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When Self, therefore, works in us after Baptism, we should be able to say-No, I buried you in baptism; I must reckon myself dead to Self and alive to Christ.

Now, unbaptized believer (!) you have not this means of grace- this great practical means of salvation from the Old Nature. You cannot say"We are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall also be in the likeness of his resurrection: knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin

might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." (Romans vi.)

Thus Baptism means-A complete practical surrender of the body, soul, and spirit up to Christ. He who so walks-is saved.

Then, again, we need to be saved-not only from Self, but also from man and his reasonings on the Scriptures-or, rather his reasonings away of Scripture. How many who begin by receiving for commandments the doctrines of men on this subject, receive men's doctrines on other subjects also! It is a great test for every young believer-Whether he will be guided by the simple Word of God or not. If the simple Word prevails, then and thereafter, it is (practically) salvation.

Men's traditions are defiling. Like cobwebs, they are filthy to look upon. Dear one, unbaptized, May you, "strong in the Lord and in the power of His might,"-sweep them away.

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Perhaps you are doing other things to glorify God? "This ought ye to have done, and not have left the other undone." (Matt. xxiii.)

Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams." (1 Samuel xv.)

Obey, therefore, dear one, and "go on your way rejoicing," being saved from an uneasy conscience.

"For he that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him IT IS SIN."

"Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry." (1 Sam.)

Let no man sneer you out of it.

"I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded; but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be." (Gal. v.)

The dear Lord is very gracious towards those who sin in ignorance. Nevertheless, sins of ignorance entail loss-yes, great loss.

A dear youth (baptized a week ago) has just said that before baptism he found his thoughts going into the world, but that after baptism he felt different! Another, a believer of some years, but only just baptized, regrets exceedingly he was not baptized before; he assures us, he has had special joy in the Holy Ghost, and much increased light in

the Word of God.

The Lord be praised! "He hath done all things well!"

And this felt blessing upon obeying the Lord in Baptism, is the experience of all we know-our own, too.

Satan knows full well the loss believers sustain, and as long as he can lead them to turn from Baptismal Burial he will; he will strive hard to do it; he will quote Scripture to do it. "But we are not ignorant of his devices." He hates us and our dear Master, and works to do us mischief and to do our Lord dishonour; for we dishonour-yea, grieve-Him, if we follow our own wills:

"Why call ye me Lord, Lord,' and do not the things that I say " (Luke vi.)

Wherefore, beloved, "Cease to do evil, and learn to do well."

tized when I was an infant." Oh, the folly of some who say-"I was bap

Foolish one and slow of heart to believe! is it not-" He that believeth and is baptized ?" Did Jesus say-He that is baptized and believeth?

God is the God of order. You would turn God's

order upside down, and make disorder. As a child of God, this is, surely, a "superfluity of naughtiness."

"Wherefore, lay apart all filthiness [spiritual defilements, naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, such as men's reasonings and traditions] and superfluity of which is able to save your souls,"-from going on with things naughty.

Will any one say-" Oh, Baptism is not needful." True, it is not needful to salvation from wrath to come-we have said that.

As to what is needful as a saving means of gracewhat does a poor silly sheep know about what is needful? Your Shepherd-the Great Shepherd of the sheep-knows better than you, you wilful one. And He has said "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved."

Will you argue the matter when the Lord comes? Ah, you know you won't. "Behold, I come quickly."

Remember, therefore, how thou hast received, and heard, and hold fast, and REPENT." (Rev.) So be it, to the glory of God.

Does anyone think the foregoing severe ? Well, well-listen to a few words from the dear Lord himself (to whom be glory for ever!)

"He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me, and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him." (John xiv.)

In the light of these many Scriptures, may we not apprehend the meaning of the following passage in James's Epistle ?

"Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; let him know, that he that converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins." (James v.)

Surely, those here addressed as "brethren" were Hebrew Christians. The epistle, from beginning to end, can only be understood on this supposition.

Now, as Christians, James's brethren had received "the gift of God, eternal life, through Jesus Christ

our Lord," and (as an eternal life) it could never come to an end, being "hid with Christ in God."

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But remembering that death means suspension of the believer's conscious spiritual union with God (as shown us in our last), if we convert," or turn, a sinning brother "from the error of his way" (as a pilgrim), "we save a soul from death"-from going on with that which works death, or soul-injury, souldarkness, soul-loss, separation from fellowship with God, spiritual decay.

