The Marrow of Divinity, Religious treatise · Chapter 12
CHAP. XII. Questions, and Cases of Conscience about Apostasie, or Falling away.
Quest WHat is Apostacy?
Answ. It's a leaving or forsaking that good way and course which men had once taken for the obtaining of grace: so Gal. 5.4. Ye are fallen from grace.
Object. How many sorts of Apostacy are there?
Answ. First, there is a falling from God, either secret, when the heart by distrust is withdrawn; or open when men do blaspheme the truth, and rail at the Doctrine of God, as those Jews did, Act. 19.9.
Secondly, there is a temporary defection, or falling away, which afterwards is repented of: Or a final of such as die in their Apostacy: as Julian did.
Thirdly, there is a spiritual defection from some part of Doctrine and obedience: as in David, Peter, &c. And a total when the foundation of faith is denied.
Fourthly, some fall from God in their first yeares, following their superstitious Ancestors, as many that are borne of Popish parents: Others that fall in their middle age after their enlightning with the truth, as sundry inconstant Protestants; which fall to Popery, or Heresie: So 1 Tim. 4.1. Foretold, 2 Thes. 2.3.
Fifthly, there is a universal departure from the whole Doctrine of Christ, after it is once known by the enlightning of the Spirit, with a malicious despite of it, because its the truth of God, Heb. 6.6. and 3.12. and 10.29. Read more of it, 2 Pet. 2.20. 1 Joh. 5.16.
Quest. How farre may a childe of God Apostatize, and fall back?
Answ. First, he may loose all his zeale; and be but lukewarme, Rev. 3.15, 16. so 1 Sam. 17.16. there was no zeale in any to oppose the blasphemy of Goliah. This was foretold, Matth. 24.12. The love of many shall wax cold.
Secondly, he may lose all his affections which are the wings of the soul: as it was with Sardis, R…v. 3.2. so with Asa, 2 Chron. 16.10. and David, 2 Sa…. 11.25.
Thirdly, he may grow to be senseless of sin, and of the grace of God: so were Josephs brethren when they had thrown him into the pit, Gen. 37.25. so the Israelites when they had made the golden calf, Exod. 32.6. so David, 2 Sam. 11.13.
Fourthly, he may grow to be notoriously vain and worldly: so Paul complains of some of his dear friends, Phil. 2.21.
Fifthly, he may grow to that pass that the service of God may be a burden to him: he may cry out as those, Mal. 1.13. Hence Paul exhorts the Galatians, ch. 6.9. Be not weary of w…ll-doing.
Sixthly, he may be so dead that nothing can quicken him: and so it may fare with the whole Church, even when God shews signes of his departure: Hence Isa. 59.16. I wondred that there was no intercessor.
Quest. Where then is grace in such an one? Is he unchilded againe?
Answ. The grace of a childe of God can never be wholly lost, not for any goodness in himselfe, but through the goodness of God to him: For,
First, there is a seed of God still remaing in him, 1 John 3.9. so that he cannot commit sin with that full swinge as wicked men do. Regeneration is an immortal seed, 1 Pet. 1.23, 25.
Secondly, there are supernatural habits remaining in him, whereby he hath inclinations to good, and against evil, Psal. 37.24. Though the righteous fall, yet shall he not utterly be cast down, &c. Now the difference between the seed, and habits is this. This seed is immediately in the soul, though it runnes through all the powers of it: But these supernatural habits are immediately in the powers and faculties of the soul: and herein they differ from moral and natural habits; in that these do naturally incline, but supernatural habits do never actually incline, but upon concurrence of special grace.
Thirdly, a childe of God hath ever an anointing, 1 John 2.27. i. e. a gift, and grace of God, whereby his eyes are enlightned to look upon God and his Ordinances, and all sin, and iniquity with an heavenly eye, which can never be taken away: so that he will not think or talk of God as a natural man doth: he will discover that he hath something of God still in him.
Fourthly, there is a little strength in his heart, as Rev. 3.8. He doth a little fear God: hath some good desires though but weak, and a little endeavour to please God: though corruptions be very strong.
