THE VALE OF LEVEN SABBATH was tendered Messrs. Richmond SCHOOL UNION.-This Union met on and MacNair for their visit. After Wednesday, 9th April-Mr. George the deputation had withdrawn, the Sutherland presiding. There was a annual reports, to be submitted to large attendance of delegates. The a forthcoming general meeting of chairman and Mr. W. Kinloch were the Union, were read, and the officeappointed delegates to the Glasgow bearers for the ensuing year nomiSabbath School Union. Messrs. M. nated. M'Lean and G. Sutherland were GOVAN SABBATH SCHOOL UNION.appointed to visit all the schools. This Union met on Monday, 31st The sub-committees were appointed March, the chair being occupied by as follows:-Lectures, Messrs. T. Mr. R. Kilgour, vice-president. It Duncanson (convener), James Camp- was reported that the annual meeting bell, John M'Leish, Jas. Dougall, R. of the Union had been held on 13th H. M'Aulay, and A. M'Naught. On March; also, that the quarterly Music-Mr. John S. Murphy (con- prayer meeting had been held on vener), Rev. Mr. Bell, Messrs. Robert 10th February. To increase the inMiller, D. Gardner, A. M'Farlane, terest in these meetings, it was sugT. Gray, and W. Dick. The office- gested to hold them in different parts bearers are:-President, Mr. M. of the District. Arrangements were M'Lean; vice-president, Mr. W. made for the visitation of Sabbath Kinloch; secretary, Mr. W. Loch- school societies, and also for next head; treasurer, Mr. George Suther-quarterly prayer meeting, to be held land; directors, Messrs. Thos. Gray, on 11th May, in the Plantation U. P. Jas. M'Callam, Alex. S. M'Bride, Church hall. John Neill, Peter Ewing, and John Stirling. It was arranged that at the rehearsal to be given by the competing schools next week, Mr. J. B. M'Kenzie should act as conductor, Mr. R. F. Taylor as organist, and Alexander Wylie, Esq., would preside.

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PARTICK AND HILLHEAD SABBATH SCHOOL UNION.-A special meeting of this Union was held in the hall of Dowanvale Free Church, on Tuesday evening, the 8th April, when Mr. Richmond and Mr. MacNair, a deputation from the Glasgow Sabbath School Union, were present, to conupon the subject of the constitution of local unions, with special reference to the admission and representation of societies. The deputation having explained the present constitution and mode of admission and representation, a lengthened conversation followed, in which several interesting facts were elicted; and the directors expressed the opinion, that the present system was the best which could in the meantime be devised. A cordial vote of thanks

WESTERN DISTRICT SABBATH SCHOOL UNION.-This Union met on 31st March,-33 present,-Mr. A. Sloan, president, in the chair. The music committee reported that at the examination in the choir competition, which had been held on 20th March, only two choirs had come forward. Arrangements had been made for a musical demonstration to be given by the choirs which had prepared to compete, in the Queen's Rooms, on Monday, 21st April, when the examiners' report would be read and prizes presented. Office-bearers were nominated for election at the annual meeting, which would be held in the hall of Trinity Congregational Church, on Monday evening, 14th April. The annual report to be submitted shewed a large increase in the number of teachers and scholars. Delegates to the general Union were appointed as follows:-Messrs. J. M'Intyre, Andrew M'Innes, Robert Graham, William Kirkland, Henry Smith, R. D. M'Ewan, David Pratt, Campbell Gillespie, John Fergus, and the secretaries.

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 71.-May 11.

JOSEPH TESTING HIS BROTHERS' LOVE.-Genesis xliv. 1-34.

The point to be noticed in this lesson is this: Joseph wishes to ascertain the true state of his brethren's minds, especially their feeling towards Benjamin. He wished to bring them to a true sense of their sin in their former treatment of himself, and this is how he proceeds :

I. He sends them away, but hides his own silver cup in Benjamin's sack. One reason of this is obvious. He would insist on retaining prisoner the one of them in whose sack it was found. Their acceptance of this proposal would test their feelings towards Benjamin. If they acquiesced in the proposal to detain him, on condition of being themselves allowed to go, then their affection for him would not be great; on the other hand, if they would be willing to save him at the expense of one of themselves, then their affection for Benjamin was no sham, but a reality.

