wealth_n and_o state_n and_o make_v still_o even_o with_o his_o victual_n and_o the_o day_n who_o when_o he_o be_v invite_v to_o supper_n to_o one_o of_o alexander_n great_a lord_n can_v say_v i_o have_v rather_o lick_v salt_n at_o athens_n than_o feast_n with_o craterus_n here_o i_o meet_v with_o he_o who_o their_o oracle_n style_v the_o wise_a of_o man_n walk_v barefoot_a in_o a_o patch_a threadbare_a cloak_n contemn_v honour_n and_o all_o earthly_a thing_n and_o when_o that_o garment_n will_v hang_v no_o long_o on_o his_o back_n i_o can_v hear_v he_o say_v i_o will_v have_v buy_v a_o cloak_n if_o i_o have_v have_v money_n after_o which_o word_n say_v seneca_n whosoever_o offer_v to_o give_v come_v too_o late_o apollodorus_n among_o the_o rest_n send_v he_o a_o rich_a mantle_n towards_o his_o end_n and_o be_v refuse_v with_o what_o patience_n do_v this_o man_n bear_v the_o loud_a scold_n of_o his_o xantippe_n make_o no_o other_o of_o they_o than_o the_o creak_n of_o a_o cartwheel_n with_o what_o brave_a resolution_n do_v he_o repel_v the_o proffer_n of_o archelaus_n tell_v he_o how_o cheap_a the_o market_n afford_v meal_n at_o athens_n and_o the_o fountain_n water_n here_o i_o meet_v with_o a_o zeno_n former_o rich_a in_o his_o traffic_n for_o purple_a now_o impoverish_v by_o a_o ill_a sea_n and_o can_v hear_v he_o say_v i_o sail_v best_o when_o i_o shipwreck_a here_o i_o see_v a_o aristippus_n drown_v his_o gold_n in_o the_o sea_n that_o it_o may_v not_o drown_v he_o here_o i_o can_v hear_v a_o democritus_n or_o cleanthes_n when_o he_o be_v ask_v how_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v rich_a answer_v if_o he_o be_v poor_a in_o desire_n what_o shall_v i_o speak_v of_o those_o indian_a sophist_n that_o take_v their_o name_n from_o their_o nakedness_n who_o we_o hear_v to_o say_v brachmannorum_fw-la the_o sky_n be_v our_o house_n and_o the_o earth_n our_o bed_n we_o care_v not_o for_o gold_n we_o contemn_v death_n one_o of_o they_o can_v tell_v onesicritus_n as_o the_o mother_n be_v to_o the_o child_n so_o be_v the_o earth_n to_o i_o the_o mother_n give_v milk_n to_o her_o infant_n so_o do_v the_o earth_n yield_v all_o necessary_n to_o i_o and_o when_o gold_n be_v offer_v to_o he_o by_o that_o great_a conqueror_n persuade_v say_v he_o if_o thou_o can_v these_o bird_n to_o take_v thy_o silver_n and_o gold_n that_o they_o may_v sing_v the_o sweet_a and_o if_o thou_o can_v not_o do_v that_o will_v thou_o have_v i_o worse_o than_o they_o add_v moreover_o in_o a_o strong_a discourse_n natural_a hunger_n when_o we_o have_v take_v food_n cease_v and_o if_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n do_v also_o natural_o desire_v gold_n so_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v receive_v that_o which_o he_o wish_v the_o desire_n and_o appetite_n of_o it_o will_v present_o cease_v but_o so_o far_o be_v it_o from_o this_o satiety_n that_o the_o more_o it_o have_v the_o more_o it_o do_v without_o any_o intermission_n long_o for_o more_o because_o this_o desire_n proceed_v not_o from_o any_o motion_n of_o nature_n but_o only_o out_o of_o the_o wantonness_n of_o man_n own_o will_n to_o which_o no_o bound_n can_v be_v set_v blush_v o_o christian_a soul_n whosoever_o thou_o be_v that_o read_v these_o line_n to_o hear_v such_o word_n fall_v from_o heathen_a lip_n when_o thou_o see_v those_o that_o profess_v godliness_n dote_v upon_o these_o worthless_a metal_n and_o transport_v with_o the_o affectation_n and_o care_n of_o these_o earthly_a provision_n if_o from_o these_o pattern_n of_o man_n that_o shall_v be_v below_o ourselves_o we_o look_v up_o to_o the_o more_o noble_a precedent_n of_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n lo_o there_o we_o find_v elijah_n feed_v by_o raven_n elisha_n board_v with_o his_o poor_a sareptan_a hostess_n 13._o and_o a_o hundred_o prophet_n feed_v by_o fifty_o in_o a_o cave_n with_o bread_n and_o water_n the_o son_n of_o the_o prophet_n for_o the_o enlarge_n of_o their_o over-strait_a lodging_n 5_o hard_o at_o work_n they_o be_v their_o own_o carpenter_n but_o their_o tool_n be_v borrow_v there_o we_o shall_v find_v a_o few_o barley_n loaf_n and_o little_a fish_n the_o household_n provision_n of_o our_o saviour_n train_n yea_o there_o we_o find_v the_o most_o glorious_a apostle_n the_o great_a doctor_n of_o the_o gentile_n employ_v his_o hand_n to_o feed_v his_o belly_n busy_o stitch_v of_o skin_n for_o his_o tent-work_n yea_o what_o do_v we_o look_v at_o any_o or_o all_o of_o these_o when_o we_o