The worldling's ease--but the godly man's end

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(Thomas Sherman, "Divine Breathings; Or, a Pious Soul Thirsting after Christ")

All men desire happiness for their end--but few will have holiness for their way.

All men desire the kingdom of Heaven, 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 the kingdom of God. None shall enter Heaven hereafter--but those who 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 may desire to glorify You, as well as to be glorified by You.

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