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by works we are saved, or have we another gospel introduced? Who has the right to challenge Christ's prerogative of mercy? Was ever faith like this of the thief? It looks as if the brightest crown had been reserved for the Saviour's head at His darkest moment; a song in the night to cheer His Spirit in the midnight gloom; a grand assertion of His power to save in the extremity of His weakness."

The reference to Moses saying "To-day" is curious argument, for seldom does he use the words. (See Exod. ii. 18; xiv. 13; Lev. ix. 4.) Let B. E. tell us which command was not to be obeyed on the day spoken, but was to be delayed thousands of years.

The quotations in my former paper need no defence. B. E. fights shy of their arguments, and I am not surprised. They are the arguments of men, mighty in the Scriptures. Readers will appreciate their worth.

B. E. says, "I do not intend to allow M. W. to mix up interchangeably the words 'soul and spirit.'" Very well. He had better give me an explanation of man, and define his terms. I gave him scope enough, and told him to use the word spirit instead of soul. But let me tell B. E., in using the words soul and spirit as synonymous, I am in good company. Maimonides warns his readers on the folly of using the Hebrew words in any other way. Let us see how the case stands. 1 Kings xvii. 22: "And the soul of the child came into him again." Luke viii. 55: "And her spirit came again." Show me the difference in these cases. In the first the soul came again. Where had it gone, and where did it come from? 2. The spirit came again, the same process with the same result. How often the one word is put for the whole man. 1 Peter iii. 20: "Eight souls were

saved." Acts ii. 41: "Three thousand souls were added." 1 John iv. 1: "Try the spirits." Now that it is thus applied to the whole person, or to the separate existence of the spirit, is seen from 1 Peter iii. 9. If Noah preached to them in person, then spirit means the whole man; if they are now in prison, then there is a separate state of existence; if a man lose his soul does he save his spirit? Why waste words on mere logomachy? The real question is, Does man, body, soul, and spirit, go to the grave, or does his spirit go to the unseen world, or where? As expressed in Ecclesiastes iii. 21, "Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth." Why the difference? I believe the spirit goes to God (Eccles. xii. 7) and to Jesus (Acts vii. 59).—MASON WATSON.

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The Sunday School.

INTERNATIONAL LESSONS:-NOTES.

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Dec. 23.-PAUL'S LAST WORDS.-2 Tim. iv. 1-18. The value of a man's words is in proportion to his character and position. Let our last words be as the "Amen "" to a life-long prayer. "Charge thee," 1. Solemnly admonish. Therefore." For reasons assigned in previous chapter. "Quick." The living at His reappearing. (Acts x. 42; 1 Thess. iv. 17.) Kingdom.' The final manifestation of that kingdom which was set up on the Day of Pentecost. "Preach the Word," 2. Gospel. (Mark xvi. 15; Rom. i. 16.) We must preach while we can, and then urge others to continue the work. (2 Tim. ii. 2.) "Be instant," etc. Always ready to embrace or make opportunities. This requires a soul fired by the work. (1 Cor. ii. 2.) "Reprove." Convince. (John xvi. 8. See marg.; 2 Tim. iii. 16.) There must first be an acquaintance with Scripture. buke." Those who sin against light and knowledge merit chastisement, but this must always be done lovingly and solemnly. "The time will come," 3. A prediction of the falling away of brethren from Apostolic teaching. "Lusts." Sinful desires. "Heap." Multiply. "Having itching ears." Not the teachers but the fallen. "Turn away." When a man gets wrong inwardly everything is changed. He may suffer a general reference to wrong-doing, but a "direct application" becomes offensive. "Watch thou," 5. (1 Cor. xvi. 13.) Always vigilant, with a keen vision for anything concerning the truth. "Work of an Evangelist," i.e.: Preach the Wordplant churches-superintend them till the appointment of elders, then do the same elsewhere. "Ready to be offered," 6. An allusion to the heathen custom of pouring wine and oil on the head of victims about to be offered in sacrifice. The Apostle having finished his work was ready to die. "Time of my departure." Gr. Dissolution. "Fought a good fight," 7. Christianity is a system of peace, but note its military aspect. (Eph. vi. 11-17; 1 Tim. i. 18; 1 Tim. vi. 12.) This is the "Holy War." My course." The space allotted for the race of life. (Heb. xii. 1.) Note the accomplishment of the Apostle's desire. (Acts xx. 24.) Kept the faith." Been faithful to Him who called him. "Henceforth," 8, or, As to the rest, viz., the reward. "Crown." Wreaths of "parsley, myrtle or olive" were given to the successful competitor, in the Grecian games. Note the work, the reward, the giver, the time. "That day (ch. i. 12, 18; 2 Thess. i. 10.) "Not to me only." Not a crown for one victor only, as in earthly contests. (1 Cor. ix. 24.) The prize is accessible to all. Note the universality of salvation for the faithful. "Demas," 10. (Col. iv. 14; Phil. 24; 1 John ii. 15.) "Forsaken me." The hour of persecution and danger tests the Christian's faith, and reveals false estimates of ourselves. (Mark xiv. 29, 31, 50.) As the master, so the servant. (Matt. x. 24.) "Mark," 11. (Acts xv. 37.) Note the alienation and reconciliation. (Acts xv. 39.) "The cloak," 13. One of the "little things of Scripture," but a great matter to a man in the cold cells of a prison. "Parchments." Dressed skins, used for writing before the discovery of paper

