thing_n unvenem_fw-la all_o those_o calamity_n which_o be_v to_o other_o the_o gall_n of_o asp_n and_o in_o a_o far_a sense_n verify_v that_o evangelical_n prophecy_n of_o beat_v sword_n into_o ploughshare_n and_o spear_n into_o prune_a hook_n isaiah_n 2._o 4._o the_o most_o hostile_a weapon_n the_o most_o adverse_a event_n shall_v be_v by_o he_o convert_v into_o instrument_n of_o fertility_n shall_v only_o advance_v his_o spiritual_a growth_n 12._o and_o now_o who_o can_v choose_v but_o confess_v this_o a_o much_o more_o eligible_a state_n then_o to_o be_v always_o harrass_v with_o solicitude_n and_o care_n perpetual_o either_o fear_v future_a defeat_v or_o bewail_v the_o past_a and_o then_o what_o can_v we_o call_v it_o less_o than_o madness_n or_o enchantment_n for_o man_n to_o act_v so_o contrary_a to_o their_o own_o dictate_v yea_o to_o their_o very_a sense_n and_o experience_n too_o see_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o inexplicable_a felicity_n of_o a_o resign_v will_n and_o yet_o perverse_o to_o hold_v out_o they_o though_o they_o can_v get_v nothing_o by_o it_o but_o the_o sullen_a pleasure_n of_o oppose_a god_n and_o torment_v themselves_o let_v we_o therefore_o if_o not_o for_o our_o duty_n or_o ease_n yet_o at_o least_o for_o our_o reputation_n the_o assert_v ourselves_o man_n of_o sobriety_n and_o common_a sense_n do_v that_o which_o upon_o all_o these_o interest_n we_o be_v oblige_v let_v we_o but_o give_v up_o our_o will_n and_o with_o they_o we_o shall_v certain_o divest_v ourselves_o of_o all_o our_o fruitless_a anxiety_n and_o cast_v our_o burden_n upon_o he_o who_o invite_v we_o to_o do_v so_o he_o who_o bear_v all_o our_o sin_n will_v bear_v all_o our_o sorrow_n our_o grief_n too_o if_o we_o will_v but_o be_v content_a to_o deposit_v they_o he_o will_v relieve_v we_o from_o all_o those_o oppress_a weight_n which_o make_v our_o soul_n cleave_v to_o the_o dust_n psal._n 119._o 25._o and_o will_v in_o exchange_n give_v we_o only_o his_o light_n his_o pleasant_a burden_n mat._n 11._o 33._o in_o a_o word_n there_o will_v be_v no_o care_n leave_v for_o we_o but_o that_o of_o keep_v ourselves_o in_o a_o capacity_n of_o he_o let_v we_o but_o secure_v our_o love_n to_o he_o and_o we_o be_v ascertain_v that_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o our_o good_a rom._n 8._o 28._o to_o conclude_v resignation_n and_o contentment_n be_v virtue_n not_o only_o of_o a_o near_a cognation_n and_o resemblance_n but_o they_o be_v link_v as_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o effect_n let_v we_o but_o make_v sure_a of_o resignation_n and_o content_a will_v flow_v into_o we_o without_o our_o far_a industry_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a whilst_o our_o will_n be_v at_o defiance_n with_o god_n we_o shall_v always_o find_v thing_n at_o as_o great_a defiance_n with_o we_o all_o our_o subtilete_n or_o industry_n will_v never_o mould_v they_o to_o our_o satisfaction_n till_o we_o have_v mould_v ourselves_o into_o that_o pliant_a temper_n that_o we_o can_v cordial_o say_v it_o be_v the_o lord_n let_v he_o do_v what_o seem_v he_o good_a 1_o sam._n 3._o 18._o the_o close_a 1._o this_o short_a institution_n of_o the_o art_n of_o contentment_n can_v more_v natural_o or_o more_o desirable_o draw_v to_o a_o conclusion_n then_o in_o the_o resort_n we_o have_v give_v it_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o divine_a providence_n the_o roman_a conqueror_n as_o the_o last_o pitch_n of_o all_o their_o triumph_n go_v to_o the_o capitol_n and_o lay_v their_o garland_n in_o the_o lap_n of_o jupiter_n but_o the_o christian_a have_v a_o easy_a way_n to_o triumph_n to_o put_v his_o crown_n of_o thorn_n for_o that_o be_v the_o trophy_n of_o his_o victory_n within_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o gracious_a god_n there_o lodge_v