But a flea-bite!

("The Mute Christian Under the Smarting Rod" or, "The Silent Soul with Sovereign Antidotes" by Thomas Brooks, 1659, London.)

Christian! Your present afflictions are not great--if compared with the afflictions and torments of many of the damned, who when they were it this world, never sinned at so high a rate as you have done! There are many now in hell, who never sinned against such clear light as you have done, nor against such special love as you have done, nor against such precious mercies as you have done! Certainly there are many nowa-roaring in everlasting burnings--who never sinned as you have done!

What are your present afflictions and troubles--compared to the torments of the damned, whose torments are . . .
without intermission,
without mitigation,
numberless,
bottomless,
remediless,
and endless!

Who have . . .
weeping served for the first course,
and gnashing of teeth for the second course,
and the gnawing worm for the third course,
and intolerable pain for the fourth course!

Yet the pain of the body is least part of pain. The very soul of sorrow and pain--is the soul's sorrow and pain! The everlasting alienation and separation from God is served for the fifth course!

Ah, Christian! how can you seriously think on these things and not lay your hand upon your mouth--even when you are under the greatest temporal sufferings? Your sins have been far greater than many of those who are now in hell, and your great afflictions are but a flea-bite compared to theirs! Therefore hush your murmuring, and be silent before the Lord!

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us!" Romans 8:18

"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all!" 2 Corinthians 4:17-18