Numbers 5:31

REFLECTIONS

BLESSED GOD! here let me learn the sanctity, which ought to be preserved in those that approach thy church, and the place where thine honour dwelleth. LORD! do thou enable me to keep my foot when I go to the house of GOD; and do thou keep my heart from all defilement. Precious Redeemer! here again let me behold and rightly prize thy invaluable redemption; by which alone, my soul, which hath deserved to be banished without the camp, by reason of the uncleanness I have contracted; yet being cleansed from all sin by thy blood, is brought within the vail, and come within the holy place! Oh! GOD of my salvation, let me upon earth be forever singing the glories of the LAMB that was slain, and hath redeemed poor sinners to GOD by his blood; and by and by, I hope, through thy grace, most loudly to proclaim it, amidst the glorified inhabitants of heaven. And do thou, dearest LORD, who hast paid all the fine of trespasses for me, graciously rule, and so govern every affection of my heart, that there may be no allowed trespasses in me. To thee I look up, with the same awakened earnestness of prayer and supplication as one of old, and cry as he did: Search me, O GOD, and know may heart; try me and know my thoughts; and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

And blessed Redeemer, since thou last graciously condescended to make me thine, and hast betrothed me to thee forever. Oh! let nothing tempt me to go aside or wander from thee; no LORD not in thought, or word, or deed. But like the church of old, let it be my glory that I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine, and thy desire is toward me.