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making. Alexander," 14. Probably the person named 1 Tim. i. 20. "Lord reward him," etc. Not an expression of desire for revenge, but a yielding of his defence to God. (Rom. xii. 19.) "Withstood our words," 15. It sometimes happens that a member who has been the subject of church discipline will do "much evil" against persons and principles. (1 Tim. i. 20.) "First answer," 16. Gr. apology, or defence. "Lord stood by me," 17. Contrast the faithfulness of God with the frailty of man. "Mouth

of the lion." Referring to the Emperor Nero, or to the lions by which many Christians were killed in the Roman Amphitheatre. Mark the confidence of the Apostle.

QUESTIONS.-1. To whom is Paul writing? 2. For what purpose did Paul write to Timothy? 3. Name some of the instructions given. 4. Why was it specially necessary that Timothy should be vigilant? 5. What particular work was Timothy to do? 6. Repeat Paul's words respecting his departure. 7. What was in reserve for Paul? 8. Name three things that Paul wanted Timothy to take. 9. For what purpose did the Lord stand by Paul? 10. What was his view as to the future?

Dec. 30.-REVIEW OF THE QUARTER'S LESSONS. Biography is an interesting and instructive study. The lives of bad men teach us what to shun-of good men what to imitate. We have had before us part of the life of one of the greatest and most influential of men. Dwell upon the power of influence, good and bad, and how we are affected by that of Paul. Perhaps of mere physical suffering and temporal vicissitudes, no man-not even the Saviour himself-experienced more than Paul. His whole history, from the commencement of our lessons to their close, is marked by difficulty, anxiety, danger, and suffering, and yet a golden thread of holy joy runs throughout them all. Refer to Cesarea, mark the discouragement encountered, the danger foretold, and his absolute consecration to the Lord Jesus. To Jerusalem, and the expediency adopted in order to conciliate the elders. Show when concessions are wrong. Mark the danger that threatened him here -dwell upon dangers which have threatened the followers of Christ. Note the noble defence, the unjust punishment endured, and the patient resignation manifested-his examination before the Sanhedrim, when the hypocritical High Priest commanded him to be smitten. Inculcate the duty of cultivating patience under oppression, instancing the Redeemer as our model, Paul as an example. Show that the truth may penetrate and alarm the guilty conscience, and yet be resisted, and how the love of money will pervert the course of justice, and that convenient seasons may never come. Employ the case of Agrippa to show the importance of deciding for Christ when influenced by the truth-favourable impressions resisted may never return. Show how a person almost saved is not saved at all, and if finally lost, eternally lost. The light of the gospel shone across the path of Paul's judges-it was disregarded-it may never have appeared to them again; rejected opportunities may never be repeated. God causes the truth to be presented, but does not compel its acceptance. Note the sustaining grace of God amid perils by sea, as illustrated by Paul in the storm. The water is in His hand, and so is the Christian; he may sink beneath the wave, but not beneath the

