audience, a little girl started from DOING GOOD.-Many persons, writes Mr. Spurgeon, set small store by any service unless it has a spiritual aspect. It seems to us that our Lord gave more prominence to cups of cold water, and garments made for the poor, and caring for little ones, than most people do now-a-days. We would encourage our friends to attend to those humble, unobtrusive ministries which are seldom chronicled, and yet are essential to the success of the more manifest moral and spiritual work. Those who are content to fill their niche and say nothing about it, have no reward on earth; but they shall not be forgotten in the world to come. If they shew strangers into seats, cut up bread and butter at tea meetings, place forms in the aisles, to lead blind people to service, it may appear to be a small matter; but it shall have its reward. We want more Christian ministries of the practical sort; we do not despise "the fruit of the lips," but the work of the hands is by no means a secondary result of divine grace upon the heart. Intelligence. GLASGOW SABBATH SCHOOL UNION. stitute, on Sabbath evening, 13th Jan., -The monthly meeting of directors with a very encouraging attendance. was held in the Christian Institute The musical training classes for on Monday, 14th Jan. Mr. James teachers, carried on by the Union in Howatt, one of the vice-presidents, the Christian Institute, and conducted occupied the chair. Reports were by Mr. D. S. Allan, had been well read from the Southern, North-West- attended. It was agreed that ern, South-Eastern, and Cambuslang arrangements be made for a concert District Unions. The draft of an at the close of the session. The address to the Sabbath scholars of first of the series of model lessons for Glasgow and neighbourhood on the infant class teachers had been given subject of "Minor Morals," was read, by Mr. Fred. A. Laing, on Saturday approved of, and agreed to be printed afternoon last, when a large number and circulated as soon as convenient. of teachers were present. Teachers Mr. A. A. Haddin reported that he of such classes will receive valuable had, as appointed by the Union, aid in hearing Mr. Laing, and seeing visited Bo'ness, and addressed a the methods he employs to interest meeting of teachers there, with the and teach the very young. It was result that a Sabbath School Union reported that, as in former years, the had been formed. It was reported scheme of lessons published by the that already, in response to the Union was being well received Union's appeal on behalf of the amongst the schools, 140,000 sheets Children's Day Refuges, £140 had having already been disposed of. been received from the schools. The Arrangements were in progress for preparatory class conducted by Mr. the next annual meeting of the John Hutcheson, of the High School, Union; the date fixed upon for it for the study of "Christian Evi- being Thursday, the 17th April. It dences," in connection with the was unanimously agreed to petition Teachers' Examination Scheme, had both Houses of Parliament against been commenced in the Christian In- the proposal to open museums, &c., on the Lord's day. The directors dering of several pieces of sacred are desirous of extending the opera- music. tions of the Union both in and SOUTHERN SABBATH SCHOOL UNION. outside of Glasgow, and would-This Union met on Monday, 7th respectfully solicit contributions to January-20 directors present Mr. the funds from friends interested in Sabbath school work. 66 ports of several schools that had been visited. Office-bearers for 1884-5 were nominated, and the annual meeting fixed for March next; to be of a social character. SCHOOL R. B. Smith, president, in the chair. The secretary intimated that the SOUTH-EASTERN SABBATH SCHOOL model lesson class would be resumed UNION. This Union met on Tuesday, on Saturday, the 12th January, at 18th December-Mr. J. F. Bryden, 5 o'clock. A vote of thanks was vice-president, in the chair. Several passed to the Rev. J. Fairley Daly, interesting reports were read from B.D., for preaching the annual school visitors, giving evidence of sermon on 25th November; also to the efficiency of many of the schools the managers of Eglinton Street Conin this district. It was reported that gregational Church, for its use on the a social meeting of teachers and occasion. The quarterly prayer meetfriends would be held on the 28th ing had been held on 30th December. December, 1883, when an address Visitors gave in very satisfactory rewould be given by Miss Clugston on The Connection of the Sabbath School with the Relief of the Suffering." It was also reported that the syllabus for the training class for the first four months of 1884 had been CAMBUSLANG SABBATH completed, and that on the opening UNION.-The quarterly business night, 11th January, a lecture would meeting of this Union was held on be given by David Ross, Esq., M. A., Monday, 24th December-Mr. Robt. B.Sc., Principal of the E. C. Training Paterson, president, in the chair. College: subject—“The Training The convener of Public Meetings and Class.' A social meeting of teachers Finance committee reported that the and friends attending the training Rev. Robert Blair, M.A., had conclass held on Friday evenings in con- sented to preach the annual sermon nection with this Union, was held in February next. Also, that each on Friday evening, 28th December Society connected with the Union -J. C. Robertson, Esq., president, had agreed to give a sum of money in the chair. About 250 ladies and towards the funds of the Union. It gentlemen were present. After tea, was agreed to carry on the Daily &c., the chairman spoke of the Bible Reading Union next year. advantages of training classes for president reported that he had teachers. An address was delivered arranged with Mr. Boyd, Free by the Rev. Mr. Miller of Lenzie; Church Training College, to give a after which Miss Clugston gave a lecture, at an early date, to teachers most interesting and instructive and parents. Also, that