'Voices From The Past' Vol. 1 — April 21

It is our privilege to live by faith. Living by faith is not a single act, but something habitual and permanent. Faith is a constant dependence upon God, as he is made known in his attributes. The divine attributes are the pillows and grounds of our faith. Faith believes them and claims them. Study the attributes of God. Labour to know them distinctly and effectually. The more we know, the more we trust. Be much in the thoughts of God: frequently, delightfully, and consistently. These bring a divine influence unto the soul and fill it with heat and light, and leave deep impressions of God upon the heart. Those who have known much, have believed much: much in contemplation—strong in faith. 'How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!' (Psa. 139:17). Assure your interest in his attributes. Do not be satisfied that you see God, till you see him to be your God. Faith not only holds to the fact that God is able, but that he is willing to do what you seek. Grip two handles with your faith. Take hold that he is able, omnipotent, omniscient, and all sufficient; but also take hold that he is willing to meet your needs by his mercy. Learn to draw arguments from these attributes. When you hold on to both his power and his mercy, faith can easily draw sweet and strong assurances from these. It is true that we are prone to doubt God's willingness, but the Lord has provided for this remarkably. Where there is but one attribute to describe God's power, there are many titles that prove his willingness: mercy, goodness, bounty, grace, love, lovingkindness, compassion, bowels of compassion, patience, and long-suffering. Get faith fixed upon this double basis and it will stand firm. God is able and willing.

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Devotional Readings 'Voices From The Past Vol.1.'
David Clarkson, Works, I:174-179
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