Page:The works of the Rev. John Wesley, M.A., late fellow of Lincoln-College, Oxford (IA worksofrevjohnwe3wesl).pdf/10

 therefore against these, he presses upon us, with all possible earnestness, and repeats again and again, in variety of expressions, lest by any means we should let it slip. Thus, effectually to guard us against the former, Enter ye in, saith he, ''at the strait gate: for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it''. To secure us from the latter, beware, saith he, of false prophets. We shall at present consider the former only.

2. Enter ye in, saith our blessed Lord, ''at the strait gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it''.

3. In these words we may observe, first, The inseparable properties of the way to hell: ''Wide is the gate, broad the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be that go in thereat'': secondly, the inseparable properties of the way to heaven: ''Strait is that gate, and few there be that find it'': thirdly, a serious exhortation grounded thereon, ''Enter ye in at the strait gate''.

I. 1. We may observe, first, The inseparable properties of the way to hell: Wide is the gate