The National Preacher, Vol. 2 No. 7 Dec. 1827 - Or Original Monthly Sermons from Living Ministers, Sermons XXVI. and - XXVII. by Elihu W. Baldwin;Aaron W. Leland
page 13 of 42 (30%)
page 13 of 42 (30%)
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state of probation, unrenewed by the Spirit of grace, unwashed in the
blood of the Lamb. Such are the essential principles of that system of redemption, which engaged the counsels of heaven from eternity; and which was carried into effect, not like the work of creation, by a single word of the Son of God, but by his assuming human nature, enduring a long exile of toil and reproach, and humbling himself unto death, even the death of the cross. With what gratitude, then, ought this Gospel to be received by the guilty, perishing creatures, for whose rescue from perdition it is designed. How should this display of divine compassion melt and captivate the hearts of those, whose sins have been thus expiated, and for whom an offer of free pardon and endless blessedness has been thus dearly purchased. But _be astonished, O heavens, at this_--these tidings of salvation are received by many with chilling indifference--the sufferings of the cross are regarded with unconcern--the treaty of reconciliation, written in atoning blood, is by some contemptuously disregarded--by others repelled with determined opposition. These appalling facts display more of the malignity of sin, its blinding, deadening influence, and more of the rancorous enmity of the carnal heart against God, than all the other enormities which blacken the world's history. All other crimes appear less atrocious than this scorn of a Saviour's love--this _trampling under foot the blood of the covenant_. While no finite mind could have conceived it possible, that Almighty love should be so slighted, yet the Spirit of prophecy announced this impious ingratitude, long before the incarnation. When Isaiah _saw the glory of Christ, and spake of him_, he also saw that he would be _despised and rejected of men_. And by all |
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