with a copy. The secretary also submitted an abstract of the finances, which was satisfactory; after which, he made the following feeling reference to the loss the school had sustained by the death of Mr. M'Intyre: "Amid all our prosperity, we have been reminded that here we have no continuing city.' Our family One of our

various parts was most creditable, and at once bespoke careful training. Mr. Robert Smellie, A. C., Glasgow, wielded the baton; whilst Mr. Robt. Paterson, head-master of John Street New Public School, effectively read the narrative; Mr. R. H. Robertson presided at the harmonium.-The Annual Meeting of this Union was held in the Lesser Town Hall, on circle has been broken. Wednesday, 28th March. Mr. J. fellow-teachers (the late Mr. Colin Thomson presided, and addressed M'Intyre) has been removed from our the meeting, followed by the Rev. midst by death. For 24 years he John M'Neil, Rev. W. F. Steven- laboured earnestly and faithfully as son; Messrs. Matthew D. Brown, a Sabbath school teacher beneath Rutherglen; Mr. Ingram, Burnside; this very roof. How many scholars Mr. Fife, Glasgow; and Mr. Rich- have passed under his kindly teaching mond, Burnside. On the motion of during all these years I cannot tell, Mr. S. T. Baker, the office-bearers for but we know that many young men the ensuing year were elected,-viz.: in our village, and some who have Mr. John Thomson, president; Mr. gone to distant lands, are indebted W. U. Muir, secretary; Mr. John to him for the religious instruction Somerville, treasurer; and seven directors. Encouraging reports were read by the secretary and treasurer. A choir, under the leadership of Mr. C. Ker, gave a selection of hymns and anthems.

and sound advice they received in this school. As teachers we miss him. His quiet and gentle manner endeared him to us all. But he shall be missed a thousandfold more in that quiet home-circle where he loved to dwell. His name shall not soon be forgotten in our school, for, to live as he did is to live that we shall be missed when we die." Addresses, both interesting and instructive, were delivered by the chairman and the other gentlemen on the platform. Mr. M'Callum and a select choir contributed very much to the evening's enjoyment by their excellent rendering of some choice hymns and anthems. Tea, fruit, and confections were served during the evening; and a most enjoyable meeting was brought to a close by the chairman pronounc⚫ ing the benediction.

JAMESTOWN UNION SABBATH SCHOOL.-The Annual Soiree of this school took place in the Free Church Schoolroom, at Jamestown, on Friday, the 2nd March. The Rev. Mr. Collins, Bonhill, occupied the chair, and was supported on the platform by the Rev. Messrs. Colvin, Renton; Sutherland, Alexandria; Naismith, Jamestown; Mr. M'Callum, superintendent; and Mr. Ferguson, one of the teachers. From the report submitted by the secretary, Mr. C. M'Gregor, jun., this school appears to maintain its high character for efficiency-the number at present on roll being 133, with an GOVAN SABBATH SCHOOL UNION.average attendance of 110. The The Annual General Meeting of this teaching staff numbers 17, in- Union was held on 20th March, when cluding the superintendent. The Mr. M. Paterson, president, occupied library contains 300 volumes; about the chair. After tea, the chairman 70 new volumes were added during delivered an earnest address, princithe year, principally to fill up the pally directed to the teachers; and places of old worn-out volumes. The the annual reports were submitted. catalogue had been re-arranged, and Excellent and effective addresses were every teacher and scholar supplied | likewise given by Rev. Mr. Hender

son, Mr. Thomas Wilson, Rev. Mr. UNION.-The first Annual Meeting Connell, and Rev. Mr. M'Pherson. of this Union was held on Thursday, The proceedings were varied by some the 29th March-the Rev. William excellent singing by a choir, led by Simpson presided, and was accomMr. R. L. M'Mutrie. At the close, panied to the platform by the Rev. cordial votes of thanks were awarded Messrs. Allison, Colvin, and Brown; to the chairman, speakers, and the and Mr. A. A. Haddin, as reprechoir.-The Directors of this Union sentative from the Glasgow Union. met on Monday, 26th March-present After tea, the chairman having ex14—Mr. M. Paterson, presiding. The pressed his pleasure at seeing such a Union's Quarterly Prayer Meeting large attendance of the teachers of was reported to have been held on the 11th February; there had been an attendance of 41 teachers. It was arranged that a tea meeting of superintendents and representatives should be held on 23rd April, to further the work of the Union.

