,note3 ,the #hth ,chapter of ,joshua is referenced in the phrase3 ,it is taken from that xxth of ,joshua ,,the ,,heavenly ,,footman or1 ,a ,description of the ,man ,that ,gets to ,heaven3 with ,directions ,how to ,run ,so ,as to ,obtain by ,,john ,,bunyan ,so run1 that ye may obtain4--#a ,cor4 ,,ix4 #bd4 ,,the ,,author',s ,,epistle ,,to ,,all ,,slothful ,,and ,,careless ,,people4 ,friends1 ,solomon saith1 that the desire of the slothful killeth him2 and if so1 what will slothfulness itself do to those that entertain it8 ,the proverb is1 ,he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame3 and this ,i dare be bold to say1 no greater shame can befall a man1 than to see that he hath fooled away his soul1 and sinned away eternal life4 ,and ,i am sure this is the next way to do it2 namely1 to be slothful2 slothful1 ,i say1 in the work of salvation4 ,the vineyard of the slothful man1 in reference to the things of this life1 is not fuller of briers1 nettles1 and stinking weeds1 than he that is slothful for heaven1 hath his heart full of heart-choking and soul-damning sin4 ,slothfulness hath these two evils3 first1 to neglect the time in which it should be getting heaven2 and by that means doth1 in the second place1 bring in untimely repentance4 ,i will warrant you1 that he who should lose his soul in this world through slothfulness1 will have no cause to be glad thereat1 when he comes to hell4 ,slothfulness is usually accompanied with carelessness2 and carelessness is for the most part begotten by senselessness2 and senselessness doth again put fresh strength into slothfulness2 and by this means the soul is left remediless4 ,slothfulness shutteth out ,christ2 slothfulness shameth the soul4 ,slothfulness is condemned even by the feeblest of all the creatures4 ,go to the ant1 thou sluggard1 consider her ways and be wise4 ,the sluggard will not plow1 by reason of the cold2 that is1 he will not break up the fallow ground of his heart1 because there must be some pains taken by him that will do it2 therefore he shall beg in harvest2 that is1 when the saints of ,god shall have their glorious heaven and happiness given to them2 but the sluggard shall have nothing2 that is1 be never the better for his crying for mercy2 according to that in ,matthew xxv4 #aj-ab4 ,if you would know a sluggard in the things of heaven1 compare him with one that is slothful in the things of this world4 ,as #a4 ,he that is slothful is loath to set about the work he should follow2 so is he that is slothful for heaven4 #b4 ,he that is slothful1 is one that is willing to make delays3 so is he that is slothful for heaven4 #c4 ,he that is a sluggard1 any small matter that cometh in between1 he will make it a sufficient excuse to keep him off from plying his work2 so it is also with him that is slothful for heaven4 #d4 ,he that is slothful doeth his work by the halves3 and so it is with him that is slothful for heaven4 ,he may almost1 but he shall never altogether1 obtain perfection of deliverance from hell2 he may almost1 but he shall never 7without he mend7 be altogether a saint4 #e4 ,they that are slothful do usually lose the season in which things are to be done3 and thus it is also with them that are slothful for heaven2 they miss the seasons of grace4 ,and therefore1 #f4 ,they that are slothful have seldom1 or never1 good fruit2 so also it will be with the soul-sluggard4 #g4 ,they that are slothful1 are chid for the same3 so also will ,christ deal with those that are not active for him4 ',thou wicked and slothful servant6 out of thine own mouth will ,i judge thee4 ,thou saidst ,i was thus1 and thus2 wherefore then gavest thou not my money to the bank8 c4 ,take the unprofitable servant1 and cast him into utter darkness1 where there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth4' ,what shall ,i say8 #a4 ,time runs2 and will ye be slothful8 #b4 ,much of your lives are past2 and will you be slothful8 #c4 ,your souls are worth a thousand worlds2 and will ye be slothful8 #d4 ,the day of death and judgment is at the door2 and will ye be slothful8 #e4 ,the curse of ,god hangs over your heads2 and will you be slothful8 #f4 ,besides1 the devils are earnest1 laborious1 and seek by all means every day1 by every sin1 to keep you out of heaven1 and hinder you of salvation2 and will you be slothful8 #g4 ,also1 your neighbors are diligent for things that will perish2 and will you be slothful for things that will endure for ever8 #h4 ,would you be willing to be damned for slothfulness8 #i4 ,would you be willing the angels of ,god should neglect to fetch your souls away to heaven1 when you lie a dying1 and the devils stand by ready to scramble for them8 #aj4 ,was ,christ slothful in the work of your redemption8 #aa4 ,are his ministers slothful in tendering this unto you8 #ab4 ,and lastly1 ,if all this will not move1 ,i tell you ,god will not be slothful or negligent to damn you1 7their damnation slumbereth not1 #b ,pet4 ii4 #c27 nor will the devils neglect to fetch thee1 nor hell neglect to shut its mouth upon thee4 ,sluggard6 art thou asleep still8 ,art thou resolved to sleep the sleep of death8 ,will neither tidings from heaven nor hell awake thee8 ,wilt thou say still1 yet a little sleep1 a little slumber1 and a little folding of the arms to sleep8 ,wilt thou yet turn thyself in thy sloth1 as the door is turned upon the hinges8 ,o that ,i was one that was skilful in lamentation1 and had but a yearning heart towards thee1 how would ,i pity thee6 how would ,i bemoan thee6 ,o that ,i could with ,jeremiah let my eyes run down with rivers of water for thee6 ,poor soul1 lost soul1 dying soul1 what a hard heart have ,i that ,i cannot mourn for thee6 ,if thou shouldst lose but a limb1 a child1 or a friend1 it would not be so much2 but poor man1 it is ,,thy ,,soul6 ,if it was to lie in hell but for a day1 but for a year1 nay1 ten thousand years1 it would 7in comparison7 be nothing2 but ,o it is ,,for ,,ever6 ,what a soul-amazing word will that be1 which saith1 ,depart from me1 ye cursed1 into ,,everlasting ,,fire6 c4 ,objection4 ',but if ,i should set in1 and run as you would have me1 then ,i must run from all my friends2 for none of them are running that way4' ,answer4 ,and if thou dost1 thou wilt run into the bosom of ,christ1 and of ,god2 and then what harm will that do thee8 ,objection4 ',but if ,i run this way1 then ,i must run from all my sins4' ,answer4 ,that is true indeed2 yet if thou dost not1 thou wilt run into hell fire4 ,objection4 ',but if ,i run this way1 then ,i shall be hated1 and lose the love of my friends and relations1 and of those that ,i expect benefit from1 or have reliance on1 and ,i shall be mocked of all my neighbors4' ,answer4 ,and if thou dost not1 thou art sure to lose the love and favor of ,god and ,christ1 the benefits of heaven and glory1 and be mocked of ,god for thy folly4 ,i will laugh at your calamity1 and mock when your fear cometh4 ,if thou wouldst not be hated and mocked then1 take heed thou by thy folly dost not procure the displeasure and mockings of the great ,god2 for his mocks and hatred will be terrible1 because they will fall upon thee in terrible times1 even when tribulation and anguish take hold on thee2 which will be when death and judgment come1 when all the men in the earth1 and all the angels in heaven cannot help thee4 ,objection4 ',but surely ,i may begin this time enough1 a year or two hence2 may ,i not8' ,answer4 ,first1 ,hast thou any lease of thy life8 ,did ever ,god tell thee thou shalt live half a year1 or two months longer8 ,nay1 it may be1 thou mayst not live so long4 ,and therefore1 ,secondly1 ,wilt thou be so sottish and unwise1 as to venture thy soul upon a little uncertain time8 ,thirdly1 ,dost thou know whether the day of grace will last a week longer or no8 ,for the day of grace is past with some before their life is ended2 and if it should be so with thee1 wouldst thou not say1 ',o that ,i had begun to run before the day of grace had been past1 and the gates of heaven shut against me6' ,but1 ,fourthly1 ,if thou shouldst see any of thy neighbors neglect the making sure of either house or land to themselves1 if they had it proffered to them1 saying1 ',time enough hereafter1'--when the time is uncertain2 and besides1 they do not know whether ever it will be proffered to them again1 or no3 ,i say1 wouldst thou not call them fools8 ,and if so1 then dost thou think that thou art a wise man to let thy immortal soul hang over hell by a thread of uncertain time1 which may soon be cut asunder by death8 ,but to speak plainly1 all these are the words of a slothful spirit4 ,arise1 man6 be slothful no longer3 set foot1 and heart1 and all1 into the way of ,god1 and run4 ,the crown is at the end of the race4 ,farewell4 ,i wish our souls may meet with comfort at the journey's end4 ,,john ,,bunyan4 ,,chapter ,i4 ,,heaven ,,must ,,be ,,run ,,for4 ,,so ,,run1 ,,that ,,ye ,,may ,,obtain4--#a ,corinthians ix4 #bd4 ,heaven and happiness is that which every one desireth1 insomuch that wicked ,balaam could say1 ,let me die the death of the righteous1 and let my last end be like his6 ,yet for all this1 there are but very few that do obtain that ever-to-be-desired glory1 insomuch that many eminent professors drop short of a welcome from ,god into this pleasant place4 ,the apostle1 therefore1 because he did desire the salvation of the souls of the ,corinthians to whom he writes this epistle1 layeth them down in these words1 such counsel1 as if taken1 would be for their help and advantage4 ,first1 not to be wicked1 and sit still1 and wish for heaven2 but to run for it4 ,secondly1 ,not to content themselves with every kind of running2 but1 saith he1 ,so run1 that ye may obtain4 ,as