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Hand. This inspires confidence and makes a man brave. God's faithfulness, illustrated by the deliverance from the storm. Events may seem to obstruct the fulfilment of His word, but He will bring it to pass in His own way. Show how the Saviour's promise of preservation was fulfilled in the viper rendered inocuous. Paul's arrival at Rome may teach us that God sometimes grants our desires, but not in the way nor at the time we may wish. Note the singleness of purpose of the Apostle, and how his preaching and teaching were made to prove the Messiahship of Jesus, and the truth concerning the resurrection. Note his unfaltering confidence in God-how he attributed his deliverances to Him and His assurance of future protection. With life's work done, dwell upon the blessedness of preparedness to depart.

QUESTIONS.-1. What may we learn from biography? 2. What specially marked the closing days of Paul's life? 3. What marked his appearance at Cesarea? 4. What was Paul required to do at Jerusalem? 5. What special dangers threatened Paul at Jerusalem? 6. Who were Paul's Judges? 7. Repeat a remarkable saying by each of them? 8. What was the special subject of Paul's preaching? 9. How was Paul enabled to bear all his troubles? 10. What is your opinion of the Apostle Paul?

DISTRICT CONFERENCE.

THE third half-yearly meeting of the Edinburgh and Glasgow District Conference of Sunday School Teachers took place in Roxburgh Place Chapel, Edinburgh, on Saturday afternoon, the 24th ult., John Brown, of Crofthead School, presiding.

Representatives were present from Boness, Crofthead, Dalkeith, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Pathhead. The reports were of a very cheering character, showing steady advancement and greater anxiety on the part of the teachers to make this portion of the Lord's work as efficient as possible. The reports from Bands of Hope were also encouraging.

Two excellent and practical papers were read, one on "The Relation of Teachers to Superintendents," by Miss Linn, of Glasgow; the other by James Nimmo, Edinburgh, on "Bands of Hope." Both papers were highly commended.

The conference strongly recommended "That the schools in the district give a hearty support to the new issue of the Sunbeam, by enlarging as far as possible its circulation."

It was also recommended "That Bands of Hope be formed wherever practicable."

Altogether the meeting may be said to have been a success, and proved the usefulness of such gatherings together of kindred spirits to talk of things which concern the present and future happiness of the young of our land and the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom.

R. T., Jun., Secretary.

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Intelligence of Churches, etc.

BUNINYONG (Australia).-On the 26th of July the church held a tea and public meeting. Though great numbers have left the district since the cause of primitive Christianity was first planted here, yet about hundred people sat down to a substantial tea, got up by the sisters of the church in a manner worthy of all credit. All around and over the platform was decorated with evergreens, and the motto"The Church"-was wrought in tissue paper flowers and placed over the platform in letters so large and distinct that it was a conspicuous object. Edwin Fisher from Cardigan occupied the chair, who, after prayer and a hymn, delivered an appropriate address, in which he said that great praise was due to the brethren in clearing the debt off the chapel which had cost about £300. It was a very great effort for them (having been left so few in number, by removals,) to clear and make the chapel their own in about four years, without asking a penny from the world or from any non-member. There was a principle at stake. They as a people took from none but those who professed to be followers of Jesus. Like the first Christians they called upon others to give themselves to the Lord, and then their means to the Lord's cause. The motto of the evening's addresses was "The Church," not merely as met there, but as found in the New Testarment. That was what they had to deal with. All that pertained to the Church of Christ was so plain and simple that any ordinary person who could read the New Testament could understand it. The Apostles left the church with clear instruction for all time; none must alter or add to it. J. J. R.

