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  THE HAPPY EXCHANGE
  by Thomas Brooks
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Summary: The sermon encourages listeners to focus on Christ's fullness
and the happy exchange of earthly things for heavenly things, even in
times of sorrow.

Topics: "Joy in Christ", "The Hope of Heaven"
Scripture References: Psalm 16:11, Isaiah 61:3, Matthew 5:4, John 10:10, Romans 8:18, 2 Corinthians 5:1, Philippians 3:20, Colossians 3:2, 1 Peter 1:8-9, Revelation 21:4

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DESCRIPTION
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Thomas Brooks emphasizes the profound joy of the 'happy exchange' made
by Mary, who has transitioned from earthly struggles to heavenly bliss.
He encourages the grieving to focus on her newfound happiness in heaven,
where she has traded imperfection for perfection and mourning for
rejoicing. Brooks reminds the listeners that despite their sorrow,
Christ remains a constant source of fullness and joy, urging them to fix
their hearts on Him. He highlights that all earthly joys are
encapsulated in Christ, who offers ultimate satisfaction and peace. By
turning their thoughts to Christ, they can find solace and quiet their
grief.

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CONTENT
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I heartily wish that all who are concerned in

this sad loss, were more taken up in minding

the happy exchange which Mary has made,

than with your present loss.

She has exchanged:

earth--for heaven,

a wilderness--for a paradise,

a prison--for a palace,

a house made with hands--for one eternal in the heavens,

imperfection--for perfection,

sighing--for singing,

mourning--for rejoicing,

petitions--for praises,

the society of sinful mortals--for the company of God,

pain--for ease,

sickness--for health,

a bed of weakness--for a bed of spices,

her brass--for silver,

her pennies--for gold,

her earthly contentments--for heavenly enjoyments,

an imperfect, transient enjoyment of God--for a more

clear, full, perfect, and permanent enjoyment of God.

And as I desire that one of your eyes may be fixed upon

her happiness--so I desire that your other eye may be

fixed upon Christ's fullness. Though your brook be dried

up, yet Christ the fountain of light, life, love, grace, glory,

comfort, joy, goodness, sweetness and satisfaction--is still

at hand--and always full and flowing--yes, overflowing!

As the worth and value of many pieces of silver is contracted

in one piece of gold--so all the sweetness, all the goodness,

all the excellencies which are in husbands, wives, children,

friends, etc., are concentrated in Christ! Yes, all the whole

volume of perfections which is spread through heaven and

earth--is epitomized in Christ!

Oh, that your hearts and thoughts were thus busied about

Christ, and taken up with Christ, and with those treasures

of wisdom, knowledge, grace, goodness, sweetness, etc.,

which are in Him! This would very much allay your grief and

sorrow, and keep your hearts quiet and silent before the Lord.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/thomas-brooks/the-happy-exchange/
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