see_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o god_n of_o all_o the_o world_n in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n not_o a_o cratch_n to_o cradle_n he_o in_o not_o a_o grave_a to_o bury_v he_o in_o be_v his_o own_o and_o he_o that_o can_v command_v heaven_n and_o earth_n can_v say_v the_o fox_n have_v hole_n 20._o the_o bird_n have_v nest_n but_o the_o son_n of_o man_n have_v not_o where_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n who_o now_o can_v complain_v of_o want_n when_o he_o hear_v his_o lord_n and_o saviour_n but_o thus_o provide_v for_o he_o can_v have_v bring_v down_o with_o he_o a_o celestial_a house_n and_o have_v pitch_v it_o here_o below_o too_o glorious_a for_o earthen_a eye_n to_o have_v look_v upon_o he_o can_v have_v command_v all_o the_o precious_a thing_n that_o lie_v shroud_v in_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o have_v make_v up_o a_o majestical_a palace_n for_o he_o to_o the_o dazzle_a of_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o beholder_n he_o can_v have_v take_v up_o the_o stately_a court_n that_o any_o earthly_a monarch_n possess_v for_o his_o peculiar_a habitation_n but_o his_o greatness_n be_v spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a and_o he_o that_o own_v all_o will_v have_v nothing_o that_o he_o may_v sanctify_v want_n unto_o we_o and_o that_o he_o may_v teach_v we_o by_o his_o bless_a example_n to_o sit_v down_o content_v with_o any_o thing_n with_o nothing_o by_o that_o time_n therefore_o we_o have_v lay_v all_o these_o thing_n together_o and_o have_v serious_o consider_v of_o the_o mean_a valuation_n of_o all_o these_o earthly_a thing_n for_o their_o transitoriness_n unsatisfaction_n danger_n of_o the_o overrule_a providence_n of_o the_o almighty_a who_o most_o wise_o just_o merciful_o dispose_v of_o we_o and_o all_o event_n that_o befall_v we_o of_o the_o worse_a condition_n of_o many_o thousand_o other_o of_o the_o great_a inconvenience_n that_o attend_v great_a and_o full_a estate_n of_o the_o secret_a benefit_n of_o poverty_n of_o the_o smallness_n of_o that_o pittance_n that_o may_v suffice_v nature_n of_o the_o misery_n that_o wait_v upon_o discontentment_n of_o the_o merciful_a vicissitude_n of_o favour_n wherewith_o god_n please_v to_o interchange_v our_o suffering_n and_o last_o the_o great_a example_n of_o those_o as_o well_o without_o as_o within_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n that_o have_v go_v before_o we_o and_o lead_v we_o the_o way_n to_o contentation_n our_o judgement_n can_v choose_v but_o be_v sufficient_o convince_v that_o there_o be_v abundant_a reason_n to_o win_v our_o heart_n to_o a_o quiet_a and_o content_a entertainment_n of_o want_n and_o all_o other_o outward_a affliction_n sect_n xvii_o of_o contentment_n in_o death_n itself_o but_o all_o these_o intervenient_a misery_n be_v slight_a in_o comparison_n of_o the_o last_o and_o utmost_a of_o evil_n death_n many_o a_o one_o grapple_v cheerful_o with_o these_o trivial_a affliction_n who_o yet_o look_v pale_a and_o tremble_v at_o the_o king_n of_o fear_n his_o very_a name_n have_v terror_n in_o it_o but_o his_o look_n more_o the_o courageous_a champion_n of_o christ_n the_o bless_a apostle_n and_o with_o he_o every_o faithful_a soul_n make_v his_o challenge_n universal_a to_o whatsoever_o estate_n he_o be_v in_o to_o the_o estate_n of_o death_n therefore_o no_o less_o than_o the_o afflictive_a incidence_n of_o life_n when_o therefore_o this_o ghastly_a giant_n shall_v stalk_v forth_o and_o bid_v defiance_n to_o the_o whole_a host_n of_o israel_n and_o when_o the_o timorous_a unbeliever_n shall_v run_v away_o at_o the_o fight_n of_o he_o &_o endeavour_v to_o hide_v their_o head_n from_o his_o presence_n the_o good_a soul_n arm_v not_o with_o the_o unmeet_a and_o cumbersome_a harness_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o with_o the_o sure_a though_o invisible_a armour_n of_o god_n dare_v come_v forth_o to_o meet_v he_o and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n both_o bid_v he_o battle_n and_o foil_n he_o in_o the_o combat_n and_o now_o have_v lay_v he_o on_o the_o ground_n can_v triumph_o say_v o_o death_n where_o be_v thy_o sting_n o_o grave_a where_o be_v thy_o victory_n five_o smooth_a pebble_n there_o be_v which_o if_o we_o carry_v in_o our_o scrip_n we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o quell_v not_o only_o the_o power_n of_o death_n but_o the_o terror_n too_o whereof_o the_o first_o be_v
