But a Flea-Bite!
Christian, your present afflictions are but a flea-bite compared to the torments of the damned, and you should respond with humility and silence.
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.
Text
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!
Sermon Outline
- The Torments of the Damned
- The Soul's Sorrow and Pain
- Comparing Sufferings
- Christian's afflictions are but a flea-bite
- Hush your murmuring and be silent before the Lord
Key Quotes
“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!” — Thomas Brooks
“The very soul of sorrow and pain is the soul's sorrow and pain!” — Thomas Brooks
“The everlasting alienation and separation from God is served for the fifth course!” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- When experiencing great temporal sufferings, remember that your sins have been far greater than many of those who are now in hell.
- Hush your murmuring and be silent before the Lord, acknowledging your sin and dependence on Him.
- The greatest pain is the soul's sorrow and pain, especially the everlasting alienation and separation from God.