Theol. If we come to reason, we may rather wonder that any should be saved, than that few shall be saved. For we have all the lets and hinderances that may be, both within us, and without us. We have (as they ⟨p. 279⟩say, the Sun, Moon, & seven Stars against us. We have all the Devils in hell against us, with all the•• horns, heads, marvellous strength, infinite wiles, cunning devices, deep sleights, and methodical temptations. Here runs a •ort stream against us. Then have we this present evil world against us, with her innumerable baits, snares, nets, gins, and grins, to catch us, fetter us, and entangle us. Here we have profits and pleasures, riches and honour, wealth and preferment, ambition and covetousness. Here comes in a Camp-royal of spiritual and invisible enemies. Lastly, we have out flesh, that is, our corrupted nature against us: we have our selves against our selves. For we our selves are as great enemies to our salvation, as either the World, or the Devil. For our understanding, reason, will and affections are altogether against us. Our natural wisdom is an enemy unto us. Our concupiscences and lusts do minister strength to Satan's temptations. They are all in league with Satan against us. They take part with him in every thing against us and our salvation. They fight all under his standard, and receive their pay of him. This then goeth hard on our side, that the Devil ⟨p. 280⟩hath an inward part against, […] and we c••t• always within […] greatest en••y, which is ever ready, day and night, to betray us into the hands of Satan; yea, to unbolt the door, and let him in to cut our throats. Here then we see on huge army of dreadful enemies, and a very legion of Devils, lying in ambush against our souls. Are not we therefore poor wretches in a most pitiful case, which are thus betrayed and besieged on every side! All things then considered, may we not justly marvel that any shall be sav•d? For who seeth not, who knoweth not, that thousand thousands are carried headlong to destruction, either with the temptations of the World, the Flesh, or the Devil? But yet further, I will show by another very manifest and apparent reason, that the number of Gods Elect upon the face of the earth, are very few in comparison; which may thus be considered: First, let there be taken from amongst us all treacherous papists, atheists, and heretics.
Theol. If wee come to reason, wee may rather wonder that any should be saved, than that few shall be saved. For wee have all the lets and hinderances that may be, both within us, and without us. Wee have (as they ⟨p. 279⟩say, the Sun, Moone, & seven Stars against us. Wee have all the Divels in hell against us, with all the•• hornes, heads, marvelous strength, infinite wiles, cunning devices, deepe sleights, and methodicall temptations. Here runs a •ort streame against us. Then have wee this present evill world against us, with her innumerable baits, snares, nets, gins, and grins, to catch us, fetter us, and entangle us. Here we have profits and pleasures, riches and honour, wealth and preferment, ambition and covetousnesse. Here comes in a Campe-royall of spirituall and invisible enemies. Lastly, we have out flesh, that is, our corrupted nature against us: wee have our selves against our selves. For wee our selves are as great enemies to our salvation, as either the World, or the Divell. For our understanding, reason, will and affections are altogether against us. Our naturall wisedome is an enemy unto us. Our concupiscences and lusts do minister strength to Satans temptations. They are all in league with Satan against us. They take part with him in every thing against us and our salvation. They fight all under his standard, and receive their pay of him. This then goeth hard on our side, that the Divell ⟨p. 280⟩hath an inward part against, 〈…〉 and wee c••t• alwaies within 〈…〉 greatest en••y, which is ever ready, day and night, to betray us into the hands of Satan; yea, to unbolte the doore, and let him in to cut our throats. Here then wee see on huge army of dreadfull enemies, and a very legion of Divels, lying in ambush against our soules. Are not wee therefore poore wretches in a most pitifull case, which are thus betrayed and besieged on every side! All things then considered, may wee not justly marvell that any shall bee sav•d? For who seeth not, who knoweth not, that thousand thousands are carried headlong to destruction, either with the temptations of the World, the Flesh, or the Divell? But yet further, I will shew by another very manifest and apparent reason, that the number of Gods Elect upon the face of the earth, are very few in comparison; which may thus be considered: First, let there be taken from amongst us all treacherous papists, atheists, and heretickes.
