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  EVERYTHING ON THIS SIDE HELL IS MERCY
  by Thomas Brooks
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Summary: A humble heart is a heart that recognizes the mercy of God in
all things, and remains silent before Him.

Topics: "God's Mercy", "Humility"
Scripture References: Psalm 147:6, Proverbs 16:18, Isaiah 57:15, Lamentations 3:22-23, Matthew 5:5, Romans 12:3, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Philippians 2:3, James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5-6

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DESCRIPTION
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Thomas Brooks emphasizes the significance of humility in the life of a
believer, urging individuals to recognize their unworthiness and the
mercy they receive from God. He explains that a humble heart perceives
even the smallest mercies as great gifts and views afflictions with a
sense of peace, understanding that everything outside of hell is a form
of mercy. Brooks contrasts the humble soul's quiet acceptance with the
prideful person's contention and unrest, highlighting that true humility
leads to contentment and silence before God. He encourages believers to
labor daily to cultivate humility, which allows them to appreciate God's
grace amidst life's challenges.

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CONTENT
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Oh! labor every day to be more humble and more

low and little in your own eyes. 'Who am I,' says

the humble soul--'but that God should cross me in

this mercy, and take away that mercy, and pass a

sentence of death upon every mercy? I am not

worthy of the least mercy, I deserve not a

crumb of mercy, I have forfeited every mercy.'

Only by pride comes contention. It is only pride that

puts men upon contending with God and men.

A humble soul will lie quiet at the foot of God, it

will be contented with bare necessities. A dinner

of green herbs relishes well with the humble man's

palate; whereas a stalled ox is but a coarse dish to

a proud man's stomach.

A humble heart thinks none less than himself, nor

none worse than himself.

A humble heart looks upon small mercies as great

mercies; and great afflictions as small afflictions;

and small afflictions as no afflictions; and therefore

sits mute and quiet under all. Do but keep humble,

and you will keep silent before the Lord.

Pride kicks, and flings, and frets; but a humble man

has still his hand upon his mouth. Everything on

this side hell is mercy--much mercy, rich mercy

to a humble soul; and therefore he remains mute

under the smarting rod.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/thomas-brooks/everything-on-this-side-hell-is-mercy/
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