What a mercy — to be out of Hell!

(James Smith, "The Believer's Companion in Seasons of Affliction and Trouble" 1842)

"Because of the Lord's mercies, we are not consumed — for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!" Lamentations 3:22-23

You are sometimes tempted to think that your lot is hard, and that your trials are greater than others — but do not think thus. Rather think, "But for the mercy of God — I would have been in Hell this moment, lifting up my eyes in torments; and in the agony of despair, cursing my God and King! It is all of mercy, that I am not now in the flames of Hell, surrounded by infuriated devils, and assailed on every hand by the groans of the damned, and the dreadful cursings of the lost!"

HELL! Who shall attempt to describe what is wrapped up in that fearful word? Yet all that it contains was your righteous desert; and but for sovereign mercy — must have been your eternal portion!

What a mercy — to be out of Hell! Yes, even though you are now in the sorest trials, in the greatest pains!