These things then, especially, as taken in connexion with the many express declarations before quoted, are decisive proofs, that David's account of himself was true, and that it is equally true of all the human race.]
This truth being established, we proceed to mark,
II. The importance of adverting to it in estimating our state before God — Unless we bear in mind the total corruption of our nature, we can never estimate aright,
1. Our individual actions —
[Even in common courts of judicature, the great object of inquiry is, not so much the act that has been done, as tlw mind of the agent : and, according as that appears to have been de- praved or blameless, the sentence of condemnation or acquittal is passed upon him. Precisely thus must we judge ourselves in our conduct towards God. To elucidate this part of our subject, we will suppose two persons to have been guilty of the same act of treason towards an earthly sovereign, but to have differed widely from each other in respect of tJie mind with which they acted : one entered upon it univittlngly, and without any consciousness that he was doing wrong : the other knoiuinglyf and aware that he was rebelling against his lawful sovereign. One did it reluctantly, through the influence of one whom he could not easily withstand ; but the other willingly, as a volunteer in the service, and as following the impulse of his own mind. One went without premeditation, being taken hastily and off his guard : the other with ajixed purpose, after much plotting and deliberation. In one it was a solitary act, altogether contrary to the whole of his former life : in the other it was frequent, as often as the temptation arose, or the occasion offered. The one proceeded with moderation, not having his heart at all engaged in it : the other with a Jiery zeal, abhorring in his soul the authority he opposed. The one had his mind open to conviction, and might easily be prevailed upon to renounce his error : the other wvLsJilled with self- approbation and self -applause, thinking nothing of his risks and dangers, if he might but help forward the utter subversion of the Government. — Take these two persons, and say, whether, notwithstanding their acts were in appear- ance the same, there would not be an immense difference be- tween the measure of their criminality in the estimation of an up- right judge ? There can be no doubt on this subject. Take then any other sin whatever, (for all sin is treason against the King of kings;) and examine how far it has been voluntary, deliberate, habitual ; how far it has been against light and knowledge ; and how far it has proceeded from a heart radically averse to God and holiness. Let sins of omission be examined in this way, as
well