All Complaining Silenced

This quote from Thomas Brooks (1608–1680), an English non-conformist Puritan preacher and author, just reminded me that I have every reason to be happy in Christ today.  I have been rescued from the hell that my sins deserved, so any suffering my Savior chooses for me, must be received gratefully with that in mind.

"Christian! Your present afflictions are not great if compared with the afflictions and torments of many of the damned, who, when they were in this world, never sinned at so high a rate as you have done! There are many now in hell who never sinned against such clear light as you have done, nor against such special light as you have done, nor against such precious mercies as you have done!  Certainly, there are many now a-roaring in everlasting burnings who never sinned as you have done!

Ah, Christian! How can you seriously think on these things and not lay your hand upon your mouth, even when you are under the greatest temporal sufferings? Your sins have been far greater than many of those who are now in hell, and your "great" afflictions are but a fleabite compared to theirs! Therefore, hush your murmuring and be silent before the Lord!"     -Thomas Brooks