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Room" lessons.

NOTES FOR THE SUNDAY SCHOOL.

Observer, Jan. 1, '75.

To the readers of the "Ecclesiastical Observer, in this

first issue of 1875, we send forth a loving greeting, heartily wishing

them "A Happy New Year."

"These times and seasons we do truly love;

They count the miles our wandering footsteps rove
Upon the flinty road. We list-and lo!

The way is shorter than a year ago!"

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THE International Lessons for the first half of this year range from the death of Moses to the death of Samuel-about 45 years-the era of THE JUDGES. (Acts xiii. 20.)

JANUARY 3. JOSHUA ENCOURAGED.-Joshua i. 1-17. Moses had died. Israel were encamped upon the plain of Moab-the Jordan before them.-For thirty days after his death they had thus mourned and rested. (Deut. xxxiv. 8.) "The Lord spake unto Joshua." x. 1. How? Most likely directly, as to the prophets generally, yet not as to Moses. "Moses the Servant of the Lord"-in a high and special servitude. Deut. xxxiv. 5. Faithful as a servant, in all God's house. Heb. iii 5. Joshua Minister to Moses-holding high position under him. Appointed to lead the people into the land when Moses was set aside. Deut. i. 34-39. Justice and Mercy therein commingle. "Go over Jordan." How? He who had divided the Red Sea will open the way. The promise. v. 3-6. The land was theirs to possess because of God's right to give. ("The earth is the Lord's "). The inhabitants were dispossessed on account of wickedness. Ex. xxiii. 32; xxxiv. 12; Num. xxxiii. 52; Gen. xv. 16. The range of country-bounded on the West by the Great sea (Mediterranean), on the East by the Euphrates; on the North by Lebanon; on the South by the Wilderness (Arabian Desert). "Hittites""-the people of northern Canaan and Phenicia, but the name seems used here for the Canaanites in general, as in 1 Kings x. 29. "No man able to withstand." Why? See v. 5.

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Note the exhortation.-"Be strong." God had given all that was needful to that end. So with us. If not strong the fault is our own. Upon what does strength depend? See v. 8. For what is the strength required? See v. 7

QUESTIONS FOR THE CLASS.-1. How long had Moses been dead? 2. Why not permitted to enter the land? 3. How did Joshua know he was to lead the people? 4. How is the land described? 5. What was the work of Joshua? 6. What promises were given to cheer him? 7. What was he commanded to be? 8. How could he obtain strength? 9. Of whom was he reminded as an example of God's abiding help? On what occasions did God wonderfully appear to the help of Moses ? 11. What have we to conquer ? 12. Can God help us; and will He do so?

JANUARY 10. CROSSING THE JORDAN.-Joshua iii. 1-6, 14-17. "From Shittim to Jordan"-from the upper terraces of the Jordan Valley, some six miles from the river. Verses 1-6 contain instructions for the passage-14-17 record the passing over. To follow the ARK a distance of more than-half-a-mile; not that they might never come near, but that in descending into the sloped bed of the river they might see the miracle. The Ark contained the Pot of Manna; the Rod of Aaron; the Tables of the Law. "Jordan overflowed all its banks"-No place at which it could be forded." When the priests' feet were dipped into the water it walled up. waters which came down from above, rose up in a heap." The river's course from the Lake of Tiberias is a fall of some 600 feet. The Ark carried on dry ground to the midst, could be seen by the people, and stood till Israel had all safely passed through.

"The

Observer, Jan. 1, 75.

NOTE.-Christ our Ark and Safety.-Israel fell before enemies when without the Ark; we fall when without Christ. God manifested Himself to Israel from the lid (Mercy seat) of the Ark; more fully manifested to us in Christ, the true Mercy seat. The contents, also, of the Ark speak of Him-the Golden Pot of Manna; Jesus the true bread which came down from heaven-the Rod of Aaron which budded; Jesus in resurrection, life, and power-the Tables of the Law; fulfilled by and in Him— the Mercy Seat sprinkled with blood; He shed His blood for us.

QUESTIONS.-1. By what power were the waters heaped up?-2. What became of the Ark while the people passed through ?-3. Of what was the Ark a type?4. What did it contain?-In what did the Manna represent Christ ?-6. In what did the Rod of Aaron represent Him?-7. What was the cover of the Ark called?— 8. Who is our Mercy seat?

