But are there not man)' who " pierce the Lord " at this time also, and " crucify him afresh," by continuing in their sins? Yes verily, there are many amongst us not a whit less criminal than his very murderers ; I should rather say, far more criminal; inasmuch as they who reject him now, sin against incomparably greater hght than was enjoyed by any previous to his crucifixion. It is this that makes the sin against the Holy Ghost so heinous, in comparison of the sins committed against the Son of man. The Holy Ghost has borne such testimony to the truth, as nothing but wilful in- fidelity can resist. And they who at this day hear the Gospel preached to them, and make no account of all the wonders of love and mercy that are set before them, have a measure of guilt which will make their last state worse than that of Sodom and Gomorrha. Think then, ye, who, having heard the truth, reject it, and, more especially, ye, who, having embraced the truth, dishonour it, or depart from it, think, I say, what wiU be your views and feelings, when you shall behold that Sa- viour face to face? Will ye not be ready to call upon the rocks and mountains to fall upon you, and to cover you from his wrath? Yes, indeed will ye ; and if even the whole earth will wail because of him, much more will ^-e, who have received all his grace in vain.
The Apostle adds, "Even so; Amen:" by which I under- stand him, not merely as confirming the truths which he has before asserted, but as acquiescing in them as every way worthy of their Divine Author. It is right that those who once pierced him when on earth should wail because of him ; and it is right that they also wha reject him now should feel the full weight
of