It is presumed that every teacher will be supplied monthly with the Notes on the Scripture Lessons, and that he will, by the study of them, and by regular weekly attendance at the preparation class, make himself master of the subject, and thus be thoroughly prepared to teach the lessons for the day.

It should be remembered that, in consequence of the limited space at command, in some cases a large portion of the lesson selected for the elder classes is necessarily omitted. The teacher, therefore, may have to introduce the subject, or supply a connecting link in the middle. When a short line is inserted, it is to show that either the selection is from two separate chapters, or the continuity of the reading is broken. This gives a larger scope in the selection, and with care will make the lesson more interesting both to the teacher and scholar.

1. The children should be encouraged to commit to memory during the week the Golden Text and the Lesson Verse.

2. Each scholar being provided with the lesson, the teacher should announce the appointed subject, and briefly introduce it in a lively and attractive manner, by the aid of some well-chosen illustration which shall naturally lead on to the main facts or doctrines of the lesson to be taught; thus tending to secure for it the interest and attention of the class.

3. The lesson may then be read by the scholars simultaneously or individually, the teacher reading a portion in turn.

4. The teacher having previously divided the lesson into sections according to its character and meaning, the first section should be read again, and, by suitable questioning, explanation, and illustration, its meaning made plain to the scholars. The other sections should be dealt with in a similar manner. Examination by questions should follow each

section.

5. In the foregoing exercises the leading practical truth or truths which the teacher desires to impress on the mind and heart should be constantly kept in view, and gradually brought out as the lesson is proceeded with. The close of the teaching will consist of a brief and earnest attempt to press home the practical application of these truths in the most forcible and affectionate manner.

If these suggestions be duly considered, and, as far as applicable to each particular case, be carried out with an earnest spirit, a loving heart, and in prayerful dependence on the Holy Spirit, teachers will not fail to secure the blessing of Him who hath said, “ My word shall not return unto Me void."

The LIST OF SCRIPTURE LESSONS for the entire year is published at 18. per 100, and will also be found in the " Sunday School Illustrated Almanack," price One Penny.

The great work of religious instruction will be materially assisted by teachers inducing the parents of Sunday scholars to post up in their dwellings, where it may conveniently and continually be seen, a copy of the List of Lessons or the Sunday School Illustrated Almanack.

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OUR FLEETING YEARS.

GOLDEN TEXT.

O satisfy us early with Thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.-PSALM XC. 14.

PSALM xc. 1-4; 9-14.

LORD, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.

Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.

Thou turnest man to destruction; and sayest, Return, ye children of men.

For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.

For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our years as a tale that is told.

The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.

Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath.

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

Return, O Lord, how long? and let it repent thee concerning thy servants.

O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.

THE INFANT MESSIAH.

GOLDEN TEXT.

Unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given.—ISAIAH ix. 6.

MATTHEW ii. 1-3; 8—12.

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

When Herod the king had heard these things, he was' troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

THE WISDOM AND POWER OF GOD.

GOLDEN TEXT.

Great is our Lord, and of great power: His understanding is infinite.—Psalm cxlvii. 5.

JOB xxxvii. 2, 3; 5, 6; 9-11; 19; 23, 24.

HEAR attentively the noise of his voice, and the sound. that goeth out of his mouth.

He directeth it under the whole heaven, and his lightning unto the ends of the earth.

God thundereth marvellously with his voice; great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend.

For he saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of his strength.

Out of the south cometh the whirlwind and cold out of the north.

By the breath of God frost is given: and the breadth of the waters is straitened.

Also by watering he wearieth the thick cloud: he scattereth his bright cloud:

Teach us what we shall say unto him; for we cannot order our speech by reason of darkness.

Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice he will not afflict.

Men do therefore fear him: he respecteth not any that are wise of heart.