sin% nor is any man really excusable in the sight of Godb ; but comparatively some may be said to " have no sin0." Thus it was with those of whom our Lord spake. If he had not come to them, they might have pleaded a want of the necessary means of salvation : but our Lord's preaching rendered them wholly inexcusable. They could not plead any want of Instruction —
[Our Lord often spake in parables. This was the means of inflicting judicial blindness on the proud d ; but it was well calculated for the instruction of the humble. Besides, he de- livered many things in the simplest terms.]
Evidence —
[Our Lord wrought many and stupendous miracles. He performed them by a touch, a word, and even at a distance. His miracles were as benevolent as they were open and un- deniable. Those who wished to discredit them, imputed them to the agency of Satan. Our Lord mentions them as aggra- vating the guilt of those who rejected hime.]
Warning —
[There was no want of fidelity on our Lord's part. He warned the people in the plainest and most awful manner1.]
Encouragement —
[Every one that thirsted for his benefits was invited by hims. He offered to give spiritual life to all who would come to himh. He promised also to crown them with eternal happi- ness and glory1.]
If they were thus without excuse, it becomes us to consider,
II. How much more inexcusable we are if we reject him —
Christ has come and preached to us by his word and ministers, and many reject him after the example of the unbelieving Jews. Though we be not avowed infidels, we practically reject Christ, when we do not receive him for all the ends and purposes for which he was sent; and if we do so, our guilt is peculiarly aggravated.
a 1 John. i. 8. b Rom. i. 19 — 21. c John ix. 41.
d Luke viii. 10. e ver. 24. f John viii. 21, 24.
s Rev. xxii. 17. h John vii." 37, 38. ; John xii. 26.