A65276:222
The Art of Divine Contentment
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.
- 11. Reply.
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.