Contentment 2

Quotes from the first 60 pages of The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment by Jeremiah Burroughs:

You do not find one godly man who came out of an affliction worse than when he went into it; though for a while he was shaken, yet at last he was better for an affliction.

It is the nature of grace to to turn water into wine, that is, to turn the water of affliction into the wine of heavenly consolation.

It is as fitting for me to bring my desire down to my circumstances, as it is to raise up my circumstances to my desire.   Here lies the bottom and root of all contentment, when there is an evenness and proportion between our hearts and our circumstances.  

To be well-skilled in the mystery of Christian contentment is the duty, glory, and excellence of a Christian.

A contentment that results merely from external arguments or arrangements will not last long.  But that which comes from the gracious temper of one's spirit will last.

Suppose a child was born in prison and never went outside of it.  He is content, but why?  Because he never knew anything better.  But for men and women who know better, who know that the condition they are in is an afflicted and sad condition, and still by a sanctified judgement can bring their hearts to contentment - this is freedom.