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WHat can be more seasonable, then when all the world is sick of Discontentment, to give counsels and Receits of Contentation? Perhaps the Patient will think it a time is chosen for physick, in the midst of a Fit: But in this case we must doe as we may. I confesse, I had rather have stayed till the Paroxys me were happily over, that so the hu∣mors being somewhat setled, I
might hope for the more kind∣ly operation of this wholsome medicine. But, partly my age and weaknesse, despairing to out-live the publique distem∣per; and partly my judgement (crossing the vulgar opinion for the season of some kinde of Receits) have ••••w 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 upon this safe, and 〈…〉〈…〉 ••n∣scription: God is 〈…〉〈…〉 that I wrote this 〈…〉〈…〉 of mine own afflictions, (the particulars whereof, it were unseasonable to trouble the world withall) as one that meant to make my selfe my own Patient, by enjoyning my self that course of reme∣dies, that I prescribe to o∣thers; and, as one, who by the powerfull working of Gods Spirit within me, labour to
finde my heart framed to those holy dispositions which I wish and recommend to every Chri∣stian soul: If there be no re∣medy but the worst of outward troubles must afflict us; it shall be happy yet, if we may find inward peace in our bosomes: which shall be, if we can re∣concile our selves to our of∣fended God; and calme our spirits to a meek undergoing of those sufferings, which the divine Providence hath thought fit to measure forth unto us: This is the main drift of this ensuing labour. Now the same God, who hath, in these blustring times, put into my heart these quiet thoughts of holy Contentati∣on, blesse them in every hand that shall receive them; and
make them effectuall to the good of every soul, that shall now, and hereafter entertain them; that so their gracious proficiency may, in the day of the appearance of our Lord Jesus, adde to the joy of my account; Who am the unwor∣thiest of the servants of God, and his Church,
J. N.