A65276:332
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.
Discontent is nothing else but the Echo of unbelief: and remember distrust is worse then distress.
Discontent is nothing else but the Echo of unbeliefe: and remember distrust is worse then distress.
2. Discontent is evil in the concomitants §2of it, which are two.
2. Discontent is evil in the concomitants §2of it, whch are two.
1. Discontent is joined with a sullen melancholy; a Christian of a right temper, should be ever cheerful in God; Serve the Lord with gladness*. A sign the oil of grace hath been poured into the heart, when the oil of gladness shines in the countenance. Cheerfulness credits Religion; how can the discontented person be cheerful? Discontent is a dogged, sullen humour; because we have not what we desire, God shall not have a good word or look ⟨p. 172⟩from us; as the Bird in the cage, because she is pent up, and cannot fly in the open air, therefore beats herself against the cage, and is ready to kill her self. Thus that peevish Prophet; I do well to be angry to the death*.