EXHORTATION TO BELIEVE. 261 to cast down all that vain and imaginary fabric which you have been erecting, and to go about laying a new foundation which you may safely and cheerfully build upon; a building that will abide for ever. Again, it is a way so excellent, so precious, so near the heart of God, so relating to the blood of Christ, that the neglect of it will assuredly be sorely revenged of the Lord, Let not men think that they may despise the wisdom and love of the Father, the blood of the Son, and the promises of the Gospel with impunity. Let us, in few words, take a view of what the Holy Ghost speaks to this purpose. There are three ways whereby the vengeance due to the neglect of closing with for- giveness or gospel -grace is expressed. It is done positively; " He that believeth not shall be DAMNED." Mark, 16 : 16. That is a hard word ; many men cannot endure to hear it. They would not have it named, and are ready to fly in the face of him from whose mouth it proceeds. But let not men deceive themselves, this is the softest word that mercy, and love itself, that Christ, that the Gospel speaks to de- spisers of forgiveness. It is Christ who is this legal terrifying preacher ; it is he who cries out, " If you believe not, ye shall be damned ;" and he will come himself in flaming fire, to take vengeance on them that obey not the Gospel. 2 Thess. 1 : S. This is the end of the disobedient, if God, if Christ, if the Gospel may be believed. The penalty of this unbelief is contrasted with the vengeance due to the breach of the law. We are, in the preaching of forgiveness by Christ, to them that perish, a savor of death unto death ; 2 Cor. 2 : 16 ; a
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