Quest. Whence proceeds this back-sliding in Gods children?
Answ. From their giving way to sin, and not looking to themselves to abstain from it; as from worldliness, passion, &c. as 1 Tim. 5.6. This David found by woful experience, and therefore prays, Psal. 51.12. that God would uphold him with his free spirit. So we see in Peter, Matth. 26.47. now the reasons why sin doth so deaden grace in their hearts are,
First, sin is a soul-killing thing: when the devil hooks a man into sinne, he draws him into the dead Sea, Hos. 13.1. when Ephraim offended in Baal, he died, Eph. 2.1. ye were dead in sinne: Hence he calls the Law of sin, the Law of death, Rom. 8.2. sinne weakens all the powers and faculties of the soul, and body that they cannot stir to any duty. It's like a great weight on a mans back, Heb. 12.1. As Christ saith, cares overcharge the heart, Luke 21.34. It separates between God which is the fountain of life, and the soul, and therefore no marvel if it deaden it.
Secondly, sin grieves the holy Spirit of God: and we know that all the quickening of a Christian consists in the gracious assistance of Gods Spirit: so that if he withdraw and suspend his actions we can do nothing of our selves. Hence, Eph. 4.31. Grieve not the holy Spirit of God, &c. And 1 Thes. 5.18, 19. It quencheeh the Spirit.
Thirdly, it puts a most bitter hard task upon the soul to go through, which causeth her reluctancy: For such a man must humble himself greatly before God, must renew his repentance with bitter remorse for his sins: must come to a reckoning for it. This made David so loth to call himself to account when he had sinned with Bathsheba.
Fourthly, it defiles the conscience, till it be again purged by the blood of Christ, Heb. 9.14. It knocks off a mans fingers from laying hold of the Promises, which are the things by which men live, Isa. 38.16. It makes the conscience say, the Promises do not belong to me: For God is an holy God, and his Promises are holy, and there is no medling with them without holinesse.
Fifthly, sin doth either utterly destroy, or mightily weaken all our assurance of welcome to God: and therefore it must needs dead the heart in all duties: as a childe when he hath committed some great fault, is afraid to come into his Fathers presence, as we see in Jonah and David.
Quest. What are the particular sins, which cause this deadnesse and backsliding?
Answ. First, the niggardlinesse of Gods children in his service: when they will do no more then they must needs do: whereas a quickned heart will rather superabound then be wanting: As often in Scripture the duty is commanded, but not the quantity, as how often, and how long we should pray, meditate, give almes, &c. now a Christian in such cases will rather overdo, then underdo: as Philemon v. 21. I know thou wilt do more then I ask. So 2 Cor. 8.3.
Secondly. neglect of our spiritual watch; This caused deadnesse in the Church of Sardis, Rev. 3.12. Such lie open to the tentations of Satan. Hence 1 Pet. 5.8. So we see in Eve, Noah, Lot, David, &c. Hence Paul, 1 Cor. 2.3. I was amongst you with much feare.
Thirdly, contenting our selves with a low kinde of Religion, that will never attain to any quickening: whereas Religion is an high thing, Prov. 15.24. It, an high calling, Phil. 3.14. So we see in Jehosaphat, 2 Chron. 17.6. We (saith the Apostle) have our conversation in Heaven, Phil. 3.20.
Fourthly, vanity of mens mindes is another cause of great deadnesse. Hence David prays against it, Psal. 119.37. when a man gives way to vain thoughts, vain speeches, vain expence of time.
Fifthly, evil examples is another cause: when we live amongst dead and declining Christians, and think all well if we be not worse then they.
Sixthly, covetousnesse and wordlinesse: whereas while we keep off our affections from the world we are full of life: But when we dote upon the world, it layes bolts and fetters upon our soules, as we see in Demas, and 1 Tim. 6.10. See how heartlesse those heaters were from this cause, Ezek. 33.31. Hence Eph. 5.3. Let not covetousnesse be once named amongst you, &c.
