23. Wherefore, such a one cannot go out
of the world by himself; for as he gave occasion of scandal when he
was in the world, so is he the cause of the damnation of many. The
apostle did use to weep when he spake of these professors, such an
offence he knew they were and would be in the world. Acts 20:30;
Phil. 3:18, 19.
These are the chief of the engines of Satan; with these he worketh
wonders. One Balaam, one Jeroboam, one Ahab, O how many fish such
bring to Satan's net. These are the tares that he strives to sow
among the wheat, for he knows they are mischief to it. "Wherefore
let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity."
Those that religiously name the name of Christ and do not depart
from iniquity, how will they die; and how will they look that Man in
the face, unto the profession of whose name they have entailed an
unrighteous conversation; or do they think that he doth not know
what they have done, or that they may take him off with a few cries
and wringing of hands, when he is on the throne to do judgment
against transgressors. O, it had been better they had not known, had
not professed; yea, better they had never been born. And as Christ
says it had been good, so Peter says it had been better, Mark 14:12;
14:22; 2 Pet.
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