the district, called upon Mr. Lochhead, the secretary, to read the Annual Report, and Mr. James P. Glen to submit the Financial Statement; after which they were moved, seconded, and adopted. The meeting was then addressed by Mr. CAMBUSLANG SABBATH SCHOOL Haddin, and, thereafter, by the Rev. UNION. The Annual Business Meet- Messrs. Simpson and Colvin. The ing of this Union was held in the office-bearers elected for the current Hall of the Free Church, on Tuesday, year are:-president, Mr. Malcolm 27th March, 1883-Robt. Baird, Esq., M'Lean; vice-president, Mr. W. president of the Union, occupied the Kinloch; secretary, Mr. W. Lochchair. There were about 60 teachers head; treasurer, Mr. James P. Glen; and friends present. After tea, apolo- directors, Messrs. P. Ewing, Thomas gies were read from Rev. Mr. Cowan, Gray, Joseph M'Callum, Donald Hallside, and Mr. James Richmond M'Leod, John Neill, and John Stirof the Glasgow Union. The annual ling. From the report read we learn report shewed the schools in the that the Union consists of 15 AsUnion were prosecuting the good work with vigour, there being a substantial increase of scholars and teachers during the year, as will be seen from the Statistical Report published by the Glasgow Sabbath School Union. The chairman gave an interesting address on "Loyalty to the Great Master," which was much appreciated. Thereafter, a conversation took place on "Music in the Sabbath School."-The Quarterly Business Meeting of this Union was held on Monday evening, 2nd April. The principal business was the election of office-bearers for next year,-viz.: president, Robert Paterson, Esq.; vice-president, Mr. Thomas Black; secretary, Mr. Murdoch Morrison; treasurer, Mr. Hugh M'Farlane. Sub-committees were elected on Finance, Public Meetings, and Visitation of Schools.

VALE OF LEVEN SABBATH SCHOOL

sociations, with 267 teachers; 2,655 scholars on roll, with an average attendance of 2,052; 451 scholars are above 15 years of age; 79 scholars had joined the Church, and 22 had become teachers during the year. £56 18s. 1d. had been collected for missions. The Visiting Committee had visited all the schools in the district. Three Lectures had been delivered on subjects relating to Sabbath school work, to an audience averaging 250. The directors had arranged for a Competitive Examination in singing, amongst the different schools; and the competition would take place in the Public Hall, Alexandria, on Saturday, 21st April.

POLLOKSHAWS AND THORNLIEBANK SABBATH SCHOOL UNION.—The third Annual Meeting of this Union was held on Thursday, 22nd February— Mr. John Hall, president, in the chair. After tea, addresses were de

livered by the chairman, Mr. Pater- NATIONAL BIBLE SOCIETY OF SCOTson, vice-president, Mr. Drysdale, LAND.-At the Twenty-second AnMr. Somerville, and Mr. M'Adam. nual Meeting of this Society, it was The secretary's report shewed in con- reported that it had circulated during nection with the Union 998 male and the previous year 481,166 Bibles, 1,044 female scholars,—total, 2,042; Testaments, and Portions, the largest the average attendance, 1,789-being number which this Society has ever an increase of 161. The sum col- hitherto attained. During the year lected during the year for missions it had been the means of distributing and benevolent purposes was £59 3s. Bibles in fifteen countries in Europe, 71d., but one school had not reported. seven countries in Asia, in four -The directors met on Friday, 9th regions of Africa, in three regions of March-Mr. John Hall in the chair. South America, and in seven British The following were elected office- Colonies and Dependencies, not to bearers for the ensuing year :-presi- speak of the United Kingdom of dent, Mr. John Hall; vice-president, Great Britain and Ireland. The Mr. James Macdougall; secretary, Society is emphatically a great misMr. Hugh Young; treasurer, Mr. sionary enterprise; and though its Hugh M'Caig; delegates to Glasgow Union, Messrs. James Maxton and James Macdougall. Final arrangements were made for the Musical Festival, which, it was agreed, should take place on Thursday, 12th April.

income in 1882 was £31,461 17s. Sd., its efficiency and usefulness might be greatly promoted by increased liberality. In collecting for missions, every Sabbath school should remember its claim for support.

