God requires not only outward respectability, but inward holiness; and that this can be obtained only through the Holy Spirit working in you.

The last class consists of those whom the proud would call "the common people," the political economist would describe as "the operative classes," but to whom, looking to the best side of their moral character, -since others have been designated by the titles of noble, gentle, and respectable, I would assign the name of honest. Surely to those of whom I speak, viewing them, as we now do with reference to their worldly character, no greater praise can be given than to call them by this name. Placed in circumstances of great difficulty and temptation, sometimes scarcely removed from want, it is no slight test of Christian soundness if they maintain their honesty unsullied. We do not look for what the world esteems high and noble deeds, for it is not in their power to do them; we expect not that polished and refined behaviour which education confers, nor that external ap

pearance of worldly respectability which those in more favoured circumstances exhibit, but we do look for strict honesty. Rather I would say that God looks for it, and requires it of you, my brethren, as the fruit and evidence of a Christian spirit.

And let no man think lightly of this character. We do not go so far as to say with the poet, that "an honest man's the noblest work of God," yet we will venture to assert that honesty on right principles in a poor man, betokens the presence of as high and holy feelings as the most noble qualities in others. The poorest man may be as high minded a Christian as the most exalted. The scrupulously faithful attention to his master's interests in the household servant, for instance, or (to use an illustration which my humblest brethren will well understand) to work as diligently when paid by the day, as when paid according to the work done, may be the fruit of as true a Christian principle as the political integrity of the first minister of state. And the rude

exterior of the poorest peasant when he doffs his hat to his superior in rank, may contain within it as true a feeling of Christian courtesy and propriety of behaviour as the polite bearing of the most accomplished gentleman. It is the heart, brethren, the heart to which God looks, not to the external behaviour, for evidences of a Christian spirit.

Such is a sketch of the distinction of ranks, and a brief account of the duties and responsibilities of each. And I would remark by the way, that rank is a very different thing from caste. In some countries there is a difference of caste amongst the inhabitants. In India, for instance, there are the Brahmins, who are the nobles of the land, others who are called by various names, and last of all, the Parias, a dishonoured race of outcasts. And such are the laws, that these different castes cannot intermix or associate with each other. A man who is born in the highest caste, remains in that all his life, and no exertion of the poorer man can raise him from his degraded

condition. But we have to thank God, that in this country the poorest man may, by his talent and industry, arrive at the most distinguished posts. Every day we see instanccs of such advancement. The labouring man by his industry and frugality acquires a respectable independence. The respectable tradesman amasses a fortune, and takes his place among the gentry. The private gentleman does by the exertion of his talent, or his public service, obtain a seat among the nobles of the land. To the office of King, no man, indeed, may aspire, because experience has taught us that it is more conducive to the public good to preserve the crown in one family, than to suffer it to be the prize of ambitious contention.

So then, with the exception of this one step, every other is attainable by those below it; and thus a constant stimulus is given to good conduct, industry, and talent.

I trust, brethren, that it is no waste of time to take serious and Christian views

sent us.

of these matters, and religiously to consider the rank and station in which each one of us is placed; in order that we may perform those duties, whereunto God has But what, after all, are the ranks of life, and human distinctions, but mere places in which God makes trial of the spirits of men? What are earthly honours, what is nobility and respectability with Him who weighs the hearts of men, and in whose balance all of us must be found wanting. They are but the different garbs in which we play our part. One is dressed up as a king, another as a beggar, one is clothed in purple and fine linen, another clad in rags and tatters; and yet the beggar may play his part better than the king, and receive the greater praise hereafter. Yes, we must always have in view that final state of things, when the ranks and dignities of life will be levelled with the dust, and rich and poor alike will "meet together" in strict equality, before the judgment seat of Him who made them. It will not then be asked of what rank or