intimating,thereisgroundtothink,thatthingsofasdreadfulanaturearetohappenamongthe church of the Gentiles. (1 Cor 10:11, 12) Neither, indeed, have theGentilechurchessecurityfromGodthatthereshallnotasdreadfulthingshappen to them. And concerning this very thing, sufficient caution isgiventousalso. (1Cor6:9,10,Gal5:19–21,Eph5:3–6,Phil3:17,19,2Thess2:11,12,2Tim2:20,21,Heb6:4–8,10:26–28,2Peter2,3,1John5:10,Rev2:20–22)

13. The parable of the true vine and its branches confirm what I havesaid. By the vine there I understand Christ, Christ as head; by thebranches, I understand this church. Some of these branches provedfruitlesscast-always,were in timecastoutof thechurch,weregatheredbymen,andburned.(John15:1–6)

14.Lastly,Iwillcometoparticularinstances.

(1.) The twelve had a devil among them. (John 6:70) (2.) Ananias andSapphirawereinthechurchofJerusalem.(Acts5)(3.)SimonMaguswasamongthematSamaria.(Acts8)(4.)AmongthechurchofCorinthwerethemthathadnottheknowledgeofGod.(1Cor15:34)(5.)PaultellstheGalatiansthatfalsebrethrencrept inunawares;andsodoestheapostleJude,andyettheywereasquick-sightedtoseeasanynow-a-days.(Gal2:4, Jude 4) (6.) The church in Sardis had but a few names in her, towhomthekingdomofheavenbelonged.'Thouhastafewnames,eveninSardis,whichhavenotdefiled theirgarments, and they shallwalkwithmeinwhite,fortheyareworthy.'(Rev3:4)(7.)AsforthechurchoftheLaodiceans, it is called 'wretched, andmiserable, and poor, and blind,andnaked.' (Rev3:17)So thatputall things together,andImayboldlysay, as I alsohave said already, that among themultitudeof them thatshallbedamned,professorswillmakeaconsiderableparty;or,tospeakinthewordsoftheobservation,'whenmenhaveputinalltheclaimtheycanforheaven,butfewwillhaveitfortheirinheritance.'

REASONSWHYFEWARESAVED

I will show you some reasons of the point, besides those five that Ishowed you before. And, First, I will show you why the poor, carnal,ignorant world miss of heaven; and then, Second, why the knowingprofessorsmissofitalso.

[First]WhythePoor,Carnal,IgnorantWorldMissHeaven

1.Thepoor,carnal,ignorantworldmissofheavenevenbecausetheylovetheir sins, andcannotpartwith them. 'Men loveddarkness rather thanlight,becausetheirdeedswereevil.'(John3:19)Thepoorignorantworldmiss of heaven, because they are enemies in their minds to God, hisWord, and holiness; they must be all damned who take pleasure inunrighteousness. (2 Thess 2:10–12) The poor ignorant world miss ofheaven, because they stop their ears against convictions, and refuse tocome when God calls. 'Because I have called, and ye refused, I havestretchedoutmyhand,andnomanregarded,butyehavesetatnoughtallmycounsel,andwouldnoneofmyreproof; Ialsowill laughatyourcalamity; I will mock when your fear cometh—as desolation, and yourdestruction—as a whirlwind, when distress and anguish cometh uponyou;thenshall theycalluponme,butIwillnotanswer; theyshallseekmeearly,buttheyshallnotfindme.'(Prov1:24–29)

2.Thepoorignorantworldmissofheaven,becausethegodofthisworldhathblindedtheireyes,thattheycanneitherseetheevilanddamnablestatetheyare inatpresent,northewaytogetoutof it;neitherdotheyseethebeautyofJesusChrist,norhowwillingheistosavepoorsinners.(2Cor4:2,3)

3.Thepoorignorantworldmissofheaven,becausetheyputoffanddefercoming to Christ, until the time of God's patience and grace is over.Some,indeed,areresolvednevertocome;butsome,again,say,Wewillcome hereafter; and so it comes to pass, that because God called, andtheydidnothear; so they shall cry, and Iwillnothear, saith theLord.(Zech7:11–13)

4. The poor ignorant world miss of heaven, because they have falseapprehensions of God'smercy. They say in their hearts,We shall havepeace, though we walk in the imagination of our heart, to adddrunkennesstothirst.ButwhatsaiththeWord?'TheLordwillnotsparehim;butthentheangeroftheLord,andhisjealousy,shallsmokeagainstthatman,andall thecurses thatarewritten in thisbookshall lieuponhim, and the Lord shall blot out his name from under heaven.' (Deut29:19–21)

5.Thepoorignorantworldmissofheaven,becausetheymakelightofthegospel that offerethmercy to them freely, and because they lean upontheirowngoodmeanings,andthinkings,anddoings.(Matt22:1–5,Rom9:30,31)

6. The poor carnal world miss of heaven because by unbelief, whichreigns in them, they are kept for ever from being clothedwith Christ'srighteousness, and from washing in his blood, without which there isneitherremissionofsin,norjustification.Buttopassthesetillanon.

