The strait gate and narrow way to life opened and pointed out upon Luk. 13, 23, 24 / by Edward Chetwind ...

THE STRAIT GATE , AND Narrow way to Life . LVK. 13.23 , 24. Then said one unto him , Lord , are there few that shall be saved ? And he said unto them , Strive to enter in at the strait gate : for many , I say unto you , will seeke to enter in , and shall not be able .

CHAP. I. The Text resolved , and the first generall part , viz. the Question considered .

IN these words is set downe , the summe of a Conference , which passed betwixt another man whose name wee finde not mentioned , and our blessed Saviour , concerning the great matter , most worthy for us all to harken after , of mans salvation . Wherein the parts are plaine in number , as the verses , two : th' one making way unto th' other , and the latter inferred by occasion of the former ; namely , a Question , and an Answer .

The Question moved by that other man unto our Saviour , touching the number of them that should be saved : For , Then said one unto him , Lord , are there few that shall be saved ? whereunto is adioyned our Saviors Answer , directed not to him only , that moved the Question , but to the rest also then present , for instruction , touching the manner rather of attaining unto Salvation , but which withall implyed in it , the resolution of the Question , moved about the number : For , Then said hee unto them , Strive to enter in at the straite gate : for , many , I say unto you , will seeke to enter in , and shall not be able .

And first for the Question , ( to touch that onely by the way , and so as to make plain the way to the Answer following ) the coherence of it with the verse precedent , Verse 22. may perswade us to think , that it was occasioned by our Saviours teaching , as he went journying towards Ierusalem ; What ? but , as else-where it is expressed , The Gospell of the Kingdome ; Mat. 9 35. inviting all to repent , and beleeve in him , the Messiah promised , that so they might bee saved . Vpon hearing whereof , we may well conceive this fellow to move this Question , touching the number of them that shall be saved : Lord , are there few that shall be saved ? but how our Saviour reckoneth hereof , wee may gather best by the indirectnesse of his Answer , in appearance not unto the point , but made rather to the question , which should have been asked ; namely , how men might come to be of that blessed number , our Saviour shewing thereby , as else-where by the like , his dislike , and disapproving of the Question moved . Ioh. 6.26 .

But how farre his dislike was of it , and consequently our censure to passe against it , whether , as a Question only needlesse and curious , or farther yet , carping ; and captious ; that is not left expressed , and therefore certainely , cannot be gathered by us , who know not , farther then is here revealed , with what heart , and to what purpose the fellow spake it .

Howbeit , as all agree in this , that it was at the best , a curious and impertinent demand , as of one , who being exhorted to set towards heaven , must know , first what store of company went that way , ere he would be drawn to undertake the journey : so farther , that it was worse then so , namely , out of a captious humour , to carp and catch , if possible , at our Saviours Doctrine ; as all circumstances of the Text may well seeme to beare it , so may wee be perswaded to conceive of it , if but from the frequent use of such like Questions in other places proposed by such carping companions .

As by the Pharises touching divorce : Mat. 19.3 . Is it lawfull for a man to put away his wife upon every occasion ? by the Herodians , touching the Tribute mony : Tell us , what thinkest thou , Mat. 22.17 Is it lawfull to give Tribute to Caesar , or no ? By the Saduces touching the woman that had seven husbands , broght in to impeach the doctrine of the Resurrection : In the Resurrection , whose wife shall she be of the seven ? Mat. 22.28 .

Of like cavilling nature to which , to conceive & take this Question also , we may be moved the rather , by consideration of the matter touching which it is made , namely , the number that shall be saved : which may easily be conceived , to containe in it a cavil against our Saviours Doctrine , touching the meanes of salvation , only by faith in the Messiah promised , and true repentance , by few embraced .

Whereat whiles the vnbeleeving Iewes , who had beene taught to rest only in the formall observance of legall ceremonies , marvelled , no doubt , & murmured : wee may well imagine this fellow , more forward then the rest , to move this Question , by way of cauill , or objection .

Whereto , should our Saviour have returned answer , that not a few , but many should be saved ; his reply happily would not have bin to seeke , to taxe our Saviors teaching as untrue , that sure then men might be saved , without receiving him , or obeying his Doctrine , since few were his followers , doing what he required : but , on the contrary , should the answer have beene , as was expected rather , that indeede there were but few who should enter into life , this happly hee imagined , could not but procure much ill wil , if not worse , unto our Saviour , as being one , that taught a cruell Doctrine , much derogatory to that high conceit where-with most flatter themselves , touching the universality , and super-abundant riches of Gods mercy ; with which they cannot conceive , how it should well stand , to suffer the greater number of mankinde to perish .

CHAP. II. A discouery of Atheistical Scoffers and curious Questionists .

THe Question formerly examined , being conceived ( as by some of iudgement it is ) to be not onely needlessely curious , but also impiously carping , and captious ; herein , as in a cleare mirror , we may behold discovered the humours that have ever beene in all ages amongst the people of the world ; and in speciall how — This great and highest point of truth , touching the matter and meanes of salvation , is entertained , eyther with carping impiety , or with dangerous curiosity .

For so , to shew that this caviller , and his question , be not without fellowes ; as it is most certaine , that no elder age of the world hath wanted them , who , in the pride of their rebellious and unbelieving hearts , have bin bold to make a mocke , and to move cavill against the Sacred truth of God , in his Word revealed , which easily might be instanced , even from the dayes of Adam , downward untill Christ : so , that wee may not thinke such cavillers , by Christs comming , to be together with the Heathen Oracles , quite put to silence ? Saint Peter hath not spared to forwarne us of the comming in the last dayes of such mockers , who walking after their owne lusts , 2 Pet. 3.9 . shall aske , where is the promise of his comming ; and be ready to bring reason against it , as if there were no such matter to be looked for .

And accordingly , how easie , alas , is it , now adaies , to finde , and that amongst such as professe themselves worshippers of the true God in Christ , many every where of captious , and contradicting spirits ; who not onely liue the life , but speake also the very language of Atheisme , bewraying by their tongues , their spite , and deepe dislike against the truth of Christ , revealed in his Word , specially , in this very point of points , touching mans salvation . Who if they be called upon , according the tenour of the Baptist , our Saviour , Math. 3.8 . Mat. 4.17 . Acts. 2.38 . Eph 5.15 . Rom. 12 2. Psal. 119.9 . and his Apostles Doctrine , to repent , and beleeve the Gospell , to walke circumspectly , as by a line , abandoning the fashions & courses of this present world , and taking heed unto their waies , according to the Word , that so they may be saved : what shall you heare from them streight , but questionings and reasonings , such as this in our Text , vttering the foolishnesse of their ignorantly prophane hearts ?

For ( to giue instance in some few of their cursed speakings ) Then belike , will they reply , there can none be saved but such as follow Sermons , which commonly are not the most , and some of them as bad , as proud , covetous , and malicious , as any whosoever . Or , what ? if none can bee saved , but such as will be so pure forsooth , and holy , as your Preachers would have them ; then God be merciful unto us , for sure but a few of many should be saved . And then ; What then ? Why ? By this reckoning , you would make God not to be so strong as the Divell . Or , how can that be true , that God would have all men saved ? For , though we be sinners , yet , did not Christ die for all ? Or , Is not God mercifull , yea , his mercy above all his works ? Or , may wee thinke , that God made so many to condemne them ? Yea , and what ? Predestinated them of old unto it ere they were borne ? Indeed , saith the Papisticall Atheist , Sir , I have heard Preachers preach of Predestination ; but me thinks , it is a very dangerous doctrine , able to drive men to despaire . Or , What ? can they tell who shall be saved , and who shall be damned ? Doe they know Gods secrets ? When , I marvell , were they in heaven to speake with God ? Or , be not they men as well as others ? And good , many of them , no longer then whiles they are in the Pulpit ? Well , wee bee sinners all , God amend us ; and then wee shall , I doubt not , all at length come to heaven .

I appeale heerein , to the judgement of so many , as are able to discern , and have had experience of any thing ; whether these bee not the questions and reasonings , touching this main point of salvation and damnation , of many of all sorts , no better herein then very Atheists , who beleeving neither God , nor his revealed truth , would faine flatter themselves in a vain deluding hope ; that , Live how they list , and doe what they please ; Yet , God is mercifull ; and whensoeuer a sinner shall repent , &c. and , Christ dyed for all , and so for them ; and therefore , they doubt nothing but they shall be saved , as soone as the best . Or , say , they be bad , yet they be not the worst in the world , there be as bad as they ; and , if the worst therefore befall them , that they doe goe to hell , yet they shall have fellowes , and trust to make as good shift for themselves , as shall some others .

But , ( to leave these wretches , and their humours for a while ) may wee not note also another sort , not so impious , but of a more indifferent temper ; who yet through idle curiosity , are dangerously transported , from embracing the meanes and way of salvation prescribed , to make question how many , or what others shall be saved ? Yes verily ; but , who herein shew themselves to be , what Saint Peter would not have Christians to be , 1 Pet. 4.15 . busie bodies , or ( as the word originally importeth ) as Bishops in anothers Diocesse . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . As yet once , the same Saint Peter may seeme to have beene , when our Savior , saying to him , Follow me ; Ioh. 21.19 . He replyed streight vpon the sight of Iohn , Verse 21. with , Lord , what shall this man doe ? Right like to whom in humour , may the most part of men be found , more curious in enquiring what they need not , whether , or how many others shall be saved ; then faithfully carefull , to doe what God requireth , that themselves may attain salvation .

Nay , heerein , how many are there , that agree in humour , with that Phrisian Prince ; who , when by the French men , under the government of Charles Martell , Gual . hom. 140. in Luc. Nauel . vol. 2. Generat . 24. about the yeere of Christ , 730. the Phrisians were compelled to imbrace the Christian faith , comming to be baptized , and having one foot in the water ; is recorded to have turned about to the Bishop , desiring , first , to be resolved , whether more , already departed , were in hell , or more in heaven ; but receiving answer , that the greater number were in hel , whither all must that would not be baptized , & become Christians , refused thereupon to receive the sacrament , pulling his foote out of the water , and professing that he would follow where the most were gone before .

This , you will perhaps say , was the desperate humour of an Infidell , that knew not God : Howbeit , would God , he had not left behinde him , euen amongst Christians , many his fellowes , all too kinde hearted good fellows in this behalf ; who , though in words they will not for shame professe so much , yet prove by their licentious life , and wicked deeds , that they had rather with the multitude , though wandring along to hell , then with the lesser , but far wiser company , goe streight to heaven , curiously inquiring , as heere this companion , touching the number of them that shall bee saved , how great or small it is ; wishing in heart , & hoping it will be great , that so they might also shuffle in amongst the multitude ; but not caring truly to learne , or when they are directed , obediently to follow , and walke in that path , which will , though it be narrow , lead them unto life .

CHAP. III. The second maine part : our Saviours Answer : And first , what is therein implyed — that , but few are to be saved .

THe bad Humours of the world mentioned , and in part met withall , being hereafter farther to be censured ; we may pass from the consideration of the Question & proceed to the Answer , which our blessed Saviour , his Fathers wisedome , hath wisely , and to better purpose framed , for direction , and stirring up of so many , as seriously desire to enter into life : Strive to enter in at the strait gate : for many , I say to you , will seeke to enter in , and shall not be able .

Wherein , we have two things to observe in generall : First , what is implied , viz. the resolution of the question moved , touching the number of them that shall be saved . Secondly , what is expressed , viz. an Exhortation , or counsell , together with a reason to enforce it , touching the manner of attaining unto salvation .

And first , for the implyed Resolution of the question ; wee may conceive our Saviour dealing here with this questioning companion , right , as Solomon directeth a wise-man to deale with a foole ; whiles he answereth him not , according to his foolishnesse , that is , not directly to his question as hee expected , lest so hee might seeme to approve it as a question pertinent , and embolden him to further reply : and yet , according to his foollishnesse he answereth him , that is , howsoever indirectly , yet fully to the point , that hee might not grow wise , ( as such Cock-braines quickly will , if they be let alone , unanswered ) in his own conceit . For why ? whiles here he giveth warning , both to him , and all the rest , to strive and struggle , Pro. 26.4.5 1 Cor 9.25 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . and even sweat & wrestle , as those doe that try masteries : ( for , from such violence is the word heere borrowed ) to enter in , viz. into Heaven , by the strait and narrow gate , as the onely dore to life ; telling them , the more to stir them up to care , that , Many will seeke to enter , if wishing and willing would serue , who yet for want of earnest violence shall be shut out : how doth he , not onely imply an answer to the question moved , that indeede , but a few , in comparison with the multitude , shall be saved ; but also to prevent all farther cavilling , yeeld withall a reason , from the straitnesse of the gate , wherat therefore so many sticke , why it is , that so few come to be saved .

From which resolution of the point , that which it hath pleased our Saviour to reveale , we may be bold for our instruction to take notice of , touching the counsel of Gods wil in this particucular , namely , that : — They are but few , the lesser number of man-kinde , that shall enter into heaven and be saved . — For , what in this answer Christ implyeth , wee may see how else-where , he more fully openeth , making , as it were , a comment upon this Text , in Math. 7.13.14 . Enter in at the strait gate : For , it is the wide gate , and broad way , that leadeth to destruction : and many there be which go in thereat : Because the gate is strait , and the way narrow , that leadeth unto life , and few there be that finde it . So plainly and fully speaketh our blessed Saviour for resolution of the point , that we need not , now wee once have heard his voyce , any farther witnesses .

CHAP. IIII. A doubt proposed , cleared by St. Augustine , touching the many , and yet few that shall be saved .

TO the end that none may be dismayed at the former doctrine , Ioh ● . 6● . as an hard saying , and aske as the Disciples , Who then shall be saued ? Mar. 10 . 2● Let us againe heare the same our Saviour speaking yet , of many , not a few that shal be saved , Mat. 8.11 . I tell you , that many shall come from the East & West : ( he meaneth those of whom Isaiah before had prophesied , Isa 49 12. & 60.8 . even us sinners of the Gentiles ) and shal sit downe with Abraham , Isaac and Iacob , as at a banquet , in the Kingdome of God . And if we would yet farther understand how many : consider , how , Reuel. 7.9 . besides the hundred forty & foure thousand , sealed out of the tribes of Israel , Iohn saw a great multitude , which no man could number , of all Nations , and Kindreds , and people , & toungs , standing before the Throne , & before the Lamb : clothed with long white robes , and Palms in their hands , as ensigns of victory , ascribing to God the glory of their salvation . And if any shall hereupon call in question , how these contrary sayings may stand together , that so many shall be saved , and yet but few : let us heare Saint Augustine , sweetly me thinkes , Sermon . ● 32. de verbis Domini . Multi cert● , & pauci● & pauci & multi . Multi societate Ang●lorum : sed pauci comparatione multorum perd●toru● . reconciling the difference , & clearing this doubt . They are many surely , saith hee , and yet but few ; and few , and yet many , that shall bee saved . How can this be conceived ? thus briefely : they are many , gathered together , in company of Angells : and yet but few , in comparison with the many wicked , of all sorts , that perish . Will you have his similitude , very fitting to make this to be conceived ? as the wheate cornes in the threshing floore are scarcely conspicuous for the chaffe which covereth them , that one may see the floore , yet not see the corne , except heere and there happly a graine , where yet , when once the corne is winnowed , and the chaffe removed , there will be found a great heape of corne , to fill full the Graynar : euen so is it , saith he , with the elect that shall be saved ; heere , whiles they lie in this world , as in the barne-floore , mingled with the wicked , they are so covered , that they can scarcely be discerned , except heere and there happly one or two , Aream video , & grana quaero . some few of many : and yet , when the winnowing day shall come , that the wicked , as the Psalmist saith , Psal. 1.4 . shall as the chaffe be scatterred with the wind , yea , Mat. 3 . 1● Tanta massa de h●● Ecclesiae ●rea , 〈◊〉 impl●a●horreum ●●eli . as the Baptist threatned , consumed with the fire , the floore being purged ; lo then , so great an heape out of the barne floore of the Church , that it shall fill full the Graynar of Heaven .

And even so is it , as that good Father hath well resolved it . If wee consider the Church of God , and number of Gods elect , who have already entred heaven , since the worlds first foundation , or shall hereafter , untill the last day of the dissolution ; wee may well say that they are many , yea , very many ; thousands , hundred thousands , millions , the election of Israel , Rom. 11 . 2● . the glory and fulnesse of the Gentiles . And yet for all this , the Doctrine of our Saviour at first delivered , and resolution of the question , still remaineth firme as heaven , that a few only shall be saved . How can they bee counted few , that are in themselves so many ? Surely , ( as St Augustin ) by comparison . For so , as an hundred pounds , were in a poore mans purse a great summe of mony , which yet is but small , and as a matter of nothing to the Prince that hath millions in his coffers : even so , though the elect are in themselves a great company , hardly by man to be numbered , yet are they but a small number , compared unto the innumerable multitudes that perish ; surely but an handful , or as our Sa , viour calleth them , a little Flocke ; or at most , Luk 12.32 . all of them both Iewes and Gentiles , in respect of the other company , but as the Army of Israel , sometimes in compare with that of Aram , like two little flockes of Kids , whiles the Aramites filled the Country . 1 King . 20.27 .

CHAP. V. The truth confirmed by testimony of the Prophets , Gods proceedings , and our Saviours parable .

A Farther proofe of the truth already cleared , will easily offer it selfe , if we giue eare to the complaint , and credit to the report of the more ancient Prophets , from whom also we may learn how the Lords proportion hath ever bin the least . 1. Testimony of Prophets . Isa. 6.13 . As a Tenth , or a Tithing , scarce one for nine ; so Isaiah . Nay , wel if it were always so , but scarce one of an hundred , sometimes hardly two of a thousand ; Ier. 3.14 . as in Ieremies time , one of a City , and two of a Tribe . So againe in Isaiah , Isai 17.6 . as the shaking of an Olive tree , two or three berries left in the top of the upmost boughes , and foure or five in the highest branches . Micah 7.1 . So in in Micah , as the summer gatherings , and as the grapes after the vintage , no cluster being left to eate .

