The Art of Divine Contentment

3. A contented spirit,¹ is a thankful spirit^*. This is a degree above the other; In every thing giving thanks^*. A gracious heart spies mercy in every condition, therefore hath his heart screwed up to thankfulness: others will bless God for prosperity, ⟨p. 225⟩he blesseth him for affliction. Thus he reasons with himself, Am I in want? God sees it better for me to want then to abound; God is now dieting of me, he sees it better for my spiritual health, sometimes to be kept fasting; therefore he doth not only submit, but is thankful. The Male-content is ever complaining of his condition; the contented spirit is ever giving thanks. Oh what height of grace is this! A contented heart is a Temple where the praises of God are sung forth, not a Sepulchre wherein they are buried. A contented Christian in the greatest straits hath his heart enlarged, and dilated in thankfulness. He oft contemplates Gods love in election, he sees that he is a monument of mercy, therefore desires to be a pattern of praise. There is always gratulatory music in a contented soul; the Spirit of grace works in the heart like new wine, which under the ⟨p. 226⟩heaviest pressures of sorrow, will have a vent open for thankfulness; this is to be content.

3. A contented spirit,¹ is a thankfull spirit^*. This is a degree above the other; In every thing giving thanks^*. A gracious heart spies mercie in every condition, therefore hath his heart scrued up to thankfulness: others will bless God for prosperity, ⟨p. 225⟩he blesseth him for affliction. Thus he reasons with himselfe, Am I in want? God sees it better for me to want then to abound; God is now dieting of me, he sees it better for my spirituall health, sometimes to be kept fasting; therefore he doth not onely submit, but is thankfull. The Male-content is ever complaining of his condition; the contented spirit is ever giving thanks. Oh what height of grace is this! A contented heart is a Temple where the praises of God are sung forth, not a Sepulchre wherein they are buried. A contented Christian in the greatest straits hath his heart enlarged, and dilated in thankfulnesse. Hee oft contemplates Gods love in election, hee sees that he is a monument of mercy, therefore desires to be a paterne of praise. There is alwayes gratulatory musick in a contented soule; the Spirit of grace works in the heart like new wine, which under the