“Wife,” answered the man, “having food and raiment, let us therewith be content. And if it please God that even these things should fall short, let us submit ourselves to God in patience and well-doing, for he gives us more than we deserve.”
“There, now you are got to preaching again,” said the woman; “you never give me an answer, but you must always go to your Bible to help you out.”
“And where can I go so well?” replied the husband. “Is it not God’s own word for our instruction?”
“Well, that may be, but I don’t like so much of it,” answered she.
“And I do not like so little of it as I see and hear from you,” returned the man.
“Why, that book has taught me that it is an honour and comfort to be a poor man, and, by the blessing of the Spirit of God, I believe and feel it to be true. I have, through mercy, always been enabled to get the bread of honest industry, and so have you; and though our children feed upon brown bread, and we cannot afford to buy them fine clothes, like some of our vain neighbours, to pamper their pride with; yet, bless the Lord, they are as healthy and clean as any in the parish. Why then should you complain? Godliness with contentment is great gain!”
“An honour and a comfort to be a poor man, indeed! What nonsense you talk! What sort of honour and comfort can that be? I am out of patience with you, man,” the wife sharply cried out.
“I can prove it!” replied he.
“How?” returned his partner, in no very pleasant tone of voice.
“My dear,” said the good man, “hear me quietly, and I will tell you.”