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CHRISTIAN CONTENTMENT

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Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 20, 1859

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 14, No. 22.

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CHRISTIAN CONTENTMENT.

By Lawson

CHRISTIAN contentment is opposed to murmuring against God, to distrusting and distracting cares, to covetous desires, to all mental anxiety about earthly things. It is a quiet temper of mind, relying on God's merciful providence and gracious promises, both of support and of the things which are necessary for us. This reliance is grounded upon certain principles of divine truth, as, that we brought nothing into the world, neither may we carry anything out; that this life was given us to seek a better; that these earthly necessaries are given us to preserve this life; that all besides food and raiment are not necessary; that God careth for his people, knowing they have need of these things; that if we be godly, and first seek his kingdom, he hath bound himself to give us these things; for godliness hath promise of this life, and of that which is to come. Upon these and similar principles the heart quieteth itself in God, is content with little, attends to the great business of salvation, and for these earthly necessaries casteth all its care on God. The devout believer knows that he is but a pilgrim and a stranger here, seeking after a better country; careth not much for earthly treasure, if he can only lay up treasure in heaven, and knows for certain that "godliness with contentment is great gain."—Lawson.