JANUARY 17. MEMORIAL STONES. Joshua iv. 1-9; 19-24. "Take you twelve men." Each tribe to select one-said to be done by Joshua because commanded by Him. "A sign to your children. v. 6-8. The first erection in the land of promise a monument to God. Another monument set up by Joshua, v, 9. Seen at low-water seasons. "This day"-the time when the Book of Joshua was written; likely soon after the conquest of Canaan. Prepared for war," on "the plains of Jericho." These plains were the higher terrace, of the Jordan valley, not far short of seven miles broad. The mountains recede from the river and leave a level space at one time partly covered by a forest of palms; hence the name, "City of Palms." Deut. xxxiv. 3. The Lord magnified Joshua." Moses had led them through the Red Sea. It was fit that in the same way Joshua should bring them through the Jordan. Both men were called and sent of God; and when God sends any one in His name He gives proof of His sending.

NOTE.-Death is often compared to a river, and often termed "the Jordan of death."-Our Ark and our Joshua, in the person of God's Son, have passed over; we have to follow-He will bring His obedient ones safely through, both life and death. The stones set by Israel told to future generations of safe passage through the Jordan. We have monuments of the passage of Jesus through death and the grave. 1. The Lord's Supper, of His Death. 2. Baptism (Immersion), of His Burial. 3. The Lord's day, of His Resurrection. These have been observed ever since the events which they commemorate; are sure proofs that Jesus died, was buried, and rose again.

QUESTIONS.-1. How many monuments were set up when Israel passed over Jordan? 2. Did God command both? 3. Were they seen afterwards, and if so till when? 4. Where did the people encamp after crossing Jordan? 5. In what way did God magnify Joshua, as He did Moses? 6. What is often likened to a river and to Jordan? 7. Who is prefigured by the Ark and by Joshua? 8. What monuments are there of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus? 9. What does the Lord's Supper represent? 10. What does Baptism represent ? 11. How does Baptism represent a burial? 12. What does the Lord's day commemorate?

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JANUARY 24. PREPARATION FOR CONQUEST. Joshua v. 10; vi. 5. The Passover kept. "On the fourteenth of the month," as enjoined. Ex. xii. 6; Deut. xvi. 6. Their earliest act in the land was the observance of a divinely appointed festival. How good to begin all great works by a complete acknowledgement of God. The Passover commemorated their deliverance from Egypt. Thus the commencement and end of their pilgrimage were before them. "The morrow after the Passover they ate of the corn of the land. v. 11. The next day the manna ceased. God does not work miracles when not needed. The term passover is sometimes used for the lamb slain on the evening of the 14th Nisan, sometimes for the paschal meal, sometimes for the whole eight days' festival. It here means the first great day of the eight, the Sabbath of the first holy convocation. "Christ our Passover" 1 Cor. v. 7. "The Captain of the host of the Lord." The appearance to Joshua was that of a man. The command of v. 15 indicates more. Ex. iii. 5. The host of heaven, not Israel. 1 King xxii. 19. The captain, or prince (so Sar is rendered in Dan. x. 13.) of the angelic host was to lead Israel in their coming wars. Ex. xxiii. 20. As God spoke to Moses from the burning bush, so now He speaks to Joshua as the prince of the host of heaven. The substance of the announcement is seen in vi. 2-5.

Observer, Jan. 1, 75.

NOTE.-The means which God appoints for the destruction of Jericho—the ark, ram's horns, and seven days marching round its wall; and that is enough-not a stone touched, and the walls shall fall. Learn that God is never destitute of means that we may trust Him at all times; that He knoweth how to help the righteous, and that He will.

QUESTIONS.-1. When was the Passover kept? 2. What did it commemorate ? 3. Who is our Passover? 4. Who appeared to Joshua, sword in hand? 5.. What did he first require Joshua to do? 6. What did the Lord command Joshua to do

to the city of Jericho? 7. What do we learn of God's power by such

commands?

JANUARY 31. JERICHO TAKEN vi. 6-20. Israel had now to begin the conquest of Canaan, city by city. Jericho, with its lofty walls and well-fenced gates, was impregnable to a people reared in the desert and destitute of engines of war for taking fortified cities. Indeed, looked at in the light of ordinary warfare, Israel was but rushing to certain death. But in the first conflict God's power is shown; the walls fall without a blow and the people are rendered powerless by alarm.

Describe here the compassing of the City. The trumpets.-The horn of the ram solid and not suitable for such use. Better translated "Cornets of Soundings," or, of "Jubilee,”-they were the curved horns used for introducing the Jubilee and Sabbatical year. The Ark, as the seat of God's special presence, carried round the

devoted city.

