Address —
1. Those who are not conscious of having com- mitted any flagrant transgression —
[Many, doubtless, are of this character. But have they, on that account, any reason to boast? Who is it that has kept them ? " Who is it that has made them to differ ? " Will they themselves deny that the seeds of all evil are in them? or that, if they had been subjected to the same tempta- tions as others, they might have proved as frail as they? Are they better than David previous to his fall? Let them, then, confess their obligations to God ; and remember, that if in outivard act they have less reason for humiliation than others, they have the same depravity in their hearts, and are in reality as destitute of vital piety as others ; and, consequently, have the same need of humiliation and contrition as they.]
2. Those who are deeply sensible of their guilt before God —
[What a consolation must it be to you, to see that there was mercy even for such a transgressor as David. Greater enormity than his can scarcely be conceived: yet not even his prayers were poured forth in vain. Two things, then, I wovdd say to you. The first is. Do not attempt to extenuate your own guilt, as though you would thereby bring your- selves more within the reach of mercy. The other is. Do not presume to limit God's mercy, as though it could not extend to such a sinner as you. You never need be afraid of be- holding your wickedness in all its extent, if only you will bear in mind that God's mercy in Christ Jesus is fully commensurate with your utmost necessities or desires. " The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin : " and the more you feel your need of it, the more shall you experience its unbounded effi- cacy. Only humble yourselves as David did ; and, like him, you shall experience all the riches of redeeming grace.]
3. Those who have obtained mercy of the Lord —
[Happy, beyond expression, are ye ! as David says ; " Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sin is covered." Be joyful, then, in God your Saviour. But still remember, that you have need at all times to watch and pray. If David, after all his high attainments, fell, who is secure? " Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." And learn from him to guard against the very first approaches of evil. It was by a look that his corruptions were inflamed : and from the progress of evil in his heart, you may learn to make a covenant with your eyes, yea, and with your hearts too. You see in him " how great a matter a little fire