CONFESSING CHRIST.-There cannot be a secret Christian. Grace is like ointment hid in the hand; it betrayeth itself. If you truly feel the sweetness of the Cross of Christ, you will be constrained to confess Christ before men. -M'Cheyne. schools that are languishing because of want of energy in those who conduct them. There are classes that make no progress because lazy teachers sit before them, and yawn through a lesson which they have not prepared, and which they have LAZY CHRISTIANS.-There is a not earnestness enough to teach if good deal of religious laziness in they were prepared. this world. Once in a while we hear Christian men that let their church of a Christian worker who is over- run down because they are too lazy wrought, one who dies too soon, or to keep it up. Yet the same men is laid aside through excessive devo- make their own peculiar business tion. But the occurrence is so rare, succeed. It is only as Christians that a small volume would, probably, that they are lazy. It is a shame to contain the records of all such lives do the world's work well, and then There are in a generation. There are more Christ's work shabbily. What is churches dying for the want of work- wanted is a revival of Christian ing pastors, than there are pastors energy and zeal—a religious awakendying through excessive work for ing.-Occident. their churches. There are Sabbath | Intelligence. In GLASGOW SABBATH SCHOOL UNION. Scholars to the Church," having -The monthly meeting of directors created a considerable amount of was held in the Christian Institute interest and discussion, it was reon Monday, 9th January. There solved to consider it further at the were 30 directors present. Reports next business meeting of the Union, were read from the South-Eastern, Western, Middle, Rutherglen, and Partick and Hillhead District Unions. It was agreed to send each month, for some time, a copy of the Sabbath School Magazine to all the ministers of the city and suburbs who are in connection with the Union. It was stated that the circulation of the Scheme of Lessons for 1882 was equal to what it was at the corresponding period last year:-viz., 140,000 copies. As the present course of Lessons expires with 1882, it was resolved that the monthly conference on 16th February should be taken up with the subject of the new series which would commence with 1883. The directors and representatives of all the District Unions of the city would be specially invited to take part in this conference. The paper read by the president at the December conference on "How best to unite our Senior with the view of deciding as to what practical steps could be taken in the matter by the directors. Mr. Andrew Henderson was unanimously elected to fill the vacancy in the convenership of Public Meetings committee. Various donations of maps, books, and money had been received from friends in behalf of the Union's Scripture Reference Library. terms of the constitution of the Christian Institute, Messrs. John S. Kelt and James Richmond were reelected as representatives to the Board of Management; and Mr. James Howatt was appointed in room of the director whose term of office had expired. Examination The Teachers' that they were arranging for the committee reported Examinations to take place in March next, and that announcements had been issued that the addresses of all intending candidates names and should be sent, not later than 1st March, to Mr. Thomas Gray, but it was unanimously agreed that convener, 70 Bothwell Street. It was stated that £130 had been received till date for the Dunoon Home collection. the proposal could not be entertained. The North-Western District Union having suggested a conference regarding schools situated in their district, but reporting to the Western Union, it was agreed to confer with them upon the subject when desired. SOUTH-EASTERN DISTRICT UNION. --This Union met in their own Hall, 12 Landressy Street, on Tuesday, 20th December, 1881. Mr. James Millar, PARTICK AND HILLHEAD SABBATH president, in the chair-27 directors SCHOOL UNION.