are worthless in themselves, yet contemptuous to- wards others: they are profuse and intemperate in convivial entertainments, but hard-hearted and nig- gardly in reference to the indigent and distressed. But,
We are amazed at the cruel resentment of David —
[The provocation which he had received was certainly great. He had been the greatest benefactor to his country. He was persecuted only for righteousness' sake. Though driven to great straits, he had never suffered his soldiers to relieve his wants by plunder. He had afforded a protection to Nabal's property and servants, without any remuneration whatever. He was peculiarly in want of necessary provisions at this time : and from the preparations which Nabal had made for his feast he might have been supplied without any material incon- venience. His message to Nabal was most courteous and kind : yet was Nabal's answer insolent in the extreme.
This however did not justify such fierce resentment as David manifested. He might justly have complained of Nabal ; perhaps in his circumstances he might have been justified in demanding as a right what had been refused him as a gift : but to thmk of murdermg Nabal, of murdering also every male belonging to him, was as atrocious a design as ever entered into the heart of man. Who would have conceived that such a thought should ever enter into the mind of him, who had so recently spared his most malignant enemy, and had been con- demned in his own conscience for even cutting off the skirt of his master's garment?]
It shews however what corruption there is in the human heart —
[Truly the heart of man is " desperately wicked." Even though renewed by divine grace, we are no longer able to stand, than whilst we are upheld by God himself However long we may have persevered in holy obedience, we are yet liable to fall ; and however great the temptations which we have withstood in times past, we have no security but that we may be overcome by the smallest. Yea, there is nothmg so vile, but we may be led to commit it, if we be not every moment strengthened from on high. Who can contemplate the fall of Noah after his deliverance from the Deluge, and of Lot after his exemplary piety in Sodom, and not tremble for himself, lest he be overcome in an unguarded hour ? " Let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall."]
The subject further leads us to notice.