Too late
It may appear, upon a transient view of these words, that their delaying to seek at all, rather than their manner of seeking, was the reason why they were not able to enter in. But it comes in effect to the same thing. They were therefore commanded to depart because they had been workers of iniquity, because they had walked in the broad road: in other words, because they had not agonized to enter in at the strait gate. Probably they did seek before the door was shut, but that did not suffice. And they did strive after the door was shut. But then it was too late.
1771 text
3. It may appear, upon a transient view of these words, that their delaying to seek at all, rather than their manner of seeking, was the reason why they were not able to enter in. But it comes, in effect, to the same thing. They were therefore commanded to depart, because they had been workers of iniquity, because they had walked in the broad road: in other words, because they had not agonized to enter in at the strait gate. Probably they did seek, before the door was shut: but that did not suffice. And they did strive, after the door was shut. But then it was too late.
About this text
Rendered in modern English, to be read and heard. Open the 1771 text under each part to check the claims and the scripture.
Rendered in modern English. The 1771 panel is his own Pine printing of the Works. It is public domain.
Catalogue & scope
Sermon 31 in the 1771 Works. Matthew 7:13-14.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.