That portion which with prove the best for him,
Although it may be bitter for a time:
And him he therefore serves, as he is able,
In every Precept of the former Table.
And while this Christian mind he entertains,
He findeth Godliness, no little gains.
Nor will those men who in their lots delight
Or cover or usurp a neighbours right,
For, he that is contented first believes
That every one his propor share receives
And not anothers; next he strives to see
How perilous to him these things may be,
Which God withholds; and weighs with such regard
How fit those are which he for him prepar'd,
That resting in his portion well apaid
Nor House, nor Land, nor Wife nor Man, nor Maid,
Nor Oxe, nor Ass, nor any thing that is
Another man's desires he to be his;
But praiseth God, for what to him he gave,
And thanks him too, for that which others have.
Against no Law he greatly can transgress
Who is arriv'd at this con••entedness.
And if to get this Grace our mind we set,
By Gods assistance, we may compass it
In that degree, whereby attain we may
To what we call perfection of the way.
But flesh and blood no further can aspire
Until that Kingdom comes, which we desire.