Three great lessons stand out on the face of this passage. Each deserves the close attention of all who desire spiritual wisdom.

We learn for one thing — how apt men are to despise the highest privileges, when they are familiar with them.

We shall do well to remember this lesson, in the matter of ordinances and means of grace. We are always in danger of undervaluing them — when we have them in abundance. We are apt to think lightly of the privilege of an open Bible, a preached Gospel, and the liberty of meeting together for public worship. We grow up in the midst of these things, and are accustomed to have them without trouble. And the consequence is that we often hold them very cheap, and underrate the extent of our mercies.

Let us take heed to our own heart, in the use of sacred things . As often as we may read the Bible — let us never read it without deep reverence. As often as we hear the name of Christ — let us never forget that He is the One Mediator, in whom is life.

Even the manna that came down from Heaven was at length scorned by Israel, as "worthless food." (Numbers 21:5.) It is an evil day with our souls, when Christ is in the midst of us — and yet, because of our familiarity with His name, is lightly esteemed.

We learn, for another thing — how bitterly human nature dislikes the doctrine of the sovereignty of God .

We learn, lastly, from this passage — how diligently we ought to persevere in well doing, notwithstanding discouragements.

Such ought to be the conduct of all the people of Christ. Whatever the work they are called to do — they should patiently continue in it, and not give up for lack of success. Whether preachers, or teachers, or visitors, or missionaries — they must labor on and not faint. There is often more stirring in the hearts and consciences of people — than those who teach and preach to them are at all aware of. There is preparatory work to be done in many a part of God's vineyard — which is just as needful as any other work, though not so agreeable to flesh and blood. There must be sowers as well as reapers . There must be some to break up the ground and pick out the stones — as well as some to gather in the harvest.

Let each labor on in his own place. The day is coming when each shall be rewarded according to his work. The very discouragements we meet with, enable us to show the world that there are such things as faith and patience . When men see us working on, in spite of treatment like that which Jesus received at Nazareth — it makes them think. It convinces them that, at all events — we are persuaded that we have truth on our side.