if he should say1 ',some1 because they would not lose their souls1 begin to run betimes2 they run apace1 they run with patience1 they run the right way2 do you so run4 ,some run from both father and mother1 friends and companions1 and this1 that they may have the crown3 do you so run4 ,some run through temptations1 afflictions1 good report1 evil report1 that they may win the pearl3 do you so run4 ,so run1 that ye may obtain4' ,these words are taken from men's running for a wager4 ,a very apt similitude to set before the eyes of the saints of the ,lord4 ,know you not that they which run in a race1 run all1 but one receiveth the prize8 ,so run1 that ye may obtain4 ,that is1 ',do not only run1 but be sure you win as well as run2' so run1 that ye may obtain4 ,i shall not need to make any great ado in opening the words at this time1 but shall rather lay down one doctrine that ,i do find in them2 and in prosecuting that1 ,i shall show you1 in some measure1 the scope of the words4 ,the doctrine is this2 ,,they ,,that ,,will ,,have ,,heaven1 ,,must ,,run ,,for ,,it4 ,i say1 that they that will have heaven1 must run for it4 ,i beseech you to heed it well4 ,know ye not that they which run in a race1 run all1 but one receiveth the prize8 ,so run ye4 ,the prize is heaven2 and if you will have it1 you must run for it4 ,you have another scripture for this in the #abth of the ,hebrews3 ,wherefore1 seeing we also1 saith the apostle1 are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses1 let us lay aside every weight1 and the sin which doth so easily beset us1 and let us run with patience the race that is set before us4 ,and let us run1 saith he4 ,again1 saith ,paul1 ,i so run1 not as uncertainly2 so fight ,i1 not as one that beateth the air4 ,but before ,i go any farther1 let me explain the ,nature and ,reasons of this ,running4 ,as to its ,,nature1 this running is called1 #a4 ,fleeing4 ,observe1 that this running1 is not an ordinary1 or any sort of running2 but it is to be understood of the swiftest sort of running2 and therefore in the #fth of the ,hebrews1 it is called a fleeing4 ,that we might have a strong consolation1 who have fled for refuge to lay hold on the hope set before us4 ,mark1 ,who have fled4 ,it is taken from that xxth of ,joshua1 concerning the man that was to flee to the city of refuge1 when the avenger of blood was hard at his heels1 to take vengeance on him for the offence he had committed4 ,therefore it is a running or fleeing for one's life2 a running with all might and main1 as we use to say4 ,so run4 #b4 ,pressing4 ,this running in another place is called a pressing4 ,i press toward the mark2 7,phil4 iii427 which signifieth that they that will have heaven1 must not stick at any difficulties they meet with2 but press1 crowd1 and thrust through all1 that may stand between heaven and their souls4 ,so run4 #c4 ,continuing4 ,this running is called in another place1 a continuing in the way of life4 ,if ye continue in the faith1 grounded and settled1 and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel4 ,not to run a little now and then1 by fits and starts2 or half-way2 or almost thither2 but to run for my life1 to run through all difficulties1 and to continue therein to the end of the race1 which must be to the end of my life4 ,so run1 that ye may obtain4 ,and the ,,reasons for this point are these3 #a4 ,because every one that runneth doth not obtain the prize4 ,there be many that do run1 yea1 and run far too1 who yet miss the crown that standeth at the end of the race4 ,you know that all that run in a race do not obtain the victory2 they all run1 but one wins4 ,and so it is here2 it is not every one that runneth1 nor every one that seeketh1 nor every one that striveth for the mastery1 that hath it4 ,though a man do strive for the mastery1 saith ,paul1 yet he is not crowned1 unless he strive lawfully2 that is1 unless he so run1 and so strive1 as to have ,god's approbation4 ,what6 do you think that every heavy heeled professor will have heaven8 ,what6 every lazy one8 ,every wanton and foolish professor1 that will be stopped by any thing2 kept back by any thing2 that scarce runneth so fast heavenward as a snail creepeth on the ground8 ,nay1 there are some professors that do not go on so fast in the way of ,god as a snail doth go on the wall2 and yet these think that heaven and happiness is for them4 ,but stay2 there are many more that run than there be that obtain2 therefore1 he that will have heaven must run for it6 #b4 ,because you know that though men do run1 yet1 if they do not overcome1 or win1 as well as run1 what will they be the better for the running4 ,they will get nothing4 ,you know the man that runneth1 doth do it that he may win the prize2 but if he doth not obtain it1 he doth lose his labor1 spend his pains and time1 and that to no purpose4 ,i say1 he getteth nothing4 ,and ah6 how many such runners will there be found in the day of judgment8 ,even multitudes--multitudes that have run1 yea1 run so far as to come to heaven's gates1 are not able to get any further2 but there stand knocking1 when it is too late1 crying1 ,lord1 ,lord2 when they have nothing but rebukes for their pains4 ',depart from me2 you come not in here2 you come too late2 you ran too lazy2 the door is shut6' ,when once the master of the house is risen up1 saith ,christ1 and hath shut to the door1 and ye begin to stand without1 and to knock at the door1 saying1 ,lord1 ,lord1 open unto us2 he shall answer and say unto you1 ,i know you not1 depart1 c4 ,o sad will the state of those be that run and miss4 ,therefore if you will have heaven you must run for it2 and so run1 that ye may obtain4 #c4 ,because the way is long1 7,i speak metaphorically17 and there is many a dirty step1 many a high hill1 much work to do2 a wicked heart1 world1 and devil to overcome4 ,i say there are many steps to be taken by those that intend to be saved1 by running1 or walking1 in the steps of that faith of our father ,abraham4 ,out of ,egypt thou must go through the ,red ,sea2 thou must run a long and tedious journey1 through the vast howling wilderness1 before thou come to the land of promise4 #d4 ,they that will go to heaven must run for it2 because1 as the way is so long1 so the time in which they are to get to the end of it is very uncertain4 ,the time present is the only time2 thou hast no more time allotted thee than that thou now enjoyest4 ,boast not thyself of to-morrow1 for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth4 ,do not say1 ',i have time enough to get to heaven seven years hence2' for ,i tell thee1 the bell may toll for thee1 before seven days more be ended4 ,when death comes1 away thou must go1 whether thou art provided or not4 ,and therefore look to it2 make no delays2 it is not good dallying with things of so great concernment as the salvation or damnation of thy soul4 ,you know he that hath a great way to go in a little time1 and less1 by half1 than he thinks of1 had need to run for it4 #e4 ,they that will have heaven must run for it2 because the devil1 the law1 sin1 death1 and hell1 follow them4 ,there is never a poor soul that is going to heaven1 but the devil1 the law1 sin1 death1 and hell1 make after that soul4 ,your adversary1 the devil1 as a roaring lion1 walketh about1 seeking whom he may devour4 ,and ,i will assure you the devil is nimble2 he can run apace1 he is light of foot2 he hath overtaken many1 he hath turned up their heels and hath given them an everlasting fall4 ,also the law1 that can shoot a great way3 have a care to keep out of the reach of those great guns1 the ten commandments4 ,hell also hath a wide mouth2 it can stretch itself farther than you are aware of4 ,and as the angel said to ,lot3 ,take heed1 look not behind thee1 neither stay thou in all the plain1 that is1 any where between this and heaven1 lest thou be consumed2 so say ,i to thee4 ,take heed1 tarry not1 lest either the devil1 hell1 death1 or the fearful curses of the law of ,god1 do overtake thee1 and throw thee down in the midst of thy sins1 so as never to rise and recover again4 ,if this were well considered1 then thou1 as well as ,i1 would say1 they that will have heaven must run for it4 #f4 ,they that will go to heaven must run for it2 because perchance the gates of heaven may shut shortly4 ,sometimes sinners have not heaven-gates open to them so long as they suppose2 and if they be once shut against a man1 they are so heavy1 that all the men in the world1 or all the angels in heaven1 are not able to open them4 ,i shut1 and no man can open1 saith ,christ4 ,and how if thou shouldst come but one quarter of an hour too late8 ,i tell thee it will cost thee an eternity to bewail thy misery in6 ,francis ,spira can tell thee what it is to stay till the gates of mercy be quite shut2 or to run so lazily1 that they be shut before thou get within them4 ,what6 to be shut out6 ,what6 out of heaven6 ,sinner1 rather than lose it1 run for it2 yea1 and so run that thou mayst obtain4 #g4 ,lastly1 ,because if thou lose1 thou losest all4 ,thou losest soul1 ,god1 ,christ1 heaven1 ease1 peace1 c4 ,besides1 thou layest thyself open to all the shame1 contempt1 and reproach1 that either ,god1 ,christ1 saints1 the world1 sin1 the devil1 and all1 can lay upon thee4 ,as ,christ saith of the foolish builder1 so will ,i say of thee1 if thou be such a one who runs and misseth2 ,i say1 even all that go by will begin to mock at thee1 saying1 ,this man began to run well1 but was not able to finish4 ,but more of this anon4 ,,chapter ,,ii4 ,,directions ,,for ,,this ,,heavenly ,,course4 ,question4 ,but how should a poor soul do1 so to run8 ,for this very thing is that which afflicteth me sore1 7as you say17 to think that ,i may