The works of George Swinnock, M.A

There be several thoughts which may quiet and compose the heart in all occurrents.

There be several thoughts which may quiet and compose the heart in all occurents.

1. That Infinite wisdom ordaineth whatsoever befalleth me, and the present condition that I am in, is ever best for me. If a greater portion of outward good things, had been good for me, I had had it; my Father is not so careless of his Children, as to deny them any thing that is good for them, and if it be not good for me, why should I desire it? He acteth without reason, as well as without religion, who craveth what is hurtful to him. If my condition were cut out by the will of malicious men, I might have some ground of grumbling; but when its cut out by the infinite wisdom of a gracious God, I have not the least cause of discontent. I take it ill if my Children be not satisfied with what food and raiment I think fitten for them; and may not God much more take it ill at my hands, if I sit not down quietly with his allowance, be it more or less? 2. That the smallest mercy is above my merits; If my condition be not so good •s • desire, yet it is better then I deserve; If my estate be not so flourishing as I would it should be, it is not so ⟨p. 814⟩bad as I know it might have been; Beggars must not be choosers; They who have nothing but of charity and alms, must be satisfied with a bare allowance, and contentedly be at another's disposal; Why doth living man complain? Lam. 3. 39. Man, a reasonable creature, and complain against his Maker! Living man complain, when the most miserable estate out of Hell is a mercy to him! 3. That be our estate as low as it will, it is better then we brought with us into the world. Some give us this reason, why man (when none besides of the visible creatures) is born naked, weeping, helpless, b•t to teach him contentedness. Have I any food? I brought none with me; Is my garment course and thin? I was born naked; Am I blest with any comforts? I came into the World without any; Naked came I into the world, and naked shall I go out of the world; The Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away, blessed be the name of the Lord. 4. That a better condition might and would make me worse; If I were mounted high in the world, I should be like the Flag at the top of the Mast, more liable to storms and winds. The full purse invites the Thief, and perhaps may occasion a stab; when the empty pocket is secure, and the poor man may travail the road without any such danger. Low shrubs escape many a cold blast, with which tall trees are assaulted;