[Second] I come, in thenext place, to show you some reasonswhy theprofessorfallsshortofheaven

First. In the general, they rest in things below special grace; as inawakenings that are not special, in faith that is not special,&c.; and, alittletorunaparallelbetwixttheoneandtheother,that,ifGodwill,youmayseeandescape.

1.Havetheythatshallbesaved,awakeningsabouttheirstatebynature?Sohavetheythatshallbedamned.Theythatnevergotoheavenmayseemuch of sin, and of the wrath of God due thereto. This had Cain andJudas,andyet theycameshortof thekingdom.(Gen4,Matt27:4)Thesaved have convictions, in order to their eternal life; but the others'convictions are not so. The convictions of the one doth drive themsincerely to Christ; the convictions of the other doth drive them to thelaw,andthelawtodesperationatlast.

2.Thereisarepentancethatwillnotsave,arepentancetoberepentedof;andarepentancetosalvation,nottoberepentedof.(2Cor7:10)Yetso

greatasimilitudeandlikenessthereisbetwixttheoneandtheother,thatmost times the wrong is taken for the right, and through thismistakeprofessors perish. As, (1.) In saving repentance there will be anacknowledgment of sin; and one that hath the other repentance mayacknowledgehissinsalso.(Matt27:4)(2.)Insavingrepentancethereisacryingoutundersin;butonethathaththeotherrepentancemaycryoutunder sin also. (Gen 4:13) (3.) In saving repentance there will behumiliationforsin;andonethathaththeotherrepentancemayhumblehimselfalso.(1Kings21:29)(4.)Savingrepentanceisattendedwithself-loathing;buthethathaththeotherrepentancemayhaveloathingofsintoo;aloathingofsin,becauseitissin,thathecannothave;butaloathingofsin,becauseitisoffensivetohim,thathemayhave.Thedogdothnotloaththatwhichtroublethhisstomachbecauseitisthere,butbecauseittroublethhim;whenithasdonetroublingofhim,hecanturntoitagain,and lick it up as before it troubled him. (2 Peter 2:22) (5.) Savingrepentanceisattendedwithprayersandtears;buthethathathnonebutthe other repentance,mayhaveprayers and tears also. (Gen27:34, 35,Heb12:16,17)(6.)InsavingrepentancethereisfearandreverenceoftheWord andministers that bring it; but this may be also where there isnone but the repentance that is not saving; for Herod feared John,knowing that hewas a justman andholy, and observed him;whenheheardhim,hedidmany things,andheardhimgladly. (Mark6:20) (7.)Saving repentance makes a man's heart very tender of doing anythingagainsttheWordofGod.ButBalaamcouldsay,'IfBalakwouldgivemehishousefullofsilverandgold,IcannotgobeyondthecommandmentoftheLord.'(Num24:13)

Behold, then,how faramanmaygo in repentance,andyetbe shortofthatwhich is called, 'Repentanceunto salvation,not tobe repentedof.'(a.)Hemaybeawakened;(b.)Hemayacknowledgehissin;(c.)Hemaycryoutundertheburdenofsin;(d.)Hemayhavehumilityforit;(e.)Hemayloathit;(f.)Mayhaveprayersandtearsagainstit;(g.)maydelighttodomanythingsofGod;(h.)Maybeafraidofsinningagainsthim—and,afterallthis,mayperish,forwantofsavingrepentance.

Second.Havetheythatshallbesaved,faith?Why,theythatshallnotbesavedmayhavefaithalso;yea,afaithinmanythingssolikethefaiththat

saveth,thattheycanhardlybedistinguished,thoughtheydifferbothinrootandbranch.Tocometoparticulars.

1.SavingfaithhathChristforitsobject,andsomaythefaithhavethatisnot saving.ThoseveryJewsofwhom it is said theybelievedonChrist,Christtellsthem,andthataftertheirbelieving,'Yeareofyourfatherthedevil,and the lustsofyour fatheryewilldo.' (John8:30–44)2.SavingfaithiswroughtbytheWordofGod,andsomaythefaithbethatisnotsaving. (Luke8:13)3.Saving faith looks for justificationwithoutworks,andsomayafaithdothatisnotsaving.(James2:18)4.Savingfaithwillsanctifyandpurifytheheart,andthefaiththatisnotsavingmayworkaman off from the pollutions of the world, as it did Judas, Demas, andothers. (2Peter2)5.Saving faithwillgiveaman tastesof theworld tocome, and also joy by those tastes, and sowill the faith do that is notsaving. (Heb6:4,5,Luke8:13)6.Saving faithwillhelpaman, ifcalledthereto,togivehisbodytobeburnedforhisreligion,andsowillthefaithdothatisnotsaving.(1Cor13:1–5)7.Savingfaithwillhelpamantolookforaninheritanceintheworldtocome,andthatmaythefaithdothatisnotsaving.Allthosevirgins'tooktheirlamps,andwentforthtomeetthebridegroom.' (Matt 25:1)8. Saving faithwill not onlymake aman lookfor,butpreparetomeetthebridegroom,andsomaythefaithdothatisnotsaving.'Thenallthosevirginsarose,andtrimmedtheirlamps.'(Matt25:7)9.Savingfaithwillmakeamanlookforaninterestinthekingdomof heaven with confidence, and the faith that is not saving will evendemandentranceof theLord. 'Lord,Lord,open tous.' (Matt25:11) 10.Savingfaithwillhavegoodworksfollowitintoheaven,andthefaiththatis not savingmayhave greatworks follow it, as far as to heaven gates.'Lord,havewenotprophesied in thyname?and in thynamehavecastoutdevils?andinthynamedonemanywonderfulworks?'(Matt7:22)

