Be singular or be damned
Therefore, strive now, in this your day, to enter in at the strait gate. And in order to this, settle it in your heart and let it be ever uppermost in your thoughts, that if you are in a broad way, you are in the way that leads to destruction. If many go with you, as sure as God is true, both they and you are going to hell. If you are walking as the generality of men walk, you are walking to the bottomless pit. Are many wise, many rich, many mighty or noble traveling with you in the same way? By this token, without going any farther, you know it does not lead to life. Here is a short, a plain, an infallible rule, before you enter into particulars. In whatever profession you are engaged, you must be singular or be damned. The way to hell has nothing singular in it, but the way to heaven is singularity all over: if you move but one step toward God, you are not as other men are. But regard not this. It is far better to stand alone than to fall into the pit. Run then with patience the race which is set before you, though your companions in it are but few (Hebrews 12:1). They will not always be so. Yet a little while and you will come to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, and to the spirits of just men made perfect (Hebrews 12:22-23).
1771 text
4. Therefore, strive ye now, in this your day, to enter in at the strait gate. And in order hereto, settle it in your heart, and let it be ever uppermost in your thoughts, that if you are in a broad way, you are in the way that leadeth to destruction. If many go with you, as sure as God is true, both they and you are going to hell. If you are walking as the generality of men walk, you are walking to the bottomless pit. Are many wise, many rich, many mighty or noble travelling with you in the same way? By this token, without going any farther, you know, it does not lead to life. Here is a short, a plain, an infallible rule, before you enter into particulars. In whatever profession you are engaged, you must be singular or be damned. The way to hell has nothing singular in it; but the way to heaven is singularity all over: if you move but one step towards God, you are not as other men are. But regard not this. ’Tis far better to stand alone, than to fall into the pit. Run then with patience the race which is set before thee, tho’ thy companions therein are but few. They will not always be so. Yet a little while and thou wilt come to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the first born, and to the spirits of just men made perfect.
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.