'Voices From The Past' Vol. 1 — September 26

O friend, the portions in the world are like candles that are consumed by use, and then go out in a stink, compared to God your eternal portion! God is yours forever and ever. O sweet word, ‘forever'! Millions upon millions are less than drops to this ocean. All the pleasures of creation cannot compare to the fruit of God for a moment. How happy to enjoy him forever! Friend, little do you think what crowns, sceptres, thrones, kingdoms, glories, banquets, angelic entertainments, societies, and eternities are prepared for those who choose God for their portion. Take a serious look at the portion offered to you; it is no less than the infinite God. Behold, nations are a drop in the bucket, and less then nothing. His portion is spiritual and suitable to your soul. Other portions are mixed portions, which have a dark as well as a light side. But God is pure, and there is not the least spot in this sun. He is a sea of sweetness without the smallest drop of gall. Earthly portions are perishing, and will be left when death calls. The believing soul feasts like Mephibosheth at David's table continually. In his presence is fullness of joy, and at his right hand are pleasures for evermore. O what warm embraces you have given to the world, and suffered to gain just a little more of it! His love is infinitely better than life itself. Exalt him in your heart as your chiefest good, and he will make the gift of himself to you. Here is God, there is the world; here bread, and there husks; here substance, there a shadow; here a paradise, there an apple; here is fullness, there is emptiness; here a fountain, there a broken cistern; here are all things, there is nothing; here is heaven, there is hell; here eternity of pleasure, there eternity of sorrow and pain. Now, is not this an infinite reason to choose God for your portion?

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Devotional Readings 'Voices From The Past Vol.1.'
George Swinnock, Works, IV:44-46
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