236 FORGIVENESS OF SIN. After death there are no terms of peace ; nothing but judgment. The living, the living, he alone is capable of this advantage. It is not so with those to whom the Gospel is not preached. God suffers them to walk in their ownways, and calls them not thus to repentance. The terms of reconciliation, which some fancy to be offered in the shining of the sun and falling of the rain, never brought souls to peace with God. Life and immortality are brought to light only by the Gospel. This is your privilege who yet live, and yet have the word sounding in your ears. It is not thus with those who have sinned against the Holy Ghost, though yet alive, and living where the word of forgiveness is preached. Blasphemy against him, saith Christ, shall not be forgiven. Matt. 12 : 31. There is no forgiveness for such sinners : " Their sin is unto death." 1 John, 5 : 16. And what numbers may be in this condition, God knows! This word, then, is untoyou : these terms of peace are proposed to you. This is that which, in an especial manner, you are to apply yourself unto ; and wo to you . if you shall be found to have neglected it at the last day. Therefore consider, 2. By whom these terms are proposed to you, and by whom these were procured for you. By whom are they proposed? Who shall undertake to be an umpire in the controversy between God and sinners 1 No creature, doubtless, is either meet or worthy to interpose in this matter. " For who hath known the mind of the Lord, or who hath been his counsellor 17 Wherefore it is God himself who proposes these terms; and not only pro- poses them, but invites, exhorts, and persuades you to accept of them. This the whole Scripture testifies to. It is fully expressed, 2 Cor. 5 : 18-20. He hath provided them, he hath proposed them, and only makes use of
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