262 FORGIVENESS OF SIN. deep death, a sore 'condemnation ; so, Heb. 10 : 29, "Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy ?" Sorer than ever was threatened by the law, or inflicted for the breach of it ; not as to the kind, but the degree of punishment. Hence arises the addition of many stripes. It is also expressed by way of admiration at the inex- pressibleness and unavoidableness of the punishment due to such sinners; "How shall we escape, if we neg- lect so great salvation ?" Heb. 2 : 3. Surely if there is no way for men to escape, they shall unavoidably perish who neglect so great salvation. So the Holy Ghost says, " What shall be the end of them that obey not the Gospel ?" 1 Pet. 4: 17. What understanding can reach to an apprehension of their miserable and woful condi- tion ? None can, saith the Holy Ghost; nor can it be spoken to their capacity; ah ! what shall be their end ? There remains nothing but a " certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, that shall con- sume the adversaries." Heb. 10 : 27. A certain fearful expectation of astonishing things that cannot be com- prehended. In view of what has been said, let us now a little con- fer together with the words of truth and sobriety. I speak to such poor souls, as, having deceived them- selves .or neglected utterly their eternal condition, are not as yét really, and in truth, made partakers of this forgiveness. Your present state is sad and deplor- able; there is nothing but the woful uncertainty of a dying life between you and eternal ruin. The persua- sion you have of forgiveness is good for nothing but to
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