The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment

If there is only one lesson I learn from this book, it would be on how to be contented by laboring to get a good interpretation of God's dealings in my life. But there is certainly much more to learn from the text, which I consider the best exposition on Phil 4:11. Burrough's coverage seems to be more comprehensive than that of Watson's who also wrote a treatise on the same subject 'The Art of Divine Contentment' 5 years after Burrough did. What I particularly enjoy is the lessons on the mystery of contentment, the excellence of contenment, how Christ teaches contentment, the evil and aggravation of a murmuring spirit, and how to be content. I found some examples used to clarify certain points are both humbling and humorous, whether they were intended to be so or not, some of which are given ch.7 that talks about one of the excellencies of a contented spirit being the soul is fitted to receive mercy and to do service. "No man or woman in the world is as fit to receive the grace of God, and to do the work of God, as those who have contented spirits. So if we would be vessels to receive God's mercy, and would have the Lord pour his mercy into us, we must have quiet, still hearts. We must not have hearts hurrying up and down in trouble, discontent and vexing, but still and quiet hearts, if we receive mercy from the Lord." Then two illustrations were presented which I thought are hilarious. "If a child throws and kicks up and down for a thing, you do not give it him when he cries so, but first you will have the child quiet. Even though, perhaps, you intend him to have what he cries for, you will not give it him till he is quiet, and comes, and stands still before you, and is contented without it, and then you will give it him." The second illustration is not only hilarious, but also humbling because it reminds me that I am indeed a beggar knocking on God's door for mercy every day. "If a beggar knocks once or twice at the door and you do not come, and thereupon he is vexed and troubled and thinks it much that you let him stand a little while without anything, you think that this beggar is not fit to receive an alms. But if you hear two or three beggars at your door, and out of your window you hear them say, 'Let us be content to stay, perhaps they are busy, it is right that we should stay, it is well if we get anything in the end, we deserve nothing at all, and therefore we may well wait a while', you would then quickly send them an alms." The chapter that deals with how to obtain contentment is full of precious practical, profound exhortations. But I decide to restrain from revealing more than what I pointed out at the beginning of this review, that is, to labor to get a good interpretation of God's dealings in our life, so I won't spoil the enjoyment of those who read this review and decide to buy and read the text. If you are looking to enjoy God and his Word through God-centered, God-exalting expository texts, even on a Scripture verse as simple as Phil 4:11, this is one of them.

One of the complaints about reading Puritans is that they are often difficult to read (John Owen comes to mind). However, Burroughs is refreshingly easy to read, and while some terms may be unfamiliar at first, there is nothing so obscure and archaic as to be unintelligible. Rather, the entire work can be read by a modern reader, and be understood. It is very deep, and yet clear. Almost every sentence is "quotable" in summing up a particular truth or insight, that is helpful for Christians to remember. Especially penetrating is chapter 11 (of 13) which dives into the ways in which our hearts seek to excuse us from being content. One is truly left "without excuse" after reading this chapter, and is struck at how Burroughs seems to be able to anticipate and respond to what is in your thoughts as you read. This is a masterpiece that is worth every Christian's time to read, and then read again.

Christian Contentment – Alan Allison Beyond fervent prayer and the biblical injunctions to husbands that they love their wives and to wives that they obey their husbands, I can think of no more prominent and powerful grace which can protect your nuptial covenant, than Christian contentment. Paul speaks of a secret or mystery in Phil. 4:11, 12 “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.” Discovering the acquisition and benefits of this secret discipline I’ve found no better instruction than the work of the esteemed Puritan, Jeremiah Burroughs. It is named The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment. In his timeless classic Jeremiah Burroughs offers the following description: “Christian contentment is that sweet, inward, quiet, gracious frame of spirit, which freely submits to and delights in God’s wise and fatherly disposal in every condition.” It is no secret that marriage is replete with manifold blessings attendant with trials and sacrifice, hard work and the fulfilling of dreams, the birth of children and the death of loved ones. Each of these can present temptations to become discontent, and in extreme circumstances can tempt us to murmur against God’s providence. Some expectations of one another can also lead to discontent with the behavior of our partners, even though they may be doing their very best. Discontent can be very corrosive in relationships, and conversely, Christian contentment can strengthen relationships. It expresses faith in God’s working in our lives and a confident resolve to humble oneself under the mighty hand of God, knowing that in due time he will lift you up. Horatio Spafford was the author of the hymn It is well with my soul. This brother was well acquainted with both prosperity and tragedy. He was a very successful lawyer who lost his fortune in the infamous Chicago fire in 1871, and soon after, he lost his 4 young daughters in a shipwreck. Yet, as one believing that all comes from the hand of God, and that He causes all things to work together for good to those who love him, he could pen the words, “Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.” My hope for you is that you learn the art of Christian contentment. Yet, there is so much that needs to be said to reveal the secret of this contentment that I want you to read this wonderful exposition by Jeremiah Burroughs – The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment.

There should be no reason for a true child of God who has trusted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour to not be content. Sadly, we forget who we are and the grand privileges we have. I had a copy of this for years, and finally replaced it with a copy for my Kindle. This is practical and encouraging. Romans 8:1,26-39 contain some of the reasons for contentment. I gave this as a gift and the person was delighted with it. Whether you are a new Christian or one who has been one for years, this will bless your souls.

The Puritan Paperbacks series is a great gift to many Christians who want to access the riches of Puritan writing. One of the greatest gifts of this set is Jeremiah Burroughs' The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment. Coming in a 228 pages, this small paperback is packed with solid content at a good price. There will be many moments of agreement for most Christians, much underlining or highlighting, many notes. For contentment (or lack thereof) is a universal concern and a struggle for many people. Burroughs' words, though centuries old, ring with biblical force down to our day, bringing the wisdom of a man who walked with God in the trenches of life to our eyes and minds.

This copy of “Rare Jewel” was supposed to be in “used/good” shape, but it was in perfect shape if you ask me. It looked brand new. So needless to say I was well pleased with this Seller. Plus, Rare Jewel is a fantastic book, one i will re-read again and again. What a treasure!

So deep...takes a lot of work and reflection to read this. But so worth it. Let this book guide you in your life. I bought multiple copies for friends as well.

This book will help Christians to learn how to live within their means. The solution for happiness is not to get more "things," it is to subtract from your desires. Instead of trying to figure out how you can buy more stuff, the author shows how "subtraction is better than addition." Today, advertisers are constantly trying to make you discontented with what you have, so that you will buy the "latest and greatest" gadget. This book will help you get the right perspective, so you are not always going into debt to have more things. A must-have book.

As usual, this is another amazing book from one of the "Puritans". Once you start to read you cannot put it down. We have so much to learn from living a simple life with no stress. This book will guide you through it.

This book has been an immense help in opening my eyes to discontent, and the sin of it, and the danger of a murmering spirit. I highly recommend this book to every professing believer in Christ Jesus. I like how this author speaks to his readers.

Hard going but worth it in the end