'Voices From The Past' Vol. 1 — July 16

Is Christ your Prince? This calls for your loyal and faithful service to Christ—who has saved you from Satan's bondage. He has broken Satan's power over you and is able to defend you from his wrath. In a word, who has a right over you besides Christ? He has given his life to redeem you and has delivered you from all your enemies that you may serve him without fear in holiness all your days. Let devils and men do their wicked work, but not your hand, O Christian! If you have any loyal blood running in your veins, your own heart will smite you when you break the least skirt of his holy law. You could as well carry burning coals in your bosom, as hide any treason in your heart against your dear Sovereign. No, I would have you desire to advance the name of Christ and be instrumental for God in your generation. He is not a good subject who only seeks what he can get out of his prince, but never thinks what service he can render. He is not a true Christian whose thoughts dwell more on his own happiness than on the honour of his God. Paul was willing to suffer for the furtherance of the gospel, and to wait for his reward later. This makes life worth living, to serve God as proof of our gratitude for his redeeming love. O Christian, since he has rescued us out of the power of darkness and translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son, lose no time; what you desire to do for God, do it quickly! Work zealously! If you have your new Prince's sword in your hand, be sure to use it and take heed how you use it, that, when you give an account before God, your sheath will not be found rusty through sloth and cowardice. Be faithful, attend to your work and labour, for you are his ambassador and shall see his face with joy.

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Devotional Readings 'Voices From The Past Vol.1.'
William Gurnall, The Christian in Complete Armour, I:134-139
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