he was address; in the course of which she making arrangements with several described the purpose and manage- ladies and gentlemen to give a series ment of the Home for Incurables at of model lessons. The convener of Lenzie, suggesting a variety of Visitation committee reported that methods whereby the Sabbath schools arrangements had been made to visit could co-operate in maintaining it all the schools in the Union, beginand extending its usefulness. During ning on 20th January next. Mr. the evening the choir of Calton U. P. James Richmond was present as a Church, under Mr. Smellie's leader- deputy from the General Union. He ship, added much to the enjoyment gave a concise, but interesting history of all present by the effective ren- of the Glasgow Sabbath School Union, The from its commencement till the present time: with regard, especially, to the admission of societies into the Union, a subject which had recently been under the consideration of the directors. Mr. Richmond said, that whilst there may be some instances of societies or schools that have sent in reports to the General Union without being formally connected with the local Unions, the directors of the Glasgow Sabbath School Union do not desire this, as they would prefer that all societies sending in statistics should be also in connection with the district Union. In cases where there was no district Union, it was considered right that societies should send in their reports as usual. He was further of the opinion that the General Union would not recognize any society whose claims for admission were rejected by the directors of the district Union. A cordial vote of thanks was given to Mr. Richmond for his visit and address. RUTHERGLEN SABBATH SCHOOL UNION.-The quarterly business meeting of this Union was held on Wednesday, 19th December, 1883. Mr. John Burt submitted an exceedingly interesting report of the proceedings of the late Convention held at Paisley. The decision of the General Union's directors, in remitting to a committee to consider the constitution, with special reference to the admission and representation of societies, was brought before the meeting by Mr. James Richmond, who was present by the appointment of the General Union. This district Union, after hearing the statement of the deputy, and considering the whole matter, agreed unanimously to recommend the maintenance of the present constitution; and to intimate to the General Directors that this Union fully approves of the present methods of uniting societies together as a means of making the statistical reports as full and correct as they can possibly be made. 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 58.-February 10. JOSEPH AND HIS BRETHREN.-Genesis xlii. 1-28. Joseph had now been twenty years in Egypt. During all that time he had not seen or heard from his father or his brethren. While first a slave, and then a prisoner, he could have no opportunity of visiting his father. After he was raised to be lord over Egypt, his time must have been too fully occupied in building granaries and storing corn to admit of his doing so. There was no postal communication, as now, by which he could have sent a letter. He might have employed a special messenger; but the uncertainty as to where his father might be found, and the danger that should the messenger fall into the hands of his brethren, he might fare no better than he himself had done, might well have prevented him. In this chapter we see the providence of God working round towards the accomplishment of His purpose of grace to old Jacob, by which he should at length behold his long-lost son. I. We have Jacob sending his Sons to Egypt.-The famine was not confined to Egypt, but was over all the face of the earth. Other countries had not had the advantage of the Divine warning of its approach, and therefore could not be prepared for it, as Egypt was. Jacob had the full confidence of faith that God would provide; but faith prompts to right means. So when his sons were looking helplessly at one another he despatched them to Egypt to buy corn. The sequel shews how his faith was not misplaced-how God had wonderfully provided for him there. II. The Sons of Jacob took their Journey.-Probably Jacob had a secret misgiving that they were in some way to blame for the loss of Joseph. Some of them had shewn great cruelty on other occasions, (chap. xxxiv. 25,) and he has not confidence in them, so he cannot venture Benjamin, the only other son of his beloved Rachael, along with them. III. Joseph's Conduct towards his Brethren.-He was governor, and had charge of the granaries. When many were coming from the famished land of Canaan, he must have had his hopes excited that soon he would have tidings from his father's house. How his heart must have thrilled when he saw his brethren bowing down before him, and remembered his dream of their sheaves bowing down to his sheaf! (chap. xxxvii. 7.) But Joseph was not yet prepared to make himself known to his brethren. He must first know something more about them. His father might be dead; his brother might be sold into slavery, as he himself had been; his ten brethren might still be as cruel as before. If this should be the state of matters, perhaps he would do better to keep his secret to himself. Accordingly he plans with great skill to bring out the character of his brethren, and to get information regarding his father and his brother Benjamin without discovering himself. He professes to suspect them of being spies, that so they may have to give an account of themselves. This is an accusation to which strangers are often exposed in the East, even at the present day. The Orientals seem to have no idea of travelling for pleasure or curiosity, so that strangers, especially if seen looking at objects of interest, or taking notes or sketches, are sure to be taken for spies. The sons of Jacob at once attempted to clear themselves by giving an account of their family. "Thy servants are twelve brethren. The youngest