Finally , to make up a full consent of Prophets in this complaint , so also in Amos , as the Shepheard taketh out of the mouth of the Lyon , Amos 3.12 two legs , or a piece of an eare : so shall the children of Israel be taken , here and there one , violently rescued out of that common and general Apostasie . And howsoever it be true , that wee have nothing precisely to determine , touching the proportion ; yet may we to this purpose , marke that in Isaiah , as Rom. 9.27 . it is applyed directly to the point : Though the number of the children of Israel were as the sand of the sea , Isai. 10 12. yet shall but a remnant be saved . And if this be the proportion , among the children of Israel , the visible Church , wherein are onely the ordinary meanes of salvation to be found : alas , what may be thought touching others scattered thorowout the world innumerable , which have beene in all ages , and still are without the bounds or compasse of the Church ? that if , as Christ Iesus the father of the Prophets , yea the truth and life it selfe hath witnessed , and that oftner then once , many are called , Mat 20.16 & 22.14 . but few chosen , but few of those many , that are called ; then may wee be bold to avouch for truth , though delivered in the Apocryphall , ( 2 Eldr 8. ) that There be many created , and few that shall be saved . The most high having made ( as there it is answered ) this world for many , but the world to come for few .

To illustrate which farther , very fitting is the similitude which there is added : As when thou askest the earth , ( Verse 2. ) it will say to thee , that it giveth much earthly matter , to make pots , but little dust , that gold commeth of : ( Like our Mendip mines ; a great deale of lead , but a little siluer , and that not without much cost and paines refined , from the baser mettall : ) So is it , saith he , with the worke of this world . Indeed , most true , a great deale of base mettall ther is , and ever hath beene in the world , for a little that is of price , and yet let not us either marvell , or murmure at it , since wee know , how a few little wedges of gold , are more worth then an hundred times their weight in sowes of lead : and surely so is one Saint , or Son of God that shall be saved , more worth in Gods account and value , then a world of sinners , that in their wickednesse justly perish , and are damned , that no marvaile if these unions be found single by one and one , and lie not as common peoble stones in every street .

2. Gods proceedings . Farther , that we may not marvell that God should suffer so many in their sins to perish , reseruing onely but a remnant for himselfe : let us remember how it hath ever been so of old . As in the old world , one Noah , and seven with him saved in the Arke , and all besides , even the world of the ungodly ( as Peter calleth them ) drowned in the flood . 2 Pet. 2.5 Verse 7. So after in ●●dome , one righteous Lot , with onely his two daughters , escaping of so many thousands , from the fire . So in Iericho , a well-peopled Citie , Heb. 11.31 onely Rahab spared with her family . And what shall I tell you , of that ( which was but a type , not holding in all particulars ? ) how of sixe hundred thousand men of warre , of Israel , Numb. 14.30 . comming out of Egypt , two onely , to wit , Caleb and Ioshua , entered Canaan . These may serve to shew , that in temporall judgements , it hath beene mercie with God , when many perished , onely to rescue , and reserve a few , marked by grace , for such deliverance . And right so shall it be in the world to come , a few onely saved through the riches of Gods mercy , and th' other left most justly to perish .

I will spare to open the reason of this Doctrine farther , till I come in the more particular handling of the Exhortation , to speake of the strait and narrow gate , whereat so many sticke , and for want of striving cannot enter . 3. Our Saviours parable . Onely to make up the confirmation of this point , that but few are saved : let mee referre your thoughts , somewhat seriously to consider that Parable by our Saviour proposed in the Gospell , Mat. 13.3 . &c. touching the foure severall kindes of ground receiving seed , of which , one only brought forth fruit , fit to bee gathered into the barne . Whereto if we adde , ( that which palpable experience teacheth us ) that in the compasse of the earth , not the twentieth , no , nor yet the fortieth acre of ground , is arable receiving seed ; but heere a wood , and there an heath , a bare common , or at best , a pasture or meddow , that being neither plowed nor sowne , can at the most but bring forth grasse and hay , food fit for cattle , not for reasonable creatures ; hence may our own hearts tell us , what we are to thinke of the harvest of the Lord , viz. that howsoever the crop once gathered , will be great and goodly , never such an haruest , never such a joy , yet is the Lords crop but small in Isai. 9.3 . compare with that which groweth , in the large and spacious surface of the world .

Wherein , ( to come to a suruay ) it will easily appeare , that of the foure grand quarters of the earth , scarce one , and that the least of the foure , belongeth in severall , as glebe , and arable to the Lord . For , first , how hath ever the far greater part , lieu wast , and not at all manured : but there a wildernesse of Savages , or Heathen Idolaters , that never scarce heard of God and Christ : and here an heath , of cursed Mahometans , preferring their false Prophet , before Christ : & here & there scattered , a barren waste , like Iericho , Ai , or Sechem , razed downe , and sowed with salt , Iosh. 6. & 8. Iud. 9 45. of unbelieving Iews , to this day despising and despighting Chist ? Yea , and farther , of those that would be accounted plough-ground of Iesus Christ , how much is there that hath darnell and cockle sowed , in steade of wheate and barley , superstitious inuentions of man , which cannot bring forth good fruite , in stead of the good seed of grace , the word of truth ? as in the fields of Spaine , of Italy , and other Popish countries .

And yet farther , euen here , and where else , through the riches of his love and grace , Christ Iesus , as the good sower , commeth with his seed , alas , how many that refuse to be either plowed , or sowne ? and that while , no marvell , if like the sluggards field , Pro. 24.30 . they lie wast , and overgrowne with weedes and nettles , of loathsome vices ; some with whoredome , and filthy drunkennesse ; some with swearing , and desperate prophanenesse : with pride and malice , others : and others with the world , and wicked covetousnesse . Or if so any be , as pasture , or meddow ground , of a better mould ; yet whiles they receive not seede , whiles they heare not Gods blessed Word , what fruit can it be hoped they should bring forth , better then grasse and hay at the most , of civill conversation , and morall honesty ? That lo , these severall portions put apart , alas , where is the fortieth acre , ( to speak in compasse ) that may bee accounted as tillage to the Lord , so much as ordinary commers to heare Gods word , and to have cast on them the seed of Grace ?

And yet , secondly , even of those few that come to heare , how many are there , Ma●. 13. 1. whose hard and ignorant harts give the precious seed no entrance at all , which are no better then the high way ground ? 2. Verse 19. of those that goe farther to entertain the seed , how many spring vp at first , that wither streight againe in time of triall , being no better then the stony ground ? Thirdly , Verse 20. of those that seeme so to heare , understand , and practise for a while , that they are thought to grow a pace , and promise much increase , how many that are blasted , as in the bud , & quite choaked with the world , ere they grow to ripenesse , speeding no better then the thorny ground ? That there remaineth in fine , Verse 22. but a fourth ( and scarcely that alwaies ) of a fortieth part , that as the good ground receive and keepe the seed , and with patience and perseverance , bring forth fruit , good wheat , ripe and full for the haruest of the Lord . Verse 23.

So hath the point by consideration of this parable also , beene abundantly confirmed , that howsoever in themselves they be a great multitude : yet in comparison with those that perish , and are as tares reserved for burning , but — a few , a farre lesse number that shall be saved , and as good corne be gathered into the barne . So many waies are there to miscarry and goe wide , whereas , their is but one gate ( as is shewed after ) and that very strait to enter aright .

CHAP. VI. Contrary errours refuted , and the Obiections answered .

THe Doctrine of our Saviour , thus largely confirmed , affordeth to us all most profitable vse . For first , it maketh flatly for correction and confutation , of all Atheistical unbelieving ones ( of which sort the world to this day is full ; ) who , to flatter themseves in their owne ungodlinesse , do seeke to set wide open the gate of Heaven , as if all might enter . Num. 16.3 Bearing themselves and others , what they may , in hand most madly , contrary unto Christ Iesus his resolution , and the truth delivered , that not a few , but all rather , or sure the greater part , at least of those that professe faith in the name of Christ ( be they Papists , Familists , Anabaptists , or of what other sect , howsoever living , or whatsoever doing shall bee saved in fine , & go to heaven . For countenancing of which conceit , you have partly heard before , what reasonings are brought by such cavilling spirits : from the Mercy , Power , Will , and Iustice of God , and the infinite rich Merit of the death of Christ . For Is not , say they , God mercifull ; Yea his mercy over all● ▪ Or , Is not God stronger then the Divell ? and therefore able to save all ? Or , Is it not plainely avouched by S. Peter , that he would have none to perish ? And by Saint Paul , that his will is that all men should be saved ? Or , what reason or iustice were there in God th● he should make so many to co●demne them ? Or finally ▪ what though all be sinners ; yet , did not Christ dye for all , great sinners , as well as lesse offenders ? Or , Is not his blood of price , to wash away the greatest sins , as Davids murder , and adultery ; and Peters denying and forswearing , and the like : so that men beleeve in him ; which who so doth not , is a very beast ? And sure , then there be more beasts then reasonable creatures , even amongst them , that goe for Christians in the world ; since , witnes the Apostle , All men have not faith . Nay faith , if not fained but true , 2 Thes. 3.2 . such as can save , it is , as God doth know , a speciall garden flower , that groweth not wilde or common , ( as after shall be shewed ) in euery field .

But ( to give answer briefely to such cavilling demands : ) First , for the last , drawne from the infinite worth of the Merite of Christs death . 1 Christs merit . Our answer may be easy by that common Schoole distinction ; that for the sufficiency of Christs death , we grant , it may be said truely , that Christ dyed for all , that is , that his death was of sufficient worth and value in it selfe , had God thereto appointed it , to have saved all ; and is , to save his Elect , from all , even their greatest sinnes : but in the efficacy of it unto life , so only saith th' apostle , Heb. 5.9 Hee was made an Author of eternall salvation to all that doe obey him ; which all doe not , nor yet beleeve in him aright ; whatsoever folkes prate of Faith , that know not what it is . For , as the Prophet long agone complained , Who hath beleeved our report ? Isa. 53.1 . And our Saviour forewarned for the time to come , when the Sonne of man shall come , Luke 18.8 shall he finde faith in the earth ? no more is there now ; but a little true faith to be found in the world ; nor doe all , nor the tenth of them beleeve in Christ ; who boast of faith in im , and hope of salvation by him . And even so , in the Second place , 2● Gods mercy . for the question moved touching the Mercy of God : the answer is proportionable to the former , that Gods mercy indeed is great & above all his works ; Psa. 145.9 howbeit though God be infinite in mercy , as Christ is in merit , to save all that shall be saved , onely through the riches of his grace : yet shall none have mercy unto life , but onely those , who , being ordained vessels of mercy , are fitted by repentance to receive mercy ; as all are not . For so out of Moses , you know how th' apostle argueth , Rom. 9.15 . Exo. 33.19 I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy . And verse 23. That hee might declare the riches of his glory , upon the vessels of mercy , which hee hath prepared unto glory . Otherwise as God is mercifull , to whom mercy belongeth , so is he a just God no lesse , towards them , Deut. 7.9.10 to whom iustice appertaineth : neither must we so dreame of his mercy , as to forget his justice ; since his song is with David , Psal 101.1 . Mercy and Iudgement , not one , but both rightly disposed .

Thirdly , for that mentioned touching the Power of God , 3 Gods power . that he is stronger then the Divell : our answer is , that we must not reason from Gods power to crosse his will , neither will it follow , that because hee is able to save all , therefore all , or the greater number shall be saved ; since hee hath plainely revealed his will unto the contrary . For Fourthly , 4 Gods will . for those places alleadged to prove his Will of saving all : it is certaine they are misapplied , whiles brought to contradict the truth before confirmed ; against which in the true sense , comming from the same Spirit of truth , they cannot make . Neither indeed doth S. Peter speake in the place alleadged , 2 Pet 3.9 . of ought save of the proceeding of his revealed will , which offereth with patience salvation vnto al , that will be willing , on the condition of repentance required , to receive it . For so are his words , and would have none to perish , but all to come unto repentance , that so they might be saved . As all shall indeed , that will accept the condition and repent . And for that in Saint Paul , 1. Tim. 2.4 though we take it to be spoken , ( as the schooles also distinguish ) touching his absolute will : yet doe the circumstances of the Text shew plainely , De ger eribus singulorum , non de singu●is generum : inullum genus hominum excipit a salute , quia olim tantum Iudaeis , sed modo omnibus pa●et . Et hoc magis facit ad intentionem Apostoli . Tho. Aquin 1 Tim. 2 how it is to be understood : viz. of all sorts and degrees of mankind , not of the Particulars of every sort . For so is Gods will , to have all saved : that is , some of all ages , young and old : of both sexes , men and women : of all conditions , rich and poore : of all nations , Iewes and Gentiles : finally of all callings , from the King that sitteth upon the throne , ( for whom , though then heathen , The Apostle there requireth the Christians to pray , bringing this as a reason to perswade thereto ) to the maid that grindeth at the mill : but wee cannot say that it is simply his wil , to have every man and woman saved ; for then what could hinder , but al should be saved ? whereas we may marke , even in the very place alleadged , how this generall is bounded with a condition not to bee found in all , of comming to the acknowledging of the truth .

Fiftly and finally , 5. Gods iustice . for that complaint made against the iustice of God , that they cannot see how it can stand with reason or equity , that God should make so many to condemn them : hereto I answer : First , that God out of his owne inclination , doth neither cause nor desire the sinne or the condemnation of his Creature . For he made man righteous ▪ but they have sought many inventions , Eccl. 7.31 . as Salomon speaketh ; and as God hath not made death , neither hath be pleasure in the destruction of the living , Wil. 1.13 . Ezek. 18.32 . & 33.11 for he created all things , that they might have their being . But man by the first fall , and his sinne against God , made himselfe and his posteritie liable to condemnation . And if God should now appoint man to that iudgement , which he hath deserved , if any should farther presume to reply , we might stoppe such presumptuous mouths , with that of the Apostle , Rom. 9.20 . O man , who art thou which pleadest against God ? for , shall the thing formed , Isa 45.9 . say to him that formed it , why hast thou made me thus ? or , hath not the Potter power of the clay ? &c. And secondly , this farther I say with Salomon , Pro. 16 that The Lord hath made all things for his owne sake , that is , for the praise of his own glory : even the wicked for the day of evill ; Rom. 9.21 . and with the Apostle , What and if God would , to shew his wrath , and to make his power knowne , suffer with long patience , the vessels of wrath , prepared to destruction ? Howbeit though their making and preparation be from God , yet according to the phrase in Hosea , Hos. 13. ● their destruction is their owne , and their damnation most justly merited by themselves ; as will appeare most cleare , before ●l the world , in the last day if not sooner , when not onely the heavens shall declare their wickednesse , and the earth and all the creatures , Iob 20.27 . shall rise up against them : but also their owne guilty conscience , shall be forced in horrour to acknowledge without impeachment , the justice of the Lord , in seeking his owne glory , by the just condemnation of so many Reprobates , it being the riches of his mercy to save , though a lesser number ; when as all in justice have deserved death . And therfore thirdly , for close of all , what , though our blind eye of carnall reason could not for the present discern sufficiently of Gods justice , in this behalfe ? no more are wee able to conceive the causes of farre inferiour matters , as ( for instance ) of the ebbing and flowing of the sea , except onely by conjecture . And how much lesse then are wee able to understand Gods fearefull power , or to comprehend his judgements , which are as a great deepe , Psal. 36.6 . hard to bee sounded to the bottome , with the plummet of our reason , specially in this particular , touching which you know how the Apostle cryeth out by way of admiration : Rom. 11.33 . How unsearchable are his iudgements , and his wayes past finding out ! Howbeit , this we may resolve , that howsoever the reasons of them be now hid from us , yet are they knowne to his eternal wisedome , and therein reserved to bee revealed as most iust , before all the world , at the glorious appearing of the Lord Iesus : who , as the Sunne of righteousnesse , will then lighten all things , 1. Cor. 4.5 that are now hid in darknesse .

CHAP. VII . That men ought to endeavour to be of the lesser number , and not to follow multitudes .

THe truth of the Doctrine formerly delivered , and now cleared , and freed from those cavils and obiections that might be raised against it , may serve to us in the next place , briefely , for instruction : to settle and confirme us in the faith and perswasion of this secret of God , by Christ himselfe so plainely revealed , that but a few shall be saved . And let us be withall perswaded of the reason , why our Saviour hath vouchsafed to reveale this secret to us . Surely , not to drive any to despaire , or to worke in them distrust , as if they might not come to be saved , except the fault be in themselves : but rather to stirre all up to prayer and watchfulnesse , To worke out their salvation with feare and trembling ; Phil 2.12 . Solliciti de medijs , non dubij de fine . not doubtfull of the end , but carefull of the meanes , bringing to that end . Since the fewer that we heare like to partake true happinesse , the more earnest should be our endeavour to come to be of that smaller number ; not securing our selves ( as the manner of some is ) as if heaven should be cast on vs , or as if all the world should be saved : no , for the blessing of life eternal , though it be great , yet have we learned , that it is not generall , nor shall all , no , nor the greatest part , nor yet , if wee will beleeve The'apostle , 1 Cor. 1.26 . the noblest or wealthiest part generally enioy it .

Wherefore , howsoever Papists stand much on multitudes , and carnall wretches ( not caring what they doe ) beare themselves out in this , that they doe but what they see others , yea , the most , to do before them : yet let this serve to perswade us to a safer course , viz. as Th' apostle wisheth , not to fashion our selves after the world ; Rom. 12.2 . neyther ever to suffer our selves to be drawne , to doe ought , for company , which is not warrantable . For , what though most in their common use of speech , inure their tongues to take in vaine the name of God ? and but few that ( as the opposition is in Salomon ) feare an oath ? What ? though the greatest number remaine in sottish ignorance , Eccl. 9.2 . having the preaching of the Word in no esteeme , because they never felt the power thereof ? And but a few in comparison , that either love or care much to listen after saving knowledge , in attending unto the meanes by God thereto appointed ? What though most doe reckon of the Sabbath , onely as a day of rest for carnall delight ? And but a few of many , that , as God in the Prophet counselleth , Isa. 58.13 . doe consecrate it , as glorious unto the Lord ? that many neglect Gods worship , and speake evill of the truth ? And but few that have a right respect , and love thereto ? In briefe , what though all seeke their owne ? Being from the least unto the greatest given unto covetousnesse ? Phil. 2.21 . that many , assemble themselves by troupes , Ier. 5.7 . in Harlots houses ? or otherwise joyne together , as those good-fellowes , Prov. 1. to doe wickedly ? Oh yet , ( as there ver. 10. the wise man counselleth ) My sonne , if sinners entice thee , consent thou not : so let not us be swaied , if we love our soules , by such good fellowship . No , for let us remember this rather which wee have learned , that the greater number are travellers in the broad road way to hel ; and therefore howsoever company be good in travell , ( if so it be good company ) yet safer for us to hearken to that counsell , or command rather of God himselfe , Exod. 23.2 . Thou shalt not follow a multitude : 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Potentiorum . Trem. no not of great ones ( as the originall word will beare , and is by some rendred ) to doe evill .

