an surer's reports were read by Messrs. platform were a number of ministers Ker and Somerville, and the adop- and others. There was also present tion of them was moved, by ex-Bailie an efficient choir, under the leaderBurt, along with the following office- ship of Mr. W. D. Bryden, which bearers for the ensuing year,-viz., rendered several sacred pieces with president, Mr. John Thomson; vice- much ability during the evening. president, Mr. W. Stark; secretary, Reports from the secretary and Mr. Wm. U. Muir; treasurer, Mr. treasurer for the past year were J. Somerville; directors, ex-Bailie submitted, that of the former includBurt, Messrs. S. T. Baker, Hender- ing returns from 17 Societies, comson Irving, and William Fraser, prising 25 schools with 654 teachers who were duly elected. It appeared on roll, and an average attendance from the secretary's report that the of 561. It stated that there were several Societies were in a pros- 6,839 scholars on roll, with perous condition, having had an average attendance of 5,006; 337 increase of scholars and teachers in scholars were reported as attending the past year, the former by 105, more than one Sabbath school. The and the latter by 12. The amount amount collected for missionary and collected for missions and benevolent benevolent purposes was £187 10s. purposes was £31 7s. 9d. more 9d. The treasurer's report shewed than the previous year. The trea- a balance in hand of £3 6s. 11d. surer's report shewed a balance on hand. Interesting addresses were also delivered by Mr. Bryce, Mr. Robertson, and Rev. Mr. Stevenson, Rev. Mr. M'Neill, and others.CHILDREN'S MUSICAL FESTIVAL.Under the auspices of this Union a grand musical festival took place on 31st March in the New Town Hall, at which a large number of the children attending the several Sabbath schools in the burgh took part. The principal part of the programme was the rendering of Mr. T. K. Longbottom's "Life of Moses," a sacred cantata. The singing was most creditable to the children; and Mr. Robert Paterson, of Rumford Street School, Bridgeton, read the narrative incidental to the work with good effect. Mr. R. Smellie, A.C., Glasgow, conducted; John Thomson, Esq., president of the Union, presided; and there was a large attendance. Altogether the proceedings were most successful. -- "The The Rev. A. Cameron moved the adoption of the reports, and referred to a number of points in connection therewith, urging regular attendance and careful preparation on the part of teachers, and suggesting the division of Govan into districts, for the work of canvassing for scholars. The meeting was also addressed by the Revs. R. Paterson, D. Jamieson, and J. T. Graham, their subjects being "Power for Service," Relation of the Church to the Sabbath School," and "The Spirit of Teaching." Each speaker had evidently given careful thought to his subject; and all the addresses delivered were of an earnest and stimulating nature. Votes of thanks were given to the chairman, the speakers, and the choir, and the proceedings were closed by Rev. T. R. Anderson pronouncing the benediction. In the course of the evening the following directors and office-bearers were elected for 1882-83;-viz., John Stephen, Esq., GOVAN SABBATH SCHOOL UNION. hon. president; Messrs. T. Wilson, -The Annual Meeting of this D. Fullerton, D. Dreghorn, H. Union was held in the Masonic Taylor, hon. directors; Mr. M. Hall, Govan, on Monday, 20th Paterson, president; Mr. W. B. March. The chair was occupied by Greenshields, vice-president; Mr. John Stephen, Esq., and on the Archd. Taylor, treasurer; Messrs. great credit on the teachers who had trained them during the winter. Several solos and a quartette, given at intervals, added much to the satisfaction of the audience. Samuel M'Ilwain and Thomas C. Paterson, secretaries; Messrs. D. Fraser, J. Forsyth, T. Blyth, A. M'Aulay, R. Kilgour, and F. Hamilton, directors.-The directors of this Union met on 27th March- CAMBUSLANG SABBATH SCHOOL Mr. M. Paterson, president, in the UNION.-The first Quarterly Meetchair. The Quarterly Prayer ing of the Committee of ManageMeeting was reported to have taken ment for 1882-83, was held in the place on Sabbath, 5th February, Free Church Hall, on Monday when an address bearing on Sabbath evening, 20th March. The princischool work was delivered by the pal business was the election of Rev. J. T. Graham, and the attend-office-bearers. The following gentleance of teachers was good. It was men were elected:-viz., president, agreed that the Annual Sermon on Mr. Robert Baird; vice-president, behalf of the Union should be Mr. John Jardine; secretary, Mr. preached about the beginning of Murdoch Morrison; treasurer, Mr. winter. The visitation of schools Alexander Hood; delegates to the was considered; and in order that Glasgow Union, Messrs. Thomas this and other parts of the work of Black, Robert Baird, and M. the Union might be furthered, it Morrison, secretary, Sub-commitwas arranged to have a tea-meeting tees for visitation, public meetings, of superintendents, secretaries, and and finance, were also appointed. representatives at an early date. AYR SABBATH SCHOOLS.