II. They are brought back, (3-13.)-Go over the story, and note verse 7. This is the language of conscious innocence. They appeal to God as to their innocence, and, (ver. 8) as a proof, mention what they had done when they found their money returned on a former occasion. If they had wished to steal, they could have kept this money. But they did not do so. Then (ver. 9) they make the proposal, which evidently had been expected, but only more strongly. They were so certain of their innocence that they thought they could safely promise anything. The steward (ver. 10) accepts their offer, but in a modified form-in the very form which suited Joseph's purpose in this whole transaction. Picture out the scene as described in verses 11, 12.-They have nothing to hide. They speedily took down their sacks and opened them. They must have been struck with the fact that the steward began with the eldest and went straight on to the youngest. How anxiously must they have watched as he passed from sack to sack! and it must have been with a sigh of relief that they saw him come to Benjamin's-he could not have taken it.

Then, in verse 13, their grief when the discovery was made. They rent their clothes, but are silent. The cup is there-a witness of Benjamin's guilt-and they cannot gainsay it.

III. Judah's Pleading, (ver. 14-34.)-Joseph's dreams have come true; for (ver. 14) his brethren fall down before him. Judah acknowledged (ver. 16) that the evidence against them was complete. He speaks of God having found out their iniquity, probably thinking on their former conduct to Joseph, (it was Judah who proposed to sell him, Gen. xxxvii. 26,) but particularly in the matter of the cup, and admits that all are lawfully his bondmen. But Joseph (ver. 17) does not wish this; he will be content to detain Benjamin. The stratagem has so far succeeded; how will they stand the trial? Nobly; for in a strain which is not surpassed for pathos in any literature, Judah intercedes for Benjamin. In this intercession, note,

(a.) Judah's humility-"My lord; " "thy servant;" "let not thine anger burn against thy servant;" and so on all through.

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(b.) Judah's real regard for his father, (ver. 30, 31.)-It was no affectation of regard now; it was true and genuine. If Benjamin is not sent back father will die, we shall bring down his grey hairs with sorrow to the grave. There was no thought of this when they sold Joseph. They have learned one or two lessons since that time. It is always a hopeful sign of a man when he tries to save his father trouble and grief.

(c.) Judah's offer, (ver. 33, 34.) This was the point to which Joseph wished to bring them. They had now given proof of their feelings towards Benjamin and their father, and he is satisfied.

Judah's intercession prevailed. It is still true that the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

When men enter on crooked courses they bring much trouble on themselves. Jacob's sons hated Joseph, then they sold him. They had a long experience of trial and suffering in consequence. The way of transgressors is always hard.

Memory Exercise-Shorter Catechism 73.-1 John iii. 18. Subject to be Proved-We are our Brothers' Keepers. Golden Text-"My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed, and in truth."-1 John iii. 18.

NOTES.-This text brings out sharply the difference between saying and doing. Illustration-Parable of two sons, (Matthew xxi. 28-31.) Compare also Matthew vii. 21-27; and also the Parable of Sheep and Goats, (Matthew xxv. 31-46.) A very suitable illustration will be found in James ii. 15-17; as also in the 17th verse of the chapter from which this text is taken.

Lesson 72.-May 18.

JOSEPH MAKES HIMSELF KNOWN.-Genesis xlv. 1-28.

