"GODLINESS WITH CONTENTMENT IS GREAT GAIN." And the love of money (and material wealth) is the root of all evil. We may not have what we wish, but we certainly have what our God deems best for us. Every mercy is directed by infinite wisdom and eternal love, and never misses its way, or falls into the possession of any but those for whom it is intended. Let us therefore remember that our God has chosen our inheritance for us, and it becomes us to be content; yea, to be very grateful. We have infinitely more than we deserve and more than many of our fellow believers. We have liberty, while the apostle was shut up in prison; we have a home, while many of the early Christians lived in dens and caves of the earth; our lives are protected, while the martyrs were burned at the stake; we live in hope of heaven, while many are lifting up their eyes in hell, being in torments. Let us be content with present things, and hope for better; let us say after Paul's example, "I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound." And say:

For Meditation:
Take my soul and all my pow'rs,
Take my body, mind, and will;
All my goods and all my hours,
Thou hast giv'n, let me be still;
Thine I live, thrice happy I!
Happier still if Thine I die.