Articles and Sermons :: Divine Breathings! A Pious Soul ...

Articles and Sermons :: Divine Breathings! A Pious Soul Thirsting after Christ By Thomas Sherman

Divine Breathings! A Pious Soul Thirsting after Christ By Thomas Sherman - posted by ArthurRosh (), on: 2012/3/28 20:
Divine Breathings!
A Pious Soul Thirsting after Christ

By Thomas Sherman

"Whom do I have in heaven but You? And I desire nothing on earth but You! My flesh and my heart may fail, but Go
d is the strength of my heart, my portion forever!" Psalm 73:25-26

Meditation and Prayer.

Meditation and Prayer resemble the spies that went to search the land of Canaan: the one views, and the other cut
s down; and both bring home a taste of the fairest and sweetest fruits of heaven. Meditation, like the eye—views our m
ercies; and Prayer—like the hand, grasps those mercies! Or, Meditation is like a land agent, who goes abroad to purch
ase what we need; and Prayer, like a ship, goes forth and brings in what we desire. Lord, it is my misery, that I cannot b
e so perfect as not to be in need; but it magnifies your mercy that I cannot be so miserable as not to be supplied. Meditat
ion cannot find out a real need—but Prayer can obtain suitable comfort. Lord, if mercy is so free, I will labor to know my
poverty—that I may be enriched with your grace; and yet I will not rest, until you shall do more for me than I am able eit
her to ask or think!

Prayer was appointed to convey,
The blessings God designs to give;
Long as they live should Christians pray,
For only while they pray they live.

Contemplation.

Bernard sweetly compares Contemplation to the eagle; for as the eagle is still fixing her eye upon the radiant beam
s of the beautiful sun, so Contemplation is still viewing the glorious beams of the Sun of righteousness; it is still conversa
nt with the high and profitable things of salvation. Or, I may compare meditation to those birds of which David speaks, w
hich build their nests by the altar of God. Meditation is that celestial bird, that builds her nest around the throne of glory!
Contemplation is that bee which flies into the sweetest gardens—and sucks honey from every flower of paradise!

By meditation I can . . .
converse with God,
solace myself on the bosom of my Beloved,
bathe myself in rivers of pleasures,
with delight tread the paths leading to my rest,
and anticipate the eternal mansions of glory!

Why do you loiter therefore, O my soul, in this valley of tears? Arise, ascend the mount—and view the land of pro
mise! Why do you loiter in this wilderness of trouble? Arise, O my soul, be on the wing, and take your flight to heaven! L
et your thoughts be where your happiness is—and your heart where your thoughts are! "My meditation of Him shall be
sweet!" Psalm 104:34

Soul Satisfaction.

Page 1/20

Articles and Sermons :: Divine Breathings! A Pious Soul Thirsting after Christ By Thomas Sherman

What can satisfy you, O my immortal soul? Nothing but the immortal God, in whom all fullness dwells. He alone can
fill the soul—who fills heaven and earth.

The insufficient creature—may fill the soul with vexation;

none but the all-sufficient God—can fill the soul with satisfaction.

O Lord, no creature of Yours will satisfy me, without Yourself! Therefore, O Lord, take my heart—and give me Yo
urself!

"Whom do I have in heaven but You? And I desire nothing on earth but You! My flesh and my heart may fail, but Go
d is the strength of my heart, my portion forever!" Psalm 73:25-26

Desires of the Soul.

What do you desire, O my soul? With what imaginable excellency would you clothe yourself! What desirable object
would you pitch upon?

Is it beauty? The righteous shall shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. So shall they be forever with t
he Lord.

Is it riches? Wealth and riches are the portion of all God's children; every one in His family shall have a rich, a glorio
us, an incorruptible, and eternal inheritance among the saints!

Is it honor? What honor can compare to this—to be a friend and favorite of God, and a spouse of Christ—to hav
e a crown of righteousness, of life, and of glory! Nay more, a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory set upon yo
ur head!

Is it pleasure? The just shall enter into their Master's joy, and there are rivers of pleasure at God's right hand for ev
ermore!

In a word, what would you have, O my soul? A confluence of all the glorious things of eternity?

If heaven, and the holiness thereof—are what you seek;
then heaven and the excellencies thereof—you shall find!

Lord, make me holy—then I shall be happy!

"Whom do I have in heaven but You? And I desire nothing on earth but You! My flesh and my heart may fail, but Go
d is the strength of my heart, my portion forever!" Psalm 73:25-26

A Christian's End.

Wise agents always propound their end—before they commence their work: and then direct their actions to that e
nd which they propounded. If a mariner sails—it is that he may arrive at a certain harbor: therefore he sails by compas
s, that he may compass that for which he sails.

A Christian should always have one eye upon his end—and the other eye upon his way. That man lives a brutish l
ife—who knows not what he lives for. And that man acts a fool's part—who aims at heaven, and lives at random. The
end for which a wise Christian lives is—that he may live without end; and therefore his way of living is, that he may live
to spend his life continually in the ways of life. He is always walking in those paths in which he can see heaven before hi
m.

O my soul, what do you aim at? Is it a full enjoyment of your God? Why then, while you are present in the body—

Page 2/20

Articles and Sermons :: Divine Breathings! A Pious Soul Thirsting after Christ By Thomas Sherman

be always drawing near unto the Lord. Just so, when you shall be absent from the body—you shall be always present
with the Lord.

The Rich Worldling.
"There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen, and lived in luxury every day." Luke 16:19
How apt are many at the sight of a rich worldling—to envy him for what he has. But, for my part, I rather pity him f
or what he lacks!

He has a talent—but it lacks improvement;
he has a lamp—but it lacks oil;
he has a soul—but it lacks grace;
he has the creature—but he lacks the Creator;
he has a mansion—but he lacks heaven.
In his life, he floats upon a torrent of vanity—which rolls along into an ocean of vexation!
And after death, it will be said of him, "Take this unprofitable servant, bind him hand and foot, and cast him into out
er darkness! Consign his soul to the eternal lake of fire and brimstone!"
Where now is the object of your envy?
It is not his gold that can then rescue him,
nor his mansion that can then satisfy him,
nor his friends that can then comfort him.
Therefore, if he is worth the envying—then who can be worth the pitying?
If this is happiness—then give me misery!
Lord, rather make me poor with a holy heart—than rich with an evil heart of unbelief!
"Have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue—because I am in agon
y in this fire!" Luke 16:24
"Then they will go away to eternal punishment—but the righteous to eternal life!" Matthew 25:46

The Christian's Choice.
I am frail—and the world is fleeting; but
my soul is immortal—and God is eternal.
If I choose earthly pleasures—I shall reap nothing but vanity and dissatisfaction.
If I aim at mammon, the god of this world—then shall I resemble the rich fool, who, for earthly gain, sacrificed his i
mmortal soul, and, in consequence, went to eternal perdition!
But if I choose God for my portion, then mercy and goodness shall follow me while I live—and glory and eternal pl
easure shall crown me when I die!
I will therefore now forsake that which I shall soon lose,
so that I may embrace that which I shall always enjoy!