his_o fear_n his_o want_n his_o sorrow_n and_o himself_o too_o as_o in_o the_o best_a repository_n 2._o the_o gospel_n command_v of_o not_o care_v for_o the_o morrow_n mat._n 6._o 34_o and_o be_v careful_a for_o nothing_o phil._n 4._o 6._o naked_o propose_v may_v seem_v the_o abandon_v of_o we_o to_o all_o the_o calamity_n of_o life_n but_o when_o we_o be_v direct_v to_o cast_v all_o our_o care_n upon_o a_o gracious_a and_o all-powerful_a parent_n and_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o care_v for_o we_o 1_o pet._n 5._o 7._o that_o tho_o a_o woman_n may_v forget_v her_o suck_a child_n that_o she_o shall_v not_o have_v compassion_n of_o the_o son_n of_o her_o womb_n yet_o will_v he_o not_o forget_v his_o child_n isa._n 49._o 15._o this_o will_v abundant_o supersede_n all_o cavil_n and_o objection_n whilst_o worldly_a man_n trust_v in_o a_o arm_n of_o flesh_n lay_v up_o treasure_n on_o earth_n a_o prey_n for_o rust_n and_o moth_n mat._n 6._o 19_o and_o a_o torment_n to_o themselves_o jam._n 5._o 3._o the_o christian_n have_v omnipotence_n for_o his_o support_n and_o a_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n where_o no_o thief_n approach_v nor_o moth_n corrupt_v mat._n 6._o 20._o while_o bold_a inquirer_n call_v in_o question_n god_n secret_a will_n oblige_v he_o to_o their_o sub_fw-la or_o supralapsarian_a scheme_n their_o absolute_a or_o conditional_a decree_n their_o grace_n foresee_v or_o predetermine_v the_o pious_a man_n with_o awful_a acquiescence_n submit_v to_o that_o which_o be_v revel_v resolve_n for_o ever_o to_o obey_v but_o never_o to_o dispute_v as_o know_v that_o the_o beloved_a disciple_n lean_v on_o his_o master_n bosom_n but_o it_o be_v the_o thief_n and_o traitor_n part_n to_o go_v about_o to_o rifle_v it_o 3._o it_o be_v sure_o a_o modest_a demand_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o god_n almighty_n that_o we_o shall_v allow_v he_o as_o much_o privilege_n in_o his_o world_n as_o every_o peasant_n claim_v in_o his_o cottage_n to_o be_v master_n there_o and_o dispose_v of_o his_o household_n as_o he_o think_v best_o to_o say_v to_o this_o man_n go_v and_o he_o go_v and_o to_o another_o come_v and_o he_o come_v and_o to_o his_o servant_n do_v this_o and_o he_o do_v it_o mat._n 8._o 9_o and_o if_o we_o will_v afford_v he_o this_o liberty_n there_o will_v be_v a_o immediate_a end_n put_v to_o all_o clamour_n and_o complaint_n 4._o we_o make_v it_o our_o daily_a prayer_n that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n may_v be_v do_v in_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n with_o a_o ready_a swift_a and_o uninterrupted_a constancy_n as_o it_o be_v giantlike_a rebellion_n to_o set_v up_o our_o will_n against_o he_o so_o be_v it_o mad_a perverseness_n to_o set_v it_o up_o against_o our_o own_o be_v displease_v that_o our_o request_n be_v grant_v and_o repine_v that_o he_o and_o therewith_o our_o will_n be_v do_v it_o be_v indeed_o not_o only_o good_a manner_n but_o good_a policy_n to_o observe_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o heathen_a and_o follow_v god_n not_o prejudg_v his_o determination_n by_o we_o but_o in_o a_o modest_a suspension_n of_o our_o thought_n harken_v what_o the_o lord_n god_n will_v say_v concern_v we_o for_o he_o will_v speak_v peace_n unto_o his_o people_n and_o to_o his_o saint_n that_o they_o turn_v not_o again_o psa._n 85._o 8._o 5._o or_o however_o upon_o surprise_n we_o may_v indulge_v to_o a_o passionate_a affection_n and_o dote_v upon_o our_o illegitimate_a offspring_n our_o darling_n guilt_n or_o folly_n as_o david_n do_v upon_o that_o child_n who_o be_v the_o price_n of_o murder_n and_o adultery_n yet_o when_o the_o brat_n be_v take_v from_o we_o when_o the_o child_n be_v dead_a it_o will_v become_v we_o to_o do_v as_o he_o do_v rise_v from_o our_o sullen_a posture_n on_o