A discourse concerning meekness and quietness of spirit to which is added, A sermon…

[2.] Consider how comfortable a meek and quiet Spirit is. Inward Comfort is a desirable good, which hath more in it of reality, and depends less upon Opinion, than that of Credit: And this is that which Meekness and Quietness of Spirit, hath such a direct tendency to, nay which it carries along with it. What is true Comfort and Pleasure, but a Quietness in our own Bosom? Those are most easy to themselves, that are so to all about them, while they that are a burden and a Terror to others, will not be much otherwise to themselves. He that would lead a quiet, must lead a peaceable Life, 1 Tim. 2. 2. The surest way to find Rest to our Souls, is to learn of him who is meek and lowly in heart, Mat. 11. 29. Let but our moderation be known unto all Men; And the Peace of God which passeth all understanding, will keep our Hearts and Minds, Phil. 4. 5, 7. Quietness is the thing which even the busy, noisy part of the World pretend to desire and pursue; They will be quiet, yea, that they will, or they'll know why, they will not endure the least disturbance of their Quietness. But verily they go a mad way to work, in pursuit of quietness; greatly to disquiet themselves inwardly, and put their Souls into a continual hurry, only to prevent or remedy some small outward Disquietment from ⟨p. 53⟩others. But he that is meek, finds a sweeter, safer Quietness, and much greater Comfort than that which they in vain pursue. Great Peace have they that love this Law of Love, for nothing shall offend them, (Psal. 119. 165.) Whatever Offence is intended, it is not so interpreted, and by that means the Peace is preserved. If there be a Heaven any where upon Earth, it is in the meek and quiet Soul, that Acts, and Breaths above that lower Region, which is infested with Storms and Tempests, the Harmony of whose Faculties, is like the Music of the Spheres they talk of, a perpetual Melody. Mercy and Truth are met together, Righteousness and Peace have kissed each other.

[2.] Consider how comfortable a meek and quiet Spirit is. Inward Comfort is a desirable good, which hath more in it of reality, and depends less upon Opinion, than that of Credit: And this is that which Meekness and Quietness of Spirit, hath such a direct tendency to, nay which it carries along with it. What is true Comfort and Pleasure, but a Quietness in our own Bosom? Those are most easie to themselves, that are so to all about them, while they that are a burthen and a Terror to others, will not be much otherwise to themselves. He that would lead a quiet, must lead a peaceable Life,