words. Some, in order to uphold a favourite system, will deny that the persons here cautioned against apo- stasy are the same as are spoken of in the preceding and following context. But I entreat you, brethren, never so to wrest the word of God. Take the word as little children, without inquiring what human sys- tem it appears to favour; and let it have all the force which it evidently bears in the passage from whence it is taken : and if you cannot reconcile different parts of God's blessed word, leave that to him, saying, " What I know not now, I shall know hereafter." It is plain that every man, whatever his attainments be, has need of this solemn warning : it is evident beyond all contradiction, that many, after having long professed to beheve in Christ, and some also of the most distinguished attainments in religion, have gone back, and made shipwreck of their faith : and Paul himself felt a need of exercising continual watchfulness and self-denial, " lest, after having preached to others, he himself should be a cast- away"." Consider then, all of you, the danger of turning back from the good way in which you are now walking :
1. You will inexpressibly grieve and offend your God—
[God says, " My soul shall have no pleasure in you." In the humble and steadfast saint he has great delight ; " he taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in them that hope in his mercy"." But if any man leave off to behave himself wisely, how can God take pleasure in him ? Whilst walking steadfastly and uprightly before God, the believer complies with all God's gracious designs, and furthers, to that extent at least, the glory of God's name. But when he draws back from God, he proclaims to all around him, that, in his estima- tion at least, God is not so worthy to be loved and served as once he had thought him to be ; and that, after a full estimate of their respective claims, the world and the flesh are deserving of at least an equal regard with him, if not also a superior regard. Now, I ask, can o. jealous God look with complacency on such a man ? Would even a fellow-creature, when once admitted into the nearest relation to us, be satisfied with such an avowal ?
n 1 Cor. ix. 27. ° Ps. cxlvii. 11.