Seventhly, idlenesse and spiritual sloth, when men let their mindes go as a ship without a Pilot: See the danger of idlenesse. Prov. 19.15. so when we do not lay forth our talents, and improve our gifts and graces.
Eighthly. contenting our selves with what we have attained to, and not growing, and going on towards perfection, as Heb. 6.1. where there is truth of grace there will be growth, 1 Pet. 2.2. and so we are exhorted to it, 2 Pet. 3.18.
Quest. What meanes may we use to prevent this backsliding, and to be quickned in grace?
Answ. First, we must go to Christ for life and quickening grace: He came for that end that we might have life, &c. John 10.10. Now to attain hereunto we must believe in him, John 7.38. and then he invites us, Isa. 55.1. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, set your hearts upon him, seek after him, and you shall have all good, even life it self.
Secondly, carefully to attend upon the Ministery of the Word. So 2 Cor. 6.11, 12. You are not straitened in us, but in your own bowels: For our mouth is open to you: q. d. In our Ministry there is abundance of grace, life, &c. we come with our armes full, you may be enlarged sweetly thereby, but that you are straitened in your own bowels.
Thirdly, A careful shunning of all those cause of deadnesse and backsliding, which were before-mentioned.
Fourthly, be earnest with God to quicken thy heart to pray for his grace, that God would be pleased to put life into thee. Pray as Elijah did, that fire from heaven may come upon thy sacrifice to warme and heat thy heart, and to stir thee up to that which is good, as the Church doth, Psal. 30.18. Quicken us, and we will call upon thy Name. Of all Petitions we should pray most for life and zeale, next to Gods glory and our own salvation, (nay, indeed as the very meanes of both): For indeed there is no grace that we have more need of then this, for it sets all other graces on work, and its most acceptable to God: yea, its the greatest blessing God can bestow upon us. Hence Psal. 119.156. Great are thy tender mercies, quicken me, O Lord, &c. where he takes the quickening of his heart as a gracious effect of Gods infinite mercy to his soul.
Fifthly, be diligent to take earnest and effectual paines in this work, and in all Christian duties in all the Worship of God: There is a secret blessing upon all those that take paines even in the meanest calling, Prov. 10.4. So it is in regard of spiritual life, there is a secret blessing upon those that are diligent about the meanes of grace: as in prayer, striving against sin, hearing the Word, sanctifying the Sabbath, receiving the Sacraments, &c. such shall thrive in grace, when others shall be like Pharaohs lean kine, Prov. 13.11. He that gathers by labour shall encrease: so is it here. Paul though he came late into the vineyard, yet by his diligence he out-went all the rest of the Apostles.
Sixthly, we must exercise that grace we have, and then we shall never fall. If a man have but a little knowledge, and useth, and improves it, it will much encrease. If we make use of our relentings and meltings, and strike whilest the iron is hot; If we act and exercise any grace, it will prove like the loaves in the disciples hands, which whilest they were distributing, encreased. Grace is like a snow-ball that encreaseth by rowling.
Seventhly, and lastly, consider the examples of Gods Worthies in all Ages, which will much quicken us to be as forward as they: when James would quicken them to patience, he proposes the examples of Job and the Prophets, Jam. 5.10. So when he would quicken them to Prayer, he proposeth the example of Elias, v. 17, 18. The zeale of others will provoke us, 2 Cor. 9.2. So when Christ would exhort his disciples to suffer persecution, he saith, Consider the Prophets which were persecuted, Mat. 5.12.
Quest. What motives may perswade us to avoid that deadnesse which accompanies, or precedes backsliding?
Answ. First, consider the woful Ingredients of this sinne, which are
1. A dulnesse and blockishnesse to learne any thing that is good; as its said of the Jewes, Acts 28.27. when we enjoy excellent meanes, and profit not by them.
2. An awkardnesse and listlesnesse to the wayes of Jesus Christ, as is said of the Jewes, Mat. 15.8. when we go about duties as having no heart to them.
3. Senselesnesse of conscience, when it feels not little sins, and is little sensible of great ones.
4. Coldnesse and lukewarmnesse of affections: when we neither pray, nor hear, &c. with affections: we can finde teares upon other occasions but not for our sins: Our love waxes cold, as foretold, Mat. 24.12.
