History of Presbyterianism ruler. Indeed, it is in the religious person alone that full confidence can be placed. The scriptures teach us that, that in men who have not been regenerated by the Holy Spirit, selfishness is the ruling principle. All things will be made to bow, if possible, to their selfish interests. A man of no piety may act well in certain instances, but it is because it suits his own ends. It is not from a heartfelt principle. But it is only in the truly religious person that full confidence can be placed. He acts from the fear of the Lord. We do not say that religion is the whole quali¬ fication necessary in a ruler. There are other things which are also requisite. He must possess a certain amount of information, and he must have the fac¬ ulty of communicating that information to others. He must possess a sufficient degree of firmness and decision of character to save him from intimidation or from being too easily influenced by interested parties or duped by designing men. Still, however, religion is an indispensable requi¬ site in the character of a good ruler. As an indi¬ vidual he is under all the common obligations to be a man of piety. But as a ruler he is under additional obligations. Being in a public station his influence will reach farther. His example, if good, will have the weightier influence for good; if bad, will be more extensively injurious. II. The ruler must be just. Of the Great Ruler of the Universe it is said: "He is a Rock. His work is perfect, all his words arc judgment, a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is He." 250