Rather let it be for bruit beasts , without farther consideration , to follow the herde , as soone to the shambles as to the pasture : but for us to whom God hath given reason to consider , yea , taught faith and Religion to beleeve ; and who would be accounted in the number of the righteous , let us remember that sweet counsell of Saint Augustin , In Psal. 39. Haec paucos , illac multos . Si iustus esse velis , noli numerare , sed appende via lata mortifera est . when wee see many going one way , and few another : Yet , not to take things by tale , or number , but try them by weight , And since the broad way is so dangerous , Turbae strepunt , turbae festi●ant &c. no●i imitari , noli averti . or rather deadly ; wherein ( saith he ) the multitudes in troupes runne after vanities , and lying follies : but doe not thou run after them : ( Where by the way , I wish it may be noted , how hee instanceth in Theatre plaies , and other idle and ungodly spectacles , then which scarcely any thing can be found more pleasing to the corrupt mindes of the carnall multitudes . ) Let us never imagine that we are privileged to do ought , because we see others so to doe . For let us remember that in the Psalme : The transgressors shall be destroyed together ; Psal. 37.38 this is all that is gotten by having company in sinning , so also to bee accompanied in perishing . And therefore how farre safer for us , to leave reckoning what others doe , wisely betaking our selves to whatsoever God prescribeth us to doe ? And if at any time , we beginne to muse , as Peter , Ioh. 21.21 . touching Iohn , what ? or how such or such will doe ? Let us thinke streight how the checke of our Saviour , unto Peter , is no lesse for us ; verse 22. For , What is that to us ? when wee are directly enjoyned to follow Christ . And hereupon , what must be our resolution ? but that of Ioshua , that whatsoever others make choice to doe , Iosh. 24.15 yet we and ours will serve the Lord , so as hee requireth , of them that will be saved . Which since the fewer sort doe in good earnest , even of those that say they are Christians ( amongst whom , many like those Iewes in Smyrna , only say so , and are not : having at most , Reu. 2.9 . as Sardis , a name to live when they bee dead ) therefore let our care be , Reu. 3.1 . to live as the fewer doe , that with the fewer we may enter into heaven . And this is our next use of the doctrine before delivered , for admonition .

CHAP. VIII . Comfort to Gods faitfull Ministers , in regard of their unsuccessefull labours .

THe last and largest application yet remaineth , to shew , namely , how this doctrine , touching the small number to be saved ; ( which may at first sight happly seeme full of feare , and is indeede , I grant , a point of terrour to wicked worldlings , who therefore of al other points can hardliest brooke it ) affordeth aboundant comfort , and even the riches of consolation : first , to Gods faithfull Ministers : and secondly , to all true believers .

For , first , for us who are set apart for this speciall service , this great worke of winning soules ; if happily at any time wee finde discouragement , labouring all in vaine , and as for nothing without successe ; Isai. 49.4 . that after much paines taken in sowing of the fairest seed , there appeareth so little greene above ground , giving hope of harvest ; iniquity and infidelity still overflowing for all our preaching , and but a few who yeeld sincere obedience , being wonne by the working power of the word , to the truth of faith : yet for all this so we bee found faithfull , 1. cor. 4.2 in our service we need not faint ; but consider how it hath so ever fared , and no better , with those that were the most faithfull preachers of righteousnesse in all ages . As with Noah , in whom S. Peter telleth us , how Christ went and preached to the old world , 1. Pet. 3.19 full sixe score yeares ; with how little profit ? and with Lot , who in Sodome vexed his righteous soule , 2. Pet. 2.8 . to winne the rest to goodnesse , without successe . As with Isaiah , Isai. 49.4 . & 53.1 . whose complaints in this behalfe are upon record . Yea , with our Saviour , who by all his painfull travell , got but , as himself doth tearm them , a little flocke ; Luc. 12.32 and they not Scribes and Pharises , not Herod ▪ Pilat , or such great ones , but of the meaner sort ; for , doe any of the Rulers beleeve in him ? Ioh. 7 48. Ioh. 19.38 , 39. surely ( except one Nicodemus , or one rich Ioseph ; who yet are sore afraid a great while to confesse him ) hardly any . A reason of which hard successe for comfort to us , if happily we find the like or worse , in this last and worst age of the world , is yeelded in the doctrine before delivered ; because namely , there are but a few of many , the lesser number , that shall be saved ; that we need not to let fall our courage , if we see not wished for successe alwaies in the most or many .

No , but rather how may this consideration serve to cheere up our spirits , and make us to account it , as well we may , a speciall gift , out of the undeserved riches of Gods grace : shall God vouchsafe to deale so graciously with us ( who are at best , but servants receiving nothing but what is given us , Ioh 3.27 . ) as to make his word put in our mouthes , to become powerfull by his Spirit , for any of his childrens good ; that any though but some few of many , some one of twentie , or two of an hundred , or ten of a thousand , sincerely embrace our Ministery , and come to beleeve our report , beeing brought to yeeld obedience unto Christ , as heirs of life . For surely , if so God please to honour us , howsoever his alone and onely must bee the glory , who is alone the father of the spirits , Heb. 12.9 . able onely to give grace by whatsoever instrument : yet may this comfort and encourage us , to goe forward without fainting , in this so weightie businesse ; like the painefull Husbandman in the Morning , Eccl. 11.6 . as Salomon counselleth in another case , sowing the seede ; and at Evening not letting our hand to rest ; as not knowing which shall prosper by Gods blessing , which onely can give the increase . Being instant , as Saint Paul so straitly chargeth Timothy , 1. Cor. 3.7 2. Tim. 4.2 in season and out of season ; as himselfe professeth , Acts 20. how he had laboured in Asia , publikely , Vers. 20. and more privately , with all of all sorts , to win them unto Christ .

And then , as it is recorded , Act , 17 , to have befallen the same Apostle at Athens , when he preached to them of the Resurrection ; Ve●se 32. that some mocked and others marvailed , howbeit , as ver. 34. certaine clave unto him and beleeved : amongst whom was also Denys the Iudge of Areopagus ( or Mars-street ) and a woman named Damaris and others with them ▪ so may we hope to find , that howsoever at our preaching , some shall mocke , and others marvaile , or at the most applaud , and say Well done , &c. and there an end : yet some by Gods mercy will cling and cleave , beleeving and being won to Christ ; a Damaris perhaps at one Sermon , and Iudge Denys at another ; that howsoever not all , nor yet the maior part be gathered , yet sooner or later the elect shall ; so many , at one time or another , ( as it was said of the Gentiles at Antiochia , Act. 1● . 48 . ) as are ordained to eternal life . Yea , for howsoever , as those who flocked to see wonders , Act. 2. they be ready in the beginning of the sermon , to scoffe & mock , Ver. 13. or , at least , in their heart to contemne the Preacher : but yet what know we , but they may be caught upon the hooke , if God shal bring them once to nibble at the bait : as even those were many , so pricked at the very heart , by Peters powerful preaching , that their cry was as you know there , ver. 37. Men & brethren what shal we do ? their meaning was , what the trembling Gaoler . Act. 16. Ver. 30. more fully spake , being awaked by a wonder , to ask a far wiser question then the fellow in our Text ) what they should doe that they might be saved ? to whom , being so humbled once , when Peter had given counsel to amend their lives , Act. 1.38 & with all , applyed , the comfort of the promise , to revive their soules , telling them that the promise of life was made to them : you know what is added , verse 41. How namely , about three thousand soules , in that one day were added to the Church .

By meanes like to which , as it is said after in the conclusion of that Chapter , that God did them ; so still will he adde to the Church from day to day such as shall be saved ; verse 47. Saint Peters net cast out , beeing able to catch at once a multitude , when Christ Iesus shall come , ( Luc. 5. ● ) ( as once we read he did ) to helpe the fishing , within the cords of which net , howsoever wee may not hope to compasse all that swimmeth in the sea , and happely of those which wee draw to land , some prove but sorry ones , not worthy keeping , ( as in that Parable of the draw-net is observed ) yet let this be our comfort that we catch some good to put as into vessels for service of the Lord : and for the rest , Mar. 13.48 let us remember that , wherewith Isaiah in like labour comforted himself ; namely , that our iudgement is with the Lord , Isa 49.4 . and our worke is with our Gods & though Israel be not gathered , verse 5. yet shall we be glorious in the Lords eyes , and our God shall be our strength . For why ? 2. Cor. 2.15 . We are unto God the sweet savour of Christ , in whom ? in them that are saved ? indeede in them chiefly ; yet not onely in them , but , in them also that perish . Will ye have told how the Apostle openeth it ? To the one we are the savour of death unto death , viz. to seale up their condemnation ; while wee preach Christ a Iudge , 2 Thes. 2.8 . comming in flaming fire to render vengeance , to all that shal contemne to know or follow him : but to the other ; we are the savor of life unto life , to assure their soules of eternal life ; whiles we preach Christ a most mercifull Saviour , to all that shall beleeve ; When as he shall come to be glorified in his Saints , 2 Thes. 1.10 . and to be made marvailous , for mercy ( though not simply in all , not the most , yet ) in all that beleeve in him ; because our testimonie hath beene beleeved by them . So may this serve to comfort Gods faithfull Ministers .

CHAP. IX . What thankefull reioycing they ought to have in God , that are freely chosen to be of the lesser number .

IN the second place , Ro. 1.6.26 . to all true believers , called and converted to the obedience of faith ; may this point touching the few that shall shal bee saved , yeeld comfort in aboundance , and great encouragement . First , Comfort , in the free and gracious rich mercy of the Lord , who hath vouchsafed meerly thorow his eye of love cast on them , to separate them from the many of the world , and to marke them for his owne : making them through faith to become what Zacheus was , when upon his sound repentance , Luke 19.9 . Gal. 3.3 . salvation came into his house , even Children , and so blessed with faithfull Abraham . To every one of whom how can this consideration possibly but adde an encrease of joy ; that whereas it hath pleased God in the unsearchable depth of his eternall wisedome , to choose out and reserve unto himselfe , onely a few , a remnant , for the glory of his grace : it hath also pleased him , in the free and unconceiveable riches of that his grace , to vouchsafe to make them some of that small remnant which shall be saved .

Assurance whereof whosoever thou be that canst find unto thy soule , let me beseech thee to consider seriously , onely to increase thy joy and thankfulnesse ; whether God might not have left thee justly , as he hath many round about thee , to walke ( as once thou didst assuredly , though perhaps thou then didst not take notice of it , which was indeede thy greatest misery ) in the broad way , wherein so many walke unwisely , towards destruction . Or , tell me if thou canst , what did God see in thee , more then in any other , that might move him to cast his love , on thee , more then on many an other ? perhaps , richer , or it may be more noble ; or more learned , or more mighty , witty , strong , or better favoured : for , doe but remember the times of old , and call to minde , the daies and moneths , and yeeres , which are already passed ; and tell me in good earnest , or rather tell to God with rejoicing thankfulnesse ; wast thou not as ignorant , as the most ignorant , til he instructed thee ? as blinde as the blindest , till hee enlightened thee ? as dissolute , perhaps , and disorderly , as the most of thy state and standing , till God himselfe tooke in hand to order and reclaime thee ? say man , wast thou not once a Saul , till God strooke thee down , to make thee turne to him that smote thee , and so to become a Paul ? wa st thou not , perhaps , a lover of pleasures , or of profit , or of praises , more then of God ? or wast thou not once perhaps a contemner of the holy Word and worship of God , a blasphemer , and tearer in pieces with thy tongue , set on fire by hell , of the sacred and holy name of God ? or a prophaner , ( contrary to Gods morall precept stil in power , ) of the holy Sabbath of God ? ( of which , how truly spake hee , that spake worthily , in a great assembly , and since hath written it : D. Denison at the Act in Oxford . on Neh. 13.22 . that Where the Sabbath is not sanctified , there is neyther sound Religion , nor a Christian conuersation to be-expected . ) Or for the second Table ; wast thou not , perhaps , rebellious in times past , & disobedient , if not an heart-breaking to thy tender parents ? or it may be a scorner and derider of Gods Ministers ; or hast thou not beene ( to hasten in the rest ) of a malicious , revengefull , stout , and perhaps stabbing stomacke ? or not , it may be , of a filthy , and uncleane , a drunken & defiled conuersation ? or hath not thy heart and hand dealt unjustly , and even theevishly with others ? or perhaps , which was a greater fault , with thy parent ? or thy Master ? or thy dead friend , that left thee his Executor ? or any else who trusted thee ? if not ( by thy riotous and wastfull spending also ) happly with thy selfe ? or what finally , canst thou not remember the time , when ( alas , ) thou madest no conscience at all , for either thine owne commodity , ●or others sinnefull profit , ( which seldome prospers ) to let thy tongue tell many a lie , if not sometimes confirmed with verie oaths ; not fearing that dreadful doome of ecxlusion , Rev. 22.15 & 21.8 . and casting into the Lake , denounced against all that love , or make lies ? In a word , ( to leave every one to examine themselves in what maner ) dost thou not think that there be many in hell , now damned , and so shall be for ever , that never committed so many fearefull sinnes , of what sort soever as thou hast done ?

And , if thus happly upon inquiry , thou canst finde thy former estate to have beene , before God by his Word and Spirit pulled thee out of the fire ; how there was in thee at all , no manner of sound goodnesse , no love unto Gods Word , nor reverence of his Name , nor conscience of his Sabbaths , nor care to keepe any of his righteous lawes : Oh then ; urge I this to drive thee to despaire ? no , deare Christian , but to make thee rather to stand astonished , with thankefull admiration , at the rich , gracious , and free mercy of thy God ; who ( as hee told Moses , ) shewing mercy , and having compassion on whom he will , Exod. 33.19 . Mat. 11.16 . hath of his owne good pleasure , without farther reason that can be given , reserved thee for grace , marking thee as with his owne sheepe-brand , for one of his little flocke ; who though small , yet need not to feare , since his pleasure is ( as Christ himselfe hath promised ) to give them the Kingdome . Luk. 12.32 .

CHAP. X. Foure speciall notes for the triall of our right in that estate .

IN the soundnesse of this rejoycing joy , that they may be the more confirmed , if any shall desire to have those notes or markes assigned , whereby they may come to know themselves , to be undoubtedly of that lesser flocke : behold , for triall , foure onely amongst many , as I conceive , most especiall ones ; which therfore I wil make choice of , briefely to commend unto our use .

The First , whereof is this , to see whether wee can finde in us new , that is renewed , hearts : not new tongues only to speake , not new faces onely to looke , nor new hands onely to worke , otherwise then before ; ( for all these , though good signes of the renewing of the heart , yet may be found , where the heart remaineth old , 2 Cor. 5.17 . 1 Cor 6.11 in very Hypocrites ) but new hearts , which are never found but in new converted Crhistians whose sinnes are washed away , by the blood of Christ , who shall be saved .

For so in the new covenant , Ezek. 36. on whom God promiseth to powre cleane water , that they may be cleansed from sin ; I will powre cleane water upon you , and yee shall be cleane : verse 25. to them doth he promise also a new heart and spirit , that they may bee wholly renewed with grace ; verse 26. a new heart also will I give you , and a new spirit will I put within you ; and what a new heart hee meaneth , hee openeth farther in the words following , I will take away the stony heart out of your body ( i. ) the stony hardnesse which was in your heart before , Non carnale sed carneum cor . and I will give you a heart of flesh ; he meaneth not a fleshly , but a fleshy , that is , a soft and tender heart ; to tremble at Gods judgements , and believe his promises , and obey his Commandements , so as before they did not . Indeed so it shall be , when one is truely converted unto God , he shall finde in him for spirituall matters , what in regard of managing civill affaires , is said , 1 Sam. 10. that God gave Saul , Verse 9. when he was turned from Samuel , even another heart : Surely , another mind , another will , otherwise disposed affections , then before . That what before hee liked and loved , those exercises , tha● company , those courses , sinfull , wicked , and prophane ; those now contrarily , hee findeth his soule to abhor and loath : and on the other side , what before hee cared not for , he could not abide , he esteemed not of ; that now , those exercises , that company , those courses , Gods Word and Sabbaths , and Ministers , and people , and their holy practices , be they wherein his soule and spirit , chiefely delighteth . And whosoeever can find thus in him a new or an other heart , it is as Gods privy seale set upon his soule , that his soule is one of these few , that shall be saved . Of which seale , when David by his fall and folly , had even defaced the stampe , hee praied so , to have it again renewed upon him , in that Psal. 51.10 . Create in mee O God , a cleane heart , and renew within mee a right , or setled spirit . So is this the first , and evermore a sure note of salvation , a new heart .

But farther , for a second , let us observe whether wee keepe aright , an old remembrance : I meane , remembrance of what hath passed of old , our former waies and workes that were not good ; how ? but with a kind of shame & detestation of them , Rom. 6.21 . and even judging of our own selves for them , as worthy of wrath . For so is this given for a note of a right in Christ to life , to judge our selves in our selves deserving death ; as in Ezek. 36.31 . Then , when ( as before ) God hath powred cleane water on them , and given them new hearts , shal you remember your owne wicked waies and your deeds that were not good : and shall iudge your selves worthy to have been destroied , for your iniquities and abominations . Till when , that men come to see & judge themselves worthy to bee destroied , they can never come to assurance that in Christ Iesus , they shall be saved .

For , first , as in Zach. 12. Verse 10. they must weepe over Christ , whom they have pier-ced ; ere they may hope to finde , what is after promised , Zach. 13.1 . the fountaine opened , by whose waters they may be cleansed . And therefore prayed holy David , Psal . 51. Have mercy O God on mee , after thy loving kindnesse , &c. for in ver. 3. I know mine iniquities , and my sins , that is , the bitter remembrance thereof , is ever before me . So must we with humbled hearts remember our former sinnes , if wee would have God to forget them ; since this remembrance wil be a meanes to breake our hearts , and to keepe us , as it did S. Paul , still humble , 1 Cor. 15.10 . Iam. 4.6 . and so capable of saving grace . This therefore is a second note .

