the Lord does not so much look at the work that is done, as at the faithfulness of our hearts in doing it.

It is a special part of the divine worship that we owe to God, to be content in a Christian way, as has been shown to you.

Now this is a mystery to a carnal heart. They can see no such thing; perhaps they think God loves them when he prospers them and makes them rich, but they think God loves them not when he afflicts them. That is a mystery, but grace instructs men in that mystery, grace enables men to see love in the very frown of God's face, and so come to receive contentment.

To be well skilled in the mystery of Christian contentment is the duty, glory and excellence of a Christian.

It is the happiness of heaven to have God be all in all.

You will not find one Godly man who came out of an affliction worse than when he went into it. Though for a little while he was shaken, yet, at last, he was better for an affliction. But, a great many Godly men have been worse for their prosperity.

I beseech you to consider that God does not deal by you as you deal with him.