Societies of Scotland have, at the committee's request, adopted the scheme; and it is expected that in this way a love for the reading of the Bible will be promoted throughout the country. The committee recommended Sabbath school societies to consider the desirability of introducing the card in their respective schools. It was suggested that teachers should go step-by-step with their scholars, and encourage them in their reading, so that the young people would be more likely to persevere. These cards can be obtained at the Union's Rooms, at 10d. per 100 or 7s. 6d. per 1000, postage extra. Smaller quantities may be supplied. The committee's report was unanimously and cordially approved of.

ing supplementary rules, with refer- | For 1885 the committee have adopted, ence to the examinations, were with permission, the list published agreed to :-(1) That, in the event of by the London Special Service two or more candidates being equally Mission. The principal Unions and entitled, in respect of marks gained, Working Boys and Girls Religious to the same prize for the best written paper, the prize shall be equally divided among them. (2) That, in the event of any candidate gaining, in respect of marks, two or more of the prizes offered in different branches of study, he or she shall be entitled to only one, to be left to his or her own selection-the next in the order of merit to be entitled to the prize in the other subject or subjects. (3) That, instead of one prize to the writers of the best papers in each of the three subjects, there shall be a first, second, and third prize in each branch. It was reported that, in accordance with the decision of the last meeting of the Union, a circular had been sent to each of the district Unions, asking them to bring under the notice of the schools in their respective bounds the increasing tramway traffic on the Lord's day, and to request the superintendents and teachers to use their influence to discountenance this and other forms of the violation of the sanctity of the Sabbath. The joint Evangelistic committee reported with reference to the special meetings which had recently been conducted by the members in Glasgow and in various neighbouring towns. The "Pilgrim's E. U. Church, on Sabbath evening, Progress," illustrated by lime-light views, was the subject of address at the various meetings. The truths of the Gospel were thus brought before the young in a direct and interesting manner, and the committee were constantly encouraged in the work by tokens of the Divine blessing. With the view of inducing the systematic reading of the Word of God by the young people of our Sabbath schools and other religious meetings, the committee have, for the past two years, issued a Daily Bible Reading Card, containing passages of Scripture specially selected for the young.

MIDDLE DISTRICT SABBATH SCHOOL UNION.-This Union met on 14th October, John Morison, Esq., president, presiding. It was stated that the preparatory classes for teachers had been commenced, and that the success attendant upon the opening night was very encouraging, over one hundred teachers being present. The annual sermon would be preached by Dr. F. Ferguson, of Montrose Street

the 16th November. Mr. Agnew and Mr. Coats, two of the delegates to the Annual Convention of Teachers held at Kirkcaldy, gave some interesting remarks regarding the meetings, stating that they had derived much profit by their attendance, and that they had been most hospitably treated.

SOUTHERN DISTRICT SABBATH SCHOOL UNION.-This Union met on Monday, 3rd November. Mr. R. B. Smith, president, occupied the chair, and twenty-three representatives were present. The chairman intimated that the Model Lesson Class

off North Woodside Road, were Tea was served in an ante-room, after opened under very cheering auspices. which suitable and encouraging adThere was a large attendance. dresses were given by several of the The meeting was presided over by clergymen and friends present. The the Rev. D. P. Macpherson, B. D.; building, it may be mentioned, is and there were present-the Rev. J. both spacious and handsome. It has K. Landells, of Queen's Park Baptist been erected at a total cost of £1,850, Church; Rev. Mr. Sinclair, of Spring- of which £1,580 has already been bank U. P. Church; Rev. Mr. Kil- paid up. The large hall will accompatrick, of Raeberry Street Free modate 500 children, and the smaller Church; Jos. Coats, M.D.; Deacons hall 200. There are, in addition, Kelly, Lockhart, and Finlay; Messrs. commodious committee rooms; and Howard Bowser, J. C. Robertson, the building generally has been fitted W. D. Duncan, and other friends. up in the best style.

Notices of Books.

