of old "for the errors of the people^:" and in the atonement of Christ must we seek refuge from all which have been, however inadvertently, committed by us. This is strongly in- timated by the offerings which were appointed for all without exception, when they erred; but which differed according to the degree of criminality which might justly attach to persons, by reason of their advantages for knowing better, and the injury that was likely to accrue from their example''. But none were excused: the very moment that their error was pointed out to them, they were to bring their offering: and through that alone could they obtain absolution from their sin'^. We should therefore, all, without exception, pray with David, " Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean ; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow." Yea, we should also pray with him, " Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me ! " For " God requireth truth in our inward parts :" and, if we are not thus " renewed in the spirit of our minds," we cannot hope for admission into that city " where no unclean thing can enter ^."]
Yet, after all, our guilt from these is light in com- parison of that which ariseth from our, II. Sins of presumption —
These differ widely from the former ; being com- mitted, not from mere inadvertence or infirmity, but witli the concurrence of the will in opposition to the dictates of an enlightened conscience. Yet in speak- ing of these we shall not confine ourselves to those grosser sins, from which more moral and decent persons are exempt ; but shall turn your attention rather to that state and habit of life which con- science must condemn, as well as the more flagrant transgressions.
Consider what "presumptuous sins" are — [They are any sins whatever that are committed against light and knowledge, or on a presumption that God will not punish them in the eternal world.
Nov/ it is perfectly well known to all of us, that we ought to have " the fear of God before our eyes :" we ought to stand in awe of God's judgments ; we ought to search out and execute his commands. We ought not to live unto ourselves, but unto him : and to make his word the unvaried rule of our conduct. We know that we have duties also towards our adorable
^ Heb. ix. 7. " Lev. iv. 1 — 35.
^ Lev. v. 17—19. e Rev. xxi. 27.