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  OF CONTENTEDNESS. WHAT IT IS. THE GROUNDS OF CONTENTEDNESS.
  by William Gouge
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Summary: Contentedness is a satisfaction of the mind concerning the
sufficiency and fitness of one's present condition, referencing God's
wise providence.

Topics: "Christian Contentment", "Godly Providence"
Scripture References: 2 Kings 4:13, Psalm 22:26, Psalm 91:16, Psalm 132:15, Proverbs 19:23, Joel 2:19, Philippians 4:12, 1 Timothy 6:8, Hebrews 13:5

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DESCRIPTION
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William Gouge preaches on the importance of contentedness, highlighting
how it distinguishes between contentedness and covetousness, emphasizing
that a contented mind is never unsatisfied with any condition. He
explains that satisfaction accompanies God's blessings, such as long
life, food, and provision, and extends to all aspects of life, including
peace, trouble, honor, and adversity. Gouge emphasizes that
contentedness is not based on a set quantity but on trusting in God's
wise providence and being satisfied with what He provides.

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CONTENT
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Contentedness is a satisfaction of the mind concerning the sufficiency
and fitness of one's present condition.

This general matter of contentedness, a satisfaction of mind, doth not
only put a distinguishing difference betwixt contentedness and
covetousness, but also sheweth that they are diametrically contrary one
to another: for a covetous mind is never satisfied with any estate: and
a contented mind is never unsatisfied with any.

This satisfaction useth to accompany such things as God bestoweth on
such as he taketh an especial care of. Such persons having long life are
satisfied therewith. God with the blessing giveth satisfaction, Ps. xci.
16. 'The meek shall eat and be satisfied,' Ps. xxii. 26. God 'will
satisfy the poor with bread,' Ps. cxxxii. 15. When God promiseth to send
corn, wine, and oil as a blessing, it is added, 'ye shall be satisfied
therewith,' Joel ii. 19, 26.

This satisfaction is said to be of the mind, to shew that it extends
itself as far as covetousness doth; which is an inward inordinate desire
of the mind. A contented person doth not only forbear outward indirect
courses of getting more and more; but doth also restrain the motions of
his mind or soul, from desiring more than God is willing to allot unto
him.

The sufficiency mentioned in the description, hath not reference to any
set quantity or measure which the contented person propounds to himself;
but only to the wise providence of God, who doth give to every one of
his what is sufficient for him: answerably a contented person so
accounts his own estate, and is satisfied. She that made this answer, to
him that would have spoken to the captain of the host for some reward to
her, 'I dwell among mine own people,' was such a contented one, 2 Kings
iv. 13.

This word fitness is added, to shew that contentedness extends itself
not only to the things which are needful for man's livelihood, as food
and rainment, 1 Tim. vi. 8, but also to the several estates s hereunto
man is subject: as of peace and trouble, ease and pain, honour and
dishonour, prosperity and adversity. Contentedness makes a man account
that estate, be it joyous or grievous, whereunto God brings him, to be
the fittest and seasonablest for him.

The present condition wherewith a contented mind is limited in this
text, admits a double reference. One to the time past; wherein though
his condition hath been better, yet he repineth not at the alteration
thereof.

The other reference is to the time to come; wherein though he have never
so great hope of bettering himself, yet for the present he remaineth
content with his present condition.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/william-gouge/of-contentedness-what-it-is-the-grounds-of-contentedness/
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