Twenty Discourses Adapted to Village Worship or the Devotions of the Family (Volume 1)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1807. Excerpt: ... The danger of Apostasy. SERMON IX. Heb. x. 26. There remaineth no more sacrificefor sins. rJ O many a disconsolate soul, overwhelmed with guilt, and awful apprehensions of divine displeasure, these words have been like a message of death: they have from hence concluded that their case was desperate, and that they were for ever excluded from all hope of salvation. And some indeed, in the early ages, thought themselves warranted from this and similar passages, to exclude for ever from their communion those who had fallen into any open sin after baptism, whatever proofs they might afterwards give of true repentance. But all this is going beyond what is written. The design of the apostle is to warn the Hebrews, and to warn us, of the danger of apostasy; but not to exclude the penitent from hope. If we sin wilfully (says he) after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth 110 more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment, and fiery indignation which shall devour the adversaries. In order to understand the passage, let us notice the following particulars--1. The apostle is not here speaking of the common infirmities which may attend the godly, hut of wilful transgressions; or as David calls them, presumptuous sins, from which he prayed to be delivered. (Psal. xix. 13.) To sin wilfully is to sin with premeditation and design; not through any sadden temptation, so as to be taken unawares, as Peter was; but watching for an opportunity, and laying schemes for the accomplishment of a wicked purpose, like Judas; making provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. To sin wilfully is also to sin resolutely, without present reluctance or after relentings; being neither restrained by present difficulties, ...