Moreover, some of these false and counterfeit Professors, also fall into the very same Sins and horrid Abominations they were guilty of before they made any profession of Religion; nay, and they prove more vile and notorious in Wickedness than ever: It hath often been seen, that this sort of Men who forsake the Ways of God, which they seemed to own and profess, have at last appeared more impudent in Sin than the vilest Men, being ring-leaders to all lewd and cursed Practices and Deeds of Darkness; so that the same unclean Spirit returneth into some of them in the same shape also; though I cannot see any ground to believe it happens so to them all; for doubtless many of them retain their seeming Zeal, and external Profession of Religion and outward Holiness, until they die. Evident it is, our Saviour applies this direful Doom on the People of that Generation, viz. the Jews, particularly to the Scribes and Pharisees, see the 38th verse. Yet certain it is, many of them never turned to open Profaneness, but died in their Unbelief whilst they abode proud and zealous Pharisees. Yet I see no reason to question but this returning Devil, and those seven other Spirits more wicked, is applied to them as well as to others, who fell away from their seeming Piety and Profession. But of some of them especially it hath happened according to what St. Peter speaks,1 For if after they have escaped ⟨p. 46⟩the Pollutions of the World through the Knowledge of Jesus Christ, and are again overcome, the latter end of that Man is worse than the first; that is, such a knowledge of Christ as brings with it, or doth produce, an outward reformation of Life. For as the Elect cannot be deceived, so they cannot fall finally, having the seed remaining in them, cannot sin unto Death, they are said to have eternal Life abiding in them; 2Because (saith Christ) I live, ye shall live also. He that hath begun that good work in them, will perform it to the Day of Christ. 3They are passed from Death unto Life, and shall not come into condemnation. But as to these falsehearted or hypocritical Persons, it happeneth to them (that is, to some of them) according to the true Proverb, The Dog is turned to his own Vomit, 4and the Sow that was washed to her wallowing in the Mire. The Apostle comparing them to Dogs and Swine, shows what fort they were, viz.
Moreover, some of these false and counterfeit Professors, also fall into the very same Sins and horrid Abominations they were guilty of before they made any profession of Religion; nay, and they prove more vile and notorious in Wickedness than ever: It hath often been seen, that this sort of Men who forsake the Ways of God, which they seemed to own and profess, have at last appeared more impudent in Sin than the vilest Men, being ring-leaders to all lewd and cursed Practices and Deeds of Darkness; so that the same unclean Spirit returneth into some of them in the same shape also; though I cannot see any ground to believe it happens so to them all; for doubtless many of them retain their seeming Zeal, and external Profession of Religion and outward Holiness, until they die. Evident it is, our Saviour applies this direful Doom on the People of that Generation, viz. the Jews, particularly to the Scribes and Pharisees, see the 38th verse. Yet certain it is, many of them never turned to open Prophaneness, but died in their Unbelief whilst they abode proud and zealous Pharisees. Yet I see no reason to question but this returning Devil, and those seven other Spirits more wicked, is applied to them as well as to others, who fell away from their seeming Piety and Profession. But of some of them especially it hath happened according to what St. Peter speaks,1 For if after they have escaped ⟨p. 46⟩the Pollutions of the World through the Knowledg of Jesus Christ, and are again overcome, the latter end of that Man is worse than the first; that is, such a knowledg of Christ as brings with it, or doth produce, an outward reformation of Life. For as the Elect cannot be deceived, so they cannot fall finally, having the seed remaining in them, cannot sin unto Death, they are said to have eternal Life abiding in them; 2Because (saith Christ) I live, ye shall live also. He that hath begun that good work in them, will perform it to the Day of Christ. 3They are passed from Death unto Life, and shall not come into condemnation. But as to these falsehearted or hypocritical Persons, it happeneth to them (that is, to some of them) according to the true Proverb, The Dog is turned to his own Vomit, 4and the Sow that was washed to her wallowing in the Mire. The Apostle comparing them to Dogs and Swine, shews what fort they were, viz.
- 12 Pet. 2. 20.
- 21 Joh. 3. 15.
- 3Joh. 14. 19 Phil. 1. 6.
- 42 Pet. 2. 22.
