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I. THAT SELF-RENOWN IS AN OBJECT TOO LOW FOR MAN TO AIM AT.

1. Because he has duties to perform towards others.

2. Because man's highest and best powers cannot be properly developed by having this as the only object in view.

(1)  The sense of right cannot be quickened.

(2)  Self is a sphere too limited for a man's sympathy to be fully manifested.

(3)  Self is an object too cold and limited to strengthen and intensify man's love.

3. Because there is no true happiness in the pursuit, nor actual attainment of the object.

II. THAT UNION PRODUCES STRENGTH.

1. It concentrates the powers of many towards one object.

2. It is recognized in heaven.

(1)  For evil (Psalm 2:1-5).

(2)  For good (Mark 18:20).

3. The more Divine the union, the greater will be its reality and strength.

III. THAT HUMAN EFFORTS ARE FRUITLESS WHEN NOT IN HARMONY WITH THE DIVINE INTENTIONS.

1. A higher intelligence is opposed to them.

2. A greater power.

3. A purer love. They deserved to be destroyed, but were only scattered.

4. This failure was —

(1)  Humiliating.

(2)  From an unexpected source.

(3)  Complete. Conclusion:

1. In every undertaking, let us endeavour to know if it be according to God's will.

2. Let us have God's glory as the sole object of life.

(Homilist.)

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KJV: And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.

WEB: They said, "Come, let's build ourselves a city, and a tower whose top reaches to the sky, and let's make ourselves a name, lest we be scattered abroad on the surface of the whole earth."