"In a word, the nature and experience of things dictated to me upon just reflection that all the good things of this world are no farther good to us that they are for our use; and that whatever we may heap up indeed to give to others, we enjoy just as much as we can use, and no more. I had now brought my state of life to be much easier in itself that it was at first and much easier to my mind, as well as to my body. I frequently sat down to my meat with thankfulness and admired the hand of God's providence, which had thus spread my table in the wilderness ... and this gave me sometimes such secret comforts that I cannot express them; and which I take notice of here, to put those discontented people in mind of it who cannot enjoy comfortably what God has given them because they see and covet something that He has not given them. All our discontents about what we want appeared to me to spring from the want of thankfulness for what we have."
-- from Daniel Defoe's
Robinson Crusoe
That's good stuff. A good message and reminds me of Paul saying "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." (Phil 4:11) and "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation." (Phil 4:12) ... I've never read Robinson Crusoe, but am looking forward to it when we start Year 4 :-)
ReplyDeleteRobinson Crusoe's gradual conversion of thought and faith has been very inspiring. It's also been helpful for my children to see the example of how someone can go from unbelieving to believing--I think that's a great window into the soul for children who have been raised in a religious household and don't know anything different, to see how faith relies on a conversion of the heart for so many people. It's a lovely book.
Delete"...and this gave me sometimes such secret comforts that I cannot express them; and which I take notice of here, to put those discontented people in mind of it who cannot enjoy comfortably what God has given them because they see and covet something that He has not given them. All our discontents about what we want appeared to me to spring from the want of thankfulness for what we have." SOOOOO GOOD! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it? I am loving his perspective the farther we get into the novel.
DeleteI really enjoyed Defoe's theological discussions in Robinson Crusoe. This one included. Thanks for linking in!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Dawn! This is my first time reading RC and I'm finding myself very touched by the conversion...while my kids enjoy the adventure. ;)
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