The Art of Divine Contentment
By Thomas Watson
Thomas Watson gave an exposition of what it is to be content:
“I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well-fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Php_4:11-13
The Art of Divine Contentment
By Thomas Watson
A work by Thomas Watson on being content, Divine Contentment, in 2 chapters.
This work is in two chapters.
Extended Contents
THE TEXT: Phi 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