Three tractates by Jos. Hall, D.D. and B.N.

SECT. XXIV.

3. Resolution, to inure our selves to digest smaller discontent∣ments.

OUr third resolution must be to inure our selves to di∣gest smaller discontentments; and by the exercise thereof, to enable our selves for greater: as those that drink medicinall waters, begin first with smaller quantities, and by degrees a∣rise, at last, to the highest of their prescribed measure; or as the wise Lacedemonians, by ear∣ly scourgings of their boyes, in∣ured them in their riper yeares to more painfull sufferings: A strong Milo takes up his Calf at first, and by continuall pra∣ctice is now able to carry it when it is grown a Bull.

Such is our self-love, that we

affect ever to be served of the best; and that we are apt to take great exceptions at small failings: We would walk al∣wayes in smooth, and even paths, and would have no hin∣derances in our passage; but there is no remedie, we must meet with rubs; and perhaps crosse shinnes, and take fals too in our way: Every one is wil∣ling and desirous to enjoy (as they say the city of Rhodes doth) a perpetuall Sunshine; but we cannot (if we be wise) but know, that we must meet with change of weather; with rainy dayes, and sometimes stormes and tem∣pests; it must be our wisdome to make provision accordingly: and some whiles to abide a whetting; that, if need be, we may endure a drenching also. It * 1.1 was the policy of Jacob, when he was to meet with his brother Esau (whom he feared an ene∣my, but found a friend) to send

the droves first, then his hand∣maids, and their children; then Leah, with her children, and at last came Joseph and Rachel, as one that would adventure the lesse dear in the first place, and (if it must be) to prepare him∣self for his dearest losse. S. Pauls * 1.2 companions in his perilous Sea∣voyage, first lighten the Ship of lesse necessaries, then they cast out the tackling, then the wheat, & in the last place them∣selves. It is the use that wise So∣crates made of the sharp tongues of his crosse and unquiet wives, to prepare his patience for pub∣lick sufferings. Surely, he that cannot endure a frown, will hardly take a blow; and he that doubles under a light crosse, will sink under a heavier; and con∣trarily that good Martyr pre∣pares his whol body for the Fag∣got, with burning his hand in the Candle. I remember Seneca in one of his Epistles rejoyces much

to tell with what patient tem∣per he took it, that comming unexpectedly to his Countrey house, he found all things so dis∣composed, that no provision was ready for him; finding more con∣tentment in his own quiet ap∣prehension of these wants, then trouble in that unreadines: And thus should we be affected upon all occasions; Those that promi∣sed me help, have disappointed me: that friend on whom I re∣lyed, hath failed my trust: the sum that I expected, comes not in at the day: my servant slack∣ens the businesse enjoyned him: the beast that I esteemed highly, is lost: the Vessell in which I shipped some commodities, is wrackt: my diet & attendance must be abated; I must be dis∣lodged of my former habitati∣on; how do I put over these occurrences? If I can make light work of these lesser crosses, I am in a good posture to entertaine greater.

To this purpose, it will be not a little expedient to thwart our appetite in those things wherein we placed much de∣light; and to torture our curio∣sity in the delay of those con∣tentments, which we too eager∣ly affected: It was a noble and exemplary government of these passions, which we finde in King David, who being ex∣treamly thirsty, and longing for a speedy refreshment, could say; Oh that one would give mee drink of the water of the Well * 1.3 of Bethlehem! but when he saw that water purchased with the hazard of the lives of three of his Worthies, when it was brought to him, he would not drink it, but poured it out unto the Lord.

Have I a minde to some one curious dish above the rest? I will put my knife to my throat, and not humour my palate so far as to taste of it: Doe I re∣ceive a Letter of newes from a

far Countrey, over night? It shall keep my pillow warme till the morning: Doe my impor∣tunate recreations cal me away? they shall, against the hair, be forcibly adjourned till a further leisure: Out of this ground it was, that the ancient Votaries observed such austerity, and ri∣gour in their diet, clothes, lodg∣ing; as those that knew how requisite it is that nature should be held short of her demands; and continually exercised with denials, lest she grow too wan∣ton, and impetuous in her de∣sires: That which was of old gi∣ven as a rule to Monastick per∣sons, is fit to be extended to all Christians; They may not have a will of their own, but must frame themselves to such a con∣dition, and cariage, as seemes best to their Superiour; If there∣fore it please my God to send me some little comfort, I shall take that as an earnest of more;

and if he exercise me with lesser crosses, I shall take them as pre∣paratives to greater; and en∣deavour to be thankfull for the one, and patient in the other; and contented with Gods hand in both.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Gen. 3. 2. 26. & 33. 5, 6. &c.
• * 1.2

  Acts 27. 18, 19.
• * 1.3

  2 Sam. 23. 15, 16, 17.