you go to church or not if you go to Sabbath school," there, by a slow but sure process, the young are being alienated from the church. It is important that parents should take children regularly to church, and never let the thought enter their minds that they should or could stay at home unless sick. Is it asked whether they should be compelled to go? whether that is not a sure way of alienating them?—we answer, that it depends upon how it is done. At first the child wishes to go, and the habit is easily formed; by slow degrees he comes to feel that it is the thing to

do. At rare intervals he will ask to stay at home, or to wander away, but persuasion will usually suffice. It is to be doubted if a serious opposition will arise in a family where the child has been trained from the earliest development of mental power to attend the house of God. But when the young people are permitted to stay away, or left to go at their own option, they will resist when asked to go; if, however, they are compelled, they regard it as an imposition, and come to dislike the church and all connected with it. —American Paper.

Intelligence.

GLASGOW SABBATH SCHOOL UNION. | last year.

The Music Committee -The monthly meeting of the Union reported that the Concert held at the was held in the Christian Institute close of the winter session of the on Monday evening, 10th March, Musical Training Classes was very -Mr. James Howatt, one of the successful, the large Hall of the vice-presidents, occupied the chair. Christian Institute being quite filled. Reports were read from the South- It was reported that £271 Os. 31d. Eastern, Southern, and North- had been received to date on behalf Eastern District Unions. It was of the Children's Day Refuges. It reported that the Annual Public was stated that the collection from Meeting of the Union would be held the Sabbath schools of the Union on Thursday, 17th April. The Day on behalf of the Children's Day Meeting, for the transaction of busi- Refuges, had been received at a most ness, would take place at 2.30 p.m.; opportune time. Owing to certain the Conversazione from 6.45 till circumstances which had occurred, 7.45 p.m.; and the Evening Public it would have been necessary for the Meeting would commence at 8 committee to limit considerably their o'clock. Sir William Collins, presi- assistance to needy children, but this dent of the Union, would occupy would be overcome through the the chair; and addresses would be money so liberally contributed by delivered by Rev. Albert Goodrich, the Sabbath scholars. The Joint Elgin Place Congregational Church; Evangelistic Committee, in reporting Rev. A. Henderson, Abbey Close regarding the special services for United Presbyterian Church, Paisley; children which they have been Rev. D. P. M'Pherson, Adelaide carrying on, stated that they had Place Baptist Church, and others. recently held meetings in several The Committee on Teachers' Ex- of the churches in the Western aminations reported regarding the district of the city. They had also Examinations and the preparatory classes which had been held in connection with them. The number of candidates enrolled, and the attendance at the classes, were larger than

been at Kirkintilloch, and were now engaged at Govan. By special invitation they had visited Edinburgh, and conducted a series of meetings in the Free Assembly Hall there.

These services had all been well schools of the Union.

At the con

clusion a hearty vote of thanks was

their labours, special mention being made of Mr. A. Grant Ingram, to whose enthusiastic efforts may be traced, in a large measure, the great

success of the Festival.

NORTH-WESTERN DISTRICT SABBATH SCHOOL UNION.--This Union met on Tuesday, 15th Januarypresent, 28 directors. Mr J. R. Kidd, president, presided. It was reported that arrangements had been made with the Western District Union to hold a series of joint Model Class meetings in the hall of Woodlands Road U. P. Church, on Saturday afternoons.

