"Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them." he had much joy in knowing that teachers inspired so as not to need Christ was his; but he enjoyed as careful drill and system as those greater joy in the confidence he in secular schools? (5.) What was Christ's. His end, like his life, should the Church seek to accomwas quiet and tranquil. In the plish by means of the Sunday faith of his fathers he fell asleep school? and what should the in the certain hope of a glorious Sunday school seek to accomplish resurrection. by means of the Church and the house of God? (6.) Have we the best books for the purpose in our Sunday school libraries? and what have parents and teachers to do with the success or failure of these to reach that purpose? Do 'union' conventions and institutes draw out our strength and cultivate our forces to any considerable degree in this State?" The majority of these questions are worthy of consideration by other Sunday school workers than those for whose AMERICAN S. S. ITEMS.-With the last day of February closed the fiftyeighth business year of the American Sunday School Union. The summary of the year's work, which has just been compiled from the annual returns of the missionaries, is very encouraging. The number of new schools organized was 1,921, and these included 8,537 teachers and 69,817 scholars. These figures com- benefit they were prepared.-As pare favourably with those of the a result of the last year and a-half's preceding year, in which 1,415 work in the Sunday school of the schools were organized, with 6,295 Church of Christian Endeavour, teachers and 52,438 scholars. So Brooklyn, seventy-nine children much for the pioneer work done by have thoughtfully decided to be the missionaries of the Union. Christians, and twenty of these, Besides this, 2,288 old schools, having expressed a wish to become which had a united membership members of the Church, were toof 15,306 teachers and 139,940 gether received in membership on scholars, were visited and aided. Sunday, April 2. The following is -At the last session of the Con- the list of questions asked at the gregational State Conference of examination of the children for Maine, a committee was appointed church-membership :-" (1.) Do you to consider the Sunday school work truly repent of your sins?—that is, of the church, and to report on the Are you trying, by the help of best method of bringing forward to Jesus, to give up everything that a creditable state of efficiency the is sinful? (2.) Are you resolved to Congregational Sunday school work lead a Christian life, by following of the State. The committee, in the example of Christ, and living presenting its report, suggests the according to His teachings?—that is, following questions, among others, Will you try to be more like Jesus for Sunday school conferences:- every day? (3.) In this endeavour, "(1.) The Sunday school: what do you humbly trust in God, the is its importance compared with heavenly Father, for help?—that is, the service of worship and the Do you pray every day for God to prayer meeting? (2.) What claim help you to be a true Christian? has it on the pastor, and what field (4.) Do you promise that you will does it give him? (3.) What try to be helpful to this church, by members of the church ought to attending its meetings, by giving of attend it? and whom does Christ your money, and by seeking in hold responsible for its correct every way to please God and do administration? (4.) Are religious good to others?" 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 284.-June 11. THE BLINDED ARMY-THE UNSEEN GUARDIANS.-2 Kings vi. 8-23. 1. Elisha Reveals Benhadad's Plans, (ver. 8-12.)-Syria lay to the north-east of Israel, and was a very troublesome neighbour. The boundaries of the two countries were ill defined, and there were constant border wars, like between Scotland and England previous to the union of the crowns. God used the Syrians to punish the Israelites for their idolatry; but He had not utterly forsaken His people. And so He commissions Elisha to warn the King of Israel against the snares and ambuscades of the Syrians. This had happened so often that Benhadad supposed there must be some traitor in his camp, who was a secret emissary of the King of Israel. One of his servants explains to him the true state of the case, intimating that Elisha could tell the King of Israel Benhadad's most secret counsels. Note in connection with this God's mercy and forbearance to both nations. Israel might learn that Elisha's God was the true God. Syria might learn that it was foolish to fight againt such a God. Neither nation learned the lesson, and so both perished. If we neglect the privileges God gives us, He may remove them from us. If we neglect the great Salvation, how can we escape? us 11. Attempt to seize Elisha, (ver. 13-20.)-Benhadad sent a mighty army to surround Dothan, where Elisha was at that time residing. Elisha's servant was afraid when he saw the mighty host. Elisha was calm and peaceful. See the reason in verse 16. God was on his side, and He was mightier than all who could be against them, (see Rom. viii. 31.) See how calm he may be who has God for his refuge. He may possess his soul in patience. He has nothing to tear, He can say, "I fear God, and I know no other fear." The righteous may be bold as a lion. Paul could do all things through Christ strengthening him. The servant could not see who were on their side until his eyes were opened. Then he saw horses and chariots of fire covering the whole mountains. So with So long as we walk in darkness we walk in fear. But when once our eyes have been opened we walk in safety, because we see the path whereon we have to walk; and we see also Him who