1 Letter of Clement 18
1 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.
2 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.
3 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.
4 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.
5 Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop, and I shall be made clean. Thou shalt wash me, and I shall become whiter than snow.
6 Thou shalt make me to hear of joy and gladness. The bones which have been humbled shall rejoice.
7 Turn away Thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.
8 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.
9 Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, and strengthen me with a princely spirit.
10 I will teach sinners Thy ways, and godless men shall be converted unto Thee.
11 Deliver me from blood guiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation. My tongue shall rejoice in Thy righteousness.
12 Lord, Thou shalt open my mouth, and my lips shall declare Thy praise.
13 For, if Thou hadst desired sacrifice, I would have given it: in whole burnt offerings Thou wilt have no pleasure.
14 A sacrifice unto God is a contrite spirit; a contrite and humbled heart God will not despise.
