'Voices From The Past' Vol. 1 — September 1

Every saint is very apt to be a slug in the work of God; 'Ah Lord, I am a dull horse, and need the spur of your Spirit.' Does not your own experience find this true, to the grief of your own soul? How can we get rid of this unwelcome guest—spiritual sloth? (1.) By faith—apply the promises of quickening. Promises are steel spurs that will reach the dull heart to draw out the corruption of sloth. Promises are sovereign elixirs to make the soul well (2 Pet. 1:4). David pressed God to be faithful to his word (Psa. 119:25, 107, 154). 'They who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength' (Isa. 40:31). Our soul must suck honey from such flowers to quicken itself like a bee. Say to yourself: 'Soul, God has promised I shall mount up with eagles' wings, and God is able, true, and willing, therefore, I may be assured of his assistance.’ O this honey will enliven you more than Jonathan's honey! (1 Sam. 14:29). (2.) Consider others that have gained the victory as your example (Heb. 12:1-3). A dull horse will speed up when he sees other horses gallop before him. Consider how Elijah went up in a fiery chariot to heaven in his spirit before he went up in a fiery chariot in his person. Look how Paul pursued with industry and perseverance (Phil. 3: 10-15). Remember how Ignatius went to the beasts to be devoured, as if he were going to his wedding. Forget not the martyrs in Queen Mary's days, who went to the fire as if to a bonfire. These examples are goads to quicken us. They are fires to light our candles by. (3.) Consider too how impossible it is for creeping snails to finish their journey's end. Run that you may obtain (1 Cor. 9:24). Don't creep, but run, not indifferently, but industriously. Should we not serve God as actively as we ever did in the ways of sin and Satan?

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Devotional Readings 'Voices From The Past Vol.1.'
Rev. Mr Simmons, Puritan Sermons 1659-1689, I:438-449
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