Religion our true interest, or, Practical notes upon the third chapter of Malachi the…Religion our true interest, or, Practical notes upon the third chapter of Malachy the…

1 It is Possible for many who make a Splendid Profession to lose Heaven. What think you of the Foolish Virgins? They are called Virgins because they were not tainted with any gross Sin; yet these Virgin-Professors were shut out, Mat. 25.10. Balaam a Prophet, Judas an Apostle, both cashiered. We have seen some Ships have had glorious names given them, the Good-speed, the Hope, the Safe-guard, yet cast away at Sea.

1 It is Possible for many who make a Splendid Profession to lose Heaven. What think you of the Foolish Virgins? They are called Virgins because they were not tainted with any gross Sin; yet these Virgin-Professors were shut out, Mat. 25.10. Balaam a Prophet, Iudas an Apostle, both cashiered. We have seen some Ships have had glorious names given them, the Good-speed, the Hope, the Safe-guard, yet cast away at Sea.

2. It is possible to come near to Heaven, yet fall short of it, Mark 12.34. Thou art not far from the Kingdom of God; yet he was not near enough. Men may countenance the Ministry of the Word, have their Affections moved at an Ordinance, and in outward show out-go the Children of God^*; yet not having the Oil of Sincerity in their Vessels, they may be frustrated of happiness: And how dismal is that, to lose God, to lose ⟨p. 80⟩their Souls, to lose their Hopes! The Millions of Tears shed in Hell are not sufficient to bewail the loss of Heaven. Well may such as have Heaven in them Fear their coming short of it. Thus much for the Use of Trial.

2. It is possible to come near to Heaven, yet fall short of it,