tenor of the preceding discourse. Whereas too many have interpreted these words without any regard to all that went before: as if they bore no manner of relation to the sermon, in the close of which they stand.
2. By prophets here (as in many other passages of scripture, particularly in the New Testament) are meant, not those who foretel things to come, but those who speak in the name of God: those men, who profess to be sent of God, to teach others the way to heaven.
Those are false prophets, who teach a false way to heaven, a way which does not lead thither. Or (which comes in the end to the same point) who do not teach the true.
3. Every broad way is infallibly a false one. Therefore this is one plain, sure rule, "They who teach men to walk in a broad way, a way that many walk in, are false prophets."
Again, the true way to heaven is a narrow way. Therefore this is another plain, sure rule. "They who do not teach men to walk in a narrow way, to be singular, are false prophets."
4. To be more particular. The only true way to heaven, is that pointed out in the preceding sermon. Therefore they are false prophets who do not teach men to walk in this way.
Now the way to heaven pointed out in the preceding sermon, is the way of lowliness, mourning, meekness, and holy desire, love of God and of our neighbour, doing good, and suffering
