Philistines were, when they saw their champion dead upon the field.
Seeing the fact, we are eager to inquire into,]
2. The occasion of it —
[Whence could this proceed ? To what shall we trace an event so calamitous, so unforeseen? We are not left in doubt respecting it : the Apostle, at the same time that he announces the fact, declares the reason of it : " Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world." Alas ! alas ! What did he find in this world worthy of his affections? Had he never known any thing of spiritual and eternal objects, we might account for his attachment to the things of time and sense : but we are amazed, that, after having once tasted of living waters, he could ever afterwards find satisfaction in the polluted streams of this world.
But, supposing him to love this present world ; is there any thing in that to draw him from Christ, and to make him cast off all concern for his eternal interests ? Yes : the love of God and of the world are incompatible with each other ; insomuch that, " if any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him^" Light and darkness are not more opposed to each other than are the things of this world, and the things of God. " The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life," what have they to do with heavenly-mindedness? "The person wholiveth in pleasure, is dead whilst he liveth*^ :" " the cares and indulgences of this world choke the good seed, and render it unfruitful^:" and the seeking honour from men, instead of seeking it from God only, is absolutely incompatible with a saving faith ^. The cross of Christ, if duly valued, would crucify us unto the world, and the world to us^.
Here then we see whence this deplorable evil proceeded. Demas had yielded to a concern about his carnal ease and interests. This gradually weakened his anxiety about his spi- ritual and eternal welfare. Then he became remiss in secret duties : then his strength to resist temptation declined : then his natural corruptions regained their former ascendant over him : then the Spirit of God, being grieved, and quenched, left him to himself: then he became the sport of temptation, and the prey of Satan : and then his abandonment of Christ and of his Gospel followed of course.]
Whilst we mourn over this unhappy man, and la- ment his apostasy, let us proceed to consider, II. The instruction to be derived from it —
c 1 John. ii. 1.5. ^ i Tim. v. 6. ^ Matt. xiii. 22.
f John V. 44. g Gal. vi. 14.
g2