So David, though a man after Gods own heart, and perhaps the greatest proficient in experimental and devotional piety before the coming of Christ, felt his need of mercy, and sought it daily. Let us follow his example, and cry daily:
For pardoning mercy. It is well for us that he is ready to forgive. W ho can understand his errors? In many things we offend all. What omissions of duty are we chargeable With. If our actions are materially good, how defective are their principle and motive. The sins of our holy things would condemn us. Usher, one of the best as well as one of the greatest of men, therefore said he hoped to die with the words of the publican in his mouth, God be merciful to me a sinner ; and he did pronouncing them. And Paul, after eulogizing Onesiphorus so highly for his good works, adds, " The Lord grant that he may find mercy of the Lord in that, day;'' he, even he would need mercy to the last, and above all, at the last. And where is the man who, in prospect of that day, must not fall upon his knees, and pray, "Enter not into judgment with thy servant, 0 Lord; for in thy sight shall no flesh living be justified'?"
Let us cry daily for sanctifying mercy. We cannot be in a proper state of mind if we only see the guilt of sin, and not the pollution also ; if our fear only be excited, and not our aversion ; if we are concerned to be delivered from the wrath to come, but not to be "saved by the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Ghost." "I want," says the Christian. " true holiness. I want to bear more of the image of the heavenly. I want to be purified even as he is pure."
Let us cry daily for assisting mercy. What can we do alone in our trials and our duties, in our calling as men, and our vocation as Christian;'? We cannot see tomorrow with the light of today, nor will our present food yield us future support ; we must have fresh supplies of light and of food. And we must have fresh supplies of the Spirit of .Jesus Christ, to help our infirmities, to renew our strength, and to enable us to adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. We must live in the Spirit, that we may walk in the Spirit.
Let us cry daily for preserving mercy. Our reputation, our substance, our business, our health, every thing is exposed ; and he is the preserver of men. But the great thing is the soul. To what dangers is not this liable! And he who knows his perils and himself, will not only watch, but pray, lest he enter into temptation. He knows that God alone can keep him from falling, and that without him he can no more stand than a staff when the hand is withdrawn. Therefore his language will be, "Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe."
Let us cry daily for providing mercy. He has taught us this: when we pray, say, " Give us day by day our daily bread." Bread signifies sustenance at large, but the word employed is wisely chosen ; it is to teach us moderation. We are not to pray for dainties, but to be fed with food convenient for us. Our necessity, as well as safety, if properly consulted, will keep us from seeking great things to ourselves. Nature wants little, and grace less.
Let us cry daily for guiding mercy. How much depends, not only upon a wrong course, but even a wrong step. It may give a new character to my condition. It may quarter upon me repentance for life. And " the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps." What a privilege that He who cannot err, is as willing as he is able to lead me! To him alone let me repair, and on him alone depend, saying, as the language both of choice and of confidence,
Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterwards receive me to glory."
Then daily prayer will be turned into ceaseless praise, and I shall sing of the mercy of the Lord for ever.
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