========================================================================
  BUT A FLEA-BITE!
  by Thomas Brooks
========================================================================

Summary: Christian, your present afflictions are but a flea-bite
compared to the torments of the damned, and you should respond with
humility and silence.

Topics: "Suffering", "Perspective on Affliction"
Scripture References: Romans 8:18, 2 Corinthians 4:17, Hebrews 12:5

------------------------------------------------------------------------
DESCRIPTION
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thomas Brooks emphasizes that the afflictions Christians face in this
life are minor when compared to the eternal torments experienced by the
damned. He reminds believers that many in hell have sinned less severely
and against clearer light than they have. Brooks urges Christians to
reflect on the severity of their own sins and the mercy they have
received, suggesting that their current sufferings are merely 'flea-
bites' in comparison to the endless pain of the lost. He calls for
humility and silence before God in the face of temporal suffering,
encouraging a perspective of gratitude rather than complaint.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTENT
------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 love 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!

What are your afflictions, your present torments--compared

to the torments of the damned, whose torments are . . .

numberless,

bottomless,

remediless, and

endless!

Whose pains are without intermission of mitigation; who have:

weeping served for the first course, and

gnashing of teeth for the second course, and

the gnawing worm for the third course, and

intolerable pain for the fourth course!

Yet the pain of the body is least part of pain. The very soul of

sorrow and pain is the soul's sorrow and pain! The everlasting

alienation and separation from God is served for the fifth course!

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 flea-bite! compared to theirs! Therefore hush your

murmuring, and be silent before the Lord!

========================================================================
Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/thomas-brooks/but-a-flea-bite/
========================================================================