attended, and the work was most encouraging. The local Union's accorded the Festival Committee for Committee reported with reference to the formation of local Unions in country towns, and several of the directors were appointed to assist in this work. Several of the other committees having reported progress, the meeting was closed with prayer. MIDDLE DISTRICT SABBATH SCHOOL UNION.-The Festival Choir of the Middle District Union-numbering some 600 voices-gave a concert of sacred music in the City Hall on the evening of Friday, 29th February. John Morison, Esq., president of the Union, presided, and was accompanied to the platform by Sir William Collins, the Rev. W. Tainsh, James NORTH-EASTERN DISTRICT SABMillar, Esq., and other gentlemen. BATH SCHOOL UNION.-The directors At the outset the chairman intima- of this Union met on 21st February, ted that the object of the Festival 30 being present. Mr. John Stuart, was to improve the singing in the president, in opening, referred to the different schools; and, if possible, to loss the Union had sustained in the encourage the desire for sacred music removal, by death, of Mr. Matthew of a higher class than is usually found Wotherspoon, who, as an officein Sabbath school hymnals. The bearer and director, had taken an Festival Committee, in selecting the active part in all the Union's operapieces to be presented, kept this tions since its formation in 1845. object steadily in view; and selec- His great love for the Master's work tions were made from the works of among the young, his deep interest eminent composers, such as Mendels- in the Union's affairs, and his fine sohn, Bradbury, Dykes, Root, Smart, Christian spirit, had endeared him to &c.; and it will be admitted by all all; and while the directors would who were present on the occasion of greatly miss his friendly counsel, the Concert that their aim had met they would fondly cherish his with signal success. The freshness memory. The secretary was in

and accuracy which characterized the singing evoked the warm applause of the large audience that had been gathered together, notwithstanding the inclement state of the weather, and spoke volumes as to the able conductorship of Mr. Wm. Moodie. An interesting feature of the evening's enjoyment was the rendering, in capital style, by several ladies and gentlemen, of sacred solos. Altogether, the concert was a complete success, and encourages the hope that the high musical acquirements evidenced by the children will, henceforth, be made manifest within the

structed to send to Miss Wotherspoon an extract of minute expressive of the directors' sympathy. The conveners of the respective committees reported the progress made with respect to the visitation of schools and their arrangements for a teachers' conference.

SOUTH-EASTERN SABBATH SCHOOL UNION.--This Union met on Tuesday, 26th February, Mr. William Souter in the chair. Reports were read of a large number of schools visited during the month. The teachers' training class on the Fridays was still largely attended

SOUTHERN

Arrangements were made to hold | sum of £222 16s. 41d. had been next annual meeting in April. collected for missionary and benevoDISTRICT SABBATH lent purposes. The report also SCHOOL UNION.-The annual social mentioned the retiral of Mr. M. meeting of this Union was held on Paterson from the office of president, Tuesday, the 4th March, in the hall of Mr. S. M'Ilwain from that of of Eglinton Street Congregational secretary; and the thanks of the Church. There was a good attend- Union were accorded to them for ance. Mr. R. B. Smith, president their services. The treasurer's reof the Union, occupied the chair. port shewed a balance in hand. Dr. Satisfactory reports were read by M'Kenzie moved the adoption of the the secretary and treasurer, shewing reports, and that the office-bearers a decided increase in all departments for the ensuing year be― John over last year. Addresses of an Stephen, Esq., honorary president; earnest, practical, and encouraging Mr. David Fullarton, president; Mr. nature were delivered by the chairman, Provost Hamilton, Rev. Joseph Corbett, and Mr. Andrew Aird. The choir of Eglinton Street Congregational Church, under the leadership of Mr. William M'Laren, sang several anthems, adding much to the enjoyment of the meeting. Officebearers for 1884-5 were appointed, -viz., honorary president, A. Aird, Esq.; president, Mr. R. B. Smith; vice-president, Mr. James Paterson; treasurer, Mr. James Lyle; secretaries, Mr. William Harrison and Mr. James C. Leechman. On the motion of Mr. William Fife, cordial votes of thanks were given to the choir, speakers, and chairman.

GOVAN DISTRICT SABBATH SCHOOL UNION.-The annual meeting of this Union was held on Thursday, 13th March. John Stephen, Esq., hon. president, occupied the chair, and gave a short address containing much practical wisdom. He spoke of the great importance of the work of the teacher, and specially pressed upon them the need of teaching by consistent lives as well as by speaking, reminding them of the reward-"He that waters others shall be watered also himself." The report submitted stated that, in connection with the 16 Societies forming the Union, there were 668 teachers on the roll, 6958 scholars, with 5175 in average attendance. 351 scholars were reported as attending other Sabbath schools; and in 15 Societies the

