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

It is not an easy thing to be saved, the way to Heaven is narrow, and it lieth up hill, our endeavours for Heaven especially at the first, are like climbing up a steep hill, like hewing a way through hard rocks, like swimming against a strong stream, like cutting hard wood against the grain; and because of the opposition and difficulty in the way of salvation, therefore there be but few that find the path thereof; most choose a broader and easier way. It is evident then from what hath been said, that this salvation is Rare and scarce, the consideration whereof should not discourage you, but quicken you unto the greater diligence in your endeavours after it; the rarity of it showeth the worth and excellency of it; Jewels and precious stones are rare and hard to be got; what difficulties will some go ⟨p. 107⟩through? what dangerous voyages unto the uttermost parts of the Earth will some undertake, to bring home some rare things? but especially the consideration withal of the necessity of salvation (of which in the next particular) should quicken you to seek after it. Think with your selves (my beloved) think seriously, and think frequently, that there are but few that shall be saved; and then examine, what reason you have to think that you are in the number of those few: When our Saviour told his Disciples that but one of them should betray him, they looked one upon another, and every one asked him, Lord is it I? there was none of them without their fears which made them so inquisitive, and they seem to be in pain until they are resolved; what then would they have thought and said? how fearful would they have been, if our Saviour had told them that the most of them should have betrayed him, yea that all of them should betray him, but one? May not I without uncharitableness say, that not one in twelve, no nor one in twenty, no nor one in a hundred in this City and Nation shall be saved? If I should tell you that hear me this day, that some of you will be damned, yea that many of you will be damned, yea that most of you will be damned, and that but few of this great company will be saved, should I be a false Prophet? I will not say it will be thus, neither can I do it, because this is Gods secret; much less do I desire it should be thus, for the end of my preaching is, that you all might be saved;

It is not an easie thing to be saved, the way to Heaven is narrow, and it lyeth up hill, our endeavours for Heaven especially at the first, are like climbing up a steep hill, like hewing a way thorow hard rocks, like swimming against a strong stream, like cutting hard wood against the grain; and because of the opposition and difficulty in the way of salvation, therefore there be but few that finde the path thereof; most choose a broader and easier way. It is evident then from what hath been said, that this salvation is Rare and scarce, the consideration whereof should not discourage you, but quicken you unto the greater diligence in your endeavours after it; the rarity of it sheweth the worth and excellency of it; Jewels and precious stones are rare and hard to be got; what difficulties will some goe