Q. What did the Apostle Paul say he had learned?--A. 'I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.' Q. Repeat, 'Godliness with contentment.'--A. '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.' Q. From whom cometh down every good gift and every perfect gift?--A. From God. Q. Who is exalted as head above all, and giveth riches and honor and greatness and strength, and also casteth down and maketh poor whom he pleaseth?--A. God. Q. If I work and am industrious, and walk uprightly with God, will he suffer me to want any good thing?--A. No. * * * * * Q. Does this commandment forbid _the very thought itself_ of evil against our neighbor?--A. Yes. * * * * * We are to be contented with our own condition and circumstances, as appointed unto us by our infinitely wise and gracious Father in heaven." Thus discourseth that eminent son of Massachusetts, the Rev. Theodore Clapp, after seventeen years' experience of the blessedness of slavery (Sermon, p. 66):-- "Let all Christian teachers show our servants the importance of being submissive, obedient, industrious, honest, and faithful to the interests of their masters. Let their minds be filled with sweet anticipations of rest eternal beyond the grave. Let them be trained to direct their views to that fascinating and glorious futurity, where the sins, sorrows, and troubles of earth will be contemplated under the aspect of means indispensable to our everlasting progress in knowledge, virtue, and happiness. I would say to every slave in the United States, You should realize that a wise, kind, and merciful Providence has appointed for you your condition in life; and, all things considered, you could not be more eligibly situated. The burden of your care, toils, and responsibilities is much lighter than that which God has imposed on your master. The most enlightened philanthropists, with unlimited resources, could not place you in a situation more favorable to your present and everlasting welfare than that which you now occupy. You have your troubles. So have all. Remember how evanescent are the pleasures and joys of human life."