The Soul's Conflict with Itself

When we can say, Lord, if thou wilt have me poor and disgraced, I am ⟨p. 284⟩content to be so. If thou wilt have me serve thee in this condition I am in, I will gladly do so. It is enough to me that thou wouldst have it so. I desire to yield readily, humbly, and cheerfully, to thy disposing providence. Thus a godly man says Amen, to Gods Amen, and puts his fiat and placet to Gods. As the Sea turns all rivers into its own relish; so he turns all to his own spirit, and makes whatsoever befalls him, an exercise of some virtue. A Heathen could say, that calamities did rule over men, but a wise man hath a spirit overruling all calamities, much more a Christian. For a man to be in this estate, is to enjoy heaven in the world under heaven; Gods Kingdom comes where his will• thus done and suffered.

When wee can say, Lord, if thou wilt have me poore and disgraced, I am ⟨p. 284⟩content to be so. If thou wilt have me serve thee in this condition I am in, I will gladly doe so. It is enough to mee that thou wouldst have it so. I desire to yeeld readily, humbly, and cheerefully, to thy disposing providence. Thus a godly man sayes Amen, to Gods Amen, and puts his fiat and placet to Gods. As the Sea turnes all rivers into its own rellish; so he turnes all to his owne spirit, and makes whatsoever befalls him, an exercise of some vertue. A Heathen could say, that calamities did rule over men, but a wise man hath a spirit overruling allcalamities, much more a Christian. For a man to be in this estate, is to enjoy heavē in the world under heaven; Gods Kingdome comes where his will• thus done and suffered.

None feel more sweet experience of Gods providence, then those that are most resolute in their obedience. After we have given glory to God in relying upon his wisdom, power, and truth, we shall find him employing these for o• direction, assistance, and bringing above of things to or desired issue, yea above