5. Weaknesse, and faintnesse of endeavours: as Solomon saith, Prov. 13.4. we would feigne have heaven and salvation, but we will not be at paines, and cost to get it, far unlike to John Baptists hearers, Mat. 11.12.
6. Dulnesse and drowsinesse of the whole man; though we are very careful, and industrious about the world, yet we are extream carelesse of our soules; If our hearts were contrite we should soon be quickned, Isa. 57.15.
Secondly. consider that so long as we are dead hearted, we cannot pray. Implied, Psal. 80.18. nor hear profitably, implied by Christ, Mat. 11.16, &c.
Thirdly, whilest we are dead we can have no comfort, no assurance to our soules, that we have the truth of grace in us. When Christ gives grace, he is said to quicken that man, John 5.21. True repentance is from dead works, and unto life. Faith is not faith if it do not quicken. Hence Galat. 2.20 Our sinnes are not forgiven; if we be not quickned, Col. 2.13.
Fourthly, we cannot grow in grace except we are quickened; Implied, Hosea 14.7. the Philippians love to Paul was dead till it was quickened, and then it flourished, Phil. 4.10.
Fifthly, as long as we are dead, we shall be so far from growing that we shall not be able to keep our own. Hence Rev. 3.2. Such men pine away, as Ezek. 33, 10. And no marvel, when it makes them neglect the meanes to keep life in them.
Sixthly, this sin of deadnesse is worse then other sins, and that in six respects.
1. Other sins for the most part are but in one part of a man: as pride in the heart, drunkennesse in the appetite, &c. but deadnesse is in the whole man: It heaps all miseries upon a man, as Rev. 3.17. Such a man is like Judah. Isa. 1.6. hath no sound part. Its like the deluge, that drowned the whole world.
2. Other sins are against one or two of the Commandments: but deadnesse is against all: Its a sin against prayer, hearing, all Ordinances and Sabbaths: For in all these we should have life.
3. This sin is deeper in the soul then any other sin: A man will be wil-linger to part with any sin then deadnesse, and to take up any duty then quickening: Judah was content to turne to God, but not with her whole heart, Jerem. 3.10.
4. Other sins may be but acts, and we may not have an habit of them, as we see in Noah, Lot, David, &c. But deadnesse is an habit, Eph. 2.1. and an estate of sin is worse then any act of sin.
5. Other sins are the first death of the soul: we are all by nature the children of wrath, and were once dead: but if after we are Christians we grow dead again, we are twice dead: and it causeth the second death, not of damnation, but of being dead after we are quickned.
Sixthly, though God threatens hell and damnation against other sins, yet more especially against deadnesse, when we receive not the truth in the love of it: as 2 Thes. 2.10, 11, 12. Its a most woful thing when we do not love the Truth, Ordinances, Obedience, Duties, &c. See also Rev. 2.4, 5. and 3.16.
Now further to quicken us, let us consider
1. We have life, and why should not God have it? In him we live, move, and have our being: He gives us life and breath: why then should we not give it him again? the Rivers that come from the Sea, return to it again. We should therefore with the Macedonians, 2 Cor. 8.5. yield our selves to the Lord.
2. All the world is alive in their courses: O let Christians be alive in theirs, as Mich. 4.5. Every man walks in the Name of his God: Let us walk in the Name of God. They whose belly is their God, or their pleasures, profits, preferments, &c. their minde and affections run all that way, why should not we be as forward in our wayes.
3. Consider the worth of the Kingdome of Heaven, eternal life, the Gospel, Prayer, Ordinances, &c. Are they such poor beggerly things, that they are scarce worth looking after? Yea, they deserve our best affections.
4. If we be quickened, nothing will be difficult: for nothing is hard to a willing minde: the difficulty of Religion is over if a man be quickened. To such an one Gods Commandments are not grievous, 1 John 5.3. whereas if our hearts be dead, there is the greater labour required, Eccl. 10.10. Its hard for such to overcome lusts, to perform duries: whereas quickning is as oyle to the wheeles, it makes it go easie.
