Page:Studies in the Scriptures - Series I - The Plan of the Ages (1909).djvu/343

 hopeful, cheerful and always rejoicing in view of the glori- ous outcome foretold in God's Word.

The Apostle has written that " Godliness with contentment is great gain; 7 ' and though this has always been true, it will have double force in this Day of the Lord, when discon- tent is the chief ailment among all worldly classes. To these the saints should be a notable exception. There never was a time when dissatisfaction was so wide-spread ; and -yet there never was a time when men enjoyed so many favors and blessings. Wherever we look, whether into the palaces of the rich, replete with conveniences and splendors of which Solomon in all his glory knew almost nothing, or whether we look into the comfortable home of the thrifty and temperate wage-worker, with its evidences of taste, comfort, art and luxury, we see that in every way the pres- ent exceeds in bountiful supply every other period since the creation, many-fold ; and yet the people are unhappy and discontented. The fa& is that the desires of a selfish, de- praved heart know no bounds. Selfishness has so taken possession of all, that, as we look out, we see the whole world madly pushing and driving and clutching after wealth. A few only being successful, the remainder are envious and soured because they are not the fortunate ones, and all are discontented and miserable more so than in any for- mer time.

But the saint should take no part in that struggle. His consecration vow was that he would strive and grasp and run for a higher, a heavenly prize, and hence hf* is weaned from earthly ambitions, and labors not for earthly things, except to provide things decent and needful; for he is giving heed to the course and example of the Master and the apostles.

Therefore they have contentment with their godliness, not because they have no ambition, but because their am-

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