Bathsheba
He was walking upon the roof of his house, probably praising the God whom his soul loved, when he looked down and saw Bathsheba. He felt a temptation, a thought which tended to evil. The Spirit of God did not fail to convince him of this. He doubtless heard and knew the warning voice. But he yielded in some measure to the thought, and the temptation began to prevail over him. By this his spirit was sullied. He saw God still, but it was more dimly than before. He loved God still, but not in the same degree, not with the same strength and ardor of affection. Yet God checked him again, though his Spirit was grieved, and his voice, though fainter and fainter, still whispered, "Sin lies at the door (Genesis 4:7). Look to me, and be saved" (Isaiah 45:22). But he would not hear. He looked again, not to God, but to the forbidden object, until nature was superior to grace, and kindled lust in his soul.
1771 text
He was walking upon the roof of his house, probably praising the God whom his soul loved, when he looked down and saw Bathsheba. He felt a temptation, a thought which tended to evil. The Spirit of God did not fail to convince him of this. He doubtless heard and knew the warning voice. But he yielded in some measure to the thought, and the temptation began to prevail over him. Hereby his spirit was sullied; he saw God still; but it was more dimly than before. He loved God still; but not in the same degree, not with the same strength and ardor of affection. Yet God checked him again, though his Spirit was grieved; and his voice, though fainter and fainter, still whispered, “Sin lieth at the door; look unto me, and be thou saved.” But he would not hear. He looked again, not unto God, but unto the forbidden object, ’till nature was superior to grace, and kindled lust in his soul.
About this text
Rendered in modern English, to be read and heard. Open the 1771 text under each part to check the claims and the scripture.
Rendered in modern English. The 1771 panel is his own Pine printing of the Works. It is public domain.
Catalogue & scope
Sermon 19 in the 1771 Works. First John 3:9.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.