§. 131. Of Professors falling away.
UNbelief is here aggravated by a fearfull effect, which is Apostasie, tha•…•… pressed, In departing from the living God.
The a 1.1 Greek word translated departing, is acompound.
The b 1.2 simple Verb signifieth to stand, Matth. 20, 3, 6, 32. And to establish, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 3. 31. & 10. 3.
The c 1.3 compound signifieth to depart, Luke 13. 27. To fall away, Luke 8. 13▪ refrain, Acts 5. 38. To withdraw, 1 Tim. 6. 5. and to draw away, Acts 5. 37. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 d 1.4 Noun that signifieth Apostasie is derived from this Verb, 2 Thess. 2. 3.
This word here used implieth, that they to whom the Apostle gave this 〈◊〉〈◊〉 professed the true saith: and that they had given up their names to God. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 else should they be warned to take heed of departing from God?
It is therefore possible that Professors may fall from their holy profession: 〈◊〉〈◊〉* 1.5 they, who professe that they believe in God, may depart from him. The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 caveats given in sacred Scripture to take heed hereof, do prove as much (〈◊〉〈◊〉 of §. 122.) so do the threatnings denounced against backsliders, Deut. 29. 2•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 24. 20. 2 Chron. 7. 19, 20. Isa. 1. 28. Ezek. 18. 24. Heb. 10. 38. So also 〈◊〉〈◊〉 dry predictions of such as fell away, as Deut. 31. 16, &c. 2 Thess. 2. 3. 1 Tim •…•… 2 Pet▪ 2. 1, 2. But especially instances of such as have departed from their •…•…∣sion, as Saul, 1 Sam. 15. 23. Ioash, 2 Chron. 24. 17, &c. Iudas, Acts 1. 17, &c. •…•…∣mas, and such as forsook Paul, 2 Tim. 4. 10, 16. And they of whom the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Disciple complaineth, 1 Iohn 2. 19. And this our Apostle also, Heb. 10. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 these words, As the manner of some is: whereby he gives us to understand, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was then usual for Professors to revolt. The e 1.6 Greek word there translated •…•…∣ner, signifieth also custom and wont: and is so translated, Luke 2. 42. & 〈◊〉〈◊〉 It was too usual with the Jews, time after time to apostatize, and depart fr•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Lord, as Exodus 32 1. Iudges 2. 12. 1 Kings 12. 30. So among Christians, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 20. 30. The ages after the Apostles, and that from time to time, even to these 〈◊〉〈◊〉 dayes, give too evident proof hereof. Are not all the Churches planted b•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Apostles departed from the Lord? Who were those starres, whom the ta•…•…l 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Dragon drew from Heaven, and threw to the Earth? Revel. 12. 4. were they: professors of the faith? How did this whole Land revolt in Queen Maries 〈◊〉〈◊〉 And it is like so to do again upon a like change.
Many make profession on bie-respects, to serve the time, and to serve 〈◊〉〈◊〉* 1.7 own turns: so as their profession is not seasoned with sincerity and found•…•… which are necessary to make a good foundation. Where they are wan•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 stability can be expected. Such a foundation is like the sand, whereupon if 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be bui•…•…, it cannot stand, Mat. 7. 26, 27.
By this we see that profession doth not simply argue a true incision into 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Indeed we may judge of such as Christ did of him that discreetly answered 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Christ thus replied, Thou art not farre from the Kingdom of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 12. 34. For Charity believeth all things, and hopeth all things, 1 Cor. 13. •…•…. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is, the best of every one. Yet can we not absolutely conclude simply fr•…•… •…•…∣fession▪ that such an one is a member of Christ. If a Professour revolt, we 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as 1 Iohn 2. 19.
This that hath been shewed of Professors revolting, giveth evidence of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…∣cessity* 1.8 of mens trying and examining themselves, according to the Apos•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉. exhortation, 2 Cor. 13. 5. Examination in this kinde must be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 soundness of mens heart, and the right ends of their profession. Surely •…•…∣ciples