2. Let us compare our conditions with others,1 and this will make us content; we look at them who are above us, let us look at them who are below us*; we see one in his ⟨p. 251⟩silks, another in his sackcloth; one hath the waters of a full cup wrung out to him, another is mingling his drink with tears; how many pale faces do we behold, whom not sickness, but want hath brought into a consumption! think of this and be content. 'Tis worse with them, who perhaps deserve better then we, and are higher in Gods favour. Am I in prison? was not Daniel in a worse place, viz. the Lions den? Do I live in a mean cottage? look on them who are banished from their houses. We read of the Primitive Saints, that they wandered up & down in Sheeps skins and Goats skins, of whom the world was not worthy*. Hast thou a gentle fit of an Ague? look on them who are tormented with the stone and gout, &c. others of Gods children have had greater afflictions, and have borne them better then we. Daniel fed upon pulse and drank water, yet was fairer then they who ⟨p. 258⟩ate of the Kings portion*; some Christians who have been in a lower condition, that have fed upon pulse and water have looked better, viz. been more patient and contented then we who enjoy abundance. Do others rejoice in affliction, and do we repine? Can they take up their cross, and walk cheerfully under it, and do we under a lighter cross murmur?
2. Let us compare our conditions with others,1 and this will make us content; wee look at them who are above us, let us look at them who are below us*; we see one in his ⟨p. 251⟩silks, another in his sackcloth; one hath the waters of a full cup wrung out to him, another is mingling his drink with teares; how many pale faces doe we behold, whom not sicknesse, but want hath brought into a consumption! think of this and be content. 'Tis worse with them, who perhaps deserve better then wee, and are higher in Gods favour. Am I in prison? was not Daniel in a worse place, viz. the Lions den? Do I live in a meane cottage? look on them who are banished from their houses. We read of the Primitive Saints, that they wandered up & down in Sheeps skins and Goats skins, of whom the world was not worthy*. Hast thou a gentle fit of an Ague? look on them who are tormented with the stone and gout, &c. others of Gods children have had greater afflictions, and have borne them better then we. Daniel fed upon pulse and dranke water, yet was fairer then they who ⟨p. 258⟩ate of the Kings portion*; some Christians who have been in a lower condition, that have fed upon pulse and water have looked better, viz. been more patient and contented then we who enjoy abundance. Do others rejoyce in affliction, and do we repine? Can they take up their crosse, and walk chearfully under it, and do we under a lighter crosse murmure?
- 12. Comparison.
- *Dum tibi aliena pericula memoras, mitiùs portas tua•. Isid. Soliloq. l. 1.
- *Heb. 11. 37.
- *Dan. 1. 15.
