Genesis 16:4-6

When she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her eyed

The evils of abolishing social distinctions

I. THOSE WHO ARE SUDDENLY RAISED IN THE SOCIAL SCALE ARE TEMPTED TO PRIDE AND INSOLENCE.

II. THOSE WHO HAVE TAKEN PART IN THE ABOLISHING OF SUCH DISTINCTIONS ARE THE FIRST TO COMPLAIN OF THE EVILS CAUSED THEREBY.

1. They complain of their troubles so as to excuse themselves.

2. They often make rash appeals to Divine justice.

III. THE RECOGNITION OF ORIGINAL RIGHTS IS THE BEST WAY OF DEALING WITH SUCH EVILS.

1. This is a better course than the immediate imputation of such evils to those who have caused them.

2. Meek submission becomes true might in the end.

IV. THE EVILS BROUGHT ABOUT BY SUDDEN AND VIOLENT CHANGES IN THE SOCIAL STATE ARE NEVER FULLY REMEDIED. (T. H. Leale.)

Lessons

1. Nothing more proud than a beggar set on horseback, and a very ape, if you place him up aloft, begins to bridle the matter and take upon him marvellously.

2. It teacheth that adversity is better borne than prosperity of many one.

3. It showeth the end of evil counsel, Sarah is beaten with her own rod. (Bp. Babington.)