-The POLLOKSHAWS AND THORNLIE- Sabbath schools in Ayr and vicinity BANK SABBATH SCHOOL UNION.— give every indication of being in a The directors of this Union met on most flourishing condition. On Tuesday evening, 21st March—Mr. Friday evening, 31st March, one of John Hall, president, in the chair. the most promising and successful The Musical Festival Committee gatherings ever held in Ayr took having reported progress, the ar- place in the New Town Hall, namely, rangements for the festival wore the Annual Soiree of the Ayr Parish completed. It was resolved to have Church Sabbath Schools. The maga united excursion of scholars and nificent hall was quite crowded by teachers during the summer, in the children, together with their parents event of the Societies in the Union and friends; and the largeness and intimating their willingness to importance of the gathering may be co-operate in having one.—A Musi- estimated from the fact that the en Festival in connection with this hall accommodates close upon 2000 Inion took place on Thursday persons. The chair was occupied evening, 30th March, in Eastwood Parish Church-the Rev. David Stewart, of East Free Church, it the chair. He was accompanied to the platform by the Revs. Neil Brodie, West Free Church, and James Armstrong, M.A., assistantminister, Lasty:000 Mr. John Crai, neted as conductor. and Mr. William. M'Donaić presided at the The chair of scholars, numbering about 206, rendered the 15 tmns selected from the Union Hymnal very effectively; reflecting by the Rev. Dr. Dykes, supported by the Rev. Messrs. Sinclair, Ayr; and Hewison, Stair: and Messrs. Dunlop and M'Clymont. Besides Lymn-singing by children, there was excellent organ and pianoforte music, together with lively glees contributed by the choirs of the Old and New Churches. It is proposed tonde another school to the number already carried on by the Ayr Parish Churches. On the same evening as the above soiree, one was held in connection with the Cathcart Street Church Sabbath School. The pro- | Messrs. J. C. White, Crosslet, and ceedings were very successful, sev- Thos. Hardie, Comely Bank; seceral prizes being given for proficiency retaries, Messrs. Robt. Lang and in religious knowledge. David Saunders, jun.; treasurer, VALE OF LEVEN SABBATH SCHOOL Mr. Gordon, Viewpark; directors, UNION.-The first meeting of this Messrs. M'Millan, W. Grieve, P. Union was held on Tuesday, 11th Fisher, J. Adams, and J. Welsh. April, in Dalmonach School-room. The object of the Society is to proThere was a good attendance of note the spiritual and temporal teachers Mr. John Stirling, pre- work of the schools, to stimulate sided. The meeting was convened the teachers in their labours, to to adopt the Rules drawn up by expand and strengthen all Christian the committee, and to elect office- agencies connected therewith, and bearers for the ensuing year. The to improve the methods of performfollowing gentlemen were appointed ing their work by circulating inoffice-bearers:-honorary president, formation and giving currency to William E. Gilmour, Esq.; presi- useful suggestions. Votes of thanks dent, Mr. J Stirling; vice-president, to the chairman, Mr. Gordon, for actMr. Malcolm M'Lean; treasurer, ing as interim secretary, and to the James P. Glen; secretary, Mr. W. managers of the High Street United Lochhead, Clydesdale Bank, Alex- Presbyterian Church for the use of andria; directors, Messrs. P. Ewing, their hall, were cordially accorded. Thomas Gray, Joseph M'Callum, THE WEEKLY TRACT SOCIETY, D. M'Leod, James M'Murray, John which issues excellent narrative Neil. Mr. James Richmond of tracts in large type for working the Glasgow Union was present, people every week, is for a short and greatly aided the meeting by time making one-third price grants throwing out suggestions gathered from the manner in which the work was carried out by the Glasgow Sabbath School Union and other Local or District Unions. The meeting was very harmonious, and the Union now formed in the Vale of Leven bids fair to become a valuable and useful organization for Sabbath school work. of the tracts issued by the Society. Thus, for 5s., 15s. worth of useful tracts can be obtained. As the quantity set apart for distribution on these conditions is very limited, early application should be made to the secretary, Mr. Elliot Stock, 62 Paternoster Row, London, E. C. TESTIMONIAL TO A SABBATH SCHOOL TEACHER.