Chapter 198—Purifying, Vitalizing Power
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10
.
The Lord purifies the heart very much as we air a room. We do not close
the doors and windows, and throw in some purifying substance; but we open
the doors and throw wide the windows, and let heaven’s purifying atmosphere
flow in.... The windows of impulse, of feeling must be opened up toward
heaven, and the dust of selfishness and earthliness must be expelled. The
grace of God must sweep through the chambers of the mind, the imagination
must have heavenly themes for contemplation, and every element of the
nature must be purified and vitalized by the Spirit of God.
He who lives the principles of Bible religion, will not be found weak in
moral power. Under the ennobling influence of the Holy Spirit, the tastes
and inclinations become pure and holy. Nothing takes so strong a hold
upon the affections, nothing reaches so fully down to the deepest motives
of action, nothing exerts so potent an influence upon the life, and gives so
great firmness and stability to the character, as the religion of Christ. It leads
its possessor ever upward, inspiring him with noble purposes, teaching him
propriety of deportment, and imparting a becoming dignity to every action.
The church is the object of God’s tenderest love and care. If the members
will allow Him, He will reveal His character through them. He says to them,
“Ye are the light of the world” (
Matthew 5:14
). Those who walk and talk with
God practice the gentleness of Christ. In their lives, forbearance, meekness,
and self-restraint are united with holy earnestness and diligence. As they
advance heavenward, the sharp, rough edges of character are worn off, and
godliness is seen. The Holy Spirit, full of grace and power, works upon mind
and heart.
The heart in which Jesus makes his abode will be quickened, purified,
guided, and ruled by the Holy Spirit, and the human agent will make
strenuous efforts to bring his character into harmony with God. He will
avoid everything that is contrary to the revealed will and mind of God.
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