Now,then,ifthefaiththatisnotsavingmayhaveChristforitsobject,bewroughtbytheWord,lookforjustificationwithoutworks,workmenofffromthepollutionsof theworld,andgivemen tastesof,and joy in thethingsofanotherworld—Isayagain,ifitwillhelpamantoburnforhisjudgment,andtolookforaninheritanceinanotherworld;yea, if itwillhelpamantoprepareforit,claiminterestinit;andifitcancarrygreatworks,many great and gloriousworks, as far as heaven gates, then no

marvelifabundanceofpeopletakethisfaithforthesavingfaith,andsofall short of heaven thereby. Alas, friends! There are but few that canproducesuch[works]forrepentance;andsuchfaith,asyetyouseeIhaveprovedevenreprobateshavehadinseveralagesofthechurch.

But,

Third.Theythatgotoheavenareaprayingpeople;butamanmaypraythatshallnotbesaved.Pray!Hemaypray,praydaily;yea,hemayaskofGod the ordinances of justice, andmay take delight in approaching toGod;nay,further,suchsoulsmay,asitwere,coverthealtaroftheLordwithtears,withweepingandcryingout.(Isa28:2,Mal2:13)

Fourth. DoGod's people keep holy fasts? They that are not his peoplemay keep fasts also—may keep fasts often—even twice a week. 'ThePhariseestood,andprayedthuswithhimself:God,IthanktheethatIamnot as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as thispublican.Ifasttwiceintheweek,IgivetithesofallthatIpossess.'(Luke18:11,12)Imightenlargeuponthings,butIintendbutalittlebook.IdonotquestionbutmanyBalaamiteswillappearbefore the judgment-seattocondemnation;menthathavehadvisionsofGod,andthatknewtheknowledgeoftheMostHigh;menthathavehadtheSpiritofGodcomeuponthem,andthathavebythatbeenmadeothermen;yettheseshallgo to the generations of their fathers, they shall never see light. (Num24:2,4,16,1Sam10:6,10,Psa49:19)

I read of some men whose excellency in religion mounts up to theheavens,andtheirheadsreachuntotheclouds,whoyetshallperishforeverliketheirowndung;andhethatinthisworldhathseenthem,shallsayatthejudgment,Wherearethey?(Job20:5–7)Therewillbemanyaone, that were gallant professors in this world, be wanting among thesaved in the day of Christ's coming; yea, many whose damnation wasnever dreamed of.Which of the twelve ever thought that Judas wouldhaveprovedadevil?Nay,whenChrist suggested thatoneamong themwasnaught,theyeachweremoreafraidofthemselvesthanofhim.(Matt26:21–23)Whoquestionedthesalvationofthefoolishvirgins?Thewiseones did not; they gave them the privilege of communion withthemselves.(Matt25)Thediscerningoftheheart,andtheinfallibleproof

ofthetruthofsavinggrace,isreservedtothejudgmentofJesusChristathiscoming.Thechurchandbestofsaintssometimeshit,andsometimesmissintheir judgmentsaboutthismatter;andthecauseofourmissingin our judgment is, 1. Partly because we cannot infallibly, at all times,distinguishgracethatsavethfromthatwhichdothbutappeartodoso.2.Partlyalsobecausesomemenhavethearttogiverightnamestowrongthings.3.Andpartlybecausewe,beingcommandedtoreceivehimthatisweak,areafraidtoexcludetheleastChristian.Byahidmeanshypocritescreepintothechurches.ButwhatsaiththeScripture?'ItheLordsearchtheheart,I trythereins.'Andagain, 'All thechurchesshallknowthatIamhewhich searcheth the reins andhearts; and Iwill giveunto everyoneofyouaccordingtoyourworks.'(Jer11:20,17:10,Rev2:23)TothisSearcherofhearts is thetimeof infalliblediscerningreserved,andthenyoushallseehowfargracethatisnotsavinghathgone;andalsohowfewwillbesavedindeed.TheLordawakenpoorsinnersbymylittlebook.

