By this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme. 2 Samuel 12:14.  {CC 180.1}        Through successive generations infidels have pointed to the character of David, bearing this dark stain, and have exclaimed in triumph and derision, "This is the man after God's own heart!" Thus a reproach has been brought upon religion, God and His word have been blasphemed, souls have been hardened in unbelief, and many, under a cloak of piety, have become bold in sin.  {CC 180.2}        But the history of David furnishes no countenance to sin. It was when he was walking in the counsel of God that he was called a man after God's own heart. When he sinned, this ceased to be true of him until by repentance he had returned to the Lord. . . .  {CC 180.3}        Though David repented of his sin, and was forgiven and accepted by the L ...