oh_o our_o infidelity_n if_o we_o do_v make_v scruple_n of_o take_v in_o the_o most_o bitter_a dose_n here_o then_o be_v the_o right_a use_n of_o that_o main_a duty_n of_o christianity_n to_o live_v by_o faith_n brute_n creature_n live_v by_o sense_n mere_a man_n by_o reason_n christian_n by_o faith_n 1._o now_o faith_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v in_o our_o extremity_n we_o hope_v for_o god_n gracious_a deliverance_n faith_n give_v a_o subsistence_n to_o that_o deliverance_n before_o it_o be_v the_o mercy_n that_o god_n have_v reserve_v for_o we_o do_v not_o yet_o show_v themselves_o faith_n be_v the_o evidence_n of_o they_o though_o yet_o unseen_a it_o be_v the_o motto_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o godly_a divine_a mr._n perkins_n fidei_fw-la vita_fw-la vera_fw-la vita_fw-la the_o true_a life_n be_v the_o life_n of_o faith_n a_o word_n which_o that_o worthy_a servant_n of_o god_n do_v both_o write_v and_o live_v neither_o indeed_o be_v any_o other_o life_n true_o vital_a but_o this_o for_o hereby_o we_o enjoy_v god_n in_o all_o whatever_o occurrence_n be_v we_o abridge_v of_o mean_n we_o seed_n upon_o the_o cordial_a promise_n of_o our_o god_n do_v we_o sigh_v and_o groan_v under_o variety_n of_o grievous_a persecution_n out_o of_o the_o worst_a of_o they_o we_o can_v pick_v out_o comfort_n while_o we_o can_v hear_v our_o saviour_n say_v 10._o bless_a be_v they_o which_o be_v persecute_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n for_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v we_o desert_v and_o abandon_v of_o friend_n we_o see_v he_o by_o we_o who_o have_v say_v 5._o i_o will_v never_o leave_v thou_o nor_o forsake_v thou_o do_v we_o droop_v under_o spiritual_a desertion_n we_o hear_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n say_v 8._o for_o a_o small_a moment_n have_v i_o forsake_v thou_o but_o with_o great_a mercy_n will_v i_o gather_v thou_o in_o a_o little_a wrath_n i_o hide_v my_o face_n from_o thou_o but_o with_o everlasting_a kindness_n will_v i_o have_v mercy_n on_o thou_o say_v the_o lord_n thy_o redeemer_n be_v we_o drive_v from_o home_n if_o we_o take_v the_o wing_n of_o the_o morning_n 9_o and_o remain_v in_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o sea_n even_o there_o also_o shall_v thy_o hand_n lead_v we_o and_o thy_o right_a hand_n shall_v hold_v we_o be_v we_o dungeon_v up_o from_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o sun_n peradventure_o the_o darkness_n shall_v cover_v we_o but_o then_o shall_v our_o night_n be_v turn_v into_o day_n yea_o 11_o the_o darkness_n be_v no_o darkness_n with_o thou_o be_v we_o cast_v down_o upon_o the_o bed_n of_o sickness_n he_o that_o be_v our_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o salvation_n 20._o and_o unto_o god_n the_o lord_n belong_v the_o issue_n from_o death_n it_o can_v be_v speak_v how_o injurious_a those_o man_n be_v to_o themselves_o that_o will_v be_v manage_v their_o own_o care_n and_o plot_v the_o prevention_n of_o their_o fear_n and_o project_v their_o own_o both_o indemnity_n and_o advantage_n for_o as_o they_o lie_v a_o unnecessary_a load_n upon_o their_o own_o shoulder_n so_o they_o draw_v upon_o themselves_o the_o misery_n of_o a_o unremediable_a disappointment_n alas_o how_o can_v their_o weakness_n make_v good_a those_o event_n which_o they_o vain_o promise_v to_o themselves_o or_o avert_v those_o judgement_n they_o will_v escape_v or_o uphold_v they_o in_o those_o evil_n they_o must_v undergo_v whereas_o if_o we_o put_v all_o this_o upon_o a_o gracious_a god_n he_o contrive_v it_o with_o ease_n look_v for_o nothing_o from_o we_o but_o our_o trust_n and_o thankfulness_n sect_n xxi_o of_o true_a inward_a riches_n in_o the_o three_o place_n it_o will_v be_v most_o requisite_a to_o furnish_v the_o soul_n with_o true_a inward_a riches_n i_o mean_v not_o of_o mere_a moral_a virtue_n which_o yet_o be_v true_o precious_a when_o they_o be_v find_v in_o a_o good_a heart_n but_o of_o a_o wealth_n as_o much_o above_o they_o as_o gold_n be_v above_o dross_n yea_o as_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o precious_a be_v above_o nothing_o and_o this_o shall_v be_v do_v if_o we_o bring_v christ_n home_o to_o the_o soul_n if_o we_o can_v possess_v ourselves_o of_o he_o who_o be_v god_n al-sufficient_a for_o such_o infinite_a contentment_n there_o be_v in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n make_v we_o that_o whosoever_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o