better purpose. (2) The a,foption of division of labour in Christian work secureH obvious advantages. It relieves the responsihle heads, expedites business an<l promotes order, secures that the work is better done, and utilises a great variety of talent which would otherwise remain unemployed. These are important considerations, and the application of them to hard wrought clergymen, and to others in responsible positions, is sufficiently obvious (see n.n essay by Dr. Caird, on "The co-operation of the laity in the government and work of the Church," in Good Words for 1863). Not a little work is heaped by congregations on ministers which could be far better done by persons among themselves, and the doing of which by laymen would leave the minister free in mind and heart fur the discharge of his higher and proper dutieB. III. THE PROPOSAL OF THE APPOINTMEN'l' OF JUDGES (vers. 19-27). Jethro's scheme had every merit which a scheme of the kind could have. It relieved Moses, provided for the overtaking of the work, and secured that, while being overtaken, the work would be done with greater efficiency. It was a bold, comprehensive measure, yet withal .perfectly workable. It would also have an important effect in welding the nation together. It is to be noted concerning it :-1. '!'hat it reserved to Moses various important duties (vers. 19, 20). He was still to be the teacher of the people in th~ ordinances and laws of God, and had the duty of trying and of deciding upon causes of special difficulty. This would fully occupy his powers, wbile his relation to the people, as God's vicegerent, would be better preserved by his retaining a position apart, and keeping himself from their petty strifes. 2. That special stress is laid upon the cha.racter of the men to be selected as judges (ver. 21). Ability is not overlooked, but peculiar importance is attached to their being men that fear God, love truth, and hate covetousness. Happy the country which has such judges! Jethro's insistance on these particulars shows him to have been a man of true piety, and one who had an eye to the true interests of the people, as well as to the good of Moses. 3. The scheme, before Leing adopted, was to be submitted for God's approval (ver. 23). This should be done with all our schemes. Jethro, having accomplished this useful bit of work, returned to his home in peace (ver. 27).-J. 0. Vers. 13---16.-The Christian in Public Paths. "Moses sat to judge the people: and the people," etc. (Ex. xviii. 13). Explain with accuracy the work of Moses. On such a text might be based a homily on the functions, work and bearing of a civil magis- trate or judge. But it is better to give the subject a wider application, and to treat it under Christian lights. I. 'l.'HE FUNCTIONS OF A CHRISTIAN. Moses sat as a prophet, expounding the Divine will, as revealed to his exalted soul by the Spirit of God; and as a Judge, deciding contro• versies. Indeed the two functions were blended ; in giving legal decisions, he treated the suitors as intelligent and moral beings, assigning the principles on which they were based. These functions of Moses may suggest what should be those of a Christian in the public paths of life. 1. To expound the mind and will of God: i.e., his truth and his law. 2. To promote peace: i.e., in all the"relations of life (Matt. v. 9). 11. THE MANNER OF THEIR DISCHARGE. 1. With patience. "From the morning untc the evening." 2. In the spirit of brotherhood. "The people stood by Moses." No airi of superiority. 3. With diligence. Moses went on with his work, though (1) He haci. distinguished visitors. Jethro might have been an excuse for a vacation or a short session. No 1 "on the morrow" he went on with duty, and worked as long as it wai light. "Necessary business must always take the place of ceremonious attention. 11 is too great a compliment to our friends to prefer the enjoyment of their compan~ before our duty to God." (2) Be had come to great honour. Moses did not tak, his ease and throw the burdens upon others. "Noblesse oblige." It is th, honour of angels to minister (Heb. i. 14; Matt. xx. 28). (3) He had received grea provocation. (4) .Advancing in years. 'l'o life's last hour Moses worked for the publi, good.-R.
Vers. 17-27.-The Economy of Force. "The thing that thou doest is not good," ctc Ex. xviii. 17, 18. In the error of Moses, and the amendment suggested by Jethro, ar to he discovered most valuable lessons. This day in the life of Moses was a microcosm c all his days. His whole life was service. So with all true life. But in such a life rnis EXODUS-lL .u THE BOOK OF EXODUR. [en. xvm. 13-27.