'Voices From The Past' Vol. 1 — August 25

A true saint ambitiously endeavours to advance the name of God. In everything he asks, ‘Will this tend to the honour of God's name?' This was Paul's chief design (Phil. 1:20). A godly man thinks it scarce worth his while to live if he may not bring some revenue of honour to God's name. Consider how his name is dishonoured in the world. It is like the sun in an eclipse. Theodosius took it as a heinous crime when they threw dirt upon his statue. What is far worse is the disgrace that is thrown upon the glorious name of Jehovah. It will be a great comfort to us when we come to die if we have hallowed God's name in our life: if we have loved him with our hearts, praised him with our lips, and honoured him with our lives (Eph. 1:6). At the hour of death, all your earthly comforts will vanish, and thinking of riches or pleasures you have enjoyed will not give you one ounce of comfort. Ah, but to have a conscience witnessing that you have hallowed God's name, what a sweet peace and satisfaction this will give! How happy is that servant that receives his pay in the evening after working all day! How sweet will death be when they who have spent their lives honouring God, shall receive their reward! If we bring honour to his name, he will honour us. He will esteem us as the cream and flower of creation. How renowned are those who have hallowed his name: Abraham for his faith, Moses for his meekness, David for his zeal, and Paul for his love to Christ. Their names are sweet perfume in God's church to this day. At death he will send his angels to carry us up with triumph into heaven. Who then would not hallow and glorify his name, and spread his renown in the world, since he will put such immortal honour upon his people (1 Cor. 2:9)?

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Devotional Readings 'Voices From The Past Vol.1.'
Thomas Watson, The Lord's Prayer, pp. 46-53
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