p. 269 | Be Content by Methodist Recorder

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Apr 23, 1885

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 17.

Be Content.

By Methodist Recorder

We are often disposed to envy the lot of others, to consider their condition better than our own, and to wish that we were placed in their circumstances. This is an evidence of folly. There is no condition in life that has not its difficulties and trials. These are sometimes concealed from public view, but this does not render them less difficult to endure. If we were as familiar with the circumstances of those whom we are disposed to envy as we are with our own, our views might be greatly modified, and our own condition might be made to appear quite endurable. It is better to patiently endure the evils that we suffer, than to fly to those we know not of. Providence does not make the mistakes which many persons imagine. Men are ordinarily better fitted for the positions in which Providence has placed them, with all their difficulties, than they are for any other. Our true wisdom is to make the most of our lot, improve its advantages, and patiently endure its trials. Indulgence in a repining, envious spirit only increases the evils we endure, and lessens our enjoyment of the good we possess. We should not depend upon our outward circumstances for true enjoyment, but seeking our happiness from a higher source, we should learn with the apostle, in whatever state we are, therewith to be content.—Methodist Recorder.