'Voices From The Past' Vol. 1 — September 23

Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth.—Ecclesiastes 12:1

God is a sanctifying and enabling portion. The things of the world cannot advance the soul in the least. Like shadows that are ever so long, the body is not taller. Men in high places are the same men; no real worth is added to them than if they were in a low position. Often, many are worse for their earthly portions. If some had not been so wealthy, they would not have been so wicked. Feeding on earthly trash takes you away from the bread of heaven. Many perish in their greatest prosperity, and have no leisure to be saved. That which will elevate the soul must be more excellent than the soul. Silver is abased by mixing it with lead, but ennobled by gold. The world and all it contains is infinitely inferior to the soul of man, and we are debased by mingling with it. God is infinitely superior and advances the soul by joining with it. Outward things add nothing at all to the worth of a soul. A godly man is worth millions because he is a cabinet holding an eternal jewel. He has become a partaker of the divine nature. God enriches whatever he is joined to. O what a height of honour and happiness would you arrive at if this God were yours! Now, like a worm you crawl and dwell in the dirt. But if God is your portion, you will mount up like an eagle to the heavens and enjoy unspeakable pleasures in him who is your portion. A life with God as your portion would be high and noble, like a court official whose daily practice is to adore and admire the blessed and only potentate. Do you not find that earthly things obstruct holiness and thereby hinder your soul's happiness? Alas! The best of them are like the wings of a butterfly; though curiously painted, they come off in your fingers. With God as your portion, every day would be nearer to perfection. O the excellence God adds to your soul!
Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Devotional Readings 'Voices From The Past Vol.1.'
George Swinnock, Works, IV:38-40
Banner of Truth has granted permission for the use of this material.

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