"A Christian comes to contentment, not so much by way of addition, as by way of subtraction. That is his way of contentment, and it is a way that the world has no skill in. I open it thus: not so much by adding to what he would have, or to what he has, not by adding more to his condition; but rather by subtracting from his desires, so as to make his desires and his circumstances even and equal . . . But now let God give a man riches, no matter how great, yet if the Lord gives him up to the pride of his heart, he will never be contented: on the other hand, let God bring anyone into mean circumstances, and then let God but fashion and suit his heart to those circumstances and he will be content."
from Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment (1651), ch. 2
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great book.
ReplyDeleteOur book study is going through this book, and I was amazed at how understandable it is. I have been intimidated by Puritan authors in the past, but Burroughs is very readable (and painfully relevant!).
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