Our first concern, then, should be for the heart—that its affections and disposition may be fully under the control of Divine grace; that every principle of truth and righteousness may be enthroned there; that justice, mercy, benevolence, brotherly kindness, love, faith, meekness, temperance, supreme reverence for God and Christ, and a fervent love for all the beauties of holiness, may be firmly fixed as the governing principles of life. If these principles be fixed, established, in the heart, then out of the good treasure of the heart the mouth will speak forth words of truth, soberness, wisdom and grace.
The heart is the source of our words and acts; therefore as one's words and acts are, his heart is. A good heart overflows in good words and acts; a wicked heart, in evil words and acts. How necessary, therefore, to keep the heart pure! To all the Lord's followers the admonition is certainly appropriate, "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life".
Luke 6:45; Psa. 37:30; Prov. 10:20; 12:6, 17-19; 15:4, 23; Deut. 5:29; 6:5, 6; 1 Sam. 16:7; 1 Chron. 28:9; 2 Cor. 12:14; Psa. 51:10; Jer. 17:9, 10; Matt. 5:8; 12:33, 36, 37; 15:18-20; 23:26; Heb. 3:8.
