The Art of Divine Contentment

1. Is it not a vain simple thing to be troubled at the loss of that which is in its own nature perishing and changeable? God hath put a vicissitude into the creature; all the world rings changes, and for me to meet with inconstancy here, to lose a friend, estate, to be in a constant fluctuation, is no more then to see a flower wither, or a leaf drop off in Autumn. There is an Autumn upon every comfort, a fall of the leaf; Now it is extreme folly to be discontented at the loss of those things which are in their own nature loseable. What Solomon saith of Riches, is true of all things under the Sun, They take wings. Noah's Dove brought an Olive-branch in its mouth, but presently flew out of the Ark, and never returned more: Such a comfort brings to us honey in its mouth, but it hath wings; and to what purpose should ⟨p. 179⟩we be troubled, unless we had wings to fly after and overtake it?

1. Is it not a vain simple thing to be troubled at the losse of that which is in its owne nature perishing and changeable? God hath put a vicissitude into the creature; all the world rings changes, and for me to meet with inconstancy here, to lose a friend, estate, to be in a constant fluctuation, is no more then to see a flower wither, or a leaf drop off in Autumne. There is an Autumne upon every comfort, a fall of the leafe; Now it is extream folly to be discontented at the losse of those things which are in their own nature loseable. What Solomon saith of Riches, is true of all things under the Sun, They take wings. Noahs Dove brought an Olive-branch in its mouth, but presently flew out of the Arke, and never returned more: Such a comfort brings to us honey in its mouth, but it hath wings; and to what purpose should ⟨p. 179⟩wee be troubled, unlesse wee had wings to fly after and overtake it?

2. Discontent is an heart-breaking; By sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken