CXLV expository sermons upon the whole 17th chapter of the Gospel according to St.…

Fourthly, Then hot beginnings will end coldly, when the judgement of a man is not well instructed and informed in the truth. Hot affections, but a weak judgement will quickly reel up and down, as a man that hath strong vapours from his stomach, but a weak brain: Therefore our Saviour prayeth in this Chapter, That they may be sanctified through the truth. Hymeneus and Philetus, when they made shipwreck of the faith, then they cast away a good conscience: So that a sound mind and judgement is a special preservative to perseverance: What is the reason children are tossed up and down with every new thing? But because their understandings are weak; and Ephes. 4. we are forbidden to be like children in this respect; As there must be a sound judgement in the truth, so a well advised Meditation about the nature of grace, and how dear it will cost thee to be Christs Disciple. To come into the company of the godly before thou hast throughly bethought thy self, what is required of a Disciple? How much he must do and suffer? What he shall meet with in the way? is the cause of great hypocrisy. Our Saviour doth fully express this under two Parables, One of a man going to war; and another who undertakes a great building, Luke 14 31. There is none will set upon a war or building, but with much counsel, whether he be able to go through with it, or no; Whether he shall not be mocked, as one that began and could not make an end? Thus do thou reflect upon thy self, What shall I go and join my self with those that fear God? Shall I be in the number of those that will own Christ more strictly then the world? Am I fit for such a great work? Am I mortified to all sin? Can I endure to lose all for Christ? Do I love him better then all relations, and life it self? If I do not, it's no climbing up this hill, I shall tumble back again with greater danger then ever. I shall add no more particulars, because all miscarriages may be reduced to one of these heads.

Fourthly, Then hot beginnings will end coldly, when the judgement of a man is not well instructed and informed in the truth. Hot affections, but a weak judgement will quickly reel up and down, as a man that hath strong vapours from his stomack, but a weak brain: Therefore our Saviour prayeth in this Chapter, That they may be sanctified through the truth. Hymeneus and Philetus, when they made shipwrack of the faith, then they cast away a good conscience: So that a sound minde and judgement is a special preservative to perseverance: What is the reason children are tossed up and down with every new thing? But because their understandings are weak; and