I. Joseph Reveals Himself, (ver. 1-15.)-Notice Joseph's thoughtfulness and his tenderness. He has an important announcement to make, which affects his brethren; and he will not make it before strangers. "Cause every man to go out from me. "" He will not proclaim the wickedness of his brethren. Neither should we. It is mean to tell strangers the faults of our friends. Now for his tenderness. He wept aloud, so that the house of Pharaoh heard. He was overcome, and was not ashamed to shew his feelings. It is no sign of weakness to weep. The boy who cries may be the bravest of all. Jesus wept. Picture the scene—the passionate cry, Cause every man to go out-the flood of tears the revelation, "I am Joseph," and the confusion of his brethren; they were troubled, changed colour, and looked on one another. But Joseph at once calms them. He sees their confusion, and says, "Be not grieved nor angry with yourselves," for this is God's doing. Here remark his piety._In every event he sees God's hand. God sent me here to preserve life. The delicacy of this is wonderful. The fear of God makes a man a gentle-man. See what a true gentle-man was Joseph. He was great, he was prosperous, he was a "father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt;" but, with all this, he might have been coarse and harsh; but he had the fear of God in his heart, and this kept him gentle and humble as a little child; and so he comforts his brethren, and tells them not to be vexed. Learn that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom, and that they will be most ready to forgive faults, and to let bygones be bygones, who have most of the fear of God in their hearts. See, further, his love for his father. He is not ashamed of the old man. The worst sign of a man is to be ashamed of one's father, if he is well-doing. Never be ashamed of your father and mother so long as they do what is right. Honour thy father and thy mother. And so Joseph does not think his happiness complete unless his father share it; and his brethren must haste and bring him down. Mark the touch of nature in the words " And ye shall tell my father of all my glory in Egypt." This was natural and comely. He traced all his glory to God, but he would like his father to know. He knew his father would be pleased to hear of it. It is always a good sign of a youth when you find him saying, "How pleased my father will be to hear of my success!" When one thus associates the "old folks" with his advancement, you may be sure his heart is in the right place. Then notice the expression, After that his brethren talked with him." There was no talking before:

they were troubled; but now they feel the sweet sense of forgiveness, and can draw near and talk. So with Jesus, we will be troubled by His presence until we experience His forgiving love. Then we can draw near and hold converse with Him.

II. Jacob is sent for, (ver. 16-28.)-This was done by Pharaoh. A good servant makes a good master. Pharaoh found Joseph faithful, and Pharaoh is grateful, and he acts like a king. He sends waggons for Jacob and his household, promises them "the good of the land," and bids them "regard not your stuff." It is good to be grateful. Never forget those who have done us good. Christ is thankful to those who give a cup of cold water in His name. And when we are thankful, we are like Christ. Joseph must have been glad to find Pharaoh recognising his services. It is pleasant to a servant to find a grateful master. Notice Joseph's advice to them as they departed. He was afraid they might upbraid each other for their share in the selling of him, and he wished them to be brotherly. He knew how good it was for brethren to dwell together in unity. Notice, lastly, the effect of all this startling intelligence on Jacob. It seemed too good to be true. His heart fainted. He was like Thomas,-he would not believe unless he saw. Blessed are they who have not seen, and yet have believed. Jesus, our Joseph, has gone before us to prepare a place for us-a goodly place, a house of many mansions; and He will come again and receive us to himself, if we are His brethren. "I'm but a stranger here, heaven is my home."

Memory Exercise-Shorter Catechism 74.-Romans viii. 28.

Subject to be Proved-God Overrules all for Good.

Golden Text-"We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose."-Romans viii. 28.

NOTES.-1st Illustration:-Jacob-the selling of Joseph-the keeping of Simeon a prisoner in Egypt-the sending down of Benjamin, all seemed against him; but every one of these things was a link in the chain by which his life and those of his household were preserved.

2nd Illustration :-Joseph-his sale as a slave-the false accusation in Potiphar's house-his imprisonment-the forgetfulness of the butler-all seemed against him; but all were needed to lead to his exaltation. All these untoward things wrought for his good.

Note, however, the important limitation-Only those who love God can plead the fulfilment of this gracious promise. Contrast Ahab. Everything wrought against him because he was against God, and, in the end, he perished miserably.

Lesson 73.-May 25.

JOSEPH'S MEETING WITH HIS FATHER.-Genesis xlvi. 1-7, 26-34.