USEANDAPPLICATIONOFTHEWHOLE

Icomenowtomakesomebriefuseandapplicationofthewhole:and

[USEFIRST]—My firstword shall be to theopenprofane.Poor sinner,thou readest here that but a few will be saved; that many that expectheavenwillgowithoutheaven.Whatsayestthoutothis,poorsinner?Letmesayitoveragain.Therearebutfewtobesaved,butveryfew.Letmeadd, but fewprofessors—but few eminent professors.What sayest thounow,sinner?IfjudgmentbeginsatthehouseofGod,whatwilltheendofthembethatobeynotthegospelofGod?ThisisPeter'squestion.Canstthouanswerit,sinner?Yea,Isayagain,ifjudgmentmustbeginatthem,will itnotmaketheethink,Whatshallbecomeofme?AndIadd,whenthoushaltseethestarsofheaventotumbledowntohell,canstthouthinkthat such amuck-heap of sin as thou art shall be lifted up to heaven?Peter asks thee another question, to wit, 'If the righteous scarcely besaved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?' (1 Peter 4:18)Canstthouanswerthisquestion,sinner?Standamongtherighteousthoumayestnot:'Theungodlyshallnotstandinthejudgment,norsinnersinthecongregationoftherighteous.'(Psa1:5)Standamongthewickedthou

thenwiltnotdaretodo.Wherewiltthouappear,sinner?Tostandamongthe hypocrites will avail thee nothing. The hypocrite 'shall not comebeforehim,'thatis,withacceptance,butshallperish.(Job13:16)Becauseitconcernstheemuch,letmeoverwithitagain!Whenthoushaltseelesssinners than thou art, bound up by angels in bundles, to burn them,wherewiltthouappear,sinner?Thoumayestwishthyselfanotherman,butthatwillnothelpthee,sinner.Thoumayestwish,WouldIhadbeenconvertedintime;butthatwillnothelptheeeither.Andif,likethewifeof Jeroboam, thou shouldst feign thyself to be another woman, theProphet, the Lord Jesus,would soon find thee out!Whatwilt thou do,poor sinner?Heavy tidings,heavy tidings,will attend thee, except thourepent,poorsinner!(1Kings14:2,5,6,Luke13:3,5)Othedreadfulstateof a poor sinner, of an open profane sinner! Everybody that hath butcommonsenseknowsthatthismanisinthebroadwaytodeath,yethelaughsathisowndamnation.

ShallIcometoparticularswiththee?

1.Pooruncleansinner,the'harlot'shouseisthewaytohell,goingdowntothechambersofdeath.'(Prov2:18,5:5,7:27)

2.Poorswearingandthievishsinner,Godhathpreparedthecurse,that'everyonethatstealethshallbecutoffasonthissideaccordingtoit;andeveryonethatswearethshallbecutoffasonthatside,accordingto it.'(Zech5:3)

3.Poordrunkensinner,whatshallIsaytothee?'WoetothedrunkardsofEphraim,' 'woeunto them that aremighty todrinkwine, andmenof—strong drink; they shall not inherit the kingdom of heaven.' (Isa 28:1,5:22,1Cor6:9,10)

4. Poor covetousworldlyman,God'sWord says, that 'the covetous theLord abhorreth'; that the 'covetous man is an idolater'; and that thecovetous'shallnotinheritthekingdomofGod.'(Psa10:3,Eph5:5,John2:15,1Cor6:9,10)

5.Andthouliar,whatwiltthoudo?'Allliarsshallhavetheirpartinthelakewhichburnethwithfireandbrimstone.'(Rev21:8,27)

Ishallnotenlarge,poorsinner, letnomandeceivethee; 'forbecauseofthesethingscomeththewrathofGoduponthechildrenofdisobedience.'(Eph5:6)Iwillthereforegivetheeashortcall,andsoleavethee.

Sinner, awake: yea, I say unto thee, awake! Sin lieth at thy door, andGod's axe lieth at thy root, andhell-fire is right underneath thee. (Gen4:7) I say again,Awake! 'Therefore every treewhich bringeth not forthgoodfruitishewndown,andcastintothefire.'(Matt3:10)

Poor sinner, awake; eternity is coming, and HIS SON, they are bothcomingtojudgetheworld;awake,artyetasleep,poorsinner?letmesetthe trumpet to thine ear once again! The heavens will be shortly on aburningflame;theearth,andtheworksthereof,shallbeburnedup,andthenwickedmenshallgo intoperdition;dostthouhearthis,sinner?(2Peter3)Harkagain,thesweetmorselsofsinwillthenbefledandgone,and the bitter burning fruits of them only left.What sayest thou now,sinner?Canst thoudrinkhell-fire?Will thewrathofGodbeapleasantdishtothytaste?Thismustbethineeveryday'smeatanddrinkinhell,sinner!

IwillyetpropoundtotheeGod'sponderousquestion,andthenfor thistimeleavethee:'Canthineheartendure,orcanthinehandsbestrong,inthe days that I shall deal with thee?' saith the Lord. (Eze 22:14)Whatsayestthou?Wiltthouanswerthisquestionnow,orwiltthoutaketimetodoit?orwiltthoubedesperate,andventureall?Andletmeputthistextinthineeartokeepitopen;andsotheLordhavemercyuponthee:'UponthewickedshalltheLordrainsnares,fireandbrimstone,andanhorribletempest;thisshallbetheportionoftheircup.'(Psa11:6)Repent,sinners!

