Out of Bogatzky's Golden Treasury

Greetings Friend.

Those who know me well know my enduring affection for the German Pietists, one of whom is Carl H. von Bogatzky (b. 1690). May his heart’s confession and his thoughts (below) resemble what is truest of your own desires. If you find yourself distant from his confession, but it attracts you, follow his heart and mind to your common Savior. Consider spending a year going through the timeless devotional The Golden Treasury and see where God leads you.

God's best to you,

Carl



While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. Matthew 25. 5.

Oh that I may be roused out of my slumber, and be watchful and ready against the coming of my Bridegroom! How many are there that set out in good earnest in their way to heaven, and run well for some time, but at last are lulled to rest, and entangled again with a false notion of liberty! Even the wise virgins fell asleep. Let this be a warning to me, O Lord. Set a guard before my eyes, ears, and other faculties, lest the world again should enter through these avenues of the heart; if the spark be not speedily extinguished, it will soon break out into a flame: thus sin is of a progressive nature, and its vemon spreads very quickly and very wide, unless it be stopped and opposed in time. Watch, therefore, over this unsteady heart of mine, O thou Keeper of Israel! that as soon, as it begins to wander from thee, I may be alarmed to flee from sin as from a serpent. Give me grace to look upon every hour as my last; so that being ever wisely upon my guard, I may meet thee with joy when my time is run out, whenever it shall please thee to call me hence.


The fearful soul that tires and faints,
And walks the ways of God no more,
Though number'd once among the saints
Now makes his own destruction sure.

Lord, let not all my hopes be vain,
Create my heart entirely new;
Which hypocrites could ne'er attain,
Which false apostates never knew.

(Hymn author unknown)