PRESUMPTION (pre-ztimp'shiln) as it relates to the mind, is a supposition formed before exam ination. As it relates to the conduct or moral ac tion, it implies arrogance and irreverence. As it relates to religion in general, it is a bold and daring confidence in the goodness of God, without obedience to his will.
(1) Presumptuous Sins. Presumptuous sins must he distinguished from sins of infirmity, or those failings peculiar to human nature (Eccles. vii :2o; t John i :8, 9) ; from sins done through ignorance (Luke xii :48) • and from sins into which men are hurried by sudden and violent temptation (Gal. vi :t). The ingredients which render sin presumptuous are knowledge (John xv :22) ; deliberation and contrivance (Prov. vi : r4 ; Ps. xxxvi :4) ; obstinacy (Jer. xliv :t6; Deut. i :13) ; inattention to the remonstrances of con science (Acts vii :51) ; opposition to the dispensa tions of Providence (2 Citron. xxviii :22) ; and repeated commission of the same sin (Ps. lxxviii : 17). Presumptuous sins are numerous; such as profane swearing, perjury, theft, adultery, drunk enness, Sabbath-breaking, etc. These may be more particularly considered as presumptuous sins, because they are generally committed against a known law, and so often repeated. Such sins are most heinous in their nature, and most per nicious in their effects. They are said to be a
reproach to the Lord (Num. xv :3) ; they harden the heart (t Tim. iv :2) ; draw down judgments front heaven (Num. xv :31) : even when repented of, are seldom pardoned without some visible tes timony of God's displeasure (2 Sam. xii :to).
(2) Sinning Presumptuously. As it respects professors of religion, as one observes, they sin presumptuously, (I) when they take up a profes sion of religion without principle ; (2) when they profess to ask the blessing of God, and yet go on in forbidden courses ; (3) when they do not take religion as they find it in the Scriptures ; (4) when they make their feelings the test of their re ligion, without considering the difference between animal passions and the operations of the Spirit of God ; (5) when they run into temptation; (6) when they indulge in self-confidence and self complacency; (7) when they bring the spirit of the world into the church; (8) when they form apologies for that in some which they condemn in others ; (9) when professing to believe in the doctrines of the Gospel, they live licentiously; ( to) when they create, magnify, and pervert their troubles; (t1) when they arraign the conduct of God as unkind and unjust (Buck. Theol. Diet.)