They that enter in at the gate of the inner court must be clothed in fine linen; how then shall they go into the temple that carry the clogs of the dirt of this world at their heels?  Thus saith the Lord, “No stranger uncircumcised in heart, or uncircumcised in flesh, shall enter into my sanctuary.”

The wideness, therefore, of this gate, is for this cause here made mention of, namely, to encourage them that would gladly enter thereat according to the mind of God, and not to flatter them that are not for leaving off all for God.

Wherefore let such as would go in remember that here is room, even a gate to enter at, six cubits wide.  We have been all this while but on the outside of the temple, even in the courts of the house of the Lord, to see the beauty and glory that is there.  The beauty hereof made men cry out and say, “How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts; my soul longeth, yea, fainteth for the courts of the Lord;” and to say, “A day in thy courts is better than a thousand.”

Coming to Christ.

Question.  How must I be qualified before I shall dare to believe in
Christ?

Answer.  Come, sensible of thy sins and of the wrath of God due unto them, for thus thou art bid to come Matt. 11:28.

Question.  Did ever any come thus to Christ?

Answer.  David came thus, Paul and the jailer came thus; also Christ’s murderers came thus.  Psa. 51:1-3; Acts 9:6; 16:30, 31; 2:37.

Question.  But doth it not seem most reasonable that we should first mend and be good?

Answer.  The whole have no need of the physician, but those that are sick; Christ came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Question.  But is it not the best way, if one can, to mend first?

Answer.  This is just as if a sick man should say, “Is it not best for me to be well before I go to the physician?” or as if a wounded man should say, “When I am cured I will lay on the plaster.”

Question.  But when a poor creature sees its vileness, it is afraid to come to Christ, is it not?

Answer.  Yes, but without ground; for he has said, “Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not;” and “to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.”  Isa. 35:4; 66:2.

Question.  What encouragement can be given us thus to come?

Answer.  The prodigal came thus, and his father received him, and fell upon his neck and kissed him.  Thus Christ received the Colossians, and consequently all that are saved.  Luke 15; Col. 2:13.

Question.  Will you give me one more encouragement?

Answer.  The promises are so worded, that they that are scarlet sinners, crimson sinners, blasphemous sinners, have encouragement to come to him with hopes of life.  Isa. 1:  18; Mark 3:28; John 6:36; Luke 24:47; Acts 13:36