is this day with our father, and one is not.' How exciting this news must have been to Joseph! His father was still alive; his brother Benjamin was with him in the land of Canaan. How he longed to see Benjamin, his own mother's son! But he does not yet know the character of his brethren, and therefore he plans to get Benjamin down without yet discovering himself. At the same time he thinks it right to give them a taste of what he had experienced through their cruelty, and no doubt he thinks that this will awaken their consciences to a sense of their sin against him. He proposes to keep nine of them as hostages until the tenth goes to Canaan and returns with Benjamin. But after keeping them in prison for three days, he makes them a more lenient proposal,-namely, to keep only one hostage, and let the rest go. He could not let them all go, lest they should never return. He took Simeon, who, probably, had been the most cruel, and bound him before them, that the sight of his bondage might stimulate them to return quickly. The harsh treatment which they so unexpectedly received brought their sin to remembrance, and they acknowledged the hand of God in the just retribution which had now come upon them. This must have been gratifying to Joseph, as shewing that a better spirit now characterized them. He was so overcome that he had to go and weep in secret, to avoid recognition. So God often appears to His children to frown upon them when His heart is full of love. IV. We have their Return home to Canaan.-When they came to an inn by the way, one of them found his money in his sack's mouth. It had been put there by Joseph's orders, perhaps because, out of kindness, he would not take his brothers' money; perhaps because he wished to try their honesty, to see if they could be employed in any responsible situations when they returned to Egypt. However, it was to them cause of great alarm. They no doubt thought it was a trap to accuse them of theft-that they might be taken for bondsmen. Thus a guilty conscience is ever ready to take fright. "The wicked flee when no man pursueth," (Prov. xxviii. 1.) Yet it was well they ac knowledged the hand of God in what had come upon them; for this is the first step towards repentance and forgiveness. Memory Exercise-Shorter Catechism 58.-Numbers xxxii. 23. Subject to be proved-Sin is sure to be Found Out. Golden Text-"If ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the Lord: and be sure your sin will find you out."-Numbers xxxii. 23. A NOTES.-Adam hid himself in the trees of the garden, but God found him out. Cain thought no one saw him kill his brother, but God found him out. Achan thought he might safely steal some of the spoil of Jericho, but God found him out. Ananias and Sapphira thought they might tell a lie to Peter without being discovered, but God found them out. So always, sin is always found out. man commits murder, and thinks he is secure from being found out; but a button is found at the place, the murderer's coat wants a button, and God uses that to find him out. If we do not wish our sin to find us out, we must find out our sin, and put it away, have it blotted out in the blood of Jesus. Then it will never find us out. Lesson 59.-February 17. JOSEPH'S DEMAND FOR BENJAMIN.-Genesis xlii. 29-38, xliii. 1-14. I. The Conduct of Jacob on the Return of his Sons from Egypt (xlii. 29-38). -The joy of seeing a supply of food for their famished household was swallowed up by sorrow for what had befallen them. He saw the money returned in their sacks, and perhaps suspected they had not come by it honestly. This might lead him to have a suspicion that it was on account of their bad conduct that they had been so treated in Egypt, and that hence it might be very dangerous to let Benjamin go down with them. He lays the blame on them, and that not unjustly; and they must have felt conscience-stricken when he exclaimed, "Me have ye bereaved of my children." Jacob's grief on this occasion may teach us how little we understand of God's providence. Here he was lamenting his losses, and anticipating his grey hairs being brought down with sorrow to the grave, while all the time God was preparing for him a surprise of overflowing joy, (Psal. xxxiv. 19.) Is not this an emblem of the surprise of joy which He is preparing for His people in the world to come? for "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard," &c., (1 Cor. ii. 9.) In Joseph himself we have a beautiful emblem of Jesus Christ. HE was the beloved Son of His Father. He came to His brethren on a message of love; but they mocked and despised Him, and cried, "Away with Him!" He was delivered over to the bondage of death, and thereby obtained for us the bread of life. He was raised up a Prince and a Saviour, to dispense the bread of life to a famishing world. Yet we, His brethren in our natural state, know Him not. HE needs often to bring us into trouble, that we may have our consciences awakened, and repent of our sins. Then He graciously reveals himself to us as our Brother and Redeemer, and gives us the promise of an everlasting habitation in that heavenly land, over which He reigns as universal Lord. It was Jacob wished II. Benjamin Sent Down, (xliii. 1-14.)-The famine still continued. severe in Canaan, and the supply of corn was again exhausted. his sons to go and buy more corn. They know that it is useless to go without Benjamin, and say so. The old man is naturally very loath to allow him to go. He is afraid some evil may befall him; and is angry with his sons for having told the Egyptian governor that they had another brother. They again explain how it all came about. They could not but answer his questions; and they could not have told that he would have asked if they had a brother. At last Judah offers to give his life in surety for Benjamin's, which has the effect of overcoming Jacob's reluctance. Notice how God was working, in all this, to bring about His ends. Man proposes, but God disposes. Notice also how Jacob unites |