'Voices From The Past' Vol. 1 — August 3

It is a very high privilege to be conformed to Christ. What can make us conform more to Christ than a cross? 'Provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him' (Rom. 8:17). We should be thankful for the cross because it shows the special favour of the Lord. 'If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you’ (1 Pet. 4:14). The good we receive from our crosses flows from God's goodness and not from the nature of the cross itself. When the doctor performs a cure, the medicine is not thanked, but the physician for his application. How can we bring our hearts to the holy and heavenly frame to give thanks in affliction? (1.) Pray earnestly for the Spirit of God. (2.) Labour for an awareness of sin. This will make you thankful for every mercy. A humble, broken heart is a very thankful heart. He that knows he has forfeited all and deserves nothing, thanks God for the least drop and crumb. (3.) Behold every mercy that comes to you, and know that all that passes through his hands is for your benefit. Affliction is sweetened through the mercies of God. (4.) Bless God for mercy in answer to your prayers. These are double mercies: we ask by the Spirit of adoption in us, and then we receive the answer that shows our acceptance in Christ. Thank him also for many unasked blessings. (5.) Consider being driven nearer to God as a special mercy. Mercies are cords that draw us to God, and so thank him. If the Chief Shepherd keeps us from straying, and brings us under his command, this is a mercy. If the Lord hedges up our way with thorns that we cannot sin, this is a mercy. The storm that sinks and splits some ships drives others faster to the harbour.

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Devotional Readings 'Voices From The Past Vol.1.'
William Cooper, Puritan Sermons 1659-1689, I:426-433
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