3. This doctrine of the miscarriage of many then, it standeth upon the validity of the word of Christ; "For many, I say, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able."
4. Professors shall make a great heap among the many that shall fall short of heaven; "For many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able."
5. Where grace and striving are wanting now, seeking and contending to enter in will be unprofitable then; "For many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able."
But I will proceed in my former method, to wit, to open the words unto you.
[Import of the words FOR MANY.]
"For many," &c. If he had said, For some will fall short, it had been a sentence to be minded; if he had said, For some that seek will fall short, it had been very awakening; but when he saith, Many, many will fall short, yea, many among professors will fall short, this is not only awakening, but dreadful!
[Various applications of the word MANY.]—"For many," &c. I find this word many variously applied in Scripture.
1. Sometimes it intendeth the open profane, the wicked and ungodly world, as where Christ saith, "Wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat." (Matt 7:13) I say, by the many here, he intends those chiefly that go on in the broad way of sin and profaneness, bearing the "tokens" of their damnation in their foreheads, those whose daily practice proclaims that their "feet go down to death, and their steps take hold on hell." (Job 21:29,30, Isa 3:9, Prov 4)
2. Sometimes this word many intendeth those that cleave to the people of God deceitfully, and in hypocrisy, or, as Daniel hath it, "Many shall cleave to them with flatteries." (Dan 11:34) The word many in this text includeth all those who feign themselves better than they are in religion; it includeth, I say, those that have religion only for a holiday suit6 to set them out at certain times, and when they come among suitable company.
3. Sometimes this word many intendeth them that apostatize from Christ; such as for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away; as John saith of some of Christ's disciples: "From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him." (John 6:66)