sweetness_n of_o this_o comfort_n be_v indiffererent_fw-la to_o all_o earthly_a thing_n and_o insensible_a of_o those_o extreme_a difference_n of_o event_n wherewith_o other_o be_v perplex_v how_o can_v he_o be_v deject_v with_o the_o want_n of_o any_o thing_n who_o be_v possess_v of_o he_o that_o possess_v all_o thing_n how_o can_v he_o be_v over-affected_n with_o trivial_a profit_n or_o pleasure_n who_o be_v take_v up_o with_o the_o god_n of_o all_o comfort_n be_v christ_n i_o therefore_o how_o can_v i_o fail_v of_o all_o contentment_n how_o can_v he_o complain_v to_o want_v light_n that_o dwell_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o sun_n how_o can_v he_o complain_v of_o thirst_n out_o of_o who_o belly_n flow_v river_n of_o live_a water_n 38._o what_o can_v i_o wish_v that_o my_o christ_n be_v not_o to_o i_o will_v i_o have_v meat_n and_o drink_v 55._o my_o flesh_n be_v meat_n indeed_o and_o my_o blood_n be_v drink_v indeed_o will_v i_o have_v clothing_n but_o 14._o put_v you_o on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n say_v the_o apostle_n will_v i_o have_v medicine_n 2._o he_o be_v the_o tree_n of_o life_n the_o leaf_n whereof_o be_v for_o the_o heal_n of_o the_o nation_n will_v i_o have_v safety_n and_o protection_n he_o true_o be_v my_o strength_n and_o my_o salvation_n 7._o he_o be_v my_o defence_n so_o as_o i_o shall_v not_o fall_v in_o god_n be_v my_o health_n and_o my_o glory_n the_o rock_n of_o my_o might_n and_o in_o god_n be_v my_o trust_n will_v i_o have_v direction_n 27._o i_o be_o the_o way_n and_o the_o truth_n will_v i_o have_v life_n christ_n be_v to_o i_o to_o live_v 25._o i_o be_o the_o resurrection_n and_o the_o life_n will_v i_o have_v all_o spiritual_a good_a thing_n 30._o we_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n who_o of_o god_n be_v make_v unto_o we_o wisdom_n and_o righteousness_n and_o sanctification_n and_o redemption_n oh_o the_o happy_a condition_n of_o the_o man_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n and_o have_v christ_n in_o he_o shall_v i_o account_v he_o rich_a that_o have_v store_n of_o ox_n and_o sheep_n and_o horse_n and_o camel_n that_o have_v heap_n of_o metal_n and_o some_o spot_n of_o ground_n and_o shall_v i_o not_o account_v he_o infinite_o more_o rich_a that_o own_v and_o enjoy_v he_o who_o the_o earth_n be_v and_o the_o fullness_n of_o it_o who_o heaven_n be_v and_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o shall_v i_o just_o account_v that_o man_n great_a who_o the_o king_n will_v honour_v and_o place_n near_o to_o himself_o and_o shall_v i_o not_o esteem_v that_o man_n more_o honourable_a who_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n be_v please_v to_o admit_v unto_o such_o partnership_n of_o glory_n as_o to_o profess_v to_o he_o that_o overcom_v will_v i_o grant_v to_o sit_v with_o i_o in_o my_o throne_n 23._o even_o as_o i_o also_o overcome_v and_o be_o set_v down_o with_o my_o father_n in_o his_o throne_n it_o be_v a_o true_a word_n of_o saint_n augustine_n that_o every_o soul_n be_v either_o christ_n spouse_n or_o the_o devil_n harlot_n now_o if_o we_o be_v match_v to_o christ_n the_o lord_n of_o glory_n what_o a_o bless_a union_n be_v here_o what_o can_v he_o withhold_v from_o we_o that_o have_v give_v we_o himself_o i_o can_v envy_v the_o devotion_n of_o that_o man_n though_o otherwise_o misplaced_n who_o s._n bernard_n hear_v to_o spend_v the_o night_n in_o no_o other_o word_n then_o deus_fw-la meus_fw-la &_o omne_fw-la my_o god_n and_o all_o thing_n certain_o he_o who_o have_v that_o god_n have_v more_o than_o all_o thing_n he_o that_o want_v he_o whatever_o else_o he_o seem_v to_o possess_v have_v less_o than_o nothing_o sect_n xxii_o 19_o holy_a resolution_n 1._o that_o our_o present_a estate_n be_v best_a for_o we_o after_o these_o serious_a consideration_n and_o meet_v disposition_n shall_v in_o the_o last_o follow_v certain_a firm_a resolution_n for_o the_o full_a actuate_a our_o contentment_n and_o first_o we_o must_v resolve_v out_o of_o the_o infallible_a ground_n of_o divine_a providence_n former_o speak_v of_o that_o the_o present_a estate_n wherein_o wear_v be_v certain_o the_o best_a for_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v herein_o absolute_o captivate_v our_o understanding_n and_o will_v to_o that_o of_o the_o high_a how_o unmeet_a judge_n be_v flesh_n and_o blood_n of_o the_o best_a fitness_n of_o a_o condition_n for_o we_o as_o some_o palate_n which_o be_v none_o of_o the_o
