I. Its nature. It is the opposite of dissatisfaction. It is, therefore, a quiet acquiescence in the allotments of providence with regard to ourselves. Not self-sufficiency as might seem to mean, nor self-satisfaction, nor listless unconcern, as to what we are, and what happens to us, but it has reference not to what we are, or what we can do, but to what God does. It is quiet acquiescence in the share of good which he assigns us,
Whether this relates 1. To our wealth or outward estate. Some rich, some poor, some of every grade between, 2. or to our position in society. In point of fact there are grades. Some are above us, some below us. In other countries this relative position is determined by birth, and by the laws of the land. Here by fortuitous circumstances. Nothing more pitiable than discontentment with our social position. It leads to envy, subserviency, extravagance, contempt of the poor and all uncharitableness.
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Or to personal advantages, of health, strength, mental endowments, or advantages of education.
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Or to our success in life, the degree of honor, or usefulness, God may see fit to assign us.
II. The grounds of this state of mind. It is as a Christian grace one of the fruits of the Spirit. Nothing short of his power can so mortify our natural desire for enjoyment and pre-eminence, as to make us cheerfully to acquiesce in being poor, suffering, of little account and of little esteem.
This state of mind arises out of, 1. A deep and abiding sense of guilt, insignificance and pollution. If this conviction is strong, we shall never cease to feel, that any thing short of utter condemnation is a mercy.
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Faith in the universal providence of God, the conviction that all things are ordered by his power and wisdom, that all circumstances are determined by his will.
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The assurance of our reconciliation to God; that not only are our circumstances determined by his wisdom but by his love. If it were better for us to be richer, happier, more eminent or powerful, he would make us so. It would be to act as children who cry for poison, to be craving after forms of good which God denies.
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The conviction that not only our good, but God’s glory, is most promoted by our lot being what it is.
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A peculiarly Christian character is given to these considerations, when we remember that it is our own Lord and Saviour, who is the God of Providence, and who determines the bounds of our habitation.
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The great ground of contentment is that God is our portion. The apostle remarks with because they are so intimately related. The one flows from the other. This complex state of mind, where and are combined, is the union of heaven and earth. As when the sky melts the horizon, or when the placid lake reflects a placid heavens. In looking on such a lake, we see the quiet of earth and the sublimity of heaven united. It is, therefore, a great gain. It is better than wealth or fame, a surer source of happiness, and a higher means of good.
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