Page 3/20

Articles and Sermons :: Divine Breathings! A Pious Soul Thirsting after Christ By Thomas Sherman

The Difference Between the Righteous and the Wicked.
The wicked have their heaven here—and their hell hereafter.
But the righteous have their hell here—and their heaven hereafter.
Dives had his good things in this life—and Lazarus his evil things.
Now Lazarus is comforted—and Dives is tormented!
I will not, therefore, envy the prosperity of the wicked,
nor be cast down at the afflictions of the righteous;
seeing the one is drawn in pomp to hell—
while the other swims in tears to heaven!
"There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid
a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came
and licked his sores.
The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and wa
s buried. In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he call
ed to him, 'Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, b
ecause I am in agony in this fire.'
But Abraham replied, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received b
ad things, but now he is comforted here—and you are in agony!'" Luke 16:19-25

Spiritual Joy and Sorrow.
As there is a sorrowful mirth—so there is a joyful mourning.
Look at the voluptuous man: however laughter may appear in his face—yet sadness always rests in his heart! His
carnal delights are not only vain—but vexing!
While his banquet lasts—the sensualist sings; but when God's reckoning comes—his heart sinks!
But now look at the true penitent: as his tears are the joy of angels, so they are the joy of his soul.
The more briny his tears—the sweeter his comforts!
The deeper his sighs—the fuller his joy!
The beams of consolation—always shine into his house of mourning.
I may truly say, to mourn for sin—is to weep for joy! These pure and pleasant streams of consolation (which are th
e worldling's wonder) that flow in those crystal rivers of eternal pleasure at God's right hand—come from a weeping spr
ing.
Why then is the mouth of wickedness opened against the way of holiness—as if grace were the Calvary to entom
b joys; and impiety the very womb to bring forth happiness!
But if experience may be heard, my soul has felt both—I find such dissatisfaction in worldly pleasures, and such u
nspeakable delight in the depth of godly sorrow—that I esteem one drop of such spiritual joy—better than an ocean o
f carnal mirth!

Page 4/20

Articles and Sermons :: Divine Breathings! A Pious Soul Thirsting after Christ By Thomas Sherman

Happiness of the Christian.

"In Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand are eternal pleasures!" Psalm 16:11

Christian, your happiness arises from that object on which your affections are placed. Where your treasure is—th
ere will your heart be also. If your affections are placed upon a poor empty creature; or, if like Judas, your heart is so de
praved, that you desire only the money-bag; or, like Reuben, you are content, for worldly convenience, to continue on thi
s side Jordan—then remember you are bartering eternal life for a mere fantasy, and deceiving yourself into irretrievabl
e and endless ruin!

If you will be content with . . .
a breath of honor,
a blaze of pleasure,
a snare of riches,
or a parcel of vanity,
then go, take your fill! But know assuredly—that the end of these things is death!

When you shall draw your last breath,
when honor will appear only as air,
when your deathless soul shall be forever ensnared
—then you will greatly lament your past conduct,
and wish you had never been born!

But now, O true Christian, if you are risen with Christ from the dead, and are looking at unseen and eternal realities
—then for you is prepared a golden crown, a celestial harp, a glorious mansion, and eternal hallelujahs! You shall enjo
y the presence of God and the Lamb forever and ever! You shall gaze on the incomparable brightness of God, and forev
er contemplate the wonders of redemption.

Lord, if this is my happiness, let others enjoy the things of this world! For my part, I am content to deny myself, and
take up my cross and follow You!

Spiritual Desires.

Insatiable desires after temporal things—make a poor man in spiritual things. A true Christian is only rich in tempo
ral things—when he is content with that which he has. That man enjoys but little of pious pleasure—who does not hu
nger and thirst after righteousness.

Worldly desires always leave us empty; either we do not obtain that which we covet—or we are dissatisfied with t
hat which we obtain! But he who thirsts after heavenly things, is always filled—and the more he receives, the more he
desires. The richest mercies that God can give—may be obtained by sincere and earnest desires, attended by fervent
and importunate prayer. What unspeakable advantages might we obtain by our desires—if we did but direct them towa
rds heaven! How many excellent mercies are stored up for us—and only require our desires to go forth as a ship, to bri
ng them into the harbor of our souls! Why then do I allow my desires to flow in a wrong direction? I make myself poor—
by thirsting after the world and the creature! Whereas I might be rich, if I counted all things but loss for the excellency of t
he knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord!

Deceitful Riches.

Usually, when a wealthy worldling has died, many say, "O, he died rich—he has left a great estate!" Alas! the poor
man has slept his sleep, lost his dream—and now he awakes, and he finds nothing in his hand! Where is his golden he
ap? Gone! Only the rust of that heap is gone to witness against him! His mammon fails him—only the unrighteousness
of it follows him—others have the use of it, only the abuse of it he carries to judgment with him!

Page 5/20

Articles and Sermons :: Divine Breathings! A Pious Soul Thirsting after Christ By Thomas Sherman

He has made his friends, (as we say) but he has undone himself. Just so, that I may justly write this motto upon ev
ery one of his money-bags, "This is the price of blood!" Shall I then treasure up the price of blood! No! Christ has entrust
ed me as a steward; therefore, what I have and need not, Christ shall have in his needy members. So transitory creature
s, when they shall slide away—shall not carry me with them; but when I shall pass away—I shall carry them with me.

The Misery of a Wicked Man.

Lord, what a miserable creature is a wicked man! His very manna turns to worms; his very mercies make him miser
able! Look at him in his wealthy condition, and you will find that he has not the privilege of enjoying it, only the trouble of
keeping it—which tends not to his comfort. Or, if he enjoys it—he does so miserably abuse it, that he makes that whic
h is but temporal in its use, to be for his eternal punishment! Alas! the pleasures of it are soon gone—but the pain of it
will continue with him forever! Lord, help me to improve your mercies—that your mercies may not aggravate my miseri
es.

Let sinners boast how tall they rise,
I'll never envy them again;
There they may stand with haughty eyes,
Until they plunge deep in endless pain.

Their fancied joys, how fast they flee;
Just like a dream when man awakes:
Their songs of softest harmony,
Are but a preface to their plagues.

The book of conscience.