the_o remedy_n of_o discontent_n or_o a_o treatise_n of_o contentation_n in_o whatsoever_o condition_n fit_v for_o sad_a and_o trouble_a time_n by_o jos._n hall_n d._n d._n and_o b._n n._n the_o four_o edition_n phil._n 4._o 11._o i_o have_v learn_v in_o whatsoever_o estate_n i_o be_o therewith_o to_o be_v content_a 12._o i_o know_v how_o to_o be_v abase_v and_o i_o know_v how_o to_o abound_v every_o where_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n i_o be_o instruct_v both_o to_o be_v full_a and_o to_o be_v hungry_a both_o to_o abound_v and_o to_o want_v london_n print_v by_o g._n larkin_n for_o obadiah_n blagrave_n at_o the_o bear_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1684._o vera_fw-la effigy_n reverendi_fw-la do_v ni_fw-fr josephi_fw-la hall_n norwici_fw-la nuper_fw-la episco_n to_o the_o christian_a reader_n grace_n and_o peace_n what_o can_v be_v more_o seasonable_a then_o at_o this_o time_n when_o all_o the_o world_n be_v sick_a of_o discontent_n to_o give_v counsel_n &_o receipt_n of_o contentation_n perhaps_o the_o patient_n will_v think_v it_o a_o time_n ill_o choose_v for_o physic_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o fit_a but_o in_o this_o case_n we_o must_v do_v as_o we_o may_v i_o confess_v i_o have_v rather_o have_v stay_v till_o the_o paroxysm_n be_v happy_o over_o that_o so_o the_o humour_n be_v somewhat_o settle_v i_o may_v hope_v for_o the_o more_o kindly_a operation_n of_o this_o wholesome_a medicine_n but_o partly_o my_o age_n &_o weakness_n despair_v to_o outlive_v the_o public_a distemper_n and_o partly_o my_o judgement_n cross_v the_o vulgar_a opinion_n for_o the_o season_n of_o some_o kind_n of_o receipt_n have_v now_o put_v i_o upon_o this_o safe_a and_o useful_a prescription_n god_n be_v my_o witness_n that_o i_o write_v this_o in_o the_o depth_n of_o my_o own_o affliction_n the_o particular_n whereof_o it_o be_v unseasonable_a to_o trouble_v the_o world_n withal_o as_o one_o that_o mean_v to_o make_v myself_o my_o own_o patient_n by_o enjoin_v myself_o that_o course_n of_o remedy_n that_o i_o prescribe_v to_o other_o and_o as_o one_o who_o by_o the_o powerful_a work_n of_o god_n spirit_n within_o i_o labour_v to_o find_v my_o heart_n frame_v to_o those_o holy_a disposition_n which_o i_o wish_v and_o recommend_v to_o every_o christian_a soul_n if_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o the_o worst_a of_o outward_a trouble_n must_v afflict_v we_o it_o shall_v be_v happy_a yet_o if_o we_o may_v find_v inward_a peace_n in_o our_o bosom_n which_o shall_v be_v if_o we_o can_v reconcile_v ourselves_o to_o our_o offend_a god_n and_o calm_v our_o spirit_n to_o a_o meek_a undergo_n of_o those_o suffering_n which_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o measure_v forth_o unto_o we_o this_o be_v the_o main_a drift_n of_o this_o ensue_a labour_n now_o the_o same_o god_n who_o have_v in_o these_o bluster_a time_n put_v into_o my_o heart_n these_o quiet_a thought_n of_o holy_a contentation_n bless_v they_o in_o every_o hand_n that_o shall_v receive_v they_o and_o make_v they_o effectual_a to_o the_o good_a of_o every_o soul_n that_o shall_v now_o and_o hereafter_o entertain_v they_o that_o so_o their_o gracious_a proficiency_n may_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o appearance_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n add_v to_o the_o joy_n of_o my_o account_n who_o be_o the_o unworthy_a of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n and_o his_o church_n j._n n._n the_o content_n of_o the_o several_a section_n follow_v sect._n i._n the_o excellency_n of_o contentation_n and_o how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v have_v p._n 1._o §_o ii_o the_o contrariety_n of_o estate_n wherein_o it_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v 3_o §_o iii_o who_o they_o be_v that_o know_v not_o how_o to_o want_v and_o be_v abase_v 7_o §_o iv._o who_o they_o be_v that_o know_v how_o to_o want_v 14_o §_o v._o consideration_n lead_v to_o contentation_n and_o first_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o fickleness_n of_o life_n and_o of_o all_o earthly_a commodity_n honour_n beauty_n strength_n etc._n etc._n p._n 17_o §_o vi_o consideration_n of_o the_o unsatisfy_a condition_n of_o these_o worldly_a thing_n 28_o §_o vii_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o too_o much_o estimation_n of_o these_o earthly_a comfort_n 33_o §_o viii_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n order_v and_o overrule_a