'Voices From The Past' Vol. 1 — October 19

Because of our great infirmities, and the great deception of the enemy, God has appointed this petition for his children as a remedy. It is a plea for grace to guide us, so that we are not led into temptation, and might be delivered from all evil. We need to remember our infirmity and weakness, and the dangerous state we are in, in respect to our flesh, and the world. Satan seeks to sift us, and as a roaring lion to destroy us. We are taught in this petition to consider God's goodness toward us in desiring our victory from evil and temptation. We lament because of our corruption, but we rejoice because of his goodness. Consider the joys he has prepared for us in heaven. O think of those joys, and pray that when the tide of death comes, we might go forth from this haven of flesh and this world joyfully! We can have full assurance of obtaining all things necessary for our warfare. In our prayers, we should in no way doubt our being heard, for God is pleased to hear our prayers, who has commanded us to pray, and has promised to hear us and save us forever. He most graciously hears our petitions according to his good will, and for his mercy and truth's sake through his dear Son, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. 'O, from your goodness grant me your Holy Spirit to reveal to me my blindness, and reveal your power, glory, and eternity. O blessed Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, three persons yet one God, to whom be all honour and glory world without end!' What an honour to be his children! With the power of our heavenly Father, of whom should we be afraid? The devil is subject to his power and kingdom. Satan has no power even over the swine, without his providence and permission. Therefore, it is well that we should pray, 'Lead us not into temptation.’

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Devotional Readings 'Voices From The Past Vol.1.'
John Bradford, The Writings of John Bradford, I:134-139
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