But thirdly , will we have as it were Gods broad seale set upon us , that others also may see and perceive that wee are his servants , who shall be saved ? Then see , Psal. 101.2 119.59.60 . as what present care wee have for reformation of our owne lives : so what zeale withall ; to turne and draw others unto God , who , as our selves of old , or perhaps with us , have gone astray . For so in Ezech. 18.30 . returne , viz. your selves ; but is that enough ? No , but ( which will follow upon the former ) and cause others to turne away from all your transgressions : wherein they joyned , perhaps formerly with you , & you with them , each provoking th' other , and so iniquity shall not be your destruction . In which regard , let us think it said to every one of us , what was once to Ieremy , Ier. 15.19 . If thou returne , then will I bring thee againe , and thou shalt stand before me : and if thou take away the precious from the vile , that is , seeke to winne the good from the bad , thou shalt bee according to my Word ; wherupon also , let us mark the counsell following , let them returne to thee , that is , seeke , if thou canst , by all meanes to win them unto God , ( for this is a property ever of one truly penitent , what David therefore promised in Psa. 51. vers. 13. when once himselfe was reconciled unto God , and which was by our blessed Saviour injoyned Peter , ) but howsoever , if thou canst not , yet this beware of , doe not thou returne to them , to become as in former times , perchance , a companion in evill . No , but if wee cannot amend them , rather let us mourne for them , and this also shall be as that marke of life in Ezek. set upon us , Ezek. 9 4. that when all else shall be destroyed , our soules shall be spared . This therefore is a third marke , Zeale to turne other sinners unto God , as our selves are turned .

Fourthly , and finally , we may consider how we stand towards God , by observing what love we bear unto the Saints of God ; our love towards such as are the heyrs of Heaven , being that which may affoord vs sure hope of heaven . Witnesse that of S. Iohn , 1 Ioh. 3.14 . We know that we are translated from death to life , because wee love the brethren , that is ; Gods children anew begotten of him , as our selves , to a lively hope . For why ? this love to them , who are brethren , it is that , which can onely prove true , our love to God our father ; by the same Apostles rule , elswhere delivered , ( which holdeth also , 1 Ioh. ● . 1 . being inverted ) every one that loveth him which begat , loveth him also which is begotten of him . Now if we love God , it is surely , because he loved us first ; 1 Ioh. 4.10 of whom if once we beleeved , is as certaine , we shall be saved by his grace ; since his love is , as in Ieremy hee speaketh , Iere 31 ● . an everlasting love : making him to love , whom as his owne hee loveth , Ioh. 1● . 1 . Psal. 36.3 119.63 . ever unto the end . So is this also a marke of life , with David , to delight in , and love the Saints .

CHAP. XI . No disheartening to such from the worlds maligning , or their old friends forsaking .

NOw by these forementioned markes ( not to reckon any moe ) shall any finde themselves to be in truth of the fold , and flock , though little , of Iesu● Christ ; howsoever it cannot be , but that the world should hate them , and the greater multitudes maligne and stomacke them ; Oh yet , since Christ Iesus hath fore-told heereof , and bidden us not to marvaile ; Ioh. 15.19 let not this hard usage of the world discourage them , rather let this instruction touching the few that shall be saved , serve , as for comfort ; so ( which was the last branch of this use ) to yeeld encouragement : that hereat they be not dismaied , if the rabble , which before did seeme to fawne upon , and follow them , whiles they followed sin , do now forsake and frowne , or , perhaps , grow furious and mad against them .

What marvell ? for it is not enough to make them grow even mad , and besides themselves , to see ( as in that tale of the yong man , and his old acquaintance which Saint Ambrose mentioneth ) an old friend shake hands quite , Sed ego non sum ego . Lib. 2. de poenit . cap. 10. and bid farewell to al their fellowship ? Wherein , saith S. Peter , it seemeth to them strange , 1 Pet. 4.4 . that yee runne not with them into the same excesse of riot ; and therefore speake they evill of you , but who shall be the worse for it , but themselves ? For so he addeth ; Verse 5. Who shall give an account , to him that is ready to iudge quicke and dead .

Wherefore , farre bee this from discouraging thine heart , that thine old friends and companions do forsake thee , when thou settest thy selfe after that which is good . For why ? it is , because thou first hast left the world , that thou maist winne one worth ten thousand worlds , even Christ Iesus to be thy friend ; whom whilst thou followest as thy guid , thou needest not to complaine for want of company , though thou shouldest travell solitary , and all alone towards heaven in an untroden path . Howbeit if it be in good earnest thou wilt follow Christ , thou shalt not walke alone in the way to life : there be others many that have gone in that narrow path , Heb. 12.1 . and some , though not the most , yet by farre the best companions ; that will foote it with thee . In a word , if thou wilt be a Saint of God , a godly Christian , labouring to leade an holy and blamelesse life , striving against sinne : assuredly all the Saints of God will love and reckon of thee , Psal. 118.74 . & 15.4 . ( as in the Psalme it is noted to bee both their practise and their propertie ; rejoycing in their hearts to doe thee good ; yea they on earth wil give thankes to God for thee , Gal. 1.23.24 . who shall come to heare of thy change , though they never saw thee .

Besides which ioy on earth , conceive thou maist from those Parables in S. Luke , Luke 15. what joy also will be in heaven , not onely amongst the Angels , to see the lost sheepe found againe : but with God thy father also , ver. 6. who , howsoever thine elder brother may seeme to stomacke it , hath both robe , and ring , with a kisse and the fatted calfe , to receive and entertaine thee his sonne , who wast dead , but art alive againe , ver. 24.30 . and being so once revived , shalt live for ever . So , that now what remaineth , to make up this feast of joy , but that thou also rejoyce as did Zacheus to receive thy Saviour : Luc. 19.6 . yea that already thou hast received him into thine heart , by faith , and true repentance , and vowed obedience , wherein thy purpose is to persevere with patience ; he giving thee strength to walk in the narrow way , who hath vouchsafed thee grace to enter in at that strait gate ; Whereat for want of striving , whiles so many sticke , we may conceive the reason , why so few are to be saved : plainly yeelded by our Saviour in this holy Exhortation , farther therefore to bee opened : Strive to enter in at the straite gate : for many , I say unto you , will seeke to enter in , and shall not be able .

CHAP. XII . The second maine point in our Saviours answere chiefly intended , and at the full expressed : that 1. it is no easie matter to attaine salvation .

HItherto of that which is implied in our Saviours answer , viz. his resolving the question touching the number ; now of that which is expressed and mainly intended concerning the maner of attaining salvation , laid downe by way of counsell , with a reason annexed , drawn from the danger of such as shall neglect it .

The meaning whereof will be most evident and plaine , if we shall but remember how else-where Heaven is set forth ( for our conceiving ) as a Kingdome : Or , as in Saint Iohn , Mat. 25.34 Reue. 21.2 . a glorious City ; inro which to enter , is all one as to be saved . For hereupon may we streight conceive , how this reply was by our Saviour in most admirable wisedome fitted , as for correction to him that moved the question touching the number , whether few should be saved : so for instruction withall , unto us all about the manner , now we might come to be of that number . As if in more words he had answered him , ( right as to Saint Peter , Ioh 21.22 . in the case also before mentioned , not much unlike to this ; ) What is that to thee ? or indeede to any present , whether few or many shall be saved ? whose care should be rather , and would be even of you all , were you truely wise , to seeke to finde your selves , among the number that shall bee saved . In which weightiest busines , that you may not deceive your selves , as many do very foully , whiles they imagine it a matter of no great labour ; but obvious and very easie , to attaine salvation : Let my counsell be acceptable unto you , which if you entertaine , will assuredly proove most profitable : Strive ye , I say not that you should onely wish , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . or barely enquire after , and seeke ; but strive , as those that proue masteries , or who thrust against a dore with an earnest violence , to enter in : I meane , where onely is salvation to be found , into the holy City , the new Ierusalem , Heavens Kingdome . To gaine entrance wherinto , that ye may not marvaile , why I should counsell you to use such violence : I adde for your direction ( which may withal yeeld the reason of the necessitie of that my counsell ) that it must be , if at all , at the strait gate . Which because it is but one , and that a strait and narrow one , letting into life , your selves may conceive good reason of mine advice , for setting the shoulder in good earnest therunto , and striving with eager earnestnesse to get thorough . To stirre you up the more wherto , this let me bee bold to tell you , and take it you may upon my word ; for , I say unto you , who speake not to deceive you ; that Many shall seek to enter in , if only that would serve : who yet because they doe nor strive , as I do counsell you , shall not be able .

From which counsell of our Saviour , thus plainely unwrapped , ( to reserve the reason , brought to presse it onely in the application to be urged ) the generall note of instruction , wherewith we will content our selves , as by our Saviour mainly aimed at , is this , most worthy by us to bee remembred , that namely — It is no easie matter , but difficult , and of great labour , to enter into life eternall . For thereto this our Saviours counsell tendeth , in love unto our soules , to advise us to strive as Wrestler : , from whose violence ( as before was noted ) the 1 Cor 9.25 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 word is borrowed , with an eager earnestnesse , that we may enter in . The necessity of which contention required , is implied in the direction given , touching the condition of the entrance or gate assigned ; because ( which is the maine reason , for confirmation of the doctrine thence collected , and which in Math. 7.14 . is by the same mouth of our blessed Sauiour expressed more fully , ) the gate is strait for entrance , and the way for the walking , when once we be entred , narrow that leadeth unto life ; and therefore but few that finde it . And yet fewer that passe through it , becau●e they strive not .

CHAP. XIII . The ground of that difficultie , with the resolving of a doubt , how Christ being the gate and way , can be said to bee straite .

NOw for farther direction if it bee demanded , what this strait gate is , through which alone we may hope by striving to enter heaven : let us consider how in Matthew , ( where by our Saviour it is also tearmed a way : Mat 7.4 . ) It is noted forth unto us , that we may come to know it , as by the property , that it is a strait gate , a narrow way leading to life : so also by the adiunct of company therein travailing , but few that finde it . Which farther we may marke , Verse 13. how it is set forth there , and illustrated by the opposite , in like manner also described , first by the condition ; for , It is the wide gate , and broad way leading to destruction : and then by the company , viz. whole multitudes that goe in at it . That who so have any eyes to see and discerne , betweene strait and wide , or broad and narrow ; betweene a grea● roade way and wide gate where through many passe in troupes , and a little narrow wicket , and winding foot path , wherein but few doe walke , may easily more then gesse , which is the gate and way of life that bringeth to heaven , No doubt , the way to climbe up that hill toppe , which the Psalmist mentioneth and calleth holy , Psal. 15.1 . Isai. 35.8 . as therefore also must needs bee the way unto it , wil appeare to be like that by which Ionathan and his Armour-bearer went up upon their hands and feete betweene two sharpe rocks ; ●●am 14 . 1● . a way that few , in comparison , Ionathan and his Armour-bearer , two of an armie , are either so wise as to finde , or so valorous and industrious , as to venture up .

Touching whic● 〈◊〉 or gate , a doubt here may be moved : how it can bee verified to be strait and narrow ; since Christ Iesus hath borne witnes of himselfe , that he is the dore . Ioh. 10. & he the way , the truth and life , ver. 9. that is , the onely way , by truth , leading unto life , Verse 6. Ioh. 14. who cannot be said to be a strait gate , or a narrow way , now especially , since by his comming and suffering in the flesh ▪ the partition wall is brok●● downe , Eph. 2.24 . and an entrance made thorough him unto the Father , even for us Gentiles also , Verse 18. who were once farre off That from every quarter of the earth , a path and passage is opened to heaven ; yea as Iohn saw in his vision , Reu. 21.12 not one but twelve gates , three on every side , verse 25. of the holy City , the new Ierusalem ; alwayes standing open to receive the glory and honour of the Gentiles brought thereto : even the many mentioned in Matthew , Mat. 8.11 . to come from East and West : and ( besides so many thousand sealed Iewes ) that innumerable multitude , which Rev. 7. Iohn saw in their robes , Verse 9. and with their palmes standing before the throne . By all which what may seeme to be gathered ? but that , whether we respect the condition of the way , or Company ; the gate , or goers in : the path , or passengers : the gate and way to life is not strait and narrow , nor yet onely one ; but rather that heaven hath many gates , and they alwaies wide and open , for all , or sure for many to enter in .

Howbeit for all this , or whatsoever more can bee urged , what here , and in Matthew , our Saviour hath avouched , that still must wee cleave unto , as the very truth : that certainely , this gate and way leading to life , is strait and narrow : and which therefore but few doe finde . For why ? as that part of the objection touching the Company , hath already bin in the explication of the former doctrine , out of Saint Augustine at full resolved : Ser 32. de verbis Domini . how namely those that enter heaven , though they bee many in themselves , are yet in comparison with the farre greater number who perish , to bee reckoned and accounted , as the wheat cornes in comparison with the chaf , but a few ; as it were an handfull or a gleaning after harvest , a small remnant , and little flock ; that we need not to speake farther in that behalfe : so also , for the other part of the doubt , touching the condition of the gate or way , ( to resolve that also , for the opening and full clearing of the point ) this first as a most comfortable truth wee gladly grant , that Christ Iesus our blessed Lord and Saviour , is ( as himselfe hath witnessed of himselfe ) the onely dore and way to life , and indeed that true Iacobs ladder , Gen. 28.12 which alone giveth passage from earth to heaven . For , neither is there salvation in any other , there being among men , none other name given under heaven , whereby wee must be saved . Act. 4.12 . concerning whom , howsoever considering him in himselfe , and so as in the rich grace of the Gospell , he is offered unto all , wee cannot say , that hee is eyther strait or narrow : but faire rather and goodly , broad and spacious : a gate , like that of the Temple , which ( for the magnificence and statelinesse of it ) was tearmed beautifull : Act. 3.2 . and a way , like that which in Num. 20. verse 17. is called the Kings high way ; thorough which as by the true and living way , Heb. 10. ver. 20. the whole host and armie of the Church shall enter heaven . Yet , as the Apostle telleth the Corinthians , 2 Cor. 6.12 that they were not kept strait in him , but were straitned in their owne bowels towards him : so may we in like sort conceive , how even Iesus Christ this gate , and way of life , though hee bee not by God made strait , yet is made strait to most , by their owne corruption ; whiles naturally , all love to wander and rove at large in the wayes of sinne , abhorring whatsoever restraineth ( as this way doth ) their carnall libertie .

CHAP. XIV . Foure pathes comprehended under Christ , viz. that of faith , repentance , obedience , and patience : not strait in themselves , but so to flesh and bloud .

FOr better understanding of this point in hand , and a more evident explication of the path of life , we are to know , that as Christ is called the Way , because he is the substance and scope of Religion , wherein , as in a way , wee walke to happinesse , according to that , Colos. 2.6 . As ye have therefore received Christ Iesus the Lord , so walke in him : so under , and within the compasse of this way , which is Christ , wee must conceive to bee comprehended , all those severall duties which being necessary unto those who walke in this way , are so distastfull to so many as refuse it , or have not yet made choice thereof . Amongst which , the Scripture pointeth out foure as the chiefe , viz. First Faith in Christ : and secondly , Repentance : thirdly new Obedience : and fourthly , Patience , all which by God prescribed , we may reckon , as gates , for entrance ; and paths , for the continuance : whereby wee may be said , as by Christ to enter , so in Christ to walke , and that also unto Christ ; who is not onely the way , but the end also of the way , Col 3.4 . even happines , and our life .

For so ( to shew these briefly ) first for Faith , that it is a gate and way , in and by Christ the truth , leading to Christ as he is the life : consider what Paul & Silas answered the Gaoler , when he came trembling and fel at their feet , asking of them what he must doe to be saved ? Act. 16.31 . Beleeve in the Lord Iesus , and thou shalt be saved . And for Repentance , that it is no lesse , witnesse that counsell which Saint Peter gave , in answer to those Iewes , who , being pricked in their hearts , asked the like question what they should do ? Act. 2.38 . Repent , or amend your lives , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . and in testimony hereof , be baptized every one of you , in the name of Iesus Christ , for the remission of sinnes . Thirdly , for Obedience , how truely may that be spoken , as of a way ( which is falsely expounded by the Papists , as of a cause or merit ) Math. 19.17 . If thou wilt enter into life , keep the Commandements ; since Rev. 22.14 . Blessed are they , that doe his Commandements , that they may have interest in the tree of life , and may enter in through the gates unto the Citty . Finally , for Patience , that by it we must necessarily follow Christ in sufferings , if wee would also be glorified with him in his kingdome , witnesse what our Saviour spake to his Disciples , Mat. 16.24 . If any man will come after me , let him forsake himselfe , and take up his crosse , and follow me . And againe , that of Th' apostle , Heb. 10.36 Yee have need of patience , that after yee have done the will of God , yee may receive the promise .

Concerning all which porches and pathes of this gate and way to life , howsoever we may truly say , as before of Christ himselfe , under whom they are contained , and who did prescribe them ; that they be in themselves both faire and spacious , like Wisdomes waies , all waies of pleasure and paths of prosperity , Pro. 3.17 . life to them that enter in at them , and making blessed those who walke in them : yet may we easily conceive , in what respect this gate and way is by our Saviour termed strait & narrow , if we call to mind , how Moses termed the Moone one of the greater lights , Gen. 1.16 , in regard of the appearance , which yet is not so in the knowledge of the learned , but onely so appeareth to us by reason of the small distance . For right so doth our Saviour speake of this way , not as indeed it is in the experience of the spiritual traveller , but as it seemeth in the apprehension of the carnall sluggard , who dreameth of difficulty , Pro. 26.13 22.13 . if not of a Lyon , in every of these pathes and waies of God .

CHAP XV. Two reasons of that straitnesse , viz. 1. because the way is but one : and 2. because it is , or seemeth strait to carnall reason , and that in 4. respects .

THat we may see for the farther confirmation , of that that hath bin spoken , how the difficulty of the way to heaven presenteth it selfe to carnal apprehension , making so many to forsake these waies of life , and to runne headlong like the herd of possessed swine into the deep of destruction ; Mat. 8.32 . let us consider how our Saviour Christ , first , compriseth them al under one gate and way of truth , leading unto life , opposed unto the many false gates and ways of sinne tending to death ; ●nd secondly , calleth it , as ●hey account it , who refuse ●o enter into it , strait and narrow .

