This method are we guided unto by the apostle, who, having de- clared the apostasy and ruin which ensued thereon of the generality of the church of the Jews, improves the consideration of it unto the caution of others, under a present profession of the truth. “Thou
wilt say then,” saith he to the Gentile believers, “The branches were -
broken off, that I might be graffed in. Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not high- minded, but fear: for if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. Behold therefore the goodness
and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee,
OE a
DANGERS FROM THE PREVAILING APOSTASY, 223
goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off,” Rom. xi. 19-22. And in another place, on an alike oc-
easion, he speaks unto the same purpose: “ Let him that thinketh
he standeth, take heed lest he fall,” 1 Cor. x. 12.
Most men are apt to suppose that the continuance of the true re- ligion in any place depends solely on the prudence and industry of those unto whom the conduct of its outward concerns are committed. The interest of some and the duty of others, in the management of
human laws and constitutions, are generally looked on as a sufficient
and the only means of its preservation. And those of this persua- sion think they have personally no concernment herein, but only to herd themselves in the multitude, and to take their fate, whatever it be. Such as these will despise our cautions, as those from which the reasons of their confidences and fears are most remote. But whereas the profession of religion in the community of Christians will not be preserved but by the power of it in individuals, the only root whereon it will long thrive or grow, we shall not at all concern ourselves in them by whom the directions of their duty are thought needless or useless; for after the utmost exercise of human policy, it is the wisdom that is from above which must be our stability. And if the power of truth and holiness be not preserved in the hearts and lives of particular persons, the profession of them in churches, or the pre- tence of them in nations (which are all that will remain), are neither acceptable unto God nor useful unto the souls of men.
Some think themselves, as for their own part, little concerned in these things. That there is such a defection from the gospel as hath been complained of they cannot deny, and they will also grant that it is desperately pernicious unto them that are overtaken thereby; therefore they suppose it not amiss that men should be warned of its danger and directed to avoid it. But thi®they think necessary for others, not for themselves; for as for their part, they have not the like occasions, nor are exposed unto the same temptations, with them who formerly apostatized from the gospel or are in danger now so to do. Besides, they know well enough what are their own resolu- tions, and that though all men should forsake either the doctrine taught in or the obedience required by the gospel, yet should their constancy be immovable! But I do not think these apprehensions sufficient to render our warnings needless. Occasions and tempta-
~ tions are not in our power; our greatest present freedom from them
will not secure us from the assaults of the next hour. Peter foresaw not his dangers and fears when he so confidently engaged unto con- stancy in the profession of his Master, which yet within a few hours came upon him, And such is the subtlety of our spiritual adver- saries, that sometimes we are under the power of temptation when
294 “THE NATURE AND CAUSES OF APOSTASY.
we think ourselves most remote from it. It is beyond the compass of human reason to take at once a prospect of all- the causes and means thereof, with the ways of its efficacy and prevalency. And if at any time we judge ourselves free from an hour of temptation, which comes upon the world to try them that dwell therein, which most are exercised with and many are prevailed on by, so as to be secure and regardless of the means of our preservation, of all men we are in the most danger to be ruined by it. Neither will the best of our resolutions be of any avail without the utmost of our en-. deavours. The great apostle thought and resolved with respect unto the person of Christ that he would neither deny him nor forsake him, and it this confidence did not betray him into his fall, yet to be sure it did not preserve him from it; and it was upon his own experience that he gave afterward that holy advice, that we should “ give a reason of the hope that is in us with meekness and fear,” 1 Pet. ii. 14, 15, and “ pass the time of our sojourning here in fear,’ chap. 1.17. The highest present confidences have ever proved the most deceiving presages of future stability. Wherefore, the utmost I design in the ensuing cautions is but to excite men unto a due apprehension of their danger, that they be not surprised into that pernicious security which is the mire wherein this rush doth grow.