NOTE, that "By faith the walls of Jericho fell dawn." Heb. xi. Not by faith alone. Faith produced obedience. Had the people be lieved and not compassed the city, or not sounded the horns, or not carried the Ark, or not shouted, or gone round only six days, or six times each day the walls would have remained, and God would have punished His disobedient people. Faith is made perfect by obedience, and is only counted as it produces that result. Rahab was saved by her faith; but only because faith led her to do as commanded. So now you can be saved by faith, but only as faith leads you to obey Jesus.

QUESTIONS.-Could the Israelites have taken Jericho by their own arms and valour? 2. Why not? 3. What would be the effect upon other countries of God thus throwing down the strong walls ? 4. How many days did they compass the city? 5. How many times in all? 6. How was the procession arranged? 7. What was the result? 8. What became of the inhabitants? 9. Why did God sentence them to be destroyed? 10. What should this teach us? 11. Why is it said that the walls fell down by faith? 12. How does faith save us?

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Intelligence of Churches, &c.

LINDALL, DEC. 11.-I have seen a brief notice in the E. O. for this month of the Lord's work in this district, which I trust will stimulate the faith and call forth the sympathy and prayers of the brethren in every place that the good work of conversion may go on until the praises of Jesus shall go up from every homestead along these hills and through these valleys. I am sure it would have made every Christian to rejoice to have been present at many of the meetings it has been my privilege to attend during the last five weeks. Having left Banff, with my wife and daughter, I arrived at

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| Lindall-in-Furness on November 4th, and
found our Bro. McDougall very poorly
and very anxious about a meeting to be
held that night at Southergate, Kirkby,
about seven miles from Lindall. Though
I felt a little weary with my long journey
I started on foot. There were not less
than sixty persons, of all ages, closely
packed in Bro. Tyson's kitchen.
was joyful work to preach the word of
life; so eager and attentive were they to
catch every word. A number of young
men came forward asking the important
question "What must I do to be saved?"
I have no doubt but some of these in-

It

Observer, Jan. 1, '75.

quirers gladly received the Bible answer, churches on that day; that whenever as some of them were shortly after bap- practicable, arrangements be made for tized into Christ and are now going on holding a week of special services for their way rejoicing. The next day Bro. preaching the gospel and winning souls to McDougall came from Lindall, and a the Saviour. Dear brethren I submit Bible inquiry meeting was held at the these suggestions for your prayerful conchapel, which is over two miles from sideration. May the Lord guide us, and Southergate, and though the night was teach us so to live and labour that His dark and stormy and the roads dirty name may be glorified, and many who nearly one hundred persons were present. are now without God and without hope The subject given to Bro. McDougall for be won to Jesus. I may have something that night was the salvation of the robber to say next month about a channel for on the cross, a subject often used in the outflow of that Christian liberality order to show that men are saved with- which I trust will spring up in the hearts out baptism. From the beginning of the of the brethren upon a review of the past meeting to its close. the interest mani- mercies and blessings. Above everything fested by almost every person present was else let us each and all trust more fully remarkable, and as I listened to the clear in Jesus; live nearer to Him; be more and powerful exposition of Bible teaching earnest and faithful in prayer, with careon the question of salvation, I could have ful private reading of God's word. Let wished that all the people in this district us preach the word, be instant in season had been present. May the Lord spare and out of season; giving all the praise the life of our brother for many years to and glory to Him to whom alone it is come, so that many souls may be won to due; and if spared to enter upon and Jesus through his labours. Since the see the end of 1875, doubtless we shall be last notice in the E. O. twelve young able to say that it has been one of the persons have confessed their faith in the happiest years of our life.-Wishing all Lord Jesus Christ. Ten of these have readers a happy new year, I remain, truly been baptised, and the others will (D.V.) | in Jesus. W. HINDLE. be to-morrow. They will make about LIVERPOOL.-Since the Annual Meetfifty additions to the churches in the ing, we have been cheered in witnessing Furness district since the middle of eight persons put on the Lord in baptism; Sept., and I feel sure that if the brethren seven of whom have been added to the here continue to live in such peace and church here, and one, a native of Wrexlove as I have seen since my arrival the ham, has united with the church in that blessing of the Lord will come down upon town, having been led to obey the Lord them yet more abundantly. I do earnestly while on a visit to one of her relations, desire the brethren who may read this to who is a member of the church here. join in heartfelt praise to the Lord for We have also had much pleasure in much blessing and success in my work receiving into our fellowship an elderly for Him in Carlisle, Craigston, Banff and brother, formerly connected with a numother parts of Scotland, as well as in this ber of baptized believers, who many years district and in Wales during 1874. And ago, met together as a church in this I think I am right in saying that Bren. town, and had John Bowes for their Abercrombie and McDougall will join me pastor, a name well known to some of the in this request for praise to our Lord. brethren here; others are inquiring; Before I conclude allow me to suggest to may the Lord soon add them to His all the brethren in Great Britain to set Church. T. CARRUTHERS. apart the second Lord's day in 1875 as a day of thanksgiving and praise to God for past mercies. Let the elders arrange special meetings for prayer on that day. Let there be confession of past unfaithfulness, and humiliation with a more complete consecration of ourselves, our talents and prosperity to the Lord. Let thank offerings be freely and joyfully presented by all His stewards, whether it be pence or pounds, hundreds or thousands. I would suggest also that addresses on Bible holiness and entire consecration to God be delivered in all the

