A65276:217
Autarkeia, or, The art of divine contentment by Thomas Watson.
London: printed by T.M. for Ralph Smith, 1654
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Answ. 1.1 Grace is beyond gifts; Thou comparest thy grace with another's gifts, there is a vast difference; Grace without gifts is infinitely better then gifts without grace; in Religion, the vitals are better then the intellectuals: Gifts are a more extrinsical and common work of the Spirit, which is incident to reprobates; grace is a more distinguishing work, and is a jewel hung only upon the Elect. Hast thou and seed of God, the holy anointing? be content.
Answ. 1.1 Grace is beyond gifts; Thou comparest thy grace with anothers gifts, ther is a vast difference; Grace without gifts is infinitely better then gifts without grace; in Religion, the vitals are better then the intellectuals: Gifts are a more extrinsecall and common worke of the Spirit, which is incident to reprobates; grace is a more distinguishing worke, and is a jewell hung onely upon the Elect. Hast thou and seed of God, the holy anointing? be content.
I. Thou sayest, thou canst not discourse with that fluency as others.
Answ. Experiments in Religion are beyond notions, and impressions beyond expressions. Judas no doubt could make a learned discourse of Christ; but welfare the woman in the Gospel, that felt virtue coming out of him*. A sanctified heart is better then a silver tongue. There is as much difference between gifts and grace, as between a Tulip painted on the wall, and one growing in the Garden.
Answ. Experiments in Religion are beyond notions, and impressions beyond expressions. Iudas no doubt could make a learned discourse of Christ; but welfare the woman in the Gospel, that felt vertue coming out of him*. A sanctified heart is better then a silver tongue. There is as much difference between gifts and grace, as between a Tulip painted on the wall, and one growing in the Garden.
II. Thou sayest, thou canst not pray with that elegance as others.
II. Thou sayest, thou canst not pray with that elegancy as others.
Answ. Prayer is a matter more of the heart then the head. In prayer it is not so much fluency prevails, as fervency*; nor is God so much taken with the elegance of speech,2 as the efficacy of the Spirit. Humility is better then volubility; here the mourner is the orator, sighs and groans are the best Rhetoric.
Answ. Prayer is a matter more of the heart then the head. In prayer it is not so much fluency prevailes, as fervency*; nor is God so much taken with the elegancy of speech,2 as the efficacy of the Spirit. Humility is better then volubility; here the mourner is the oratour, sighes and grones are the best Rhetorique.
2. Be not discontented;1 For God doth usually proportion a mans parts to the place where he calls him: Some are set in an higher sphere and function, their place requires more parts and abilities; but the most inferior member is useful in its place, and shall have a power delegated for the discharge of its peculiar office.
2. Be not discontented;1 For God doth usually proportion a mans parts to the place where he calls him: Some are set in an higher sphere and function, their place requires more parts and abilities; but the most inferiour member is usefull in its place, and shall have a power delegated for the discharge of its peculiar office.
The next Apology is,1 The troubles of the Church. Alas, my disquiet and discontent is not so much for my self, as the public. The Church of God suffers.
The next Apology is,1 The troubles of the Church. Alas, my disquiet and discontent is not so much for my self, as the publick. The Church of God suffers.
Answ. I confess it is sad, and we ought for this to hang our Harps upon the Willows*; he is a wooden leg in Christs body, that is not sensible of the state of the body. As a Christian ⟨p. 111⟩must not be proud flesh, so neither dead flesh. When the Church of God suffers, he must sympathize; Jeremiah wept for the Virgin daughter of Zion. We must feel our brethren's hard cords through our soft beds; in Music, if one string be touched, all the rest sound; when God strikes upon our brethren, our bowels must sound as an Harp*; be sensible, but do not give way to discontent. For consider,
Answ. I confesse it is sad, and we ought for this to hang our Harps upon the Willowes*; he is a wooden leg in Christs body, that is not sensible of the state of the body. As a Christian ⟨p. 111⟩must not be proud flesh, so neither dead flesh. When the Church of God suffers, hee must sympathize; Ieremy wept for the Virgin daughter of Sion. Wee must feel our brethrens hard cords through our soft beds; in Musick, if one string be touched, all the rest sound; when God strikes upon our brethren, our bowels must sound as an Harp*; be sensible, but doe not give way to discontent. For consider,
1.1 God sits at the stern of his Church*; Sometimes it is as a ship tossed upon the waves, O thou afflicted and tossed*: but cannot God bring this ship to haven, though it meet with a storm upon the Sea? The ship in the Gospel was tossed, because sin was in it; but it was not overwhelmed, because Christ was in it. Christ is in the Ship of his Church, fear not sinking; The Churches Anchor is cast in Heaven. Do not we think God loves his ⟨p. 96⟩Church, and takes as much care of it as we can? The names of the twelve Tribes were on Aaron's breast, signifying how near to Gods heart his people are; They are his portion*, and shall that be lost? His glory*, and shall that be finally eclipsed? No certainly. God can deliver his Church, not only from, but by opposition; the Churches pangs shall help forward her deliverance.
1.1 God sits at the sterne of his Church*; Sometimes it is as a ship tossed upon the waves, O thou afflicted and tossed*: but cannot God bring this ship to haven, though it meet with a storme upon the Sea? The ship in the Gospel was tossed, because sinne was in it; but it was not overwhelmed, because Christ was in it. Christ is in the Ship of his Church, fear not sinking; The Churches Anchor is cast in Heaven. Doe not wee think God loves his ⟨p. 96⟩Church, and takes as much care of it as wee can? The names of the twelve Tribes were on Aarons brest, signifying how near to Gods heart his people are; They are his portion*, and shall that be lost? His glory*, and shall that be finally eclipsed? No certainly. God can deliver his Church, not only from, but by opposition; the Churches pangs shall help forward her deliverance.