5. It will yield a great deal of peace, joy and comfort, as Psal. 85.6. Revive us again, O Lord, and we shall rejoyce in thee ▪ Such as follow God with an earnest heart, have such joyes as none else can meddle with, God gives them unknown comfort, joy and peace.
6. It would make Heaven it selfe to rejoyce: as the Father of the Prodigal: This my son was dead, and doth live, Luke 15.32. therefore its meet we should rejoyce. So when a poor soul that was dead before, is now quickened in his wayes, the Angels in Heaven rejoyce at it.
7. If we were quickned, we should not only do our selves good, but others also. So it was with David, Psal. 34.8. himself being quickened: O taste and see (saith he) that the Lord is good, &c. O feare the Lord ye his Saints. And v. …1. Come children, hearken unto me, I'le teach you the feare of the Lord, &c. So it was with Paul, Acts 26.29. VVould that thou, and all that hear me this day, were not only almost, but altogether such as I am, &c. Fenners Alarm. Second Part.
Quest. How do temporary believers wither, and fall away from grace?
Answ. First, in judgement, when they fall from the grounds of sincerity, and truth whereof they were once perswaded; as many, who for by-respects are carried from the truth which they once embraced; such was Demas, who forsook the truth to embrace the present world: The Galatians, who by little and little fell to another Gospel, Gal. 1.6. At first through weaknesse, and in part: afterwards in whole, and by obstinacy. Hymenaeus and Philetus, who once held the truth concerning the Resurrection, but in short time erred from the faith, and destroyed the faith of many, 2 Tim. 2.18. As this was prophecied of these latter Ages, so our eyes have seen it abundantly fulfilled in numbers in these our dayes, who have departed from the faith, and given heed to the spirits of Errour, and doctrines of Devils, 1 Tim. 4.1. by turning Anabaptists, Anti-Scripturists, Antitrinitarians, Seekers, Quakers, Ranters, &c.
Secondly, in affections, whereby they fall from their first love and zeal which once they had for God and goodnesse. Thus many who seemed fervent in spirit, and forward maintainers of religion, are now cooled and come to a state of indifferency, if not of neutrality, framing themselves to the times for their own profit, preferment, &c.
Thirdly, in practice, as the Galatians who did run well; but something letted them, and cast them back, Gal. 5.7. Thus many who began in the spirit, end in the flesh: who having scaped the filthiness of the world, are again entangled therein, returning with the Dog to his vomit, and with the washed sow to her wallowing in the mire, 2 Pet. 2.20.
Fourthly, in respect of means which should preserve them from Apostacy. Some have seemed to make conscience of hearing the Word preached, and tasted sweetness in it, so that nothing could hinder them from taking all opportunities of hearing, but now they distaste the wo…d, dislike, and cry down the Ministry, or heap to themselves Teachers after their own lusts, 2 Tim. 4.3. Others that used to pray much, and often, and fervently, but now they wholly, or in great part neglect it. Others that were diligent in instructing their families, watching over their behaviour, &c, wholly lay it aside.
Quest. What is the danger of these Apostates?
Answ. First, in regard of God they are most hateful to him, seeing they can find nothing more worthy forsaking then the good way, and esteem every thing more worthy keeping then Gods image, and graces: Hence he stiles them dogs, and swine, 2 Pet. 2.23.
Secondly, in respect of the Church, they scandalize the weak, and make themselves and all professors a scorne to the wicked: they wound the hearts of the godly, who in them are made vile to the world: they open the mouths of the wicked to speak evil of the ways of God, and harden the wicked in their loose courses.
Thirdly, in respect of the sin it self, none more dangerous: For, 1. Relapses are more dangerous then the first diseases. 2. Satan returning, brings with him seven worse spirits and so he is for ever held under the power of them. 3. This sinne is commonly punished with other sins, which is Gods most fearful stroke. 4. It's a degree of the sin against the Holy Ghost, Heb. 10.26.
