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

3. It makes us fit for any Condition, according as the wise God shall please to dispose of us. Those that through Grace are enabled to compose and quiet themselves, are fit to live in this World, where we meet with so much every day to discompose and disquiet us. In general, whether the outward Condition be prosperous or adverse, whether the World smile or frown upon us, a meek and quiet Spirit is neither lifted up with the one, nor cast down with the other, but still in the same poise: In Prosperity humble and condescending, the Estate rising, but the Mind not rising with it; in Adversity encouraged and cheered up, cast down, but not in despair; in both even, like a Dye, throw it which way you will it lights on a square side. St. Paul that had learned in every Estate to be content, [Greek or Hebrew], satisfied within himself, knew how to be abased, and knew how to abound, every where, and in all things he was instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need, Phil. 4. 11, 12. Changes without, made none within. It is a Temper which, as far as it hath the Ascendant in the Soul, makes every Burden sit light, by bringing the Mind to the Condition, when the Condition is not in every thing brought to the Mind. Prosperity and Adversity have each of them their particular Temptation to Peevishness and Frowardness, the former by making Men imperious, the latter by making Men impatient; against the Assaults of each ⟨p. 73⟩of these Temptations, the Grace of Meekness will stand upon the Guard. Being to pass through' this World by Honour and Dishonour, by evil Report, and good Report; that is, through a great variety of Conditions and Treatments, we have need of that long-suffering and kindness, and love unfeigned, which will be armour of Righteousness, on the right hand and on the left. I refer you to that Scripture, 2 Cor. 6. 6, 7, 8. Meekness and quietness will fortify the Soul on each hand, and suit it to the several Entertainments which the World gives us, like a skilful Pilot, that which Point of the Compass soever the Wind blows from, will shift his Sails accordingly, and knows either how to get forward, and weather his Point with it, or however to lye by without damage.¹ It is the continual easiness of a quiet Temper to make the best of that which is.