Awful as it is, it will appear both just and reason- able, if we only consider the exceeding sinfulness of not loving the Lord Jesus. This sin imphes,
1. Rebellion against the highest authority — [God has by an audible voice from heaven commanded us to " hear" his Son, that is, to regard him with attention, love, and obedience. He has enjoined all the great and noble of the earth to *' kiss the Son" in token of their affection and homage*'. He has required all men to honour the Son even as they honour the Father'. And are w^e at hberty to set at naught this authority? Do we feel indignant, if our child or our servant refuse obedience to our just commands, and shall not the Most High God express his indignation against us for resisting and despising the most reasonable command that could possibly be given us? If man forbear to notice this iniquity, shall God also? shall he give us reason for that atheistical reflection, " Thou God wilt not regard it?"]
2. A contempt of the highest excellency —
[In the Lord Jesus Christ is every possible excellency combined. Whether we view him in his divine, his human, or his mediatorial character, he is " altogether lovely." There is nothing wanting in him which can in any way conduce to the glory of God or the good of men. What shall we say then of those who love not such a glorious Being ? Surely they pour contempt upon him. This is the construction which God himself puts upon their conduct ; " Him that honoureth me, I will honour ; but he that despiseth me, shall be lightly esteemed^." And is not this a sin of the deepest die? to despise him who is the fountain of all excellency ! to despise him whom all the angels adore ! What must not such iniquity as this deserve? Surely to be despised and abhorred of him is the least that such offenders can expect.]
3. Ingratitude towards the greatest Benefactor — [Can we reflect a moment on what Christ has done and
suffered for us, and not stand amazed that there should be a creature upon earth that does not love him ? Can we con- template his mysterious incarnation, his laborious life, his painful death, his continual intercession, and all the other wonders of his love, and feel no emotions of gratitude to- wards him? Or shall ingratitude to earthly benefactors be deemed the greatest possible aggravation of a fault, and shall such horrid ingratitude of ours be thought light and venial ? No ; it stamps an inexpressible baseness on our character ; nor
^ Ps. ii. 12. i John v. 23. k 1 Sam. ii. 30.