look to the nobles of our land, for high and statesmanlike views of our national interests. We expect to see a set of men, who shall not be driven to and fro by every breeze of popular clamour; but shall act on firm and settled principles, and be the ballast of the vessel of the state. And since, without God, the wisdom of man is but as foolishness, we are bound to pray for them, that the Spirit of God will give them grace, wisdom, and understanding" to perform their high and important duties.

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Next to the nobility come the gentry of the land, and these too have their peculiar duties and responsibilities. It may appear difficult to define a character to which so many lay claim; and some might think, that the subject had little connexion with religion. But, as I have before observed, each rank of life has its peculiar character and distinct duties; and every Christian is bound to act in accordance with the requirements of his station. I define a gentleman to be, a man of honourable mind and courteous

demeanour. His mind is well trained, by education and early association, to the excellencies of civilized life,-(not but that some do, without these advantages, acquire the character which belongs to the station which we are describing). He should be free from vulgar prejudices, illiberality, and self-conceit. His knowledge of men and manners, if it be tempered by a Christian spirit, enables him to discern more clearly than others, the propriety of actions. He "doth not behave himself unseemly." He knows in every situation how to conduct himself right. Whether in the presence of his superiors, his equals, or his inferiors, he knows the just regard which is due to each. He does not suffer sudden passion to hurry him into excess; but has a constant controul over his feelings, and personal wishes, a scrupulous regard to truth and honour, and a just indignation at fraud, or oppression. You will, I think, perceive readily that there is a close connexion between the duties of this station, and the requirements of the

Gospel. Indeed it may be asserted with truth, that no man can be a thorough gentleman, unless he be a good Christian. Only consider what is the idea we attach to ungentlemanly conduct; is it not very much the same as unchristian conduct? And though it is true, that the behaviour which we have described befits all Christians, and not any particular class; yet it is also universally admitted that something, of a higher, more courteous, more liberal behaviour is expected, and justly expected from one who has received a liberal education, than from those, who have not had the same advantages. Conduct which in the latter, would not be looked upon as reprehensible, might in the former, denote an ill-governed state of mind, a heart unsanctified by the Spirit of Grace.

So far therefore from eminence of birth and education warranting any assumption of superiority over others; they should rather be considered by those who possess them, to involve an increased responsibility, and obligation to act up to the ad

vantages which they have received, and to give an example of conforming to an elevated standard, both of external deportment, and internal feeling.

Next in order comes that class of persons to whom, without disparagement of any others, and with all due deference to themselves, I would assign the title of respectable. The term respectable is certainly one of doubtful applicability. In the world in general, and especially in a rich and commercial country like ours, where the greatest respect is paid to wealth, a respectable person is considered, very naturally and consistently, to be one who, in pecuniary circumstances, is well to do in the world, who pays all his debts, and has money to spare. With this sort of respectability, if nothing more be attached to the meaning of the word, religion has little or nothing to do. No, I would assign to that class of persons who may be ranked under the head of respectable, far higher qualities than those which mere competency or even affluence confer. By a respectable man, I mean,

one, whose characteristic excellencies are, that he is strictly upright in his dealings, scrupulously just in all his transactions; one who fears God himself, and rules his household in the fear of God; one who avoids evil company, shuns disreputable actions; one whose character the breath of slander cannot touch. In short, I mean, not one who is respected merely for his money's sake, but one who is deservedly respected for his character and conduct. There is not in the land a more important or a more excellent body of men than these. Long may they continue to fill the place which they now occupy, between the higher and the lower classes. Let me only caution you, my beloved brethren, against the danger peculiar to your station,-that you suffer not your outward respectability to blind you to any inward deficiencies of character. Remember that though disreputable conduct is a sure sign that much is wrong within, yet respectability in the sight of men is no certain proof that all is right. Never forget that a pure and holy