p. 139 | Wash Me Clean

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 29, 1863

Wash Me Clean.

A DEAR little child was extremely sick, and given up by the physicians to die. Still her friends were anxious to do something to allay the terrible suffering, and a succession of cold baths was found to be the only thing that offered any relief. The little sufferer, burning with fever, longed for the cool water; and she seemed to think the good was in proportion to the feeling of cleanliness. Every time she was laid in the bath she would say, "Wash me clean this time, mother; wash me clean." And just before the last moment she whispered, "Wash me clean."

I never hear this little incident repeated but I think how many times the Christian heart, struggling in its sin, weary, longing for spiritual cleansing and health and life, pleads, in the dying child's words for help, "Wash me clean." So like is it to the deep want of his mortal, painful, helpless soul-sickness, when he has tried all remedies and failed,—self-righteousness, self-help, and self-hope all gone.

It was too late for that little one; all the mother's love and care and agony could not save her. But, thanks to One who has almighty strength, and faithfulness to do, it is never too late in earnest to pray, "Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sins."

And the washing may be as thorough and the cleansing as deep as his heart shall desire.—Sel.