"Be content with such things as ye have." Hebrews 13:5

WE may not have what we wish, but we certainly have what our God thinks best for us. Every mercy is directed by infinite wisdom and eternal love, and never misses its road, or comes into the possession of any but the persons 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; we have more than many of our fellow-believers. We have liberty, while the Apostle were shut up in prison; we have a home, while many of the primitive Christians wandered about 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 strive to be content with present things, and hope for better: let us endeavour to learn Paul's lesson, "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:

Take my soul and body's powers, Take my memory, mind, and will All my goods, and all my hours, All I know, and all I feel: Thine I live, thrice happy I! Happier still if Thine I die.