Fourthly, in respect of the judgements which attend this sin. 1. The house not founded on the rock must fall, and the fall is great and irreparable, Mat. 7.27. 2. The judgement is certain, being already in part inflicted: The talent is already taken away, and in the next place the unprofitable servant is to be cast into hell fire, Mat. 25.28.
Quest. What are s…gnes and notes of a man thus Apostatizing in grace?
Answ. First, a resting in a common and general hope of a good estate, without a desire and endeavour to get special assurance.
Secondly, an opinion of sufficiency: that he hath grace enough, and needs seek no more: and so not to go foreward, is to go backward.
Thirdly, a comparing of a mans self with those of inferiour graces, or means of resting contented if he be but as good as they.
Fourthly, a shunning or slighting Gods Ordinances, and forsaking the Assemblies of the Saints; or if he use publick, yet he neglects private duties.
Fifthly, secret sins ordinarily committed, not bewailed, nor reformed: or allowing a mans self in lesser oaths, idle speeches, roving thoughts▪ expence of time wastfully, &c.
Sixthly, hatred of Gods children and their wayes whether openly or secretly: Hence, Psalme 129.6. They that hate Sion shall be as grasse on the house-top that withereth, &c.
Quest. What means may we use to keep us from this Apostacy?
Answ. First, get sound judgement to discern the truth ftom errour, which is attained by the publick ministry. If we would not quench the spirit, we must not despise prophesie, 1 Thes. 5.19, 20. If we would not fall we must be built upon the foundation of the Prophets and Apostles: we must attend upon reading, meditation, and conference, which notably begets, and confirms soundness of judgement: and by Prayer, which obtains the Spirit, called the Spirit of judgment, Isa. 4.4.
Secondly, Sound perswasion of the truth thou professest, and that by getting expe…ience of it in thy heart: If a man once tasts the sweetnesse of Christ, and his merits, he will never be a Papist in the point of me…it, but abhor his own works as dress and dung: get experience of Gods love in Christ, and it will be stronger then death, &c. Cant. 8.6, 7.
Thirdly, sound affections and love to the truth: esteeme it as a Pearl worth selling all to buy it: but if thou lovest the world, or any thing better then the truth, with D…mas thou wilt forsake it: So, 2 Thessal. 2.10, 11.
Fourthly, sound conscience, to which is required, 1. Sincerity. 2. Tendernesse.
1. Sincerity, when a man is inwardly a true Nathanael, without guile.
2. Tenderness; whereby we fear and dislike all sin, the least, the closest, the dearest bosome sin; whereas an evil conscience makes shipwrack of the faith, 1 Tim. 1.19.
Fifthly, sound conversation. Fruitfulnesse in our life fastens our faith, whereas a barren life hath little stability. We must hear the word and do it, if we will be built upon the rock, Matth. 7.24. God useth to recompense practice of grace with encrease of grace. Hence John 17.7. If ye do these things ye shall know my doctrine, and Psalm 15. ult. He that doth these things shall n…ver fall. The Talent used increaseth, like the meal in the barrel, 1 Kings 17.16.
Sixthly, sound fellowship in the communion of Saints: In receiving, and communicating Christian admonition, reprehension, counsel, comfort, &c. Hereby we stirre up the gift of God in our selves and others: Hence, 1 Thes. 5.11. Heb. 12.12.
Quest. What motions may encourage us to the use of these means?
Answ. First, consider how heresies and errours encrease daily in all places, amongst all degrees, and our trial may be at hand, we know not how soon.
Secondly, this decay, and withering is fatal to reprobates, and befals them onelyonly, but cannot betide Gods Elict, Matth. 24.24. the Elect cannot be deceived.
Thirdly, experience tells us that we may say of some great Professors, as it's said of the fig-tree, Matth. 21.20. How soone are they withered? which is a shrewd argument that the sentence is out against them: Never fruit grow on thee any more, ver. 19.
See Dr. Tailor, on the Parable of the Sower.
Quest. Seeing many who have been once zealous for Gods way, afterwards decline it totally, what is it to set rightly forth at our first owning of Christ, and to lay a sure foundation to prevent Apostacy?