Notes on the Union's Lesson Scheme for 1883.

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

Lesson 19.-May 13.

LOT'S CHOICE.-Genesis xiii.

I. The Occasion, (ver. 1-4.)—Abram had been in Egypt on account of a famine. Lot had been with him. They now return and come to Bethel, the same place where he had halted on his way south, (xii. 8,) and where he had built an altar to God, and had called on the name of the Lord. He again worships God. Notice how Abram makes every spot holy. Bethel means House of God. The house of God is everywhere. Wherever we call on God, there is the house of God. But the Church is especially the house of God. We go there purposely to call upon the name of the Lord. See how Abram loved to come back to the spot where he had had communion with God. So should we: we should love God's house. See how David loved God's house, (Psalm lxxxiv. 1, 2.)

"I have been there, and still would go,

'Tis like a little heaven below.'

II. The Cause, (ver. 5-7.)—Abram had much cattle, (ver. 2;) so, also, had Lot. The district was confined, pasture was scarce, and the herdsmen of Abram and Lot were coming into collision. The land, we are told, was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together, and there was strife between the herdsmen. Strife was bad in itself, but it was especially dangerous in this case, for the old nations were still in the land. They would bear no goodwill to Abram, and would be ready to take any advantage over him. Besides, the example of

the strife was bad. Abram was the friend of God. He was indeed the Church. The natives were the world. And so this strife would harden them in their own wickedness. These men quarrel as well as we, and are no better than ourselves. God's name was thus blasphemed. Let us take care lest our conduct makes others blaspheme, (Heb. xii. 15.)

See how

III. The Separation, (ver. 8-13.)-Abram was a man of peace, and he would do anything, not sinful, to obtain peace. He might have chosen first. He was entitled to this. But he was not selfish. He was not always looking on his own things; he had a regard to the things of others, (Phil. ii. 4, 5.) beautifully this disinterestedness comes out! (ver. 9.) He will allow Lot to go wherever he likes. Try and learn this spirit. It was the very spirit of Jesus. If He had thought on His own things, where would we have been? But He had thoughts of love for us; and to carry out this love for our salvation He left His home in heaven, and came to this world, and died. What self-denial is here! Let us try and get some of it in little things as well as in great. It is self-denial to come from play to go an errand when mother bids; it is self-denial to keep an orange for a sick sister. Children may shew this spirit as well as men, and especially may they shew it in avoiding strife. It always takes two to make a quarrel. A soft answer turneth away wrath; and a boy who, when tempted to quarrel, gives this soft answer, is exhibiting the very spirit of Abram. Illustrate this point by one or two anecdotes. Notice now the choice. From Bethel the whole plain of Sodom_was clearly seen. At that time it was rich, fertile, and well-watered-rich as Egypt when the Nile has overflown its banks. And so Lot made choice of this. Now, observe that Lot did not return Abram's generosity; he did not say, "I shall allow you to choose first." Lot was selfish and greedy, and so he grasped at Abram's offer. But observe further, that he made choice of a place where the people were sinners exceedingly. This was very wrong. Lot was a good man, he was a righteous man, (2 Peter ii. 7, 8,) and he thought that he would suffer no evil by going among these wicked men. But one cannot touch pitch without being defiled. Dearly did Lot pay for his greed. He lost everything he had, and escaped from Sodom simply with the clothes he had on. So ever with greed. It overreaches itself. So if we go into temptation, we may expect to suffer for it. If we put our hand in the fire, God will not work a miracle to keep it from burning. Read Psalm i., and learn wherein blessedness consists. Seek this blessedness. Avoid the company of the bad.

IV. The Reward, (ver. 14-18.)-Blessed are the peacemakers, (Matt. v. 9,) and Abram gets that blessing. God anew gives him, in promise, the whole land. So always, if we give up anything for God, He can make it up to us, and will make it up. Give up temper for God's sake, and He will give us peace with ourselves and others. To him that smites the one cheek turn the other; and God makes it up by giving you the victory over him, much more than if you had turned and knocked him down. THE MEEK SHALL INHERIT THE EARTH.

