'Voices From The Past' Vol. 1 — October 10

A life of faith builds upon lasting principles. The life of sense lives on fading objects. What can he lack who lives by faith in him that is all and never changes? When the mariner puts out to sea, he quickly loses sight of land, but no matter how far he sails, he will never lose sight of heaven. The soul of faith sees a greater beauty in God, than in all worldly comforts, and tastes a greater sweetness in communion with Christ, than in all earthly friendships. Grace weans the believer from all worldly things, and discerns between perishing and durable comforts. How do we know we are weaned from the world? (1.) We are weaned when we have heavenly affections amidst earthly possessions. (2.) When we reckon our happiness by divine fruit instead of worldly accommodations. (3.) When we bear worldly evils, troubles, and losses with a holy quietness and satisfaction of spirit (Heb. 10:34). (4.) We choose holiness, affliction and loss, rather than sin, pleasure and preferment (Heb. 11:24-26). (5.) We are able by faith to overcome both the smiles and frowns of the world. When the world smiles upon us with its splendours, honours, riches, pleasures, delights and glories, can we look upon all these as small things in comparison with Christ? Or, when the world frowns upon us with crosses, losses, sufferings, reproaches, can we overcome them by laying aside carnal fears, and by patience, look upon afflictions and sufferings for Christ as our honour and happiness? To have the world, and yet to be weaned from it; to possess the world, and not to be possessed by it; to live above all, amidst the enjoyment of all—these are mercies. To see greatness only in God, and beauty only in holiness, O what a mercy is this! Do not dote on the comforts of the world but wean your soul from them.

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Devotional Readings 'Voices From The Past Vol.1.'
Matthew Mead, A Name in Heaven, pp. 111-132
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