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I. THE PREVIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES ESSENTIAL TO THE COMMISSION OF APOSTASY.

1. An accurate and extended acquaintance with the disclosures of the gospel.

2. A decided conviction of the truth and authority of the gospel.

3. A partial experience of the power and excellence of the gospel.

4. A distinct and open profession of the gospel.

II. THE PECULIAR FEELING INVOLVED IN THE COMMISSION OF APOSTASY. It must be done wilfully.

1. From sin committed through want of due information and conviction.

2. From sin committed through hasty inconsideration.

3. From sin committed through powerful and unexpected temptation.

4. From the occasional falls of the true believer, which are subsequently followed by deep, and perhaps speedy repentance. Apostasy is not one act of sin, but a continued state of mind and conduct. It is a falling away, persevered in to the close of life, and issuing in a state of hopeless wretchedness.

III. THE AWFUL CONSEQUENCES RESULTING FROM THE COMMISSION OF APOSTASY.

1. It occasions a necessary exclusion from the attainment of mercy.

2. It induces a terrifying apprehension of coming wrath.

(Essex Remembrancer.)

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KJV: For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

WEB: For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more a sacrifice for sins,