“—a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance
of the things which he possesseth.” Luke 12:15
“And having food and raiment let us be therewith
content.” 1 Timothy 6:8
A little simple food, and plain clothing, and humble
shelter—this is all that man really needs. Outward
things can neither make a man happy or miserable.
Ahab was discontented on a king’s throne.
Paul and Silas were happy in a dungeon.
Nature is content with little;
grace is content with less.
Luxury is seldom satisfied;
lust is never satisfied.
If we have but little in this world, we may content
ourselves with the reflection, that it is safer to have
little than much. Many have been ruined by prosperity.
Many have gone to hell splendidly clothed, and who
lived each day in luxury!
Very wise was the prayer of Agur, “Give me neither
poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.”
Proverbs 30:8
Christians should be content, because time is short;
and if time is short, trouble cannot be long! “Weeping
may endure for a night—but joy comes in the morning!”
These light afflictions are but for a moment—and then
comes an eternal weight of glory! The Christian is
traveling down a rough and dirty piece of road; but
he is going home—to his glorious heavenly home!
This is the true secret of finding happiness in a miserable world.
–By Gorham Abbott, 1833
