Causes of Apostasy

    There are five causes of apostasy which we must take heed of.

    1. Not laying a good foundation, at the first, when we take up a profession. Many miss it here. There are three lasting foundations which will abide. These we must make sure of. There is sincerity. Without this there is little hope that we shall stand. Look to this. Pray that ye may be "sincere."—There is sound humiliation. This foundation must be laid. Many a building falls for want of it: for want of digging deep to lay the foundation low. Light come, light go.—And there is serious consideration before we take up a profession. Sit down "first, and count the cost." For want of this, many come to nothing. He that will be Christ's disciple "must deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow" him. Lay Christ the great foundation, and then these three: and then your building will stand.

    2. Loving this present evil world inordinately. This was at the bottom of Judas' s apostasy: "What will ye give me?" So it is with many. Take heed of this. Sometimes people apostatize to keep that they have: sometimes to increase their estate. They deny Christ to get preferment. But cursed be that preferment that is so gotten.

    3. Leaning to a man's own strength. The miscarriage of many begins at this. Witness Dr. Pendleton. He was confident, yet denied Christ. So Peter: "Though all men deny thee, yet will not I." And yet he was the first to do it.

    4. The "fear of man." That brings " a snare" upon thousands. "Pear not them that kill the body." Who fears a sword without a hand? Christ cautions his friends: "Pear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."

    5. Following the "multitude." Resolving to do as the most do. Many that never intended to deny their profession have been carried down the stream. Do not as the most do. Strait is the gate that leads to life. Walk by "rule," not by the example of the multitude.