the_o earth_n and_o worship_n in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n 2_o sam._n 12._o 20._o it_o will_v behoove_v we_o as_o he_o say_v in_o another_o place_n to_o lay_v our_o hand_n upon_o our_o mouth_n because_o it_o be_v his_o do_v psal._n 30._o 10._o and_o with_o holy_a job_n chap._n 40._o 4._o when_o charge_v with_o his_o murmur_n behold_v i_o be_o vile_a what_o shall_v i_o answer_v once_o have_v i_o speak_v but_o i_o will_v not_o answer_v yea_o twice_o but_o i_o will_v proceed_v no_o far_o 6._o socrates_n right_o say_v of_o contentment_n oppose_v it_o to_o the_o riches_n of_o fortune_n and_o opinion_n that_o it_o be_v the_o wealth_n of_o nature_n for_o it_o give_v every_o thing_n that_o we_o have_v learn_v to_o want_v and_o real_o need_v but_o resignation_n be_v the_o riches_n of_o grace_n bestow_v all_o thing_n that_o a_o christian_n not_o only_o needs_o but_o can_v desire_v even_o almighty_a god_n himself_o he_o indeed_o as_o the_o schoolman_n teach_v be_v the_o objective_a happiness_n of_o the_o creature_n he_o who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o be_v must_v be_v also_o of_o blessedness_n and_o though_o this_o be_v only_o communicable_a to_o we_o when_o we_o have_v put_v off_o that_o flesh_n which_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o lay_v aside_o that_o corruption_n which_o can_v inherit_v incorruption_n 1_o cor._n 15._o yet_o even_o in_o this_o life_n we_o may_v make_v approach_n to_o that_o bless_a state_n by_o act_n of_o resignation_n and_o denial_n of_o ourselves_o it_o be_v the_o generous_a say_n of_o socrates_n be_v about_o to_o die_v unto_o his_o friend_n o_o crito_n since_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n so_o let_v it_o be_v anytus_n and_o melitus_n may_v kill_v i_o but_o can_v hurt_v i_o but_o such_o a_o resignation_n as_o it_o be_v infinite_o a_o great_a duty_n to_o a_o christian_a so_o it_o be_v also_o a_o more_o firm_a security_n in_o that_o case_n it_o be_v not_o the_o martyr_n but_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n who_o be_v thus_o persecute_v and_o he_o who_o attaque_v he_o will_v find_v it_o hard_o to_o kick_v against_o the_o prick_n act._n 9_o 5._o 7._o there_o can_v not_o be_v a_o great_a instance_n of_o the_o profligate_n sensuality_n of_o the_o israelite_n then_o that_o they_o murmur_v for_o want_v of_o leek_n and_o onion_n num._n 11._o 5._o when_o they_o eat_v angel_n food_n and_o have_v bread_n rain_v down_o from_o heaven_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v sensible_a of_o god_n almighty_n favour_n to_o repine_v at_o any_o earthly_a pressure_n the_o lord_n be_v my_o shepherd_n say_v david_n therefore_o can_v i_o lack_v nothing_o psa._n 23._o 1._o and_o thou_o have_v put_v gladness_n into_o my_o heart_n more_o than_o when_o their_o corn_n and_o wine_n and_o oil_n increase_v psa._n 4._o 7._o and_o in_o passionate_a rapture_n he_o cry_v out_o psa._n 73._o 25._o who_o have_v i_o in_o heaven_n but_o thou_o and_o there_o be_v none_o upon_o earth_n that_o i_o desire_v in_o comparison_n of_o thou_o my_o flesh_n and_o my_o heart_n fail_v but_o god_n be_v the_o strength_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o my_o portion_n for_o ever_o and_o likewise_o psal._n 46._o 1._o god_n be_v our_o hope_n and_o strength_n a_o very_a present_a help_n in_o trouble_n therefore_o will_v we_o not_o fear_v though_o the_o earth_n be_v move_v and_o though_o the_o hill_n be_v carry_v into_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o sea_n though_o the_o water_n thereof_o rage_n and_o swell_v and_o though_o the_o mountain_n shake_v at_o the_o tempest_n of_o the_o same_o if_o god_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o we_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v remove_v he_o will_v help_v we_o and_o that_o right_a early_a let_v we_o therefore_o