David's repeated exercises of forbearance and kindness towards him constrained him to confess his own wickedness, and the distinguished excellence of the person whom he persecutedk. Such a victory as that is greater than the most successful warrior could ever boast : and we should aim at similar con- quests : we should strive, not to crush our enemy by force, but to overcome his enmity by love.]
We cannot dismiss such an important precept as this without endeavouring more distinctly to set be- fore you,
II. Its excellence —
The moment that the precept is presented to the mind we cannot fail of admiring its simplicity, and, at the same time, its depth. But that our views of it may be more distinct, we observe,
1. It counteracts all our evil propensities —
[When we are injured or insulted, what a tumult of pas- sion is apt to arise in our breast ; and how ready are we to render evil for evil ! If we forbear avenging ourselves at the time either by word or deed, we still feel a disposition to retaliate, and are ready to wreak our vengeance upon our adversary by private complaints of his conduct, though from prudence or timidity we do not maintain a contest with him to his face. Long and bitter are the resentments of many, even while they appear to be reconciled, and perhaps delude them- selves with the confidence that they have forgiven their enemy. But this precept lays the axe to the root of all secret animosity as well as open hostility. It goes not to the act merely, but to the principle ; it requires that all the enmity that is in our hearts should be slain ; and that love alone should reign there. Were this once effected, there is not an evil in the soul which would not have received its death wound : for " love is the fulfilling of the law."]
2. It assimilates us to Jesus Christ —
[To what an extent has our blessed Lord carried this principle ! When we were his enemies, yea, when the whole universe were up in arms against him, he did not execute upon us the vengeance we deserved, but came down from heaven to convert and save us. And by what means did he propose to save us ? Was it by a mere act of power? No : it was by bearing our sins, and dying in our stead. What astonish- ing love was this ! But further, when he had come into the
k 1 Sam. xxiv. 10, 11, lfi — 18. and xxvi. 21.