The Fountain of Life Opened

Learn hence in the third place,¹ That unprincipled Professors will sooner or later become shameful Apostates. Judas was an unprincipled Professor, and see what he came to. Ambition invited Simon Magus to the profession of Christ, he would be [Greek or Hebrew], some great one. And how quickly did the rottenness of his principles discover themselves in the ruin of his profession? that which wants a root, must needs wither, as Christ speaks, Matth. 13.20, 21. that which is the predominant interest will prevail, and sway with us in the day of our trial. Hear me all you that profess Religion, and have given your names to Christ; if that profession be not built upon a solid and real work of grace upon your hearts, you shall never honour Religion, nor save your souls by it. O 'tis your union with Christ, that like a spring maintains your profession.² So much as you are united to Christ, so much constancy, steadiness, and evenness you will manifest in the duties of Religion, and no more.

Learn hence in the third place,¹ That unprincipled Professors will sooner or later become shameful Apostates. •udas was an unprincipled Professor, and see what he came to. Ambition invited Simon Magus to the profession of Christ, he would be 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, some great one. And how quickly did the rottenness of his principles discover themselves in the ruine of his profession? that which wants a root, must needs wither, as Christ speaks,