Thomas Brooks

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!

Whose pains are without intermission of mitigation; who have weeping served for the first course, gnashing of teeth for the second course, the gnawing worm for the third course, and intolerable pain for the fourth course!

Yet the pain of the body is the 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 fleabite compared to theirs! Therefore, hush your murmuring and be silent before the Lord!

—Thomas Brooks