'Voices From The Past' Vol. 1 — January 24

Since faith is 'the assurance of things hoped for', it is our best help, in suffering, for it teaches us to counterbalance our temptations with our hopes. When the devil would make you faint and lazy in the work of the Lord, faith reveals the present difficulty as temporary. When the devil creates irksome thoughts of duty, faith represents the endless delights to follow. The believer determines it is better to go to heaven with labour, than to hell with pleasure. This made Moses so victorious (Heb. 11:26). Looking upon the reward greatly influences our life. Foretastes of heaven will bring such a strong influence in the heart of a believer, that all the reasons in the world cannot alter or break the force of our spiritual purpose. When we are tempted to neglect duty for worldly advantages, our faith looks unto our high calling, and the riches of the heavenly Jerusalem. If we are tempted to seek worldly honour, faith takes a look at the crown of righteousness that God will give us on that day. If the fear of disgrace makes us loosen and slacken our duty, our faith considers the confusion of face the wicked shall see as they appear before the throne of the Lamb. When we are tempted to murmur and repine under the cross, faith will assure that though the way is rough, the end of the journey will be sweet. His promises protect our hearts from poison and preserve the soul in a holy bravery for God. They tell us of the rivers of pleasure that stream out of the heart of Jesus Christ, and the sweet contentment we shall enjoy with God for evermore. O! When time begins to draw to an end to go into the other world, what would we give to live our lives again? O how diligent, watchful, and serious we would be if we had the sense of eternity upon our hearts!

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Devotional Readings 'Voices From The Past Vol.1.'
Thomas Manton, By Faith, Sermons on Hebrews 11, pp. 10-16
Banner of Truth has granted permission for the use of this material.