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THE

RARE JEWEL

O F

CHRISTIAN

CONTENTMENT.

PHILIPPIANS, 4. II.

For I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

Ere is a very feafonable Cordial to revive the drooping spi. rits of the Saints, in these fad and finking times: For the bour of temptation is alreadie come upon all the world, to trie the Inhabitants of the earth; and in fpecial, this is the day of Jacob's troubles in our own bowels.

Our great Apostle experimentally holds forth in this Gospel-Text,the very life and foul of all practical Divinitie; wherein we may plainly read his own proficiencie in Chrifts School; and what leffon every Christian, that would evidence the power and growth of Godliness in his own foul, muft neceffarily learn from him.

These words are brought in by Paul, as a plain Argument to perfwade the Philippians, that he did not feek after great things in the world, and that he fought not theirs, but them: he did not pass for a great estate; he had better things to take up his heart withal. I do not fpeak (faith he) in refpect of want, [For] whether I have or have not, my heart is fully fatisfied, I have enough, I have learned in a harfo ver State I am, therewith to be content.

I have learned Contentment in every condition is a great art, a spiritual Myfterie; It is to be learned, and fo to be learned as a Myfterie;and therefore verfe 12. he affirms, I know how to be abafed, and I know how to abound, every where and in all things I am instructed: The word sun, which is tranflated [Instructed] is derived from that words, which fignifies Mysterie; and

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