CONTENTS

THE TEXT: Philippians 4. 11, “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”

I THE INTRODUCTION TO THE TEXT

II THE FIRST BRANCH OF THE TEXT

The Scholar, with the First Proposition:

It is not enough to hear our duty — we must learn it

III CONCERNING THE SECOND PROPOSITION

Learning is difficult — good things are hard to come by

IV THE SECOND BRANCH OF THE TEXT

The Lesson: “in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content”, and the Proposition: A gracious spirit is a contented spirit

V THE RESOLVING OF SOME QUESTIONS

May not a Christian feel his condition, and yet be contented?

May not a Christian tell God his trouble, and yet be contented?

What is properly that contentment doth exclude?

VI SHEWING THE NATURE OF CONTENTMENT

It is a divine thing

It is an intrinsical thing

It is an habitual thing

VII REASONS PRESSING TO HOLY CONTENTMENT

God’s precept

God’s promise

VIII USE I. SHEWING HOW A CHRISTIAN MAY MAKE HIS LIFE COMFORTABLE

IX USE II. A CHECK TO THE DISCONTENTED CHRISTIAN

X USE III. A SUASIVE TO CONTENTMENT

Replies to apologies which discontent makes for itself:

I have lost a child:

It was my only child

I have a great part of my estate melted away

It is sad with me in my relations:

My child is in rebellion

My husband takes ill courses

My friends have dealt very unkindly with me

I am under great reproaches

I have not esteem from men

I meet with great sufferings for the sake of the truth

The wicked prosper

The evils of the times:

The times are full of heresy

The impiety of the times

The lowness of my parts and gifts

The troubles of the church

My sins disquiet and discontent me

XI DIVINE MOTIVES TO CONTENTMENT

The excellency of contentment

A Christian hath that which may make him content

Be content lest we confute our own prayers

God hath his end, and Satan misseth of his end

The Christian gains a victory over himself

All God’s providences shall do a believer good

The evil of discontent

The competency a man hath

The shortness of life

The nature of a prosperous condition

The example of those eminent for contentment

Trouble here is all the trouble a believer shall have

Competency without contentment is a great judgement

XII THREE THINGS INSERTED BY WAY OF CAUTION

Be not content in a state of sin

Be not content in a condition wherein God is dishonoured

Be not content with a little grace

XIII USE IV. SHOWING HOW A CHRISTIAN MAY KNOW IF HE HATH LEARNED THIS DIVINE ART

XIV USE V. CONTAINING A CHRISTIAN DIRECTORY, OR RULES ABOUT CONTENTMENT

Advance faith

Labour for assurance

Get an humble spirit

Keep a clear conscience

Learn to deny yourselves

Get much of heaven into your heart

Look not so much on the dark side, as on the light

Consider in what posture we stand here in the world

Let not your hope depend upon these outward things

Let us often compare our condition

Bring your mind to your condition

Study the vanity of the creature

Get fancy regulated

Consider how little will satisfy nature

Believe the present condition is best for us

Do not too much indulge the flesh

Meditate much on the glory which shall be revealed

Be much in prayer

XV USE VI. OF CONSOLATION TO THE CONTENTED CHRISTIAN