The Epistle to the Reader

Christian Reader,

Having seriously considered the great dishonors done to Almighty God (as well as the prejudice which does accrue to ourselves) by the sin of discontent, (a Catholic and epidemic sin;) It did at first put me upon the study of this subject. Nor is it incongruous to handle this next in order to the Christian Charter. I showed you there the great things which a believer has in reversion, Things to come are his; and here, behold a Christian's holy and gracious deportment in this life, which discovers itself in nothing more eminently, than in contentment. Discontent is to the soul, as a disease to the body; it puts it out of temper, and does much hinder its regular and sublime motions heavenward. Discontent is hereditary, and no doubt but it is much augmented by the many sad eclipses and changes that have fallen out of late in the body politic; yet the disease is not to be pleaded for, because natural; but to be resisted, because sinful. That which should make us out of love with this sullen distemper, is the contemplating the beautiful Queen of contentment. For my part, I know not any ornament in Religion that does more bespangle a Christian, or glitter in the eye of God and man, than this of contentment. Nor certainly is there anything wherein all the Christian virtues do work more harmoniously, or shine more transparently than in this orb. Every grace does act its part here, and help to keep the soul in its [illegible]; this is the true Philosopher's stone, which turns all into gold; this is the curious enamel and embroidery of the heart, which makes Christ's spouse all glorious within. How should every Christian be ambitious to wear such a sparkling diamond! If there be a blessed life before we come at Heaven, it is the contented life; and why not contented? Why are you wroth, and why is your countenance fallen? Man of all creatures has the least cause to be discontented. Can you deserve anything from God? Does he owe you anything? What if the scene turn, and God puts you under the black rod? Whereas he uses a rod, he might use a scorpion; he might as well damn you, as whip you; Why then are you so querulous? Why do you give way to this irrational and unthankful sin of discontent? The good Lord humble his own people for nourishing such a viper in their breast, as does not only eat out the bowels of their comfort, but spits venom in the face of God himself. O Christian, who are overspread with this fretting leprosy, you carry the man of sin about you; for you set yourself above God, as if you were wiser than he, would saucily prescribe him what condition is best for you. O this devil of discontent, which whoever it possesses, it makes his heart a little hell. I know there will not be perfect contentment here in this life, [illegible]. Perfect pleasure is only at God's right hand (Psalm 16:11); yet we may begin here to tune our instrument before we play the sweet lesson of contentment exactly in heaven. I should be glad if this little piece might be like Moses his casting the tree into the waters (Exodus 15:25), to make the uncouth, bitter condition of life, more sweet and pleasant to drink of. I have once more adventured into the public; this I acknowledge to be rudi Minervâ, home-spun; some better hand might have made a more curious draught: but having preached upon the subject, I was earnestly solicited by some of my hearers to publish it; and although it is not dressed in that rich attire of eloquence, as it might; yet I am not about poetry, or oratory, but divinity; nor is this intended for fancy, but practice. If I may herein do any service, or cast but a mite into the treasury of the Church's grace, I have my desire. The end of our living is to live to God, and to lift up his Name in the world. The Lord add an effectual blessing to this work, and fasten it as a nail in a sure place; He of his mercy make it as spiritual physic to purge the ill humor of discontent out of our hearts, that so a crown of honor may be set upon the head of Religion, and the crystal streams of joy and peace may ever run in our souls: which is the prayer of him who is desirous to be a faithful orator for you at the throne of grace,

THOMAS WATSON. From my study at Stephens Walbrook, May 5. 1653