possess_v ourselves_o of_o this_o support_n and_o as_o the_o prophet_n advise_v isa._n 8._o 12._o neither_o fear_n nor_o be_v afraid_a in_o any_o exigence_n how_o great_a soever_o but_o be_v still_o and_o quiet_a and_o sanctify_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n himself_o and_o let_v he_o be_v our_o fear_n and_o let_v he_o be_v our_o dread_n finis_fw-la the_o content_n section_n 1._o of_o the_o necessary_a connexion_n between_o happiness_n and_o contentment_n p._n 1._o 2._o of_o god_n absolute_a sovereignty_n p._n 17._o 3._o of_o god_n unlimited_a bounty_n p._n 28._o 4._o of_o the_o surplusage_n of_o our_o enjoiment_n above_o our_o suffering_n p._n 56._o 5._o of_o our_o demerit_n towards_o god_n p._n 86._o 6._o of_o god_n general_a providence_n p._n 107._o 7._o of_o god_n particular_a providence_n p._n 121._o 8._o of_o the_o advantage_n of_o affliction_n p._n 130._o 9_o of_o our_o misfortune_n compare_v with_o other_o man_n p._n 156._o 10._o of_o particular_a aid_n for_o the_o gain_v contentment_n p._n 178._o 11._o of_o resignation_n p._n 196._o the_o close_a p._n 209._o 209._o decay_n of_o christian_a piety_n
the_o art_n of_o contentment_n by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v but_o lose_a labour_n that_o you_o hasten_v to_o rise_v up_o early_o and_o so_o late_o take_v rest_n and_o eat_v the_o bread_n of_o carefulness_n for_o so_o he_o give_v his_o belove_a sleep_n psal._n 127._o 3._o at_o the_o theater_n in_o oxford_n m._n dc_o lxxv_o imprimatur_fw-la rad._n bathur_v vice-cancell_a oxon._n feb._n 24._o 1675._o the_o preface_n the_o desire_n of_o happiness_n be_v so_o coessential_a with_o our_o nature_n so_o interweave_v and_o incorporate_a with_o it_o that_o nothing_o but_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o whole_a frame_n can_v extinguish_v it_o this_o run_v through_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n and_o amid_o the_o infinite_a variety_n of_o other_o inclination_n preserve_v its_o self_n entire_a the_o most_o various_a contradictory_n temper_n do_v yet_o conspire_v in_o this_o and_o man_n of_o the_o most_o unequal_a fortune_n be_v yet_o equal_a in_o their_o wish_n of_o be_v happy_a but_o this_o concurrence_n as_o to_o the_o end_n be_v not_o more_o universal_a than_o the_o disagreement_n about_o the_o way_n every_o man_n will_v have_v happiness_n but_o wherein_o that_o consist_v or_o how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v attain_v have_v be_v very_o diverse_o opine_v indeed_o the_o ultimate_a supreme_a happiness_n as_o it_o be_v original_o inherent_a in_o god_n so_o it_o be_v wrap_v up_o in_o those_o cloud_n and_o darkness_n which_o as_o the_o psalmist_n say_v be_v round_o about_o he_o psal._n 18._o 11._o and_o we_o can_v see_v nothing_o of_o it_o but_o in_o those_o gleam_n and_o ray_n he_o be_v please_v to_o dart_v out_o upon_o we_o so_o that_o all_o our_o estimate_n as_o to_o our_o final_a felicity_n must_v be_v measure_a by_o those_o revelation_n he_o have_v make_v of_o it_o but_o one_o will_v think_v our_o temporal_a happiness_n be_v as_o much_o a_o mystery_n as_o our_o eternal_a to_o see_v what_o variety_n of_o blind_a pursuit_n be_v make_v after_o it_o one_o man_n think_v it_o be_v seat_v on_o the_o top_n pinnacle_n of_o honour_n and_o climb_v till_o perhaps_o he_o fall_v headlong_o another_o think_v it_o a_o mineral_n that_o must_v be_v dig_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n and_o toil_n to_o lade_v himself_o with_o thick_a clay_n hab._n 2._o 6._o and_o at_o last_o find_v a_o grave_n where_o he_o seek_v his_o treasure_n a_o three_o suppose_v it_o consist_v in_o the_o variety_n of_o pleasure_n and_o weary_v himself_o in_o that_o pursuit_n which_o only_a cloy_n and_o disappoint_v yet_o every_o one_o of_o these_o can_v read_v you_o lecture_n of_o the_o gross_a mistake_n and_o folly_n of_o the_o