A65276:309
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.
2. Afflictions are probatory*. Gold is not the worse for being tried, or corn for being fanned. Affliction is the touchstone of sincerity, it tries what metal we are made of; affliction is Gods fan, and his sieve. 'Tis good that men be known; some serve God for a livery, they are like the fisherman that makes use of his net, only to catch the fish: So they go a fishing, with the net of Religion, only to catch preferment; Affliction discovers these. The Donatists went to the Goths, when the Arians prevailed; Hypocrites will not fail in a storm; true grace holds out in the winter-season. That is a precious faith, which like the star shines brightest in the darkest night. 'Tis good that our graces should be brought to a trial; thus we have the ⟨p. 157⟩comfort, and the Gospel the honour; and why then discontented?
2. Afflictions are probatory*. Gold is not the worse for being tried, or corne for being fanned. Affliction is the touchstone of sincerity, it tries what mettall wee are made of; affliction is Gods fan, and his sieve. 'Tis good that men be known; some serve God for a livery, they are like the fisherman that makes use of his net, onely to catch the fish: So they go a fishing, with the net of Religion, onely to catch preferment; Affliction discovers these. The Donatists went to the Gothes, when the Arians prevailed; Hypocrites will not faile in a storme; true grace holds out in the winter-season. That is a precious faith, which like the star shines brightest in the darkest night. 'Tis good that our graces should bee brought to a triall; thus we have the ⟨p. 157⟩comfort, and the Gospel the honour; and why then discontented?