all_o event_n 36_o §_o ix_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o worse_a condition_n of_o other_o 41_o §_o x._o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o great_a estate_n and_o therein_o first_o their_o care_n 46_o §_o xi_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o distemper_n both_o bodily_a and_o spiritual_a that_o follow_v great_a mean_n and_o the_o torment_n in_o part_v with_o they_o p._n 53_o §_o xii_o consideration_n of_o the_o benefit_n of_o poverty_n 59_o §_o xiii_o consideration_n of_o how_o little_o will_v suffice_v nature_n 65_o §_o fourteen_o consideration_n of_o the_o inconvenience_n and_o misery_n of_o discontentment_n 70_o §_o xv._n the_o gracious_a vicissitude_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o affliction_n 77_o §_o xvi_o consid_n of_o the_o great_a example_n of_o contentation_n both_o without_o and_o within_o the_o church_n of_o god_n 85_o §_o xvii_o contentment_n in_o death_n itself_o 96_o §_o xviii_o the_o misery_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o the_o continue_a conjunction_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n 104_o §_o xix_o holy_a disposition_n for_o contentment_n the_o first_o whereof_o humility_n 111_o §_o xx._n 2._o self-resignation_n 119_o §_o xxi_o 3._o the_o true_a inward_a riches_n 126_o §_o xxii_o holy_a resolution_n and_o 1._o that_o the_o present_a estate_n be_v best_a for_o we_o 131_o §_o xxiii_o 2._o resolution_n to_o abate_v our_o desire_n 139_o §_o xxiv_o 3._o resolution_n to_o inure_v ourselves_o to_o digest_v small_a discontentment_n 147_o §_o xxv_o 4._o resolution_n to_o be_v frequent_a and_o fervent_a in_o prayer_n 155_o §_o xxvi_o the_o difficulty_n of_o know_v how_o to_o abound_v &_o the_o ill_a consequence_n of_o the_o not_o know_v it_o 158_o the_o remedy_n of_o discontent_n sect_n i_o the_o excellency_n of_o contentation_n and_o how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v have_v if_o there_o be_v any_o happiness_n to_o be_v find_v upon_o earth_n it_o be_v in_o that_o which_o we_o call_v contentation_n this_o be_v a_o flower_n that_o grow_v not_o in_o every_o garden_n the_o great_a doctor_n of_o the_o gentile_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o have_v it_o i_o have_v learn_v say_v he_o in_o what_o estate_n soever_o i_o be_o 11._o therewith_o to_o be_v content_a i_o know_v how_o to_o be_v abase_v &_o i_o know_v how_o to_o abound_v lo_o he_o can_v not_o have_v take_v out_o this_o lesson_n if_o he_o have_v not_o learn_v it_o and_o he_o can_v not_o have_v learn_v it_o of_o any_o other_o than_o his_o master_n in_o heaven_n what_o face_n soever_o philosophy_n may_v set_v upon_o it_o all_o morality_n can_v not_o reach_v it_o neither_o can_v his_o learned_a gamaliel_n at_o who_o foot_n he_o sit_v have_v put_v this_o skill_n into_o he_o no_o he_o learn_v it_o since_o he_o be_v a_o christian_a &_o now_o profess_v it_o so_o as_o it_o appear_v there_o be_v a_o divine_a art_n of_o contentation_n to_o be_v attain_v in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n which_o whosoever_o have_v learn_v have_v take_v a_o degree_n in_o heaven_n and_o now_o know_v how_o to_o be_v happy_a both_o in_o want_n &_o abundance_n sect_n ii_o the_o contrariety_n of_o estate_n wherein_o contentation_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v extreme_o querulous_a we_o know_v not_o what_o we_o will_v have_v and_o when_o we_o have_v it_o we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o like_v it_o we_o will_v be_v happy_a yet_o we_o will_v not_o die_v we_o will_v live_v long_o yet_o we_o will_v not_o be_v old_a we_o will_v be_v keep_v in_o order_n yet_o we_o will_v not_o be_v chastise_v with_o affliction_n we_o be_v loath_a to_o work_v yet_o be_v weary_a of_o do_v nothing_o we_o have_v no_o list_n to_o stir_v yet_o find_v long_o sit_v painful_a carm._n we_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o leave_v our_o bed_n yet_o find_v it_o a_o kind_n of_o sickness_n to_o lie_v long_o we_o will_v marry_v but_o will_v not_o be_v trouble_v with_o household_n care_n when_o once_o we_o be_v marry_v we_o wish_v we_o have_v keep_v single_a if_o therefore_o grace_n have_v so_o master_v nature_n in_o we_o as_o to_o render_v we_o content_v with_o what_o ever_o condition_n we_o have_v attain_v to_o no_o small_a measure_n of_o perfection_n which_o way_n soever_o the_o wind_n blow_v the_o skilful_a mariner_n know_v how_o to_o turn_v his_o sail_n to_o meet_v it_o the_o contrariety_n of_o estate_n to_o which_o we_o lie_v open_a here_o give_v we_o different_a occasion_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o contentation_n i_o can_v blame_v their_o choice_n who_o desire_v a_o middle_a estate_n betwixt_o want_n and_o