other_o whilst_o himself_o be_v equal_o delude_v thus_o do_v man_n chase_v a_o imaginary_a good_a till_o they_o meet_v with_o real_a evil_n herein_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o same_o cheat_n laban_n put_v upon_o jacob_n they_o serve_v for_o rachel_n and_o be_v reward_v with_o leah_n court_v fancy_v beauty_n and_o marry_v loathe_a deformity_n such_o delusive_a felicity_n as_o these_o be_v the_o largess_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o air_n who_o once_o attemt_v to_o have_v enveigle_v even_o christ_n himself_o mat._n 4._o but_o god_n proposal_n be_v more_o sincere_a he_o know_v how_o sandy_a how_o false_a a_o foundation_n all_o these_o external_a thing_n must_v make_v and_o therefore_o warn_v we_o not_o to_o build_v so_o much_o as_o our_o present_a satisfaction_n upon_o they_o but_o show_v we_o a_o more_o certain_a a_o more_o compendious_a way_n to_o acquire_v what_o we_o gasp_n after_o by_o tell_v we_o that_o as_o godliness_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o next_o so_o contentment_n for_o this_o world_n be_v great_a gain_n 1_o tim._n 6._o 6._o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o unum_fw-la necessarium_fw-la the_o one_o point_n in_o which_o all_o the_o line_n of_o worldly_a happiness_n be_v concentre_v and_o to_o complete_a its_o excellence_n it_o be_v to_o be_v have_v at_o home_n nay_o indeed_o only_o there_o we_o need_v not_o ramble_v in_o wild_a pursuit_n after_o it_o we_o may_v form_v it_o within_o our_o own_o breast_n no_o man_n want_v material_n for_o it_o that_o know_v but_o how_o to_o put_v they_o together_o and_o the_o direct_n to_o that_o skill_n be_v the_o only_a design_n of_o the_o ensue_a tract_n which_o come_v upon_o so_o kind_a a_o errand_n may_v at_o least_o hope_n for_o a_o unprejudiced_a reception_n contentment_n be_v a_o thing_n we_o all_o profess_v to_o aspire_v to_o and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v think_v a_o unfriendly_a office_n to_o endeavour_v to_o conduct_v man_n to_o it_o how_o far_o the_o ensue_a consideration_n may_v tend_v to_o that_o end_n i_o must_v leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n and_o experience_n of_o the_o reader_n only_o desire_v he_o that_o he_o will_v weigh_v they_o with_o that_o seriousness_n which_o befit_v a_o thing_n wherein_o both_o his_o happiness_n and_o duty_n be_v concern_v for_o in_o this_o as_o in_o many_o other_o instance_n god_n have_v so_o twist_v they_o together_o that_o we_o can_v be_v innocent_o miserable_a the_o present_a infelicity_n have_v a_o appendant_a guilt_n which_o will_v consign_v we_o to_o a_o more_o irreversible_a state_n of_o dissatisfaction_n hereafter_o the_o art_n of_o contentment_n sect_n i._o of_o the_o necessary_a connexion_n between_o happiness_n and_o contentment_n 1._o god_n who_o be_v essential_o happy_a in_o himself_o can_v receive_v no_o accession_n to_o his_o felicity_n by_o the_o poor_a contribution_n of_o man_n he_o can_v therefore_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v make_v they_o upon_o intuition_n of_o increase_v but_o communicate_v his_o happiness_n and_o this_o his_o original_a design_n be_v very_o visible_a in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o his_o economy_n towards_o they_o when_o lapse_v man_n have_v counterplot_v against_o himself_o defeat_v the_o purpose_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o plunge_v his_o whole_a nature_n into_o the_o opposite_a state_n of_o endless_a misery_n he_o yet_o reinforce_v his_o first_o design_n and_o a_o expedient_a as_o full_a of_o wonder_n as_o mercy_n the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n recover_v he_o to_o his_o former_a capacity_n of_o bliss_n and_o that_o it_o may_v not_o only_o be_v a_o bare_a capacity_n he_o have_v add_v all_o other_o method_n proper_a to_o work_v upon_o a_o