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First Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians

1 Clem. 18

First Epistle of Clement to the Corinthians · Saint Clement of Rome

But what must we say of David that obtained a good report? of whom God said, I have found a man after My heart, David the son of Jesse: with eternal mercy have I anointed him.

1Clem 18.1

Yet he too saith unto God Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Thy great mercy; and according to the multitude of Thy compassions, blot out mine iniquity.

1Clem 18.2

Wash me yet more from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge mine iniquity, and my sin is ever before me. Against Thee only did I sin, and I wrought evil in Thy sight; that Thou mayest be justified in Thy words, and mayest conquer in Thy pleading.

1Clem 18.3

For behold, in iniquities was I conceived, and in sins did my mother bear me. For behold Thou hast loved truth: the dark and hidden things of Thy wisdom hast Thou showed unto me.

1Clem 18.4

Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean. Thou shalt wash me, and I shall become whiter than snow.

1Clem 18.5

Thou shalt make me to hear of joy and gladness. The bones which have been humbled shall rejoice.

1Clem 18.6

Turn away Thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.

1Clem 18.7

Make a clean heart within me, O God, and renew a right spirit in mine inmost parts. Cast me not away from Thy presence, and take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.

1Clem 18.8

Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and strengthen me with a princely spirit.

1Clem 18.9

I will teach sinners Thy ways, and godless men shall be converted unto Thee.

1Clem 18.10

Deliver me from blood guiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation. My tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness.

1Clem 18.11

Lord, Thou shalt open my mouth, and my lips shall declare Thy praise.

1Clem 18.12

For, if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I would have given it: in whole burnt offerings Thou wilt have no pleasure.

1Clem 18.13

A sacrifice unto God is a contrite spirit; a contrite and humbled heart God will not despise.

1Clem 18.14