Would you know whether your name is written in the book of life? Then read what you have written in the book of c
onscience. You need not ask, "Who shall ascend up into heaven, to search the records of eternity?" Only descend into y
our own heart, and there read what you are—and what you shall be. Though God's book of remembrance is closed an
d kept above with God—yet your book of conscience is open, and kept below in your bosom; and what you write there,
you shall be sure to read hereafter!

If I write nothing in this book but the black lines of sin—I shall find nothing in God's book but the red lines of damn
ation! But if I write God's Word in my book of conscience, I may be sure God has written my name in His book of life. At t
he great day of judgment, when the books shall be opened, there I shall read the sweetest—or the sharpest lines. I will
therefore so write here—that I may not be ashamed to read hereafter!

Dangerous Curiosity.

"The secret things belong to the LORD our God; but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, th
at we may follow all the words of this law." Deuteronomy 29:29

Do not be anxious to understand the secrets of God. Do not pick the lock to which He has allowed no key. He who
will be scanning every cloud—may be smitten with a thunderbolt; and he who will labor to pry into God's secrets—ma
y be overwhelmed with his judgments!

Adam would presumptuously increase his knowledge; therefore Adam dreadfully lost his goodness! The Bethshemi
tes would pry into the ark of God; therefore the hand of God slew more than fifty thousand of them!

For my part, I will carefully improve myself by things revealed, and not presumptuously inquire into, or after, what h
e has concealed.

Page 6/20

Articles and Sermons :: Divine Breathings! A Pious Soul Thirsting after Christ By Thomas Sherman

Death.

"The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. He thought to himself, 'What shall I do? I have no place to
store my crops.'

Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain
and my goods. And I'll say to myself: You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy! Eat, drink, a
nd be merry!'

But God said to him: You fool! You will die this very night! Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?"
Luke 12:16-20

Nothing is so certain as death! And nothing so uncertain as the time of my death! I may be too old to live—but I ca
n never be too young to die. I will therefore live every hour—as if I were to die the next.

"Prepare to meet your God!" Amos 4:12

State of Man at Death.

"It is appointed unto men once to die—and after that to face judgment!" Hebrews 9:27

As the tree falls—so it lies. And where death strikes us down—there God awards either mercy or misery.

I may compare the state of man at death to the Israelites and Egyptians at the Red Sea: if I go into the sea as an Is
raelite, my landing shall be in glory, and my rejoicing in triumph; for I shall see all my enemies dead upon the shore! But
if I go in as an Egyptian—if I am on this side the cloud, on this side the covenant, and yet go in hardened among the tr
oops of Pharaoh—then justice shall return in its full strength, and inundation of judgment shall overflow my soul forever
!

Or, I may compare it to the sleep of the ten bridesmaids, of whom it is said, "They slumbered and slept." Now, if I lie
down with the wise bridesmaids, I shall go in with the bridegroom to the marriage feast. But if I sleep with the foolish brid
esmaids, without oil in my lamp, without grace in my soul—then I have closed the gates of mercy upon my soul forever
!

Therefore I see that this life is the time in which I must do my work—and then I must be judged according to my w
orks—on that solemn day. I am not certain how soon I shall fall into this sleep; therefore, Lord, grant that I may live eve
ry day in Your sight—as I desire to appear the last day in Your presence!

Small Space Between Life and Death.

What is said of the mariner, with respect to his ship—that he always sails within four inches of death; may be said
of the soul, in relation to the body—that it is always within four inches of eternity! If the ship wrecks—then the sailor m
ust sink; if our earthen vessels breaks—the soul is gone, plunged forever into the bottomless sea, and bankless ocean
of eternity!

This is the soul, therefore, that I desire to weep over—the soul of a man who precipitately launches into the deep
—before he knows whether he shall sink or swim!

Preparation for Death.

Page 7/20

Articles and Sermons :: Divine Breathings! A Pious Soul Thirsting after Christ By Thomas Sherman

It was an anguished speech of a dying king, "I must now die—before I begin to live!"

It is the wretched condition of many dying men, that their work has not begun—when the hour of their departure is
at hand! When the enemy is in their gate—they have no weapons! When death is at their door—they have no saving
grace! When the bridegroom has come— they have no oil! The "avenger of blood" is upon them—the city of refuge is
not so much as thought of by them.

In a word, the seven years of plenty are wasted, and no provision made for the years of famine. Their time is all spe
nt—and nothing is laid up for eternity!

I will therefore now finish every work I have to do—that to die may be the last work I shall have to finish.

The Soul's Communion.

The nearer the moon draws to the sun—the brighter it shines towards the earth, and the darker it appears to the h
eavens. Just so, the nearer the sincere soul draws into communion with the Lord Jesus Christ—the more lovely it is in t
he eye of the Savior, and the blacker it appears to the world. He who is a Christian to the Lord—is an obsolete Puritan
to the world. He who appears amiable to a child of God—is odious to an earthly spirit. But it is a sign that you are an E
gyptian when that cloud, which is a light to an Israelite—is darkness to you. It is a sign that you move in an earthly orb
—when you see no luster in such celestial lights. For my part, if I shine to God, I care not how I appear to the world.

The Worth of a Christian.

"We are God's children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ!" Roman
s 8:16-17

The world scarcely knows what we Christians are—for did they realize that we are . . .
God's jewels,
the favorites of heaven,
the excellency of the creation,
and the beloved bride of Christ
—they would not mock and persecute us as they do!

Or if we did only consider . . .
that we shall be glorified together with Christ;
that His happiness shall be our happiness;
that His joy shall be our joy,
and His glories shall be our glories—truly, we would not be so much dejected as we are!

"Dear friends, we are GodÂ’s children now, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when He
appears—we will be like Him, because we will see Him as He is!" 1 John 3:2

The Prosperity of the Wicked.

"But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the
prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from the burdens co
mmon to man; they are not plagued by human ills. Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violenc
e. From their callous hearts comes iniquity; the evil conceits of their minds know no limits." Psalm 73:2-7

Why should I murmur at the prosperity of the wicked? Indeed when I viewed their wealth, and forgot their curse—
my feet had almost slipped. But by entering the sanctuary of God, I perceived that all the blossoms of their glory must wi

Page 8/20

Articles and Sermons :: Divine Breathings! A Pious Soul Thirsting after Christ By Thomas Sherman

ther under the blastings of God's wrath! And all their external felicity only hastens the judgments of the Lord, and fills up t
he measure of their misery!

For what are their pleasures—but like the deceitful greeting of Joab to Amasa? (See 2 Samuel 20:9-10) What are
their riches—but like Jael's present in a majestic bowl? (See Judges 5:24-27) It only makes way for the fatal nail, for th
eir dreadful account at the day of judgment. Their prosperity slays them!

