t he ought to do many things
contrary to the name of Jesus"--he did not sin against the light of
his own mind. The same was doubtless the case with many others of
that sect. The Saducees were devoid of principle--had rejected
first principles--those taught by the light of nature. While first
principles are retained, such was the belief of a divine existence--a
difference between good and evil--a future state, in which men will
receive the deeds done in the body, and the like, there remains a
foundation on which religion may rest; but where these are rejected,
the foundation is destroyed. Of the former who have erred in lesser
matters of faith, and been thereby seduced into practical errors, many
have been reclaimed, and brought to repentance: Not so the latter.
"One among a thousand have we not found." And those whose sentiments
border on atheism, or infidelity, are seldom called of God.

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.

* * * * * *

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