An easy Hell!

(Thomas Watson, "The Art of Divine Contentment")

"I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content-whether well-fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need." Philippians 4:11-12

Whatever affliction or trouble a child of God meets with-it is all the Hell he shall ever have! Whatever eclipse may be upon his name or estate-it is but a little cloud which will soon be blown over, and then his Hell is past!

Death begins a wicked man's Hell.
Death ends a godly man's Hell.

Think with yourself, "What is my affliction? It is but a temporary Hell. Indeed, if all my Hell is here on earth-it is but an easy Hell. What is the cup of affliction-compared to the cup of damnation!"

Lazarus could not get a crumb; he was so diseased that the dogs took pity on him-and as if they had been his physicians, licked his sores. But this was an easy Hell-the angels quickly fetched him out of it!

If all our Hell is in this life-and in the midst of this Hell, we have the love of God-then it is no more Hell, but paradise! If all our Hell is here on earth, we may see to the end of it; it is but skin-deep, it cannot touch the soul. It is a short-lived Hell. After a dreary night of affliction, comes the bright morning of glory!

Since our lives are short-our trials cannot be long!

As our riches take wings and fly away-so do our sufferings!

Let us learn then, to be content whatever our circumstances.