The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment

Jeremiah Burroughs (1599-1646) belongs in the first rank ofpreachers & writers of the Puritan era. A graduate of Emmanuel College, Cambridge, like so many of his fellow-ministers, he fled to Rotterdam during the persecution brought about by Archbishop William Laud & ministered to the English congregation there. On his return from exile in 1641 he preached to two of the largest congregations in London at Stepney & Cripplegate & served in the Westminster Assembly, though he died prematurely before the work of the Assembly was complete. Burroughs showed a consistent concern to promote peace among Christian believers of differing views & contentment in the hearts of individual Christians. Based on the text I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content (Philippians 4:11), this exposition is directed to the second of these two aims. Burroughs describes true Christian contentment, shows how Christ teaches it, analyses the evils of a discontented spirit & shows how contentment can be obtained. This is timeless & helpful instruction to Christians of all ages.