The rare jewel of Christian contentment: Wherein is shewed; 1. What contentment is. 2. The holy art or mystery of it. 3. Several lessons that Christ teacheth, to work the heart to contentment. 4. The excellencies of it. 5. The evils of murmuring. 6. The aggravations of the sin of murmuring. By Jeremiah Burroughs. The first of the eleven volumes that are published by Thomas Goodwin, William Greenhil, Sydrach Sympson, Philip Nye, William Bridge, John Yates, William Adderly.

To the Reader.

THis worthy Man, especially in his latter times, was sur∣rounded (through Gods blessing on him) with a very great confluence of what might give forth Contentment to a vast Spirit of his Rank and Calling. He was enriched with a large measure of Abilities and Opportunities in serving his Lord, to glorifie whom, and do much good to others, is the divine part of a man gracious (which he was) the highest and most solid Sa∣tisfaction, and in many respects exceeds what personal Communi∣on with God, singlely considered, brings in) Besides, he lived and died in a fulness of honour and esteem with the best of men, of Saints; Yea, the worst of enemies: Likewise of Estate, and outward Comforts within his Sphaere and Rank, all which might and did af∣ford Contentment to what was outward in him. In the midst of these, his study was to finde out a more sublime way, and hidden art of Self-sufficiency, than was in the power of all things to contribute or teach; Such a skill as did not only poise and compose his spirit in the present injoyment of all, but might fortifie and furnish him with provision for the future against the loss of all, in times wherein no man knoweth what evil will be in the earth. This mark his first Lines shew hee shot at. This Art some Philosophers of old pretended themselves Masters of, and to instruct others in, through the assist∣ance of Natural and Moral Elements, elevated to the utmost height their Principles could carry them, but in vain. Their Chymistry in this kinde being able to produce no more but a sullen obstinacy and obdurateness of minde. The Natural Spirit of a Man, feeling it self greater than all Creatures, gathering up, and consolidating it self into it self, is able (as Solomon saies) to sustain its own and all other infirmities. But that Autarchy this Author here presents, is a My∣stery, which none of these Princes of the world know, or the wisdome of Man teacheth, but the Holy Ghost teacheth; and which few, but those that are perfect do attain; Teaching the soul to deny it self into weak∣ness, emptiness, in and to it self, and all things else; and thus dissol∣ved to unite its self to Him who only hath blessedness and All-suf∣ficiency, with whom associated and made intimate, it melts it self

into all his Interests, making them its own, and thereby comes to have all that All-sufficiency of the High God to be its Self-suffici∣ency: And then, What state can that Soul bee in, wherein it may not bee content? seeing it hath God to bee the chiefest comfort in its best times, and only comfort in its worst. This though it be the inheritance of every Saint, in the right and title to it, yet the possession and injoyment of it, depends upon an improve∣ment of this inheritance, and that upon a skill which is to be learn∣ed by experience and much exercise (as Paul speaks) I have learn∣ed in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be Content. This peece of learning this serious spirited Man inured himself into, and digging for it as Rubies (as Solomons Scholler for Wisdome) hath found it, and hath hewn forth this JEWEL (a Title given neither by Himself, nor by Ʋs the Publishers, to the Subject it self, yet the Ma∣terials themselves deserving it) out of the Rock, and hath artifi∣cially cut it) that the innate Rayes of this so glorious a Grace might shine forth to others. And here it comes to be presented, though set forth as the richest Jewels are, often for a while in ruder metals until bargained, but then are placed in tablets worthy of them. The only seat this is ordained for, is, the precious Tablets of mens hearts, in, and from which alone, the native lustre of will be made conspicuous. Reader, buy it, set and wear it there, and it shall (as Solomon speaks. Prov. 3.22, &c.) Be life unto thy soul, and grace unto thy neck: Thou shalt not be afraid when thou ly∣est down; Yea, thy sleep shall bee sweet unto thee: for the Lord will be thy confidence.

• ...Thomas Godwin,
• ...Sydrach Sympson,
• ...William Greenhil,
• ...Philip Nye,
• ...William Bridge,
• ...John Yates,
• ...William Adderly.