|
|
|
T H E "Enter ye in 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."– Matthew 7:13, 14 By J O H N.B U N Y A N. |
TO THE READER.
OURTEOUS READER,
God, I hope, hath put it into my heart to write unto thee another time, and that
about matters of greatest moment–for now we discourse not about things controverted
among the godly, but directly about the saving or damning of the soul; yea, moreover,
this discourse is about the fewness of them that shall be saved, and it proves that
many a high professor will come short of eternal life; wherefore the matter must
needs be sharp, and so disliked by some, but let it not be rejected by thee. The
text calls for sharpness, so do the times, yea, the faithful discharge of my duty
towards thee hath put me upon it.
I do not now pipe, but mourn; and it will be well for thee if thou canst graciously
lament. (Matt 11:17) Some, say they, make the gate of heaven too wide, and some make
it too narrow; for my part, I have here presented thee with as true a measure of
it as by the Word of God I can. Read me, therefore, yea, read me, and compare me
with the Bible; and if thou findest my doctrine and that book of God concur, embrace
it, as thou wilt answer the contrary in the day of judgment. This awakening work–if
God will make it so–was prepared for thee: if there be need, and it wounds, get healing
by blood: if it disquiets, get peace by blood: if it takes away all thou hast, because
it was naught (for this book is not prepared to take away true grace from any), then
buy of Christ "gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich, and white raiment,
that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear, and
anoint thine eyes with eye-salve, that thou mayest see." (Rev 3:18) Self- flatteries,
self-deceivings, are easy and pleasant, but damnable. The Lord give thee a heart
to judge right of thyself, right of this book, and so to prepare for eternity, that
thou mayest not only expect entrance, but be received into the kingdom of Christ
and of God. Amen.
So prays thy Friend,
JOHN BUNYAN.
|
 |
|
|