SANDHURST (Australia).—The following letter is so praiseworthy and full of interest to believers in Christ everywhere, that though private, we have solicited permission to publish it. The purpose it presents is one of the most glorious for man under the sun. May others imitate the noble example it sets forth. Dear Brother Hamill,-You will perhaps be a little suprised to hear that in a few weeks I shall be out of business and devoting my time principally to the Master's work. In 1870 I formed a purpose, that if possible, I would endeavour to secure sufficient to provide the necessary wants of myself and family; and then give myself wholly to the work of the Master. But lest my object should never be attained, my prospects at that time being entirely adverse, I determined to do all I could in the meantime. This I have done. And with a grateful heart to Him who chooses the weak things of the world, to promote and work out His glorious purpose of saving men, I took my fiftieth confession (since coming to Sandhurst) a few evenings ago. I rejoice also to know that others are enquiring the way of the Lord, whom I hope soon to see following the Master fully. God has been pleased to bless me in my business engagements so far that I think, with economy and careful investment, I can provide for things necessary without occupying my mind very much with temporal affairs. After careful and prayerful consideration, I have resolved to give up my business; and have already invested that which God has committed to my charge, in what I deem to be the safest way to attain the end desired.

I trust I have the Father's guidance, and I desire in all my ways to "acknowledge Him, that He may direct my paths." Whether I shall be able to do more in the Master's vineyard than I have done in the past remains to be seen. Some say Yea; others Nay. One thing is certain, for that I must soon have made some change, indications of failing strength warned me that I must give up something; and as I could not find it in my heart to give up preaching, while souls are perishing, I resolved to accept what my Heavenly Father has given me, and be content therewith, leaving the issues with Him who knows the end from the beginning. The church in Sandhurst is prospering; but a number of our most energetic and self-sacrificing labourers are leaving us in consequence of dull times. We shall miss them much, but are sure of this, that where they are going there is plenty of work to do, and that they are the men to do it. I want to help some of our back country churches a little who are unable to sustain labourers. But I cannot leave here for long at a time, till other brethren step into the places of those we are losing. I trust the good work is moving on with you, and that many are yielding to the claims of the Gospel. I have not time to write more at present, and must close. Remaining yours, truly in Christ Jesus, Sandhurst, Australia. F. ILLINGWORTH.

CHRIST CHURCH (New Zealand), September 2nd, 1877. Since my last report from here the church has been increased by ten additions. Eight of these were by baptism, one from the Free Methodists, but a baptized believer, and one by letter of commendation. The church here is likely to do well during the coming summer. We are having some delightful cottage meetings and Bible classes.

THOS. H. BATES. DUNFERMLINE.-We have recently held our first Anniversary Soiree or Tea Meeting. It was the parish "Fast Day," Nov. 22, and some seventy sat down to tea. Brethren and sisters were present from Edinburgh, Kirkcaldy, and Crossgates, who added considerably to the evening's enjoyment. From Bro. Nicol's address it appeared that the church has more than doubled itself during the first year of its existence, and now numbers seventeen members, with good prospects of still increasing. Bro. Thompson, Evangelist, presently labouring in Edinburgh, cheered us by his words. Evangelistic efforts meanwhile seem but the sowing time, yet several are not far from decision for Christ, which we hope to report by and by. Brethren, pray for us, as, since our more public efforts, we have had to battle against much opposition from sectarian camps, and also need God's grace to make us all "living epistles" of Christ known and read of those around. JOSEPH ADAM.

BOWDEN.-Since last report four have been added to the church-two by baptism, one from the Baptists, and one from a sister church. W. F.

carried, adopting rules as a basis of the associaton, appointing a deputation to represent the association at the coming district meetings, and calling another meeting for the third Wednesday in January. This

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association will be closely connected with the county association, and its future operations are looked forward to with much interest.