rational_a creature_n he_o have_v show_v he_o his_o danger_n set_v before_o he_o in_o perspective_n that_o eternal_a tophet_n which_o he_o be_v advise_v to_o shun_v on_o the_o other_o side_n he_o have_v no_o less_o lively_o describe_v the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n the_o celestial_a country_n to_o which_o he_o be_v to_o aspire_v nay_o farther_o have_v level_v his_o road_n to_o it_o lead_v he_o not_o as_o he_o do_v the_o israelite_n through_o the_o wilderness_n through_o intricate_a maze_n to_o puzzle_v his_o understanding_n through_o a_o land_n of_o drought_n wherein_o be_v fiery_a serpent_n and_o scorpion_n deut._n 8._o 15._o to_o discourage_v and_o affright_v he_o but_o have_v in_o the_o gospel_n chalk_v out_o a_o plain_a a_o safe_a nay_o a_o pleasant_a path_n as_o much_o superior_a both_o in_o the_o ease_n of_o the_o way_n and_o in_o the_o end_n to_o which_o it_o lead_v as_o heaven_n be_v to_o canaan_n 2._o by_o do_v this_o he_o have_v not_o only_o secure_v our_o grand_a and_o ultimate_a happiness_n but_o provide_v for_o our_o intermedial_n also_o those_o christian_a duty_n which_o be_v to_o carry_v we_o to_o heaven_n be_v our_o refreshment_n our_o viaticum_fw-la in_o our_o journey_n his_o yoke_n be_v not_o to_o gall_v and_o fret_v we_o but_o a_o engine_n by_o which_o we_o may_v with_o ease_n and_o almost_o insensible_o draw_v all_o the_o clog_n and_o encumbrance_n of_o humane_a life_n for_o whether_o we_o take_v christianity_n in_o its_o whole_a complex_fw-la or_o in_o its_o several_a and_o distinct_a branch_n it_o be_v certain_o the_o most_o excellent_a the_o most_o compendious_a art_n of_o happy_a live_n its_o very_a task_n be_v reward_n and_o its_o precept_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o divine_a sort_n of_o alchemy_n to_o sublime_a at_o once_o our_o nature_n and_o our_o pleasure_n 3._o this_o may_v be_v evidence_v in_o every_o particular_a of_o the_o evangelical_n law_n but_o have_v former_o make_v some_o attemt_fw-mi towards_o it_o in_o another_o piety_n tract_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o reassume_v the_o whole_a subject_n i_o shall_v only_o single_a out_o one_o particular_a precept_n wherein_o happiness_n be_v not_o as_o in_o the_o other_o only_a imply_v and_o must_v be_v catch_v at_o the_o rebound_n by_o consequence_n and_o event_n but_o be_v literal_o express_v and_o be_v the_o very_a matter_n of_o the_o duty_n i_o mean_v the_o precept_n of_o acquiescence_n and_o contentment_n happiness_n and_o this_o true_a genuine_a contentment_n be_v term_n so_o convertible_a that_o to_o bid_v we_o be_v content_a be_v but_o another_o phrase_n for_o bid_v
when_o by_o that_o insolent_a ambition_n he_o have_v forfeit_v bliss_n it_o have_v ever_o since_o be_v a_o aggravation_n of_o his_o torment_n that_o mankind_n be_v assume_v to_o a_o capacity_n of_o it_o and_o according_o he_o make_v it_o the_o design_n of_o his_o envious_a industry_n to_o defeat_v he_o now_o how_o perfect_o be_v the_o two_o first_o part_n of_o this_o copy_n transcribe_v by_o those_o who_o first_o can_v be_v satisfy_v with_o any_o inferior_a degree_n of_o prosperity_n and_o then_o whet_v their_o impatiency_n with_o other_o man_n enjoiment_n of_o what_o they_o can_v attain_v and_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o they_o who_o go_v thus_o far_o may_v complete_a the_o parallel_n and_o endeavour_v when_o they_o have_v opportunity_n to_o undermine_v that_o happiness_n they_o envy_v therefore_o since_o satan_n be_v so_o apt_a to_o impress_v his_o whole_a image_n where_o he_o have_v draw_v any_o of_o his_o lineament_n it_o concern_v we_o wary_o to_o guard_v ourselves_o and_o by_o a_o christian_a sympathy_n with_o our_o brethren_n rejoice_v with_o they_o that_o do_v rejoice_v rom._n 12._o 15._o make_v the_o comfort_n of_o other_o a_o allay_v not_o a_o improvement_n