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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