-This Union met in were present. The representatives the Hall of Dowanvale Free Church, to General Union reported regarding on Tuesday evening, the 13th Dec. the supplement to the "Union There was a large attendance of Hymnal," and also as to the Scripture representatives. Mr. Wm. Kennedy, Reference Library being formed in the central rooms. The School's committee reported that all the arrangements were made for the annual visitation of schools; and also that a circular was about to be sent to societies asking whether certain defined districts were being systematically visited by them. The attendance at the teachers' training class had been so encouraging that arrangements were made to continue the class for three months. The subject for next conference would be, "Rewards in connection with Schools," to be introduced by Mr. George Alexander. the president, occupied the chair. It was arranged that a series of six model lessons should be given on Monday evenings, under the auspices of the Union. A lady of experience would be engaged to conduct a class each evening. It was agreed to arrange for a social meeting of the teachers in connection with the Union, to be held about the middle of January. MIDDLE DISTRICT UNION.-This Union met in the Religious Institu tion Rooms, on the evening of Tuesday, 13th December. In the unavoidable absence of the president, Mr. James M'Nair presided. It was MILLERSTON FREE CHURCH SAB- reported that the half-yearly praise BATH SCHOOL.-The annual social and prayer meeting had been held on meeting of this school and Bible- Sabbath evening, 27th November, in class took place on Friday, 23rd the Hall of John Street U. P. Church, December, 1881. Rev. Alexander and was attended by about 300 Thomson presided, and after tea teachers and others. Mr. Agnew addressed the children. The annual presided, and the opening exercises report of the progress and work of were taken part in by some friends; the school was submitted, and ad- after which the Rev. John Brand dresses were delivered by Mr. W. delivered a most interesting and W. Thomson and Mr. Wm. Lakin. encouraging address to teachers. A WESTERN DISTRICT UNION.-This lengthened conversation on the matUnion met on 28th November, 1881 | ter of the Union's boundaries ensued; -31 present. Mr. Alex. Sloan, but until certain statistics could be president, in the chair. Reports procured, it was agreed to postpone were submitted by various sub-com- any further action in regard to the mittees, and also by the delegates to question. the General Union and Dunfermline Convention. There was read a letter from the General Union, containing a proposal to extend the Middle District Union, by transferring to it a portion of the Western District; MARION PAUL AIRD: TESTIMONIAL FUND. The suggestion recently made that Sabbath scholars should raise a fund in aid of the aged authoress of the hymn Far Far Away, has been very warmly taken up by a number of schools, and already upwards of £50 has been contributed by various schools. The Rev. D. Landsborough, Kilmarnock, has kindly consented to act as Convener of a Committee, consisting of the Sabbath School Superintendents of Kilmarnock, for the management of the Fund; and, under their care, we have the utmost confidence that the subscriptions will be judiciously applied. The object is most laudable, and any schools in Glasgow, or the suburbs, that may take up the proposal, are invited to hand in their collections to the Secretaries of the Union, at their office, No. 7 Christian Institute, Bothwell Street. 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 267.-February 12. NABOTH'S VINEYARD.-1 Kings xxi. 1-20. 1. The King Refused, (1.4.)-Jezreel, on the plain of Esdraelon, was Ahab's summer residence. Naboth was proprietor of a vineyard which marched with the king's pleasure grounds. Ahab wished to purchase this, or to give another in exchange for it, in order to add it to his own gardens. There was nothing wrong in this wish, and the offer was fair and reasonable. But Naboth was unwilling to part with it. It had come down to him from his fathers, and he valued it not for its own sake alone, but for the sake of his fathers. This feeling on Naboth's part was most natural, and Ahab should have appreciated it; but-and here the mischief begins-he could not brook refusal. He was king, and to be denied his request by a private man was more than he could bear. He went home heavy and displeased; and, like a spoiled child, took to his bed, turned his face to the wall, and refused to eat. Power is a very dangerous possession. One who has great power, would need great grace. Ahab had power, but he did not know how to use it, and this brought on his ruin. Note II. Naboth's Death, (5-14.)