Page:Studies in the Scriptures - Series I - The Plan of the Ages (1909).djvu/344

 34 o Tkt Pfan of the Ages.

bition is turned heavenward and absorbed in the effort to lay up treasure in heaven and to be rich toward God; in view of which, and of their knowledge of God's plans revealed in his Word, they are content with whatever of an earthly sort God may provide. These can joyfully sing :

u Content, whatever lot I see, Since 'tis God's hand that leadeth. me."

But alas ! not all of God's children occupy this position. Many have fallen into the discontent prevalent in the world, and are robbing themselves of the enjoyments of life be- cause they have left the Lord's footsteps and are casting their lot and taking their portion with the world- seeking earthly things whether attaining them or not, sharing the world's discontent, and failing to realize the. content- ment and peace which the world can neither give nor take away.

We urge the saints, therefore, to abandon the strife of greed and vainglory and its discontent, and to strive for the higher riches and the peace they do afford. We would re- mind them of the Apostle's words :

"Godliness with contentment is great gain; for we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having \needfut\ food and raiment, let us therewith be content* But they that will [toj be rich [whether they succeed or not] fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts which drown [sink] men in ruin and destruction. For a root of all vices is the love of money [whether in rich or poor], which some being eager for were led away from the faith and pierced themselves through with many pangs. But thou, O man of God, flee from these, and be pursuing right- eousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, meekness j be contesting in the noble wntestof the faith, lay hold on ever*

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