Sacra Privata; the Private Meditations and Prayers of the Right Rev. Thomas Wilson, D. D. , Bishop of Sodor and Man, Accommodated to General Use

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1819 edition. Excerpt: ... Thee. Thou art my God, and I will serve TfflSt. Be thou my only ruler and governor. They, that have a convenient place to sleep in, and they, that have the comfort of sleep, have both great reason to be thankful; and even they, that want these mercies, ought to bless God, if in the midst of their afflictions he is pleased to refresh them with the comforts of grace. Gracious God, continue to me these favors so long, and in such measure, as shall most contribute to thy honor and my salvation; and in great mercy support and relieve all, that want these blessings. What shall I offer unto the Lord for his mercies, renewed unto me every morning ? The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit; a broken and contrite heart God will not despise ! But most unfit is mine to be presented to God before I have obtained his pardon through the merits of the Lord Jesus, for the many sins, by which it hath been denied. Jer. iii. 12. I am merciful, saith the Lord, and I will not keep anger forever. Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the Lord thy God. Ps. xxxii. 5. I acknowledge my sin unto thee, O God, and mine iniquities will I not hide. I do therefore implore thy pardon, and plead thy gracious promises, with full purpose of heart, by the assistance of thy grace, never again to return to folly. Jer. xvii. 9. The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it ? I cannot answer for my own heart; but there is no word, O Lord, impossible with Thee. In Thee I do put my trust; let me never be put to confusion. Keep it ever in the heart of thy servant, that it is indeed an evil thing and bitter to offend the Lord. Keep me from presumptuous sins, that I may never grieve thy Holy Spirit, nor provoke Thee...