es are observable. Even the apostles
forsook the Savior, and fled when Judas led forth the hostile band to
apprehend him; and Peter, when under the influence of fear, with oaths
and imprecations "denied the Lord that bought him!" The habitual
temper of these good men could not be argued--from these sudden acts.
Neither is judgment to be formed of others, except by observing the
general tenor of their lives. Strong and unexpected temptations may,
and often do, seduce the best of those who remain in the body and
retain the weakness of fallen creatures yet on trial.

II. There is something in each one's constitution which predisposes to
certain sins. To every person there is a "sin which most easily besets
him"--from which he is liable to stronger temptation than from other
sins--and temptation to such sins may rise from concurring
circumstances, above its natural state, and become almost invincible.
Nor will any person who reads the history of David doubt to what
particular sin he was naturally most disposed. Neither are we
insensible how one sin prepares the way for another, and strengthens
temptation to it.

David's sins on the occasion before us were complicated and exceeding
sinful. But we know how he was seduced to the first, and how the
others followed of course.

Respecting the state in which he was found by Nathan we may judge,

I. From his general character. This is so well known, that the bare
mention is almost sufficient. The scriptures teach us that he was
pious from his youth. When Samuel was sent to anoint him, sufficient
intimation was given that his heart was right with God. When Elijah,
the first born of Jesse palled before the prophet, pleased with his
appearance, he supposed him to be the man whom God had chosen to rule
his people--"Surely the Lord's anointed is before him"'--but God
refused him with this declaration, "The Lord seeth not appearance, but
the Lord looketh on the heart." David's after life justified the
preference then given him.

No person acquainted with his history as contained in the sacred
records, will scruple his general devotedness to the service of God.

Should doubt arise, we may refer to the charter given of him by the
pen of inspiration, about half a century after his death. "David did
that which was right in the sight of the Lord, and turned not aside
from any thing that he commanded him all the days of his life, save
only in the matter of Uriah the Hittite." *

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