But whilst we view the text as establishing the fun- damental principles of the Gospel, let us view it also, II. As exhibiting a pattern for our imitation —
Who amongst us does not need to deprecate the severity of God's justice, precisely as David does ? Let us examine,
1. The general tenour of our past lives —
[From our youth up, what have we been, and what have we done? Has it been the one object of our lives to answer the
great end of our creation? Have we duly estimated and
sought the blessings of redemption ? Have we under
the influences of the Holy Spirit laboured continually to fulfil the will of God, and attain his image, and possess his glory?
Have we not rather been so occupied with the things
of time and sense, as to live almost, if not altogether, " with- out God in the world ? " ]
2. Our conduct during the last year —
[We have received innumerable blessings at God's hands;
and how have we requited him ? We have committed
innumerable sins ; how have we humbled ourselves for them ?
We have enjoyed many opportunities for spiritual
advancement; how have we improved them? Perhaps
we have formed some purposes of amendment : have we carried them into effect to the extent we intended ? Has the loss of the years that preceded it made us diligent to improve, as it were, every hour of this? and are we as much fitter for the eternal world as we are nearer to it ? ]
3. The very best work we ever performed — [Weigh it in the balance, and see if it be not found wanting.
Examine the principle from which it flowed : was it as purely and entirely from the love of God, and from a sense of gratitude to the Redeemer, as it ought to have been ? Look at the manner in which it was performed : was there all that humility, that zeal, that dependence on God for his grace and strength,
which became you ? Mark also the end for which it was
done : was there a simple desire to serve, and please, and glorify God, without any mixture of self-pleasing, self-seeking, self- glorying ? Alas ! alas ! if only we would try ourselves by the perfect standard of God's law, we should see, that we need One to " bear the iniquity of our holiest things;" and, for the best as well as for the worst of our actions, to cry out, Enter not into judgment with thy servant, O Lord ; for in thy sight shall no man living be justified ! If David and Job could not answer for the best of their actions, how much less can wek?] k Job ix. 2, 3. Ps. cxxx. 3, 4.