[USESECOND]—Mysecondword is to themthatareupon thepotter'swheel; concerningwhomwe knownot as yetwhether their convictionsandawakeningswillendinconversionornot.SeveralthingsIshallsaytoyou, both to further your convictions, and to caution you from stayinganywherebeloworshortofsavinggrace.

1.Remember thatbut fewshallbe saved;and ifGodshouldcount theeworthytobeoneofthatfew,whatamercywouldthatbe!

2.Bethankful,therefore,forconvictions;conversionbeginsatconviction,thoughallconvictiondothnotendinconversion.Itisagreatmercytobeconvinced that we are sinners, and that we need a Saviour; count ittherefore amercy, and that thy convictionsmay end in conversion, dothou takeheedof stiflingof them. It is thewayofpoor sinners to lookupon convictions as things that are hurtful; and therefore they use toshuntheawakeningministry,andtocheckaconvincingconscience.Suchpoor sinnersaremuch like to thewantonboy that standsat themaid'selbow,toblowouthercandleasfastasshelightsitatthefire.Convincedsinner, God lighteth thy candle, and thou puttest it out; God lights itagain,andthouputtestitout.Yea,'howoftisthecandleofthewickedputout?'(Job21:17)Atlast,Godresolvethhewilllightthycandlenomore;and then, like the Egyptians, you dwell all your days in darkness, andneverseelightmore,butbythelightofhell-fire;whereforegiveglorytoGod,andifheawakensthyconscience,quenchnotthyconvictions.Doit,saiththeprophet,'beforehecausedarkness,andbeforeyourfeetstumbleuponthedarkmountains,andheturn'yourconvictions'intotheshadowofdeath,andmakethemgrossdarkness.'(Jer13:16)

(1.)Bewillingtoseetheworstofthycondition.Itisbettertoseeitherethan inhell; for thoumust see thymiseryhereor there. (2.)Bewareoflittle sins; theywillmakeway for great ones, and they againwillmakeway for bigger, uponwhich God's wrathwill follow; and thenmay thylatterendbeworsethanthybeginning.(2Peter2:20)(3.)Takeheedofbad company, and evil communication, for that will corrupt goodmanners. God saith, evil company will turn thee away from followinghim,andwilltempttheetoserveothergods,devils. 'SotheangeroftheLordwillbekindledagainstyou,anddestroytheesuddenly.'(Deut7:4)(4.)Bewareof sucha thoughtasbids theedelay repentance, for that isdamnable. (Prov 1:24, Zech 7:12, 13) (5.) Beware of taking example bysomepoor,carnalprofessor,whosereligionliesinthetipofhistongue.Beware,Isay,ofthemanwhoseheadswimswithnotions,but'hislifeisamongtheunclean.'(Job36:14)'Hethatwalkethwithwisemenshallbewise;butacompanionoffoolsshallbedestroyed.'(Prov13:20)(6.)GivethyselfmuchtotheWord,andprayer,andgoodconference.(7.)Labourtoseethesinthatcleavethtothebestofthyperformances,andknowthatall is nothing if thou be not found in Jesus Christ. (8.) Keep in

remembrance thatGod's eye is upon thy heart, and upon all thyways.'CananyhidehimselfinsecretplacesthatIshallnotseehim?saiththeLord.DonotIfillheavenandearth?saiththeLord.'(Jer23:24)(9.)Beoften meditating upon death and judgment. (Eccl 11:9, 12:14) (10.) BeoftenthinkingwhatadreadfulendsinnersthathaveneglectedChristwillmake at that day of death and judgment. (Heb 10:31) (11.) Put thyselfoften, in thy thoughts, before Christ's judgment-seat, in thy sins, andconsiderwith thyself,Were InowbeforemyJudge,howshould I look,howshouldIshakeandtremble?(12.)Beoftenthinkingofthemthatarenowinhell,pastallmercy; Isay,beoftenthinkingof them, thus:Theywereonce intheworld,asInowam;theyoncetookdelight insin,asIhavedone;theyonceneglectedrepentance,asSatanwouldhavemedo.Butnow theyaregone;now theyare inhell,now thepithath shuthermouthuponthem!

Thoumayestalsodoubt thythoughtsof thedamnedthus:If thesepoorcreatures were in the world again, would they sin as they did before?wouldtheyneglectsalvationastheydidbefore?Iftheyhadsermons,asIhave;iftheyhadtheBible,asIhave;iftheyhadgoodcompany,asIhave;yea,iftheyhadadayofgrace,asIhave,wouldtheyneglectitastheydidbefore?

Sinner,couldstthousoberlythinkof thesethings, theymighthelp,Godblessingthem,toawakenthee,andtokeeptheeawaketorepentance,totherepentancethatistosalvation,nevertoberepentedof.

Object.But youhave said few shall be saved; and some that go a greatway, yet are not saved. At this, therefore, I am even discouraged andweakened; I think I had as good go no further. I am, indeed, underconviction,butImayperish;andifIgooninmysins,Icanbutperish;anditisten,twenty,andanhundredtooneifIbesaved,shouldIbeeversoearnestforheaven.