run and yet fall short4 ,methinks to fall short at last1 ,oh6 it fears me greatly6 ,pray1 tell me1 therefore1 how ,i should run4' ,answer4 ,that thou mayst indeed be satisfied in this particular1 consider these following things4 ,,the ,,first ,,direction4--,if thou wouldst so run as to obtain the kingdom of heaven1 then be sure that thou get into the way that leadeth thither4 ,for it is a vain thing to think that ever thou shalt have the prize1 though thou runnest ever so fast1 unless thou art in the way that leads to it4 ,set the case that there should be a man in ,london that was to run to ,york for a wager2 now1 though he run ever so swiftly1 yet if he run full south1 he might run himself out of breath1 and be never the nearer the prize1 but rather the farther off4 ,just so is it here4 ,it is not simply the runner1 nor yet the hasty runner1 that winneth the crown1 unless he be in the way that leadeth thereto4 ,i have observed1 7that little time which ,i have been a professor17 that there is a great running to and fro1 some this way1 and some that way2 yet it is to be feared most of them are out of the way2 and then1 though they run as swift as the eagle can fly1 they are benefited nothing at all4 ,here is one runs a ,quaking1 another a ,ranting4 ,one again runs after the ,baptism1 and another after the ,independency4 ,here is one for ,free-will1 and another for ,presbytery4 ,and yet possibly most1 of all these sects1 run quite the wrong way2 and yet every one is for his life1 his soul1 either for heaven or hell6 ,if thou now say1 ,which is the way8 ,i tell thee it is ,,christ1 the ,son of ,mary1 the ,son of ,god4 ,jesus saith1 ,i am the way1 the truth1 and the life3 no man cometh to the ,father but by me4 ,so then thy business is1 7if thou wouldst have salvation17 to see if ,christ be thine1 with all his benefits2 whether he hath covered thee with his righteousness2 whether he hath showed thee that thy sins are washed away with his heart-blood2 whether thou art planted into him1 and whether thou have faith in him1 so as to make a life out of him1 and to conform thee to him2 that is1 such faith as to conclude that thou art righteous1 because ,christ is thy righteousness2 and so constrained to walk with him as the joy of thy heart1 because he saved thy soul4 ,and for the ,lord's sake1 take heed1 and do not deceive thyself1 and think thou art in the way upon too slight grounds2 for if thou miss of the way1 thou wilt miss of the prize2 and if thou miss of that1 ,i am sure thou wilt lose thy soul1 even that soul which is worth more than the whole world4 ,but ,i have treated more largely on this in my book of the ,two ,covenants1 and therefore shall pass it now4 ,only ,i beseech thee to have a care of thy soul4 ,and that thou mayst so do1 take this counsel4 ,mistrust thy own strength1 and throw it away4 ,down on thy knees in prayer to the ,lord1 for the ,spirit of truth2 search his word for direction2 flee seducers' company2 keep company with the soundest ,christians1 that have most experience of ,christ2 and be sure thou have a care of ,quakers1 ,ranters1 ,freewillers2 also do not have too much company with some ,anabaptists1 though ,i go under that name myself4 ,i tell thee this is such a serious matter1 and ,i fear thou wilt so little regard it1 that the thoughts of the worth of the thing1 and of thy too light regarding it1 doth even make my heart ache whilst ,i am writing to thee4 ,the ,lord teach thee the way by his ,spirit1 and then ,i am sure thou wilt know it4 ,so run4 ,only1 by the way1 let me bid thee have a care of two things1 and so ,i shall pass to the next thing4 #a4 ,have a care of relying on the outward obedience to any of ,god's commands1 or thinking thyself ever the better in the sight of ,god for that4 #b4 ,take heed of fetching peace for thy soul from any inherent righteousness4 ,but1 if thou canst1 believe that as thou art a sinner1 so thou art justified freely by the love of ,god1 through the redemption that is in ,christ2 and that ,god1 for ,christ's sake1 hath forgiven thee1 not because he saw any thing done1 or to be done1 in or by thee1 to move him thereunto to do it4 ,because this is the right way4 ,the ,lord put thee into it1 and keep thee in it6 ,,the ,,second ,,direction4--,as thou shouldst get into the way1 so thou shouldst also be much in studying and musing on the way4 ,you know men that would be expert in any thing1 are usually much in studying of that thing2 and so likewise is it with those that quickly grow expert in any thing4 ,this therefore thou shouldst do4 ,let thy study be much exercised about ,christ1 who is the way2 what he is1 what he hath done1 and why he is what he is1 and why he hath done what is done2 as why he took upon him the form of a servant1 why he was made in the likeness of men2 why he cried2 why he died2 why he bare the sins of the world2 why he was made sin1 and why he was made righteousness2 why he is in heaven in the nature of man1 and what he doth there4 ,be much in musing and considering of these things4 ,be thinking also1 enough for thy warning1 of those places which thou must not come near2 but leave1 some on this hand1 and some on that hand2 as it is with those that travel into other countries4 ,they must leave such a gate on this hand1 and such a bush on that hand1 and go by such a place1 where standeth such a thing4 ,thus therefore you must do4 ,avoid such things as are expressly forbidden in the word of ,god4 ,withdraw thy foot far from her1 and come not nigh the door of her house2 for her steps take hold of hell1 going down to the chambers of death4 ,and so of every thing that is not in the way2 have a care of it that thou go not by it2 come not near it2 have nothing to do with it4 ,so run4 ,,the ,,third ,,direction4--,not only thus1 but1 in the next place1 thou must strip thyself of those things that may hang upon thee1 to the hindering of thee in the way to the kingdom of heaven3 as covetousness1 pride1 lust1 or whatever else thy heart may be inclining unto1 which may hinder thee in this heavenly race4 ,men that run for a wager1 7if they intend to win as well as run17 do not use to encumber themselves1 or carry those things about them that may be a hindrance to them in their running4 ,every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things4 ,that is1 he layeth aside every thing that would be any wise a disadvantage to him2 as saith the apostle1 ,let us lay aside every weight1 and the sin that doth so easily beset us2 and let us run with patience the race that is set before us4 ,it is but a vain thing to talk of going to heaven1 if thou let thy heart be encumbered with those things that would hinder4 ,would you not say that such a man would be in danger of losing1 though he run1 if he fill his pockets with stones1 hang heavy garments on his shoulders1 and great lumpish shoes on his feet8 ,so it is here4 ,thou talkest of going to heaven1 and yet fillest thy pockets with stones2 that is1 fillest thy heart with this world2 lettest that hang on thy shoulders with its profits and pleasures4 ,alas1 alas6 thou art widely mistaken4 ,if thou intendest to win1 thou must strip1 thou must lay aside every weight1 thou must be temperate in all things4 ,thou must so run4 ,,the ,,fourth ,,direction4--,beware of by-paths4 ,take heed thou dost not turn into those lanes which lead out of the way4 ,there are crooked paths1 paths in which men go astray1 paths that lead to death and damnation2 but take heed of all those4 ,some of them are dangerous because of practice1 some because of opinion2 but mind them not4 ,mind the path before thee2 look right before thee2 turn neither to the right hand nor to the left1 but let thine eyes look right on1 even right before thee4 ,ponder the path of thy feet1 and let all thy ways be established4 ,turn not to the right hand nor to the left4 ,remove thy foot from evil4 ,this counsel being not so seriously taken as given1 is the reason of that starting from opinion to opinion1 reeling this way and that way1 out of this lane into that lane1 and so missing the way to the kingdom4 ,though the way to heaven be but one1 yet there are many crooked lanes and by-paths shoot down upon it1 as ,i may say4 ,and again1 notwithstanding the kingdom of heaven be the biggest city1 yet usually those by-paths are most beaten1 most travellers go those ways2 and therefore the way to heaven is hard to be found1 and as hard to be kept in1 by reason of these4 ,yet nevertheless1 it is in this case as it was with the harlot of ,jericho4 ,she had one scarlet thread tied in her window1 by which her house was known2 so it is here4 ,the scarlet stream of ,christ's blood runs throughout the way to the kingdom of heaven4 ,therefore mind that3 see if thou do find the besprinkling of the blood of ,christ in the way2 and if thou do1 be of good cheer2 thou art in the right way4 ,but have a care thou beguile not thyself with a fancy2 for then thou mayst light into any lane or way4 ,but that thou mayst not be mistaken1 consider1 though it seem ever so pleasant1 yet if thou do not find that in the very middle of the road there is written with the heart blood of ,christ1 that he came into the world to save sinners1 and that we are justified1 though we are ungodly1 shun that way4 ,for this it is which the apostle meaneth when he saith1 we have boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of ,jesus1 by a new and living way which he hath consecrated for us through the vail1 that is to say1 his flesh4 ,how easy a matter is it in this our day1 for the devil to be too cunning for poor souls1 by calling his by-paths the way to the kingdom6 ,if such an opinion or fancy be but cried up by one or more1 this inscription being set