The wells of salvation opened, or, Words whereby we may be saved

they seek, but they do not strive to enter in at the strait gate; they do not press towards the mark for the prize of the high calling, and therefore they fall short and miss of it; there are but few that strive to enter in at the strait gate, that strive as wrestlers in wrestling, or racers in running, or warriors in fighting, as the word [Greek or Hebrew] doth signify; few that seek their salvation above all other things, and with all their heart and might, few that are resolved for salvation whatever it cost them, whatever they do, or suffer for it, unto which resolution and endeavour all must come, or else they cannot be saved, and these being so few, certainly there are but few that shall be saved. More plainly our Saviour speaks to the same purpose, Math. 7.13, 14. 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 the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. The gate and way of sin which leads to death and Hell, are wide and broad, and the most in the world are passing through this gate, and walking in this way; the course of the world is a course of sin, the end of which course is destruction, and the reason why so many go in at the gate of sin, which is the outer gate of Hell, is, because strait is the gate, and narrow the way which leadeth unto life; ⟨p. 106⟩because of the difficulties in the way of life and salvation, which require much pains and diligence if we would go through them; we must give all diligence, if we would make our calling and election sure, 2 Pet. 1.10. We must work out our salvation with fear and trembling, if we would attain salvation, Phil. 1.12. we must labour if we would enter into Rest, Heb. 4.12. we must strive if we would enter in at the strait gate, Luk. 13.24. we must run if we would obtain the prize, 1 Cor. 9.24