The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment
Digital Verbum Edition
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Overview
Originally published in 1648, Jeremiah Burroughs’ practical treatment of contentment is a rich treasury of wisdom on the subject. His most widely-read book, this enduring work is a study on the theological basis for Christian contentment that is also highly pragmatic. Burroughs defines contentment as “that sweet, inward, quiet, gracious frame of spirit, which freely submits to and delights in God’s wise, and fatherly disposal in every condition.” His exposition of this “frame of spirit” reminds readers that Christians are satisfied in having what God has made the object of their faith—Jesus Christ. He notes, “the object of [the Christian’s] 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.”
For the entire set, see Select Works of Jeremiah Burroughs (7 vols.).
Key Features
- Theological and practical treatment of contentment
- Defines Christian contentment
- Demonstrates that Christ as the object of faith is enough to satisfy the soul
Top Highlights
“Doct. That to be well skill’d in the Mystery of Christian Contentment is, the Duty, Glory, and Excellency of a Christian.” (Page 2)
“His meaning therefore must be, I find a sufficiency of satisfaction in my own heart, through the grace of Christ that is in me; though I have not outward comforts and worldly accommodations to supply my necessities, yet I enjoy portion enough betwixt Christ and my own soul abundantly to satisfie me in every condition.” (Page 2)
“That Contentment is an inward quiet, gracious frame of spirit, that is, the whole soul, Judgement, Thoughts, Will, Affections, and all are satisfied and quiet.” (Page 8)
“First, That is a Grace, that spreads it self through the whole Soul” (Page 7)
“The seventh thing in the Art of Contentment is this, The Mysterie consists not so much by bringing any thing without, to make my condition more comfortable, as to purge out some thing that is within.” (Page 26)
About Jeremiah Burroughs
Jeremiah Burroughs (c. 1600–1646) was an English Puritan minister, preacher, and writer. He was an Independent, who believed church and state should be separated, and the local congregations autonomous. He was educated at Emmanuel College, Cambridge where he earned a Masters in 1624. Burroughs served as a pastoral assistant in Suffolk and rector in Norfolk, before being suspended for non-conformity regarding a matter of conscience. Burroughs then served as a teacher from 1638–1640 in Rotterdam, Netherlands, before returning to ministry in London from 1640 until his death.
Reviews
1 rating
David Anfinrud
11/29/2023
What is Spiritual Contentment? Some very good descriptions from the Puritan Era.
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