It is very possible, that all may not distinctly understand the force of the several clauses of this passage, yet, all, I suppose, would derive a general impression from it, that it spoke of the condition of Christians in very exalted language, and made it to extend to things in this world, as well as to things in the world to come.  But can it be good for us to dwell on our exaltation?  And if we do, may we not dread lest such language might be used towards us as that which St. Paul uses in the very next chapter to the Corinthians, “Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us; and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.”  It would seem, however, that it would be good for us to dwell on the greatness of our condition and privileges, because St. Paul, who thus upbraids the Corinthians with their pride, had yet himself immediately before laid the picture of their high privileges, in the words of the text, in full detail before them, as if he wished them carefully to consider it.  And so indeed it is.  It feeds pride to dwell upon our good qualities or advantages, as individuals, or as a class in society, or as a nation, or as a sect or party; but, to speak generally, our advantages and privileges, as Christians, have not a tendency to excite pride; for some reasons in the nature of the case; for this reason amongst ourselves particularly, because the very essence of pride consists in contrast; we are proud that we are, in some one or more points, superior to others who come immediately under our observation.  Now, we have so little to do with any who are not Christians, that the contrast is in this case wanting; we have none over whom to be proud; none whom we can glory in surpassing; and, therefore, a consideration of our Christian advantages, in the absence of that one element which might feed pride, is likely with us to work in a better manner, and to lead rather to thankfulness and increased exertion.

I say to increased exertion; for what would stop exertion is pride.  It is the turning back, and pausing to look with satisfaction on what is below us, rather than the looking upward to the summit, and thinking how much our actual elevation has brought us on the way towards it.  And, further, there is coupled with every consideration of Christian privileges, the thought of what it must be to leave such privileges unimproved.  In this respect, how well does the language of the two lessons from Deuteronomy suit the lesson from the Epistle to the Corinthians.  We heard the description of the beauty and richness of the land which God gave to his people,—­there were their advantages and privileges,—­we heard also, the declaration of their unworthiness, and the solemn threatening of vengeance if, after having received good, they did evil.  And as the vengeance has fallen upon them to the utmost, so we are taught expressly to apply their example to ourselves.  “If God spared not the natural branches,” such was St. Paul’s language to the church at Rome, “take heed lest he also spare not thee.”