I. The Journey Down, (ver. 1-7.)-Jacob arrived at Beersheba,on the border land between Canaan and the desert. He was going into a strange country, and he desires the presence of God with him; so he offers sacrifices to the God of his fathers. It is well for one going from home to remember the God of his fathers. Many, in going to a strange land, forget their father's God. But Jacob did not. God accepts the sacrifice, and renews His promise. The promise includes protection, (fear not to go down;) it includes the blessing promised to his fathers, (I will make of thee a great nation); it includes, which is best of all, God's presence, (I will go down with thee ;) it includes restoration to Canaan, (Í will also surely bring thee up again). What more could Jacob wish? The promise was full and complete, and as present evidence of its fulfilment, it is promised that Joseph should close his eyes in death.

After this great and gracious promise, Jacob goes on his way, and arrived in Egypt.

Note.-One great purpose served by this removal was the complete separation of Jacob and his family from the doomed inhabitants of Canaan. His seed was

prevented from mingling with the people of the land And so God's Church was kept separate from the world. This removal was a distinct onward step in the history of the Church.

Note, also, how safe those are who have God with them in all their wanderings. II. The Arrival and Reception, (26-34.)-Including Joseph and his family, the immigrants into Egypt were 70 souls.

Judah (note his prominent place among his brethren, presage of the future glory of the tribe) is sent on to receive Joseph's instructions, (v. 28.) They are told to go to Goshen, a district on the east side of the Nile, suitable for pasture, and removed from the immediate vicinity of Egyptian life and trade.

Then we have the interview between the old man and Joseph. Compare Jacob's language with Simeon's, (Luke ii. 29.) The meeting was deeply affecting.

Joseph makes provision for Jacob and his family. See how everything was working for their good. They were shepherds. Shepherds were an abomination to the Egyptians. Various reasons have been assigned for this. The most common is that, previous to this time, Egypt had been overrun by tribes of shepherds. But whatever the reason, we see how this fact furthered God's purpose. Israel dwelt alone, and were thus enabled to grow into a nation by themselves, and without mingling with the Egyptians.

God overrules all things with a view to the safety of His Church. As then, so now. No weapon formed against His Church shall prosper.

Memory Exercise-Shorter Catechism 75-Ephesians vi. 2.

Subject to be Proved-We should be Kind to our Parents.

Golden Text-"Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise."-Eph. vi. 2.

NOTES.-Bring out the full import of honour. It may be taken in its natural sense first-that of shewing respect to-of treating with due regard—a duty much neglected in our day. But it includes much more. How did Joseph honour his father ?—He provided for his wants. How many young people squander their wages on themselves? He looked after his father's comfort. He sent waggons to carry him down. How many, who are able, neglect to provide for their parents those little comforts which old age needs? Various other things are embraced in the word. Then notice a reason. There is a promise attached to this, a promise which will be fulfilled. To honour one's parents is a sign of a right frame of mind, and right-doing always tends to lengthen life.

Lesson 74.-June 1.

JOSEPH'S CONSIDERATION FOR HIS FRIENDS.-Genesis xlvii. 1-31.

I. Notice, first, Joseph's integrity. He is ruler over the whole land, but he will hide nothing from Pharaoh. And so he tells him the whole. Though ruler, he was still a servant, and he knows a servant's place. Notice, next, his BROTHERLINESS. His brethren were shepherds, and shepherds were an abomination to the Egyptians; but still Joseph is not ashamed of them. He presents them to Pharaoh. Joseph's merit covers their want of merit. They are welcomed at court for his sake. How good to have a friend at court! Joseph was a type of Jesus. He is not ashamed to call us brethren, (Hebrews ii. 11, 12.) His merit secures our admission to the court. He is the door. By Him we may enter in; and if we do so, we shall not be turned back. Note, now, God's marvellous providence. He was to provide for Jacob and his family. See how He does it. Pharaoh gives Joseph full liberty to settle them wherever he chose. "In the best of the land make thy father and brethren to dwell." God has Pharaoh's heart in His hand, and He moves him to give them the best of the land. All things are coming right to old Jacob, for all things work together for good to God's Israel. And so is it now. Cast thy burden on the Lord, and He