be pleased to restore to his Church those powers which for so many centuries have been withdrawn.
Nevertheless, whilst, as becomes me, I exalt amongst you the importance of learning, it is proper that I proceed to point out, in
The second place. The infinitely greater value of spiritual graces. " Covet earnestly the best gifts : and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way."
That which is here proposed to them as more ex- cellent than any gifts, is the grace of Charity ; the character and offices of which are fully described in the chapter which follows. Now, in looking into that chapter, we see that the direct tendency of this grace is to mortify all those evil dispositions which had been exercised in the Corinthian Church, and to call forth into action all those holy tempers which had been trodden under foot. The Apostle, there- fore, may be considered as saying to the Corinthian Church, * You, instead of improving your gifts aright, have made them an occasion of pride, and envy, and jealousy : and I recommend you rather to set your hearts on the attainment of that heavenly principle, which will rectify your disorders, and unite all your souls in love.'
Still, however, we must observe, that the Apostle did not confine himself to this idea ; but launched forth into a general view of the excellencies of Cha- rity, in order that he might the more powerfully excite them to the cultivation of it. And, therefore, I will so far follow him, as to shew you the superiority of this grace to all gifts whatever ; first, for our own personal benefit ; next, for the benefit of the xvorld at large; and lastly, /or the honour of our God.
Charity, then, is more excellent than learning ; first, for our own personal benefit. I would by no means be thought to undervalue learning : it is, be- yond all doubt, of immense importance : it expands the mind, and enlarges the heart ; and contributes, more than can be well conceived, to raise man above his fellows ; insomuch, that all are ready to bow down to him who stands high in repute for the attainment