The saints everlasting rest

8. Here is pre-supposed also, such a motion as is rightly ordered and directed toward the end. Not all motion or labour brings to rest. Every way leads not to this end; but he whose goodness hath appointed the end, hath in his wisdom, and by his sovereign authority, appointed the way. Christ is the door, the only way to this rest. Some will allow nothing else to be called the way, lest it derogate from Christ. The truth is, Christ is the only way to the Father: yet faith is the way to Christ; and gospel-obedience, or faith and works, the way for those to walk in, that are in Christ.

9. There is supposed also, a strong and constant motion, which may reach the end. The lazy world, that think all too much, will find this to their cost one day: they that think less ado might have served, do but reproach Christ for making us so much to do. They that have been most holy, watchful, painful to get to heaven, find, when they come to die, all too little: we see daily the best christians, when dying, repent their negligence: I never knew any then repent his holiness and diligence. It would grieve a man's soul to see a multitude of mistaken sinners lay out their care and pains for a thing of nought, and think to have eternal salvation with a wish. If the way to heaven be not far harder than the world imagines. Christ and his apostles knew not the way: for they have told us, That the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence; that the gate is strait, and the way nar••w; and we must strive, if we will enter; for many sh•• seek to enter, and not be able, (which implies, the faintness of their seeking, and that they put not strength to the work;) and that the righteous themselves are scarcely saved.

I have seen this doctrine also thrown by with contempt by others, who say, What! do ye set us a working for heaven? Doth our duty do any thing? Hath not Christ done all? Is not this to make him an half Saviour, and to preach the law?