yptians fell down on their
faces and worshipped, and raised their hands in supplication. The ass
was puffed up with pride, and began to prick up his ears and prance.
Then the driver brought down his stick upon his back, and said, "You
ass! the honour is given not to you, but to what you bear." There is
many a man who is no less elated by his position, or by some good
fortune that falls to him, than this ass. The man of wealth holds up
his head and expects every one to bow to him; he thinks a great deal of
himself, and he finds that a great many persons cringe to him and
flatter him. "Man! the honour is given, not to you, but to the gold
you carry." It may be the same with office, or title; respect is given
to the magistrate, or the nobleman, or the general, or the captain, or
the poor-law officer, or the policeman, and he thinks much of himself
accordingly. "Man! the honour is given not to you, but to the title or
office, or authority you carry." And there is many a woman who puts on
new and gay clothes, a new bonnet, or a new gown, in the highest
fashion, and she sails into church with her chin in the air, and a
flutter in her heart, knowing that all eyes are upon her. "Woman! all
are admiring--not you,--but the clothes you carry."

Whatever it be that we have, which others have not, it should not
elate, but humble us, for a talent entails a responsibility. He that
has gold has to answer to God what use he makes of it. "How hardly
shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of Heaven." He that
has office and authority is under great responsibility to discharge his
duties in his office, and exercise the authority entrusted to him well.
It was the fact that he was a man in authority which made the Centurion
humble, and brought on him the commendation of Christ. "Lord, I am not
worthy that Thou shouldest enter under my roof; neither thought I
myself worthy to come unto Thee, for I am a man set under authority,
having under me, soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to
another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth
it." He that has intellectual gifts must be humble, not proud, because
of them, for he is answerable for the use he makes of them.

II. God is very likely to humble those who set too high a price on
themselves; and better that He should bring them down to a just
appreciation of their own selves, in this world, than hereafter.

King Nebuchadnezzar had a