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

If we believe in the final perseverance of the saints, and the certainty of our heavenly inheritance, can this lead to carnal security and unholy living? Corrupt nature may suck poison from this flower, but he who has felt the efficacy of grace upon his heart, dares not abuse this doctrine. Paul knew that nothing could separate him from the love of Christ, but who ever walked more holy and watchful than Paul (1 Cor. 9:27)? God's children have a holy fear that keeps them from self-security. They believe the promise and so rejoice in hope, but they fear their hearts, and so they watch and pray. Such as have God for their Father are the happiest persons on earth. They are in such a condition that nothing can hurt them. They have their Father's blessing, and all things conspire for their good. They have a kingdom settled on them and their inheritance can never be cut off. How comforted they should be in all conditions; let the times be what they will, their Father rules over all! If troubles arise, they carry them to their Father. If God is our Father, let us walk obediently. If God bids humility and self-denying—deny yourselves, and part with your bosom sins. Be modest in your attire, careful in your speech, grave in your deportment, and obey your Father's voice. Open to him as the flower to the sun. If you expect your Father's blessing, obey him in whatever he commands, both in first and second duties. The Ten Commandments are like a ten-stringed instrument, and we must obey every one, or we cannot make sweet melody. Obey your heavenly Father, though he commands things contrary to flesh and blood. We act as God's children when we obey his voice and count not our lives dear so that we may show our love to him. 'They loved not their lives even unto death' (Rev. 12:11).

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Devotional Readings 'Voices From The Past Vol.1.'
Thomas Watson, The Lord's Prayer, pp. 26-29
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