Intelligence.

their contributions to the Union's funds, as for two years the expenditure had exceeded the income. The Model Lesson Class had been started, and is being well attended. It was reported that circulars had been issued giving all particulars concerning the forthcoming scholars' examinations. Satisfactory reports of the proceedings of the Kirkcaldy Convention were given in by the various delegates.

GLASGOW SABBATH SCHOOL UNION. to ask various societies to increase -The monthly meeting of Directors was held in the Christian Institute on Monday, 8th December-John Gray, Esq., one of the vice-presidents, occupied the chair. There were 27 directors present. Reports were read from the North-Western, Govan, Western, and Pollokshaws District Unions. On the motion of the joint committee of the Sabbath School Union and Foundry Boys Religious Society, recommendations relative to the Union Hymnal were considered. It was remitted to the Committees on Music and Publications to consider the suggestions made, and report to a future meeting. The Committee on Sabbath Observance, with representatives from other Christian associations in Glasgow, having prepared an address to the shareholders of the Tramway Company respecting Sabbath traffic, after deliberation, the Directors approved generally of the same, and remitted it back to the united committee to have it issued with a few suggested emendations. The Publication Committee reported that a new Scheme of Scripture Lessons for Infant Classes had been prepared for the Union by Mr. Frederick A. Laing, Principal of Albion Crescent School, and that copies for the booksellers would be ready shortly. A copy of it will be found on the last page of our issue for this month. A special vote of thanks was awarded by the Directors to Mr. Laing for his kind services in the preparation of the Infant Class Scheme of Lessons, and in conducting the Model Lesson Class for the benefit of infant class teachers, which he had so devotedly and successfully carried on, every Saturday afternoon, in the Christian Institute for several months of the year.

NORTH-WESTERN DISTRICT SABBATH SCHOOL UNION.-This Union met on the 11th November. Present, 32 representatives. It was agreed

WESTERN DISTRICT SABBATH SCHOOL UNION.-This Union met on Monday, 24th November-Mr. J. C. Robertson, president, in the chair. Present, 36 directors. Reports of the various committees were submitted. It was stated that the joint Model Lesson Class was now in full operation in the hall of Woodlands U. P. Church, and that it was largely attended; also that the Conference agreed to at last meeting would be held on Tuesday evening, 9th December, in the hall of Elgin Place Congregational Church. The subjects would be: :- "Some Conditions of Efficient Teaching," to be introduced by Rev. J. G. Train, of Buckhaven, and Mr. W. J. Mitchell; and "Examinations in Schools," to be introduced by Messrs. Wm. M'Kerrow and James Kerr. There would be on view, during the evening, a selection of Sabbath school requisites, lent by various societies and publishers. Messrs. Graham and Nicol reported on the proceedings at the Kirkcaldy Convention.

GOVAN DISTRICT SABBATH SCHOOL UNION.-This Union met in the hall of Govan U. P. Church on the 24th November. Present, 20-Mr. D. Fullarton, president, in the chair. The Model Lesson Class was reported to be going on satisfactorily. Three meetings had been held in Plantation U. P. Church hall, and the attendance of teachers had been large. A report was given respecting the

social meeting, in connection with the Union, held on the 21st October. A very able and useful paper had been read by Mr. Fullarton. A report was also given of the quarterly prayer meeting, held in Plantation on the 9th November. An address on the text, "Train up a child in the way he should go," was delivered by Mr. Kilgour to an audience of about 50 teachers. The annual general meeting was fixed to take place early in February, and superintendents were desired to take an interest in it, and to support the Union. A vote of thanks to the managers of Plantation U. P. Church, for the use of their hall for the Model Lesson Class and prayer meetings, was very cordially agreed to. POLLOKSHAWS AND THORNLIEBANK SABBATH SCHOOL UNION.-A conference of teachers of this Union was held on the 26th November last in the hall of Pollokshaws Parish Church. Mr. Hall presided, and there was a good attendance. The subjects of conference were "Lesson Preparation" and "Prizes." Mr. Macdougall read an excellent paper on the necessity for preparation, and suggested a few of the best methods for achieving the greatest results. Mr. Hall opened the conversation on "Prizes." There was a discussion on both subjects, which was joined in by a number of those present. The feeling of the meeting was in favour of all the schools having preparatory meetings, and, as regards prizes, a show of hands gave evidence of a general feeling in their favour if awarded on an improved plan.

