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

According to the excellence of the object that we embrace in our hearts is the degree of our happiness. Saints have chosen to rest in God. Let a sinner have what he considers his treasure, and even under trouble he will be content. Give a covetous man wealth and he will say as Esau, I have enough. If an ambitious man mounts to a Chair of State, he is at ease. If a sensual person can bathe in the streams of carnal pleasures, he is in his element. Let a godly man enjoy his God, in whom he places all his joy and happiness, he is well, for he has all. According to the degree of our enjoyment of God is the degree of our happiness. Those who enjoy God perfectly in heaven, know no evil. They are above all storms and tempests, and enjoy all good. They have a perpetual spring and a constant summer. Though the Christian enjoys God but imperfectly, he enjoys these privileges in part. His life varies between day and night, light and darkness, of good and evil. Evil cannot hurt him, though it may frighten him. He may taste of the chiefest good, but his full meal is reserved for him in his Father's house. Travellers at the top of the Alps can see showers fall under them, but not one drop falls on them. If God is your portion you are in a high tower and safe from all trouble. Christians are anchored and secure in the greatest storm. In times of trouble he hides them in the secret place of his tabernacle from whatever may hurt them. He covers them with his feathers, and under his wings the saints will trust (Psa. 91:4). Through his strength they can triumph over trials and defy the greatest dangers. At destruction and famine they can laugh (Job 5:22), and over the greatest crosses they are more then conquerors (Rom. 8:37). God is able to free us from all evil, to fill the soul with all good unto all happiness.

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Devotional Readings 'Voices From The Past Vol.1.'
George Swinnock, Works, IV:2-7
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