For so , for the former of ●hese two generall reasons , most true it is , that the passage unto Heaven is but one , one gate to enter in at , and one way to walke on in , being entred ; on either side whereof , is the broad way unto death , that step but out of the strait path of Salvation , and on whether hand soever the turning be , it is into the way which hath in it many by-pathes of destruction . For , why ? as there is but one way only to be borne , but many to die : and one way for Archers only to hit the white , but many waies for them to misse the marke ; by shooting under , or over , o● wide on either hand : even so are there many waies , wherein people may goe to hell . As some doe in the high way of blockish igno●ance : and others , through ●he puddle of swinish ●runkennesse : some , in the ●ire of uncleanesse : and o●ers , upon the ridge of ●ride and haughtinesse : or 〈◊〉 the crooked winding ●ack of covetousnesse : or ●se in the path , perhaps , ●at bendeth as much ●ite the other way , of pro●igall luxuriousnes . Some , ●hiles like Gallio , they care ●or no Religion : and others , ●hiles they are too hot in ●eale , as Paul once was , Act. 18.15 . Act. 22.4 . by ●is owne confession , after a ●alse Religion . When as , ●o , to bring to heaven onely ●e gate and path ( which ●herefore so few doe passe ●hrough ) by the truth of faith , and soundnesse of r●pentance , and sincere endeavour of holy obedience , tog●ther with constant a● cheerefull patience ; wher● in such as will have pea●● on them , as the Israel of Go● must enter , and being e●tred , must walke , as the Apostle wisheth them , Gal. 6.16 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 as were by a line or rule , wit●out declining .

But to passe briefly fro● this , to the second reaso● ( since the considerati● thereof , wil make both th● former reason , and t● whole conclusion yet mo● cleare ) as this gate & wa● is onely one : so shall w● finde that it is , or at lea● seemeth to most to be , n● for any fault in it , but one● through the sinfull folly of ●esh and blood , both strait ●nd narrow , and that in ●oure respects , viz. first , in ●egard of the finding : and ●econdly , of the entring : and ●hirdly , of the proceeding : ●nd fourthly , of the perseve●ing therein unto the end .

CHAP. XVI . The two first respects , viz. in regard of the finding , and in regard of the entring .

TO open these in order ; for the first , most true it 〈◊〉 , that the gate and way to ●eaven , which is but one , ●ath ever in all ages beene ●ery hard to finde , because unknowne and hidden 〈◊〉 flesh and blood . Howbe● this hath not been becau● it hath not by God in h● Word of truth been reve●led , but indeede , becau● flesh and blood is by ●ture blinde , and cannot s● it . For , why ? you ha● heard how plainely t● Scripture speaketh of ev●rie of the foure paths , a● porches before mentione● As of the first , which Faith : Beleeve in the L● Iesus , Act. 16.31 : and thou shalt be sav● And of the second , Repe●tance , Act. 2.38 . thus : Amend your liv● and be baptized , and you sh● receive remission . Third● of Obedience : This doe , a● live ; Mar. 19.17 for , blessed are they th● keepe his Commandemen● Rev. 22.14 Fourthly , of the last also : Heb. 10.36 Rom. 2.7 . Yee have neede of patienee , that yee may enioy the promise . All which , what are they in effect , but as that voice for direction promised to them of Sion , Isai. 30.21 . This is the way , walke yee in it . But which voice , as there , they onely come to heare , who are truly humbled ; all ●aving their eares and ●earts naturally shut up , ●nd hardned , till by God ●hey be opened , and enlar●ed , and their eyes blin●ed , til God take away the ●aile from off their hearts ; ●hat they can neither heare ●hat word , nor see the way 〈◊〉 life , thogh plainly poin●ed out , and discovered . ●or so doth the Apostle witnesse , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Iud. ver. 19 1 Cor. 15.45 . 1 Cor. 2.14 . That the naturall man who hath in him only a living soule , and not the quickning spirit , doth not perceive the things of the spirit of God ; that is , which are in the word by Gods spirit plainly revealed : neither can hee know them ( saith Th' apostle ) being no more then naturall , because they are spiritually discerned , that is , by the enlightning power o● the holy Ghost . Without which supernaturall light , it is not in the power of fles● and blood , as our Saviou● told Peter , to reveale unto us so much as the ground of truth touching the grea● gate and way to life , Mat. 16.17 tha● Iesus is the Christ , the sonne o● the living God . From whence therefore it commeth , that so many in their blindnesse go astray ; Some not knowing , or not caring to know , what Religion meaneth : and others hanging loose , and halting betweene two opinions ; that some embrace , without farther consideration , that profession which the times and state wherein they live , may seeme to favour : Ioh. 4.20.5 . or else rather , will be of no Religion , because they see such variety of opinions : that finally some , onely to follow their forefathers , as those Idolaters in Ieremy , ●er 44.17 . ( whose successours are our ignorant English Papists at this day , much to be pittied ) cleave to a false Religion : or perchance goe farther , Act. 22.20 . as S. Paul did once in a blinded zeale , to persecute the truth of faith ; like those of whom our Saviour foretold in Iohn , Ioh. 16.2 . who killing of Christs servants , thought they did God service . All which , and alas , how many more , are there even among Christians ( not to mention any other ) that all in blindnesse goe astray , wandring as in the darkenesse , in the waies of death , not comming so much as once to find and know , that they might thereat enter , the gate of life ; to all whom therefore , no marvel if the gate seeme strait , because not knowne , and therefore so hard to finde .

But adde hereto , the second difficulty , making it seeme strait to such as find it , because being found , it is as hard to enter . Howbeit , neither is this so much in the low building , or straitnesse of the gate , as in regard of the stature , or rather stately looke of flesh and blood , together with that luggage wherewith it is loaden ; by which it becommeth , shall I say , like 〈◊〉 Cammell , not possibly able with his bunch to goe thorow a needles eye ; or rather , like to an Elephant , with a Castle on his back , which cannot enter in , though at the gate of a Palace . In which respects , untill there be a pulling downe , and withall , an unpacking and putting off , of what may stop the passage , and make it to stick in the entry , it is not possible , that flesh and blood should enter , 1 Cor. 15.50 . and come to inherit ( as in another sense Th' apostle speaketh ) the Kingdome of God .

For , first , for the former of these twaine , the pulling downe of the looke , how true shall that of our Saviour be ever found : Mat. 18.3 . excep● yee be converted , and becom● as little children , that is , humble & lowly in heart , yee shall not enter into the kingdome of God ? First , the pride of heart must be abated , and all presumptuous conceits of our owne sufficiency pulled downe , yea , vile and foolish must men become in their owne esteeme , that ( as Th' apostle speaketh ) they may be wise : 1 Cor. 3.18 humbled ere they can so much as enter this gate of life ; Luc. 18.12 Iob 40 34 Psal. 73.22 Micah 7.9 . as the Publican and Iob , as the Prophet , and the Church in Micah , with sight of their owne unrighteousnesse , and vilenesse of their former disobedience , and great unworthinesse . Which dijecting and humbling of the soule , for as much as it goeth exceedingly against the haire of proud flesh and blood , which hath naturally a stiffe necke , and yron sinews ; Isa. 48.4 . that wil neither bend nor bow , Act. 8.51 : nor willingly stoope to be beholding for ought to God , untill God even beat it downe , and breake the heart by his powerfull grace ; what maruell , if this gate seeme all too low , as an ordinary doore is to a tall man , that will not bow to enter under it .

And for the other particular secondly , that there must be a putting by , and shaking off also , of whatsoever pelfe or baggage , which otherwise with the bulke would stop up this passage : Witnesse the Apostle , who counselling hereto , doth withall tell us what this loading is , which must be laid aside . For so , Heb. 12. Verse 1. the sinne that hangeth so fast on , that must be shaken off : and in Ephes. 4. the old man which is corrupt with the deceiveable lusts , Verse 22. that must be cast off ; yea , the earthly members , fornication uncleanesse , inordinate affection , evill concupiscence , and covetousnesse , they must be mortified , Colos. 3.5 . the covetous man must restore his ill gotten goods , to the rightfull owners , Luk. 16.8 . as Zacheus did : and the voluptuous man , leave his pleasures , and returne home to his father , as the Prodigall : Luk. 15.20 and so must the blasphemous swearer , leave his hellish oathes : and the malicious his revengefull thoughts : and both goe and be reconciled to God and man , by crying mercy , ere they can have entrance . Which whiles such , and others like , laden and stuffed with sinnes of all sorts , refuse , they sticke as in the doore , and cannot enter , not so much for the straitnesse of the gate , as indeed through the corruption and impenitency of their wicked hearts ; 1 Ioh. 2.16 who being led with lust either of profit , as are covetous ones : or of pleasure , as voluptuous ones : or of credit and estimation , as all ambitious ones , will not , with the serpent , cast their skins , nor willingly let goe from them , their beloved sinnes , Iob 20.12 , 13. that so they may get within the gate . In those respects therefore wee see how the gate seemeth strait to such , and hard to enter .

CHAP. XVII . The two later respects , viz. in regard of the proceeding on , and of the persevering in .

AS the gate for the entrance seemeth difficult and strait to flesh and blood , so thirdly , doth the way seeme narrow , and not so spacious to bee passed thorow , when entrance hath beene made . For why ? as in giving of the Law in Exodus , wee reade , Exo. 13.12 how God Almighty appointed Moses , to set markes and bounds unto the people round about the mount , Exod. 19.12 . which they might not passe : so hath it pleased him to bound and hemme in this path to life , with many a pale on either side of both Law and Gospell ; over which , who so would walke to life , must not dare to leape , nor give liberty to themselves to thinke , or speake , or doe , as either they see others to doe , or as , perhaps , themselves have done in former times ; for why ? the bounds are set which they must not passe ; as ( for instance ) nor dare to sweare , or any way take in vaine Gods holy name : Exo. 20. ● nor by travell , or idle sporting , to prophane his holy Sabbath : Verse 8. nor to be wrathfull and furious , breaking forth upon every light occasion into bitter words : Mat. 5.22 . neither to adventure by uncleannesse , or drunkennesse , to defile themselves like brutish beasts : Ephes. 5.3 . 1 Cor. 6.9.10 . 1 Thes 4.6 nor for matters of the world to deale iniuriously in gathering wealth with a large conscience . All which , howsoever they be rife in the examples and practice of worldly men , among whom they also had their conversation in times past : Ephes. 2. ● . yet must they be farre from such as will walke within the lists of this way of life . Which as it is bounded by these , and other the like precepts and prohibitions of the Law : so likewise no lesse , by the commandements of the Gospell ; requiring us ( for instance ) to goe out of our selves for righteousnesse , that we may be found in Christ : Phil. 3.9 . 2 Cor. 5.7 . and to rest on Gods mercies , apprehended by faith only , Eph. 5.2 . Ioh. 15.12 Mat. 16.24 and not by sense : enjoyning us to love our brethren as Christ hath loved us , and finally , to deny our selves , and with patience , to take up our crosse . All which and the like restraints , howsoever they seeme irkesome , I grant , and grievous to flesh and blood ; insomuch that carnall men conceit how they should loose their liberty , and be even put in prison , if they should keepe within these bounds , which maketh them to refuse to walke on in this way , if not to wonder at their madnesse , as they conceive , which yeeld so to be restrained : yet is this also , from their erroneous conceit & foule mistake rather then from any unpleasing straitnes of the way , as the godly know best who once being brought to walk on in this path , find it to be most pleasant , and the very rejoycing of their soules ; Christs yoke to them strengthened by grace , being , as himselfe tearmed it ; an easie yoke and his commandements , as in S. Iohn , Mat. 11 30. 1 Ioh ● 3. not burdenous . Nay , wheras carnall worldlings account Gods service to bee a very burden , Mal. 1 13. as ( for instance ) to heare Gods word twice on the Sabbath , or so much as to bee restrained from travelling , Amos. 8.5 . or from trifling on that holy day : the godly on the other side know it to bee a drudgery indeed , that worldlings endure ; as the wanton and voluptuous person to be so enslaved to his sports ; and so the covetous , and ambitious to his base esteeme , & gaine : that the one , will not spare to sit up from his sleepe night after night , Exod. 32.6 . to follow his idle games , and to satiate his lusts : and the other , that hee may compasse what he coveteth , Neh. 13.15 to drudge and droile , not sticking basely to gaine the Sabbath day , from the service of God , and the rest due to his owne soule and body : yea , to lie , & sweare , and live by usury and deceit , Mar. 4.3 . Verse 9. to make ( if need bee ) bread of stones , and fall downe on his knees without a cushion to the very divell , to gaine the world . Then which what can be held a more slavish slavery ? and in comparison with which how truely may the way of godlinesse be called a way of liberty ; Iam. 1.25 . So that for conclusion , howsoever worldlings thinke Christians to be fooles , Christians know assuredly that worldlings be not wise .

Fourthly , in the last place , as there is difficulty in proceeding in this path by reason of the listes and bounds , so much more in persevering constantly therin , in respect of the bryers and bushes , yea the snares and bonds , with which it is overspread & all belaid , viz. with persecutions on every side , from Satan and the world : 1 Tim. 3.12 . which all must suffer that will live godly , in Christ Iesus ; as also with corrections and daily chastisements from the Lord , who chasteneth whom hee loveth , Heb. 12.6 . and scourgeth every son that he receiveth ▪ to verifie that testimony of Paul and Barnabas . Act. 14.22 . that thorough many tribulations men must enter , if at all , into Gods Kingdome . In regard whereof , what marvaile if the way seeme rough and most unpleasant to flesh and bloud ; yea sometimes so uncomfortable , not only to carnall people unregenerate , but even , to such as David , the dearest Saints of God : that when ( as in Psal. 73. ) they looke upon the present prosperity which the wicked enjoy , and consider withall how themselves are dayly chastened and corrected every morning , Verse 14. they begin to repent them of their bargain and are ready to faint , and even turne aside , almost condemning , as for fooles , the generation of Gods children , Verse 15. that will goe forward in that course , Verse 15 , so full of trouble . And yet shall men repaire , as the Prophet there , Verse 17 , into the Sanctuary of God , and there understand the fearefull end of wicked men ; who stand amidst all prosperity , but as malefactors on the ladder , in slippery places , Verse 18 , and shall withall conceive why God so pleaseth in love , to exercise his children for their good ; as namely , either to stoppe their wayes with thorns , Hosea 2.6 . that they may not finde their evill pathes ; Mal. 3.3 . or else , to purge out their drosse : or finally , to try their faith and patience , that they might appeare unto their praise : 1 Pet. 1.7 . and surely , this path of tribulations will not seeme so troublesome ; whiles faith amiddest all afflictions , wil make them under hope , to wait for the rich mercies of the Lord , and as Moses , to choose rather , Heb. 11.25 . to suffer adversity with the children of God , and to esteeme the rebukes of Christ greater treasures , and indeed more delightsome pleasures , then all else which the Egypt of this world can yeeld . For thus they judge who have , as he , an eye to the recompence of reward ; which , who so have not , as carnall people wanting faith cannot have , no marvaile , if this way to such seeme rough and thorny , the prickings wherof have driven backe many an one , who have not had their feet well shedde , Eph. ●●5 . with the preparation of the Gospell of Peace . So is finally in this respect also , the way to heaven straite and narrow , and hard to be gone thorough with perseverance unto the end .

CHAP. XVIII . How needfull it is for a Christian to try whether ever hee entred or continueth in this way : and that in the foure particular paths .

BY all that hath beene hitherto delivered , the doctrine being fully explained , and abundantly confirmed : that namely , It is no easie matter , but of difficult and of great labour , to enter into life eternall . — And why ? but because the gate and way , leading to Christ the life , is but one : and that to flesh and bloud , for both finding , and entring , and proceeding , and persevering in , strait and narrow : if yet you expect the application for farther profit , it will , being marked , easily apply it selfe , by a fourefold use , viz. first for tryall : and secondly , for terror : thirdly , for Counsell : and finally , for Comfort .

And first , for Instruction this may serve , to teach us to try our state , whether we be in the way to life : by considering , whether wee have entred in at the right gate , and in what path we walke . And this is an application of this doctrine most necessary and profitable ; since there is hardly any , but would most gladly be sure of this , that he is in the way to life , & shal be saved when he dieth . Yea the Popish ignorant , who hath beene taught to hold it presumption , for any to account himselfe sure of being saved , yet hath his joy in this , that hee is of a good beleefe , and hopeth well ( though hee bee not sure of it ) that he shall go to heaven . But it is , you know , the counsell of S. Petr , 2 Pet. 1.10 . to give all diligence , to make our calling and election sure . How meaneth he ? in it selfe ? no , for so from all eternitie , it was with God , in his immutable decree : but rather , in our knowledge , and assurance of beliefe . And therefore in the contrary extreame , how confident may we find another number , of ignorant prophane ones in the world , that howsoever they live an unholy & wicked life , yet are or seeme at least to be secure , that they shall die an happy , and blessed death , and doubt they doe not , one whit of this , but they shal be saved . Howbeit , since we have learned in the doctrine delivered , that it is not so light a matter to attaine to heaven , nor indeed possible at all , except we enter in , and walke thorough the right gate and way , which is but one and strait , leading to life : it will be good for people , first to make trial of themselves , ere they rest secure , since every gate is not , what Iacob called Bethel , Gen. 28 17 the gate of heaven ; nor yet everie beaten way , a path to life : but some rather , of that sort , which the wise man noteth , which though it seemeh right to a man , Pro. 14 12 yet the issues of it , are the wayes of death .

