A Right Spirit
Thomas Horton, D. D. Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. 1. By "spirit" we are to understand either the rational part distinct from the animal, or (which I rather incline to) the rational part in the refinings of it; the more eminent and divine ray of understanding and will; the mind of the mind and the soul of the soul. If there be any part better than other, to be still better in that; not only in the body, but so much the more in the soul; and not only in the soul and mind, but so much the rather in the spirit of it, which is the bent and bias of the mind, the vigour and activity of it, he would be best in that. Now, accordingly, we should ourselves endeavour hereunto likewise. There are none which are so wicked as those which are spiritually wicked; nor none which are so good as those which are spiritually good. Look by how much grace and holiness does at any time take hold on our spirits, so much the better still we are. 2. The second is what is meant by "right."(1) In this expression David desires an even carriage of heart, that is, a right spirit, neither turning to the right hand nor to the left, but equally poised and ballasted in him: and so he does hereby show us what is likewise desirable of ourselves, even integrity and uprightness of spirit. (2) A firmness of purpose; our heart settled and resolved. This is very requisite and necessary for us in these regards.(a) In regard of the excellency of the things themselves which are here commended to us: the better anything is, the more cause have we to be resolved upon it, and constant to it.(b) In regard of the natural inconstancy of our own hearts: the more uncertain we are of ourselves, the greater need have we to make ourselves sure by a fixedness and constancy of resolution, and thereby as it were to bind ourselves up.(e) In regard of the manifold temptations and attempts which are upon us to take us off. There are so many baits laid to unsettle us, that unless we peremptorily determine ourselves, we shall never be sure; we have many 'assaults upon us to shake us, and to make us let go our hold, for which cause we have need to endeavour after this constant spirit. (Thomas Horton, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. WEB: Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me.