A65276:313
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 do increase grace: as the wind serves to increase & blow up the flame; so do the windy blasts of affliction augment & blow up our graces; grace spends in the furnace, but it is like the widows oil in the cruse, which did increase by pouring out. The torch when it is beaten, burns brightest, so doth grace when it is exercised by sufferings. Sharp frosts nourish the good corn, so do sharp afflictions grace; some plants ⟨p. 160⟩grow better in the shade then in the Sun; as the Bay and the Cypress. The shade of adversity is better for some then the Sun-shine of prosperity. Naturalists observe, that the Colewort thrives better when it is watered with salt water then with fresh: So do some thrive better in the salt water of affliction; and shall we be discontented at that which makes us grow and fructify more?
2. Afflictions do encrease grace: as the winde serves to encrease & blow up the flame; so do the windy blasts of affliction augment & blow up our graces; grace spends in the furnace, but it is like the widowes oile in the cruse, which did encrease by pouring out. The torch when it is beaten, burns brightest, so doth grace when it is exercised by sufferings. Sharp frosts nourish the good corne, so doe sharp afflictions grace; some plants ⟨p. 160⟩grow better in the shade then in the Sun; as the Bay and the Cypress. The shade of adversity is better for some then the Sun-shine of prosperity. Naturalists observe, that the Colewort thrives better when it is watered with salt water then with fresh: So do some thrive better in the salt water of affliction; and shall wee be discontented at that which makes us grow and fructifie more?
5. These afflictions do bring more of Gods immediate presence into the soul. When we are most assaulted, we shall be most assisted, I will be with him in trouble*. It cannot be ill with that man with whom God is by his powerful presence in supporting, and his gracious presence in sweetening the present trial. God will be with us in trouble, not only to behold us, but to uphold us; as he was with Daniel in the Lions den, and the three children in the furnace. What if we have more trouble then others, if we