(Thomas Sherman, "Divine Breathings; Or, a Pious Soul Thirsting after Christ")
"They were strangers and pilgrims on the earth!" Hebrews 11:13
What heir, traveling to take possession of a rich inheritance, allows either a green meadow or pleasant garden to detain him; or a black cloud or a dirty road to dishearten him?
O my soul, you are traveling to take possession of a glorious eternal inheritance!
Will you turn aside — to pluck every flower?
Will you linger — to listen to every melodious sound?
Will you leave your way — to drink of every gliding stream of carnal pleasure?
What is this, but . . .
to lose a mansion — to view a meadow!
to sacrifice an eternal crown — for a dying flower!
to lose immortal felicity — for a flying vanity!
to forsake the way of Zion — to gather the grapes of Sodom!
Though, my soul, your way is in tears, and your days in sorrow, all clouded; yet here is enough to comfort you: that a loving Father, an unending portion, a sweet rest, and an everlasting refreshment — will make amends for all!
Therefore, this vain world does not allure me — for I will make no deviation, because my way lies to purer comforts, and surer glory! Vexing world, do not entice me — I will not halt, because I am traveling to my heavenly Father's house!
"They were longing for a better country — a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them!" Hebrews 11:16
"They were strangers and pilgrims on the earth!" Hebrews 11:13
What heir, traveling to take possession of a rich inheritance, allows either a green meadow or pleasant garden to detain him; or a black cloud or a dirty road to dishearten him?
O my soul, you are traveling to take possession of a glorious eternal inheritance!
Will you turn aside — to pluck every flower?
Will you linger — to listen to every melodious sound?
Will you leave your way — to drink of every gliding stream of carnal pleasure?
What is this, but . . .
to lose a mansion — to view a meadow!
to sacrifice an eternal crown — for a dying flower!
to lose immortal felicity — for a flying vanity!
to forsake the way of Zion — to gather the grapes of Sodom!
Though, my soul, your way is in tears, and your days in sorrow, all clouded; yet here is enough to comfort you: that a loving Father, an unending portion, a sweet rest, and an everlasting refreshment — will make amends for all!
Therefore, this vain world does not allure me — for I will make no deviation, because my way lies to purer comforts, and surer glory! Vexing world, do not entice me — I will not halt, because I am traveling to my heavenly Father's house!
"They were longing for a better country — a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them!" Hebrews 11:16
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