And therefore herein for direction , that we may not deceive our selves ( as many miserablie do , with a bare profession of the name of Christ , trusting as those Iewes in Ieremy , Ier. 7.8 . in lying words that cannot profit ) this let us remember , which in the doctrine before delivered we have already learned , that howsoever Christ Iesus that very Ladder , Gen. 23 . 1● which Iacob saw in Bethel reaching from earth to heaven , be● indeed the alone gate of heaven , and onely way , that leadeth by truth unto eternall life ; that ( as the Apostle alleadgeth for proofe , Ioel 2 . 3● . the Prophet Ioels testimony , concerning him , Rom. 10.13 . ) Whosoever shal call on the name of the Lord , that is , shall seeke for salvation , onely for , and by him , whom God hath mad● both Lord and Christ , he , an● he onely , shall be saved : ye● God forbid that we Christians , who have learned if we call on the Lords name 〈◊〉 depart also from iniquity should ever imagine , Act. 2.36 . tha● the bare name of Chri● were a gate to let in wickednesse into heaven ; 2 Tim. 2.19 . int● which holy City , Reu. 2● though the gate stand ●pen day and night , yet is not possible , Verse 27 , that any u●cleane thing or abhominati●● should ever enter . No , for 〈◊〉 have learned , how unde● and in Christ , as the one gate and way to life , w● are to conceive , besid● the name and bare profe●sion , those foure severa● porches and pathes , of Faith , Repentance , Obedience , and Patience ; all which are both for finding and entring into them , as also for proceeding & persevering in them , strait and narrow : that men had need with the Baptists hearers to presse with violence , Mat. 11 11. if there-thorough they will passe , and enter into heaven ,

How necessary is it therfore for us all , to examine and try our selves ( that we may finde comfort ) whether or no , we have entred in at those gates , and are walking in those wayes of life . As , whether wee can find that we beleeve in the Lord Iesus , looking for salvation onely and alone by him : whether we have repented unfainedly of al our sinnes , giving our selves no allowance farther in any of them : Thirdly , whether our endeavour bee without dissimulation , to yeeld obedience , not to some , but to al Gods commandements : Finally , whether we be resolved , by his grace that strengtheneth us to beare with constant cheerefull patience , whatsoever crosses and troubles may in this way encounter us .

CHAP. XIX . Triall of Faith by foure rules . viz. two for entrance , and two for continuance .

IN this triall that we may have found comfort , Faith . and not deceive our selves with seeming shewes , let us be willing to receive more speciall rules of direction , from each of those foure particulars , to try our selves ; all which , since we consider them , as both gates , for entrance : and wayes , for continuance ; leading to Christ and life , our triall shall bee to observe , first , how we have entred : and secondly , how we walke in every of these gates and wayes .

Touching the first , which is faith in Christ : who ever thou be , that sayest , or thinkest , that thou doest beleeve ; let mee say to thee , as the Apostle to his beloved Corinthians , 2. Cor. 13.5 . Prove thy selfe whether thou bee in the faith . Yea , examine whether thy faith bee such indeed , as can bring thee unto life . For remember , what Saint Iames hath taught , that it is not enough for a man to say hee hath faith , Iam. 2.14 . except hee shew it by the fruits ; since otherwise , it may well be feared he doth but say so , and either hath no faith , or but a false faith , such as a Divel may have that trembleth with the horrour of assured damnation . Verse 19. Wherefore whosoever thou be that perswadest thy selfe thou standest by faith , Rom 11.20 call thine heart in Gods name to account , first , how thou hast entred in at that gate : for certainely , if thy faith be the gate of life , thou hast entred in at a straite gate , whereinto without striving thou couldest not have entred .

And therefore first , consider with what stirre or strugling thou hast gotte in ; since our Saviour bidding thee enter in , presupposeth ( what thou knowest well , if thou knowest any thing ) that once thou stoodest without ; borne , as all Adams generation , in wretched unbeliefe . And therefore remember , if thou canst , to thine owne hearts comfort , Who first forewarned thee to flee from the wrath to come ; Mat , 3.7 . or when were thine eyes anoynted with eye-salve , Rev. 3.18 . to see the filthy nakednesse of thine unbeleeving nature , and the necessity of this white robe of faith ?

Happily the carnall man that knoweth no otherwise then that hee did beleeve ever since he was borne , or certainely since he could well remember , will marvaile much to heare such questions mooved : but for those who are acquainted with the Anatomy that the Scripture maketh of our wretched nature , Rom. 3.12 and how this heart of ours is an heart of stone , Eze. 11.19 not capable of nor caring for faith , till God therto prepare it , brusing , breaking , yea , grinding it to very powder ; such plainely discerne , how necessary the hammer of Gods law is , Ier. 23. ●● . for breaking of this stonie heart , and preparing it for the grace of Faith ; whiles it humbleth men , with the sight of sinne , and sorrow for the same , and so forceth them to flie out of themselves , to escape from death . To whom thus humbled , when as the Gospell offereth Christ , as the onely meanes of life , God by the same Gospell stirreth up their appetite , I●hn 3.16 . so to hunger after him and his righteousnesse , that with fervent prayer they flie unto the throne of grace , Mat. 5.6 . desiring to attaine salvation alone by him , still begging therefore with earnest importunity at the hands of God , to be yet more and more perswaded of his love in Christ , and of the forgivenesse thereby of all their sinnes . Such adoe there is , ( howsoever many who never knew what it meaneth , conceive of this gate of faith as of an easy entry ) to bring men to true faith in Christ , not without humbling first , and then hungring : not without seeing and sorrowing for their sinnes , and then sighing and seeking after Iesus Christ .

Howbeit , since this entrance into faith , is not alwaies wrought with like maner or measure of humiliation in all , or not so well observed or remembred by all , ( especially in such who either have been sanctified from the wombe , Luk. ● . 15 as was Iohn Baptist , or else though not regenerated before full age , yet , as Timothy , 2 T●m ●● have beene trained up from their infancy under godly parents , and by that meanes kept from wounding themselves with more grosse iniquities . )

Therefore , let this second triall of our faith be , by considering it as the path wherin we presently walk . For our direction wherein , this let us know , that howsoever the Rhemists by distinction seeme to object , In marginall note upon the Text. that Christians in their lives must seeke the strait way , but in Religion the ancient common way : yet it is truely answered , By D. Fulk that it is the strait way as well in religion as in life that leadeth to life . Wherein though in al ages the fewer sort have walked , yet it is the ancient way wherin all that are saved have entred , surely that good old way in Ieremy , and that high way , Ier. 6.16 . called the way of holinesse in Isaiah , Isa. 35.8 . where through Abraham and Isaac , and all those ancients , Hebr. 11. have entred heaven . After whom , if we would be assured that we walke aright ; following God , as Abraham at the foote ; Isa. 41.2 . then let vs try our faith , whether it bee right , first , by our strait walking : and secondly , by our working : by our looking first , and then our loving . For , for the former , if wee be in the right track of saving faith , it onely leadeth , and wee thereby onely looke unto Christ Iesus : not as the Turks to Mahomet : nor as the Iewes to a Messiah , yet expected : nor yet to eyther our owne merits , or other meditation , as Papists , and Hypocriticall Justitiaries : or finally , to an imaginary Christ , only to be inbred in us , out of the pure Doctrine of H.N. as doe the Familists ; for , what is this , but to leave Christ Iesus , the true gate of life , and each by their false faith , forsaking their owne mercie , to looke after Vanities , Ioh. 2.8 . 1 Sam: 12 . 2● . and vaine helps that cannot profit ? To none of which doth the Word of truth direct the eye of our faith , but onely to Christ Iesus , the Virgines sonne , lifted up as the Serpent in the wildernesse ; Ioh. 3 14. and made unto us of God wisdome and righteousnesse , sanctification , 1 Cor. 1.30 and redemption . On whom alone who so doe not looke , without confidence for salvation , either in themselves , or in any other creature , well may they suspect by their wandring , that the faith wherein they thinke they walke , is not the way of life ; of which the Apostle speaketh . As yee have received Christ Iesus , the Lord , Colos 2.6 . so walke in him ; rooted and built in him , and established in the faith .

But farther , the worke of Love , will give triall of our right walking in the faith . Since faith , if it once truely apprehend Gods love in Christ , cannot but enflame the heart with love againe , both to God , and for Gods sake to men also ; and so , as that of Abraham and Rahab , will shew it selfe by the fruite , to be that onely living , Iam 2.21 . Verse 25. Gal. 5.6 . and availeable faith that worketh by love . Thus therefore , amongst so many who boast of faith , may we prove our selves , whether wee be in the faith : as , first , by calling to minde our entrance thereinto , surely not without an humbling of our soules , and withall an hungring after Christ , wrought in us by God ; so secondly , observing , how wee continue therein , by the streight looking of our eye , and the diligent labour of our love . And this is the first point of examination , the triall of our faith .

CHAP. XX. Triall of Repentance by foure rules , viz. two for entrance , and two for continuance .

AS for Repentance , which floweth from faith , and is evermore begunne for time , together with faith , that purifieth the heart : Act. 15.9 . since of those many , who professe Repentance , few therein rightly walke , therefore herein also it shall be good for us to try our selves , first , whether wee have rightly entred thereinto : which being a laborious worke , and of great moment , consisting in the change of both heart and life , and pulling violently the whole man out of the fire ; Iude verse 23. is wrought at the first by God not without much adoe , to the repentant party , by enforcing him both to stoope low , and even to strip himselfe . To stoope , as Ephraim , who being instructed to see the untamed wantonnesse of his youth , was brought as one ashamed and confounded to smite upon his thigh : Ier 31 19. or as the Publican , so pressed downe by the heauy burthen of his sinnes , Luk. 18.13 . that he durst not lift up his eyes to heaven , but smote his brest . To which ●ght and conscience of sin , ●ill men be brought , that ●heir faces be filled with ●hame , and their hearts with sorrow ; and farther ●heir tongues enforced to ●asse sentence on them●elves , not only in generall ●cknowledging themselves ●o be sinners , ( which the ●ery hopelesse Hypocrites will not sticke to doe ) but in particular , 1 Tim. 1.13 . confessing ●heir wicked sins against ●hemselves unto the Lord ; ●hey come not so much as to looke in at this gate of ●ife ; no , but on the contra●y , whiles , in the pride of their deluded hearts , they conceit all to be well with them , and that they have no need to change for better , how farre stand they from this blessed state ? being rather , as those in Zephany , frozen in their dregges : Zeph. 1.12 or , as those Iewes , against whose impenitency the Lord protesteth by the Prophet Ieremy , saying , they are not humbled unto this day . Ier 44.10 .

But yet this stooping is not all , for it is farther required of the Repentant sinner , that hee also strip himselfe , shaking off , and casting from him , those cloakes of shame , and fardells of sinne , that make the gate of grace too strait and narrow for him . For want of which , how many carnall wretches remaine stil in an unrepentant state , sticking ( as it were ) and hanging in the very entry : some by their purse ( that I may so expresse it ) of ill gotten goods : and others ( as Absolon by his haire ) by their plumes of pride : yea , 2 Sam. 18.9 some , as by their cheekes swolne bigge with oathes of blasphemy , and lies : and others , as the drunkard beset around with his cups : or as Zimri , loth to part in very death from his uncleane Harlotry . Num. 25.9 None of them all , being willing to forsake their sinfull lusts , that with the Prodigall they may turne home to God their father , Luk. 15.20 by true repentance . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Which requiring ( as both the Hebrew and Greeke names significan●ly import ) a change both 〈◊〉 heart and life ; therefo● hereby must our triall be if wee be brought to loat● in heart , and in practice 〈◊〉 life to leave , those sins , 〈◊〉 whatsoever kinde , wherei● formerly we lived ; Psal 18 23. and i● to the snare whereof we easily and naturally fall 〈◊〉 our selves , but cannot r●turne , till we be powerfully freed and forced back by supernaturall grace ; 2 Tim. 2.2 , 26. o● nature being like to th● spring-locke that shuttet● of it selfe , but cannot ope● without a key .

But farther , since in regard of inbred corruption cleaving still , in this life to our soules , and subjecting us to often falls , it is not sufficient for us to enter in at this gate , except wee also proceed to walke on in this penitentiary path , renuing our repentance daily , both by a godly sorrow , for what we doe amisse , as also by a careful striving to do so no more ; therfore hereby al so must our triall be made , first , whether , when at any time we doe amisse , our conscience streight check , and smite us for it , as Davids heart did him for cutting off the lap of his Lords garment ; 1 Sam. 24.6 and againe after he had sinned in numbring the people : yea , 1 Sam. 24.10 . whether to bring our selves to godly sorrow we often search our soules , by the righteous law of God , to find out o●● most secret sinnes , as th' afflicted Church , Lam. 3.40 . stirreth u● her selfe to doe , when Go● began for neglect hereof t● search her with his judgements : yea , farther , turning our eyes to looke upon Jesus Christ , whom w● have pierced with our sins that so wee may be moved to lament over him with godly sorrow : Zac. 1● . 10 . testifying thi● our sorrow by our humble and unfained confession before the Lord , 2 Sam. 25.10 . as Davi● did in that case of numbring the people : finally , joyning ever with this confession , feruent sute for pardon , as in another case , we finde the same Prophet , like a condemned prisoner , supplicating with strong cries unto his Judge , Ps. 51. And secondly , in respect of the time to come , let us farther try our estate , by considering how we , upon such sorrow , are brought to a more earnest strife against sinne , as well by shunning heedfully , and flying speedily as honest Ioseph did the lewd allurements and provocations unto sinne , Gen. 39.11 especially , learning wisedome , of the burnt childe , to dread that fire wherewith we have been already scorched : as also , 2 Cor. 7.11 . with holy David , by earnest prayer for strength of grace to have our hearts first purged and renewed , and after enlarged to runne the waies of Psal. 51.10 Psa. 119.32 Gods commaundements : and finally , with the same Prophet , hiding Gods promimises in our hearts , that wee may be kept thereby hereafter , Psa. 119.11 from sinning against the Lord : Lo , thus also may wee make tryall of our repentance , whether it be a gate and way of life : As first , by calling to mind our entrance not without stooping low , and stripping of our selves : so , secondly , by considering how wee walke , both sorrowing for what we doe amisse , and striving still with an increase of godly care to sinne no more .

CHAP XXI . Triall of obedience by foure rules , viz. two for entrance , and two for continuance .

TO proceed now unto obedience , a sure gate , if it be sincere and a certaine way to life : since many professe obedience to the Lord , who , yet like to sorry servants , be not oftentimes such as they should be , for their Masters credit , or , perhaps , doe but serve themselves in the best service , which they seeme to goe about . Therefore herein also is our tryall needefull , if wee would with comfort expect the reward of good servants , which is , to enter into our Masters ioy . Mat. 25.21 First , by considering how we have entred within this gate , and suffered our eare to be nayled to the Lords dore . Exo. 21.6 . And whether our entrance have been right , we may finde by these two markes , namely , first , if we have taken direction from God , touching this gate : and secondly , if we have entred thereat with right aime , and resolution to please the Lord .

For first , if the gate wherinto we be entred be right , it is that which God hath set up and prescribed to us in his Word . Concerning which is that , Deut. 6.25 . This shall be our righteousnesse before the Lord our God , if we take heed to keepe all these commandements , as hee hath commanded us . All , and as , hee hath commanded , lo , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 these are the bounds of our obedience set by God ; and as it were , the posts of this gate , with David , Psal. 119.6 . to have respect , not to some , but all Gods commandements ; alwaies remembring that of S. Iames , Iam. 2.11 . how hee that commanded one of them , commanded all , and that for the maner , as he hath commanded either in the Law , or in the Gospell . Which who so hath not resolved to make the rule of his whole life , in willing obedience submitting himselfe in all things to Gods holy will , he may feare that hee hath not entred in at this gate . As may hee no lesse ( to touch also the second point of this triall ) who hath not hereto yeelded without by-respects , in a right aime , and sincere intent , to be pleasing to the Lord . For that is the very end of our redemption , as Zachary teacheth in his song , that being delivered from all our spirituall enemies , Luk. 1.74 , 75. we should serve him without feare , all the daies of our life in righteousnesse and true holinesse . Wherefore herein let our triall be , that wee may have comfort in our obedience , whether of our entrance into th Lords service , we be able to say , as Saint Paul with thankes to God , of the beleeving Romans , Rom. 6.17 . that once we were the servants of sinne , but now wee have obeied from the heart unto the forme , ( or print ) of doctrine , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . into which we were delivered up : as also touching our resolution and aime herein , as the same Apostle of his owne faithfull labors in the great worke of the Lord , that the loue of Christ constraineth us , because we thus iudge , 2 Cor. 5.14 , 15. that if one be deade for all , then were all dead : and hee dyed for all , that they which live , shoud not henceforth live unto themselves , but unto him who dyed for them and rose againe .

But farther secondly , for our walking in this path , wherin our obedience may chiefely be discerned , let us make our tryall by considering in all our courses , first , how wee keepe still in that right way : secondly , how wee goe on forward in the same . For first , howsoever , I grant , through weaknesse in our footing , wee may stumble and slip aside sometimes out of this narrow path , and yet by returning eftsoones into the other path of true repentance may thereout recover our selves , and regaine our way : yet if we will be so bold and wilfull , as wittingly and willingly to let our mouthes sweare vainely , or ( so it be for our advantage ) to lie and speake falsely , our hands to deale deceitfully , or our feet any way to expatiate & breake beyond those bounds and lists , which God hath set for our obedience : it cannot be imagined but that as we lose our way , so we shall also withall lose our comfort . At the consideration whereof , how may many tremble , who having for a while made forward shew of entrance into the obedience and service of the Lord , may finde themselves relapsed , and like water once made hot , growne the colder for their first heat , in so much that they are now so farre from walking themselves precisely , as S. Paul requireth , that Ismael-like , Eph 5.15 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Gen. 21.9 . 2 Sam. 6.20 . or as Michal , they are ready sooner then any other , presently to mocke at any heire of promise , that they see walking in holinesse , and signifying the joy of his heart , in the service of the Lord . From which fearefull fall , to preserve all them who walke with a true heart , though weakly , in this path , wee have the Apostles cohortation for our encouragement and direction , Heb. 12.13 . To lift up our weake knees , and to make straight steps unto our feete , lest that which is halting be turned out of the way : such must our care be to keepe our feet from straying , and no lesse ( to passe unto the second note ) without staying to go forward . For why ? this is that , which in Saint Peter , 2 Pet. 3.18 . is required , that we should grow in grace , walking , as the Israelites towards Zion , from strength to strength ; Psal. 84.7 . forgetting that which is behinde , and endeavouring our selves u●to that which is before , 〈◊〉 . 3. ●● . and following hard towards the mark ; that our way may be approved , to be that way of the righteous , which Solomon compareth to the light shining more and more , Prov 4.8 . from the dawning , unto the perfect day . Of which proceeding we have the more neede to take speciall care , since in this way , not to goe forward , is to goe backward : not to grow better , is undoubtedly to waxe worse ; our nature in regard of spirituall motion being like a Boat floting in a streame , which if it be not by force of oares continually rowed upward , will of it selfe ne●●●sarily be carryed downward . Wherefore , herein , to the end that wee may be assured of blessednesse , let our triall be to find our selves to walke in this perfect path of obedience ; as first , by our direction taken from God , and resolution onely for God in our entrance : so secondly , for our continuance , by our keeping stil therein with out turning backe , or straying , and by proceeding forward without standing at a stay ; so have we also the triall of the third way , and gate , our sincere obedience .

