Question 80

Hath God the disposal of our outward Condition?

Yes. My times are in thy Hand,^a

And doth he order all Events concerning us?

Yes. He performeth the thing that is appointed for us,^b

Ought we therefore to be content with our Condition?

Yes. Be content with such Things as you have,^c

Ought we to be content in every Condition?

Yes. I have learn’d in whatsoever State I am therewith to be content,^d

Must we be content with a little?

Yes. Having Food and Raiment let us be therewith content,^e

Can we expect that our Condition should be in every thing brought to our Mind?

No. For all is Vanity,^f

Is it therefore our Wisdom to bring our Mind to our Condition?

Yes. I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound,^g

Is any thing got by this?

Yes. Godliness with Contentment is great Gain,^h

And is this the Way to be easie?

Yes. In your Patience possess ye your Souls,ⁱ

Is that best which is?

Yes. It is the Lord, let him do what seemeth him good,^j

Must we therefore make the best of it?

Yes. For wherefore should a living Man complain?^k

And must we acknowledge ’tis better than we deserve?

Yes. I am not worthy of the least of all thy Mercies,^l

Ought we to desire the Welfare of our Neighbours?

Yes. Let no Man seek his own, but every Man another’s Wealth,^m

And to pray for it?

Yes. Supplications and Prayers must be made for all Men,ⁿ

And to be well pleas’d with it?

Yes. Rejoice with them that do Rejoice,^o

And to lay to Heart our Neighbours Troubles?

Yes. Remember them that are in Bonds as bound with them,^p

And is this a charitable Frame of Spirit?

Yes. For Charity suffers long, and is kind,^q