upon it by the devil1 ,this is the way of ,god1 how speedily1 greedily1 and by heaps1 do poor simple souls1 throw away themselves upon it2 especially if it be daubed over with a few external acts of morality1 if so good6 ,but this is because men do not know painted by-paths from the plain way to the kingdom of heaven4 ,they have not yet learned the true ,christ1 and what his righteousness is2 neither have they a sense of their own insufficiency2 but are bold1 proud1 presumptuous1 self-conceited4 ,and therefore1 take ,,the ,,fifth ,,direction4--,do not thou be too much in looking too high in thy journey heavenwards4 ,you know men that run a race do not use to stare and gaze this way and that2 neither do they use to cast up their eyes too high2 lest haply1 through their too much gazing with their eyes after other things1 they in the mean time stumble1 and catch a fall4 ,the very same case is this2 if thou gaze and stare after every opinion and way that comes into the world1 also if thou be prying overmuch in ,god's secret decrees1 or let thy heart too much entertain questions about some nice1 foolish curiosities1 thou mayst stumble and fall2 as many hundreds in ,england have done1 both in ,ranting and ,quakery1 to their eternal overthrow1 without the marvellous operation of ,god's grace be suddenly stretched forth to bring them back again4 ,take heed therefore4 ,follow not that proud1 lofty spirit1 that1 devil-like1 cannot be content with his own station4 ,david was of an excellent spirit1 where he saith1 ,lord1 my heart is not haughty1 nor mine eyes lofty3 neither do ,i exercise myself in great matters1 or in things too high for me4 ,surely ,i have behaved and quieted myself1 as a child that is weaned of his mother3 my soul is even as a weaned child4 ,do thou so run4 ,,the ,,sixth ,,direction4--,take heed that you have not an ear open to every one that calleth after you1 as you are in your journey4 ,men that run1 you know1 if any do call after them1 saying1 ',i would speak with you1' or1 ',go not too fast1 and you shall have my company with you1'--if they run for some great matter1 they use to say1 ',alas6 ,i cannot stay1 ,i am in haste2 pray1 talk not to me now2 neither can ,i stay for you2 ,i am running for a wager3 if ,i win1 ,i am made2 if ,i lose1 ,i am undone2 and therefore hinder me not4' ,thus wise are men1 when they run for corruptible things2 and thus shouldst thou do4 ,and thou hast more cause to do so than they1 forasmuch as they run but for things that last not1 but thou for an incorruptible glory4 ,i give thee notice of this betimes1 knowing that thou shalt have enough call after thee1 even the devil1 sin1 this world1 vain company1 pleasures1 profits1 esteem among men1 ease1 pomp1 pride1 together with an innumerable company of such companions2 one crying1 ',stay for me2' the other saying1 ',do not leave me behind2' a third saying1 ',and take me along with you4' ',what6 will you go1' saith the devil1 'without your sins1 pleasures and profits8 ,are you so hasty8 ,can you not stay and take these along with you8 ,will you leave your friends and companions behind you8 ,can you not do as your neighbors do--carry the world1 sin1 lust1 pleasure1 profit1 esteem among men1 along with you8'--,have a care thou do not let thine ear now be open to the tempting1 enticing1 alluring1 and soul-entangling flatteries of such sink-souls as these are4 ,my son1 saith ,solomon1 if sinners entice thee1 consent thou not4 ,you know what it cost the young man whom ,solomon speaks of1 7in the #gth of ,proverbs17 that was enticed by a harlot4 ,with her much fair speech she won him1 and caused him to yield2 with the flattering of her lips she forced him1 till he went after her1 as an ox to the slaughter1 as a fool to the correction of the stocks2 even so far till the dart struck through his liver1 and he knew not that it was for his life4 ,hearken unto me1 now1 therefore1 saith he1 ,o ye children1 and attend to the words of my mouth3 let not thine heart decline to her ways1 go not astray in her paths2 for she hath cast down many wounded2 yea1 many strong men have been slain 7that is1 kept out of heaven7 by her4 ,her house is the way to hell1 going down to the chambers of death4 ,soul1 take this counsel1 and say1 ',satan1 sin1 lust1 pleasure1 profit1 pride1 friends1 companions1 and every thing else1--let me alone1 stand off1 come not nigh me2 for ,i am running for heaven1 for my soul1 for ,god1 for ,christ--from hell and everlasting damnation6 ,if ,i win1 ,i win all2 and if ,i lose1 ,i lose all6 ,let me alone for ,i will not hear4' ,so run4 ,,the ,,seventh ,,direction4--,in the next place1 be not daunted1 though thou meetest with ever so many discouragements in thy journey thither4 ,that man that is resolved for heaven1 if ,satan cannot win him by flatteries1 he will endeavor to weaken him by discouragements1 saying1 ',thou art a sinner1' 'thou hast broken ,god's law1' 'thou art not elected1' 'thou comest too late1' 'the day of grace is past1' ',god doth not care for thee1' 'thy heart is naught1' 'thou art lazy1' with a hundred other discouraging suggestions4 ,and thus it was with ,david1 where he saith1 ,i had fainted1 unless ,i had believed to see the goodness of the ,lord1 in the land of the living4 ,as if he should say1 ',the devil did so rage1 and my heart was so base1 that had ,i judged according to my own sense and feeling1 ,i had been absolutely distracted4 ,but ,i trusted to ,christ in the promise1 and looked that ,god would be as good as his promise1 in having mercy upon me1 an unworthy sinner2 and this is that which encouraged me1 and kept me from fainting4' ,and thus must thou do when ,satan1 or the law1 or thy conscience1 do go about to dishearten thee1 either by the greatness of thy sins1 the wickedness of thy heart1 the tediousness of the way1 the loss of outward enjoyments1 the hatred that thou wilt procure from the world or the like2 then thou must encourage thyself with the freeness of the promises1 the tender-heartedness of ,christ1 the merits of his blood1 the freeness of his invitations to come in1 the greatness of the sin of others that have been pardoned2 and that the same ,god1 through the same ,christ1 holdeth forth the same grace as free as ever4 ,if these be not thy meditations1 thou wilt draw very heavily in the way to heaven if thou do not give up all for lost1 and so knock off from following any farther4 ,therefore1 ,i say1 take heart in thy journey1 and say to them that seek thy destruction1 ,rejoice not against me1 ,o mine enemy3 when ,i fall1 ,i shall arise2 when ,i sit in darkness1 the ,lord shall be a light unto me4 ,,the ,,eighth ,,direction4--,take heed of being offended at the cross that thou must go by1 before thou come to heaven4 ,you must understand 7as ,i have already touched7 that there is no man that goeth to heaven but he must go by the cross4 ,the cross is the standing way-mark1 by which all they that go to glory must pass4 ,we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of ,god4 ,yea1 and all that will live godly in ,christ ,jesus shall suffer persecution4 ,if thou art in thy way to the kingdom1 my life for thine1 thou wilt come at the cross shortly4 ,the ,lord grant thou dost not shrink at it1 so as to turn thee back again4 ,if any man will come after me1 saith ,christ1 let him deny himself1 and take up his cross daily1 and follow me4 ,the ,cross6 it stands1 and hath stood1 from the beginning1 as a way-mark to the kingdom of heaven4 ,you know if one ask you the way to such and such a place1 you1 for the better direction1 do not only say1 'this is the way1' but then also say1 ',you must go by such a gate1 by such a stile1 such a bush1 tree1 bridge1' or such like4 ,why1 so it is here4 ,art thou enquiring the way to heaven8 ,why1 ,i tell thee1 ,,christ ,,is ,,the ,,way2 into him thou must get1 even into his righteousness1 to be justified4 ,and if thou art in him1 thou wilt presently see the cross4 ,thou must go close by it2 thou must touch it2 nay thou must take it up1 or else thou wilt quickly go out of the way that leads to heaven1 and turn up some of those crooked lanes that lead down to the chambers of death4 ,now thou mayst know the cross by these six things3 #a4 ,it is known in the doctrine of justification4 #b4 ,in the doctrine of mortification4 #c4 ,in the doctrine of perseverance4 #d4 ,in self-denial4 #e4 ,in patience4 #f4 ,in communion with poor saints4 #a4 ,in the doctrine of justification there is a great deal of the cross4 ,in that1 a man is forced to suffer the destruction of his own righteousness for the righteousness of another4 ,this is no easy matter for a man to do4 ,i assure you it stretcheth every vein in his heart1 before he will be brought to yield to it4 ,what6 for a man to deny1 reject1 abhor1 and throw away all his prayers1 tears1 alms1 keeping of sabbaths1 hearing1 reading with the rest1 in the point of justification1 and to count them accursed2 and to be willing1 in the very midst of the sense of his sins1 to throw himself wholly upon the righteousness and obedience of another man1 abhorring his own1 counting it as a deadly sin1 as the open breach of the law6 ,i say1 to do this indeed and in truth1 is the biggest piece of the cross2 and therefore ,paul calleth this very thing a suffering2 where he saith1 ,and ,i have suffered the loss of all things1 7which principally was his righteousness17 that ,i might win ,christ1 and be found in him1 not having 7but rejecting7 my own righteousness4 ,that is the first4 #b4 ,in the doctrine of mortification is also much of the cross4 ,is it nothing for a man to lay hands on his vile opinions1 on his vile sins1 on his bosom sins1 on his beloved1 pleasant1 darling sins1 that stick