August 29, Morning
C. H. Spurgeon · Modern retelling
"Have mercy upon me, O God." — Psalm 51:1 · KJV
When Dr. Carey was suffering from a dangerous illness, someone asked, "If this sickness should prove fatal, what text would you choose for your funeral sermon?" He replied, "Oh, I feel that so poor and sinful a creature is unworthy to have anything said about him; but if a funeral sermon must be preached, let it be from the words, 'Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Thy lovingkindness; according unto the multitude of Thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.'" In the same spirit of humility he directed in his will that nothing more than this be cut on his gravestone: "A wretched, poor, and helpless worm, on Thy kind arms I fall." Only on the footing of free grace can the most experienced and most honored of the saints come to their God. The best of men are more conscious than any others that they are only men at their best. Empty boats float high, but heavily laden vessels ride low in the water; mere professors can boast, but true children of God cry for mercy on their unprofitableness. We need the Lord to have mercy on our good works, our prayers, our preaching, our almsgiving, and our holiest things. The blood was sprinkled not only on the doorposts of Israel's homes, but on the sanctuary, the mercy seat, and the altar; for since sin intrudes even into our holiest things, the blood of Jesus is needed to purge them from defilement. If mercy must be shown toward our duties, what shall be said of our sins? How sweet to remember that inexhaustible mercy is waiting to be gracious to us, to restore our backslidings, and make our broken bones rejoice!