Strive as in an agony
Now then, strive to enter in at the strait gate, being penetrated with the deepest sense of the inexpressible danger your soul is in, so long as you are in a broad way: so long as you are void of poverty of spirit and all that inward religion which the many, the rich, the wise account madness. Strive to enter in, being pierced with sorrow and shame for having so long run on with the unthinking crowd, utterly neglecting if not despising that holiness without which no man can see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14). Strive as in an agony of holy fear, lest, a promise being made to you of entering into his rest, even that rest which remains for the people of God (Hebrews 4:9), you should nevertheless come short of it. Strive in all the fervor of desire, with groanings which cannot be uttered (Romans 8:26). Strive by prayer without ceasing, at all times, in all places lifting up your heart to God, and giving him no rest, until you awake up after his likeness and are satisfied with it (Psalm 17:15).
1771 text
5. Now then, strive to enter in at the strait gate, being penetrated with the deepest sense, of the inexpressible danger your soul is in, so long as you are in a broad way: so long as you are void of poverty of spirit, and all that inward religion, which the many, the rich, the wise account madness. Strive to enter in, being pierced with sorrow and shame, for having so long run on with the unthinking crowd, utterly neglecting if not despising that holiness, without which no man can see the Lord. Strive as in an agony of holy fear, lest, a promise being made you of entering into his rest, even that rest which remaineth for the people of God, you should nevertheless come short of it. Strive in all the fervor of desire, with groanings which cannot be uttered. Strive by prayer without ceasing, at all times, in all places lifting up your heart to God, and giving him no rest, till you awake up after his likeness and are satisfied with it.
About this text
Rendered in modern English, to be read and heard. Open the 1771 text under each part to check the claims and the scripture.
Rendered in modern English. The 1771 panel is his own Pine printing of the Works. It is public domain.
Catalogue & scope
Sermon 31 in the 1771 Works. Matthew 7:13-14.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.