Now, who reckons that ox happy, which has a goodly pasture to feed himself—but for the slaughter? Who envies
that malefactor who has a sunny day—to ride to execution on? And why is it that the workers of iniquity flourish? Is it n
ot that they may be destroyed forever? And the larger their pasture—the sooner they are fitted for their destruction.

Therefore, for my part, when I see a wicked man prosper in his wickedness, I will turn the flame of envy—into a te
ar of pity!

A Christian's Heaven and Hell.
It is heaven to be forever with the Lord—and hell to be eternally without Him.
You who can see no beauty in Christ, nor any glory in heaven—do you likewise see no flames in hell, and no hell i
n the loss of God? You, therefore, who cannot relish His presence—O tremble at His absence! And you who are not an
xious to be with Him—O fear to be without Him!
For this is hell on earth: "Yet they say to God: Depart from us! We have no desire to know Your ways. Who is the Al
mighty, that we should serve Him?" Job 21:14-15
And this is hell when we leave the earth, "Then He will say to those on His left: Depart from Me, you who are curse
d, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels!" Matthew 25:41
Lord, you are my heaven, and my happiness! "You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Y
our right hand!" Psalm 16:11

The Use of Riches.
The benefits to be derived from wealth, depend upon its improvement as a talent from God. It resembles the woma
n's box of precious ointment; if it is not broken and poured out for the sweet refreshment of Jesus Christ in his distressed
members—it will lose its worth. Therefore the covetous man may truly write upon his corrupting heaps, "These are goo
d for nothing!"
Chrysostom tells us, That he is not rich who lays up much—but he who lays out much; for it is all one, not to have
—as not to use.
I will therefore be the richer by a charitable laying out—while the man of the world will be the poorer by his coveto
us hoarding up.

The Sinner's Idol.
Who will part with his God? I will part with my life—rather than with my God!
No wonder, therefore, that the covetous man so idolizes his gold—it is his god! If you take that from him, he will cr
y with Micah, when he lost his idols, "You have taken away all my gods—and I have nothing left!" Judges 18:24. His he
aven is gone, his happiness is gone, his all is gone—if his idols are gone!

Page 9/20

Articles and Sermons :: Divine Breathings! A Pious Soul Thirsting after Christ By Thomas Sherman

I will not therefore wonder so much at the closeness of his hand—as at the vanity of his heart!

We count it singular wisdom to keep that God we have chosen. But it is absolute folly, to choose that god which we
cannot keep! "Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like a
n eagle!" Proverbs 23:5

The Soul's Happiness.

O my soul, you are spiritual in your essence, immense in your desires, and immortal in your nature; so that there m
ust be proportion and perfection in that which you enjoy, with a perpetuity of both—or you will have no real satisfaction.

Now, were the world turned into a pleasant Eden, and that Eden refreshed with the living springs of immortality, an
d you seated on a throne of its choicest excellencies, crowned with the diadem of its highest felicities, swaying the scept
er of your glory over all sublunary creatures—nay, could you give guidance to the sun, did your territories border upon t
he highest heavens, and the revenues of your crown flow in from the farthest parts of the earth; yet what proportion does
a material world bear to an immortal soul?

Will a lion feed upon grass? Or can the soul be satisfied with dust? You may as soon feed your body with wood—
as your soul with the world. If the world did bear proportion—yet it lacks perfection.

Could the devil turn chemist, and extract the very vital essence and quintessence of the purest and most desirable
excellencies under heaven—yet they would be of such an imperfect nature, that there would be more lees than liquor,
more thorns than flowers, more smoke than fire, more poison than honey; so that a man will be filled with a whirlwind of
vexation, who wished to be satisfied with an object of imperfection! For it is impossible that such a scanty excellency, sh
ould in any way fill such an enlarged capacity.

Yet again, were there perfection, there is not perpetuity in this poor world. It will fly away like a bird from the perchÂ
—or melt away like ice before the sun—and so leave the immortal soul to sink forever! So that the world will not only m
ake you restless—but leave you miserable! I see then, that I shall never rest—until I rest in God! He who is the Almig
hty Father, the fountain of bliss, the ancient of days—is the only adequate object to suit my immortal soul. The rest of t
he creature is in its end; the end of the soul is its God. Therefore, Lord, seeing you have made me for Yourself—fill me
fully with Yourself, or take me wholly to Yourself!

The Vanity of the World.

Does Satan tempt you—either by pleasures, power or profits? O my soul, stand upon your guard, gird on your str
ength with such thoughts as these:

What can the world profit me—if its cares choke me?

How can pleasures comfort me—if their sting poisons me?

What advancement is this—to be triumphing in honor before the face of men here, and to be trembling for shame
before the throne of God hereafter?

What are the delights of the world—compared to my peace of conscience, or the joy that is in the Holy Spirit?

What are the applauses of men—compared to the eternal crown of glory prepared by God?

What is the gain of the world—compared to the loss of my soul?

The vanity of the world is far beneath the excellency of my soul. Therefore, Satan, I am determined to resist you, fo
r you desire my eternal loss!

Page 10/20

Articles and Sermons :: Divine Breathings! A Pious Soul Thirsting after Christ By Thomas Sherman

"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For ev
erything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—com
es not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God liv
es forever!" 1 John 2:15-17

The Christian Traveler.

"These all confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth." Hebrews 11:13

A black cloud causes the traveler to quicken his pace, and hasten towards his home; whereas a sunny day, tempts
him to idle away his time; and a pleasant way tends to steal away his affections while he surveys the country.

However others may think of it—yet I consider it a mercy, that occasionally some clouds interpose my sun, and oft
en so that my troubles eclipse my comforts. For I perceive that if I should find too much friendship in my inn, or in my pilg
rimage—that I would soon forget my Father's house and my glorious eternal inheritance.

"Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul." 1
Peter 2:11

The World's Hatred to Living Saints.

There is a generation of men, that will praise the saints who are gone to heaven—and yet mock and afflict the sai
nts on earth; so that were all those saints alive again, whom they now so much honor, I dare affirm, they would persecut
e them. Like the Jews, they can garnish the sepulchers of the righteous—and yet they are the descendants of those w
ho murdered the prophets!

Dissembling world! your tongue embalms a dead saint—while your hand inflicts a wound on the living saints! You
can praise God for those who are departed in the faith—and yet persecute God in those who will not depart from the fa
ith. O foolish world, you must of necessity condemn yourself—for your praise has left your practice without excuse!

The Best Treasures.