Ans. First, then are our beginnings hopeful when the Spirit of God in the Ministry of the Word, or other meanes of grace did work upon us: when it was not meere education under good governours, nor the acquaintance, and company which we had with those that fear God, but an inward, experimental work of grace upon our hearts.
We read, 2 Chron. 24.22. of Joash, who in his latter days did most wickedly degenerate, when yet in his former time he had been very forward in repairing the Temple, and had shewed more zeal for Gods glory then the Priests did: But what was the ground? Jehoiadah the High Priest had a great hand over him, he helped him to his Kingdome, and engaged him to God several ways: but when this good man was dead he became a wolf, and put Zacharie, Iehoiadahs son, to death, and that meerly because he reproved him for his sins: So that though Joash had some external restraint upon him, yet was there no internal renovation by Gods Spirit. Look therefore what put thee upon a forwardnesse in the ways of God: was it the Spirit of God through the Word? then it is of God, and will endure: Otherwise a child mishapen in the conception wil ever after be a Monster.
Secondly, then will beginnings and endings be alike, when grace is rooted, and enters deep enough into the soul. Though thou hast never such affections, such enlargements, yet if there be not a rooted, and deep work of grace upon thy soul, it will never hold out, Mat. 13.21. the seed that grew hopefully miscarried, because it had no rooting: and the house upon the sandy foundation fell, because the builder digged not deep enough: Hence the promise of regeneration is, Ier. 31.33. to put the Law of God into their inward parts: therefore grace is called the inwa…d man, the hidden man of the heart: If therefore thy repentance hath been deep enough? If thy faith, and love be rooted? the gates of hell shall never prevail against thee.
Thirdly, good beginnings will end well when we professe Christ out of love to Christ, and sincere intentions, not from sinister and worldly respects: The wolf will at last discover himself for all his sheeps cloathing: as we see in Judas. To follow Christ for the loaves, or to know him only after the flesh, will never endure. Jehu begins with zeal as hot as fire, yet his latter end was like Jeroboams, and all because his ends were not pure. Observe therefore thy heart diligently in the motions and intentions of it. Is it to get applause? to be reputed of? to compasse great things for thy self? If so the time will come that, thy building will fall, though so many did admire it.
Fourthly, thy beginnings will end coldly, when thy judgement is not well instructed, and informed in the truth. Hot affections, but a weak judgement will quickly stagger, and is apt to be carried up and down with every winde of doctrine; Christ therefore prayeth, John 17.17. that they may be sanctified through the truth: Hymenaeus and Philetus, when they made shipwrack of the faith, they then cast away a good conscience: so that a sound mind and judgement is a special help to perseverance: they which are tossed up and down with every new doct…ine, are called children, Ephes. 4.14. because their understandings are weak.
Fifthly, they that will persevere must be well advised about the nature of grace, & how dear it wil cost them to be Disciples of Christ? what they must do and suffer for his Name: This Christ expresseth under two Parables: One of a King going to war: the other of a man undertaking a great building, Luke 14.31. &c. so think thou with thy self: shall I joyn my self to those that fear God? am I fit for such a great work? Am I mortified to all sin? Can I endure to lose all for Christ? Do I love him better then my relations, then my life it self? &c. Mr. Burges on Joh. 17. p. 383.
Sixthly, if thou wouldst not Apostatize, practice so much as thou knowest, and the more thou practisest, the more thou knowest, and the more thou knowest thus, the more thou lovest, and the surer doest thou bind it upon thy self, and this is the surest hold, John 7.17.
Seventhly, call no grounds of Divine truth into question: suspect not that which thou canst not reach, but rather accuse thy own weaknesse, and ignorance: Our first Parents by questioning the truth of Gods threatning, lost Gods image, which consisted in truth as well as holinesse.
Eighthly, beware of indifferency in the matters of God; many think it better to be like the flexible willow, then the sturdy Oke, or as wax, to take all forms of Religion: These can never hold out when trials come. Dr. Taylor on Tit.