Answ.Thatfewwillbesavedmustneedsbeatruth,forChristhathsaidit;thatmanygofar,andcomeshortofheaven,isastrue,beingtestifiedbythesamehand.Butwhatthen?'Why,thenhadIasgoodneverseek.'Whotoldtheeso?Mustnobodyseekbecausefewaresaved?Thisisjustcontrary to the text, that bids us therefore strive; strive to enter in,

because the gate is strait, and becausemanywill seek to enter in, andshallnotbeable.Butwhygobackagain, seeing that is thenextway tohell?Nevergooverhedgeandditchtohell.IfImustneedsgothither,Iwillgothefurthestwayabout.Butwhocantell,thoughthereshouldnotbesavedsomanyasthereshall,butthoumayestbeoneofthatfew?Theythatmissoflifeperish,becausetheywillnotletgotheirsins,orbecausethey take up a profession short of the saving faith of the gospel. Theyperish,Isay,becausetheyarecontentwithsuchthingsaswillnotprovegraces of a saving nature when they come to be tried in the fire.Otherwise, the promise is free, and full, and everlasting—'Him thatcomethtome,'saithChrist, 'Iwillinnowisecastout'; 'forGodsolovedtheworld,thathegavehisonlybegottenSon,thatwhosoeverbelievethinhim should not perish, but have everlasting life.' (John 6:37, 3:16)Whereforeletnotthisthought,Fewshallbesaved,weakenthyheart;butletitcausetheetomendthypace,tomendthycries,tolookwelltothygrounds for heaven; let itmake thee fly faster from sin toChrist; let itkeeptheeawake,andoutofcarnalsecurity,andthoumayestbesaved.

[USETHIRD]—Mythirdwordistoprofessors.Sirs,givemeleavetosetmytrumpettoyourearsagainalittle.Wheneverymanhathputinalltheclaim they can for heaven, but few will have it for their inheritance; Imean but few professors, for so the text intendeth, and so I have alsoproved.'Formany,Isayuntoyou,willseektoenterin,andshallnotbeable.' Let me, therefore, a little expostulate the matter with you, O yethousandsofprofessors!

1.Ibeginwithyouwhosereligionliethonlyinyourtongues;Imeanyouwhoarelittleornothingknownfromtherestoftherabbleoftheworld,onlyyoucantalkbetterthanthey.Hearmeawordortwo.If'Ispeakwiththe tonguesofmenandofangels,andhavenotcharity,' that is, love toGod,andChrist,andsaints,andholiness,'Iamnothing';nochildofGod,andsohavenothingtodowithheaven.(1Cor13:1,2)Apratingtonguewillnotunlockthegatesofhaven,norblindtheeyesoftheJudge.Lookto it. 'Thewise in heartwill receive commandments; but a prating foolshallfall.'(Prov10:8)

2.Covetousprofessor,thouthatmakestagainofreligion,thatusestthyprofessiontobringgristtothymill,looktoitalso.Gainisnotgodliness.

Judas'religion laymuchinthebag,buthissoul isnowburning inhell.Allcovetousnessisidolatry;butwhatisthat,orwhatwillyoucallit,whenmenarereligiousforfilthylucre'ssake?(Eze33:31)

3.Wantonprofessors,Ihaveawordforyou;Imeanyouthatcantellhowto misplead Scripture, to maintain your pride, your banqueting, andabominable idolatry. Read what Peter says. You are the snare anddamnation of others. You 'allure through the lust of the flesh, throughmuchwantonness,thosethatwerecleanescapedfromthemwholiveinerror.' (2 Peter 2:18)Besides, theHolyGhost hath a great deal againstyou, for your feastings, and eating without fear, not for health, butgluttony.(Jude12)Further,Petersays,thatyouthatcountitpleasuretoriot in the day-time are spots and blemishes, sporting yourselves withyour own deceivings. (2 Peter 2:13) And let me ask, Did God give hisWordtojustifyyourwickedness?ordothgraceteachyoutopleadfortheflesh,orthemakingprovisionfortheluststhereof?Ofthesealsoaretheythat feed their bodies to strengthen their lusts, under pretence ofstrengtheningfrailnature.Butpray,rememberthetext,'Many,Isayuntoyou,willseektoenterin,andshallnotbeable.'

4. I comenext to theopinionist; Imean, tohimwhose religion lieth insomecircumstantialsofreligion.Withthissort thiskingdomswarmsatthisday.Thesethinkalloutofthewaythatarenotoftheirmode,whenthemselves may be out of the way in the midst of their zeal for theiropinions.Pray,doyoualsoobservethetext; 'Many,Isayuntoyou,willseektoenterin,andshallnotbeable.'

