“A man’s heart deviseth his way, but the Lord directeth his
steps.” Prov. xxi. 9.
“There are many devices in a man's heart,
nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.”
Psalms xix. 21.
Many pretend to have a clean heart, and a good will, whilst
they harbour foolish, and consequently unclean designs in their bosoms. It is
said, a good man brings forth good things out of the good treasure of the
heart, and it is very true ; but observe, that it is said, "out
of the good treasure" of the heart ; (which is the new man)
and not simply out of the heart, for there also, still dwells the old
man and evil treasure of sin and corruption, which freely spring up, like the
weeds.
Lord, send thy spirit down to
write
Thy law upon my heart!
Nor let my tongue indulge
deceit,
Nor act a liar's part.
From vanity turn off my eyes,
Let no corrupt design.
Nor covetous desires arise
Within this soul of mine.
Order my footsteps by thy word,
And make my heart sincere;
Let sin have no dominion Lord,
But keep my conscience clear.
Make me to walk in thy commands;
'Tis a delightful road;
Nor let my head, or heart, or
hands,
Offend against my God.
C.
H. V. Bogatzky (1831)
Golden Treasury for the Children of God, Whose Treasure is
in Heaven
