Morning Communings with God, or Devotional Meditations for Every Day in the Year, Tr. by W. Johnstone

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1830. Excerpt: ... wilt obtain in it all that is requisite to make thee a most happy and contented being. A pure conscience will prove a buckler against every calamity; it will give an extraordinary relish to the gratifications of life, and render the misery of thy pilgrimage supportable. O God, neither for this day nor for any of my future ones can I supplicate a greater blessing than a good conscience. Be the fate which thou appointest and ordainest to me what it may; let death assault me when he will, I shall be in no respect unhappy if I bold my conscience undefiled. MAY VIII. Amendment of Life. Every new day a new invitation excites me to the amendment of my heart; for every new day brings with it fresh proofs of God's fatherly goodness, and new experiences of his grace. Though I have already slighted so many summons to grace, yet the Lord is not weary of calling to me. Alas! I must take contrition to myself, long-suffering God, that I have not so acknowledged thy grace as it deserved, and as thou mightest well expect from me. How many means hast thou not employed to awaken me ere now to repentance? But ah! thy favour was lavished in vain, or at least it produced not in me the fruit which it ought to have brought forth. Otherwise how much nearer must I long since have come to thee! How much more must I have been exercised in the habit of self-denial! How resplendent in holiness and righteousness would thy spirit already shine in me! Yet have patience with me, merciful Father. Withdraw not thy grace from me, though I have so frequently abused it. Let me waste no more the time of my salvation, but this day, this very day, seek thy countenance. Yes, even to-day.--How should I delay my repentance till to-morrow, or any more distant period? Am I certain that I shall be aliv...