A Scripture Catechism
in the
Method of the Assembly's

by Matthew Henry

Q. 80. What is required in the tenth commandment?
A. The tenth commandment requires a full contentment with our own condition, with a right and charitable frame of spirit towards our neighbour, and all that is his.

1. Has God the disposal of our outward condition? Yes: My times are in thy hand, Ps. 31:15. And does he order all events concerning us? Yes: he performeth the thing that is appointed for us, Job 23:14. Ought we therefore to be content with our condition? Yes: Be content with such things as you have, Heb. 13:5. Ought we to be content in every condition? Yes: I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content, Phil. 4:11. Must we be content with a little? Yes: Having food and raiment, let us be therewith content, 1 Tim. 6:8.

2. Can we expect that our condition should be in every thing brought to our mind? No: for all is vanity, Eccl. 1:14. 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, Phil. 4:12. Is anything got by this? Yes: Godliness with contentment is great gain, 1 Tim. 6:6. And is this the way to be easy? Yes: In your patience possess ye your souls, Luke 21:19.

3. Is that best which is? Yes: It is the Lord, let him do what seemeth him good, 1 Sam. 3:18. Must we therefore make the best of it? Yes: for wherefore should a living man complain? Lam. 3:39. And must we acknowledge it is better than we deserve? Yes: I am not worthy of the least of all thy mercies, Gen. 32:10.

4. Ought we to desire the welfare of our neighbours? Yes: Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth, 1 Cor. 10:24. And to pray for it? Yes: Supplications and prayers must be made for all men, 1 Tim. 2:1. And to be well pleased with it? Yes: Rejoice with them that do rejoice, Rom. 12:15. And to lay to heart our neighbour's troubles? Yes: Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them, Heb. 13:3. And is this a charitable frame of spirit? Yes: for charity suffers long, and is kind, 1 Cor. 13:4.