Contentment, Prosperity and God's Glory
''A Christian should be satisfied with what God has made the object of his faith (i.e., Christ). The object of his faith is high enough to satisfy his soul, were it capable of a thousand times more than it is. Now if you may have the object of your faith you have enough to content your soul.'' -from the book
I was very excited to receive this book since not only do I trust the books which the publisher, Reformation Heritage Books offers, I highly regard writings and wisdom of the puritans! This could easily be the best book I've yet received in my reviewing hobby.
Originally prepared as an appendix to the Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment, this book provides an important conclusion to Burrough's sermon series on Philippians 4:11-12
(11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.)
Jeremiah Burroughs described contentment as possessing that ''sweet, inward, quiet, gracious frame of spirit'' that freely submitted to and delighted in ''God's wise and fatherly disposal in every condition.'
I couldn't put this book down; it is full of treasures about how to ''be abased and abound''....'A man has learned how to be full when he can use the gifts of God and yet remain ready to part with all his comforts if God calls for them.'
'If those who are full do not learn how to be full, they will be guiltier of abusing the gifts of God than other men.'
'A man who has learned to abound is aware and sensible of his dependence on God in the height of his prosperity as he is in the depth of his adversity.'.... I eventually had to stop jotting down sentences and paragraphs which struck me because there were too many! Needless to say, I recommend this book to everyone...even those who can't imagine what it feels like to be discontented...!
Contrary to popular opinion, these writings are also suitable and even easy for younger readers to understand as well...I will certainly be passing this book on to my many siblings above age 10!
We can all learn from the truths in books like these.
All I can do is highly recommend this book, and close with yet more quotes from the early chapters of this little (perfect purse or travel size!) book!!!
'We cannot learn to be full unless we understand the mercies God has granted to us.'
'A man learns how to be full when he can discern the best use of what he has-that is, when he can tell how best to distribute the fullness God gives him.'
'...it is not enough for us to say that our estates are our own, and therefore we may be excessive in our use of our possessions.'
good wisdom here!
'A man learns how to be full when he can use the comforts he has received but does so in a way that avoids the evil of the temptations that go along with them.'
'It is wrong to say ''Because I must avoid the temptation, I must not enjoy the comfort of the blessing.''
The strength of the Christian is to make use of whatever God allows, to take the sweetness from it, and yet to avoid the temptation.'
Proverbs 1:32 For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.
I am so glad that the publisher sent me this book to review...I was encouraged to state my honest opinion! (In this case, I am happy to say it was entirely optimistic! :) )
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