[Footnote A: That is, doubtless, a sin which kills the spiritual life in man; that breaks this union with God--the sin against the Holy Ghost which men have of God, and they become spiritually dead--and it is impossible to revive them to life again. (See Heb. vi:6.)] [Footnote B: John v:16, 17.] _4. Nature of the Sin--St. Paul:_ Paul in his exposition of this doctrine, throws some light on the nature of this sin: "Let us go on unto perfection," is the Apostle's admonition. "Not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptism and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. And this will we do if God permit. For," glancing back upon some whe had received these fundamental principles and ordinances, sinned against them and would fain be repeating them--"it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receive the blessing from God: but that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned."[A] [Footnote A: Hebrews vi:1-8.] From this it appears that the sin against the Holy Ghost is sin against that enlightenment to the human soul which possession of the Holy Ghost brings. Sin against knowledge of truth which knowledge was produced in the very soul of man by witness of the Holy Ghost--is a sin against light and truth. And "if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sin, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 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? For we know him that hath said, vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, the Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God."[A] [Footnote A: Heb. x:26, 31.]