at any time experienced, and the various methods which God has used for our deliverance, we should behold such evidences of his paternal care, as would fill our hearts with wonder, and our mouths with praise.]
Such are the reflections arising from a gene?'al view of our subject. From a more p«r/icz^/«/' in- spection of it we may learn,
1. What a dreadful evil is revenge —
[There is nothing so cruel, but a vindictive spirit will impel us to it. Whilst under the influence of revenge, we overlook all consequences: we think nothing of the misery which we may entail on persons that are innocent. David was not content with murdering Nabal, but would murder also every male belonging to him, though not one of them was a partaker of Nabal's fault. Thus the incendiary, or the duellist, contemplates not for a moment the miseries he may inflict on others ; the welfare of a whole nation would be of no account in his eyes, when compared with the gratification of his revenge"^. O let us guard against the first risings of this malignant passion ^ ! let us bear in mind, that vengeance is not our prerogative, but God's*^: and let us seek rather that noblest of all victories, *' the overcoming of evil with good^."]
2. What a blessing is a faithful monitor —
[David could scarcely express the obligation he felt to Abigail for her heavenly counsel''. And what reason have tve to be thankful for the instructions of our parents, the counsels of ovu- friends, and the admonitions of our ministers! We shall never know from what evils we have been preserved by them, till the whole book of God's remembrance shall be opened to us. In the same light we may view those various circumstances of our life which may have appeared most calamitous. The loss of our health or property may have been thought afl3^ictive at the time ; but who can tell what he might have perpetrated, if these messengers of mercy had not been sent to arrest him in his course? Let us then receive as from the Lord all those persons or events, which may lead us to reflection. Let us in particular be thankfid for reproof; and bear in mind, that almost any other person is a more competent judge of the propriety of our conduct, than we our- selves can be under the impulse of any strong passion. If our friend possess the wisdom and address of Abigail, let us value
^ Preached on May 14, 1812, being three days after Mr. Perce- val's assassination. ^ Prov. xix, 11.
f Rom. xii. 19. ^ Prov. xxiv. 29. and xxv. 21, 22.
^ Thrice he blesses her, and God for her.