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.

In a world where competition is sold as the key ingredient for success, few would ever think of contentment as one of the most important features of a true Christian. When even pastors and preachers are looking for counsel on how to improve their style, how to boost their leadership abilities, how to be more popular, to come with this idea of contentment seems rather odd. However, the Bible has so much to say on this topic, that its inspired authors came even to the shocking conclusion that, if you combine godliness and contentment, the result is of "great gain." So thought Puritan Thomas Watson, who penned this wonderful book on the what and when, and how of the divine contentment. Thomas Watson (c. 1620-1686) was a Puritan preacher and author, knows for his sound expositions of the Scriptures. This book has been originally published in 1855. Current edition has been proofread, typeset for eBook readers, and updated for modern readers.

The contented heart is never out of heart. Contentment is a golden shield that beats back discouragement. True contentment will trust God even when it cannot see Him. Why are you discontented? Is it because you are temporarily dispossessed of comforts? You who are discontented because you do not have all you would like to have, let me tell you, either your faith is a nonentity, or, at best, it is just an embryo. It is a weak faith that must have stilts and crutches to support it. Discontent is not only below faith, but it is also below reason. Discontent is unworthy of the relationship we have with God. Christians are invested with the title and privilege of sonship; we are heirs of the promise. God will be sure to reward the contented Christian. List of Chapters Ch. 1: The Scholar Ch. 2: The Lesson Ch. 3: The Character of Contentment Ch. 4: Why Should We Be Content? Ch. 5: The Usefulness of Contentment Ch. 6: How Is It Possible to Be Content? Ch. 7: Motivations to Contentment Ch. 8: Discontent Ch. 9: More Motivation Ch. 10: Cautions Ch. 11: Characteristics of Contentment Ch. 12: Rules for Contentment Ch. 13: The Contented Christian’s Comfort

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

'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.

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.