Homilist Deuteronomy 9:4-5 Speak not you in your heart, after that the LORD your God has cast them out from before you, saying… There are favoured peoples in all communities — persons specially favoured by their healthful constitutions, vigorous intellect, lofty genius, high culture, worldly wealth. I. Whatever favours distinguish one class of men from another in society, they are the GIFTS OF GOD. This should teach us — 1. Not to be proud for our superiorities. 2. To thank God for our superiorities. 3. To bless men by our superiorities. II. These distinguished gifts are bestowed, NOT ON THE GROUND OR ANY SPECIAL MORAL EXCELLENCE. III. The fact that they are not bestowed on the ground of moral superiority SHOULD BE WELL UNDERSTOOD BY MEN. 1. Understand it, that you may not deceive yourself. Let no man conclude because he is prosperous that he is the favoured of heaven. 2. Understand it, that you may realise your responsibility. (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: Speak not thou in thine heart, after that the LORD thy God hath cast them out from before thee, saying, For my righteousness the LORD hath brought me in to possess this land: but for the wickedness of these nations the LORD doth drive them out from before thee. |
    |