Why should we any longer stand in distrust of the compassionate Saviour? Take pity, O blessed, Jesus, on my spiritual necessities. Out of thine own exhaustless fullness do Thou feed my soul with that which is convenient for it; and grant that I may so hunger and thirst after righteousness as at length to be filled.–Let me copy Thy graces of Thy example, Thy benevolence to men, Thy grateful piety to the Giver of all our blessings.

On one side of our church, there is danger of hypocrisy–the leaven of the Pharisees; on the other side of it, there is danger of Erastianism—the leaven of Herod. Preserve me from both O, God. I am intimate with neither of the parties. I am conversant more with principles than persons. I begin to suspect that the intensity of my own personal pursuit has isolated me from living men; and there is a want of amalgamation about me which cements the companionship and closer brother-hoods than obtain in society.

Restore to me my spiritual vision, O God, either instantly or gradually, as best pleaseth Thee. Work upon me this miracle of grace. I deeply feel that I cannot enlighten myself; and in the sense of my own native helplessness, I would look up to the creative power which commanded at the first, light out of darkness, and which must still be put forth ‘ere man can behold the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

And let the knowledge of Christ and Him crucified be prized by me, as by the Apostle of old, as above all other knowledge.

And let me count the cost. Let me willingly be conformed to Christ in His sufferings—prepared to suffer all if such be the will of God, at whatever expense, however sore to nature–thus savouring the things that be of God and not of men. Save me from the adversary, who through the medium of friends and relatives may try to seduce me by the bland and winning suggestions of this world’s ease and this worlds sufficiency.

And so in the face of every danger must we hold fast our Christian integrity; for what is the worth of a whole world to the worth of one’s soul? And help me, O God, against the influence of shame as well as the terror. Let me testify for Christ, and that by words as well as works. Why blush or be in difficulty at the utterance of His Name! Save me, O Lord, from spiritual cowardice; and let me be instant in season and out of season for Christ and for His Cause.
—Thomas Chalmers, on Mark Viii

Sabbath Scripture Readings by Thomas Chalmers