as close to him as the flesh sticks to the bones8 ,what6 to lose all these brave things that my eyes behold1 for that which ,i never saw with my eyes8 ,what6 to lose my pride1 my covetousness1 my vain company1 sports1 and pleasures1 and the rest8 ,i tell you this is no easy matter2 if it were1 what need of all those prayers1 sighs1 watchings8 ,what need we be so backward to it8 ,nay1 do you not see1 that some men before they will set about this work1 will even venture the loss of their souls1 heaven1 ,god1 ,christ1 and all8 ,what mean else all those delays and put-offs1 saying1 ',stay a little longer2 ,i am loath to leave my sins while ,i am so young1 and in health8' ,again1 what is the reason else that others do it so by the halves1 coldly1 and seldom2 notwithstanding they are convinced over and over1 and over1 nay1 and also promise to amend2 and yet all is in vain8 ,i will assure you1 to cut off right hands1 and pluck out right eyes1 is no pleasure to the flesh4 #c4 ,the doctrine of perseverance is also cross to the flesh2 which is not only to begin1 but to hold out2 not only to bid fair1 and to say1 ',would ,i had heaven1' but so to know ,christ1 to put on ,christ1 and walk with ,christ1 as to come to heaven4 ,indeed it is no great matter to begin to look for heaven2 to begin to seek the ,lord2 to begin to shun sin4 ,oh6 but it is a very great matter to continue with ,god's approbation6 ,my servant ,caleb1 saith ,god1 because he had another spirit with him1 and hath followed me fully1 7followed me always3 he hath continually followed me17 him will ,i bring into the land4 ,almost all the many thousands of the children of ,israel in their generation1 fell short of perseverance when they walked from ,egypt towards the land of ,canaan4 ,indeed they went to work at first pretty willingly2 but they were very short-winded1 they were quickly out of breath1 and in their hearts they turned back again into ,egypt4 ,it is an easy matter for a man to run hard for a spurt1 for a furlong1 for a mile or two4 ,oh6 but to hold out for a hundred1 for a thousand1 for ten thousand miles6 ,that man that doth this1 must look to meet with cross1 pain1 and wearisomeness to the flesh2 especially if as he goeth he meeteth with briars and quagmires and other encumbrances1 that make his journey so much the more painful4 ,nay1 do you not see with your eyes daily1 that perseverance is a very great part of the cross8 ,why else do men so soon grow weary8 ,i could point out many1 that after they have followed the ways of ,god about a twelvemonth1 others it may be two1 three1 or four 7some more1 and some less7 years1 have been beat out of wind1--they have taken up their lodging and rest before they have got half-way to heaven1 some in this1 some in that sin2 and have secretly1 nay1 sometimes openly said1 that the way is too strait1 the race too long1 the religion too holy and they cannot hold out--',i can go no farther4' ,and so likewise of the other three1 namely1 patience1 self-denial1 communion and communication with and to the poor saints3 how hard are these things8 ,it is an easy matter to deny another man1 but it is not so easy a matter to deny one's self2 to deny myself out of love to ,god1 to his gospel1 to his saints1 of this advantage and of that gain2 nay1 of that which otherwise ,i might lawfully do1 were it not for offending them4 ,that scripture is but seldom read1 and seldomer put in practice1 which saith1 ,i will eat no flesh while the world standeth1 if it make my brother to offend4 ,again1 ,we then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak1 and not to please ourselves4 ,but how froward1 how hasty1 how peevish1 and self-resolved are the generality of professors at this day6 ,alas6 how little considering the poor1 unless it be to say1 ,be thou warmed and filled6 ,but to give1 is a seldom work6 also especially to give to any poor4 ,i tell you all these things are cross to flesh and blood2 and that man that hath a watchful eye over the flesh1 and also some considerable measure of strength against it1 shall find his heart in these things like unto a starting horse1 that is rid without a curbing bridle1 ready to start at every thing that is offensive to him2 yea1 and ready to run away too1 do what the rider can4 ,it is the cross which keepeth back those that are kept from heaven4 ,i am persuaded1 were it not for the cross1 where we have one professor we should have twenty2 but this cross6--that is it which spoileth all4 ,some men1 as ,i said before1 when they come at the cross can go no farther2 but back again to their sins they must go4 ,others stumble at it1 and break their necks4 ,others again when they see the cross is approaching1 turn aside to the left hand1 or to the right hand1 and so think to get to heaven another way4 ,but they will be deceived4 ,for all that will live godly in ,christ ,jesus1 shall1 mark it1 shall suffer persecution4 ,there are but few when they come at the cross1 cry1 ',welcome cross6' as some of the martyrs did to the stake they were burned at4 ,therefore1 if thou meet with the cross in thy journey1 in what manner soever it be1 be not daunted and say1 ,alas6 what shall ,i do now8 ,but rather take courage1 knowing that by the cross is the way to the kingdom4 ,can a man believe in ,christ1 and not be hated by the devil8 ,can he make a profession of this ,christ1 and that sweetly1 and convincingly1 and the children of ,satan hold their tongue8 ,can darkness agree with light8 ,or the devil endure that ,christ ,jesus should be honored both by faith and a heavenly conversation1 and let that soul alone at quiet8 ,did you never read that the ,dragon persecuted the woman8 and that ,christ saith1 ,in the world ye shall have tribulation4 ,,the ,,ninth ,,direction4--,beg of ,god that he would do these two things for thee3 ,first1 enlighten thine understanding3 and secondly1 inflame thy will4 ,if these two be but effectually done1 there is no fear but what thou wilt go safe to heaven4 ,one of the great reasons why men and women do so little regard the other world1 is1 because they see so little of it4 ,and the reason why they see so little of it1 is1 because they have their understanding darkened4 ,and therefore1 saith ,paul1 ,do not you1 believers walk as do other ,gentiles1 even in the vanity of their minds2 having their understandings darkened2 being alienated from the life of ,god1 through the ignorance 7or foolishness7 that is in them1 because of the blindness of their heart4 ,walk not as those2 run not with them4 ,alas6 poor souls1 they have their understandings darkened1 their hearts blinded1 and that is the reason they have such undervaluing thoughts of the ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 and the salvation of their souls4 ,for when men do come to see the things of another world1 what a ,god1 what a ,christ1 what a heaven1 and what an eternal glory there is to be enjoyed2 also when they see that it is possible for them to have a share in it2 ,i tell you it will make them run through thick and thin to enjoy it4 ,moses1 having a sight of this1 because his understanding was enlightened1 feared not the wrath of the king1 but chose rather to suffer afflictions with the people of ,god1 than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season4 ,he refused to be called the son of the king's daughter2 accounting it wonderful riches to be accounted worthy so much as to suffer for ,christ1 with the poor1 despised saints2 and that was because he saw him who is invisible1 and had respect unto the recompense of reward4 ,and this is that which the apostle usually prayeth for in his epistles for the saints1 namely1 ,that they might know what is the hope of ,god's calling1 and the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints2 and that they might be able to comprehend with all saints1 what is the breadth1 and length1 and depth1 and height1 and know the love of ,christ1 which passeth knowledge4 ,pray therefore that ,god would enlighten thy understanding4 ,that will be a very great help unto thee4 ,it will make thee endure many a hard brunt for ,christ2 as ,paul saith1 ,after you were illuminated1 ye endured a great fight of afflictions4 ,you took joyfully the spoiling of your goods1 knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance4 ,if there be ever such a rare jewel lying just in a man's way1 yet if he see it not he will rather trample upon it than stoop for it1 and it is because he sees it not4 ,why1 so it is here2 though heaven be worth ever so much1 and thou hast ever so much need of it1 yet if thou see it not1 that is1 have not thy understanding opened or enlightened to see1 thou wilt not regard at all4 ,therefore cry to the ,lord for enlightening grace1 and say1 ',lord1 open my blind eyes2 ,lord1 take the veil off my dark heart2 show me the things of the other world1 and let me see the sweetness1 glory1 and excellency of them1 for ,christ's sake4' ,this is the first thing4 ,the second is1 ,,the ,,tenth ,,direction4--,cry to ,god that he would inflame thy will also with the things of the other world4 ,for when a man's will is fully set to do such or such a thing1 then it must be a very hard matter that shall hinder that man from bringing about his end4 ,when ,paul's will was set resolvedly to go up to ,jerusalem1 7though it was signified to him before1 what he should there suffer17 he was not daunted at all4 ,nay1 saith he1 ,i am ready 7or willing7 not only to be bound1 but also to die at ,jerusalem for the name of the ,lord ,jesus4 ,his will was inflamed by love to ,christ2 and therefore1 all the persuasions that could be used wrought nothing at all4 ,your self-willed people1 nobody knows what to do with them4 ,we use to