'Voices From The Past' Vol. 1 — September 14

If you can see God in creation, the plants, birds, minerals, and beasts, what thoughts might you have, if God were your portion. Look at the ocean, the storms and tempests, the innumerable fish, both small and great, what would you think of having the author and commander of the earth and ocean for your portion? What would you give to enjoy him who gave them being, and who appoints and knows the number of the stars, and who calls them by name? If it were possible for you to look into the holy of holies, to mount up to heaven and see the royal palace of this great King, and if you could know the satisfying joy, the ravishing delight, the inconceivable pleasure which the spirits of just men made perfect have, and if you could see him as he is, there visible in the glorified Redeemer, and really know him as you are known, then reader, what would you think of this God for your portion? What a poor view you would now have of the beggarly portion that you now admire! What dung, what dog's meat would the world be to you in comparison with God! You would leave the swine of earthly comforts, and the foolish children of disobedience who are paddling in the gutter of sensual waters, that you might have your portion among God's children and your heritage among his chosen ones. All your love would be too little, and no labour too great for such an inestimable portion. Lord, let me partake of your special mercy. Though others feed on husks, give me this bread of life. May you be the portion of my cup. Whatsoever you deny me, or howsoever you deal with me, give me yourself, and it shall be enough. You are the true paradise of all pleasure, a living fountain of happiness, and the original and exact pattern of all perfections.

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Devotional Readings 'Voices From The Past Vol.1.'
George Swinnock, Works, IV:30-32
Banner of Truth has granted permission for the use of this material.