WOMAN'S WORK: BEING MEMORIALS
OF ELIZA FLETCHER. By Rev. C.
A. Salmond, M. A. Glasgow: J.
N. Mackinlay, 421 Sauchiehall St.
DEPRIVED early in life of both her
parents, Eliza Fletcher became one
of the protegees of the late Duchess
of Gordon. Those entrusted with
her early training found in her more
than the proverbial "aggravating
school girl" but, after a time, her
thirst for knowledge and other good
qualities won for her their admira-
tion and affection. Her love of the
beautiful in nature, her fine imagina-
tion, her aptitude as a scholar, and
her strength of will, fully accounted
for the words of encouragement of
her minister, addressed to one of her
teachers, "When the grace of God
takes hold of that pupil's heart, the
Lord will be greatly magnified
through her." Miss Fletcher's early
education, her experience of life, her
lessons and progress in the school of
trial, her serious impressions, the
surrendering of her heart to Christ,
and her determination to consecrate
herself entirely to His service, with
many other instructive features of
character, are all sketched by Mr.
Salmond in a manner which not
only reflects good taste, but a great
amount of discriminating care.
has not tried to make his book popu-
He
lar, in a certain circle, by gratifying

curiosity or conceit; and yet the biography would be incomplete without the numerous letters which form so much of the volume. His reference to Miss Fletcher's conversion, his account of her spiritual struggles, and his cautions as to how such experiences ought to be regarded, are specially interesting. The letters of the Duchess are beautiful specimens of what should, perhaps, more fre quently characterize friendly Christian correspondence. The volume is composed largely of Miss Fletcher's letters and addresses to her Bible classes. One cannot read them without a feeling of deep regret that one so devoted to the work of the Church has been taken from our midst. But we shall cherish the hope, that by means of these memorials the influence of her example and life may be even yet greatly extended and blessed.

the passages, the address is well
fitted to interest the young. It con-
sists of 24 pages, crown 8vo, with
an enamelled cover, and, although
published at 2d. for single copies, it
can be had for distribution in schools
at 8/4 per 100.

A BRIEF SKETCH OF THE LIFE AND
CHARACTER OF THE REV. JAMES
SCOTT, B.Sc., GLASGOW. By John
Burt, Glasgow. Kinross: George
Barnet, High Street.

arranging for his apprentice to prosecute his studies for the ministry, is an illustration of what employers might often do for young men in their service. This arrangement is mentioned in the most incidental manner, but it was essential to Mr. Scott's success as a student, and helped greatly in the development of those qualities which, in afterlife, enabled him to do so much amongst the poor and ignorant, and to become so useful as the secretary of the Glasgow United Evangelistic An excellent likeness

NEW YEAR HYMNS FOR 1885: By
Various Authors. Glasgow: John
M'Callum & Co.

THIS affectionate tribute to the memory of this devoted evangelist Association. has had such a wide and unexpected of Mr. Scott adds considerably to circulation that it has gone out of the value of the sketch. print, but we understand that a new edition of it is in the press, to be issued shortly. It is so brief, one cannot peruse it without feeling regret that a life so full of interest and WE have received specimens of a instructive incident has not been variety of hymns suitable for distrinarrated with greater fulness. Ex-bution amongst the young at the Bailie Burt has rendered many services to the community of Glasgow, and his being the means-under the Divine hand-of bringing Mr. Scott to the city, is not one of the least. His fatherly care of the young country lad, and his kindness in

New Year. Those published by Messrs. M'Callum & Co. are simple and original. They are printed on cardboard, and, with a nicely coloured border, they are cheap at 3/ per 100, especially when the name of the school is printed upon each.

Notes on the Union's Lesson Scheme for 1884.

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

Lesson 102.-December 14.

JESUS, THE BREAD OF LIFE.-John vi. 25-40.

