by Jeremiah Burroughs
in ePub, .mobi & .pdf formats
In The Excellency of a Gracious Spirit, Jeremiah Burroughs unfolds the beauty and power of a heart transformed by the grace of God. Drawing from the biblical example of Caleb, described in Numbers 14:24 as having a “different spirit” and following God fully, Burroughs expounds upon what it means to possess such a spirit in a world dominated by sin, selfishness, and pride. This work is a masterful exploration of the distinctive characteristics that set the godly apart from the world, inviting readers to reflect on the profound difference that grace makes in the believer’s life.
Burroughs begins by detailing the nature of this "different spirit"—a spirit that is not conformed to the world but transformed by divine grace. He emphasizes that such a spirit is marked by deep humility, a thirst for righteousness, and an unwavering commitment to follow God, even when it leads to paths of hardship or opposition. In contrast to the “vile spirit” of the world, which seeks self-gratification and temporal gain, the gracious spirit looks beyond present comforts to the eternal glory that awaits those who are faithful to God.
The book is rich in practical application, as Burroughs addresses how this gracious spirit should manifest in daily life. He challenges readers to examine their attitudes, actions, and affections, asking whether they are driven by the love of Christ or by the fleeting desires of the world. With characteristic pastoral care, Burroughs also provides comfort to those who feel the weight of their imperfections, reminding them that God delights in a heart that earnestly seeks Him, even if it is weak or faltering.
Burroughs’ treatment of the differences between the godly and the world is both convicting and encouraging. He rebukes the culture of his time for misunderstanding and mistreating those with gracious spirits, offering words of encouragement to those who feel isolated or misunderstood in their pursuit of holiness. His exhortation to develop and nurture a gracious spirit is timeless, calling Christians of all ages to aspire to the high calling of godliness.
The language of the book is rich with scriptural references, making it a deeply biblical study that will resonate with believers who long to walk closely with God. Burroughs’ pastoral tone, combined with his theological depth, makes The Excellency of a Gracious Spirit an edifying read for both personal devotion and group study. The book is a call to cultivate a spirit that honors God, blesses others, and stands firm in the face of worldly pressures.
Short Bio of the Author:
Jeremiah Burroughs (1600–1646) was a beloved Puritan preacher and author, known for his gentle and pastoral approach to ministry. He served as a minister in London and was a member of the Westminster Assembly. Burroughs was a master of combining profound theological insight with practical, everyday application, which is evident in his many works, including The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment and Gospel Worship. His writings continue to inspire Christians with their focus on piety, humility, and the beauty of living a life fully devoted to God.
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Table of Contents
Chapter I: What that different spirit is, which a godly man has, differing from the world
Chapter II: Wherein the Excellence of This Gracious Spirit Appears
Chapter III: A Discovery to the Men of the World, whereby They May See that Their Spirits Are Not Like the Spirits of Godly Men
Chapter IV: The Reason Why the Men of the World and the Godly Can Never Agree
Chapter V: Learn to Have a Right Esteem of Such Precious-Spirited Men
Chapter VI: A Rebuke to this Vile World, Which Holds Vile Conceptions of this Spirit, and Abuses Men of Such Excellent Spirits
Chapter. VII: No dishonour in being singular: Seven notes to discover that godly men's differences from others come not from proud, humorous singularity, but from the choiceness and excellence of their spirits.
Chapter VIII: Bless God for making this difference between your spirit and the vile spirits of the men of the world.
Chapter IX: Communion and converse with men of such excellent spirits is a most blessed thing.
Chapter X: That all those whose spirits God has thus distinguished should improve this mercy by walking not as other men.
Chapter XI: An Exhortation to Labour to Obtain This Excellent Spirit
PART II: A GRACIOUS SPIRIT FOLLOWS GOD FULLY
Chapter I: What it is for a man to follow God fully.
Chapter II: The Excellency of This Frame of Spirit, in Four Things
Chapter III: Rebuke to Various Types of People Whose Spirits Do Not Fully Follow After the Lord
Chapter IV: Comfort and encouragement to those who follow the Lord fully.
Chapter V: An Exhortation to Follow the Lord Fully
Chapter VI: That it is the choiceness of a man's spirit that causes him to follow God fully.