-At a social meeting of SABBATH SCHOOL UNION FOR Regent Place United Presbyterian DUMBARTON. A meeting of Sab- Church Young Women's Bible Class, bath school teachers in Dumbarton held on 17th April, they presented was held on Thursday night, 6th their teacher, Mr. James C. Erskine, April, in the hall of the High Street with a beautiful copy of the large United Presbyterian Church-Mr. Oxford Bible, containing concordJames Colquhoun was called to the ance, references, maps, &c., as a chair-there was a very large attend- token of their esteem. The presenance. Mr. Gordon, Viewpark, read tation was made by the oldest memthe Constitution and Bye-laws of ber of the Class in a few appropriate the Union, as prepared by the dele- sentences, and feelingly responded gates sent from all the Sabbath to by the teacher. The meeting schools, which were adopted and took place in Mr. Erskine's house; ordered to be printed. Thereafter about forty members of the Class the following office-bearers were and a few friends were present; and appointed unanimously:-president, with the aid of music, readings, &c., Rev. Geo. Alpine; vice-presidents, a most enjoyable evening was spent. Notes on the Union's Lesson Scheme for 1882. [These Notes are intended to aid Teachers in their studies at home, and not to be used in the school while teaching.] Lesson 280.-May 14. THE WIDOW'S CRUSE OF OIL.-2 Kings iv. 1-17. 1. The Widow's Helper, (ver. 1-7.)-Who was the widow? Her husband had been one of the sons of the prophets,-i. e., he was a member of some of the prophetical schools which Samuel had established for the education of pious young men in the knowledge of the law of the Lord. He had been a Godfearing man; but had left his widow in difficulties. God's people are not exempt from the ordinary misfortunes of life. But a good name is better than riches. God keeps mercy for a thousand generations for those who fear Him. Judah was blessed for hundreds of years for David's sake. The Jews are still beloved for the fathers' sakes, (Rom. xi. 28.) She was unable to pay the debt; and the creditor, according to the law, had come to take her two sons as bondsmen. In her difficulty she goes to Elisha. He was not a rich man, and could not give her money; but he could do better, he could increase her store. Notice what he tells her to do, and the circumstances in which (ver. 4) it was to be done. She was very poor. She had nothing in the house save a pot of oilprobably melted butter. Yet that pot of oil enabled her to pay the debt, and to have something over. She does exactly as she was told. She believed the prophet, and her faith was rewarded. Every vessel she could borrow was filled. It was well for her that she had this one pot of oil in the house. It will be well for all who have oil in their vessels, (Matt. xxv. 4.) The creditor will surely come to all; and those who have no oil will be cast into prison, whence they will not escape until they have paid the uttermost farthing. Notice, besides, that wherever there is this oil, this grace, it will naturally increase. The path of the just shines more and more unto the perfect day. The woman was grateful. She came and told Elisha. Gratitude is always pleasing to God. Jesus felt the want of it-"Were there not ten cleansed? and where are the nine?" (Luke xvii. 17.) Note the prophet's command. She was first to sell as much as would pay her debt. She was to be just before she was generous. The great Christian duty is to "Owe no man anything, but to love one another," (Rom. xiii. 8;) and of this debt we can never have too much. It was only after she had paid her debt that she was to use what was over. II. The Prophet's Hostess, (ver. 8-17.)