Purity

Godly Sorrow for the Offense Rather Punishment – Thomas Watson

Godly sorrow is ingenious. It is sorrow for the offense rather than for the punishment. God’s law has been infringed, his love abused. This melts the soul in tears. A man may be sorry, yet not repent, as a thief is sorry when he is taken, not because he stole, but because he has to pay the penalty. … “My sin is ever before me” (Ps. 51:3); David does not say, “The sword threatened is ever before me,” but “my sin.” O that I should offend so good a God, that I should grieve my Comforter! This breaks my heart!

– Thomas Watson –
from The Doctrine of Repentance, 1668

Two Signs of Grace – Robert Candlish

Two unequivocal signs of grace; a desire to be thoroughly washed and cleansed,—”Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin,” (Psalm 51:2)—and a willingness to appear before God for that end, without concealment and without guile,—”I acknowledge my transgressions; and my sin is ever before me” (Psalms 51:3).

– Robert Candlish –
from The Prayer of a Broken Heart: Expository Discourses on Psalm 51, 1873

Godliness is a Joy and Pleasure – Richard Baxter

Will you say that godliness is unpleasant, because it makes a man sorry for his ungodliness?… Would you wish a man that hath lived so long in sin and misery, to have no sorrow for it in his return—especially when it is but a healing sorrow, preparing for remission, and not a sorrow joined with despair, as theirs will be that die impenitently?

– Richard Baxter –
1615-1691

Praying Against Idols – Andrew Bonar

Tried this morning especially to pray against idols in the shape of my books and studies. These encroach upon my direct communion with God, and need to be watched.

– Andrew Bonar –
from Andrew Bonar: Diary & Life (Saturday, September 7, 1850)

True Repentance – George Whitefield

True repentance will entirely change you; the bias of your souls will be changed, then you will delight in God, in Christ, in His law, and in His people.

– George Whitefield –