Gold Nugget 201 - Child of Contentment
No other creature on earth is weaker, more helpless or dependent at the commencement of life, that a child. He is peculiarly liable to accident and susceptible to disease; incapable of defending himself from harm or preserving his own life; and is cast entirely upon the care of others. A little neglect on their part may prove fatal. More than a fourth of all the children that are born die before they are five years old.
There is still greater danger to your souls of being allowed to grow up in ignorance and led into “the way of transgressors,” stumbling and perishing therein. Be thankful to your parents, nurses, and teachers for their care over you; still more to your heavenly Father who has taught them such care, appointed his holy angels to be your guardians, sent his Son to bless you, and himself loves, preserves, watches over you, and seeks your salvation. …
You may sometimes wish that you belonged to a royal or wealthy family, lived in a palace, and had numerous servants to wait upon you; supposing that you would be happier than you are. Well, here is a prince; yet motherless, fatherless, homeless, helpless, and hopeless. How much better is your condition that that of this poor little orphan cripple! No condition of life is above the reach of trouble; none beneath the possession of enjoyment. Envy not the lot of others, nor fret and be dissatisfied with your own.
Hear a fable of three little fishes that dwelt in a beautiful stream. On being asked what they wished for, one said, “Wings,” and when these grew he flew away so high and so far that he could not get back, sank exhausted, and breathed his last; another said “Knowledge,” and when he obtained it, became anxious and fearful, and durst not touch a fly or a worm or eat any food, lest it should contain a fatal bait, pined away and dies; the third said, “I wish for nothing, but am contented with my lot,” and this little fish had a long and happy life
Have you not heard of the apostle who was a prisoner for Jesus’ sake, and said, “I have learned in whatsoever state I am therewith to be content”?
The Pulpit Commentary, II Samuel p.106, II Samuel 4:4, (B. Dale)
Gold Nugget 201
Child of Contentment