-Ahab was not entirely given over to wickedness. He shrunk from taking the vineyard by force. Not so Jezebel. She soon learns the cause of Ahab's distress, and resolves to secure the vineyard. She cannot understand (v. 7) the king's weakness of purpose. He a king, and not seize what he likes! She has no such scruples; she promises him speedy possession. how Ahab's early sin of marrying a foreign idolater is bearing terrible fruit, and plunging him deeper and deeper in the mire. One false step unrepented of may prove ruin. She quickly forms her plan. She forges letters in the king's name, seals them with the king's seal, and sends them to the elders of the city. She orders them to proclaim a fast, and to suborn two men to swear that Naboth had been guilty of blasphemy, and then to stone him. She, whose whole life was blasphemy against God, pretends reverence for His name to accomplish her wicked purpose. The sin was very great. How desperately wicked is the human heart! and to what lengths will it go when left to itself! There is no safety but in committing it to the Shepherd of Israel. The elders had not the courage to refuse. They were sunk in idolatry too, and they were cowards. Like king, like people. They do what they had been ordered, and the innocent Naboth is stoned. Note, that Ahab was really guilty here. He was king, he was ruler over his own house, and he could have prevented this murder if he had chosen. But he pretends to shut his eyes, and thinks he will then be guiltless, forgetting that he who connives at a crime is equally guilty with him who does it. III. Short-lived Triumph, (15-20.)-Jezebel had no remorse for her crime. The hardening effect of sin is one of its most fearful consequences. Familiarity with it leads to a disregard of it. Jezebel comes quite gaily to Ahab, and tells him to rise and take possession. Ahab asks her no questions. He must have known there was foul play; but he has nothing to do with that. So he thought; but he was soon terribly undeceived. Be sure thy sin will find thee out. As Ahab was approaching the vineyard on one side, God's minister of vengeance, commissioned by God, was coming to meet him on the other. Ahab was the first to speak. Observe his words, "Hast thou found me, O mine enemy?" Elijah was his enemy because he was God's enemy. But Elijah would fain have been his friend, and not his enemy, if only Ahab would do what was right. Ahab's conscience troubled him. Hast thou found me? So ever with the sinner. When he thinks himself securest, the avenger is on his track. Elijah had met Ahab many a time, had tried to turn him from his evil ways, but in vain; and now he comes as the minister of doom. How often does God thus meet the sinner, seeking to lead him in the right way! If he, like Ahab, persist in taking his own course, God will one day meet him as his enemy. Notice, lastly, the terrible character given of Ahab, and the doom pronounced. He had sold himself to work evil. What a terrible state! He had given himself over to the wicked one. He was no longer his own master. He was a poor slave in the hands of another, who was using him for his own purposes. What a terrible picture of the slavery, of the hard service which the devil exacts of all his victims ! The doom was utter extirpation of the whole house of Ahab. The memory of the wicked shall rot. He that, being often reproved, hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. Memory Exercise-Shorter Catechism 59.-1 Timothy vi. 10. Subject to be Proved-Thou shalt not Covet. Golden Text--"For the love of money is the root of all evil; which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."-1 Timothy vi. 10. The NOTES. -The love of money-i. e., covetousness-is the fruitful source from which evil springs. Whenever it gets a root in the heart it chokes every good and generous feeling, withers up the heart, and renders it hard and selfish. apostle shews some of its effects in our text. He speaks of some who, through this love of money, had actually erred from the faith-had made gold their god. But their enjoyment was brief. Covetousness brings its punishment along with it. Ahab found this. Lot found this. Demas found this. Lesson 268.-February 19. THE CHARIOT OF FIRE.-2 Kings ii. 1-13. There were schools of the prophets at Gilgal, Bethel, and Jericho. Elijah was paying them a farewell visit, doubtless giving them his parting instructions. Elisha accompanied. There was evidently an impression abroad that Elijah was near his end. What that end was to be was not known. The sons of the prophets at Bethel and at Jericho-i. e., the students in the prophetical schools of these towns-were aware that Elijah was to be taken away, as we see from their question to Elisha. He was equally aware of it, as we see from his answer. His answer was intended as a rebuke. They seem to have prided themselves on their knowledge, and Elisha rebuked them for this. Like the Corinthians, they were vain of their prophetical gifts; and to be vain of any spiritual gift is dangerous. It is