The Art of Contentment, Conclusion
The Close.
1. THIS short institution of the Art of Contentment, cannot more naturally, or more desirably draw to a conclusion, then in the resort we have given it, in the bosome of divine Providence. The Roman conquerors as the last pitch of all their triumphs, went to the Capitol, and laid their Garlands in the lap of Iupiter: but the Christian has an easier way to Triumph, to put his crown of thornes (for that is the trophy of his victories) within the arms of his gracious God; there lodg his fears, his wants, his sorrows, and himself too, as in the best repository.
2. THE Gospel command of not caring for the morrow, Mat. 6. 34, and being careful for nothing, Phil. 4. 6. nakedly propos'd, might seem the abandoning of us to all the calamities of life: but when we are directed to cast all our care upon a gracious and all-powerful Parent, and are assur'd that he cares for us, 1 Pet. 5. 7. that tho a woman may forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion of the son of her womb, yet will he not forget his children, Isa. 49. 15. this will abundantly supersede all cavil and objection. Whilst worldly men trust in an arm of flesh, lay up tresure on earth, a prey for rust and moth, Mat. 6. 19. and a torment to themselves, Jam. 5. 3. the Christian has Omnipotence for his support, and a tresure in heaven, where no thief approches, nor moth corrupts, Mat. 6. 20. Whil'st bold inquirers call in question Gods secret will, oblige him to their sub or supralapsarian schemes, their absolute or conditional decrees, their grace foreseen or predetermin'd; the pious man with aweful acquiescence submits to that which is revel'd: resolves for ever to obey, but never to dispute; as knowing that the belov'd Disciple lean'd on his Masters bosome; but tis the thiefs and traitors part to go about to rifle it.
3. TIS surely a modest demand in the behalf of God Almighty, that we should allow him as much privilege in his World, as every Pesant clames in his Cottage; to be Master there, and dispose of his household as he thinks best: to say to this man, Go, and he goeth: and to another, Come, and he cometh: and to his servant, Do this, and he doth it, Mat. 8. 9. And if we would afford him this liberty, there would be an immediate end put to all clamor and complaint.
4. WE make it our daily praier that the will of God may be don in earth as it is in heaven, with a ready, swift, and uninterrupted constancy. As tis Giantlike rebellion to set up our will against his, so is it mad perverseness to set it up against our own; be displeas'd that our requests are granted, and repine that his, and therewith our will is don. It were indeed not only good manners, but good policy, to observe the direction of the Heathen, and follow God: not prejudg his determinations by ours; but in a modest suspension of our thoughts, hearken what the Lord God will say concerning us, for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his Saints that they turn not again, Psa. 85. 8.
5. OR however upon surprise we may indulge to a passionate affection, and dote upon our illegitimate off-spring, our dearling guilts or follies, as David did upon that Child, who was the price of Murder and adultery: yet when the brat is taken from us, when the Child is dead, it will become us to do as he did, rise from our sullen posture on the earth, and worship in the house of the Lord, 2 Sam. 12. 20. It will behove us, as he saies in another place, to lay our hand upon our mouth, because it was his doing, Psal. 30. 10. and with holy Iob Chap. 40. 4. when charg'd with his murmurings, Behold I am vile, what shall I answer? Once have I spoken, but I will not answer: yea twice, but I will proceed no farther.
6. Socrates rightly said of Contentment, opposing it to the riches of fortune and opinion, that tis the wealth of nature; for it gives every thing that we have learnt to want, and really need: but Resignation is the riches of Grace, bestowing all things that a Christian not only needs, but can desire, even Almighty God himself. He indeed, as the Scholemen teach, is the objective happiness of the Creature; He who is the fountain of being, must be also of blessedness: and tho this be only communicable to us, when we have put off that flesh which cannot enter into the kingdom of God, and laid aside that corruption which cannot inherit incorruption, 1 Cor. 15. yet even in this life, we may make approches to that blessed state, by acts of Resignation and denial of our selves. It was the generous saying of Socrates being about to die unto his friend; O Crito, since it is the will of God, so let it be: Anytus and Melitus may kill me, but cannot hurt me. But such a resignation as tis infinitly a greater duty to a Christian, so it is also a more firm security. In that case tis not the Martyr, but Iesus of Nazareth who is thus persecuted, and he who attaques him will find it hard to kick against the pricks, Act. 9. 5.
7. THERE could not be a greater instance of the profligate sensuality of the Israelites, then that they murmured for want of leeks and onions, Num. 11. 5. when they ate Angels food, and had bread rain'd down from heaven. Tis impossible for the soul that is sensible of God Almighties favor, to repine at any earthly pressure. The Lord is my shepherd, saith David, therefore can I lack nothing, Psa. 23. 1. And, thou hast put gladness into my heart, more then when their corn, and wine, aud oil encreased, Psa. 4. 7. and in passionate rapture he cries out, Psa. 73. 25. Whom have I in heaven but thee: and there is none upon earth that I desire in comparison of thee? my flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. And likewise Psal. 46. 1. God is our hope and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will we not fear, tho the earth be moved: and tho the hills be carried into the midst of the sea. Tho the waters thereof rage and swell, and tho the mountains shake at the tempest of the same. If God be in the midst of us, we shall not be removed, he will help us, and that right early. Let us therefore possess our selves of this support, and as the Prophet advises Isa. 8. 12. neither fear, nor be afraid, in any exigence how great soever; but be still and quiet, and sanctify the Lord of hosts himself, and let him be our fear, and let him be our dread.
FINIS.
THE CONTENTS.
SECTION
1. Of the necessary Connexion between Happiness and Contentment. p. 1.
2. Of Gods Absolute Soveraignty. p. 17.
3. Of Gods Unlimited Bounty. p. 28.
4. Of the Surplusage of our Enjoiments above our Sufferings. p. 56.
5. Of our Demerit towards God. p. 86.
6. Of Gods general Providence. p. 107.
7. Of Gods particular Providence. p. 121.
8. Of the Advantage of Afflictions. p. 130.
9. Of our Misfortunes compar'd with other mens. p. 156.
10. Of particular aids for the gaining Contentment. p. 178.
11. Of Resignation. p. 196.
The Close. p. 209.
End of the text · Richard Allestree, The Art of Contentment (1675)