James 1:9-10

Let the brother of low degree rejoice, &c.— "In nothing are the generality of men more apt to mistake, than in estimating the value of external circumstances; but let the principles of Christianity instruct you, my brethren, to correct that mistake; and in this respect, let the brother of low degree, of a poor and obscure condition, rejoice in his exaltation; let him think of his dignity as a Christian, and entirely acquiesce in his low sphere of life; for his circumstances do really give him such advantages for religion, by placing him under a shelter from many temptations, that he has a much fairer probability than others, of rising to some eminence in the heavenlyworld. On the other hand, if a true Christian be in worldly prosperity, he will be well aware how transitory that state is; and, far from confiding in it, he will contemplate on the certainty of his approaching humiliation in death, and on all the mortifyingcircumstances that attend it. Accepting these, with a total resignation to the divine will, he glories its the hope, that he shall one day complete his sacrifice