The Burden of Prosperity

VII. The seventh lesson by which Christ teaches contentment is the burden of a prosperous outward condition. One who comes into Christ’s school to be instructed in this art never attains to any great skill in it until he comes to understand the burden that is in a propserous condition.

Objection.You will say, ‘What burden is there in a prosperous condition?’

Answer.  Yes, there is certainly a great burden, and it needs great strength to bear it. Just as men need strong brains to bear strong wine, so they need strong spirits to bear prosperous conditions, and not to do themselves hurt. Many men and women look at the shine and glitter of prosperity, but they little think of the burden. – Jeremiah Burroughs: The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment ch. 6

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