SERM. XXXVII OF CHRISTS ATONEMENT. -95 ation to an offended God. This doctrine of atonement for sin, by the sufferingsof Christ, is a substantial ground for our establishment in christianity, and should be an effectual persuasive, to continue in the profession of the gospel : Heb. iv. 14. " Having such a High-priest as Je sus the Son of God, who after he had died for oursins, rose again, and entered into heaven, let us hold fast our G profession:" All the religions that od ever appointed for fallen man, . meet and centre here. Ifyou have any regard to reason and argument, if you would follow the dictates of revelation, or if you would seek the peace and happiness of your souls, never, never forsake the religion of Jesus. Reflection. "My soul, hast thou heard this doctrine of the propitiation of Christ, and the arguments that support it in the last discourse ? Dost thou receive, dost thou believe this great article of faith ? Hold it fast then, and live upon it continually. Never hope to find a surer springof pardon, nor á sweeter relief for a guilty conscience. Maintain this hope, and hold fast thy bible, where this blessing is discovered to men. Keep upon thy spirit a due senseand relish of this atonement for sin : It will be a blessed guard against infidelity, and assist thee to stand in an hour of temptation, against the cavils ofmen, who have renounced the gospel of God. " But, remember, Omy soul, that if thou sin wilfully against this gospel, that is, if thou abandon this grace, and reject it utterlywith contempt and opposition, " af- ter thou hast received the knowledge of the truth, there remainethno more sacrifice for sin, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation which shall devour the adversaries," Heb. x. 06, 27. This scrip- ture seems to stand like a divine engine, charged with vengeance and eternal death, and pointed not only against the primitive apostates, but against some of the profane infidels and scoffers of our age, who have re- nounced, reproached, and ridiculed the gospel which they once professed. Remember also that it carries in it a very dangerous and threatening aspect, upon those who continue to profess the religiou of the bible, but cancel out of it the doctrine of the atonement of Christ: for there remains no other sacrifice. Have a care, there- fore, O my soul, and stand at a distance from their 4
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