PRESENTATION TO MR. HARTLEY.In recognition of nearly forty years' faithful service in the cause of Sabbath schools, the committee of the London Sunday School Union held a special meeting recently, for the purpose of presenting a testimonial to Mr. Fountain J. Hartley, the senior secretary. The address, which was engrossed on vellum, made special mention of Mr. Hartley's long and varied labours in behalf of the Union, both in England and in his visit to the United States in 1873. Accompanying the address was a valuable silver tea and coffee service.

GLASGOW SABBATH SCHOOL UNION. -The first of a series of monthly conferences of Sabbath school officials and teachers was held in the Christian Institute on Thursday evening, 20th November,-Mr. Andrew Aird in the chair. Mr. Mason, librarian of Stirling's and Glasgow Public Library, read a paper on "Sabbath school libraries; how to form and VALE OF LEVEN SABBATH SCHOOL conduct them." He gave much UNION. The quarterly meeting of interesting information on the formadelegates was held on Wednesday, tion of libraries, their arrangement 10th December, in the U. P. Hall- and maintenance, cost of books, kind Mr. Malcolm M'Lean presiding. A of books to be procured, catalogues, report was submitted on the exa- classification, bookcases, shelving, mination in Bible knowledge, which and binding. He also brought was successfully held on Saturday, under the notice of the meeting the the 6th December. Eleven societies excellent scheme of itinerating took part, and presented for exa- libraries, first carried out on a large mination 66 junior and 117 senior scale in the county of East Lothian scholars, making a total of 183 who by Dr. Samuel Brown of Hadding

Notes on the Union's Lesson Scheme for 1885.

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

Lesson 105.-January 4.

ISRAEL DELIVERED FROM BONDAGE.-Exodus xiv. 1-31.

I. The Pursuit, (ver. 1-9.)-Refer to geography. God did not lead the Israelites across the Isthmus of Suez straight into the land of Canaan. They were turned southward, along the western shore of the Red Sea. A range of hills ran in the same direction as their line of march, and near to Pihahiroth came down close to the sea. The Israelites were thus caught in a sort of trap. The mountains were on their right, and gradually closing them in in front; the sea was on their left; and if an enemy should pursue them, there was seemingly no way of escape. Now all this was done on design. God knew what He was to do. He knew Pharaoh's proud heart, and that if he thought

he had the slighest chance he would still try to bring back the people. And so it happened. Recovering from the terror caused by the death of the first-born, and hearing the direction the Israelites had taken, Pharaoh resolved to pursue them. A proverb says-Whom God wishes to destroy He first drives mad. Sin is the greatest madness. Pharaoh might have known by this time that God could open up a way of escape. But he never thought of that. He simply thought, I have them now, and I shall pursue them. Notice, also, that Moses would have been the most foolish man possible if he had led the people where they now were of his own accord. He would have been leading them to certain ruin. The very fact that he did lead them in such a direction, is a clear proof that he was acting under God's command. And so learn that we must not shrink from our duty, however dark the road may appear, when once we are sure that God is leading us. He will make all clear in the end.

II. The Dilemma, (ver. 10-18.)-The Israelites naturally blamed Moses. They were fairly caught-escape was impossible. We need not wonder at their murmuring. Even Moses did not know what was to be done; but his faith did not fail him. He could say, "Stand still, and see the salvation of God." And so he betakes himself to prayer. He knew the power of God, and that He could make a way out of their difficulty. What mighty power is this!-faith and prayer. These two can do anything. All things are possible to him that believeth. Then notice the strange command-Go forward. But where to? The Red Sea is in front, and forward we cannot go. Now this is God's command still-Go forward. Forget the things which are behind, and reach forward to those that are before. Egypt is behind, your enemies are behind, and the glorious land of rest is forward, yonder across the sea. But God never gives an impossible command; and when He tells the people to go forward, He makes a clear path for them. So here, go forward, and stretch thou thy rod over the sea. All is plain now. The path is clear.

III. The Passage, (ver. 19-31.)—-Go over the story, and note these points. The pillar of cloud removes to the rear. It gave light to the Israelites, but darkness to the Egyptians. So now, the self-same Gospel is a savour of life to some, and a savour of death to others. Then the Red Sea was safety to the Israelites, but destruction to the Egyptians. Between the two crystal walls of water Israel passed safely to the other side, but this same water drowned the Egyptians. So the waters of the flood saved Noah, but destroyed all the rest. How terrible the thought, that the blessed Gospel, which brings salvation to some, brings death to others! What is it to you? Notice also God's looking on the Egyptians. That look troubled them. God was their enemy, because they were enemies of God. The face of God is set against them that do wickedly. The Egyptians would gladly have escaped from that look, but it was too late. The Israelites are safe; the rod is again lifted; and with the lifting of the rod the waters close in, and all is still. Read Revelation vi. 14-17, and learn how all will fare who are enemies of God.

