A Voice in the Wilderness
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*** MORSEL EXTRAS***
Re: Create in Me a Clean Heart
I saw that these zealous [martyrs]... willingly gave their lives and
their estates for their doctrine and faith. And I was one of those who
had disclosed to some of them the abominations of the papal system. But
I myself continued in my comfortable life and acknowledged abominations
simply in order that I might enjoy physical comfort and escape the cross
of Christ.
Pondering these things my conscience tormented me so that I could no
longer endure it. I thought to myself-I, miserable man, what am I doing?
If l continue in this way, and do not live agreeably to the Word of the
Lord, according to the knowledge of the truth which I have obtained; if
I do not censure to the best of my little talent the hypocrisy, the
impenitent, carnal life, the erroneous baptism, the Lord's Supper in the
false service of God which the learned ones teach; if I through bodily
fear do not lay bare the foundations of the truth, nor use all my powers
to direct the wandering flock who would gladly do their duty if they
knew it, to the true pastures of Christ -oh, how shall their shed blood,
shed in the midst of transgression, rise against me at the judgment of
the Almighty and pronounce sentence against my poor, miserable soul!
My heart trembled within me. I prayed to God with sighs and tears that
He would give to me, a sorrowing sinner, the gift of His grace, create
within me a clean heart, and graciously through the merits of the
crimson blood of Christ forgive my unclean walk and frivolous easy life
and bestow upon me wisdom, Spirit, courage, and a manly spirit so that I
might preach His exalted and adorable name and holy Word in purity, and
make known His truth to His glory.
Hide Your face from my sins, And blot out all my iniquities. Create in
me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
(Psa 51:9-10)
So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.
(Psa 90:12)
(VW)
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