Feast the Slave, and Starve the Wife?
The sermon emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the soul's well-being above all else, as it is the key to comfort, joy, and boldness in life.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the paramount importance of prioritizing the eternal welfare of our souls over earthly concerns. He argues that it is foolish to nourish the body while neglecting the soul, equating this neglect to madness. Brooks warns that those who prioritize their physical needs above their spiritual well-being risk losing everything of true value, including God and eternal glory. He urges listeners to diligently care for their souls, as true comfort in life and confidence in death hinge on this vital work.
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Make it more and more your chief work to make plentiful
provisions for the eternal welfare of your souls. Your souls
are more worth than ten thousand worlds. All is well--if
your soul is well. If that is safe, all is safe. If that is lost,
all is lost--God, Christ, and glory is lost--if the soul is lost.
Is it madness to feast the slave, and starve the wife?
and is it not greater madness to feast the body and starve
the soul? to make liberal provision for the body, and none
for the soul? Do not they deserve double damnation, who
prefer their bodies above their souls? Before all, and above
all--look to your souls, watch your souls, make provision for
your souls. When this is done--all is done. Until this is done,
there is nothing done which will yield a man comfort in life,
joy in death, and boldness before the judgment.
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Sermon Outline
- I. The Importance of Soul Provision
- A. The soul is more valuable than the world
- B. The soul's well-being is the key to all other well-being
- II. The Madness of Prioritizing the Body
- A. Feasting the body and starving the soul is madness
- B. Those who prioritize their bodies above their souls deserve damnation
- III. The Priority of Soul Provision
- A. The soul must be looked to and watched above all else
- B. Provision for the soul is the key to comfort, joy, and boldness
Key Quotes
“Your souls are more worth than ten thousand worlds.” — Thomas Brooks
“If that is safe, all is safe. If that is lost, all is lost--God, Christ, and glory is lost--if the soul is lost.” — Thomas Brooks
“Is it madness to feast the slave, and starve the wife?” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Make it your chief work to make plentiful provisions for the eternal welfare of your soul.
- Prioritize your soul's well-being above all else, as it is the key to comfort, joy, and boldness in life.
- Do not feast your body and starve your soul, as this is a recipe for damnation.