holds us up, and can prevent us from falling. And He can confound our enemies. He can, as here, smite them with blindness. How often has God done this in the history of His Church! When the enemies of the Churcà and of His people were priding themselves that their hour of triumph was at hand, how often has He confounded all their plans, and taken them in their own craftiness! Remember Haman and Mordecai, Daniel and his enemies, and many other cases. Elisha, when the Lord had smitten the Syrians with bindness, led them into the very heart of Samaria, and then their eyes were opened. Here was another proof to the nation of the power of the God of Israel. They trusted in their horses and their chariots, and thought themselves sure of making Elisha a prisoner. But one man is stronger than a host when he has God upon his side. 11. Good for Bril, ver. 21-23.)—The King of Israel, naturally enough, proposed to put them to death as lawful prisoners. But Blisha was wiser than the king. He knew a better method of "conquering them than by the swori. He knew the power of the law of love and kindness. Read Rom. xii. 19. 20. and learn the power of love and kindness. So was it here. set meat before them, and to send them away in pesce, bands of Syria came no more into the land of israel, Esas commanded tɔ Note the effect. The Kindness nd what force "God com could not have done. This is the Divine method of conquering. Memory Exercise-Shorter Catechism 78.-Matthew xxviii. 20. Golden Text-"Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."-Matthew xxviii. 20. NOTES.-Christ's commission and promise to the apostles, and through them to His Church universal. Note the commission-to teach. That is the great work of the Church. To teach what? All Christ's commandments. Then the promise-I am with you alway-literally-all the days. This is the Church's hope, and confidence, and strength-the assurance that Jesus is ever with His own, guiding them, protecting them, and giving them power. This presence of Jesus with His Church is to be unto the end of the world. What is true of the Church is true of every believer. Jesus is with him all the days; and having Him, what need he fear? Lesson 285.-June 18. THE DEATH OF ELISHA.-2 Kings xiii. 14-21. The dynasty of Jehu was on the throne. They began well. They abolished utterly Baal-worship; but they stopped short there, (chap. x. 29-36,) and so brought upon themselves the Divine displeasure. God gave them up to the Syrians. Read verses 3 and 7 of this chapter, and you will see how low they were brought. Learn from this that partial reformation will not do. We may put away one sin, and another; but if we still cherish even one, we shall incur the displeasure of God. Jehu destroyed the worshippers of Baal, but he retained the golden calves; and that proved the ruin of his house. We must give up all for God. He asks the whole heart, not all save a bit. He must have all or none. Have you thrown down every idol ? Jehoash, or Joash, the second from Jehu, was now upon the throne. He was sorely pressed by the Syrians. He knew what a power for good Elisha had been in the state, and learning that the venerable servant of God was on his deathbed, he came to visit him. The account of the visit is very touching. The king was young, and susceptible of generous emotions; and as he gazed upon the worn countenance of the grand old man, who had played so prominent a part in the history of Israel for so many years, he could not restrain his tears, but "wept over his face," and exclaimed: "O my father, my father, the chariot of Israel and the horsemen thereof!"-meaning thereby that Elisha was of more service to Israel than all her armies. It was a generous confession on the part of the young king. Nothing can be more becoming than to see those in high places acknowledge the services of God's faithful ministers. The old and dying patriot and saint was deeply moved by this sensibility on the part of his young sovereign. He took it as an omen for good. He immediately asked him to take his bow and arrows. The king complied, and the aged prophet, placing his hands on the king's hands, commanded him to shoot eastward, foretelling that he would gain a great victory over the Syrians. Why eastward? The king was young-his sun was just rising-it foreboded a prosperous day; and if he would continue so to respect God's servants, his sun, then rising, would set in splendour. To encourage him still further, he commands him to take his arrows and smite upon the ground. The king did so, but stopped at the third time. The prophet was wroth. Every shot of the arrow represented a victory over the Syrians, and his stopping short at the third time was an evidence of his want of faith. Note the picture we have here of man's faithlessness. God's word is, that whatsoever we shall ask, believing, we shall receive. He is never wearied with giving until we are wearied in asking. Remember Abraham with Sodom. Abraham stopped asking before God stopped granting. It is more blessed to give than to receive; and one of God's most precious names is the "giving God," (James i. 3.) We are not straitened in Him; if we are straitened, we are straitened in ourselves, (2 Cor. vi. 12.) "All things are possible to him that believeth," (Mark ix. 23.) Elisha died and was buried. Some time after, a man was being carried forth to burial, when his friends were surprised by a company of Moabites. They were at that moment passing the grave of Elisha, and they hurriedly cast the dead body into his grave. The dead man was immediately restored to life. Even in death, contact with this servant of God was life-giving. How much more shall contact and union with our living Lord and Head secure our resurrection! If we are united to Him, who has the keys of hades and of death, we may lay ourselves down in the sure and certain hope of a blessed resurrection. "For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus shall God bring with Him,” (1 Thess. iv. 14.) How precious in God's sight is the death of His saints! They rest in their graves until the resurrection, when they shall rise and be for ever with the Lord. Have you this hope? Memory Exercise-Shorter Catechism 79.