There is a certain point of error in opinion, from which a return is rare.  Those who reach it are commonly given up to strong delusions, which lead to destruction.

And practical errors, especially those which are opposed to conviction, are highly criminal, and exceedingly dangerous—­they fear the conscience, and provoke God to leave sinners to themselves—­“My spirit shall not always strive with man—­the times of ignorance God winked at, but now commands all men every where to repent.”

Saul of Tarsus speaks of himself as a chief of sinners “because he persecuted the church of God;” yet he obtained mercy!  But those who sin against the light of their own minds, can draw little encouragement from thence.  He hath declared the reason of the distinguishing mercy shown to him—­“because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.” * No sooner was he convinced of his mistake, than he returned with, “Lord what will thou have me to do?”—­So do not those “who know their master’s will and do it not.”  WOULD we share the blessedness of believing Saul, we must share his repentance; so shall we find mercy with God.  “For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek; for the same Lord over all, is rich unto all that call upon him.” +

* 1 Timothy i. 13. + Romans x. 12.

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SERMON X.

David’s Sin in the Matter of Uriah.

2 Samuel xii, 13.

“And David said unto Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the Lord.’  And Nathan said unto David, ’The lord also hath put away thy sin; then shalt not die.’”

The sin here referred to is that of David in the matter of Uriah.  A strange and sad event—­taken in all its circumstances and connections, it is without a parallel.  But the circumstance most to be lamented, is that mentioned by the prophet, in the close of his message—­“By this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme.”

The justness of this remark, doubtless appeared at that day, in the triumph of sinners and exultations of scoffers; and the story brought down to us, “on whom the ends of the world are come” is still abused to keep vice in countenance.

“Look to David, your man of religion!  Your man after God’s own heart! and witness his complicated crimes! and his long continued security and unconcern under guilt, which cannot be charged on us, who view religion as a dream!”—­So the infidel.

While people of another description, wound God’s cause yet more deeply, by the argument which they draw from this fall of David; namely, those who are allowedly vicious, yet call themselves “of the household of faith—­who are pure in their own eyes, though not cleansed from their filthiness.”  These, when reproved, especially if their piety is called in question, often recur to David for support —­tell us, that “though eminent for piety, he was guilty of greater sins than theirs, and long continued in them—­that he remained impenitent till visited by Nathan, after the birth of his child by Bathsheba.  If, say they, be could continue so long secure and unconcerned, why not longer?  And why may not others fall into sins and continue in them months and years after having received the grace of God, and after they are numbered among the saints?”