The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment

Testimonials

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1. 

   Linda Gabriel – March 31, 2015

   This book was very profitable and helpful to me in this day of materialism, covetousness, and greed. Even though I have a very comfortable life, I still find myself complaining and worrying – whether outwardly or in my heart – about trivial matters, and this book really helped put everything into proper perspective.

   I was concerned about attempting to read a book that was written in 1648 by a Puritan author, but Burroughs’ writing style is very readable, certainly no more difficult than a KJV Bible. Burroughs does a wonderful job of reminding the reader that we are merely pilgrims passing through this world. That it is natural not to be comfortable here, because it is not our home. For example, he comments, “I am a traveler and I must not be finding fault; I am in another man’s house…” He reminded me that my contentment and peace should derive from God alone, and from no earthly person or thing. Right at the start of the book, Burroughs offers this definition of contentment:

   “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.”

   He goes proceeds to dissect this definition and expound on each of these aspects of contentment. Burroughs explains that achieving contentment is a lot like a math equation; he observes:

   “A Christian comes to contentment not so much by way of addition, as by way of subtraction…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.”

   He also gives this explanation about finding our contentment in God alone:

   “Since God is contented with Himself alone, if you have Him, you may be contented with Him alone, and it may be, that is the reason why your outward comforts are taken from you, that God may be all in all to you. It may be that while you had these things, they shared with God in your affection, a great part of the stream of your affection ran that way: God would have the full stream run to Him now.”

   In other words, God will not share His place in your life with any other thing or person. In fact, if we are not seeking all we need only from God, then we are idolaters.

   Burroughs’ illustrations are well constructed and memorable. And I found the truths to be life-changing. This was one of those books that, as soon as I finished it I felt like I wanted to turn to the beginning and start again. I am still in the process of learning to turn complaints into contentment, and may God give me the grace to improve in this area.

2. 

   Debby Murphy – October 8, 2016

   I loved this book. It is filled with practical wisdom concerning an important topic that I have never really read about anywhere else.
   Without Christ’s contentment, worry, selfishness, and worldly lusts take over the heart. Get this book and apply it’s lessons.

3. 

   Ana – June 22, 2018

   Wonderful book for all Christians to read. We cannot be more greatful to God for great wisdom of Holy Spirit poured out to our Puritan brothers which is helping church to grow in all ages. Here Jeremiah Burroughs very practically leads us to understand the routhes of Christan contentment, but also discontentment and murmuring. This really encourages us to apply the Bible wisdom in every day leaving.

4. 

   Ojoje Adeyi – September 15, 2019

   For all who run to Christ saying, ‘Master, carest not that we perish?’, methinks, after reading Borroughs, should engage ‘The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment’, and assuredly they would hear from its pages,’Peace be still!’ My storm, by this celestial cordial, has been calmed to stillness!

5. 

   Robert Norman – April 20, 2020

   Dare I say that this book has changed my life? So many trials, worries and concerns, but all is dissolved away now in the contentment of all situations as ordained by God.

6. 

   Robert Norman – April 20, 2020

   Note to Banner: Please consider publishing more of this Puritan’s works.

7. 

   Robert Norman – April 20, 2020

   Dare I say that this book has changed my life? So many trials, worries and concerns, but all is dissolved away now in the contentment of all situations as ordained by God.

8. 

   Robert Norman – April 20, 2020

   Note to Banner: Please consider publishing more of this Puritan’s works.

9. 

   Ken Sarber – July 9, 2020

   This book is one of the Lord’s most powerful means of grace in my life in the past year. Two of my dearest brothers in Christ have started to read it or finished reading it. I took notes and sharing them with me beloved wife.

   I loved how Jeremiah Burroughs primed the heart for 11 chapters to receive instruction on attaining contentment by helping us understand our need for contentment and the evil of murmuring. The Lord pierced me deeply about my sin of murmuring.

   Every practical illustration Burroughs uses is spot on and makes everything accessible.

   Definitely a must read, especially during the pandemic.

10. 

    MatteoB – September 29, 2020

    I would echo others in asking for Banner to publish more Burroughs. This book is a wonderful tonic in this world of materialism, individualism and selfishness. Burroughs encourages readers to count their blessings in a gentle and pastorly way. I think we are all apt to get a little arrogant and cocky at times and also to be jealous of others possessions and gifts. I know I am like this so I am very content to have this little book to hand to guide me on the right path. Apparently Burroughs was a kindly conciliatory man who did not have much for sectarianism and wished Christians would all just get along. I can say Amen to that.

11. 

    Daniel Christian Henderson – November 30, 2020

    Wow! This little book is helpful in so many ways for the Christian life. Among the most useful, is that it shows how dependent we are on God for His Spirit to give us this disposition and reality of God honoring, Christ exalting, unwavering contentment. True Spiritual work requires obedience in faith and that is all rooted in our joy and happiness in Jesus.
    When we are filled with the fullness of God we are in no need. In the Son we have it all. Take the world, just give me Jesus!

12. 

    Marijane Stokes – January 12, 2021

    One of the finest books I have ever read. Mr. Burrough’s depth of Scripture knowledge, heartfelt expressions of God’s care for His people and sound encouragement for believers in this difficult time make this a most beloved volume. On page 19 Burroughs calls his era “heart shaking times.” My margin notes read: published 1648 still the same 373 years later.

13. 

    Jimmy C – June 13, 2023

    This book was such a blessing. Burroughs does a fantastic job illuminating the evils in our heart that drive us to discontentment. In that same breath he highlights the mercies of Christ and provides practical wisdom in which we can overcome these battles (in Him) and find that contentment. Definitely a book I will read multiple times.

14. 

    Frank Eckenroad – October 2, 2023

    The Christian is the most content person and at the same time the most discontent. Holy discontent. Hunger and thirst for righteousness paired with contentment in a God ordained lot (1 Cor 7).