5.Neitheristheformalistexemptedfromthisnumber.Heisamanthathathlostallbuttheshellofreligion.Heishot,indeed,forhisform;andnomarvel, for that ishisall tocontend for.Buthis formbeingwithoutthe power and spirit of godliness, it will leave him in his sins; nay, hestandethnow in them in the sight ofGod, and is oneof themany that'willseektoenterin,andshallnotbeable.'(2Tim3:5)

6.Thelegalistcomesnext,evenhimthathathnolifebutwhathemakesoutofhisduties.ThismanhathchosentostandorfallbyMoses,whoisthecondemneroftheworld.'Thereisonethataccusethyou,evenMoses,inwhomyetrust.'(John5:45)

7. There is, in the next place, the libertine—he that pretendeth to beagainstformsandduties,asthingsthatgendertobondage,neglectingtheorderofGod.Thismanpretendstoprayalways,but,underthatpretence,prays not at all; he pretends to keep every day a Sabbath, but thispretenceserveshimonlytocastoffallsettimesfortheworshipofGod.This isalsooneof themanythat 'willseektoenter in,andshallnotbeable.'(Titus1:16)

8.Thereisthetemporizinglatitudinarian.HeisamanthathathnoGodbuthisbelly,noranyreligionbutthatbywhichhisbellyisworshipped.Hisreligionisalways,likethetimes,turningthiswayandthatway,likethecockonthesteeple;neitherhathheanyconsciencebutabenumbedandsearedone,andisnextdoortoadownrightatheist;andalsoisoneofthemanythat'willseektoenterin,andshallnotbeable.'

9.There is also thewillfully ignorantprofessor,orhim that is afraid toknowmore,forfearofthecross.Heisforpickingandchoosingoftruth,andlovethnottohazardhisallforthatworthynamebywhichhewouldbecalled.Whenheisatanytimeoversetbyarguments,orawakeningsofconscience,heusestohealallby—Iwasnotbroughtupinthisfaith;asifitwereunlawfulforChristianstoknowmorethanhathbeentaughtthematfirstconversion.TherearemanyScripturesthatlieagainsthisman,asthemouths of great guns, and he is one of themany that 'will seek toenterin,andshallnotbeable.'

10.We will add to all these, the professor that would prove himself aChristian, by comparing himself with others, instead of comparinghimselfwiththeWordofGod.Thismancomfortshimself,becauseheisasholyassuchandsuch;healsoknowsassuchasthatoldprofessor,andthenconcludesheshallgotoheaven:asifhecertainlyknew,thatthosewithwhomhecomparethhimselfwouldbeundoubtedlysaved;buthowif he should bemistaken? nay,may they not both fall short?But to besure he is in the wrong that hath made the comparison; and a wrongfoundationwillnotstandinthedayofjudgment.(2Cor10:12)Thisman,therefore,isoneofthemanythat 'willseektoenterin,andshallnotbeable.'

11.Thereisyetanotherprofessor;andheisforGodandforBaaltoo;he

canbeanythingforanycompany;hecanthrowstoneswithbothhands;hisreligionaltersas fastashiscompany;he isa frogofEgypt,andcanlive inthewaterandoutof thewater;hecanlive inreligiouscompany,andagainaswellout.Nothingthatisdisorderlycomesamisstohim;hewillholdwiththehare,andrunwiththehound;hecarriesfireintheonehand,andwaterintheother;heisaveryanythingbutwhatheshouldbe.This isalsooneof themanythat 'willseektoenter in,andshallnotbeable.'

12.There isalso that free-willer,whodenies to theHolyGhost thesoleworkinconversion;andthatSocinian,whodeniethtoChristthathehathmadetoGodsatisfactionforsin;andthatQuaker,whotakesfromChristthetwonaturesinhisperson:andImightaddasmanymore,touchingwhose damnation, they dying as they are, the Scripture is plain: these'willseektoenterin,andshallnotbeable.'But,

[USE FOURTH]—If it be so, what a strange disappointmentwillmanyprofessorsmeetwithatthedayofjudgment!Ispeaknotnowtotheopenprofane;everybody,asIhavesaid,thathathbutcommonunderstandingbetweengoodandevil,knowsthattheyareinthebroadwaytohellanddamnation,andtheymustneedscomethither;nothingcanhinderitbutrepentanceuntosalvation,exceptGodshouldprovea liartosavethem,anditishardventuringofthat.

Neither is it amiss, if we take notice of the examples that are brieflymentionedintheScriptures,concerningprofessorsthathavemiscarried.1.Judasperishedfromamongtheapostles.(Acts1)2.Demas,asIthink,perished from among the evangelists. (2 Tim 4:10) 3. Diotrephes fromamongtheministers,ortheminofficeinthechurch.(3John9)4.AndsforChristianprofessors,theyhavefallenbyheaps,andalmostbywholechurches. (2 Tim 1:15, Rev 3:4, 15–17) 5. Let us add to these, that thethings mentioned in the Scriptures about these matters, are but briefhints and items of what is afterwards to happen; as the apostle said,'Somemen's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; andsomementheyfollowafter.'(1Tim5:24)

So that, fellow-professors, let us fear, lest a promise being left us ofentering into this rest, anyofus shouldseemtocomeshortof it.O! to

come short! nothing kills like it, nothingwill burn like it. I intend notdiscouragements,butawakenings;thechurcheshaveneedofawakening,andsohaveallprofessors.Donotdespiseme,therefore,buthearmeoveragain.WhatastrangedisappointmentwillmanyprofessorsmeetwithatthedayofGodAlmighty!—adisappointment,Isay,andthatastoseveralthings.

