Some important truths about conversion, delivered in sundry sermons, / by Increase Mather, D.D.…

These words are part of that large and blessed Sermon which Christ preached on the Mount; the whole Sermon is full of Heavenly matter. Amongst other things, we have the Parable concerning the two Gates, and the two Ways; namely, the Wide and the Strait Gate, and the Broad and Narrow Way, in this, and in the foregoing Verse; where our Saviour doth compare all the men in the World, to a company of Travellers, that are walking some one way, and some another. Thus it is with men, they are all Travelling to another World, they are all walking towards Eternity, but in contrary ways: Some are going towards Eternal ⟨p. 177⟩Life; others are going towards Eternal Death. Wherefore Christs scope in these Verses, is, to persuade men to enter in at the Strait Gate, and to walk in the Narrow way.

THese words are part of that large and blessed Sermon which Christ preached on the Mount; the whole Sermon is full of Heavenly matter. Amongst other things, we have the Parable concerning the two Gates, and the two Ways; namely, the Wide and the Strait Gate, and the Broad and Narrow Way, in this, and in the foregoing Verse; where our Saviour doth compare all the men in the World, to a company of Travellers, that are walking some one way, and some another. Thus it is with men, they are all Travelling to another World, they are all walking towards Eternity, but in contrary ways: Some are going towards Eternal ⟨p. 177⟩Life; others are going towards Eternal Death. Wherefore Christs scope in these Verses, is, to perswade men to enter in at the Strait Gate, and to walk in the Narrow way.

Divers Arguments are used to press this Exhortation, both with reference unto the Broad, and also with reference unto the Narrow Way. As for the Broad Way, one Argument there mentioned is, that it is a common thing to walk therein, Many there are that walk therein; and therefore there is so much more need to be careful about the matter. Again, because of the miserable end which that way doth bring unto, It leads unto destruction: That's the end and issue of walking in the Broad Way; therefore we should be sure to walk in the Narrow Way. And then in reference to the Narrow Way it self, there are divers Argumentative Considerations mentioned; 1. Because it ends in life, Narrow is the way which leadeth unto life. 2. Because there be few which find it. Which are the words, by the Lords help, to be spoken to.