So spake Jesus to the sons of Zebedee, and so He speaks to us. Beloved, have you your petition ready this morning? Jesus is at the pardon office; He is on His throne of grace; He is in a loving temper; He is ready to bless. He says, Ask, what I shall give thee?
O Jesus! give me sanctifying grace. Subdue my corruptions. Purify my heart. Make me a vessel of honour, meet for Thy use. Why should sin be allowed to work so powerfully? Why should Satan be permitted to have so much power over me? Why should the world attract and lead me astray?
Lord, I would that Thou shouldest make me holy, and make me useful; fill me with Thy Holy Spirit; write Thy word on my heart, and enable me to write out Thy precepts in my life. O Saviour! I would that Thou shouldest make me like Thyself; as meek, as humble, as diligent, as disinterested, as useful to God and man. May I be holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners. Oh, make me shine to the honour and glory of Thy free and sovereign grace.
Holy Ghost, no more delay; Come, and in Thy temple stay; Now Thine inward witness bear, Strong, and permanent, and clear: Source of life, Thyself impart, Rise eternal in my heart.
Written by James Smith for his own flock around 1840, but such was the demand that by 1846 over thirty thousand copies where in circulation.
James Smith was a predecessor of Charles Spurgeon at New Park Street Chapel in London from 1841-1850. He also ministered with great blessing in Cheltenham. His devotional, The Believer's Daily Remembrancer, subtitled Pastor's Morning and Evening Visit, was very popular in its own day, and has received a new lease of life through recent republication.
So spake Jesus to the sons of Zebedee, and so He speaks to us. Beloved, have you your petition ready this morning? Jesus is at the pardon office; He is on His throne of grace; He is in a loving temper; He is ready to bless. He says, Ask, what I shall give thee?
O Jesus! give me sanctifying grace. Subdue my corruptions. Purify my heart. Make me a vessel of honour, meet for Thy use. Why should sin be allowed to work so powerfully? Why should Satan be permitted to have so much power over me? Why should the world attract and lead me astray?
Lord, I would that Thou shouldest make me holy, and make me useful; fill me with Thy Holy Spirit; write Thy word on my heart, and enable me to write out Thy precepts in my life. O Saviour! I would that Thou shouldest make me like Thyself; as meek, as humble, as diligent, as disinterested, as useful to God and man. May I be holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners. Oh, make me shine to the honour and glory of Thy free and sovereign grace.
Holy Ghost, no more delay; Come, and in Thy temple stay; Now Thine inward witness bear, Strong, and permanent, and clear: Source of life, Thyself impart, Rise eternal in my heart.