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

[2.] We must be of a quiet Spirit. Quietness is the evenness, the composure, and the rest of the Soul, which speaks both the nature and the excellency of the Grace of Meekness. The greatest Comfort and Happiness of Man is sometimes set forth by Quietness. That Peace of Conscience which Christ hath left for a Legacy to his Disciples, that present Sabbatism of the Soul, which is an earnest of the Rest that remains for the People of God, is called, Quietness and Assurance ⟨p. 34⟩for ever, and is promised, as the effect of Righteousness, Isa. 32. 17. and it follows, v. 18. My People shall dwell in quiet resting-places. So graciously hath God been pleased to twist Interests with us, as to enjoin the same thing under the Notion of a Duty, which he proposeth and promiseth under the Notion of a Privilege. Justly may we say, that we serve a good Master, whose Yoke is easy, Matth. 11. 30. 'tis [Greek or Hebrew], not only easy, but sweet, and gracious (so the word signifies) not only tolerable, but amiable and acceptable: Wisdom's ways are not only pleasant, but pleasantness it self, and all her paths are Peace, Pro. 3. 17. It is the Character of the Lord's People both in respect of Holiness and Happiness, that (however they be branded as the Troublers of Israel) they are the Quiet in the Land, Psal. 35. 20. If every Saint be made a spiritual Prince (Rev. 1. 6.) having a Dignity above others, and a Dominion over himself, surely he is like that Seraiah, Jer. 51. 59. a quiet Prince. It is a Reign with Christ, the transcendent Solomon, under the influence of whose Golden Sceptre there is abundance of Peace as long as the Moon endures, yea, and longer, for of the increase of his Government and Peace, there shall be no end. Quietness is in the Text recommended to us as a Grace, which we should be endued with, and as a Duty which we should practise. In the midst of all the Affronts and Injuries that are, or can be offered us, we must keep our Spirits sedate, and undisturbed, and evidence by a calm and even, and regular behaviour, that they are so. This is Quietness. Our Saviour hath pronounced the Blessing of Adoption upon the Peace-makers,