injustice and violation of honesty, he passed sentence upon himself in the words, "As the Lord liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die." "And Nathan said unto David. Thou art the man." Then, indeed, he altered his tone; but the mission of the prophet was accomplished. David was able to see the enormity of his offence, and in judging another he had condemned himself. So it is with us: we take no time to consider wrong, when we imagine ourselves free from flagrant injustice; but the case is widely different when it is brought to our own door.
To reprove gently and effectively, is difficult; but between spiritual friends there should be, and there is, an understanding that the salvation of the soul must be sought for before all other considerations.
Be true to thy friend; never speak of his faults to another, to shew thine own discrimination, but open them all to himself, with candour and true gentleness. Forgive all his errors and his sins, be they ever so many, but do not excuse the slightest deviation from rectitude. Never forbear to dissent from a false opinion, or a wrong practice, from motives of mistaken kindness, nor seek thus to have thy own weakness sustained, for these things cannot be done without injury to the soul. But be thou to thy friend what thy Saviour was to Peter: reprove him when sin endangers the soul; and when thine own sin is pointed out, confess it, repent, and pray for help to go and sin no more.
