The Art Of Divine Contentment In Modern English

Is it possible to be content when life is painful and disappointing? The Art of Divine Contentment considers the implications of the Apostle Paul's claim that he had learned to be content in any situation (Phil 4:11). Our discontent is sinful when we murmur against God and accuse Him of injustice or cruelty. But by frequently beholding God's sovereignty, love, and grace, we can learn to be more content in all circumstances. Thomas Watson (1620-1686) was an English Puritan preacher and author. Watson originally published The Art of Divine Contentment around 1660. The source text for this edition is from an 1829 printing by L. B. Seeley and Sons in London. This book is a complete sentence-by-sentence modern update of Watson’s original text. Updates include: New descriptive chapter and section headings. Modern English sentence structure. Modern English vocabulary. Added paragraph breaks for topic transitions. English Standard Version (ESV) scripture references. Full scripture quotations and annotations in footnotes. Active table of contents.

This is a modern translation of The Art of Divine Contentment by Puritan Thomas Watson (1620 - 1686). Part One is the modern English version, and Part Two is Watson's original text.

Thomas Watson was an English Puritan preacher and a prominent Christian author in the 17th century. After the Declaration of Indulgence in 1672 Watson was able to preach in Crosby House for many years. Watson was a prolific writer of Christian books and many are still popular reads today. The Art of Divine Contentment is a book that Watson wrote on the Contentment from Phillippians 4:11

'I have learned to be content in whatever state] I am'' (Phil. 4:11) Anyone who lacks true contentment may find it in this book. If not, it will be because that one would not follow the very clear and simple instructions given. The teaching is from the Bible, yet it must be described as unique. Nowhere else will you find such unusual, but Biblically authenticated thoughts: He will teach you that contentment lies in subtraction, not in addition; that the ABC's of Christianity are nothing like what you thought them to be; that there is a mystery of contentment, but that once you have learned the way from Christ's word, you will be able to attain such a depth of contentment as you never before dreamed existed. This is a key book for building up Christian maturity. Christian Contentment, what is it? ''It is a sweet, inward heart thing. It is a work of the Spirit indoors. It is a box of precious ointment, very comforting and useful for troubled hearts in times of troubled conditions.

I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

How can we guard ourselves against becoming trapped and overcome by our besetting temptations? John Owen (1616-1683) shows how watching and praying before entering into temptation is key. Jesus gave this command to the disciples on the night he was betrayed (Matt 26:14). This book provides practical suggestions for this work, but it also emphasizes our utter dependence on God and the power of the gospel to keep us from the "hour of temptation." This book was originally published in 1658 as Of Temptation: The Nature and Power of it, The Danger of entering into it, and The Means of preventing that Danger with A Resolution of sundry Cases thereunto belonging. This edition attempts to make Owen's writing more accessible to modern readers. It includes the following updates: Complete and carefully updated text. Sentence-level rewriting and rewording for clarity. Modern English sentence structure. Modern English vocabulary. Updated organization and headings. English Standard Version (ESV) scripture references. Scripture quotations in footnotes. Active table of contents.

"There is a happy union of sound doctrine, heart-searching experience and practical wisdom throughout all his works.” —Charles Spurgeon Thomas Watson, vicar at St. Stephen’s Walbrook, was one of England’s most popular preachers of the mid 17th Century—despite being imprisoned for a year for his refusal to conform to ecclesiastical pressures of his day. Watson left behind a legacy of writings—including The Art of Divine Contentment, The Body of Divinity, and The Happiness of Drawing Near to God—that have influenced both theologians and common people for centuries. Now Patti Hummel has pulled together a year of readings from the man built around his favorite theme that "man’s chief aim is to glorify God and enjoy him forever.”