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

The word hath something in it of a Metaphor, which we would not chase, but fairly prosecute, for the Illustration of the Grace of Meekness.

1. We must be quiet as the Air is quiet from Winds. Disorderly Passions are like stormy Winds in the Soul, they toss and hurry it, and often split, or strand, or overset it; they move it as the Trees of the Wood are moved with the Wind; 'tis the Prophets comparison, Isa. 7. 2. and is an apt Emblem of a Man in Passion. Now Meekness restrains these Winds, saith to them, Peace, ⟨p. 36⟩be still, and so preserves a calm in the Soul, and makes it conformable to him, who hath the Winds in his Fists, and is herein to be praised, that even the stormy Winds fulfil his Word. A brisk Gale is often useful, especially to the Ships of Desire, as the Hebrew phrase is, Job 9. 26. so there should be in the Soul such a warmth and vigour as will help to speed us to the desired Harbour. It is not well to lye Wind-bound in dullness and indifferency. But Tempests are perilous, yea, tho' the Wind be in the right Point; so are strong Passions, even in good Men, they both hinder the Voyage, and hazard the Ship: Such a Quickness as consists with Quietness, is what we should all labour after, and Meekness will contribute very much towards it, it will silence the Noise, control the Force, moderate the Impetus, and correct all undue and disorderly Transports.¹ What manner of Grace is this, that even the Winds and the Seas obey it? If we will but use the Authority which God hath given us over our own Hearts, we may keep the winds of Passion under the command of Religion and Reason, and then the Soul is quiet; the Sun shines, all's pleasant and •erene and smiling, and the Man sleeps sweetly and safely on the Leeside. We make our Voyage among Rocks and Quick-sands, but if the Weather be calm, we can the better steer so as to avoid them, and by a due care and temper hit the mean between extremes, whereas he that suffers these Winds of Passion to get head, and spreads a large Sail before them, while he shuns one Rock, splits upon another, and is in danger of being drowned in destruction and perdition, by many foolish and hurtful Lusts, especially those whence Wars and Fightings come.