66

Robert Kilgour, vice-president; Mr. Archibald Taylor, treasurer; Mr. Thomas Paterson, secretary; Messrs. J. M'Leod, W. Beatson, A. M‘Aulay, J. Wyllie, J. Forsyth, and J. Clark, directors. The motion was adopted upon being seconded by Mr. Henry Taylor, who spoke of the advantage of reading the lesson every day during the week. The meeting was also addressed by the Rev. Allan Cameron and Mr. Thomas Wilson, the former basing his remarks chiefly on the Govan motto, Nothing without labour;" and the latter on the words, "Remember the Sabbath day." A vote of thanks was moved by Mr. M. Paterson to the speakers, to the choir of St. Columba Free Church, as also to the secretary and treasurer for their reports. A vote of thanks to the chairman was moved by Mr. R. B. Smith, who also took the opportunity of saying that teachers should have an aim in their work. After a few remarks from the chairman, the meeting was brought to a close.

CHURCH OF SCOTLAND SABBATH SCHOOL ASSOCIATION.-The annual meeting of the Glasgow Sabbath School Association in connection with the Church of Scotland was held in the Christian Institute, Bothwell Street, on Thursday, March 6th. Lieutenant-Colonel J. N. Smith, the president, occupied the chair, and among the others present were-Rev. Dr. G. S. Burns, Rev. Messrs. R.

M'Millan, Douglas, Pryde, and Hay; Messrs. J. N. Cuthbertson, F. W. Allan, John Ingram, R. Calder, Hugh Herron, Robert Brown, Robert Moyar, &c. The chairman said the report to be presented would be a record of progress alike in efficiency of teachers and number of scholars. In the course of his address he considered the position of the teachers as religious instructors of the young. He took it for granted that the primary idea of Sabbath schools was to provide instruction of a religious kind to those whose circumstances prevented them from obtaining it otherwise than by attendance at such institutions, and that these schools were in no sense to occupy the place which properly belonged to the parents, who could competently convey the knowledge of divine truth to the young souls entrusted to their care. The secretary (Mr. W. V. Jackson) read the annual report, which stated that the returns for last year shewed that there were 76 societies, with 2215 teachers, 22,878

scholars, and an average attendance of 17,292, against 74 societies, with 2272 teachers, and 22,159 scholars, and an average attendance of 16,723 in 1882. The amount collected had been £796 Os. 8d.-an increase of £87 15s. 10d. over last year. There were 18 Bands of Hope, with 15 savings banks, 16 Sabbath forenoon services, 15 preparatory_meetings, and 29 prayer meetings. There were 26 advanced classes, having 1193 on the roll. The ages at which the scholars were drafted into the advanced classes were from 13 to 15. Mr. R. Brown read the visitors' report, and Mr. H. Herron read the treasurer's. Rev. Dr. Burns moved the approval of the reports. The Rev. R. M'Millan seconded the motion, which was agreed to. On the motion of Mr. J. N. Cuthbertson, seconded by Mr. John Ingram, the office-bearers for the year were appointed. A conference was afterwards held on "Scholars' Examinations," the subject being introduced by Mr. Calder.

Notes on the Union's Lesson Scheme for 1884.

[These Notes are intended to aid Teachers in their studies at home, and not to be used in the school while teaching.]

Lesson 67.-April 13.

THE BAPTIST'S MESSAGE-CHRIST'S TESTIMONY.-Luke vii. 18-35.

I.-John's Message, (ver. 18, 19.)-John was in prison. He was prevented from carrying on his great work of reformation at the very moment when he seemed on the point of success. Even Herod heard him gladly, (Mark vi. 26 ;) and the people had flocked to him from far and near, and had shewn signs of true penitence, (Matt. iii. 5, 6.) But all this was changed. The voice that had sounded like a trumpet-call through every corner of the land was silenced, and John was a prisoner. Whispers of the rising fame of Jesus had reached him in his dungeon. His disciples had access to him, and told him of the marvellous works of Jesus. John had borne testimony to Him as the Messiah, (John i. 25-34.) But strange doubts now seize him. If He is the Messiah, would He leave me here? If He has power to do all these mighty works, would He not open the prison doors and set me free? John's faith had for the time given way. Nor need we wonder. Remember Abraham's gave way, (Gen. xv. 2;) that of Moses gave way, (Numbers xi. 21, 22;) that of David gave way, (1 Sam. xxvii. 1.) They were but men. This failure of faith explains John's message.

