The plain mans path-way to heaven

Phil. Now, according to your promise, show this thing also by examples.

Phil. Now, according to your promise, shew this thing also by examples.

Theol. In the first age of the world all flesh had so corrupted their ways, that God could no longer bear them, but even vowed their destruction by the over-flowing of waters. When the Flood came, how few were found faithful? Eight persons only were saved by the Ark. How few righteous were found in Sodom, and the Cities adjoining? But one poor Lot and his family. How few believers were found in Jericho? But one Rahab. How few of the old Israelites ⟨p. 282⟩entered into the Land of Promise?¹ But two, Caleb and Joshua: the rest could not enter in, because of their unbelief. The true and visible Church was small during the government of the Judges, as appeareth plentifully in that Book. In Elijah's time the Church was so small, that it did not appear.² In the reign of the Kings of Israel and Judah, the sincere worshippers were very few, as appeareth by all the Prophets. During the Captivity, the Church was as the Moon under a cloud, she was driven into the wilderness, where she hid her self. During the persecutions of the Greek Empire by Gog, Magog, and Egypt, they were fewest of all. In Christs time what a silly company did he begin withal? How were all things corrupted by the Priests, Scribes, and Pharisees? In the beginning of the Apostles preaching there were but few believers. After the first six hundred years, what an Eclipse was in the Church, during the height of Antichrists reign? How few true worshippers of God were in the world for the space almost of seven hundred years? Since the Gospel was broached and spread abroad, how few do believe? And, as the Prophet saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? ³