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By our nature, we are seldom satisfied. Burroughs calls us to
consider the depths of our reliance on God and our faith in him.
Although we will undoubtedly face trouble, what is that trouble
in comparison to the grace of God? No calamity can ever undo the
gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Burroughs work stands as
a pillar of clarity and a poignant reminder that we are entitled
to nothing, yet God has given much.
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So this is the art of contentment: not to seek
to add to our circumstances, but to subtract from our desires.
[47]
In a clock, stop but one wheel and you stop
every wheel, because they are dependant upon one another. So
when God has ordered a thing for the present to be thus and
thus, how do you know how many things depend upon this thing?
God may have some work to do twenty years hence that depends on
this passage of providence that falls out this day or this week.
[113]
A man may think, if I had such a thing, then I
would have another, and if I had that, then I should have more;
and what if you had got all you desire? Then you would be
content – why? You may be content now without them. [130]
Are you the King’s Son, the son, the daughter,
of the King of Heaven, and yet so disquieted and troubled, and
vexed at every little thing that happens? As if a King’s son
were to cry out that he is undone for losing a toy; what an
unworthy thing would this be! So do you: you cry out as if you
were undone and yet are a King’s son, you who stand in such
relation to God, as to a father, you dishonor your father in
this; as if either he hat not wisdom, or power, or mercy enough
to provide for you. [144]
Name any affliction that is upon you: there is
a sea of mercy to swallow it up. If you pour a pail full of
water on the floor of your house, it makes a great show, but if
you throw it into the sea, there is no sign of it. So,
afflictions considered in themselves, we think are very great,
but let them be considered with the sea of God’s mercies we
enjoy, and then they are not so much, they are nothing in
comparison. [209]
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