II.-The Answer of Jesus, (ver. 20-23.) Examine the answer, and then note that it amounted to this-"Though ye believe not me, believe the works; that ye may know and believe that the Father is in me, and I in Him," (John x. 38.) Jesus thus constantly appealed to His works as the test of the truth of His claim to be Divine. He said, "By their fruits ye shall know them," (Matt. vii. 20;) and He was quite willing to submit himself to this test. "Judge me, as

if He said, "by what ye see me do." This is the best evidence of Christianity. A consistent holy life will tell more than volumes of arguments. Now, every one, young and old, can furnish this evidence. Every one can be an "epistle of Christ, which all may read, (2 Cor. iii. 2, 3.) Every one can, like Paul, be a vessel to carry about the name of Jesus, (Acts ix. 15.) "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth ?"-" Come and see." No arguments. He came and saw, and cried out, "Rabbi, thou art the Son of God !" (John i. 45-49.) Seeing was believing. Press this great truth home on the children.

But note carefully verse 23. Make clear first the meaning of offended. The word is not used at all in its present meaning. It signifies scandalized or ashamed of me. He was a common man, a carpenter, whose father and mother they knew, (John vi. 42,) and they were ashamed of being indebted to Him. They were offended when He told them that they must eat His flesh, (John vi. 61.) They stumbled at that saying, and left Him. Now, so is it still. Many are ashamed of confessing Him. But here Jesus warns them that they alone are blessed who are not offended in Him, who accept Him as He is, and who confess Him before men. Remember the blessing on those who so confess Him, and the terrible doom of those who deny Him, (Matt. x. 32, 33.) In this connection, point out various ways in which boys may deny Him-being afraid of being laughed at-refusing to say a word for Him when His name is blasphemed, &c.

III. Jesus' Testimony to John, (ver. 24-30.)-God has a high regard for the character of His servants. He will bring forth their judgment as the noonday, (Psalm xxxvii. 6;) and so Jesus proceeds to vindicate John's character, notwithstanding the want of faith shewn in his message. John was not a reed shaken in the wind; he was no weak man tossed about with every wind of doctrine. He was not perfect, but he was not a reed. He was no courtier, no mere timeserver. His imprisonment was proof of his fidelity to truth and righteousness. What was he then ? A prophet?-Yea; and a greater man than all the prophets. How so?-Because it had been given him (ver. 27) to see what many prophets and righteous men had desired to see and yet had not seen, (Matt. xiii. 17.) He was the link that bound on the old to the new. He was the friend of the Bridegroom, whose joy was fulfilled in hearing the Bridegroom's voice, (John iii. 29.) And yet every Christian has greater privileges than John, (ver. 28.) John asked, "Art thou He that should come ?" Every Christian can say, "Thou hast come, and hast redeemed us with thy blood." The people and the publicans acknowledged that John was a messenger from God, for they accepted baptism at his hands, (ver. 29;) but the Pharisees declined his baptism, which was a baptism of repentance, (ver. 30,) thereby declaring that they did not stand in need of repentance, and that they were good enough. The same self-righteous spirit led them to reject and crucify Jesus. Humility is essential to the acceptance of the Gospel.

IV. The Fickleness of the Jews, (ver. 31-35.)-Go over the comparison-wayward, thoughtless children, whom nothing will please. What consolation is there? See verse 35. The wise will justify John, and they will also justify Jesus. Don't expect that every Christian is to be an exact fac-simile of There are diversities of gifts, and that church is wise which utilizes all the gifts with which God endows His people. Luther and Melancthon are both needed.

you.

Memory Exercise-Shorter Catechism 67, 68.-Romans ii. 6.

Subject to be proved-We are Known by our Deeds.