Page:Unpardonable sin against the Holy Ghost, or, The sin unto death (1).pdf/9

[ 9 ] In thought, that is, when a wicked man againſt his clear light and knowledge, doth but conceive a malicious thought or purpoſe towards perſecuting the goſpel of Chriſt, or of the ſaints of Chriſt, to hinder the work of the Holy Ghost in them.

This ſin is thought to be the ſin of the loſt angels; for which cauſe they were loſt without all hopes of Pardon. Now, ſome diſpute whether their ſin was a ſin of the thought: But, I ſay, with all liklihood, it was; for the angels being only ſpirits, without bodies, and ſo have no uſe of bodily tongues, it could not be committed in words, nor yet could they commit it in action, becauſe they were caſt out of Heaven before they could bring it into practice, therefore it muuſt be a ſin of the thought.

Now, their ſin was this, their habitation being in the brighteſt heaven, next under God himſelf, they had exceeding great light and knowledge, they had more knowledge than all the men in the world ever had, and were happy above all other creatures; but when, not being contended with this eſtate, they thought to be as high as God himſelf, therefore maliciouſly ſought to make war againft the ſon of God and put him out of his throne; for which cauſe they were immediately thruſt out of heaven, never more to ſee the face of mercy. Thus, their ſin being of the ſame nature with the ſin against the Holy Ghoſt, they were excluded all hopes of pardon.