(2.) Because you know, that tho a man do run, yet if he do not overcome, or win, as well as run, what will they be the better for their running?  They will get nothing.  You know the man that runneth, he doth do it to win the prize; but if he doth not obtain it, he doth lose his labor, spend his pains and time, and that to no purpose; I say, he getteth nothing.  And ah! how many such runners will there be found in the day of judgment?  Even multitudes, multitudes that have run, yea, run so far as to come to heaven-gates, and not able to get any farther, but there stand knocking when it is too late, crying, Lord!  Lord! when they have nothing but rebukes for their pains.  Depart from Me, you come not here, you come too late, you run too lazily; the door is shut.  “When once the master of the house is risen up,” saith Christ, “and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us, I will say, I know you not, depart,” etc.  Oh, sad will the state of those be that run and miss; therefore, if you will have heaven, you must run for it; and “so run that ye may obtain.”

(3.) Because the way is long (I speak metaphorically), and there is many a dirty step, many a high hill, much work to do, a wicked heart, world, and devil to overcome; I say, there are many steps to be taken by those that intend to be saved, by running or walking in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham.  Out of Egypt thou must go through the Red Sea; thou must run a long and tedious journey, through the vast howling wilderness, before thou come to the land of promise.

(4.) They that will go to heaven they must run for it; because, as the way is long, so the time in which they are to get to the end of it is very uncertain; the time present is the only time; thou hast no more time allotted thee than thou now enjoyest:  “Boast not thyself of to-morrow, for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.”  Do not say, I have time enough to get to heaven seven years hence; for I tell thee, the bell may toll for thee before seven days more be ended; and when death comes, away thou must go, whether thou art provided or not; and therefore look to it; make no delays; it is not good dallying with things of so great concernment as the salvation or damnation of thy soul.  You know he that hath a great way to go in a little time, and less by half than he thinks of, he had need to run for it.

(5.) They that will have heaven, they must run for it; because the devil, the law, sin, death, and hell follow them.  There is never a poor soul that is going to heaven, but the devil, the law, sin, death, and hell, make after the soul.  “The devil, your adversary, as a roaring lion, goeth about, seeking whom he may devour.”  And I will assure you, the devil is nimble, he can run apace, he is light of foot, he hath overtaken many, he hath turned up their heels, and hath given them an everlasting fall.  Also the law, that can shoot a great way, have a care