Question 85

Should they therefore be suffered quietly to enjoy them?

Yes. David’s heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul’s skirt,^b

And is it that which is best for him?

Yes. For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight,^d

And infinitely better than he deserves?

Yes. For it is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed,^e

Should he therefore be contented in it?

Yes. I have learned in whatsoever state I am therewith to be content,^f

And is contentment a powerful antidote against covetousness?

Yes. Let your conversation be without covetousness, and be content with such things as ye have,^g

Nor grieve at the more prosperous circumstances of others?

No. Fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way,ⁱ

But rather rejoice in their prosperity and endeavour to promote it?

Yes. Thus Mordecai sought the wealth of his people, and spoke peace to all his seed,^j

And be much in contemplating the vanity of the creature?

Yes. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not?^l

And make a due estimate of the blessings which we possess?

Yes. For better is the sight of the eye than the wandering of the desire,^m

And frequently transfer our thoughts to the other world?

Yes. We look not at the things that are seen, which are temporal, but at the things which are not seen, which are eternal,ⁿ

And if after all we find some risings of discontent should we check them in their first appearances?

Yes. O my soul, why art thou disquieted within me?^o