promiseth to send corn, wine and oyl as a blessing, it is added, Ye shall be satisfied therewith, Joel 2. 19, 26.
This satisfaction is said to be of the mind, to shew that it extends it self as farre as covetousness doth▪ which is an inward inordinate desire of the mind. A con∣tented person doth not only forbear outward indirect courses of getting more and more; but doth also restrain the motions of his mind or soul, from desiring more then God is willing to allot unto him.
The sufficiency mentioned in the description, hath not reference to any set quan∣tity or measure which the contented person propounds to himself; but only to the wi•…•…e providence of God, who doth give to every one of his what is sufficient for him: Answerably a contented person so accounts his own estate, and is satisfied. She that made this answer (to him that would have spoken to the Captain of the Hoast for some reward to her) I dwell among mine own p•…•…ople, was such a conten∣ted one, 2 King. 4. 13.
This word •…•…itness, is added, to shew that contentedness extends it self not only to the things which are needfull for mans livelihood, as food and raiment, 1 Tim. 6. 8. but al•…•…o to the severall estates whereunto man is subject: as of peace and trou∣ble, ease and pain, honour and dishonour, prosperity and adversity. Conten∣tedness makes a man account that estate, be it joyous or grievous, whereunto God brings him, to be the fittest and seasonablest for him.
The present condition wherewith a contented mind is limited in this Text, ad∣mits a double reference. One to the time past; wherein though his condition hath been better, yet he repineth not at the alteration thereof.
The other reference is to the time to come: wherein, though he have never so great hope of bettering himself, yet for the present he remaineth content with his present condition.