'Voices From The Past' Vol. 1 — November 29

God’s children are swimming upstream and live contrary to the course of the world. They are living among men, and live as men do, but are moving in a different direction than the world, and are carried along by the Holy Spirit. Others may take whatever course they desire, but let us take this course: to draw near to God. A man's sanctified soul does not delight in the times, currents and the opinions of the age. He does not seek the course rising to preferment, the getting of riches, or the attaining of an imaginary present happiness (Phil. 3:18-19). He has other thoughts and opinions. The Spirit of God boils in him to live contrary to this world. Sometimes, God allows us to be foiled, and lets our lusts have the reins for awhile, to taste a little of the forbidden tree that we might taste its bitter fruit and say with experience, 'It is a bitter thing to forsake God.' Drawing near to God is our chief good. It is our happiness to seek him. The nearer anything is to the principle of something, the better off it is. Nearer to the sun, the more light; nearer the fire, the more heat; nearer to goodness, the more good; nearer to happiness, the more happiness. Therefore, it must be the greatest happiness to draw near to God. God is everywhere with his presence, power, and providence, but there is a special gracious presence of God in the hearts of his children. There is a gracious nearness when the Spirit of God sweetly enlarges, comforts, supports, and strengthens his children. Like Mary we should choose the better part. As we love God we desire still further communion with him. We must beg the Spirit to set this upon our souls when other things lead us contrary. Let us labour to be convinced of the excellence of spiritual things.

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Devotional Readings 'Voices From The Past Vol.1.'
Richard Sibbes, Works, VII:84-90
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