A life of godliness in light of an early death
“Enjoyed much sweetness” (as he puts it) in the reading of the last months of Brainerd’s life. How consonant are his thoughts to my own regarding the “true and false religion of this late day.”
Saw, in reading him, the value of these notations and was much encouraged to think of a life of godliness in the light of an early death.
Have spent these last two days entirely in reading—six to eight hours a day—sometimes with tremendous profit to my soul. Finished C. J. Crain on Galatians yesterday.
Later.
Reading Nietzsche and Orr I have been soberly impressed with the strength of the forces in the human mind. Christianity has been analyzed, decried, refused by some; coolly eyed, submitted to, and its forms followed in by others who call themselves Christian. But alas, what emptiness in both!
There is so much knowledge which, like bellows, though it expandeth, yet maketh emptiness so much more vast.
I have just now prayed for God’s revelation—this generation’s real laying hold of the Old Revelation. The old is become so undefined, so “accepted,” so followed in blindness, that when the truth of it is brought to light, it shall be as a new revelation.
I have prayed for new men, fiery, reckless men, possessed of uncontrollably youthful passion—these lit by the Spirit of God.
I have prayed for new words, explosive, direct, simple words.
I have prayed for new miracles. Explaining old miracles will not do. If God is to be known as the God who does wonders in heaven and earth, then God must produce for this generation.
Lord, fill preachers and preaching with Thy power. How long dare we go on without tears, without moral passions, hatred and love? Not long, I pray, Lord Jesus, not long….
—27 October, 1949
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