full of mercy and good fruits.' In short, 'whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise,' let them shine with a conspicuous lustre throughout your lives.

"However superior your other gifts and endowments may be, if you have not piety, you are unfit to be a leader among us; your example will not edify, whatever your words may do ; the duties of your office will be irksome, and often neglected, or carelessly performed; and you will at last be unprepared to give up your account to the great Head of the Church. Pursue, therefore, as that which cannot be dispensed with, exalted piety, evinced by a close and persevering walk with God."-Edmund Grindrod.

With the qualifications now noticed, a leader may be of great use among us, and contribute, in a pre-eminent degree, to the glory and strength of our Zion. None of the pre-requisites named can well be dispensed with. They are all of the highest importance, and, for the purpose of attaining them, should command unwearied and ceaseless exertion. The usefulness of the leader must rise or fall, as he varies from this standard. But

with a sound mind, an ardent piety, a desire to do good, a love for the Church and for souls, he cannot be otherwise than a pillar and support of the Christian cause, and an instrument of doing much good. That he may be encouraged in this "work of faith, and labour of love," we invite his attention to the few considerations contained in the following chapter.

CHAPTER V.

OF THE MOTIVES AND ENCOURAGEMENTS OF CLASS-LEADERS.

In view of what has been said upon the nature and responsibilities of the office filled by classleaders, it is obvious that they need to be influenced by suitable motives, and to receive all the encouragement which the nature of the case may admit of being extended to them.

1. First, it would be well for them to consider that their responsibilities have been assumed in obedience to the call of the Church. They have been invited by the preacher in charge to aid him in his pastoral labours, and to attend to those financial duties which the care of a class involves. They have not, perhaps, desired this office; or if they have had any inclination towards it, it has only been from the conviction that they were required to do all in their power for the good of souls, and from the hope that they might, in this way, be rendered useful to their fellow-men. At least, they have not entered upon this work, without the approbation of their superiors. In these circumstances they may reasonably calculate upon the cordial sup

port of the ministry, and may avail themselves of their judicious and pious counsel. It is some relief to the mind, when the most solemn obligations press upon us, to know that there are those whose pleasure it would be to help us bear our burdens, and that such are competent by their office, and the functions appertaining thereto, to render us this grateful and timely service. And I am sure that I can speak here for the great body of our ministers. Anxious that the interests of the Church may be promoted by your appointment, that the greatest success may crown your labours, and recognising you as fellow-helpers in their calling, they will not be slow in extending to you that friendly hand by which you will realize material assistance, together with that warm affection which will cheer you in your honourable and glorious toil

2. But while in obedience to the call of those who are over you in the Lord," you have engaged in this undertaking, you should at the same time consider yourselves as labouring in the vineyard of the Lord, and as exercised by a sole desire to advance his cause. If feel as you should do, this will be your controlling motive. An error here would spoil the whole, and be most fatal in its tendencies and results. But on

you

this ground you may legitimately expect divine assistance in endeavouring to accomplish the ends of your appointment; and thus "your labour will not be in vain in the Lord." Thus will you be "strong in the strength which is in Christ Jesus," looking for help to him whose cause you serve, and fully persuaded that "neither is he that planteth anything, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase." (1 Cor. iii, 7.) "God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister." (Heb. vi, 10.) You "go not a warfare at your own charges;" and he will see, for the honour of his own name, and the immutability of his promise and engagement, that you are sustained while doing his work. Were you actuated by any sinister or unworthy motives, these considerations would constitute no reliable support. If it were from a principle of self, and an emulation to be prominent in the Church, that you consented to assume this office, your expectation of divine and all-sufficient grace for the discharge of your responsibilities, must be very slender and precarious. But it is supposed that you have been governed by far different motives; that with a sincere aim to glorify God.