CHAP. XXII . Triall of Patience by foure rules , viz. two for entrance and two for continuance .

THere remaineth the fourth and last path , viz. our Patience , of which as Christians stand in continuall neede , the way to heaven being thorny ( as before was shewed ) and be set with troubles : so it is needful for them to make trial , what their patience is , or whether that which happily they make shew of , be Christian patience , and not senselesse blockishnesse . As they may , first for the entrance , by considering how it hath beene wrought in them , first , by learning that hard lesson , to deny , not their sinnes , or substance onely , b●t even themselves , Mat. 16.24 . thei● 〈◊〉 wisedome and will : and secondly , by entertaining perswasion of the love , and good will of God their father towards them , in Christ Iesus . For first , till men have learned to deny themselves their owne wisedome , and carnall will , what marvell if they be angry and impatient ( as Ionah was for his Ion. 4.8 . gourd ) at every thing that commeth overthwart them , whether it be a crosse from God , or wrong ( as they conceive it ) offered by men : neither can 〈◊〉 bee imagined , that with patient meekenesse any should take up the crosse , untill they have learned to sacrifice their will to God , with that submission of our blessed Saviour , Father , Luk. 22.42 . not my will , but thine be done . Howbeit , neither may any hope to come hereunto , untill they become ( which is the second point for trial ) perswaded of Gods good will towards them in Iesus Christ ; by whose power & wisedome , whiles they know that all things are Lam. 3● 37.38 . disposed , and nothing befalling them without his appointment who worketh all things after the counsel of his owne will , Eph. 1.11 . & whose thoughts towards his are evermore thoughts of peace , Ier. 29.11 . and not of evill , still rejoycing over them to do them good , Ier. 32.41 . they rest withall assured out of this perswasion of Gods love , that all things shall worke together for their good . Rom 8.28 . The consideration whereof cannot but worke them unto patience , that if it please God , why should it not please them also ? since God , who loveth them , knoweth better then themselves , what is for their good . And therfore in al our sufferings , either for Christ , or with him , this must be the triall of our patience , by considering whether the ground thereof be faith and obedience , our being assured of Gods love in Christ , and having learned thereupon to deny our selves .

And now , for the other triall of continuance , if we would see , whether wee possesse our soules by true patience , let us observe first , Luk. 21 . 1● . the strength supporting , and secondly , the hope encouraging thereunto . For , first , if our patience be Christian , & from above , it is supported by the spirit of grace & praier , helping our infirmities , and teaching us , as S. Iames counselleth , Zac. 12.10 . Rom. 8.26 . when at any time wee lacke wisedome , Iam. 1.5 . to aske it of God , who reproacheth no man , that so our patience by strength and counsell received from heaven , may have in us her perfect working . And secondly , for the expectation , encouraging us to hold out with comfort and rejoycing , amidst all sufferings , of what lesse thing may it be , then of the kingdome of heaven , the crowne of glory ? Wherof when once S. Paul had but a glimpse by the eye of faith , you know how he preferreth it in his account above all the sufferings of this life ; Rom. ● . 18 . grounding thereon the courage of a Christian , amidst the greatest troubles ; For , Therefore , saith he , 2 Cor. 4.16 wee faint not , but though our outward man perish , yet the inward man is renewed daily . Verse 17 , For our light affliction , which is but for a moment , causeth unto us a far more excellent , and an eternall weight of glory . While we looke not on the things that are seen , Verse 18. but on the things which are not seene ; for the things which are seene are temporall , but the things which are not seene are eternall . So that if Iaacob , serving seven yeeres for Rahel , under so hard a master as Laban , thought it but a short and easie apprentiship , because hee loved her , Gen. 29.20 how much more ought every true Israelite , that loveth the Lord Iesus , to serve with patience , the yeers of his appointed warfare , having an eye unto so great a recompence of reward ? Heb. 11.26 . Wherefore thus also let our triall be touching this fourth and last particular of patience , by considering : as first , how it hath beene wrought in us , by perswasion of Gods love , and the deniall of our selves : so secondly , how it is continued , by the support of the spirit of prayer , and expectation of future glory .

And now , for conclusion of this first use , ( enlarged as you see for our direction , with hope of profit ) let me beseech you in the bowels , and by the tender mercies of Iesus Christ , that since this is a businesse , which may well be tearmed the Maine chance , and all things else , in comparison , but trifles : you would , as S. Peter wisheth , 2 Pet. 1.10 give all diligence thereunto , that you may make your calling & election sure ; & purchase this assured confort to your soules against the houre of death ( which none of us know how soone it may seize upon us ) that you have entred , and are walking in the way of life ; the several paths whereof , seeing we have had amply & severally described , what remaineth but that , as David , wee consider our owne wayes , Psa. 119.59 . Psal. 4.4 . and examine our hearts each of us upon our beds , as we have beene directed .

CHAP. XXIII . The woefull condition of all in in the broad way , whiles they despise reproofe , under a vaine hope of mercy .

NOw because upon examination it is much to be feared , that many will be found out of the way ; and of those the greatest part , not caring ever to set foot therein ; it will be needfull in the next place to infer from the doctrine before delivered , our second use of terror and commination , unto such , who , if they will deale unpartially with their own soules , cannot but find themselves wanderers in the broad way hereto opposite , and therefore in the estare and expectation of unavoideable destruction , unlesse , being warned of the danger of Gods displeasure , they resolve to endure the difficultie of this strait gate , and way , that they may enjoy his favour .

For , howsoever such many times , as Moses warneth , promise to themselves peace ; Deut. 29.19 . their owne hearts , like Ahabs flatte●ing Chaplains being ready to sooth them in their madnesse , 1 King . 22.12 . and to bid them not to feare , but goe on and prosper : yet if Balaam , though a corrupt Prophet , durst not take upon him to curse where the Lord had not cursed , Num. 23.8 how may any servant of Christ , that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to bee faithfull , presume to pronounce a blessing , where the Lord hath not blessed ? but rather with the Prophet in the name of the Lord deny all peace unto the wicked ; Isa. 57.21 . answering him , as Iehu did Iehoram , what peace ? whiles the whoredomes of their mother , 2 Kin. 9.22 . that Iezabel of sinnefull nature , and her witchcrafts , are yet in great number ? For alas , what shal I , or what can I say unto thee ? I know thou wouldest gladly heare of peace , and have those blessings as from mount Gerizim pronounced on thee , that for all this , God is mercifull : Deut. 27.12 and Christ Iesus came into the world to save sinners : and at what time soever a sinner shall repent , &c. Yea , it may bee thou iudgest it unbeseeming the ministers of the Gospell , to beate men downe by the terrors of the Law , and not rather apply the sweet comforts of the Gospell to raise them up with the hope of life .

The hope of life ? surely it is our onely aime , and the travell of our soules , so to fashion the new creature in you , that you may abound in that blessed hope . But what ? would you ha●e us to deceive you ? and that that lying spirit by our 1 Kin. 2● . 23 . mouthes should bid you goe on and prosper in your wickednesse ? or would not your own heart in that case , as Micaiah , discover and justly reproove us ? or thinke you it is in our power to make wider or straiter the gate of heaven , at our pleasure ? surely ; it is not we , but our God and yours , who hath measured these gates , and pointed out these narrow wayes to life , in his eternall word of truth ; neither is it our part to determine judicially of any mans everlasting estate ; that power we willingly leave to your owne consciences , rightly informed by the word o● truth , under God the iudge of all , who is greater then our hearts , and knoweth all things . 1 Ioh. 3.20 . Our onely office by God assigned , is ( as our names of Watchmen , Shepherds , Eze. 3.17 . Iere. 3 15. and the like import ) to stand in the waies , and , as our selves have learned from the word , to give direction to our fellow Travellers , how they may guide their feet in the way of peace . Luk. 1.79 . And would you take it well in a iourny , having lost your way , to bee told that you are right and may goe forward boldly ? Ioseph , when he missed of his brethren in Shechem , and was wandring in the field , Gen. 37.16 was found of a man , by whom he was directed to follow them to Dothan ; and shall wee , when the spouse of Christ , seeking her welbeloved , and her brethren , commeth for direction to the Tents of us Shepheards , Cant. 1.17 turne her out of the way , and ( as Elisha did the blinded Aramites ) leade her to Samaria in stead of Dothan ? we take it for granted , 2 Kin. 6.19 that know and teach men what they ought to doe , that when you come unto us , as the people useth to come , Exe. 33.31 and sit before us to heare our words , your desire is to understand from God by us , the way wherein you may walke , Ier. 42.3 . and the thing that you may doe : remembring , that the Lord is a witnesse of truth and faith betweene us : Verse 5. God forbid then , that either we should sinne against the Lord , 1 Sam. 12.23 . ceasing to pray for you , and to shew you the good & right way : or that you , like those in Ieremy , should be found to dissemble in your hearts , Ier. 42.20 . having resolved with yourselves before hand to goe downe to Egypt : Ier. 43.2 . much lesse to give the lie to Gods servants , when they shal advise you in the Lords name to the contrary , which is in effect , to say unto the Almighty , Iob 21.14 . depart from us , for we desire not the knowledge of thy wayes . Nay , so farre be it from you , despising the counsell of God against your selves , Luk. 7.30 . to fall out with the watchman , who in love unto your soules , and care to deliver his own maketh you to heare that voice , This is the way , walke ye in it , Esa. 30.21 . when you turne to the right hand or to the left ; or to account him your enemy fortelling you the truth ; Gal. 4.16 . That you rather shew your selves to be of Davids spirit , who receiving counsell from God by a woman , 1 Sam. 25.32 . blessed the Lord the counsel , and the counseller , that caused him to desist from his unadvised & unwarrantable course . But if any one shal so please himselfe in the opinion of his owne wisedome , as to refuse , by God to bee made wise for himselfe , and shall mocke and rage at him , who carefully seeketh to make him see the danger of his error , that hee may returne ; let such a scorner learne his doome from Solomon , Prov. 9.12 . that he alone shall suffer : and taking the guilt of his bloud upon his owne head , shal leave this comfort unto the Watchman , Eze. 3.19 . that by giving faithfull counsell , hee hath delivered his owne soule .

Wherefore I beseech and charge thee , whosoever thou art , that wilt escape the terrour of the last , and dreadfull day of Christ , doe not sooth thy selfe with senselesse , and unreasonable presumptions , looking for a blessed end of an accursed life , because , God is mercifull : and hath sent his sonne to save sinners : and , made promise of pardon , whensoever a sinner shall repent : for , what warrant have we to extend Gods Mercy , though unlimitable in it selfe , beyond the bounds which he hath set in his word ? wherin he hath utterly excluded from mercy , all that sinne presumptuously , Deu. 29.20 Psal. 59.5 . and of malitious wickednesse . Or what comfort canst thou have in this , that it is not impossible for God to save , whiles by impenitency , thou makest it impossible for thee to be saved ? And howsoever it be a true saying and worthy of all men to be received , 1 Tim 1.15 that Iesus Christ came into the world to save sinners ; yet what canst thou claime therein , who by unbeleefe makest God a lyar , 1 Ioh , 5.10 . and accounting the Son of God no better worth then to be trod under thine unhallowed feet , Heb. 10 ●9 . iudgest thy selfe unworthy of everlasting life . Act. 13 46. Finally , howsoever mercy be never denied to any , that seriously and heartily repenteth , yet , seeing God who sheweth mercy to every sinner that repenteth , vouchsafeth not repentance to every one that sinneth ; what madnesse is it for men to presume , not onely of mercy , when they repent , but also of repentance when they list ? or how can he say , that ever he shal enter into life , who by staying longer maketh his entrance every day harder ? or that onely with a Lord have mercy , at the last breath , he shall leape into the gate of life , when hee hath all his daies , and with all his might , runne desperately in the waies of death ? what though one poore malefactor , were received to mercy on the Crosse , whose faith miraculously shone , Luk 23.43 . when , together with the sunne of righteousnesse , the whole Church was in the eclipse ? how unsafe a course were it for any wretched soule , rather to presume upon this one example , which God hath extraordinarily given lest any should despaire , then to bee afraid , considering there are no more recorded , lest any man should presume ?

Wherefore rather , to avoid the wrath of God and rage of all his creatures ( which as his hosts serve him in his warre against his rebellious enemies ) and amongst the rest , the fury of a guilty conscience which as Gods secretarie , is ready to write , thy Mene Tekel ; Dan. 5.25 . and to put thee ever in mind that thy iudgement long agoe is past , 2 Pet ● . 3 . and thy damnation sleepeth not , but happily this night may surprise thee sleeping , and the Devils , Gods Executioners seize upon thy foolish soul , as was threatned to the rich Epicure in the parable , when hee prophesied to himselfe of long life and Luc. 12.20 . good fare . How much better will it be , taking these things to heart , to listen to the admonition , or counsell of striving to enter , which , being mainely intended by our Saviour , commeth now to be urged , as the third use of the doctrine proposed .

CHAP. XXIV . A counsell to enter ; with the reason why so many doe not , viz. because they seeke not , or because they strive not .

TO enforce upon us this counsell of our Savior , let us here take in and consider his reason , in the latter part of the Text , drawn from the danger of exclusion , to so many as doe not strive to enter ; for , Many , I say to you ( so doth hee avouch it on his word , that we may give the more credit thereunto ) shall seeke ( or enquire ) to enter in , viz. into heaven ; 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . who for want of earnest striving shall not be able . So would all gladly go to heaven , if wishing or willing would bring them thither ; but to take paines for it they are loth , and therefore wish in vain ; like Solomons sluggard , Prov. 13.4 . who lusteth , but his soule hath nought , because he refuseth to put his hands to worke : so fareth it with the spirituall sluggard , who is ready to wish with Balaam , to dye the death of the righteous , Num. 23.10 but doth no more then hee regard to live their life . Yea , how many are there , that with Iames and Iohn , vainely desire to sit on eyther hand of Christ , Mar. 10.37 and to weare the crowne , who yet are loth to pledge him in his cup or to take up his crosse ? but oh , that such as professe they have hope in Christ , wold so endeavor to be holy , as they affect eagerly , to be happy ! for , then surely they should be both holy and happy . And did they so strive for grace , as they wish for glory ; then should grace end in them with glory , and as here they live the lives , so should they after possesse the joyes of Saints in heaven . But for this cause doe men come short of that happinesse they would attaine unto , because , either at all they seeke not , or certainly they strive not , to enter in , as here our Saviour counselleth , at the strait gate .

For if wee marke well the humours of the world , first , yee shall see that some seeke not at all to enter , but running a most licentious and ungodly race , as if they had made a covenant with death , Isa 28.15 . and with hell were at agreement , or rather , as if they cared not for either Heaven or hell , God or divell , yet are ready in an hellish bravery , to belch out that damned poison , drawn by the Atheistical Spider , from the most fragrant flower of Gods eternall Predestination , whereout the Christian Bee doth sucke her sweetest honey ; that live as they list , and doe what they please , yet if they be elected unto life , the shall be saved : when as on the contrary , Rom. 9.19 if God have reiected them , they cannot doe withall , the fault is not in them , if they be condemned . Yes , doubtlesse ( to answer thee who ever thou be that thus openest thy mouth blasphemously against heaven , Psal. 73.9 . ) if thou be condemned , Rom. 2.15 Tit. 3.11 . thine owne conscience will one day tell thee , that the fault was wholly , and altogether in thine owne selfe , that being left to thy selfe , hast most justly demerited , by thine owne wickednesse , the judgement of eternall condemnation ; never entertaining so much as a desire of grace or love of the truth , 2 Th. 2.10 that thou mightest be saved . But mightest thou not as absurdly reason , that because God hath determined how long every man shall live , and numbred his daies , therefore it is no matter , Iob. 14.5 . whether men eat or drinke to prolong life , since , till God hath appointed they cannot dy ? or should not hee be accounted a murtherer of himselfe , who , so reasoning , would abstaine therefore from food ; seeing God who hath appointed the time , hath appointed no lesse the meanes of preserving life ? and shalt not thou deserve to be held a murtherer of thine owne soule and body in a worse maner , who , thus reasoning from Gods determination in his most secret counsell , touching thine eternall e●ate , shalt therefore neg●ect all care of the holy ●eanes which God in this ●evealed will of his ( which ●nly belongeth to thee to look ●fter ) hath prescribed to ●ll who would attaine to ●hat blessednesse , Deu. 29.29 whereto hee hath fore-appointed them ; as if thou wouldest have heaven drop into thy mouth without thy seeking of it ?

