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I. GOSPEL-PROVISION, AS IT IS GENERALLY OFFERED, SO IT IS GENERALLY REFUSED.

I. Refused by most of the

(1)  Rulers (John 7:48; 1 Corinthians 2:8);

(2)  Learned men (Acts 17:18);

(3)  Common people.

2. In what respects this refusal is general.

(1)  In respect of the doctrine of the gospel, which men generally look upon as strange and incredible, and so will not believe, but rather scoff at it.

(2)  In respect of gospel discipline, which seems hard, and so men will not submit to it.

(3)  In respect of gospel professors. Men generally despise them, and care not for their company (John 7:49).

3. Why this refusal is so general. The three grand enemies of man's salvation are opposed to the gospel.

(1)  The world, or the powers of the earth without us.

(2)  The flesh, or the power of corrupted nature within us.

(3)  The devil, or the power of hell beneath us.Uses.

1. Information. Christ's flock is a little flock (Luke 12:32). Multitude is no true note of a Church.

2. Caution.

(1)  Though men generally refuse true happiness, yet men generally desire some kind of happiness (Psalm 4:6). Their natural desire is a stock to graft the plant of grace upon.

(2)  Though men generally refuse the gospel, yet there may be more receive it than we are aware of (Romans 11:3).

(3)  Though men generally refuse the gospel, yet many do receive it (Hebrews 2:10):

(4)  Though the Jews generally refused the gospel, yet they shall generally receive it (Romans 11:26).

3. Exhortation. Do not follow a multitude to do evil.

II. UNANIMITY OF CONSPIRACY IN REFUSAL.

1. The refusers of the gospel agree in that, though they may differ in many respects, such as nation, religion, affection, etc.

2. How they agree. This will appear —

(1)  In the design they drive at, which is to oppose the power of godliness.

(2)  In the principle they act from: natural light, carnal reason, which is not only dim-sighted about, but prejudiced against, spiritual things.

(3)  In the rule they walk by, which is their own will, their lust their law (Ephesians 2:2, 3).

(4)  In the way which they take to carry on their opposition to the gospel.

(a)  They lay their heads together as one in a way of consultation.

(b)  They join their hearts together in a way of approbation, taking pleasure in the sins of one another (Romans 1:32).

(c)  They strike their hands together as one, in a way of confederation (Psalm 83:5).

III. READINESS TO REFUSE.

IV. THE PLAUSIBILITY OR HYPOCRISY OF THE EXCUSES. Men will have none of Christ, and yet would put it off fairly if they could (Psalm 36:2).

1. What are the excuses or pleas which sinners make?

(1)  They plead multiplicity of worldly business.

(2)  The frequency and urgency of outward temptations.

(3)  They plead the society and fellowship of others in their way.

(4)  The weakness of their nature.

(5)  The smallness of the sin.

(6)  Their good intentions.

(7)  The unnecessariness of such strictness in religion.

(8)  The impossibility of fulfilling God's law.

(9)  The inequality of God's ways.

2. Why do stoners make excuse?

(1)  It is the nature of fallen man to do so (Genesis 3:12, 13).

(2)  Sin is so ugly that sinners will not have it appear in its proper colours; therefore foul sins must have fair names to make them go down the better.If sin were to appear in its cursed nature and wretched effects, it would so frighten men that they would take no pleasure in committing it. Uses.

1. This informs us of the madness of wickedness.

2. Though sinners excuse their sin, yet their sin will accuse them.

3. Do not deceive yourselves by vain excuses or false reasonings (James 1:22).

(John Crump.)

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KJV: Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many:

WEB: But he said to him, "A certain man made a great supper, and he invited many people.