THE FAMILY ALTAR

August 25.

"I will abundantly bless her provision; I will satisfy her poor

with bread." Psalms. 132:15.

For years to come our dear country will suffer from the effects

of the World War. Taxes will be heavy, and the high cost of living

will affect not only the poor, but also the well-to-do. We shall

have every reason to practise economy and above all to give heed

to the admonition of our God (1 Tim. 6, 6 — 8) : "Godliness with

contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this

world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having

food and raiment, let us be therewith content." But what shall

we do if we lack food and raiment? The answer must be: Go

to our heavenly Father, who is so rich and good toward all that

call upon Him in humble faith, and who gives us this blessed

promise here in our text. Luther writes : "He is truly a rich man

who fears God and lives in faith, in such godliness is also content

with the things God gives him and has them with God and honor,

not with injustice or injury to anybody. For even in his poverty

he has a very great treasure, called God's blessing, with which he

must be satisfied; for he knows that none of us will carry away

more than our food and drink, and all anxious care and labor

avail nothing, if God does not send prosperity. Therefore a Chris-

tian should prize the single dollar God gives him more than all

the great possessions of the rich misers on earth. For he has in

his home this precious treasure called godliness, making him con-

tent or satisfied, that is, giving him a peaceful and satisfied, a rest-

ful heart in God." 

Think not amid the heat of trial

That God hath cast thee off unheard;

That he whose hopes meet no denial

Must surely be of God preferred;

Time passes and much change doth bring,

And sets a bound to everything.

All are alike before the Highest;

'Tis easy to our God, we know,

To raise thee up, though low thou liest,

To make the rich man poor and low;

True wonders still by Him are wrought,

Who setteth up and brings to naught.