Alexander being asked where he would lay his treasure, answered very well, "Among my friends;" being confident, t
hat there it would be kept with safety, and returned with interest. Why do you enlarge your barns? Don't you know where
to store your abundance? Make the friends of Christ your treasury; let the hands of the widow, the affections of the poor
—be your storehouse; there no thief can steal it, no time can rust it, no change can lose it, and there it will be improved
. A temporal gift will be there turned into an eternal reward! No ground is so fruitful—as the bosom of the poor; this brin
gs forth a hundred-fold.

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth—where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and
steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven—where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not
break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also!" Matthew 6:19-21

The World's Worthlessness.

O my soul—why do you grovel in the dust of this earth? Everything here is too base for your excellency; and too s
hort for your eternity! You are capable of enjoying God—and must exist when these poor creatures are reduced to noth
ing. The world therefore is too base a metal—to make a crown of glory for you! It is too corrupt a vessel to—carry you
through eternity! O fill yourself with God—and so you shall raise your dignity to glorious perpetuity!

Page 11/20

Articles and Sermons :: Divine Breathings! A Pious Soul Thirsting after Christ By Thomas Sherman

"Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For ev
erything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—com
es not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away—but the man who does the will of God
lives forever!" 1 John 2:15-17

Christian Conduct.

"I have set you an example—that you should do as I have done for you." John 13:15

When anything presents itself, think: if He were alive and in my place—would Jesus do it? Or if I were about to die
—would I still do it?

I must walk—as He has walked; and I must live—as I intend to die. If the thing in question is not Christ's will—it
is my sin. And if I die in that sin—it will be my ruin.

I will therefore in every action so conduct myself—as if Christ were on the one hand—and death on the other!

"Leaving you an example, so that you should follow in His steps." 1 Peter 2:2

Live with Respect to Eternity.

"What is your life? You are a vapor that appears for a little while—and then vanishes!" James 4:14

Our life is only a moment of time; and yet in this moment of time—we sow the seeds of eternity! In this transitory h
our, I am preparing myself either for eternal felicity—or eternal woe! These words that I now speak, these works that I
now perform, though they here seem to be forgotten—yet they shall spring up to all eternity!

As the poet answered one, upbraiding him for being three days in composing three verses; whereas the novice cou
ld compile a hundred verses in one day; "O!" said the poet, "Your verses are only for three days, as it were—but mine
must continue forever; according to my composition now—my name must either rise or fall forever!"

Just so may we answer this foolish world—which upbraids us for too much preciseness. O! have not we cause to
be exact, when the works we are performing are not to be written in sand—but in the records of eternity? The lines that
we now draw—must run parallel with eternity; and according to our conduct in this fleeting moment of time—our souls
must either be glorified—or damned forever!

O Lord, help me so to improve the brevity of my life—by the integrity of my actions; that I may turn this moment of
misery—into an eternity of unspeakable happiness!

"Then they will go away to eternal punishment—but the righteous to eternal life!" Matthew 25:46

The happy Lives of the Blessed.

The soul of man (says the philosopher) is the horizon of time and eternity. Now if the sun of righteousness has not r
isen in our horizon, we must expect nothing but a clouded time, and a stormy eternity; gross darkness hereafter forever!
But as for those blessed saints, into whose souls the oriental splendor of the sun of righteousness is shed abroad—ho
w gloriously will be their eternity! What celestial excellencies! What reviving comforts!

And as for the triumphant saints in glory, in whose horizon Jesus Christ shines in the eternal meridian of his gloryÂ
—O what full beams of bliss and consolation, without the least shadow of bitterness and discontent, warm and delight th
eir blessed souls to all eternity! Lord, lift up the light of your countenance in my horizon, so shall time be the morning of g
lory, and eternity the noon of glory—in my soul.

Page 12/20

Articles and Sermons :: Divine Breathings! A Pious Soul Thirsting after Christ By Thomas Sherman

The Sinner's Base Choice.

"Men of the world—who have their portion in this life." Psalms 17:14

The world has many servants, because it gives present wages; whereas Christ has but few disciples, because their
reward is in another life. Most live by sight, and therefore they will satisfy sense; they had rather be sent away like Ishma
el, with a small gift—than wait like Isaac, for the inheritance. They had rather take their portion in this life—than wait f
or an inheritance reserved in heaven.

Their hearts cry with Esau, "What profit will this birth-right do us?" We must have pleasure, and we must have riche
s; and therefore, like King Lysimachus, they will sell their kingdom and themselves—for a draught of water!

There are but few who have such elevated spirits as the disciples had, who could leave a present possession, to liv
e upon a future promise. Very few have so heroic a spirit as Moses had, who could despise the treasures of this present
world, out of respect to the recompense of a future reward. But many have such sordid spirits as Dives had, who would
enjoy his good things here. But, Lord, let me not have my portion in this life, for I had rather live by faith.

The Rebellious Sinner.

What rebel under proclamation of mercy remains obstinate, when he knows he shall be subdued by the hand of jus
tice? Yet how many refractory sinners (like those invited guests in the Gospel) deride the messengers of peace, until the
y are slain by the men of war!

Sinner, can your heart endure, or your hands be strong—in the day that God shall deal with you? Or can the gods
whom you serve—deliver you out of the hands of Christ? Ah no! you must one day be brought under his regal power, e
ither with his favor—or fury; either to the praise of his glory in your salvation—or to the magnifying of his justice in you
r damnation! If you hate his throne—you shall be made his footstool. If you will not have him to be your head—you sh
all be trodden under his feet! If he is not your Savior—he will be your Judge!

In a word, if you will not touch the golden scepter of his mercy—you shall be crushed with the rod of his justice! A
nd, remember this, that this life is the only time for displaying the flag of mercy, and for the burning of the candle of peac
e. If the white flag is folded up, and the burning candle expires—then expect nothing but the dreadful brandishing of th
e black flag.

"But bring here these enemies of Mine, who did not want Me to rule over them—and slaughter them in My presen
ce!" Luke 19:27. Therefore now sit down and see your weakness, and while the King is yet a great way off, send out the
ambassadors of your prayers and tears—and acquaint yourself now with God, and be at peace. For my part, I had rath
er come in as God's favorite—than be brought in a traitor!

The Benefit of Repentance.

Sin and sorrow are two inseparable companions; you can not indulge the one—and be without the other. If your m
oments are spent in carnal mirth—your eternity will be spent in ceaseless mourning. If you will not weep for sin, while y
ou may have mercy to pardon you—you will lament hereafter, and have no eye to pity you! A bottle of tears may now q
uench the fire of sin—but a cloud of tears will never quench the flames of hell!

Therefore while the wicked continue laughing—I will continue to mourn. Through the Valley of Bochim (weeping)Â
—I shall pass to the hill of Zion. But the paths of carnal mirth will bring me into a hell of weeping; for this is true, "He who
swims in sin—shall sink in sorrow!" His laughter shall be turned into heaviness; but my tears shall be wiped away! I will
therefore ever weep—that I may not weep forever!