Moreover, says James, a brother who is enabled to turn another to conformity to the Word of God "will hide a multitude of sins." A believer whose spirituality is dead must be continually sinning in the sight of both God and man. But if he be induced to obey the Word of God in practice, and receive it in principle, his course will be (so far) improved, and sins previously seen will be hidden and no longer perceived upon him.

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TROUBLE in the world proves that there is sin in the world, as certainly as the shadow follows the substance. From all points of view, trouble is fraught with mercy. When it is the direct result of individual transgression, it is a hindrance to further sin, and calls aloud, "Cease to do evil; be sure your sin will find you out."

But trouble is not only a consequence of sin-it is also a corrective of it. Therefore, the more the trouble, the better ought we to be and the more thankful.

Trouble is early needful, and "he who spareth the rod spoileth the child."

It is often needful, in severe degree, to plough up a sinner's heart and break down his wilfulness. And who has not seen God's strokes come heavier and heavier, till the foolish one is prostrate?

And blessed is it when, with softened heart, he begins to be troubled about his sins! This is a trouble that we may heartily pray that others may be brought into, that they may be saved from that greater trouble-Hell.

And when converted, fresh troubles begin, from within and without, so that, if "in this life only we had hope we should be of all men most miserable."

For our encouragement in bearing troubles that come upon us as disciples, we may well remember the list of worthies given in Heb. xi., and those who are not given

"Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.. They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword:

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easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is "Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so set before us." (Heb. xii.)

These "witnesses" of old kept the end in view. Thus Abraham saw the day of the Lord's glory and was glad; and so Job knew that his Redeemer lived, and that he would stand at the latter day upon the earth. Even the Lord Jesus, at his dreadful hour, kept the end in view.

"Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, 'Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?' And Jesus said, ‘I am and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.' Then the high priest rent his clothes, and saith, What need we any further witnesses? Ye have heard the blasphemy: what think ye?' And they all condemned him to be guilty of death. And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to say unto him, Prophesy: and the servants did strike him with the palms of their hands." (Mark xiv.)

But He despised the shame. Let us, therefore

"Look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of faith, who, for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds."

BOOKS RECEIVED.

"THERE IS ONE BODY." 10 copies for 5 stamps. Dixon: Stephen's Green, Dublin. The following extract indicates the character of this 8 pp. tract :-"If, as is true, the Holy Ghost dwells in each member and in the whole body, how must He be grieved by these divisions? And ought not we, as dwelt in by Him, be grieved also, whether we think ourselves to be right or wrong in the position we hold? If I am bound, in accordance with scripture, to receive to the glory of God,' those whom Christ receives, if there be weak ones in the body, I should seek to strengthen them. When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.' If there be those that are sick, I should not cast them out, but should rather seek to restore them by the suited medicine. (Ezekiel. xxxiv, 15, 16.) If I know more than others, let me know this, that I am thereby responsible, in patient love, to teach them, as Christ's members, the way of God more perfectly. If I say, 'I will not receive you, because you do not agree with me about the body,' then I deny the one body of Christ, making the recognition of membership in it dependent upon agreement with me. If I reject them without Scripture, I supersede its authority by my own will and judgment, and displace the Holy Ghost, the power that enforces the authority of Christ over his own house. If we frame coercive rules, saying that none are to be recognised as the body of Christ but those who conform to laws which we have ordained, we intentionally form an enclosure which shuts out that which

God has brought in-a proceeding which is not at all on the principle of the One Body and One Spirit."

"HINTS FOR THE FORMATION OF PRIVATE MEETINGS FOR PRAYER." A copy of these Hints may be had on application to J. G., 9, Camden Hill Villas, Upper Norwood, London, S.

We think our brother would do well to advise that dear ones seek to be led of the Lord to a portion of the Word, at every meeting for prayer. It will greatly tend to spirituality, and to raise the thoughts to God. It is very needful to draw near,

not only with the feeling of our wants, but also in the spirit of worship. The Lord prayed-" Sanctify them through Thy truth, Thy word is truth."

When we come together for prayer, it is into a position apart from the world-to God. The Word of God has a separating, or sanctifying influence. By the Word of God, also, faith is quickened, and by the Spirit's application of the Word we are taught what to ask for, and how to ask.

Our brother does indeed say, a portion of the Scriptures may be read. It seems to be referred to, however, rather as an allowable incidental, than a most desirable thing. We hope he will allow us to press it, as very needful, whenever possible. These "Hints," also, seem to take it for granted that women may pray audibly in the presence of men. This is tantamount to saying-that the woman may lead the man! But "God is not the author of confusion."