mean_a condition_n to_o which_o happy_a temper_n that_o we_o may_v attain_v there_o will_v be_v use_n of_o 1._o certain_a consideration_n 2._o certain_a disposition_n 3._o certain_a resolution_n these_o three_o shall_v be_v as_o the_o ground_n and_o rule_n of_o this_o our_o divine_a art_n of_o contentation_n sect_n v._o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o fickleness_n of_o life_n and_o all_o earthly_a commodity_n the_o first_o consideration_n shall_v be_v of_o the_o just_a valuation_n of_o all_o these_o earthly_a thing_n which_o doubtless_o be_v such_o as_o that_o the_o wise_a christian_n can_v but_o set_v a_o low_a price_n upon_o they_o in_o respect_n first_o of_o their_o transitoriness_n second_o of_o their_o insufficiency_n of_o satisfaction_n three_o the_o danger_n of_o their_o fruition_n at_o the_o best_a they_o be_v but_o glassy_a stuff_n which_o the_o fine_a it_o be_v be_v so_o much_o more_o brittle_a yea_o what_o other_o than_o those_o gay_a bubble_n which_o child_n be_v wont_a to_o raise_v from_o the_o mix_a soap_n and_o spittle_n of_o their_o walnutshell_n which_o seem_v to_o represent_v please_a colour_n but_o in_o their_o fly_v up_o instant_o vanish_v there_o be_v no_o remedy_n either_o they_o must_v leave_v we_o or_o we_o must_v leave_v they_o well_o may_v we_o say_v that_o of_o the_o psalmist_n which_o campian_n be_v report_v to_o have_v often_o in_o his_o mouth_n my_o soul_n be_v continual_o in_o my_o hand_n and_o who_o know_v whether_o it_o will_v not_o expire_v in_o our_o next_o breathe_v how_o many_o have_v shut_v their_o eye_n in_o a_o healthful_a sleep_n who_o have_v wake_v in_o another_o world_n we_o give_v too_o large_a scope_n to_o our_o account_n whilst_o we_o reckon_v seven_o year_n for_o a_o life_n a_o short_a time_n will_v serve_v whilst_o we_o find_v the_o revolution_n of_o less_o than_o half_a those_o year_n to_o have_v dispatch_v 3_o five_o caesar_n and_o five_o pope_n nay_o who_o can_v assure_v himself_o of_o the_o next_o moment_n it_o be_v our_o great_a weakness_n if_o we_o do_v not_o look_v upon_o every_o day_n as_o our_o last_o why_o shall_v we_o think_v ourselves_o in_o a_o better_a condition_n than_o the_o choose_a vessel_n 31._o who_o deep_o protest_v to_o die_v daily_o what_o a_o poor_a complaint_n be_v that_o of_o the_o great_a conqueror_n of_o the_o jew_n titus_n vespasian_n who_o put_v his_o head_n out_o of_o his_o sick_a litter_n querulous_o accuse_v heaven_n that_o he_o must_v die_v and_o have_v not_o deserve_v it_o when_o he_o may_v have_v find_v it_o guilt_n enough_o that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n and_o therefore_o by_o the_o very_a sentence_n of_o nature_n condemn_v i_o know_v not_o whither_o to_o live_v or_o die_v indeed_o what_o can_v we_o cast_v our_o eye_n upon_o that_o do_v not_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o our_o frailty_n all_o our_o fellow-creature_n die_v for_o we_o and_o by_o we_o the_o day_n die_v into_o night_n the_o tree_n and_o all_o other_o plant_n of_o the_o earth_n suffer_v a_o kind_n of_o autumnal_a mortality_n the_o face_n of_o that_o common_a mother_n of_o we_o all_o do_v at_o the_o least_o in_o winter_n resemble_v death_n but_o if_o the_o angel_n of_o death_n as_o the_o jew_n term_v he_o shall_v respite_v and_o reprieve_v we_o for_o the_o time_n alas_o how_o easy_o may_v we_o have_v over-lived_n our_o comfort_n if_o death_n do_v not_o snatch_v we_o away_o from_o they_o how_o many_o thousand_o mean_n of_o casualty_n of_o enemy_n may_v snatch_v they_o away_o from_o we_o he_o that_o be_v the_o great_a man_n of_o all_o the_o son_n of_o the_o east_n within_o a_o few_o day_n become_v a_o spectacle_n and_o proverb_n of_o penury_n which_o still_o stick_v by_o he_o and_o so_o shall_v do_v to_o the_o world_n end_n as_o poor_a as_o job_n 10_o the_o rich_a plain_n of_o jordan_n which_o overnight_o be_v as_o the_o garden_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v in_o the_o morning_n cover_v over_o with_o brimston_n 23._o &_o salt_n and_o burn_a will_v thou_o cause_v thy_o eye_n to_o fly_v upon_o that_o which_o be_v not_o say_v wise_a solomou_v 5._o for_o riches_n certain_o make_v themselves_o wing_n they_o fly_v away_o as_o a_o eagle_n towards_o heaven_n if_o we_o have_v wing_n of_o desire_n to_o fly_v after_o they_o they_o