Nathan brought David to a stand. The royal hearer fell before the faithful preacher. He confessed his sin and deeply repented. Well might the prophet rejoice over his illustrious convert. It was indeed success to hear the king acknowledge his fault. We do not read that he praised the sermon, but he condemned himself. It is a small
reward to hear it said that we have preached a beautiful sermon, but it is delightful to learn that a sinner has been convinced of his guilt and danger. Let all of us who preach, determine that we will not call that service a success which either allowed our hearers to be drowsy, or won their applause, without causing a saint to be cheered on his pilgrimage, or an enemy of God to lay down his weapons and sue for peace.
OLD FASHIONED DOCTRINE.
Jeremiah, viii. 21 to ix. 16.
I.—He who is loyal to God is the truest patriot.—ch. viii., v. 21, ch. ix., v. 10.
Jeremiah’s distress disfigured him, and he felt that tears were not sufficient to mark his sorrow for his country. Sinners against God should never profess to be politicians; they are unworthy to be classed on either side.
II.—Idolatry is the mother of all other sins.
Count up the different crimes these Jewish idol-worshippers were guilty of—as lying, slander, adultery, &c. He who breaks the first commandment has pulled down the fence, and can easily break the others. What an argument for Missions!
III.—If God acts consistently, He must punish sin.—ch. ix., v. 9, 10, 15, 16.
Hell is as necessary as Heaven to a perfect God. Queen Victoria could not be safe in her palace but for prisons, where felons are bound!
He who fears to preach future punishment is either an ignorant man or a coward.