-Elisha had occasion to pass by Shunem. There was a very rich woman there, who courteously entertained the prophet. He was unwilling to trouble her. So she had to constrain him. She knew he was a man of God, and she reverenced him as such. Every time he passed he remained some time in the house. At last she induced her husband to construct a little chamber specially for his use, which she furnished modestly, but comfortably. Note particularly what induced her to do this. It was because she perceived that he was an holy man of God. She looked for no reward. She gave him the cup of cold water, because he was a disciple. She received him as a prophet, (Matt. x. 40-42;) but she received the prophet's reward. She entertained him though a stranger, and in so doing she was entertaining an angel, (Heb. xiii. 2.) No act of kindness will ever fail of its reward. Especially nothing done to God's servants, because they are His servants, will pass unrewarded. Every cup of cold water will be remembered. Every good deed done to them God accepts as done to himself, (Matt. xxv. 40.) This is a great Scripture principle, and ought to encourage us in well-doing, in doing good unto all men, especially those who are of the household of faith. Note the reward. The woman is called before the prophet. He is grateful for her kindness. Like his Master, he will not forget the cup of cold water. He offers to speak to the king, or to the commander-in-chief, if so be he can do anything to serve her. Note her simple and striking answer: "I dwell among mine own people." She had that greatest of all earthly blessings-contentment. She was quite satisfied with her lot. She did not wish to move out of her own sphere. How much misery and annoyance would be avoided if people were like this woman, content with their lot! She had the two greatest blessings that any one can enjoy godliness with contentment. She was truly happy. But every one can have these blessings if they will. Gehazi, who had been more among the servants than Elisha, knew that one thing only was wanting to complete her happiness. She had no child. Among the Israelites this was a peculiar source of distress: probably from the circumstance that the Messiah was to be born of a Jewess. Every one would naturally desire this honour. Accordingly the prophet promises her a son-a blessing so great that she could scarcely credit it. The great lesson of this narrative is, as has been already indicated, that any kindness shewn to the people of God is accepted by Him as shewn to himself, and will not be forgotten. Memory Exercise-Shorter Catechism 73.-Psalm xxvii. 10. Golden Text-"When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up."-Psalm xxvii. 10. NOTES.-This is the language of one who knew the Lord. David often uses such language, (compare Psalm ciii. 13.) It is the language of trust-the language of a child, confident of the love of its father. Even should earthly parents forsake, God will not forsake His own, (compare Isaiah xlix. 15.) God's people have rested in these promises in all ages; and well they may. Happy they who have such a father to take them up. Lesson 281.-May 21. THE SHUNAMMITE'S SON.-2 Kings iv. 18-37. I. Sickness in the Family, (ver. 18-28.)-The little child grew, and was, no doubt, the delight of his mother. He went into the fields among the reapers in the harvest-time, where he had sun-stroke, and on being carried home, died on his mother's knees. Death comes to all,-to the young as well as to the old. Note his mother's conduct. She carried the dead child to the prophet's chamber, and laid him upon his bed. She had been kind to the prophet; she knew he was an holy man of God, and she would trust in him still. She proposes to visit the prophet, but first informs her husband. She was an obedient wife. She does not appear to have told him that the child was dead. She was considerate and thoughtful, and would spare him all sorrow as far as she could. He tries to dissuade her. See his reasons in verse 23. It seems to have been customary in Israel to give presents to the prophets on the occasion of the festivals. She prevailed, however, and went with all speed to Mount Carmel, where Elisha resided. See how earnest she was. It was a matter of life and death, and she would spare no pains. How is it with us in regard to our souls' health? Are we in earnest? Do we strive to enter in ? Elisha recognised her at a distance, and sends Gehazi to inquire if all is well. Note her answer. It was well with the child. He was dead, but still it was well with him. How will it be with you after death? Note, further, that she presses past the servant to the master. She does not stop until she reaches Elisha himself. We have a lesson here. The servant may be good, but the master is better. We ought not to stop short of the Master. The servant cannot save. None but the Master can do that. Notice also her importunity. She caught the man of God by the feet. So deeply in earnest was she, that Gehazi thought she was impertinent, and would have thrust her away; but Elisha knew better. He knew there was sorrow, and he would allow her to get her feelings out. So Christ acted with the woman who was a sinner, (Luke vi. 36-50.) The Pharisee was scandalized at her conduct, but Christ knew what |