-Matthew xxi. 22. Subject to be proved-God Blesses in proportion to our Faith. Golden Text-" All things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer believing, ye shall receive."-Matthew xxi. 22. NOTES.-The power of believing prayer. It has no limits. Observe the breadth of this statement-all things-there is no limitation here. Whatsoever we ask we shall receive-nothing could be more comprehensive; but note the one universal condition of receiving-we must ask believing. Faith is the condition, and faith can accomplish wonders. Remember how, in our Saviour's miracles, our Lord often says, "Thy faith hath saved thee." See also what James says, (James iv. 3; and also v. 16.) The more we realize the power of believing prayer, the greater will our strength be. Lesson 286.-June 25. BI-MONTHLY REVIEW. In reviewing the seven lessons on the life of Elisha, take the headings of each lesson, and endeavour to ascertain what the scholars remember of each. Dwell only on the outlines. I. The Mantle of Elijah.-Why has this lesson this title? What had Elijah's mantle to do with Elisha? How did Elisha obtain this mantle ? In what circumstances did he obtain it? What promise was attached to his securing possession of it? What evidence did Elisha give of the possession of the same power as Elijah immediately after Elijah was taken from him? How did Elisha cure the waters of Jericho? What may we learn from the story of the children of Bethel ? II.-Why is this lesson so headed? Who was the widow? Why would she naturally go to Elisha? What character does she give of her husband? Why was she in difficulties? What did Elisha tell her to do? To what extent was her oil increased? What may we learn from this? What may we learn regard To what use ing God's liberality from this lesson? (Compare James i. 5, 6.) was the widow first to put this supply of oil? What may we learn from this? III.-Why is this lesson entitled "The Shunammite's Son ?" Who was the Shunammite? Why was she so called? How did the child die? What did his mother do on his death? Why did she wish Elisha himself to come to her dead son? What may we learn from her conduct in this respect? How was the child brought to life again? What sign of returning life did he give? How did his mother receive him when brought to life? IV.-Who was Naaman? What was his disease? What is leprosy a type of? How did Naaman hear of Elisha? What may we learn from the conduct of this little captive maid? How did Elisha treat Naaman when he first came to him? Why did Elisha act so? What method of cure did Elisha propose? How did Naaman receive this message from Elisha? What induced him to try the method of cure proposed? What was the result? What sort of cure did Naaman expect? How did Naaman shew his gratitude? Why would not Elisha take any reward from him? How only can the leprosy of sin be cured? Why do men often refuse this cure? V.-Who was Gehazi? In what did his deceit consist? How did his deceit bring discredit on his master? What punishment was inflicted upon him? What important lesson may we learn from this story of Gehazi? Ĝive other examples of the punishment of liars. VI.-How did Elisha disclose to the king of Israel the king of Syria's counsels? What did the king of Syria think about this? What attempt did he make to seize the prophet? What help had the prophet? How did God help him? What did the king of Israel propose to do to the Syrians? Why would not Elisha allow this? What did Elisha order to be done for them? What was the effect of this treatment upon them? What great lesson may we learn from this narrative? Quote Paul's words on this subject. (See Romans xii. 19-21.) Give examples of similar conduct from our Saviour's life. VII.-What mark of respect did the king of Israel shew to Elisha on his deathbed? What was implied in the prophet's commanding the king to shoot the arrows? Why was Elisha angry with the king? What miracle was performed at the grave of Elisha? NOTE.-It is not meant that the foregoing very questions should be asked. They are given as specimens of questions that may serve to elicit whether the scholars remember the leading outlines of the lessons, which is the chief end of a review. Memory Exercise-Shorter Catechism 80.-Psalm xxxiv. 7. Golden Text-"The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them."-Psalm xxxiv. 7. NOTES.-The text sets forth the absolute safety of those that fear the Lord. The picture is taken from a state of war. The country is hostile, and there are enemies on every hand. But there is a strong fortress, in which there is safety. The man that fears the Lord is surrounded, as if in a fortress, by the angel of the Lord, and he is safe. If God be for us, who can be against us? But the verse should be taken literally. The Lord has delivered His people by angels. (Compare Acts v. 19; xii. 7-11. See, also, Hebrews i. 14. Compare, also, Matt. xviii. 10.) Lesson 287.-July 2. GOD'S LOVE TO MAN.-1 John iii. 1-10. Verse 1. God's Love to us Now and Here.-It is something deserving of notice, for John says-"Behold." Note these "beholds" of Scripture-they are always followed by some weighty statement. Now, what is the important thing here? It is the manner of God's love. Wherein consists the peculiarity of this love? |