Peace & Calm
Contentment is a flower that doth not grow in every garden; it teacheth a man how in the midst of want to abound.
When there is a tempest without, there may be music within; a bee may sting through the skin, but it cannot sting to the heart; outward afflictions cannot sting to a Christian’s heart, where contentment lies.
Contentment lies within a man, in the heart; and the way to be comfortable, is not by having our barns filled, but our minds quiet.
A discontented Christian is like a rough tempestuous sea; when the water is rough you can see nothing there; but when it is smooth and serene, then you may behold your face in the water.
If you would please God, and be men of his heart, be contented.
It is not trouble that troubles, but discontent; it is not the water without the ship, but the water that gets within the leak, which drowns it; it is not outward affliction that can make the life of a Christian sad; a contented mind would sail above these waters.
Contentment is a slip taken off from the tree of life, and planted by the Spirit of God in the soul.
Contentment doth prepare and tune the heart. First you prepare the viol, and wind up the strings, ere you play a fit of music: when a Christian’s heart is wound up to this heavenly frame of contentment, then it is fit for duty.
A contented spirit is a silent spirit; he hath not one word to say against God.
The comfort of life doth not stand in having much; it is in being contented.
Thieves may plunder us of our money and plate, but not of this pearl of contentment, unless we are willing to part with it.
To live contented upon God in the deficiency of outward comforts, is an art which flesh and blood hath not learned; nay, many of God’s own children, who excel in some duties of religion, when they come to this of contentment, how do they bungle?
It is our work to cast away care; and it is God’s work to take care.
A true Christian is a wonder; he is the most contented, and yet the least satisfied.
Care is a spiritual canker that doth waste and dispirit; we may sooner by our care add a furlong to our grief than a cubit to our comfort.
A gracious spirit is a contented spirit.
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