A Sixth Consideration

Another consideration for the working of contentment, it is, to consider that we have but a little time in this world. If you are godly you shall never suffer but only in this world; why, do but shut your eyes and presently another life has come. As that martyr said to his fellow martyr, "Do but shut your eyes," (said he) "and the next time they are opened you shall be in another world." Athanasius said, it is but a little cloud (when he was banished) and it will be over presently. These afflictions, they are but for a moment. A mariner when he is abroad does not think it much if a storm arises, especially if he can see the heavens clear beyond it; says he, "It will be over presently." Consider we have not long to live; it may be it may be over before our days are at an end, but suppose it should not, death will put an end to all; all afflictions and troubles will soon be at an end by death.

Another consideration for working contentment into our hearts is to remember that we have only a little time in this world. If you are godly, you will suffer only in this present life — and if you simply close your eyes, another life will have come. One martyr said to his fellow martyr: "Just close your eyes — and the next time they open, you will be in another world." Athanasius, when he was sent into exile, said: it is only a little cloud, and it will pass soon. These afflictions are but for a moment. A sailor out at sea does not consider it too much when a storm arises — especially if he can see clear sky beyond it. He says: "It will pass soon." Remember that we do not have long to live. The affliction may well be over before our days end — but even if it is not, death will put an end to everything. All afflictions and troubles will soon be finished by death.