Editorial August 30, 1900 Issue

"Godliness with Contentment"

Editor

Paul declared that "godliness with contentment is great gain." With him this was not a statement of theory but of fact. He said, "I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." He had learned that satisfaction and contentment are not to be found in material things, conditions, or surroundings, neither could they deprive him of the sense of peace and harmony he had found in the realization of God's presence and power.

How unlike the experience of Paul is that of most men. Mortals are rushing hither and thither to find some thing that will satisfy, some place where they will be contented. Abiding satisfaction they know not form experience. Most people can tell what would satisfy them if they could only attain it. But when the one who has already acquired that which others think would satisfy them, is asked if he is contented with his lot, he answers in the negative; but perhaps he, too, can tell what would bring lasting harmony and joys without end.

Thus it is that satisfaction, form a mortal and material point of view, is a veritable will-o'-the-wisp, it may be in sight, but never found when the place is reached where it was supposed to be. It is always just a little farther on. There is a good and sufficient reason for this. Material things cannot satisfy and the material senses cannot be satisfied. It is universally admitted that material things are mortal and doomed to death and decay. If they seem to satisfy to-day they will not do so to-morrow. The very fact that material things do not satisfy, is evidence of the existence of something beyond matter. In this something that is above and beyond matter, humanity must find satisfaction if it is to be found at all.

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