(1.)Theywilllooktoescapehell,andyetfalljustintothemouthofhell:what adisappointmentwill behere! (2.)Theywill look forheaven,butthegateofheavenwill be shut against them:what adisappointment ishere!(3.)TheywillexpectthatChristshouldhavecompassionforthem,butwill find thathehath shutupallbowelsof compassion form them:whatadisappointmentishere!Again,

[USEFIFTH]—Asthisdisappointmentwillbefearful,socertainlyitwillbeveryfullofamazement.

1. Will it not amaze them to be unexpectedly excluded from life andsalvation?2.Willitnotbeamazingtothemtoseetheirownmadnessandfolly,whiletheyconsiderhowtheyhavedalliedwiththeirownsouls,andtooklightlyforgrantedthattheyhadthatgracethatwouldsavethem,buthathlefttheminadamnablestate?3.Willtheynotalsobeamazedoneatanother, while they remember how in their lifetime they countedthemselves fellow-heirs of life? To allude to that of the prophet, 'Theyshallbeamazedoneatanother,theirfacesshallbeasflames.'(Isa13:8)4.Willitnotbeamazingtosomeofthedamnedthemselves,toseesomecometohellthatthentheyshallseecomethither?toseepreachersoftheWord, professors of theWord, practisers in theWord, to come thither.WhatwonderingwasthereamongthematthefallofthekingofBabylon,sincehethoughttohaveswallowedupall,becausehewasrundownbytheMedesandPersians!'Howartthoufallenfromheaven,OLucifer,sonofthemorning!Howartthoucutdowntothegroundwhichdidstweakenthe nations!' If such a thing as this will with amazement surprise thedamned,whatanamazementwill itbe to themtoseesuchaoneashewhoseheadreachedtotheclouds,toseehimcomedowntothepit,andperishforeverlikehisowndung.'Hellfrombeneathismovedforthee,tomeettheeatthycoming;itstirrethupthedeadforthee,evenallthechiefonesof the earth.' (Isa 14)They that see thee shallnarrowly lookupon

thee,andconsiderthee,saying,Isthistheman?Isthishethatprofessed,anddisputed,andforsookus;butnowheiscometousagain?Isthishethatseparatedfromus,butnowheisfallenwithusintothesameeternaldamnationwithus?

[USE SIXTH]—Yet again, one wordmore, if Imay awaken professors.Consider, though the poor carnal world shall certainly perish, yet theywill want these things to aggravate their sorrow, which thouwiltmeetwith in every thought that thouwilthaveof the condition thouwast inwhenthouwastintheworld.

1.Theywillnothaveaprofession,tobitethemwhentheycomethither.2.Theywillnothaveatasteofalostheaven,tobitethemwhentheycomethither.3.Theywillnothavethethoughtsof,'Iwasalmostatheaven,'tobitethemwhentheycomethither.4.Theywillnothavethethoughtsof,how they cheated saints, ministers, churches, to bite them when theycomethither.5.Theywillnothavethedyingthoughtsoffalsefaith,falsehope,falserepentance,andfalseholiness,tobitethemwhentheycomethither. Iwas at the gates of heaven, I looked into heaven, I thought Ishouldhaveenteredintoheaven;Ohowwillthesethingssting!Theywill,ifImaycallthemso,bethestingofthestingofdeathinhell-fire.

[USESEVENTH]—Givemeleavenowinawordtogiveyoualittleadvice.

1. Dost thou love thine own soul? then pray to Jesus Christ for anawakenedheart, for aheart so awakenedwith all the thingsof anotherworld,thatthoumayestbealluredtoJesusChrist.2.Whenthoucomestthere,begagainformoreawakeningsaboutsin,hell,grace,andabouttherighteousness of Christ. 3. Cry also for a spirit of discerning, that thoumayestknowthatwhichissavinggraceindeed.4.Aboveallstudiesapplythyself to the study of those things that show thee the evil of sin, theshortness of man's life, and which is the way to be saved. 5. Keepcompanywith themost godly amongprofessors. 6.When thouhearestwhatthenatureof truegrace is,defernottoaskthineownheart if thisgracebethere.Andheretakeheed—

(1.)Thatthepreacherhimselfbesound,andofgoodlife.(2.)Thatthoutakestnotseeminggracesforrealones,norseemingfruitsforrealfruits.

(3.)Takeheedthatasininthylifegoesnotunrepentedof; forthatwillmakeaflawinthineevidence,awoundinthyconscience,andabreachinthypeace;andahundredtoone,ifatlastitdothnotdriveallthegraceintheeintosodarkacornerofthyheart,thatthoushaltnotbeable,foratime, by all the torches that are burning in the gospel, to find it out tothineowncomfortandconsolation.