say of such1 ',he will have his own will do all that you can4' ,indeed to have such a will for heaven1 is an admirable advantage to a man that undertaketh a race hither4 ,a man that is resolved1 and hath his will fixed1 saith1 ',i will do my best to advantage myself2 ,i will do my worst to hinder my enemies2 ,i will not give out as long as ,i can stand2 ,i will have it1 or ,i will lose my life4' ,so ,job1 ,though he slay me1 yet will ,i trust in him4 ,so ,jacob1 ,i will not let thee go1 except thou bless me4 ',i will1 ,i will1 ,i will6' ,o this blessed inflamed will for heaven6 ,what is like it8 ,if a man be willing1 then any argument shall be matter of encouragement2 but if unwilling1 then any argument shall give discouragement4 ,this is seen both in saints and sinners2 in them that are the children of ,god1 and also those that are the children of the devil4 ,as1 #a4 ,the saints of old1 being willing and resolved for heaven1 what could stop them8 ,could fire and faggot1 sword or halter1 stinking dungeons1 whips1 bears1 bulls1 lions1 cruel rackings1 stoning1 starving1 nakedness8 ,in all these things they were more than conquerors1 through him that loved them2 who had also made them willing in the day of his power4 #b4 ,see again1 on the other side1 the children of the devil1 because they are not willing1 how many shifts and starting holes they will have4 ',i have married a wife2' ',i have a farm2' ',i shall offend my landlord2' ',i shall offend my master2' ',i shall lose my trading2' ',i shall lose my pride1 my pleasures2' ',i shall be mocked and scoffed1--therefore ,i dare not come4'--',i1' saith another1 'will stay till ,i am older1 till my children are out1 till ,i am got a little afore-hand in the world2 till ,i have done this1 and that1 and the other business4' ,but alas6 the thing is1 they are not willing2 for were they but soundly willing1 these1 and a thousand such as these1 would hold them no faster than the cords held ,samson when he broke them like burnt flax4 ,i tell you the will is all2 that is one of the chief things which turns the wheel either backwards or forwards2 and ,god knoweth that full well1 and so likewise doth the devil2 and therefore they both endeavor very much to strengthen the will of their servants4 ,god is for making his a willing people to serve him2 and the devil doth what he can to possess the will and affection of those that are his with love to sin4 ,and therefore when ,christ comes close to the matter1 indeed1 saith he1 ,ye will not come to me4 ,how often would ,i have gathered you as a hen doth her chickens2 but ye would not4 ,the devil had possessed their wills and so long he was sure enough of them4 ,o therefore cry hard to ,god to inflame thy will for heaven and ,christ4 ,thy will1 ,i say1 if that be rightly set for heaven1 thou wilt not be beat off with discouragements2 and this was the reason that when ,jacob wrestled with the angel1 though he lost a limb as it were2 7for the hollow of his thigh was put out of joint as he wrestled with him27 yet1 saith he1 ,i will not mark1 ,i ,,will ,,not ,,let ,,thee ,,go1 ,,except ,,thou ,,bless ,,me4 ,get thy will tipt with the heavenly grace1 and resolution against all discouragements1 and then thou goest full speed for heaven2 but if thou falter in thy will1 and be not sound there1 thou wilt run hobbling and halting all the way thou runnest1 and also to be sure thou wilt fall short at last4 ,the ,lord give thee a will and courage4 ,thus have ,i done with directing thee how to run to the kingdom4 ,be sure thou keep in memory what ,i have said unto thee lest thou lose thy way4 ,but because ,i would have thee think of them1 take all in short in this little bit of paper4 #a4 ,get into the way4 #b4 ,then study on it4 #c4 ,then strip1 and lay aside every thing that would hinder4 #d4 ,beware of by-paths4 #e4 ,cry hard to ,god for an enlightened heart1 and a willing mind2--and ,god give thee a prosperous journey6 ,,chapter ,,iii4 ,,motives ,,to ,,pursue ,,this ,,heavenly ,,course4 ,yet before ,i do quite take my leave of thee1 let me give thee a few motives to take along with thee4 ,it may be they will be as good as a pair of spurs to prick on thy lumpish heart in this rich journey4 ,,the ,,first ,,motive4--,consider there is no way but this3 thou must either win or lose4 ,if thou winnest1 then heaven1 ,god1 ,christ1 glory1 ease1 peace1 life1 yea1 life eternal1 is thine2 thou shalt be made equal to the angels in heaven2 thou shalt sorrow no more1 sigh no more1 feel no more pain2 thou shalt be out of the reach of sin1 hell1 death1 the devil1 the grave1 and whatever else may endeavor thy hurt4 ,but contrariwise1 and if thou lose1 then thy loss is heaven1 glory1 ,god1 ,christ1 ease1 peace1 and whatever else tendeth to make eternity comfortable to the saints2 besides1 thou procurest eternal death1 sorrow1 pain1 blackness and darkness1 fellowship with devils1 together with the everlasting damnation of thy own soul4 ,,the ,,second ,,motive4--,consider that this devil1 this hell1 death and damnation1 follow after thee as hard as they can drive1 and have their commission so to do by the law1 against which thou hast sinned2 and therefore1 for the ,lord's sake1 make haste6 ,,the ,,third ,,motive4--,if they seize upon thee before thou get to the city of ,refuge1 they will put an everlasting stop to thy journey4 ,this also cries1 ,run for it6 ,,the ,,fourth ,,motive4--,know also1 that now heaven's gates1 the heart of ,christ1 with his arms1 are wide open to receive thee4 ,o methinks that this consideration1 that the devil followeth after to destroy1 and that ,christ standeth open-armed to receive1 should make thee reach out and fly with all haste and speed6 ,and therefore1 ,,the ,,fifth ,,motive4--,keep thine eye upon the prize4 ,be sure that thy eyes be continually upon the profit thou art like to get4 ,the reason why men are so apt to faint in their race for heaven1 lieth chiefly in either of these two things3 ,they do not seriously consider the worth of the prize2 or else if they do1 they are afraid it is too good for them4 ,but most lose heaven for want of considering the prize and the worth of it4 ,and therefore1 that thou mayst not do the like1 #a4 ,keep thine eye much upon the excellency1 the sweetness1 the beauty1 the comfort1 the peace1 that is to be had there by those that win the prize4 ,this was that which made the apostle run through any thing6--good report1 evil report1 persecution1 affliction1 hunger1 nakedness1 peril by sea1 and peril by land1 bonds and imprisonments4 ,also it made others endure to be stoned1 sawn asunder1 to have their eyes bored out with augers1 their bodies broiled on gridirons1 their tongues cut out of their mouths1 to be boiled in cauldrons1 thrown to the wild beasts1 burned at the stake1 whipped at posts1 and a thousand other fearful torments2 while they looked not at the things which are seen1 7as the things of this world17 but at the things which are not seen3 for the things which are seen are temporal2 but the things which are not seen are eternal4 ,o this word1 ,,eternal6 it was that made them so firm1 that when they might have had deliverance1 they would not accept it1 for they knew that in the world to come they should have a better resurrection4 #b4 ,and do not let the thoughts of the rareness of the place make thee say in thy heart1 ',this is too good for me2' for ,i tell thee1 heaven is prepared for whosoever will accept of it1 and they shall be entertained with hearty good welcome4 ,consider therefore1 that as bad as thou have got thither4 ,thither1 went scrubbed beggarly ,lazarus1 c4 ,nay1 it is prepared for the poor4 ,hearken1 my beloved brethren1 saith ,james2 that is1 take notice of it1 ,hath not ,god chosen the poor of this world1 rich in faith1 and heirs of the kingdom8 ,therefore1 take heart1 and run1 man4 ,,the ,,sixth ,,motive4--,think much of them that are gone before4 ,first1 ,how really they go into the kingdom4 ,secondly1 ,how safe they are in the arms of ,jesus4 ,would they be here again for a thousand worlds8 ,or if they were1 would they be afraid that ,god would not make them welcome8 ,thirdly1 ,what would they judge of thee1 if they knew thy heart began to fail thee in thy journey1 or thy sins began to allure thee1 and to persuade thee to stop thy race8 ,would they not call thee a thousand fools1 and say1 ',o that he did but see what we see1 feel what we feel1 and taste of the dainties that we taste of6 ,oh6 if he were one quarter of an hour to behold1 to see1 to feel1 to taste1 and enjoy but the thousandth part of what we enjoy1 what would he do8 what would he suffer8 what would he leave undone8 ,would he favor sin8 ,would he love this world below8 ,would he be afraid of friends1 or shrink at the most fearful threatenings that the greatest tyrants could invent to give him8' ,nay1 those who have had but a sight of these things by faith1 when they have been as far off from them as heaven from earth1 yet they have been able to say with a comfortable and merry heart1 as the bird that sings in the spring1 that this and more shall not stop them from running to heaven4 ,sometimes1 when my base heart hath been inclining to this world1 and to loiter in my journey towards heaven1 the very consideration of the glorious saints and angels in heaven2 what they enjoy1 and what low thoughts they have of the things of this world together2 how they would befool me if they did but know that my heart was drawing back1 hath caused me to rush forward1 to disdain these poor1 low1 empty1 beggarly things1 and to say to my soul1 ',come1 soul1 let us not be weary2 let us see what this heaven is2 let us even venture all for it1 and try if that will quit the cost4 ,surely ,abraham1 ,david1 ,paul1 and the rest of the saints of ,god1 were as wise as any are now1 and yet they lost all for this glorious kingdom4 ,o therefore1 throw away sinful lusts1 follow after righteousness1 love the ,lord ,jesus1 devote thyself to his fear2--,i'll warrant thee he will give thee a goodly recompense4' ,reader1 what sayest thou to this8 ,art thou resolved to follow me8 ,nay1 resolve1 if thou canst1 to get before me4 ,so run1 that ye may obtain4 ,,the ,,seventh ,,motive4--,to encourage thee a little farther1 ,set to the work1 and when thou hast run thyself down weary1 then the ,lord ,jesus will take thee up1 and carry thee4 ,is not this enough to make any poor soul begin his race8 ,thou perhaps criest1 ',oh6 but ,i am feeble1' ',i am lame1 c4' ,well1 but ,christ hath a bosom3 consider1 therefore1 that when thou hast run thyself down weary1 he will put thee in his bosom4 ,he shall gather the lambs with his arms1 and carry them in his bosom2 and shall gently lead those that are with young4 ,this is the way that fathers take to encourage their children2 saying1 ,run1 sweet babe1 until thou art weary1 and then ,i will take thee up and carry thee4 ,he will gather his lambs with his arms1 and carry them in his bosom4 ,when they are weary1 they shall ride6 ,,the ,,eighth ,,motive4--,or else he will convey new strength from heaven into thy soul1 which will be as well4 ,the youths shall faint and be weary1 and the young men shall utterly fall4 ,but they that wait upon the ,lord shall renew their strength3 they shall mount up with wings like eagles2 they shall run1 and not be weary2 and they shall walk1 and not faint4 ,what shall ,i say besides1 that hath not already been said8 ,thou shalt have good and easy lodging1 good and wholesome diet1 the bosom of ,christ to lie in1 the joys of heaven to feed on4 ,shall ,i speak of the satisfaction and of the duration of all these8 ,verily to describe them to the height is a work too hard for me to do4 ,,chapter ,,iv4 ,,application ,,of ,,the ,,point4 ,thus you see ,i have here spoken something1 though but little4 ,now ,i shall come to make some use and application of what hath been said1 and so conclude4 ,,the ,,first ,,use4--,you see here1 that he that will go to heaven must run for it2 yea1 and not only run1 but so run2 that is1 as ,i have said1 run earnestly1 run continually1 strip off every thing that would hinder in his race with the rest4 ,well then do you so run4 #a4 ,and now let us examine a little4 ,art thou got into the right way8 ,art thou in ,christ's righteousness8 ,do not say1 ',yes1' in thy heart1 when1 in truth1 there is no such matter4 ,it is a dangerous thing1 you know1 for a man to think he is in the right way1 when he is in the wrong4 ,it is the next way for him to lose his way2 and not only so1 but if he run for heaven1 as thou sayest thou dost1 even to lose that too4 ,oh6 this is the misery of most men1 to persuade themselves that they run right1 when they have never one foot in the way6 ,the ,lord give thee understanding here1 or else thou art undone for ever4 ,prithee1 soul1 search when was it thou turned out of thy sins and righteousness1 into the righteousness of ,jesus ,christ4 ,i say1 dost thou see thyself in him8 and is he more precious to thee than the whole world8 ,is thy mind always musing on him8 and also to be walking with him8 ,dost thou count his company more precious than the whole world8 ,dost thou count all things but poor1 lifeless1 empty1 vain things1 without communion with him8 ,doth his company sweeten all things2 and his absence embitter all things8 ,soul1 ,i beseech thee be serious1 and lay it to heart1 and do not take things of such weighty concernment as the salvation or damnation of thy soul1 without good ground4 #b4 ,art thou unladen of the things of this world1 as pride1 pleasures1 profits1 lusts1 vanities8 ,what6 dost thou think to run fast enough1 with the world1 thy sins1 and lusts1 in thy heart8 ,i tell thee1 soul1 they that have laid all aside1 every weight1 every sin1 and are got into the nimblest posture1 they find work enough to run2 so to run as to hold out4 ,to run through all that opposition1 all the jostles1 all the rubs1 over all the stumbling blocks1 over all the snares1 from all the entanglements that the devil1 sin1 the world1 and their own hearts1 lay before them2 ,i tell thee1 if thou art going heavenward1 thou wilt find it no small or easy matter4 ,art thou therefore discharged and unladen of these things8 ,never talk of going to heaven if thou art not4 ,it is to be feared thou wilt be found among the many that will seek to enter in1 and shall not be able4 ,,the ,,second ,,use4--,if so1 then in the next place1 ,what will become of them that are grown weary before they are got half way thither8 ,why1 man1 it is he that holdeth out to the end that must be saved2 it is he that overcometh that shall inherit all things2 it is not every one that begins4 ,agrippa gave a fair step for a sudden3 he steps almost into the body of ,christ in less than half an hour4 ,thou1 saith he to ,paul1 hast almost persuaded me to be a ,christian4 ,ah6 but it was but almost2 and so he had as good have been never a whit2 he stept fair indeed1 but yet he stopt short2 he was hot while he was at it1 but he was quickly out of wind4 ,o this but almost6 ,i tell you this but almost1 lost him his soul4 ,methinks ,i have seen sometimes how these poor wretches that get but almost to heaven1 how fearfully their almost1 and their but almost1 will torment them in hell2 when they shall cry out in bitterness of their souls1 saying1 ',almost a ,christian6 ,i was almost got into the kingdom1 almost out of the hands of the devil1 almost out of my sins1 almost from under the curse of ,god2 almost1 and that was all2 almost1 but not altogether4 ,oh6 that ,i should be almost to heaven1 and should not go quite through6' ,friend1 it is a sad thing to sit down before we are in heaven1 and to grow weary before we come to the place of rest2 and if it should be thy case1 ,i am sure thou dost not so run as to obtain4 ,but again1 ,,the ,,third ,,use4--,in the next place1 ,what then will become of them that some time since were running post-haste to heaven1 7insomuch that they seemed to outstrip many17 but now are running as fast back again8 ,do you think those ever come thither8 ,what6 to run back again1 back again to sin1 to the world1 to the devil1 back again to the lusts of the flesh8 ,oh6 ,it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness1 than after they have known it1 to turn 7to turn back again7 from the holy commandment4 ,those men shall not only be damned for sin1 but for professing to all the world that sin is better than ,christ4 ,for the man that runs back again1 doth as good as say1 ',i have tried ,christ1 and ,i have tried sin1 and ,i do not find so much profit in ,christ as in sin4' ,i say1 this man declareth this1 even by his running back again4 ,oh1 sad6 ,what a doom they will have1 who were almost at heaven-gates1 and then run back again6 ,if any draw back1 saith ,christ1 my soul shall have no pleasure in him4 ,again1 ,no man having put his hand to the plough1 7that is1 set forward in ways of ,god17 and looking back1 7turning back again17 is fit for the kingdom of heaven4 ,and if not fit for the kingdom of heaven1 then for certain he must needs be fit for the fire of hell4 ,and therefore1 saith the apostle1 those that bring forth these apostatizing fruits1 as briers and thorns1 are rejected1 being nigh unto cursing2 whose end is to be burned4 ,oh6 there is never another ,christ to save them1 by bleeding and dying for them6 ,and if they shall not escape that neglect1 then how shall they escape1 that reject and turn their back upon so great a salvation8 ,and if the righteous1 that is1 they that run for it1 will find work enough to get to heaven1 then where will the ungodly backsliding sinner appear8 ,oh6 if ,judas the traitor1 or ,francis ,spira the backslider1 were but now alive in the world1 to whisper these men in the ear a little1 and tell them what it hath cost their souls for backsliding1 surely it would stick by them1 and make them afraid of running back again1 so long as they had one day to live in this world6 ,,the ,,fourth ,,use4--,so again1 fourthly1 ,how like to those men's sufferings will those be1 that have all this while sat still1 and have not so much as set one foot forward to the kingdom of heaven6 ,surely he that backslideth1 and he that sitteth still in sin1 are both of one mind2 the one will not stir1 because he loveth his sins1 and the things of this world2 the other runs back again1 because he loveth his sins1 and the things of this world4 ,is it not one and the same thing8 ,they are all one here1 and shall not one and the same hell hold them hereafter8 ,he is an ungodly one that never looked after ,christ1 and he is an ungodly one that did once look after him1 and then ran quite back again3 and therefore that word must certainly drop out of the mouth of ,christ against them both1 ,depart from me1 ye cursed1 into everlasting fire1 prepared for the devil and his angels4 ,,the ,,fifth ,,use4--,again1 here you may see1 in the next place1 that if they that will have heaven1 must run for it2 then this calls aloud to those who began but a while since to run1 ,i say1 for them to mend their pace if they intend to win4 ,you know that they which come hindmost1 had need run fastest4 ,friend1 ,i tell thee1 that1 there be those that have run ten years to thy one1 nay1 twenty to five1 and yet if thou talk with them1 sometimes they will say1 they doubt but they shall come late enough4 ,how then will it be with thee8 ,look to it therefore that thou delay no time1 not an hour's time1 but part