"I will therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting." (1 Tim.)

"I suffer not a woman to ....... usurp anthority over the man, but to be in silence." (1 Tim.)

Is it not difficult to permit women to lead in prayer without endangering their sometimes "usurping authority," for may not a sister, by degrees, come to feel that she has got to do something--something for the man! Then we have the man dependent on the woman!

This matter of order is very simple if dear ones only apprehend that Christians assembling together make an assembly, or church, and the word is express-"Let your women keep silence in the churches." If prompted to pray (as doubtless they will be) let them pray in silence.

In every assembly, however small, the woman represents the Church the man represents the Lord Jesus Christ, for the Head of the Woman is the Man, even as Christ is the Head of the Church. In the presence of the man, therefore, the woman is to be subject, even as the Church is subject to Christ.

OUR CORRESPONDENTS AND OURSELVES. Address Letters for the Proprietor, to 335a, Strand, London, W.C.

THE WORD "CHRISTIAN."-S. B. writes-"I hold to the name 'Christian,' because from the peculiar word used-called ' (not kaleo, but chreematizo.) In other passages it seems to me it was Divinely given."

[We perceive Doddridge thinks with you in this matter, and we have looked at the passages he refers to as justifying his opinion that "the word denotes to be named by Divine appointment." They are interesting, but we cannot give an opinion. It is sufficient for us that the Holy Ghost takes up and uses the word. Surely, we can hold the two things-that Man gave the word, but it was according to the will of God. Man said of Jesus-Nazarene! but they only fulfilled the will of God. Man has called us Christians, but we may be very sure it is the special purpose of God.]

A correspondent writes::-"Dear Brother,- Is it right to have one's portrait taken? Is it right to have pictures? I am looked upon as too scrupulous. Am I too scrupulous, dear brother? The word of Truth says-Set-set your affections on things above,' 'I shall be satisfied when I awake in His Likeness,' We seek a city.' Yours affectionately in the dear Lord."

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[You have doubtless seen a remark or two in our last upon this subject. May we all keep consciences exercised in the Word, as is your conscience; may we desire, "as strangers and pilgrims, to abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul' It is true, pictures or works of art are not a "lust of the flesh," but are they not "a lust of the eye?" And if so, does not the Word in 1st John apply? "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eye, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." The Word of God regards the believer as practically made-up of what he is going on with from day to day. May we all be going on with that (in motive and conduct) which will last for ever.

But we must not judge each other in this matter, or lay down a rule. If a believer says-"I do not love these things: I feel at liberty to have them in moderation." Well the Lord looks for all in grace-not from law. If we are happy in laying down our things at His feet, He smiles approval.

Then, again, it is one thing to keep a few of those things which were bought before conscience was exercised, and quite another thing to buy them after we have been enlightened, as there may be felt a difficulty in disposing of things so obtained. May we all say to ourselves-What would Jesus do "Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ."

D., ISLINGTON.-" Will you please consider the following questions in a letter from a brother? 'At our Bible reading last evening the questions, as to the age at which the Saviour began to teach (1), and how long He taught (2), and at what age He died (3), were brought forward. Have you studied this? If so, please give me any light you may have.'”

[Dear Brother,--Question (1) is settled in Luke ii. 3-" And Jesus began to be about 30 years of age."

Question (2). If John's Gospel is consulted, it will be found that the Lord Jesus was present at Jerusalem 4 passovers, being crucified on the occasion of the last. This would give 3 full years. It is thought that He was about half a year ministering the Word before the first passover: if so, then the whole period of his ministry would be 3 years, or thereabouts. For and xii. 1. the 4 passovers in John, you might refer to ii. 13; v. 1; vii. 4;

Question (3). Consequently, the dear Lord (who for our sakes became man) died in his 34th year-"cut off out of the land of the living," though "no guile was found in His

mouth."

It is needful to beware of the dates at the tops of some Testaments. The practice of dating from the birth of our Lord commenced about A.D. 600, and it is supposed a mistake of 4 years was made-that it started from the fourth year instead of the first year of our Lord's life. Now, in some Bibles the reckonings are made from the first and in some from the fourth year. We have two before us (Bagster and Barnes): the first places the crucifixion at A.D. 29, the second at A.D. 33. The second, to be consistent, ought to call the present year 1872!

