All right. Well, in 1831, there was a French sociologist. His name was Alexis de Tocqueville, and he visited the US to observe the judicial system and he actually ended up writing a book entitled Democracy in America. And the, the book is basically his observations of American politics and life.
But what's interesting about the book is that he has this chapter. Titled Of the Taste for Material Well-being in America. And in this chapter, Tocqueville, speaking of material comfort and well-being, says this, quote, in America, the concern to satisfy the slightest needs of the body and to provide for the smallest conveniences of life preoccupies minds universally, end quote. And that's an incredible statement when you stop to think about it.
This was in 1831, and providing for the smallest conveniences of life was the preoccupation of every mind. This was before central air, before hot and cold running water, and yes, before indoor plumbing. Obviously this is long before sweatpants, snuggies, and Sunday morning football. But I, I, I am grateful for many of the comforts that we do enjoy.
I'm thankful that I could drive here this morning. I'm thankful that I'm able to throw my clothes in a washing machine, and I'm thankful, as I'm sure you are, for the Lord's providence and grace that have brought us the technological advances that we have today. all of these comforts are meant to be enjoyed as a common grace from God, and And they should be, right? Enjoyed as a gift from our gracious heavenly Father, but none of these things are designed, nor are they able....
