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

It is the saints’ duty, and should be their care, not only to believe that God is Almighty, but also to strongly believe that his almighty power is engaged for our defence and help in all of our straits and temptations. What is the foundation of this trust? (1.) We are his own dear children. Every one takes care of his own—the silly hen, how she bustles and stirs herself to gather her brood under her wings when the enemy appears. How much more will God stir up his whole strength to defend his children! (2.) The dear love God has for his saints engages his power. The believing soul is an object of God's choicest love, even the same love with which he loves his Son (John 17:26). God loves the believer as the birth of his everlasting counsel. He chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world. O, how must God love that creature he has carried so long in the womb of his eternal purpose! God also loves his saints as the purchase of his Son's blood. They cost him dear. He that was willing to expend his Son's blood to gain them will not deny his power to keep them. (3.) The covenant engages God's almighty power; ‘I am God Almighty; walk before me' (Gen. 17:1). God will put forth the whole power of the godhead for his people. God does not parcel himself out by retail, but gives his saints encouragement to challenge whatever God has, as their own. As his name is, so is his nature; he is a covenant keeping God forever. (4.) The saints' dependence upon God, and expectation from God in all their trials, oblige his power for their succour. (5.) Christ's presence in heaven lays a strong engagement on God to bring his whole force and power into the field upon all occasions for his saints' defence. He intercedes for fresh supplies of grace and help for us.

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Devotional Readings 'Voices From The Past Vol.1.'
William Gurnall, The Christian in. Complete Armour, I:28-30
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