Page 13/20

Articles and Sermons :: Divine Breathings! A Pious Soul Thirsting after Christ By Thomas Sherman

"Blessed are those who mourn—for they will be comforted!" Matthew 5:4

As We Live—so We Die.
That way which the tree leans, while it grows—that way it falls when it is cut down; and there it lies, whether it be t
oward the North or South.
Just so, our life is an indication of what our death will be. As men live, so, in general, do they die; whether they lived
for heaven or hell. Being once dead, there is no second chance. For as in war—an error is death; so in death—an err
or is damnation! Therefore live as you intend to die—and you will die as you have lived. O Lord! let my soul be always f
ixed on you, that I may fall into your arms, and forever rest in your gracious bosom!
"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction—and many en
ter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life—and only a few find it." Matthew 7:13-14

Death the Wages of Sin.
Jordan, that famous river, no doubt runs through many a pleasant meadow, by many a shady grove and flowery ba
nk; and yet at last empties itself into the Dead Sea.
So it is with a wicked man! Here he walks through meadows of worldly pleasures, and rests under the shades of ea
rthly comforts, and sports and wallows among the flowers of worldly delights—but at last runs himself down into the De
ad Sea of Hell. And not only so—but . . .

his earthly delights will fade,
his beauty shall be turned into horror,
his honor shall be turned into shame,
his lusts shall be turned into devils, and
his pleasures shall be turned into bitterness!
Lord, let me be a pure stream, that may terminate in heaven! I care not what difficult channels I pass through here
on earth—if in heaven I may exchange my weakness and corruption, for perfection and glory!

The Sinner's Folly.
What is a day—compared to an age; and what is an age—compared to eternity? We know that the shortest day
is part of the longest time—but the longest time is no part of eternity; for where time ends, there eternity begins!
Why then are we so foolish as to heap up baubles for mortality; to lay up riches, which, at longest, are but for many
hours; and yet never provide anything for eternity? And why are we so careful to humor and pamper a moldering piece o
f clay—a frail and mortal body, which cannot continue beyond a certain age, perhaps not more than a day—and yet n
eglect our precious souls, which must endure forever? Do we all aim at a prosperous life? Why then—let us labor for a
glorious eternity!
"But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not bre
ak in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also!" Matthew 6:20-21

No Happiness Without Holiness.
All men desire happiness for their end—but few will have holiness for their way. All men desire the kingdom of he

Page 14/20

Articles and Sermons :: Divine Breathings! A Pious Soul Thirsting after Christ By Thomas Sherman

aven, and the glory thereof—but few seek the kingdom of heaven, and the righteousness thereof.

A nobleman being asked whether he would rather be a godly Christian—or worldly pleasure seeker, answered, "I
had rather live like the latter—and die like the former!" So most men had rather live like Balaam—but "die the death of
the righteous!" They wish to have the worldling's ease—but the godly man's end. But this is certain, no man shall go to
God in death—unless he draws near to God in life. If the kingdom of God is not first in us—we shall never enter into t
he kingdom of God. None shall enter heaven hereafter—but those that walk in heaven here on earth. None shall enter
the gates of felicity—but those who tread the narrow paths of piety. Lord! make me holy—as well as happy, that I ma
y desire to glorify you, as well as to be glorified by you.

Procrastination.

There are many tomorrow Christians who postpone their eternal interests. When they are at a certain age—they
will repent, and not before; as if they had the control of time, and the monopoly of grace; whereas time and grace are onl
y at God's disposal.

Ambrose says, "God has promised pardon to the penitent—but he has not promised tomorrow to the negligent!" If
I put God off today—he may put me off tomorrow. If I put off this hour of grace—I may never have another gracious h
our. Today if I refuse his hands of mercy, tomorrow he may stretch out his hand of justice. It is true, while I have time, I
may come in; but it is also true, when I would come in, I may not have time. This is certain—when I repent, I shall have
mercy; but this is as certain—when I would have mercy, I may not find repentance. O Lord, you have given me this hou
r of grace to repent in, give me grace in this hour to enable me to repent.

Life, a Shadow.

What a shadow is the life of man! What a nothing it is!

The time past—that is nothing, like a bird fled from the hand of its owner, immediately out of sight.

Time present—that is a vanishing hour; nay, less, a flying minute, less than nothing!

The time to come—that is uncertain; the evening sun may see us dead! Lord, therefore in this hour make me sure
of you—for in the next I am not sure of myself.

Time was, is past—you can not it recall;
Time is, you have—employ the portion small;
Time future is not—and may never be;
Time present—is the only time for thee.

The Life of Faith.

He is a genuine Christian, who can part with all for Christ, and live by faith. But when we are called upon to lose wh
at we possess, in hope of finding it again in heaven, the mere professor stops, and goes back sorrowful.

Socrates, the philosopher, threw his belongings into the sea to save himself, saying, "I had rather drown you, than t
hat you should drown me;" for he thought that riches and virtue were incompatible. But how many professors are there,
who throw away themselves and their souls—to save their gold? Before they will cast their bread upon the water, they
will throw themselves into the ocean. Many pretend to follow Christ—yet by yielding to the allurements of this world, pla
inly declare that the world, and not Christ, is their Master. But he has no part in Christ—who will not part with all for Chr
ist.

Page 15/20

Articles and Sermons :: Divine Breathings! A Pious Soul Thirsting after Christ By Thomas Sherman

A Christian's Treasure.

When I look into the treasures of a rich man, perhaps I see chests of silver, bags of gold, and cabinets of jewels; bu
t this is the misery of it, that when he goes abroad, he cannot carry them without a burden, or leave them without a fear.

But it is the Christian's privilege, to carry his treasure always in him. His treasure is an abiding one; thieves cannot
steal it; moth and rust cannot corrupt it. It was given him by Christ, who is firm, invincible, and unchangeable.

This refreshes the spirit of a Christian in all the troubles and afflictions which he has to encounter, that Christ, if he
be steadfast in the faith, will never leave him nor forsake him. O, the excellency of a child of God! Though you might dep
rive him of all things—yet you cannot take from him the one thing needful.

A Christian, though you may impoverish him, banish him, and deprive him of all—yet he is able to say, "I carry all
my treasure with me, I have my Christ, in whom all fullness dwells."

Lord, be my portion, then I shall have that which will make me supremely happy, though I may lack the treasures of
the world.

The Day of Grace.