of_o our_o own_o misery_n charity_n have_v a_o strange_a magnetic_a power_n and_o attract_v the_o concern_v of_o our_o brethren_n to_o we_o and_o he_o that_o have_v that_o in_o his_o breast_n can_v never_o want_v refreshment_n whilst_o any_o about_o he_o be_v happy_a for_o by_o adopt_v their_o interest_n he_o share_v in_o their_o joy_n jethro_n though_o a_o alien_n rejoice_v for_o all_o the_o good_a god_n have_v do_v to_o israel_n exod._n 18._o 9_o and_o why_o shall_v not_o we_o have_v as_o sensible_a a_o concurrence_n with_o our_o fellow_n christian_n and_o he_o that_o have_v so_o will_v still_o find_v something_o to_o balance_v his_o own_o suffering_n 9_o let_v he_o that_o aspire_v to_o contentment_n set_v bound_n to_o his_o desire_n it_o be_v our_o common_a fault_n in_o this_o affair_n we_o usual_o begin_v at_o the_o wrong_a end_n we_o enlarge_v our_o desire_n as_o hell_n and_o can_v be_v satisfy_v hab._n 2._o 5._o and_o then_o think_v god_n use_v we_o ill_o if_o he_o do_v not_o fill_v our_o insatiable_a appetite_n whereas_o if_o we_o will_v confine_v our_o expectation_n to_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o need_v or_o he_o have_v promise_v there_o be_v few_o of_o we_o who_o will_v not_o find_v they_o abundant_o answer_v alas_o how_o few_o thing_n be_v there_o which_o our_o nature_n if_o not_o stimulate_v by_o fancy_n and_o luxury_n require_v and_o how_o rare_a be_v it_o to_o find_v they_o who_o want_v those_o nay_o who_o have_v not_o many_o additional_n for_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n and_o yet_o god_n promise_n under_o the_o gospel_n extend_v only_o to_o those_o necessary_n for_o where_o christ_n assure_v his_o disciple_n that_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o they_o mat._n 6._o 33._o the_o context_n apparent_o restrain_v these_o thing_n to_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o clothing_n therefore_o take_v no_o thought_n for_o the_o life_n what_o you_o shall_v eat_v or_o what_o you_o shall_v drink_v nor_o yet_o for_o the_o body_n what_o you_o shall_v put_v on_o verse_n 25._o now_o what_o pretence_n have_v we_o to_o claim_v more_o than_o our_o charter_n give_v we_o god_n never_o article_v with_o the_o ambitious_a to_o give_v he_o honour_n with_o the_o covetous_a to_o fill_v his_o bag_n or_o with_o the_o voluptuous_a to_o feed_v his_o luxury_n let_v we_o therefore_o if_o we_o expect_v to_o be_v satisfy_v modest_o confine_v our_o desire_n within_o the_o limit_n he_o have_v set_v we_o and_o then_o every_o accession_n which_o he_o superadd_v will_v appear_v what_o it_o be_v a_o largess_n and_o bounty_n but_o whilst_o our_o appetite_n be_v boundless_a and_o rather_o stretch_v then_o fill_v with_o our_o acquest_n what_o possibility_n be_v there_o of_o their_o satisfaction_n and_o when_o we_o importune_v god_n for_o it_o we_o do_v but_o assign_v he_o such_o a_o task_n the_o poet_n make_v a_o representation_n of_o their_o hell_n the_o fill_v a_o sieve_n with_o water_n or_o the_o roll_a a_o stone_n up_o a_o precipice_n 10_o a_o great_a expedient_a for_o contentment_n be_v to_o confine_v our_o thought_n to_o the_o present_a and_o not_o to_o let_v they_o loose_v to_o future_a event_n will_v we_o but_o do_v this_o we_o may_v shake_v off_o a_o great_a part_n of_o our_o burden_n for_o we_o often_o heap_v fantastic_a load_n upon_o ourselves_o by_o anxious_a presage_n of_o thing_n which_o perhaps_o will_v never_o happen_v and_o yet_o sink_v more_o under_o they_o then_o under_o the_o real_a weight_n that_o be_v actual_o upon_o we_o and_o this_o be_v certain_o one_o of_o the_o great_a folly_n imaginable_a for_o either_o the_o evil_n will_v come_v or_o it_o will_v not_o if_o it_o will_v it_o be_v sure_a no_o such_o desirable_a guest_n that_o we_o shall_v go_v out_o to_o meet_v it_o we_o shall_v feel_v it_o time_n enough_o when_o it_o fall_v