A YEAR ago confident expectation was expressed, that our issues for the then approaching year would not, in interest and utility, fall behind those of any previous year. Constant and careful readers will, no doubt, conclude with us, that the expectation has been realized. What awaits us in the future we know not, but certainly there is no cause to anticipate that the coming year will fail to keep before us stirring movements, in churches and denominations, calling for watchfulness and earnest defence of the faith and polity of the Church of God. More than ever will a paper such as this be needed to contend for the faith once delivered to the saints, and to plead for the old paths wherein all who take the name of the Christ should walk. We have every reason to expect that able pens will well fill our pages with a view to these requirements. Contributions, promised or expected, will no doubt equal in acceptability those of any previous volume. It has been urged that there is special need for an exhibit of the principles and progress of, what has been called, the Reformation of the Nineteenth Century, and that with considerable advantage a series of articles, of course partly historical, might run through the coming year's issues. This we shall do our best to supply, commencing as early as possible; hoping thereby to call, to the principles thus set forth, the attention of many who have not been looking in that direction and to promote a careful retesting of the same, for the advantage of many in our own ranks, particularly the younger members.

It was intimated last year that a comparatively small increase in our circulation would secure to the readers more than all the advantage derived therefrom, in the shape of additional four pages without increase of cost. We regret to say that the required condition was not realized, the circulation of the previous year not being quite equalled. When enlargement was proposed the "small increase" was, in our mind, fixed at 500 additional permanent subscribers. We still put it thus, and repeat the proposal. We desire it solely for the advantage of the reader, as, pecuniarily, it is to our interest to continue as at present, as the enlargement will cost, each issue, including extra postage (which we pay), far more than the additional copies will produce. It is not intended to urge this matter in succeeding numbers: so soon as the required increase is realized the enlargement will take place. It would be better at the commencement of the year, but perhaps that is too close upon us to admit of timely response. There is, however, no difficulty in enlarging at any time, and the additional pages can be added whenever the condition is complied with. When enlargement was proposed it was not expected that the result

would be other than it is. Our subscribers, in this country, are almost entirely found in a constituency of little over 5,000 members. The proportion of that number likely to take any publication is not larger than is necessary to support in reasonable efficiency one paper. But for several years we have had two; the one smaller in price and contents, running upon the same lines, and giving the same items of news, sometimes in the same words, a large nuinber of readers taking the one and not the other and, as is always the case, the smaller price determining many in its favour. We are quite sure that that paper was not started with even the most remote desire to injure the E. O., but the effect was not less adverse on that account. But the proposed enlargement of subscribers and pages, which last year we did not think likely to be realized, is now, by the retirement of our contemporary from the field, rendered easy, SO that the required increase might at once result from an active canvas in the churches. But for this change the proposal would not have been now referred to. Will, then, our friends, without waiting for personal requests, address themselves to this work, and report results as early as possible?

The Free Distribution has been carried on nearly to the extent of the previous year. Pleasing acknowledgments from religious teachers, who have thus been enabled to study our pages, are to hand. The committee, at an early date, will forward financial and other particulars to subscribers. Meanwhile we urge the earliest possible renewal of subscriptions for the ensuing year; as otherwise we print the early numbers at considerable venture.

A word to our Sunday School Superintendents! We shall continue Notes on the International Lessons, several competent friends taking part therein, if the schools are using, to any extent those lessons. But on that point we have some doubt. We ask, therefore, from each school the favour of a post-card, saying whether the International Lessons are used; and if yes, whether they would like four pages monthly of our Notes, for use of teachers and elder scholars, and if so the number likely to be required. We shall be able, if generally used, to send them, in good time, post-free, at very little cost.

As this writing will appear as closing the Editorial labours of another year, we express thankfulness to God on our own behalf as well as on the behalf of our contributors, subscribers and readers, for all the mercies which have followed all the days along. May we learn and teach and spread forth truth, with larger effect and better to His pleasing during the remainder of our days, whether they be few or many! And may great grace rest upon us all!