An easy hell,.
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("http://www.gracegems.org/Watson/Sermons.htm" Thomas Watson, "The Art of Divine Contentment")
"I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances
I am. I know both how to have a little, and I know how
to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned
the secret of being content — whether well-fed or hungry,
whether in abundance or in need." Philippians 4:11-12
Whatever affliction or trouble a child of God meets with —
it is all the hell he shall ever have! Whatever eclipse may
be upon his name or estate — it is but a little cloud which
will soon be blown over — and then his hell is past!
Death begins a wicked man's hell.
Death ends a godly man's hell.
Think with yourself, "What is my affliction? It is but a
temporary hell. Indeed, if all my hell is here on earth
— it is but an easy hell. What is the cup of affliction
— compared to the cup of damnation!"
Lazarus could not get a crumb; he was so diseased that
the dogs took pity on him; and as if they had been his
physicians, licked his sores. But this was an easy hell
— the angels quickly fetched him out of it!
If all our hell is in this life — and in the midst of this
hell, we have the love of God — then it is no more hell,
but paradise! If all our hell is here on earth, we may
see to the end of it; it is but skin-deep, it cannot
touch the soul. It is a short-lived hell. After a dreary
night of affliction, comes the bright morning of glory!
Since our lives are short — our trials cannot be long!
As our riches take wings and fly away — so do our sufferings!
Let us learn then, to be content, whatever our circumstances.
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