These verses contain an interesting account of a meeting of anxious inquirers. On the previous day Jesus had fed a multitude of five thousand on five barley loaves and two small fishes. To-day they are distressed at His absence, and know not where to find Him. But having observed His disciples setting sail for the other side of the lake, "they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum seeking for Jesus," (ver. 24.) See the unconscious influence exerted by Christ's disciples. They simply follow their Master, and the crowd follow their example, and find Jesus. Let all who love Jesus walk in His footsteps, and some are sure to follow; for the influence of a good life is greater than the utterance of good words. Observe where they find Jesus: it was in the synagogue, (ver. 59.) It is still very often in the house of God that Christ is found of those who seek Him. But we are disappointed with these inquirers. When they find Jesus

they don't shew the anxiety we expected. They merely ask an idle question, "Rabbi, when camest thou hither?" Jesus considers such a question neither creditable to them, nor in keeping with the sanctity of the place; and, in accordance with His usual practice, takes the opportunity of turning their thoughts to what should more concern them. See how practical and direct are Christ's remarks, (ver. 26.) He frankly acknowledges them as inquirers; but, at the same time, points out to them the unworthiness of their motive. "Ye seek me, because ye did eat the loaves." They can't deny it. Can we? Has personal advantage nothing to do with our profession of Christianity, or our attendance at church? Jesus, at least, knows. But Jesus does not reject them, though He knew they had come for the "loaves." He takes those same loaves, and makes them the subject of a most instructive and useful lesson. From contemplation of the bread that perisheth, He leads them to think of the Bread of Life. And so effective is His teaching, that they all cry, "Lord, evermore give us this bread." Has that prayer ever come from any of our Sabbath scholars? If not, have we ever pointed out to them with the same loving earnestness the superiority of this bread? Look at the prominence given to labour in the conversation at this inquiry meeting. Work is the condition of life, temporal and spiritual. Man is to earn his bread by the sweat of his brow; and he is to labour (not only) for the meat which perisheth, but for that which endureth, (ver. 27.) Labour, then, is absolutely essential for both lives. Only there is this difference, that while our supply of ordinary bread is the reward of our own industry, the Bread of Life is the gift of God, (ver. 27, 32, 33.) See the gradually increasing interest the people take in Christ's discourse. Their second question shews that they now appreciate the importance of giving heed to their eternal interests. "What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?" In their present mood they would probably have consented to do anything, however great; but when Jesus tells them that their whole work is to believe on Him, (ver. 29,) they are taken aback by the very simplicity of the Gospel plan. Their case is not an uncommon one. Naaman's was somewhat similar. If the prophet had bidden him do some great thing, he would gladly have done it; but when told that he has only to dip himself in the Jordan, he is greatly staggered, and only after great persuasion is induced to comply with the request. So the people here, instead of at once doing the work of believing, demand from Christ a sign. Nor are they able to conceal the fact that they still hanker after the loaves and fishes. Their fathers, they say, were fed with manna from heaven; and they plainly suggest, that if they are to believe on Jesus, He must give them the same daily supplies. They think that those were precious times when manna was rained down from heaven. And yet the Israelites of those days spoke contemptuously of the "light bread" which they were obliged to eat. So apt are we to despise our own privileges, and magnify those of others. _Christ now tells them that the true Bread from heaven is before them; that He is himself the Bread of Life; and that all who come to Him "shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more."

This is the one idea to which all the teaching in the lesson leads us,—viz., Christ, the Bread of Life. And no fitter emblem could be found: for, (1,) Bread is the staff of life: so is He. (2,) Bread is of no use unless it is partaken of; and it is only by a living, personal interest in Christ himself, that any one is saved. (3,) Ordinary life is sustained by daily supplies; and it is only by constant communion and fellowship with Jesus that spiritual life is sustained. (4) Corn has to be bruised before it becomes bread; "He was bruised for our iniquities." (5,) Bread is the common food of all. The manna was for fathers;" but Jesus giveth life unto the world, (ver. 33.)

our

Children need bread; they get hungry oftener than grown-up people. They are made specially welcome to the Bread of Life: "Suffer little children to come unto me.

Memory Exercise-Shorter Catechism 105.-John vi. 35.

Subject to be proved-God wishes all to be Saved.