Memory Exercise-Shorter Catechism 19.-Genesis xiii. 11, 13.

Subject to be proved-We should be Peacemakers.

Golden Text-"Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east and they separated themselves the one from the other.... But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the Lord exceedingly.”— Genesis xiii. 11, 13.

NOTES. A turning point in Lot's life. He had to make a choice-he was, as it were, at the dividing of the ways, and his whole future life will depend on the road he takes. All have so sometime to make a choice. "Choose ye this day whom ye will serve." What guided Lot in his choice ?-Covetousness, which is idolatry. Whom did he choose to live among ?-The wicked-sinners exceedingly. Note, he was not led into, he went into temptation. What was the result? Tell the story of his loss of everything. So Lot made a poor bargain.

Lesson 20.-May 20.

ABRAHAM'S VISITORS.-Genesis xviii. 1-15.

I. The Invitation, (ver. 1-5.)-Note the picture. It is in Mamre, and the heat of the day. Abraham is sitting in his tent door, under the shade of the grove of trees. He saw three men standing by him. They were entire strangers to him; he had never seen them before. But hospitality was a prime virtue in these olden times. So Abraham at once runs to meet them. Note his politeness. "He bowed himself to the ground before them." True religion promotes politeness. He addresses them courteously. He calls him who seems to be chief, "My Lord." He did not know them; but that would not make him treat them rudely. Notice what he offers them: water for their feet. This was always the first thing offered to a traveller on his arrival in any house. Explain why. No shoes worn, but simply sandals covering the soles of the feet. In that hot and dusty climate, water for the feet was a great luxury. Compare Luke vii. 44. Then he offers them rest,-rest under the tree, shelter from the burning sun, another great luxury in that country. And, lastly, he offers them food. Mark his modesty-"I will fetch a morsel of bread." The invitation was, accordingly, gladly accepted. Learn the lesson of being mindful to entertain strangers, and of being kind to them. When God wished to impress this duty upon the Israelites, he used the touching argument-" Ye know the heart of a stranger, for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt." One of the things which characterized the righteous in the parable was, that when Jesus was a stranger they took Him in, (Matt. xxv. 35.)

II. The Entertainment, (ver. 6-8.)—Goover the details, and see how much better was the performance than the promise. Abraham had promised a morsel of bread. He gives bread which Sarah's own hands prepared. He gives flesh which he himself selects. And, observe, he does not give his worst, but his best. He chose a calf tender and good. It is a little touch, but it gives a graphic picture of the generosity of the old man. He brings forth also butter and milk. These three-bread, flesh, butter and milk-were, and still are, the great staple commodities of Eastern countries; so that Abraham was a cheerful giver. God had been good to him, since He called him, a stranger, in Urr of the Chaldees. He will shew his gratitude by shewing kindness to those strangers whom God's providence throws in his way. Then mark his respectful attitude. He stood by them under the tree. He would not sit. He would take upon him the position of a servant. He humbled himself; and in every case of true humility, honour is sure to follow. So was it with Abraham.

III. The Reward.-Read Hebrews xiii. 2, which evidently refers to such an incident as that recorded in our lesson. Abraham entertained these men simply as strangers, but he was really entertaining angels-nay, he was entertaining the Lord himself. For compare verses 17, 20, 22, and chap. xix. 1, and it will be seen that one of the men was the Lord-the Angel of the Covenant-and that the other two were angels. So Abraham had his reward. He had entertained the Lord of glory-God manifest in the flesh. Here was an honour which far more than repaid him for his kindness and his humility. But this honour may be shared by all. Christ stands at the door and knocks, and if any man will hear His voice, and open the door, He will come into him and sup with him, (Rev. iii. 20.)

Memory Exercise-Shorter Catechism 20.-Hebrews xiii. 2.

Subject to be proved-We should be Kind to Strangers.

Golden Text-"Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."-Hebrews Kiii. 2.

The Notes on the Lesson have fully explained this text. Nothing more need be added.