Determining the Condition of Our Desires (1)

One objective of Christianity is for us to desire to be sound Christians with all our hearts. Religion is more in the affections of the soul than in the effects and operations. It is more in the resolutions and purpose of the soul than in any works we can yield to God. Why are desires such good markers of the truth of grace in our lives? Because they are the immediate issues of the soul. Desires and thoughts are produced immediately from the soul, without any help of the body. They show the temper and frame of the soul. Thereupon God judges a man by his desires.
How can we know the truth and sincerity of our desires?
(1) If they are constant desires and not flashes; for then they come from a new nature. Nature is strong and firm. Fancy is for a moment or to serve a moment. When men impersonate a thing, they do not do it long. Creatures that are forced return to their own natures quickly; but when a man does a thing naturally, he does it constantly. So, constant desires argue a sanctified frame of soul and a new creation. They argue that the image of God has been stamped upon the soul. Thereupon we may know that they are holy desires and that they spring from a holy soul, if they be constant, if they be perpetual desires.
(2) If these desires are hearty, strong desires; and not only strong, but growing desires-desire upon desire, desire fed with desire still, never satisfied till they be satisfied. Strong and growing desires argue the truth of desires; as indeed a child of God has never grace enough, never faith enough, never love enough, or comfort enough, until he comes to heaven. They are growing desires. The Spirit of God, that is the spring in him, who springs up further and further, until it springs to everlasting life, until it ends in heaven, where all desires will be accomplished, and all promises performed, and all imperfections removed.

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Richard Sibbes 'Refreshment for the Soul.'
At the Throne of Grace, Works, vol. 6, pp. 98-100
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