+III. Great privileges do not necessarily result in great happiness.+ They ought to do so; they often do so; but as frequently they fail to do so. Even in temporal things, the happiest men are not always those whose possessions are most various and ample. The most learned men are not always those who own the largest libraries. And the holiest men are not always those whose religious opportunities are most numerous and great. Why is it, that great privileges and great happiness are not always associated? Because man is a voluntary agent, and God will not force happiness upon any man. He may offer us eternal life, but we must "lay hold" of it. He may shed upon our path great light, but we must walk in it (ch. ii. 5). PRACTICAL LESSON.--Instead of repining because our privileges are not more numerous and great, let us diligently use those which have been granted to us, and so make them what they were intended to be--sources of blessing to us. Enclosed within God's vineyard, and carefully cultured by Him, let us see to it that the grapes we bring forth are not wild grapes. +IV. Great privileges neglected or misused bring on great condemnations+ (ver. 5, 6). Compare also Luke xiii. 6-9. Had that fig-tree been growing on some open common, notwithstanding its barrenness, it might have stood till it decayed, but because it was barren in a "vineyard" the righteous order is given, "Cut it down!" This principle, also, we may turn to practical account. Like a former one, we may use it--1. _To help us in our perplexities._ Sometimes we are in trouble to know what will become of the heathen in the day of judgment. Well, even if they are condemned, they will be condemned less severely than those who have misused greater privileges (Matt. xi. 22; Luke xii. 48). 2. _To stimulate us to a faithful discharge of duty._ Fear is not the highest motive, but it is a very useful one, and not truly wise man will leave it out of account. We need every kind of help to fortify us against temptation, and it is good to remember what will be the result if we yield to it, and so remain barren and unfruitful, or even bring forth "wild grapes" (Heb. iv. 1; 1 Pet. i. 7; Phil. ii. 12). Fear is useful as a motive, but hope is still more helpful; and in the matter of our salvation we may employ both fear and hope as allies. Reverse the last principle, and read it thus, +Great privileges well used secure corresponding rewards.+ Compare Luke xix. 17. If the choice vine planted in the fruitful vineyard brings forth "good grapes," the Husbandman will pronounce over it rejoicing benedictions (Heb. vi. 7). DIVINE DISAPPOINTMENTS. v. 2. _He looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes._