The world that now is; and the world that is to comeThe vvorld that now is; and the vvorld that is to come

Another sign of Christ's Second Coming, is a great Apostasy both in the Doctrine and Worship of the Gospel. This sign of Christ's Second Coming, the Apostle Paul foretold, 2 Thes. 2.1, 2, 3. Now we beseech you Brethren, by the Coming of our LORD Jesus Christ,—Let not man deceive you; for that DAY shall not come, except there come a falling away first: An Apostasy first from the Doctrine of the Gospel, especially, Faith and Love, 1 Tim. 4.1, 2, 3. Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter days some shall depart from the Faith, &c. And Christ saith, Matth. 24.3, 12. The Love of many shall wax cold before his Second Coming from Heaven, vers. 30. Some Teachers make the Law of the Ten Commandments a Doctrine of Faith in Christ, affirming that those ten words are a Covenant of Grace. Other ⟨p. 15⟩Preachers make the Gospel of the Grace of God a Doctrine and Covenant of works, teaching Justification by works, and Salvation by works, holding Free-will, and falling away. And many there are, of whom the Apostle Peter prophesied, 2 Pet. 2.1, 2. False Teachers, who privily shall bring in damnable Heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, &c. And 2 Pet. 3.3, 4. That there shall come in the last Days, Scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the Promise of his Coming, &c? Insomuch that our Saviour said, Luke 18.8. When the Son of Man cometh, shall he find Faith on Earth? And many Professors will fall from their first Love, as the Ephesians did, Rev. 2.4. The Faith and Love of the Primitive Saints in the Churches of Christ continued and increased, 2 Thes. 1.1, 2, 3. Your Faith groweth exceedingly, and the Love of every one of you all towards each other aboundeth: But in these last Days many depart from the Faith, and many cool in their Spiritual Affections to Christ; there are great decays of Grace, and many flourishing Professors experience great withering,