be_v nimble_a of_o flight_n to_o outstrip_v we_o and_o leave_v we_o no_o less_o miserable_a in_o their_o loss_n than_o we_o be_v eager_a in_o their_o pursuit_n as_o for_o honour_n what_o a_o mere_a shadow_n it_o be_v upon_o the_o least_o cloud_n interpose_v it_o be_v go_v and_o leave_v no_o mention_n where_o it_o be_v the_o same_o sun_n see_v haman_n adore_v in_o the_o persian_a court_n like_o some_o earthly_a deity_n and_o like_o some_o base_a vermin_n wave_v upon_o his_o gibbet_n do_v we_o see_v the_o great_a and_o glorious_a cleopatra_n shine_v in_o the_o pompous_a majesty_n of_o egypt_n stay_v but_o a_o while_n and_o you_o shall_v see_v she_o in_o the_o dust_n &_o her_o two_o child_n who_o she_o proud_o style_v the_o sun_n and_o the_o moon_n drive_v like_o miserable_a captive_n before_o the_o chariot_n of_o their_o conqueror_n 4._o man_n be_v in_o honour_n abide_v not_o say_v the_o psalmist_n he_o perish_v but_o his_o greatness_n as_o more_o frail_a than_o he_o be_v oftentimes_o dead_a and_o bury_v before_o he_o and_o leau_v he_o the_o survive_a executor_n of_o his_o own_o shame_n it_o be_v easy_a for_o the_o captive_a prince_n to_o observe_v in_o the_o chariot-wheel_n of_o his_o victor_n that_o when_o one_o speak_v rise_v up_o another_o go_v down_o &_o both_o these_o in_o so_o quick_a a_o motion_n that_o it_o be_v scarce_o distinguish_v by_o the_o eye_n well_o therefore_o may_v we_o say_v of_o honour_n as_o ludovicus_n vives_n say_z of_o scholastical_a divinity_n vellosillo_n cui_fw-la fumas_fw-la est_fw-la pro_fw-la fundamento_fw-la it_o be_v build_v upon_o smoke_n how_o can_v it_o be_v keep_v from_o vanish_v as_o for_o beauty_n what_o be_v it_o but_o a_o dash_n of_o nature_n tincture_n lay_v upon_o the_o skin_n which_o be_v soon_o wash_v off_o with_o a_o little_a sickness_n what_o but_o a_o fair_a blossom_n that_o drop_v off_o so_o soon_o as_o the_o fruit_n offer_v to_o succeed_v it_o what_o but_o a_o flower_n which_o with_o one_o hot_a sun_n gleam_n welter_v &_o fall_v he_o that_o have_v the_o choice_n of_o a_o thousand_o face_n penult_n can_v say_v favour_n be_v deceitful_a and_o beauty_n be_v vanity_n last_o for_o strength_n and_o vigour_n of_o body_n if_o it_o can_v be_v maintain_v till_o our_o old_a age_n alas_o how_o soon_o be_v that_o upon_o we_o ere_o we_o be_v aware_a how_o do_v it_o then_o shrivel_v our_o flesh_n and_o loosen_v our_o sinew_n and_o cripple_v our_o joint_n milo_n when_o he_o look_v upon_o his_o late_a brawny_a arm_n and_o see_v they_o now_o grow_v lank_a and_o writhled_a le_fw-fr we_o fall_v tear_n and_o bewray_v more_o weakness_n of_o mind_n than_o he_o have_v before_o bodily_a strength_n but_o how_o often_o do_v sickness_n prevent_v the_o debilitation_n of_o age_n pull_v his_o strong_a man_n upon_o the_o knee_n and_o make_v he_o fess_v that_o youth_n as_o well_o as_o childhood_n be_v vanity_n as_o for_o pleasure_n it_o die_v in_o the_o birth_n 10._o and_o be_v not_o therefore_o worthy_a to_o come_v into_o this_o bill_n of_o mortality_n do_v we_o then_o upon_o sad_a consideration_n see_v and_o feel_v the_o manifest_a transitoriness_n of_o life_n riches_n honour_n beauty_n strength_n pleasure_n and_o whatever_o else_o can_v be_v dear_a and_o precious_a to_o we_o in_o this_o world_n and_o can_v we_o dote_v upon_o they_o so_o as_o to_o be_v too_o much_o deject_v with_o our_o part_n from_o they_o 28._o our_o saviour_n bid_v we_o consider_v the_o lily_n of_o the_o field_n and_o he_o that_o make_v both_o tell_v we_o that_o solomon_n in_o all_o his_o glory_n be_v not_o array_v like_o one_o of_o these_o sure_o full_o well_o be_v they_o worth_a our_o consider_v but_o if_o those_o beauty_n can_v be_v as_o permanent_a as_o they_o be_v glorious_a how_o will_v they_o carry_v away_o our_o heart_n with_o they_o now_o their_o fade_a condition_n just_o abate_v of_o their_o value_n will_v we_o not_o smile_v at_o the_o weakness_n of_o that_o man_n that_o shall_v weep_v and_o howl_v for_o the_o fall_n of_o this_o tulip_n or_o that_o rose_n abandon_v all_o comfort_n for_o the_o loss_n of_o that_o which_o he_o know_v must_v flourish_v but_o his_o month_n it_o be_v for_o child_n to_o cry_v for_o the_o fall_n of_o their_o house_n of_o card_n or_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o that_o paint_a gewgaw_n which_o the_o next_o shower_n will_v have_v deface_v wise_a christian_n know_v how_o to_o apprise_v good_a thing_n according_a to_o their_o continuance_n and_o can_v therefore_o set_v their_o heart_n only_o upon_o the_o invisible_a comfort_n