And again, He that despised Moses' law died without mercy, under two or three witnesses, of how much sorer punishment suppose ye shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? 22 Now as they thus reasoned of righteousness, temperance and judgment to come, Captain Glib seemed as though he would fain make answer to this also; and he said, We will hear thee again of this matter when we have a convenient season. We will talk together at the Cape of Good Hope, for around that Cape our voyage as well as yours is directed; and by that time we shall have gained greater experience and assurance. And so he gave orders to put about his vessel, and stand on her course. And Peter, seeing that, gave orders to square the yards, not wishing to force the truth upon unwilling and impatient listeners; but praying in his heart that the goodness of God that leadeth to repentance might give them repentance, to the acknowledgment of the truth, and that they might recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, even though they had been taken captive by him at his will.28 22 Heb. x. 28. 23 2 Tim. ii. 26. CHAPTER XII. THE WORK OF EXPLAIN-AWAY AND PICK-FLAW.- -WHAT IS NO BETTER THAN MUTINY.-HANDLING THE WORD OF GOD DECEITFULLY. WITH this prayer for the blessing of God upon the teachings of his word, Peter and John, and all the company that had been listening, bade farewell to Captain Glib and his company; but with vain regrets and fears, lest the warnings and promises they had discussed so fully might have been lost upon their hearers. And so the two vessels took a new departure, and whether they ever came together again none can tell; for the King's Craft put the helm to the wind, and there being a stiff breeze just then, the ship shot forward like an Arab courser, and was speedily beyond hailing distance. But looking back, they could see by the foam in the stern of the False Confidence, that she was plying her propeller with all earnestness, as if determined on making headway against the wind that was now blowing fresh for the Celestial Country. Alas, alas, said Peter, it brings tears to mine eyes to see how these obstinate foolish men are bent upon their own destruction. For I know that evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.' And they seem verily like those of whom it is said, that even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind." Then said John, Was it not rather rough in us to dismiss them in this manner? But Peter answered, These are of those who, having the form of godliness, are denying the power thereof, those who, as Jambres and Jannes withstood Moses, do likewise resist the truth, and from such we are commanded to turn away, for they are men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith." Think of their refusing the letter of the Word because God had no right to govern and to teach sinners by stark and sheer authority! Why! this is no better than mutiny. But said John, Might we not have done more to persuade them of the folly and madness of their career? PETER. And what could we have done more or 1 2 Tim. iii. 13. 2 Rom. i. 28. 3 2 Tim. iii. 8. better than present the Word to them? Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? There is more hope of a fool than of him. And, again, Though thou bray a fool in a mortar with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him. And if they receive not the Word, what common ground have we to stand upon, or how can we argue with such? For if they receive not the record that God hath given of his Son, they make him a liar.“ · JOHN.-But methinks we might have invited them on board, to break bread with us, and see some of the King's instruments and curiosities. PETER. And if we had, they would only have departed better satisfied with themselves, and falsely persuaded of some saving agreement between us. Alas! They are ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. And if we sin wilfully after having received the knowledge of the truth, you know there is no more sacrifice for sins but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 8 JOHN.-Well, but I cannot help groaning in myself to think how little impression we have made upon them. Might we not have sailed with them a little 4 Prov. xxvi. 12. 5 Prov. xxvii. 22. 6 1 John v. 10. way, to persuade them of our good will, and mayhap run a better chance to win them? PETER. And what effect could that have had, but to confirm them in their error? No, my brother, we have done right. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.' And, besides all this, do you not remember what is said, Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house. neither bid him God speed. For he that biddeth him God speed, is partaker of his evil deeds." JOHN.-But is it not passing strange that with the Word of God before them they can be so blind? PETER. Why, there's none so blind as those that won't see. They prefer the darkness, and, besides, they trust in their own wisdom, and walk by the light of their own sparks, which they are as proud of as if it were a fire for the universe. But God says they shall lie down in sorrow." 12 Moreover, have you never observed what is said against handling the Word of God deceitfully? 1a These people are great hands at that kind of work. 9 Prov. xxvii. 6. 11 Isa. 1. 11. 10 2 John i. 9, 10, 11. 12 2 Cor. iv. 2. |