Those who see the date A.D. 33 placed against the crucifixion have been led to infer that the Lord Jesus was 37 years of age The at that time, remembering the error of the four years. date affixed should be A.D. 29, yet on consulting 6 copies only 2 put it A.D. 29, the rest were A.D. 33!]

A BROTHER asks;-"Can a Christian claim anything I have because he is a brother and needs it ?"-On page 10 of by faith to the Lord to lead a Barnabas or a Stephen to relieve our last we read-" They can demand nothing, but must look

them."

BA

APTISM, its PLACE and MEANING, considered in the light of Scripture only To which is added "Remarks on the meaning of the Greek words Bapto and Baptizo." Price 1d. (12 copies, 1s. post free. APTISM IS IMMERSION.-2. HOUSEHOLD BAPTISMS CONSIDERED.-3. BAPTISM NOT A MODE OF "OFFERING."-13. Bateman, Paternoster-row; and Heywood, 335, Strand.

BA

Wherever possible, we advise friends to procure "Precious Truth" through a bookseller, as the safest course. When ordered through the Post, address-"Proprietor of Precious Truth, 335, Strand, London, WC." or one of the Publishers.

To facilitate the obtaining of PRECIOUS TRUTH, packets will be sent post free to any part of the United Kingdom, by remitting, in advance, as follows: Two copies for 2d., Five for 3d., Ten for 5d. Send Stamps.

A remittance of 18 postage stamps will secure the regular transmission of each number, as issued, for 12 months-that is, if the Lord will.

Vol. I. for 1865-6-7 now ready, cloth lettered, 3s. PART I. for 1865, 6d. PARTS II. and III. for 1866 AND 1867, 8d. each. Back numbers may be had at Bateman's or at Heywood's.

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PRECIOUS TRUTH.

"He that hath an Ear to Hear, let Him Hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches." (Rev. ii.) Published by J. B. BATEMAN, 22, Paternoster Row, and SMART & ALLEN, 2, Londonhouse-yard, Paternoster-row.

No. 37.-VOL. II.]

APRIL 1, 1868.

"BE AT PEACE AMONG YOURSELVES.”

(1 Thess. v.) Too often does the enemy, that Old Serpent, the Devil, lead us foolish pilgrims "to fall out by the way." He "wrestles " to do this, in order that he may mar our testimony, for who will hear those who are known to quarrel among themselves?

"The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. (James iii.)

Would I be used of the Lord in sowing to the glory of God? Let me "Follow peace with all men;" and let saints generally "look diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; [as those do who strive] lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble them, and thereby many be defiled." (Heb. xii.) Strife is defiling, (is it not?) because as defilement spreads by contact, so those in contact, or fellowship with us, will generally take sides with those who strive-and so the strife spreads to them, amd "thereby many are defiled."

"Where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work." (James.)

"If ye bite and dévour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another." (Gal. v.)

-That is to say, the testimony and spirituality of those who strive is brought to an end.

In order to the maintenance of peace among us, it is very needful to take heed to that word of the Lord Jesus to us, His sheep

"If thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear, take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of one or two witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it to the church; but if he neglect to hear the church, let bim be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican." (Matt. xviii.)

From this I am taught, that I am not to go and talk about a brother's wrongdoing to a third party, but first to go to him, and seek, by divine grace, to bring him to repentance. Unless I can go to him, and talk it over with him, in the spirit of meekness, with a view to his amendment or our mutual reconciliation-I must maintain absolute silence. If I gain him—there is an end to the matter; if I do not go, it is, then, confined within my own breast, and "charity covereth a multitude of sins."

How perfect are all Thy ways, Lord Jesus! Disagreements often arise from mistakes, which, on a personal interview, are cleared up.

How quick we are to come to conclusions! "to judge from appearances!" how slow to make allowances! And then, instead of taking the matter to the

[One Halfpenny. Lord in prayer, and then to the wrongdoer in private, we mention it to others-who as sinfully receive it! "Now there is utterly a fault among you." (1 Cor. vi.) May we henceforth, when a report of another is retailed to us, have grace to say immediately"Have you been with that to my brother?" And if the answer is-"Well, no; I have not," then let us say "Then I cannot receive it."

We have just heard of a brother who had grace to conform to this word in Matthew xviii. When a complaint was being made to him against another, on one occasion, he suddenly stopped the complainant, and, drawing his arm under his own, he exclaimed, "Let us go to him at once!" But the other was not prepared for this, and before they reached their destination, he pleaded some excuse,-and there the matter ended!

" The north wind driveth away rain; so doth an angry countenance a backbiting tongue." (Prov. xxv.)

"Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall ascend into thy holy hill?

"He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour." (Psalm xv.)

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"Whisperers, backbiters," are among the sinners enumerated in Romans i. If I retail anything I have not proved, in the way directed by the Lord in the in Matt. xviii,-it is a shame unto me. passage "We do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying. For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as you would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbiting, whisperings, swellings, and tumults." (2 Cor. xii.)

That which is "whispered" is sure to be carried, by some one or other, to the individual whispered about, and then-what an animosity will spring up!

“Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth.”

Turn we to another aspect of the subject. "Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity"!

when our pilgrimage over-we can no longer "fall It was so, it is so, and, oh, how pleasant it will be, out by the way," but shall for ever "dwell together in unity!" with our Jesus, Prince of Peace, blessed be His Name!

May we breathe more of the atmosphere of heaven now.

"Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

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"It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down dur

upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; as the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore." (Ps. cxxxiii.) Note, beloved, to what brotherly union is compared. It is as "precious ointment" and as fertilizing "dew." It ascends as a grateful fragrance before God-and it descends, as dew, in blessing upon man. God is pleased, and man is blessed, by brotherly love continuing.

"For thy pleasure they are, and were created." (Rev. iv.) And shall not we be so, too? Then, as regards blessing to man—

"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." (John xiii. 35.)

SIN AGAINST THE HOLY GHOST.

MANY of us have had difficulties on this subject. Let us together look at the Scriptures on it, and may we learn therefrom. First, it may be remarked, that the subject is very solemn, because of the almost invariable severity of punishment that follows sin against the Holy Ghost, whether committed by the believer or by the unbeliever. (The italics in the texts show the crime and its punishment.)

I.-BLASPHEMY.

"But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils. And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said....... if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you..... Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men; but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come." (Matt. xii.)

As the Lord Jesus is no longer on the earth casting out devils by that Spirit which was given without measure unto Him, surely this sin of " "blasphemy against the Holy Ghost" can no longer be committed. How near some infidels, who have lived since then, may have approached it, God only knows.

II.-RESISTANCE.

"And the LORD said, 'My Spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh; I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth." (Gen. vi.)

"By which [Spirit] He [the Lord Christ, the Word] went and preached unto the spirits [now] in prison; which sometime were disobedient, when once the long suffering of God waited in the days of Noah, ["a preacher of righteousness," 2 Pet, ii.] while the ark was a preparing." (1 Peter.)

"Many years didst thou forbear them, and testifiedst against them by thy Spirit in thy prophets: yet they would not give ear." (Neh. ix.)

"But they rebelled, and vexed his Holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them." (Isa. Ixiii.)

"Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been the betrayers and murderers." (Acts vii.)

Do not these Scriptures show that resisting the Holy Ghost is resisting the words of God as presented by prophets or preachers?-resisting, and generally with persecution?

This sin the unregenerate in enlightened lands ever have committed, and can, alas! commit still.

III. DONE DESPITE.

"Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people." (Heb. x.)

While the two former seem to be sins in the unregenerate, this is the most serious form of sin against the Holy Ghost that could be committed by a believer. The word in the original means-" To offer a contemptuous outrage to." Doutless, the sin of apostasy is referred to. The Apostle Paul was writing to the Hebrew Christians, whose special danger was that of being induced, through fear of fiery persecution from their own countrymen, to deny their faith in Jesus as the true Messiah. Paul himself (as the unregenerate Saul of Tarsus) had been used of Satan to make many commit this sin.

"I verily thought with myself that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. Which thing I also did in Jerusalem : and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities." (Acts xxvii.)

While the apostate "trod under foot the Son of God," it is not said that he blasphemed against the Holy Ghost. No; the sin he committed, grievous as speaketh a word against the Son of Man, it shall be "Whosoever it was, was not the unpardonable sin. forgiven him." The apostate did " despite to the Spirit of grace," not "blasphemy." That is, he acted who called aloud to him, through conscience and the in malicious defiance of the voice of the Holy Spirit, Word of God, not to count his life dear unto him, -to die rather than put His Lord to an open shame. Such a sin, though pardonable in respect to the life to come, was not in this life :

"For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries." (Heb. x.)

As in the case of Ananias, the only thing that could follow "doing despite to the Spirit of grace" was judgment in this life:

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"Peter said, — Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost ?".. And Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and gave up the ghost." (Acts v.)

"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy, for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are." (1 Cor.)

• Parkhurst,

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