Legal times were like winter days—dark and cloudy, sharp and stormy; and yet how many of our fathers traveled t
o heaven in those days! But gospel times are like summer days—sweet and clear, full of light and beauty, so that we m
ay truly say, God has not been as a cloud of darkness to us; for these are the days of grace which are full of the beams
of mercy. Yet how slowly and reluctantly do many of us go to heaven! Nay worse, how foolishly do we waste these preci
ous days, and neglect these golden opportunities! O what time shall that man find to repent in—who is hardened in the
se melting times! O on what day shall that man go to heaven—who idles away these gospel days! O what grace shall t
hat man find to pardon his sin—who sins away the day of grace! O to whom shall that man appeal—who renounces J
esus Christ! O woe unto that man forever, upon whom the shadows of death and of the evening are stretched out—an
d yet who never sets forth for heaven!

But in a more awful state is that man, to whom the dearer and sweeter day—only makes the blacker and sadder h
ell! O what blackness of darkness is reserved for that man, who will walk in darkness under the glorious dispensation of t
he Gospel! We are those that are not only lifted up to heaven—but heaven is let down to us. O how long shall that man
lie in hell—whom heaven presses down!

O you gospel-professor! you are now under the dispensation of light, the sweet invitations of mercy, and the wonde
rful manifestations of love. Consider this, you shall either go to heaven or to hell—upon the easiest or hardest terms.

A Six-fold Voice of Warning.

Methinks I hear six voices crying aloud, to the sons of men:

The first voice is of dying men;
The second is the voice of the damned;
The third is the voice of my precious soul;
The fourth is the voice of Jesus Christ;
The fifth is the voice of evil times;
The sixth is the voice of the day of judgment.

First, methinks, I hear a dying man breathing out these groans: "O lose not a moment of time; for your time is only a
moment! O now make sure of heaven; for you know not how soon you must leave the earth!"

Secondly, methinks, I hear the damned man uttering these lamentations: "O come, and see the end of sin—in tho

Page 16/20

Articles and Sermons :: Divine Breathings! A Pious Soul Thirsting after Christ By Thomas Sherman

se who know no end of sorrow! O come, and learn the price of time—from those who must forever suffer for the loss of
time!"

And thirdly, methinks, I hear my precious soul using these expostulations: "O my body! you are but for a moment of
time—but I must endure forever; when you are moldering in the dust—where shall I spend my eternity? I might now o
btain heaven as my mansion, angels for my companions, God for my possession; and do you think that I will lose my ete
rnal felicity—to satisfy your fleeting vanity? Is it not better that I should carry you to heaven—than that you should car
ry me with you to hell?"

And fourthly, methinks I hear Jesus Christ giving these invitations: "Behold, I stand at the door and knock, until my
head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night. Here I stand weeping, knocking, begging, and waiting;
O open to me! My tears beg—my groans knock—my blood knocks—my death knocks! O open to me! my patience k
nocks, and waits! O open to me! Let not sin lodge in your heart—and Myself wait at the door; let not damnation rule wit
hin—and salvation wait without."

Fifthly, Evil Times use their invitations: "O now be living Christians—for these are dying days! Now be groaning C
hristians—for these are backsliding times! Now make Jesus Christ your own—for here you know not what is your ow
n."

And sixthly, methinks, I hear the voice of the archangel summoning the dead to come to judgment. "Arise, you holy
and blessed saints, take your places with God and his holy angels, to judge the world! But arise, you cursed naked souls
, and stand in the presence of God, and of his blessed saints, to be judged as you lived in the world!" O Lord, let me hea
r with fear the first voices—that I may not fear to hear the last voice.

The Christian's Portion.

In every choice we cannot take—unless we leave. That man who chooses eternal life—must deny himself, and t
ake up his cross, and follow Christ. This is the heavenly breathing of such a gracious spirit: "Lord, let vain men follow the
fashions of this world—but clothe me with salvation, and the robe of righteousness. Let them be all glorious without—
but let me be all glorious within. Let the wicked go away with the world; let them have all the sweetness, beauties, glorie
s, and excellencies of the earth—but let Jesus Christ be my portion; for in comparison with him—the world is nothing
at all; for Christ is all. Therefore, be serious, O my soul! for Christ is not yours—until you can truly say, "None but Christ
!"

A threefold Awakening Consideration.

Three things, methinks, should make the heart of a Christian tremble:
First, the brevity of his life.
Secondly, the difficulty of his work.
Thirdly, the eternity of his end.

First, the brevity of his life. Our life is but a withering flower, a passing cloud, a vanishing shadow, a perishing breat
h! The body returns to the dust—and the soul to God who gave it. The night quickly comes when no man can work; but
how much is to be done in this short space of time?

Secondly, the difficulty of his work. Great enemies are to be conquered, sons of Anak are to be killed, principalities
and powers are to be overcome, dear lusts are to be subdued, right eyes are to be plucked out, right hands are to be cut
off, strict rules are to be followed, a narrow path and a strait way to go through. We have a long race to run—with a sho
rt breath; we have a great way to be gone by a setting sun. But then, what are we to expect when life is done?

Thirdly, the eternity of his end. As we have sowed—so we must reap; either to be eternally crowned—or eternall
y damned. Now therefore, before the sun be set, or the shadows of the evening be stretched out— whatever your hand
finds to do—do it with all your might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave where y
ou go.

Page 17/20

Articles and Sermons :: Divine Breathings! A Pious Soul Thirsting after Christ By Thomas Sherman

O Lord, help me to be diligent in this moment of time, that I may rest with you—when time shall be no more!

The Loveliness of Christ.

You have heard of the bloody siege of Troy, and yet it was said of Helen, that she was so beautiful, that she deserv
ed ten more years of war. And what was Helen—but a heap of clay?

You have heard of the hard labor of Jacob—yet Rachel was so amiable in his eyes—that he thought her worthy
of fourteen years' service.

If these deserved so much—O what does Jesus Christ deserve, who is altogether lovely; before whose shining gl
ory the beauty of the whole creation is but a confused chaos!

Therefore be not discouraged, O my soul, though your enemies are fierce, your assaults cruel, your resistance eve
n unto blood; you fight for a precious Redeemer who deserves it! Neither be disheartened, though the way is narrow, dut
ies hard, and your labors great—you serve an amiable Christ who will sufficiently reward you. Consider the astonishing
beauties of your Christ, think upon the glorious day of your espousal, and these fourteen years service will be nothing to
you.

Religion Pleasant.

I formerly thought that the spirit of a Christian was a melancholy spirit; and the ways of holiness are unpleasant pat
hs, leading to a state of gloomy solitude. But now I see that they have hidden manna, which the world knows not of; and
glorious joys, with which strangers do not meddle; and the more closely and exactly they walk—the fuller and sweeter
are their joys!

