The Gofiel ofthe Treffiafs-Offeri g. 267 fometimes found in this Sin, but not always. For the Pharifèes had never profefl'ed Chrift ; yet they did Sin againft theHoly Ghoft, Mat. 12. 32, 33. Moreover Apoltates in force Cafes may be recovered, Hof 14. 4. Rev. z. 5. and 3. 18. And as to that of univerfal Apo- ftacy, the Pharifees did not aft off all Profeffon of God and of the Truth, they were not univerfal Apoftates. Therefore a Man may pretend to Religion and be a Profeffor of it in force Degree, and yet a Pharifee, doing defpite unto the Spirit ofGrace. Thus you fee negatively, concerning this impardonable Sin, what it is not. There may be fundamental Error, M yea Blafphemy, Perfecu- tion, yet not unpardonable : Moreover a an may Sin this Sin, and yet not be an univerfal Apoftate, as the Pharifees. But if all this be not the Sin againft the Holy Gholt, what is it, and wherein loth it confift : An[w. There be two Ingedients that do concur to this Sin. r . Inward - Convitlion by the Holy Ghoft. 2. Malice. Thefe the Apoftle intends by ixovcías if we Sin wilfully, Heb. to. Hence our Saviour calls it Blafphemy againft the Spirit, Matth. 12. That is, againft the inward Illumination and Conviction of the Spirit in a Man's Confcience. If there be not a Conjunftion of both thefe, both inward Conviction and malicious Oppolition ; if there be only one of thefe, without the other, it is not theSin againft the Holy Ghoft. Peter in his denying Chrift, and fwearing falfly about it, he finned againft Light and inward Convi&ion ; but this was not the Sin a- gainft the Holy Ghoft, becaufe he did it not in Malice, but only out of Fear to fave his Life. Paul before his Converfion, did Sin and perfecute out of Malice; but yet he did not commit this Sin, becaufe he wanted Light and in- ward Conviaion : Himfelf gives us this Account ofit, x Tim. but I obtained Mercy becaufe Idid it ignorantly. But can this be known concerning others? Yes it may be known ; therefore z Yobn 5: t6. praynot for fuch. It will further clear up the Nature of the Sin, toname force Inffan; 'cos of fuch as have committed it. There be force Instances and Examples of it in the Scripture And there have been force lince the Scriptures were written. The Scripture mentions the Pharifees, Mat. 52. The Apoítie Paul inftanceth in the Conviaed, and yet Apoitate cws in his Epiftle to the ,Hebrews. Mmi 2, 5ince
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