The Doctrine of the Saints' Perseverance

To this (saith he) the Apostle answereth partly by Concession, partly by Exception; First by Concession, in those words [they went out from us] which words do not so much import their utter declining or forsaking the Apostles communion, as the advantage or opportunity which they had, to gain credit and respect, both to the Doctrine, and Persons, among professors of Christianity in the World; In as much as they came forth from the Apostles themselves as men sent and commissioned by them to teach; The same phrase is used in this sense, and with the same import where the Apostles write thus to the Brethren of the Gentiles, Acts 15. 24. For as much as we have heard, that certain that went out from us have troubled you, with words subverting your souls, saying you must be circumcised and keep the Law, to whom we gave no such commandment; So that in this clause [they went out from us] the Apostle grants; First, That those Antichristian teachers had indeed for a time held communion with them; And Secondly, That hereby they had the greater opportunity, of doing harm in the World, by their false Doctrines. But Secondly. He Answers farther by way of Exception (but they were not of us) whilst yet they conversed with us, they were not men of the same spirit and principles with us; we walked in the profession of the Gospel, with single and upright hearts, not aiming at any secular greatness, or worldly accommodations in one kind or other; these men loved this present World, and when they found the simplicity of the Gospel, would not accommodate them to their minds, they brake with us, and with the truth of the Gospel it self at once.

To this (saith he) the Apostle answereth partly by Concession, partly by Exception; First by Concession, in those words [they went out from us] which words doe not so much import their utter declining or forsaking the Apostles communion, as the advantage or opportunity which they had, to gaine credit and respect, both to the Doctrine, and Persons, among professours of Christianity in the World; In as much as they came forth from the Apostles themselves as men sent and commissioned by them to teach; The same phrase is used in this sence, and with the same import where the Apostles write thus to the Brethren of the Gentiles, Acts 15. 24. For as much as we have heard, that certain that went out from us have troubled you, with words subverting your soules, saying you must be circumcised and keep the Law, to whom we gave no such commandement; So that in this clause [they went out from us] the Apostle grants; First, That those Antichristian teachers had indeed for a time held communion with them; And Secondly, That hereby they had the greater opportunity, of doing harme in the World, by their false Doctrines. But Secondly. He Answers farther by way of Exception (but they were not of us) whilest yet they conversed with us, they were not men of the same spirit and principles with us; we walk'd in the profession of the Gospell, with single and upright hearts, not aiming at any secular greatnesse, or worldly accommodations in one kind or other; these men loved this present World, and when they found the simplicity of the Gospell, would not accommodate them to their minds, they brake with us, and with the truth of the Gospell it selfe at once.