Page:Unpardonable sin against the Holy Ghost, or, The sin unto death (1).pdf/14

(14) oppoſe him and the work of his Spirit, an will not be beholden to him for ſalvation now for ſuch a one to be forgiven, is utterly impoſſible.

Obj. But why is it impoſſible, nothing is impoſſible with God?

Anſw. A man through ignorance may deny Chriſt, and maliciouſly fall from the protection of the truth into all wickedneſs. as did St Paul, and the Jews that crucified Chriſt, and yet not falling against light and knowledge, there is room for the Holy Ghoſt to work upon him to enlighten him and to convince him of his folly, and ſo make way for converſion. And beſides, a man after he hath been enlightened, and yet falls back through is firmity and weakneſs of faith, as Peter did, and doth not fall wilfully and maliciouſly, then the Holy Ghost - may work upon him, and work in him a deep ſorrow for abuſing ſo much love and mercy, and ſo carry on his good work unto ſalvation. But for a man when he is once enlightened by the Holy Ghoſt, and has had ſome taſte of God's love and ſavour, and ſome foretaſte of the joys of heaven; and then at laſt utterly oppoſing this illuminating work of the Spirit, and wilfully and maliciouſly to fall away, and ſo to rejcet the Spirit's renewing work : alas! then the Holy Ghoſt has done, he has nothing more that he can work in him for this wretched creature has utterly rejected him, hiſ enlightening work, his convincing work, his ſanctifying work,