on_o we_o we_o need_v not_o project_n to_o anticipate_v our_o sense_n of_o it_o but_o if_o it_o will_v not_o what_o extreme_a madness_n be_v it_o for_o a_o man_n to_o torment_v himself_o with_o that_o which_o will_v never_o be_v to_o create_v engine_n of_o torture_n and_o by_o such_o aerial_a affliction_n make_v himself_o as_o miserable_a as_o the_o most_o real_a one_o can_v do_v and_o true_o this_o be_v all_o that_o we_o usual_o get_v by_o our_o foresight_n prevision_n be_v one_o of_o god_n attribute_n and_o he_o mock_v at_o all_o our_o pretence_n to_o it_o by_o a_o frequent_a defeat_n of_o all_o our_o forecasts_a he_o do_v it_o often_o in_o our_o hope_n some_o little_a cross_a circumstance_n many_o time_n demolish_v those_o goodly_a machine_n we_o raise_v to_o ourselves_o and_o he_o do_v it_o no_o less_o in_o our_o fear_n those_o ill_n we_o solemn_o expect_v often_o balk_v we_o and_o other_o from_o a_o unexpected_a coast_n sudden_o invade_v we_o and_o since_o we_o be_v so_o blind_a so_o shortsighted_a let_v we_o never_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o be_v scout_n to_o discover_v danger_n at_o a_o distance_n for_o it_o be_v manifold_a odds_o we_o shall_v only_o bring_v home_o false_a alarm_n but_o let_v we_o rest_v ourselves_o upon_o that_o most_o admirable_a aphorism_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n sufficient_a unto_o the_o day_n be_v the_o evil_a thereof_o mat._n 6._o 34._o apply_v ourselves_o with_o christian_a courage_n to_o bear_v the_o present_a and_o leave_v god_n either_o to_o augment_v or_o diminish_v as_o he_o see_v fit_a for_o the_o future_a or_o if_o we_o will_v needs_o be_v look_v forward_o let_v it_o be_v in_o obedience_n not_o contradiction_n to_o our_o duty_n let_v we_o entertain_v ourselves_o with_o those_o futurity_n which_o we_o be_v sure_o be_v not_o chimera_n death_n and_o judgement_n heaven_n and_o hell_n the_o near_a we_o draw_v these_o thing_n to_o our_o view_n the_o more_o insensible_a will_v all_o intermedial_a object_n be_v they_o will_v deceive_v our_o sense_n of_o present_a and_o much_o more_o forestall_a the_o apprehension_n of_o future_a evil_n for_o it_o be_v our_o neglect_n of_o thing_n eternal_a that_o leave_v we_o thus_o at_o leisure_n for_o the_o transitory_a 11._o in_o the_o last_o place_n let_v we_o in_o all_o our_o distress_n supersede_n our_o anxiety_n and_o sollicitude_n by_o that_o most_o effectual_a remedy_n the_o apostle_n prescribe_v be_v any_o man_n afflict_v let_v he_o pray_v jam._n 5._o 14._o and_o this_o sure_a be_v a_o most_o rational_a prescription_n for_o alas_o what_o else_o can_v we_o do_v towards_o the_o redress_n of_o our_o grief_n we_o who_o be_v so_o impotent_a that_o we_o have_v not_o power_n over_o the_o most_o despicable_a excrescence_n of_o our_o own_o body_n can_v make_v one_o hair_n white_a or_o black_a mat._n 5._o 36._o what_o can_v we_o do_v towards_o the_o new_a mould_v our_o condition_n or_o model_a thing_n without_o we_o our_o sollicitude_n serve_v only_o to_o bind_v our_o burden_n fast_o upon_o we_o but_o this_o expedient_a of_o prayer_n will_v certain_o relieve_v we_o call_v upon_o i_o say_v god_n in_o the_o time_n of_o trouble_n and_o i_o will_v hear_v thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v praise_v i_o psal._n 50._o 15._o whenever_o therefore_o we_o be_v sink_v in_o the_o flood_n of_o affliction_n let_v we_o thus_o support_v ourselves_o by_o represent_v our_o want_n unto_o our_o gracious_a lord_n cry_v unto_o he_o as_o st._n peter_n do_v mat._n 14._o 30._o and_o he_o will_v take_v we_o by_o the_o hand_n and_o be_v the_o wind_n never_o so_o boisterous_a or_o contrary_a preserve_v from_o sink_v the_o wave_n or_o billow_n of_o this_o troublesome_a world_n will_v serve_v but_o to_o toss_v we_o close_o into_o his_o arm_n who_o can_v with_o a_o word_n appease_v the_o rough_a tempest_n or_o