But in these respects it cannot for one moment stand in competition with godliness, — that godliness I mean which is connected with contentment. Suppose money to afford ever such high gratifications, (though it is very much over- rated by the generality,) will not pardon of sin, peace of conscience, and the enjoyment of the Divine presence, far outweigh them all? Suppose money to afford effectual relief in trouble, (though it cannot assuage our pain either of mind or body,) what consolations can it afford equal to those which result from godliness and contentment? The utmost that money can do, is to procure some outward relief; whereas the piety above described will convert every cross into a com- fort, and every trouble into a fountain of joy. We are ready to acknowledge that money has its uses, and very important uses too, in reference to our children or dependents, (though it not unfrequently is a curse to them rather than a benefit,) yet even in this view is it far inferior to religion : for the godly and contented man will instruct his children and dependents in those principles which he has found so beneficial to himself: and who can duly estimate the benefit of such instructions, confirmed and enforced by such an example ? Who can value sufficiently the intercessions of such a friend? Suppose a dying man to address his surviving relatives, ' I have not wealth laid up for you in my coffers, but I have thousands of prayers treasured up for you in heaven, which, I trust, will come down in blessings on your heads, when I lie mouldering in the dust: I have engaged my God to be the Husband of the widow, and the Father of the fatherless; yes, my dear wife and children, I have entreated him to take care of you ; and I believe that my prayers have not gone forth in vain :' I say, such a legacy would be far better than thousands of silver and gold.
Thus in every view for which money is coveted, godliness with contentment is a richer portion.]
2. In reference to the world to come —
[The blindest worldling in the universe is not foolish enough to think that " riches will profit him in the day of wrath." In the words following the text this point is esta- blished beyond all contradiction ; " For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain that we can carry nothing out." Here therefore all competition ceases ; and " gain" must be confessed to belong exclusively to the godly and contented mind.]
Address —
1. Those who boast of contentment, while they are destitute of godliness —