5. By what illustrations did Christ teach contentment?
“Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?... Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is today in the field, and tomorrow is cast into the oven; how much more will He clothe you, O ye of little faith?” Luke 12:24-28.
6. What lesson in contentment did Paul say he had learned?
“I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” Phil. 4:11.
7. What ancient promise should lead to contentment?
“While the earth remaineth, seed-time and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” Gen. 8:22.
8. Upon whom should we cast all our care?
“Casting all your care upon Him [God]; for He careth for you.” 1 Peter 5:7.
Notes.—“Contentment produces, in some measure, all those effects which the alchemist usually ascribes to what he calls the philosopher's stone. If it does not bring riches, it does the same thing by banishing the desire for them. If it cannot remove the disquietudes arising from a man's mind, body, or fortune, it makes him easy under them.”—Addison.
A contented mind sees something good in everything,—fair weather in every wind, blessings in every storm.