WE are apt to be much affected by earthly things, but our affections must be permanently fixed on things above. Let us lift our eyes and hearts to heaven this morning; there are the proper objects of our love, desire, and esteem. There is Jehovah our heavenly Father, dwelling in unapproachable light. There is Jesus, our dear and adorable Saviour, exalted, dignified and glorified at the right-hand of the Father. There is the Holy Spirit, our divine, gracious and condescending Comforter. There the love, favour, and presence of God are fully enjoyed. There peace, rest, and happiness are eternally realized. There is the crown of righteousness, the throne of glory, and the rivers of pleasure which our God has promised, and set before us. There are our brethren who have gone home before us, and there our affections should be. What is earth or time? We shall soon have done with both. Let us then SET OUR AFFECTIONS ON THINGS ABOVE, AND NOT ON THINGS ON THE EARTH.
Why should my heart descend so low, To brood on earth-a world of woe? While heaven, where endless pleasures roll, Waits to entrance my new-born soul. Saviour! let thine attractions be But felt in all their force by me Then shall I mount on wings of love, And fix and dwell on things above.
Written by James Smith for his own flock around 1840, but such was the demand that by 1846 over thirty thousand copies where in circulation.
James Smith was a predecessor of Charles Spurgeon at New Park Street Chapel in London from 1841-1850. He also ministered with great blessing in Cheltenham. His devotional, The Believer's Daily Remembrancer, subtitled Pastor's Morning and Evening Visit, was very popular in its own day, and has received a new lease of life through recent republication.
WE are apt to be much affected by earthly things, but our affections must be permanently fixed on things above. Let us lift our eyes and hearts to heaven this morning; there are the proper objects of our love, desire, and esteem. There is Jehovah our heavenly Father, dwelling in unapproachable light. There is Jesus, our dear and adorable Saviour, exalted, dignified and glorified at the right-hand of the Father. There is the Holy Spirit, our divine, gracious and condescending Comforter. There the love, favour, and presence of God are fully enjoyed. There peace, rest, and happiness are eternally realized. There is the crown of righteousness, the throne of glory, and the rivers of pleasure which our God has promised, and set before us. There are our brethren who have gone home before us, and there our affections should be. What is earth or time? We shall soon have done with both. Let us then SET OUR AFFECTIONS ON THINGS ABOVE, AND NOT ON THINGS ON THE EARTH.
Why should my heart descend so low, To brood on earth-a world of woe? While heaven, where endless pleasures roll, Waits to entrance my new-born soul. Saviour! let thine attractions be But felt in all their force by me Then shall I mount on wings of love, And fix and dwell on things above.