The Sincere Convert

Afterwards, as Ab•ahams posterity increased, so we see their sin abounded. When his posterity was in Egypt, where one would think if ever men were good, now it would appear, being so heavily afflicted by Pharaoh, being by so many miracles miraculously delivered by the hand of Moses; yet most of these God was wroth with, Heb. 3. 12. and only two of them, Caleb and Joshua went into Canaan, a type of Heaven. Look into Solomons time, what glorious times! what great profession was there then! yet after his death, ten Tribes fell to the odious sin of Idolatry, following the command of Jeroboam their King. Look further into Isaiah's time, when there were multitudes of sacrifices and prayers, Isay 1. 11. yet then there was but a remnant, ¹nay a very little remnant, that should be saved. And look to the time of Christs coming in the flesh (for I pick out the best times of all) when one would think by such Sermons he preached, such miracles he wrought, such a life as he led, all the Jews should have entertained him, yet 'tis said,² He came unto his own, and they received him not. So few, that Christ himself admires at one good Nathaniel, Behold an Israelite in whom there is ⟨p. 122⟩no guile. In the Apostles time, many indeed were converted, but few comparatively, and amongst the best Churches many bad: as that at Philippi, ³Phil. 3. 18. many had a name to live, but were dead, and few only kept their garments unspotted. And presently after the Apostles time,⁴ many grievous wolves came and devoured the sheep; and so in succeeding ages, Revel. 12. 9. all the earth wondered at the whore in Scarlet.