The hearts of natural men are exceedingly full of sin. If they had but one sin in their hearts, it would be sufficient to render their condition very dreadful. But they have not only one sin, but all manner of sin. There is every kind of lust. The heart is a mere sink of sin, a fountain of corruption, whence issue all manner of filthy streams.

I have derived much satisfaction and, I hope, profit from the account which Thomas Halyburton, 1674-1712, gives of his religious experience- especially, because the account was given when the writer was advanced in years, and when his judgment was fully matured. Many youthful narratives of pious exercises are very fervent-but they are frothy, and marked with that kind of ignorance and self-confidence which arise from inexperience.

Every Christian has set times for prayer and other devotional exercises- but if the mind on such occasions wanders off from the contemplation of those objects which should occupy it, such forgetfulness of God's presence, and vain wandering of the thoughts, are evidently sinful. And here is an arena on which many a severe conflict has been undergone, and where, alas- many overthrows have been been experienced by the sincere worshiper of God. Thoughts On Religious Experience Chapter 11

Morning By Morning

A talk given at the fall conference of the Indiana Reformed Baptist Association in Indianapolis, IN

Morning By Morning For May 3rd

Observations of Owen on Hebrews 9-12 and 5-12

There was never such prayer offered to God. Jacob's prayer was earnest and persevering, importunate and successful, when he wrestled with the angel of the covenant and would not let him go without the blessing. But when Jesus wrestled, strove, agonised, it was such prayer as heaven and earth had never seen. He was charged with the vindication of his Father's honour - with the maintenance of his Father's law - with the salvation of countless thousands through eternity.