The next Argument is, by contentment a Christian gets a victory over himself: For a man to be able to rule his own spirit*, this of all others ⟨p. 150⟩the most noble conquest*. Passion denotes weakness; to be discontented, is suitable to flesh and blood; but to be in every state content; reproached, yet content; imprisoned, yet content; this is above nature; this is some of that holy valour and chivalry, which only a divine spirit is able to infuse. In the midst of the affronts of the world to be patient, and the changes of the world to have the spirit calmed; this argues [Greek or Hebrew], as Homer speaks; this a conquest worthy indeed of the Garland of honour. Holy Job devested and turned out of all, leaving his Scarlet, and embracing the Dung-hill, (a sad catastrophe,) yet he had learned Contentment. 'Tis said, He fell upon the ground and worshipped*. One would have thought he should have fallen upon the ground and blasphemed; no, he fell and worshipped. He adored Gods justice and holiness; behold, ⟨p. 151⟩the strength of grace; here was an humble submission, yet a noble conquest; he got the victory over himself. 'Tis no great matter for a man to yield to his own passions, this is facile and feminine; but to content himself in denying of himself, this is sacred.
The next Argument is, by contentment a Christian gets a victory over himselfe: For a man to be able to rule his own spirit*, this of all others ⟨p. 150⟩the most noble conquest*. Passion denotes weaknesse; to be discontented, is suitable to flesh and blood; but to be in every state content; reproached, yet content; imprisoned, yet content; this is above nature; this is some of that holy valour and chivalry, which onely a divine spirit is able to infuse. In the midst of the affronts of the world to be patient, and the changes of the world to have the spirit calmed; this argues 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, as Homer speaks; this a conquest worthy indeed of the Garland of honour. Holy Iob devested and turned out of all, leaving his Scarlet, and embracing the Dung-hill, (a sad catastrophe,) yet he had learned Contentment. 'Tis said, He fell upon the ground and worshipped*. One would have thought hee should have fallen upon the ground and blasphemed; no, hee fell and worshipped. Hee adored Gods justice and holinesse; behold, ⟨p. 151⟩the strength of grace; here was an humble submission, yet a noble conquest; hee got the victory over himselfe. 'Tis no great matter for a man to yield to his own passions, this is facile and foeminine; but to content himselfe in denying of himselfe, this is sacred.
- *Fortior est qui se quàm qui fortissim• vincit moenia. &c.
- *Prov. 16. 32.
- *Job 1. 20
