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

The Scripture again and again tells us of it, men of great Eminency and repute may make shipwreck of their Faith, and through deceivableness and subtle insinuations will draw many after them; Wonder not at this when it comes to pass, That is notable to this purpose, Act. 20.29, 30. Though Paul himself had instructed those Churches, yet he tells them after his departure that Wolves would venture in amongst them, what a sad change would this be, But from whence should they come? Even out of your selves will arise men; Thus these Toads and Serpents would breed in Gods own Garden: As the Leprosy of Heresy is thus a Scandal in Gods Church, So the Apostasy and revolt of such as were once forward for the Truth; To have them degenerate, yea, sometimes to become malicious Enemies against what they professed, this is very hard, Heb. 6. and 2 Pet. 2. mention is made of some who were endowed with eminent gifts, and much outward Reformation, yet they are supposed to fall away, and so to fall as never to recover again; Let it not then stumble thee if there be such who will for earthly advantages betray Christ after much love pretended to him; That will sell ⟨p. 390⟩Christ for silver, Do not thou loath Religion for this; Do not thou begin to say, Are there any Religious even in this world? Do not thou follow them, thinking I may do, as they do? But rather tremble at such Instances, considering how terrible their latter end will be.

The Scripture again and again tels us of it, men of great Eminency and repute may make shipwrack of their Faith, and through deceivablenesse and subtle insinuations will draw many after them; Wonder not at this when it comes to passe, That is notable to this purpose, Act. 20.29, 30. Though Paul himself had instructed those Churches, yet he tels them after his departure that Wolves would venture in amongst them, what a sad change would this be, But from whence should they come? Even out of your selves will arise men; Thus these Toads and Serpents would breed in Gods own Garden: As the Leprosie of Heresie is thus a Scandall in Gods Church, So the Apostacy and revolt of such as were once forward for the Truth; To have them degenerate, yea, sometimes to become malicious Enemies against what they professed, this is very hard,