[ 1131] Heaven, the way to it through tribulation.
JOnathan and his Armour-bearer, being upon their march against the Philistins,* 1.1 were to passe betwixt two rocks, the one called Bozez, which signifies dirty; the other called Seneh, which signifies thorny; a hard passage: But on they went (as we say) through thick and thin, and at last gained the victory. The Israelites were first brought to the bitter waters of Marah,* 1.2 before they might taste of the pleasant fountains, or the milk and honey of Canaan. And in vain shall any man expect the River of Gods pleasures, before he hath pledged Christ in the cup of bitternesse: When we have pledged him in his gall and vinegar, then he will drink to us in the new wine of his Kingdom.* 1.3 He that is the Door and the Way, hath taught us,* 1.4 that there is but one way, one door, one passage to Heaven, and that a strait one;* 1.5 through which, though we do passe with much pressure and tugging, having our superfluous rags torn away from us here,* 1.6 in the croud of this world; yet we shall be happy. He that will be Knighted, must kneel for it; and he that will enter in at the strait gate, must croud for it; a gate made so on purpose, narrow and hard in the entrance; yet after we are entred, wide and glorious, that after our pain, our joy may be the sweeter.