The Art of Divine Contentment

SECT. 5.

The fifth Argument to Contentation.

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.