SAD record. Paul feels that he has lost a friend. No charge against Demas, on account of immorality or incompetence; but he has merely forsaken the devoted apostle. Why? Has he formed some objection to the Christian system? No. Has he become an unbeliever in the truths advocated by Paul? Oh, no! Demas has done none of these things. Why, then, has he forsaken Paul? The reason given is, that he loved the world. “Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world.” Ah! this is the secret of this sad affair. This present world has engaged Demas’ attention. The future world with all its glorious attractions, has lost its hold upon his mind. His affections are again glued down to the earth. It is evident that Paul feels deeply his loss, and deplores it. Demas had once possessed the esteem and love of the great apostle. No doubt he had abilities for usefulness, and had been a companion and helper of Paul. But it seems that he had lost his spirituality, had become cold in his love and devotion to the cause of God. And as he approached nearer to the world, he receded from God. The world looked more and more enchanting, and Heaven seemed less lovely, or rather, was forgotten. Strange reverse! The baubles of earth now outshine the glorious realities of Heaven, and the once devoted and lovely Demas has become a devotee of mammon. Perhaps this friend of Paul’s had become dissatisfied with his wages. Perhaps his family were destitute, or some new and profitable speculation had opened up, and Demas saw a good opportunity of making money, and he promised himself, perhaps, that, after a time, when he had acquired a fortune, he would return to the work of God. In some way or other, the world had drawn this man down from the high position of a minister of Christ, to that of a worldling; and as a herald of the cross he was no more. With deep regret Paul briefly records the fact, and leaves him to his fate. All had been done that could be done, and yet the world prevailed. Oh! how many of the servants of God have been thus forsaken; forsaken, too, by those in whom they most trusted, and on whom they most relied. Strange power of fascination has the world, upon the minds of men, engrossing their time and attention, and securing their affections. But most strange of all is it, that those who have been once enlightened by the Spirit of God should turn back again to the weak and beggarly elements of this world. But man is too often grossly sensual, and no appeal can reach his heart from the world above. His mind is chained down to present realities, such as can be seen, or felt, or heard. The tangible realities of life alone are appreciated. His faith in God becomes lifeless and numb. His spiritual powers are blunted or paralyzed, and Satan takes him captive. Dear reader, shall we have it said of us, that such and such have forsaken the cause, because of love of the world? Shall a Paul or a Peter mourn over the defection of this or that disciple, who has fallen from his first love? Nay; let us all return fully and heartily to the work.