speedily with all1 with every thing that is a hindrance to thee in thy journey1 and run2 yea1 and so run that thou mayst obtain6 ,,the ,,sixth ,,use4--,again1 sixthly1 ,you that are old professors1 take you heed that the young striplings of ,jesus1 that began to strip but the other day1 do not outrun you1 so as to have that scripture fulfilled on you1 ,the first shall be last1 and the last first3 which will be a shame to you1 and a credit for them4 ,what6 for a young soldier to be more courageous than he that hath been used to wars6 ,to you that are hindermost1 ,i say1 strive to outrun them that are before you2 and to you that are foremost1 ,i say1 hold your ground1 and keep before them in faith and love1 if possible4 ,for indeed1 that is the right running1 for one to strive to outrun another2 even for the hindermost to endeavor to overtake the foremost2 and he that is before should be sure to lay out himself to keep his ground1 even to the very utmost4 ,but then1 ,,the ,,seventh ,,use4--,again1 ,how basely do they behave themselves1 how unlike they are to win1 that think it enough to keep company with the hindmost6 ,there are some men that profess themselves such as run for heaven as well as any2 yet if there be but any lazy1 slothful1 cold1 half-hearted professors in the country1 they will be sure to take example by them4 ,they think1 if they can but keep pace with them they shall do fair2 but these do not consider that the hindmost lose the prize4 ,you may know it if you will1 that it cost the foolish virgins dear for their coming too late4 ,they that were ready1 went in with him3 and the door was shut4 ,afterward1 mark afterward came the other 7the foolish7 virgins1 saying1 ,lord1 ,lord1 open to us4 ,but he answered and said1 ,depart1 ,i know you not4 ',depart1 lazy professors6 slothful professors6' ,oh6 methinks the word of ,god is so plain for the overthrow of your lazy professors1 that it is to be wondered men do not take more notice of it4 ,how was ,lot's wife served for running lazily1 and for giving but one look behind her1 after the things she left in ,sodom8 ,how was ,esau served for staying too long before he came for the blessing8 ,and how were they served that are mentioned in the #acth of ,luke1 for staying till the door was shut8 ,also the foolish virgins4 ,a heavy after-groan will they give that have thus stayed too long6 ,it turned ,lot's wife into a pillar of salt2 it made ,esau weep with an exceeding loud and bitter cry2 it made ,judas hang himself3 yea1 and it will make thee curse the day in which thou wast born1 if thou miss of the kingdom1 as thou wilt certainly do1 if this be thy course4 ,but1 ,,the ,,eighth ,,use4--,again1 ,how1 and if thou by thy lazy running should'st not only destroy thyself1 but also thereby be the cause of the damnation of some others8 ,for thou1 being a professor1 thou must think that others will take notice of thee2 and because thou art but a poor1 cold1 lazy runner1 and one that seeks to drive the world and pleasure along with thee2 why1 thereby others will think of doing so too4 ',nay1' say they1 'why may not we1 as well as he8 ,he is a professor1 and yet he seeks for pleasures1 riches1 profits2 he loveth vain company1 and he is so and so1 and professeth that he is going for heaven2 yea1 and he saith also he doth not fear but he shall have entertainment2 let us therefore keep pace with him1 we shall fare no worse than he6' ,o how fearful a thing will it be1 if thou shalt be instrumental to the ruin of others by thy halting in the way of righteousness6 ,look to it1 thou wilt have strength little enough to appear before ,god1 to give an account of the loss of thy own soul2 thou needest not to have to give an account for others1 why thou didst stop them from entering in4 ,how wilt thou answer that saying1 ',you would not enter in yourselves1 and them that would1 you hindered8' ,for that saying will be eminently fulfilled on them that through their own idleness do keep themselves out of heaven1 and by giving others the same example1 hinder them also4 ,,the ,,ninth ,,use4--,therefore1 now to speak a word to both of you1 and so ,i shall conclude4 #a4 ,i beseech you1 in the name of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 that none of you do run so lazily in the way to heaven as to hinder either yourselves or others4 ,i know that even he who runs laziest1 if he should see a man running for a temporal life1 who should so much neglect his own well-being in this world1 as to venture1 when he is running for his life1 to pick up1 here and there1 a lock of wool that hangeth by the wayside1 or to step1 now and then1 aside out of the way to gather up a straw or two1 or any rotten stick2 ,i say1 if he should do this when he is running for his life1 thou wouldst condemn him4 ,and dost thou not condemn thyself that dost the very same in effect8 nay worse2 that loiterest in thy race1 notwithstanding thy soul1 heaven1 glory1 and all is at stake8 ,have a care1 have a care1 poor wretched sinner2 have a care6 #b4 ,if yet there shall be any that1 notwithstanding this advice1 will still be flagging and loitering in the way to the kingdom of glory1 be thou so wise as not to take example by them4 ,learn of no man farther than he followeth ,christ4 ,but look unto ,jesus1 who is not only the author and finisher of faith1 but who did1 for the joy that was set before him1 endure the cross1 despise the shame1 and is now set down at the right hand of ,god4 ,i say1 look to no man to learn of him1 any farther than he followeth ,christ4 ,be ye followers of me1 saith ,paul1 even as ,i am of ,christ4 ,though he was an eminent man1 yet his exhortation was1 that none should follow him any farther than he followed ,christ4 ,,provocation4--,now that you may be provoked to run with the foremost1 take notice of this4 ,when ,lot and his wife were running from cursed ,sodom to the mountains1 to save their lives1 it is said1 that his wife looked back from behind him1 and she became a pillar of salt4 ,and yet you see that neither her practice1 nor the judgment of ,god that fell upon her for the same1 would cause ,lot to look behind him4 ,i have sometimes wondered at ,lot in this particular4 ,his wife looked behind her and died immediately2 but let what would become of her1 ,lot would not so much as look behind him to see her4 ,we do not read that he did so much as once look where she was1 or what was become of her4 ,his heart was indeed upon his journey1 and well it might be4 ,there was the mountain before him1 and the fire and brimstone behind him6 ,his life lay at stake1 and he had lost it if he had but looked behind him4 ,do thou so run3 and in thy race remember ,lot's wife1 and remember her doom2 and remember for what that doom did overtake her2 and remember that ,god made her an example for all lazy runners1 to the end of the world2 and take heed thou fall not after the same example6 ,but if this will not provoke thee1 ,consider thus1 #a4 ,thy soul1 is thy own soul1 that is either to be saved or lost4 ,thou shalt not lose my soul by thy laziness2 it is thy own soul1 thy own ease1 thy own peace1 thy own advantage or disadvantage4 ,if it were my own that thou art desired to be good unto1 methinks reason should move thee somewhat to pity it4 ,but alas6 it is thy own2 thy own soul6 ,what shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world1 and lose his own soul8 ,god's people wish well to the soul of others1 and wilt not thou wish well to thy own8 ,and if this will not provoke thee1 then1 ,think again1 #b4 ,if thou lose thy soul1 it is thou also that must bear the blame4 ,it made ,cain stark mad to consider that he had not looked to his brother ,abel's soul4 ,how much more will it perplex thee1 to think1 that thou hadst not a care of thy own8 ,and if this will not provoke thee to bestir thyself1 ,think again1 #c4 ,that if thou wilt not run1 the people of ,god are resolved to deal with thee even as ,lot dealt with his wife2 that is1 leave thee behind them4 ,it may be thou hast a father1 mother1 brother1 c1 going post haste to heaven4 ,wouldst thou be willing to be left behind them8 ,surely no4 ,again1 #d4 ,will it not be a dishonor to thee to see the very boys and girls in the country1 to have more wit than thyself8 ,it may be the servants of some men1 as the horsekeeper1 ploughman1 scullion1 c1 are more looking after heaven than their masters4 ,i am apt to think sometimes1 that more servants than masters1 that more tenants than landlords1 will inherit the kingdom of heaven4 ,but is not this a shame for them that are such8 ,i am persuaded you scorn that your servants should say that they are wiser than you in the things of the world2 and yet ,i am bold to say1 that many of them are wiser than you in the things of the world to come1 which are of greater concernment4 ,,expostulation4--,well then1 sinner1 what sayest thou8 ,where is thy heart8 ,wilt thou run8 ,art thou resolved to strip8 ,or art thou not8 ,think quickly1 man6 ,it is no dallying in this matter4 ,confer not with flesh and blood4 ,look up to heaven1 and see how thou likest it2 also to hell1 7of which thou mayst understand something in my book1 called ,sighs from ,hell1 or1 ,the ,groans of a ,lost ,soul1 which ,i wish thee to read seriously over1,a7 and accordingly devote thyself4 ,if thou dost not know the way1 inquire at the word of ,god2 if thou wantest company1 cry for ,god's ,spirit2 if thou wantest encouragement1 entertain the promises4 ,but be sure thou begin betimes2 get into the way1 run apace1 and hold out to the end2 and the ,lord give thee a prosperous journey6 ,,farewell4 ,footnote ,a3 ,this book will be found in the volume of ,bunyan's ,,awakening ,,works1 published by this ,society4