Formerly the thoughts of parting with my pleasures and delights, in order to embrace self-denying duties, were pain
ful to me; but now, I bless God, I can say with Augustine, "O how sweet it is—to lack my former sweetness!" It is now
my rejoicing—to be without my former joys; for now I see there is 'a heaven'—in the way to heaven; and that one look
of faith, one smile of Christ, one glance of heaven, one grape of Canaan, one glimpse of my crown of glory—yields mo
re sweetness, comfort, and contentment than all the pleasures the world affords! The very gleanings of spiritual joy—is
better than the vintage of carnal delights.

The World, not Satisfactory.

"Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. "Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless!" Ecclesiastes 1:2

"Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is th
e whole duty of man!" Ecclesiastes 12:13

Solomon tried many experiments to find happiness—but adopted only the last: the Fear of God. O my soul! you m
ay tire yourself with different objects—but none can satisfy you but God—He alone is the efficient and sufficient fullne
ss! It was said of manna, that it was the delight of every palate—just so, Jesus Christ affords satisfaction to every soul.
Taste therefore and see how sweet the Lord is!

Why do we wander after such a variety of objects? Because we cannot find sufficiency in one. Were one flower as
pleasant as the collection, we would never trouble ourselves to gather many. Those golden rays of goodness which lie s
cattered imperfectly in the creature—are to be found combined in God alone. These poor earthly ingredients, cannot m
ake up the highest excellency, the greatest goodness, and the fullest perfection—which are to be found collectively in
God alone. Is there anything profitable, or desirable in the world? You may see it in your Savior, Christ!

Page 18/20

Articles and Sermons :: Divine Breathings! A Pious Soul Thirsting after Christ By Thomas Sherman

Are you a captive of the devil? Christ is your Redeemer.
Are you wounded? Christ is your good Samaritan.
Are you broken-hearted? Go unto Christ, and He will bind it up.
Are you sick? Christ is your physician.
Are you persecuted? Christ is your refuge.
Are you hungry or thirsty? Christ is the living bread and the flowing stream.
Are you weary? Christ is your rest.
Are you in poverty? Christ is an inexhaustible treasury.
Are you in disgrace? Christ is your honor.
Are you dull and heavy? Christ is a quickening spirit.
Do you lack grace? Christ is the fountain.
Do you desire heaven? Christ is the way—He shall guide you by his counsel, and afterwards receive you to glory.
Let that man's name be written in the dust—who forsakes the flowing fountain, to quench his thirst at a broken cist
ern. Why should I tire myself to gather drops of honey from so many dying flowers—when I can satisfy myself with stre
ams of sweetness in the living Christ!

Divine Love.
Godly sorrow, like weeping Mary—seeks Christ.
Saving faith, like wrestling Jacob—finds and holds Christ.
Heavenly love, operating in the heart of a Christian, causes him to enjoy sweet communion with Christ. It brings hi
m into his banqueting house—and his banner over him is love. He esteems Christ as the chief among ten thousand, an
d the altogether lovely One; and he would part with all his possessions, rather than with him who is the pearl of great pri
ce! Divine love constrains the believer, and he longs to see his Savior in the realms above; but at the same time it induc
es him to wait his will; and while in this world to love his cause, his people, and to seek his glory; and in short—to spen
d and be spent for him.

Godly Sorrow.
The stream of sorrow, like water, ascends no higher than the spring from which it emanates.
Sin gives two bloody stabs:
the first is at the soul of man,
the second at the heart of Christ.
If the first stab grieves me, if I mourn for sin, as it has only wounded my soul, it is a sign that this stream flows from
only my natural heart, because it ascends up to a natural height.
But if I weep for sin as it has wounded Christ, and shed his blood which would save me—as it has pierced that he
art which would love me—then the spring is in heaven, because it rises to a supernatural ascent. Lord, that my sorrow

Page 19/20

Articles and Sermons :: Divine Breathings! A Pious Soul Thirsting after Christ By Thomas Sherman

may be real; pierce my heart for sin—as it stabs my soul, and pierces Christ!

Christ preferable to all.

My life is sweet—but Christ must be sweeter to me than my life! My soul is precious—but Christ must be dearer
to me than my soul! My salvation is great—but Christ must be more to me than my salvation. Christ must be loved abo
ve all; for without him there would be . . .

no arms of mercy to receive me,
no heaven of bliss to entertain me,
no weight of glory to crown me.

As it is a sign of carnal love to follow Christ for loaves—so it is a sign of a mercenary love to seek Christ for a rew
ard. It is but an adulterate affection that affects the present more than the person, loves the ring more than the beloved.
That choice cannot be sincere—which aims only at a portion; that love cannot be real—which aims only at a benefit.

The Right Performance of Christian Duty.

I must not perform a duty, unless I bring God to it; nor rest satisfied, unless I carry God from it. Hear David's precep
t, "O seek the Lord, and his strength; seek his face for evermore." Be sure not to rise from duty, before the countenance
of God shine, upon your soul. It must be Christ that must prepare you, and Christ that must meet you; or it will be no co
mfort to you. What is the chariot—if your beloved is not in it? Hear Bernard's practice, "Lord, I never come to you witho
ut you. I never go from you—but with you."

O blessed soul that never prays, hears, or receives—but carries Christ to all—enjoys Christ in all—and brings
Christ from all.

Indwelling Sin.

O my soul, you are always striving; and sin is always tempting. You doubt the truth of grace, because of the workin
g of sin; but sin will always vex. You cannot come out of Egypt—but Amalek will lay wait in the way; the flesh will be su
re to trouble you, though it may not conquer you.

He therefore who sits down and rests in sin—is a captive of Satan, the strong man, because his kingdom is in pea
ce. But where there is any work with Christ—there will always be war with sin. I know that while I live—sin will exist in
my mortal body. The ivy continually twists about a house; there is no destroying it until the wall falls.

Sin was the womb of death—and death must be the tomb of sin.

God would have my soul humbled, therefore though he has broken my prison—yet he has left the chain upon my
feet. God would have my faith exercised, therefore Goliath still appears in the field, that I may contend with him in the na
me of the Lord. I will unbuckle Saul's armor, think poorly of my own abilities, and go in the strength

Re: Divine Breathings! A Pious Soul Thirsting after Christ By Thomas Sherman, on: 2012/3/30 12:32

Maybe someone would be afraid to post a reply to this because of the title. Someone that is intimidated by how others w
ould judge them - but we need to get beyond the fear of man and read and acknowledge good and Scripturally balanced
writings such as this, as all of our days are numbered and sooner than we know, we'll stand before The King.
Life truly is short, I've found, even should we live to old age and Eternity is Forever.
Thank you!

Page 20/20