Subject to be proved-Prayer and Faith Overcome Difficulties.

Memory Exercise-Shorter Catechism 1.-Psalm cxxiv. 2nd version, 1, 2. Golden Text-"Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength."-Isaiah xxvi. 4.

NOTES.-Trust-what does it mean? Illustrate by some simple incident. A child learning to walk feels confident when holding its father's hand. It trusts him. Are you not afraid in this storm ?-No; my father's at the helm. There was trust.

The object of trust-the Lord, and why?-just because He has all power, and may be trusted. Speak of false trust-leaning on a reed for support—walking on slippery ground coated with snow. These trusts will betray us. But in the Lord Jehovah is strength, everlasting strength; or, as it is in the margin-the rock of ages. This trust will never fail. Hence the words, trust in the Lord for ever. Even in the dark valley His rod and His staff will sustain us.

Lesson 106.-January 11.

ISRAEL HELPED AT MARAH.-Exodus xv. 22-27.

Note the connection. The Israelites had crossed the Red Sea; they had celebrated their great deliverance in the triumphant song of Moses; and now they imagined that all difficulty was over. They were free, and freedom had no trials. So they thought. But they were speedily taught that freedom needs stern discipline.

Remember, also, they were a horde of slaves, fresh from the task-master's lash-an undisciplined rabble. Keeping this in view, we need not wonder at their conduct.

Their history was written for our example. Their deliverance from Egypt typified a greater deliverance. How many, rejoicing in their deliverance from the bondage of sin, and of their new-found faith in Jesus, forget that the battle of the Christian life is only then beginning, and become fretful and downcast if they meet with unlooked for trials.

Now, go over the narrative in ver. 22-26, and learn these, among other lessons:

1. From the Red Sea into the wilderness, (ver. 22.) Even so.

This is God's way still. From the mount of privilege back to the duties of life, to a wilderness, it may be. Grumble not if so it be; He knows where He is leading us, and He will make the bitter sweet.

2. No water, and even when they came to water they could not drink of it; it was bitter; it was marah. This was almost worse than no water. It was tantalizing to be thirsty, to see water, and yet to be unable to drink of it. Now this was a sore trial-for thirst is a very imperious master. Now, it is often even so with God's Israel. They have come to some spot in their journey, and they say, "Here is my rest." But, alas, it soon proves bitter. God makes it bitter, to prove them.

3. Murmuring. The beginning of discipline. Of what temper are they? Are they fit to be led straight into the land of rest? Alas, no. A long, hard, stern training must precede that. For they murmur at the very first difficulty. All murmuring must be driven out of them before they can become God's soldiers and do His work in Canaan.

4. Marah sweetened. It may be noticed that the Lord does not express direct displeasure here. He has pity such as a father has. He knows their weakness; and so, on the cry of Moses, in answer to prayer, He sweetens the water. Note -here you have the secret that will sweeten all the bitternesses of life. Bring them all to God in prayer. Moses cried-God sweetened. Go, and do likewise. 5. Note particularly verse 26. You have here the key to all these seeming crosses that happen to God's children. They do not come by chance. They are sent for a purpose. They are sent to prove us to test us-to see what manner of spirit we are of. And note the blessed promise attached to submission-freedom from those things that cause murmuring. Pride, that will not bend to God's will, is the root of most of our trials. Submit, be humble, and the Lord will be our healer.

6. Shade-a glad blink in the wilderness journey-shade and refreshment, a veritable oasis. God gives these still, only don't linger too long about them. Take the needed refreshment to be the more strengthened for what is before you. Subject to be proved-God's People should not Complain.

Memory Exercise-Shorter Catechism 2.-Psalm cxxiv. 3, 4. Golden Text-"O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good: for His mercy endureth for ever."-Psalm cxxxvi. 1.

NOTES.-Thanks-a common enough expression, often used without much meaning. Still, a pleasant word, implying some sense of gratitude for some service rendered, for some benefit conferred. Contrast it with thanklessness. You do a good turn, and the recipient cares not-you feel hurt.