THE STRAIT GATE; OR, GREAT DIFFICULTY OF GOING TO HEAVEN: Plainly proving, by the Scriptures, that not only the Rude and Profane, but many great Professors, will come short of that Kingdom. "Enter ye in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."-Matth. vii. 13, 14. COURTEOUS Reader, GOD (I hope) hath put it into my heart to write unto thee another time, and that about matters of the greatest moment (for now we discourse not about things controverted among the godly, but directly about the saving or damning of the soul; yea, moreover, this discourse is about the fewness of them that shall be saved, and it proves, that many an high professor will come short of eternal life); wherefore the matter must needs be sharp, and so disliked by some, but let it not be rejected by thee. The text calls for sharpness, so do the times, yea, the faithful discharge of my duty towards thee hath put me upon it. I do not now pipe, but mourn and it will be well for thee if thou canst graciously lament, Matth. xi. 17. Some (say they) make the gate of heaven too wide, and some make it too narrow; for my part, I have here presented thee with as true a measure of it, as by the word of God I can. Read me, therefore, yea, read me, and compare me with the Bible; and if thou findest my doctrine and that book of God concur, embrace it, as thou wilt answer the contrary in the day of judgment. This awakening work (if God will make it so) was prepared for thee: if there be need, and it wounds, get healing by blood: if it disquiets, get peace by blood: if it takes away all thou hast, because it was naught (for this book is not prepared to take away true grace from any), then buy of Christ gold tried in the fire, that thou mayst be rich, and white raiment, that thou mayst be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness doth not appear, and anoint thine eyes with eye-salve, that thou mayst see, Rev. iii. 18. Self-flatteries, self-deceivings, are easy and pleasant, but damnable. The Lord give thee an heart to judge right of thyself, right of this book, and so prepare for eternity, that thou mayst not only expect entrance, but be received into the kingdom of Christ and of God. Amen. So prays thy Friend, JOHN BUNYAN. THE STRAIT GATE: OR, GREAT DIFFICULTY OF GOING TO HEAVEN. "Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.”—Luke, xiii. 24. THESE are the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and are, therefore, in especial manner to be heeded; besides, the subject matter of the words is the most weighty, to wit, how we should attain salvation, and therefore also to be heeded. The occasion of the words was a question which one that was at this time in the company of the disciples, put to Jesus Christ; the question was this, "Lord, are there few that be saved?" ver. 23. A serious question, not such as tended to the subversion of the hearers, as too many now a-days do; but such as in its own nature tended to the awakening of the company to good, and that called for such an answer that might profit the people also. This question also well pleased Jesus Christ, and he prepareth and giveth such an answer as was without the least retort, or shew of distaste; such an answer, I say, as carried in it the most full resolve to the question itself, and help to the persons questioning: "And he said unto them, Strive to enter in," &c. The words are an answer, and an instruction also. 1. An answer, and that in the affirmative; the gate is strait,-many that seek will not be able, therefore but few shall be saved. 2. The answer is an instruction also; "strive to enter in," &c. good counsel and instruction; pray God help me, |