But ( to leave such miscreants , not worthy farther mentioning , who desperately professe themselves not once to seeke entrance into heaven ) in the second place , how many are there , even of professed seekers , who yet , alas , for want of striving , shall not be able to enter ? witnesse for proofe hereof , besides the Text in hand , three other pregnant testimonies from the same our Saviours mouth ; The first , Math. 7.21 . Not every one , that saith unto me , Lord , Lord , shall enter into the kingdome of heaven , but hee that doth the will of my Father which is in heaven . Yea , saith he , many shall say unto me , in that day , Lord , Lord , have not we by thy name prophesied , and by thy name cast out Divells ? and done many great workes through thy name ? and then will I professe unto them , I never knew you ; depart from me yee workers of iniquity . Parallel wherto is the second place , in the words immediately following upon our Text , as an exposition and confirmation thereof ; Verse 25. when ●he good man of the house is risen up , and hath shut the doore , and yee beginne to stand without , and to knock , saying : Lord , Lord , open unto us , and he shall answere and say unto you , I know you not whence you are . Then , lo , what pleading of old acqaintance , ( not as if after death , before Gods Tribunall , there shall be any such parley , but to note what it is , that many in this life rely upon , hoping thereby to be let into heaven when they dye , even a bare profession of Religion ) for , then shall you beginne to say , we have eaten and drunk in thy presence , that is , have been partakers of thy sacrifice● and Sacraments , and th●● hast taught in our streets , as i● they should say , wee hav● been diligent commers t● heare sermons , and yet neither is this inough , for , no●withstanding hee shall say , 〈◊〉 tell you , Verse 29. I know you not fro● whence yee are ; depart from 〈◊〉 all ye workers of iniquity . Th● third proofe , consonant i● meaning to the two forme● is taken from the Parable 〈◊〉 the five foolish Virgins , Math● 25. who , because they ha● Lampes of an outward profession , though they had 〈◊〉 wise care to provide them selves of oyle in their vessell are noted to have gone for● to meet the Bridegroome , Verse 1. the● by shewing desire , and expectation of his comming , as also , no lesse then the wiser five to have slumbred and slept whiles he tarryed , that is , Verse 5. to have rested secure of entrance in with him , whensoever he should come ; and yet , seeking too late to enter , were most miserably disappointed , and shut out , with , I know yee not . Verse 12. All these serving to teach us thus much , that it is not every crying , Lord , Lord , not every calling , though with earnestnesse ( as men often on their death-beds seeme to doe ) on the name of God : no , nor yet preaching , or working miracles in the name of Christ : nor yet comming to eate and drink yeerly , ( as the Iewes did in the Passeover ) or if it were monethly to receive the holy Sacrament at the Table of Christ : ( Exo. 12. ) or weekly , or daily to repair to the Church to heare the word of Christ : not any , or all of these , nor yet lampes of outward temporary profession , touching our hope and expectation of the comming of Christ , that will serve our turnes , to admit us with Christ into his kingdome . No , for though wee thus seeke , ( which is more then many doe ) and heereupon conceive some hope of happinesse , yet this is not enough ; such hope , if there be no more , will but deceive us , except we shall labour to supply what is wanting , which in those places we may finde added in the reasons of exclusion ; viz. first to leave to be workers of iniquity : and secondly , to labour to doe our Fathers will which is in heaven : and thirdly , to get with the wise Virgins , oyle in our vessells , that is , true grace in our hearts , which alone is able to nourish , and keepe in the lampes of our profession , untill the Bridegroomes appearance . The endeavour whereof , what is it in effect ? but that earnest strife , which our Saviour exhorteth unto , to enter in at the strait gate , and walke in the narrow way ; so distastfull to flesh and blood , that most had rather quite forgoe the hope of salvation , then enter and walke in it : & yet , as our Saviour maketh the comparison , Mar. 9 : 43 &c. that it is better to go maimed , halt , or with one eye , to heaven , then having every limme and member sound , to be throwne headlong into hell : So may we boldly say , that it is farre better , though crouching with broken shoulder-bones , and stript naked of all garments spotted with the flesh , to enter in at this strait gate to heaven , then with the multitude , who preferre earth to heaven , and the enjoying of the pleasure of sinne for a season , to the fruition of everlasting joyes , to wander , without this gate , in the darke waies of death .

CHAP. XXV . A caution against the seeming strait gate of superstition , enforcing a double care and circumspection .

BVt yet Satan , that old Serpent is so cunning , and stil so ready to deceive , Rev. 12.9 . 2 Cor. 2.11 & 11.3.14 that even here also we had need to be warned of his subtilty ; who because our Saviour hath counselled to enter , and walke in the strait gate and narrow way , hath ( according to his Apish , and crafty custome ) to the end he might mislead men deuised and set foorth certaine gates and waies , which carry shew of straitnesse . Such as there are many ( after the heathenish and Idolatrous guise ) in the Popish , pretended high way to heaven ; as , their vowes of voluntary povertie , perpetuall chastitie , and regular obedience , their set times of fasting , shrift , barefoot pilgrimages , whippings of themselves , and other penances ( to which the Rhamists , upon this text , refer us ; ) all which , howsoever they make a shew of straitnesse to such poore underlings , as are not able to releeve themselves by dispensation , yet , as many waies , seeming strait , may be paths of the broad way leading to death ( which the Papists themselves cannot deny , unlesse they will make that a way to heaven , wherin the Priests of Baal trode , which yet may seeme as strait to flesh and bloud , as any way of theirs , when they cut themselves , and that ( saith the Spirit ) as their manner was , 1 King . 18.28 . with knives and launcers , till the bloud gushed out ) so , that such , and no better , these wayes of Poperie bee indeed , howsoever magnified , as th' onely state of perfection , may appeare by two reasons : First , because they be none other , then such as are taxed by the Apostle , Col. 2.21 . for Will-worship , consisting in beggarly traditions , Verse 22. such as touch not , taste not , handle not , &c. which all perish with the using , & are after the commandements & doctrins of men , never prescribed by Iesus Christ : secondly , because they bring not unto Christ , the end of the law , and aime of obedience ; Rom. 10.4 Eph. 4.20 . but contrariwise , as Ieroboam set up Calves in Dan and Bethel , 1 Kin. 12.28 . to keep the ten tribes from going to worship God at Ierusalem , so are these by Satan erected , as false gates , to make men to repose confidence in their owne meritorious perfections , and supererrogations , and not in Christ .

Seeing therfore , everie gate and way , which maketh shew of straitnesse , is not that straite gate , and narrow way , of which our Saviour speaketh , unto the agonie and strife here required , must bee added that counsell , which the Lord in Ieremy doth give his people , Ier. 6.16 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 to stand in the wayes and behold , and aske among the old wayes ( as some with warrant from the originall , Trem. and necessitie of truth , doe render , since there be many old waies , Eze. 20.18 that are not good ) which is the good way , and to walke therein , that wee may finde rest for our soules . For so doth a twofold care lie upon us ; the first to labour to finde out which is the good gate , and way ; wherewith God , if wee will submit our selves , and looke to be taught of him , will acquaint us by these two certaine and infallible markes , viz. first if it be prescribed by Christ , the truth : secondly , if it lead us to Christ , our life : as the pathes before discovered are and doe , which being found out , our second care ought to be , putting away all delaies ( which in this case above all other , are most dangerous ) to strive for entrance , and being entred , to walke on with Abraham , and the rest , ( by faith made children , and blessed with faithfull Abraham ) who , ( Gal. 3.9 ) Heb. 11.13 confessing that they were strangers and pilgrimes on the earth , declared plainely thereby that they sought a Countrey ; not that whence they came , but a better , that is , an heavenly ; of whom therefore God ( saith the Apostle ) was not ashamed to bee called their God , Verse 16. for he hath prepared for them a City . A follower of whose footsteps , and a guide to ours , was that famous Travailer , the blessed Apostle himselfe , the penne-man of that their praise ; who having wandred long before hee came to see the way , yet having found it , and being entred , how did he ( as is noted of Iacob , Gen. 29.1 . after hee had passed thorough Bethel , that gate of heaven ) lift up his feet , Malac 4.2 and make hast unto that land of the children of the east ; upon whom th Prophet promiseth that sunne of righteousnesse to arise , and health under his wings : witnesse his owne words , wherein he professeth his resolution in travaile , Philip. 3.13 . and so forwards : Brethren , I account not my selfe that I have attained to it : hee meaneth to that full comprehension of Christ , or perfection of grace which he ought to labour after . And if not S. Paul , then who may , Pharisaically think himselfe perfect , and as the Angel of Laodicea wanting nothing but one thing , ( Rev. 3.17 ) saith he , I doe : one thing indeed , that one necessary thing , Luk. 10.42 . in comparison wherof , like Mary , hee minded nothing else : forgetting that which is behind , and endeavouring unto that which is before , I follow hard ( or presse with an eager pursuit , ( so doth the word emphatically import ) after the marke , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 or by levelling at the marke , for ( or unto , that is , to attaine unto ) that high price of the calling of God in Iesus Christ : being that which Peter calleth an immarcessible garland , ( 1 Pet. 5.4 ) or crowne of glory . Vpon which worthy president , let mee inferre by way of counsell to us all , the Apostles owne conclusion : Phil 3.15 . let us therefore , as many as be perfect , be thus minded : And as for those who yet are otherwise minded , let our praier be , that God , if they belong to him , would his appointed time , reveale the same unto them . In the meane time , let us all , in that whereunto wee are come , Verse 16. according to the measure of grace received , proceede by one and the same rule , and line , minding the same thing by the direction and conduct of Gods word and Spirit ; 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . as the Israelites by the leading of the Pillar towards Canaan , Exo. 13.21 or the wise men unto Christ , Math. 2.9 . by the guidance of the starre ; yea , Psal. 119.32 . farther , let our promise be , and prayer , also , with that man after Gods owne heart , that we may runne , not creepe , nor goe , but runne the wayes of God , when hee shall enlarge our hearts . For , surely , in this course only may ambitious strife seem commendable , when as Peter and Iohn , Ioh. 20.4 . ran both together unto the Sepulchre ; so wee runne with contention to seeke our Saviour , striving , as they did , 1 Cor. 14.12 . each to ouer-run the other , to surpasse not only others , but also our selves , not in greatnesse , but in goodnesse , growing still in grace as we doe in age .

In which race , so to runne , that wee may obtaine , wee are notably directed , and encouraged , by that cloude of witnesses , which is to us , as that pillar of cloude was to the Israelites , under the standard of that Lyon of Iudah , our most victorious leader , Hebr. 12.1.2 . Wherefore , seeking that we are compassed with so great a cloud of witnesses , let us also cast away every thing , that presseth downe , and the sinne that hangeth so fast on , and let us runne with patience the race that is set before us , looking unto Iesus , that Chiefetaine and perfecter of our faith ; who , for the ioy that was set before him , endured the crosse , and despised the shame , and is set at the right hand of the Throne of God ; whom , if wee be truely wise , wee will be ready to follow , though it be to Golgotha , with Simon , Mat. 27.31 . bearing the crosse , that with him from mount Oliver , Luk. 24.50 wee may ascend to heaven , and be made partakers of his crown , and if as Iaacob ( though not without sweating and paines ) we shall wrestle with Christ untill the breaking of the day , not letting him goe , Gen. 32.14 Can. 2.17 ) except he blesse us , doubtlesse , as hee did , so shall wee prevaile with God ( for assurance unto us that so wee shall with men also ) and being of that brood of trauellers , which the Psalmist calleth Iaacob , Psal. 24.6 . howsoever , wee depart limping , Gen. 32.31 to shew , that we have buckled with our better , Verse 29. yet , wee shall carry away the blessing , and Israel shall be our name .

CHAP. XXVI . A consolatorie conclusion , making good the happinesse of those that travel in the narrow path , with removall of exceptions .

TO come to a conclusion , ( and so to shut up all in the fourth , and last place , Ioh. 13 11. how can the consolation of God seeme small unto us , who , though not without much agony and strife , Heb. 12.11 . being gotten within the gate , and walking as pilgrims upon earth for a while in the narrow path , Psal. 119.19 . yet may rejoyce in this , which our Savior directeth his to looke unto , as the chiefest cause of joy , that our names are inrouled for citizens in heaven , Luc. 10.20 . where is our home and head , and all our treasure . Towards which our country whiles we are making speed , longing with Th' apostle hence to depart , Phil. 1.23 . and to get home , ( as we may well with old Simeon , Luc. 2.29 . when once wee have embraced in our armes of faith , our thrice blessed Saviour ) Oh blessed may wee be , and blessed this our travell and speede . For why ? having innocent hands , Psal. 24.3 . and a pure heart , not lifting up our minds to vanity , nor swearing deceitfully , assuredly we shall receive a blessing from the Lord , & righteousnes , that is , Verse 5. the crowne and reward of our righteousnesse , from ( that righteous Judge ) the God of our salvation . For , first , in death wee shall be sure of life , to ascend where our glorious head is already crowned , into the highest heavens , there to dwell before the Throne , and in presence of the lambe , and to enjoy with God himselfe , and all the holy Angells , and triumphant Saints , everlasting and most blisfull glory , which seeing eye hath not seene , nor eare heard , 1 Cor. 2.9 . nor the heart of man hath beene ever able to conceive ; Why should my pen goe about to describe ; and not rather leave all our soules , who can entertaine hope thereof , with joy unexpressible , to stand astonished ? To speake therefore onely of our present state ; wherein , though we be the sonnes of God , 1 Ioh. 3.2 . yet it appeareth not what wee shall be ; whiles wee are beneath in this vaile of teares and Tabernacles made of clay , Iob 4.19 . whose foundations are in the dust , yet stand we now in Gods courts , & dwell in his holy Tabernacle , of which you heare what the Singer of Israel sang so sweetly , Oh how amiable ! Psal. 84. Verse 1. Verse 10. &c. One day in thy courts is better , then else-where a thousand yeeres : yea , a better choyce by far , to be a doore keeper in the house of God , then to dwell , though with soveraign command , in the tents of wickednesse . Indeede let us weigh things well in the balances of the sanctuary , and we shall finde , that , there is no comparison between those dwellings , waies and walkings .

For ( to prevent exceptions briefly , and give withall encouragement to every faithfull , but fainting soule ) First , for the company ; what though , walking in this narrow path , we seeme to walke alone , or with few companions ? Surely , this may adde courage to us , to goe on , in assurance that we are in the way to life , which ( if our Saviour be worthy credit ) but few doe finde . For , neither have in any age the best things pleased the greatest multitudes , nor the best profession bin ever best reported of , witnesse that speech of the Jewes at Rome touching the profession of Christians , Act. 28.22 . As concerning this sect , we know that it is every where spoken against . Notwithstanding , neither shall we be in this journy all alone ; some in all ages having gone before us , and some to the worlds end following after ; and many doubtlesse ( though not the most no● greatest Rufflers in the world ) even for the presen● footing it with us , of all other the trustiest companions in the way . Neither , put case we were forced , as Iacob , to goe all alone , Gen. 18. need wee to feare want of company , since in this way , lo , as to him , Christ Jesus , and all the host of God , the holy Angells , Gen 32.1 . are ready to meet with us . Secondly , for the way it selfe , howsoever at first , it may seeme difficult , and displeasing to our flesh ( the duties of piety to weake beginners , who are yet as old bottles not able to hold new wine , Mat. 9.17 . being not so delightfull , but a burthen rather , and the profession of the faith , as to Nichodemus , at first , matter of feare , Ioh. 3.2 . till we are accustomed therunto , & have gotten strength as did the same Nichodemu● after to grow bold ) yet , Ioh. 19 39. wh● once we have tasted , 1 Pet. 2.3 . Psal. 34.8 . & ar● growne well accquainte● with the grace of life , w● shall finde with David , Psal 11 9. nothing so sweete unto ou● soules , as the service of th● Lord . Insomuch , that w● shall see cause rather to pity , then envy their wre●ched liberty that , being no● servants unto righteousnes are , Rom. 6.20.21 . whiles they think themselves onely free , the mo● miserable slaves of sinne●

And farther ( to preven● the cavill which som● make an Apology for the sinnefull sloath , , in doin● naught or nothing , becau● they can never do enough what though when we ha● done all that is commanded ( if we could , Luc. 17.10 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . which none can doe ) we must confesse , we are unprofitable servants : yet neither let this discourage us from doing our best , or making it with S. Paul , our only aime to finish our course with ioy , Act. 20.24 . who have beene taught that what was impossible to the Law , Rom. 8.3 . Christ Iesus hath supplied for us : and withal obtained , that whoso beleeve in him , shewing their faith by their sincere , howsoever weake , endeavour of obedience , should bee in God the Fathers reckoning esteemed righteous , and for his righteousnesse , not their own obedience , held worthy of life eternall .

And , what though the children of God , ( having their worldly state proportioned in Christ himselfe , who in the dayes of his humiliation refused to be made a King ) doe for the most part want that outward pompe , Ioh. 6.15 . and lustre of the world , that so dazeleth the carnall eye ? Yet herein the Kings daughter excelleth al the children of this world ; Psal. 45.13 . that she is all glorious within ; perfectly faire in the eyes of her welbeloved , Cant. 1.14 through his beauty which he hath put upon her , Eze. 16.14 . Cant. 1.4 . and comely as the curtaines of Solomon , in the sight of the unnaturall sonnes of her mother who are angry and envious , against her . Yea , so doe the hidden beames of grace breake through the cloud of their afflicted , and despised condition , that not onely the cleare sight of the spirituall beholders , doth discerne them , as sparkes of heavenly beauty , but even the envious eye of malignant worldlings cannot but looke upon them , though as eye-sores , nor their preiudicious heart , but allow & admire them , making them that never regard to imitate the practise of their life , at times to wish that they may bee partakers of the comfort of their death . Num. 23 10

Finally , where may the voice of lasting ioy and sound reioycing be heard , but as the Psalmist speakes , in the Tabernacles of the righteous ? Psa. 118.15 . For , howsoever worldlings , that never knew what true delight o● pleasure meaneth , make a crackling of laughter , like a fire of thornes under a pot , Eccl. 7.8 . thinking themselves to have , at least , th' advantage of mirth above Gods children , who sit as Ioseph in afflictions unminded : Amos 6.6 . Iudg. 16.25 Ps. 35 16.69 , 12. or , as Sampson & holy David derided of them in their merriments & good fellowship : yet herein also the righteous are more excellent then their neighbors , Pro. 12.26 who , though they walke in thorny waies , and cannot but be pricked with many griefes and disquietments , have yet Christ Iesus as the brazen Serpent to Num 21.9 looke upon ; whereby the sting of Death , 1 Cor. 15.56 . and strength of sin is so remooved from their hearts ; that , grounded in faith , renewed by repentance , practised in obedience , confirmed in patience , they cannot but reioyce with ioy unspeakeable and glorious . 1 Pet. 1.8 . Neither is it for the Stranger to meddle with the Christians ioy . Prov. 14.10 Sufficeth it him , that ( as his portion in this life ) his corne and wine and oyle encreaseth : Psal. 17 14. Psal. 4 7. the light of Gods loving countenance , the promise of his continual assistance , the comfort of his gracious spirit , the hope of his glorious presence , are hidden from the grosse and carnall eie , partly by the malice and subtilty of the God of this world , 2 Cor. 4.4 . 1 The. 2.16 but chiefly by the iust wrath of the God of heaven , wh● leaveth those despisers to behold , Act● 13.41 and wonder at , the hopefull endeavour and alacrity of his servants ; who weighing the precious worth of this counsell of our Saviour , do strive by violence to enter into this gate of Heaven .

Psal. 118.20 . This is the gate of the Lord : the righteous shall enter into it . Isa. 30.21 . This is the way : walke ye in it .