the way to have it removed. Every good gift comes from God, and He would have us be humble in the enjoyment of it. Elisha had this gift of prophecy as well as they. He knew what was to happen as well as they, but he makes no boast of it; and when the sons of the prophets ask him if he knows that the Lord is to remove Elijah, he answers them sharply by telling them to hold their peace. The higher a man's gifts are, the more humble he ought to be, and the less anxious to make a display of them. The young-all learners especially-should carefully avoid shewing off their attainments to those who are older and wiser than themselves. Elijah was anxious apparently to get away from Elisha. At Gilgal, at Bethel, at Jericho, he asked Elisha to leave him. This was, no doubt, meant to test Elisha. He wished to ascertain whether he would cleave to him to the end. In each case Elisha refuses to go, and he appeals to God as a witness of his sincerity. We notice also that Elijah does not insist on his leaving-he simply requests it; and we may be sure the refusal of Elisha must have been grateful to Elijah. He was now an old man-Gehazi had forsaken him, through his love of money-Israel was following its idolatrous course, and the old man needed sympathy. This Elisha gives him-true faithful service and loving sympathy. We should never forsake our friends when they are old. We should serve them still; and, perhaps, like Elisha, we shall, by so doing, obtain higher blessings than we dream of. When Elijah saw that Elisha would not leave him, he forbore asking, and so the two came together to Jordan. How were they to cross? Elijah soon solved the difficulty. With his mantle he smote the waters, and they were at once divided. So Elisha, by his steadfastness to his master, gets a glimpse of the power of faith. He would not have seen this great miracle if he had gone back when first asked. Look at verse 14, and see how quickly Elisha learnt the lesson thus taught him. He sees that faith can accomplish wonders; and so he goes back to his work when Elijah leaves him, and becomes, next to Moses, the greatest miracle worker in the Old Testament. So is it now. It is by following on that we come to know the Lord. The more closely that we follow Him the more shall we see of His power and of His glory; and the more we see of His power, the more will we be strengthened to work for Him, as Elisha did. But Elisha got a greater blessing still. Elijah, approving of his fidelity, bids him ask what he would do for him. Elijah was a man of fervent prayer, and he had already often prevailed with God; and so he wishes now to confer some signal blessing on Elisha. Note Elisha's request. It was a great one, though a humble one. Like He does not ask power, wealth, or influence, but a double portion of Elijah's spirit. Elijah was not displeased, although he knew the request was great. God, Elijah liked a great asker. God never complains that we ask too much. His command is, "Open thy mouth wide." He gives largely, and He likes us to ask largely. Notice the condition on which the request was to be granted, and in verse 14 that the condition was fulfilled. As the two moved on there appeared a chariot of fire and horses of fire, and Elijah was taken up to heaven. This servant of God did not taste death. Doubtless he was changed, (1 Cor. xv. 51,) and so made fit for that glory which he henceforward inherited, (Luke ix. 30, 31.) Notice here the third great privilege Elisha enjoyed. He saw his master actually ascending. How this must have strengthened his faith in that unseen world which he was to proclaim to his countrymen, and convince him that he was proclaiming no cunningly devised fable. Elijah's translation is to us also a clear proof of a future state. Hundreds of years after, this same Elijah again appeared upon this earth. If we follow in his footsteps, we also shall one day inherit the same glory. Memory Exercise-Shorter Catechism 60.-John xiv. 2. Subject to be proved-There is a Heaven. Golden Text-"In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you."-John xiv. 2. This verse gives even NOTES.-We have more light than God's ancient Church. a child a revelation that was but dimly perceived by Israel. visibly up to heaven, and doubtless his faith in the unseen was thereby strengthened. But in our text we have the testimony of One who came down from heaven, who had been behind the veil. And He assures us that there is a house of many mansions beyond this world. He has brought immortality to light, and given us the clearest proof that there is a heaven. And more, He tells us that He is now |