LIMEHOUSE (near Bow, London).Here we are raising our Ebenezer; for the Lord is helping us in this corner of His vineyard, and we are beginning to reap that upon which we have bestowed much labour. Since our last, we report five additions: one baptized believer, and, in Nov., four by baptism into Jesus; in all, three brethren and two sisters. For some time now we have been working a tract district, and are now getting short of tracts. As the brethren are all working men, some very poor, we shall gladly receive any old or new tracts richer dis

name.

ciples may further send us to add unto our own. A Mutual Improvement Class is newly begun, from which we hope great things. Brethren, pray for us, and all such, struggling along in populous neigh bourhoods amidst many discouragements, that new doors of usefulness may be opened for us, and that we may have wisdom and grace to enter them in Jesus J. ADAM. NOTTINGHAM, LANGLEY AND UNDERWOOD.—I have just completed a month's service in these places, and have pleasure in reporting that the word of truth had a good and attentive hearing. Six professed faith in the Lord Jesus and were baptized in North Sherwood Street chapel, and one at Langley. Another friend, previously baptized, was also added to the church at North Sherwood Street.-Southport, Nov. 16, S. H. C.

BATH.-We have received a copy of circular, issued from Bristol and Bath, calling for a meeting to appoint a committee, &c., for the Southern Division, in which the places named are included. We have also a note intimating that a young man, with whom we had converse on our recent visit to Bath, has been baptized by Bro. Davis, at Pontypool, creating some stir, and leading to a small church asking to be recognized. Also, that a young lady whom we were able to help, by teaching, has been immersed. One, also, was to be immersed on the following Lord's day, at Nettleton, by Bro. H. Thomas. D. K.

LEEDS.-We have had the pleasure of baptizing another into the name of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The brother has been a methodist for years, but about two years ago he was led to give up all reading but the Bible. Soon he began to compare Methodism with Apostolic Christianity. The result is already before you. His reason for desiring to join us, was because we profess to be given up to the Scriptures. May we show that it is not a mere profession; for is it not by the word which He has spoken, that we are judged at the last day? I think this matter of being given up wholly to the Scriptures, should be made very prominent amongst us, as it seems to me to be the only ground which we can consistently and successfully plead. It is not because our practices are better than those of denominationalists (although good fruit is seen in that particular, call it egotism who may), but because having no other rule than the word of God, we can give up error when able to see it, so that we can, in reality, build

each other up in our most holy faith. Wherever churches adopt practices, or continue practicing things long since adopted, for which no warrant of scripture can be given, they can no longer consistently plead for an unqualified return to Christianity. Sectarianism, wherever found, has a qualified imitation, but we want it unqualified.-J. GRINSTEAD.

AUSTRALIA, ADELAIDE, 26th Sept.-On the 1st of the month, Bro. M. W. Green left us to return to his labours in Victoria, and has now gone to Sandhurst for three months. Up to the time of his leaving, nine persons were added to the church who have not been previously reported. Bro. W. H. Martin, accompanied by wife and child, reached Adelaide on the 18th inst. He was evidently suffering from overwork; but by taking rest, and through change of air and scenery, is now regaining strength He has already taken his place in the hearts of the brethren as a clear and faithful preacher of the "old, old story." Since last report, four have been added to the church here.

ENFIELD. Meetings in this place are well attended. The interest is increasing. Bro. W. H. Martin has preached here several evenings consecutively, and on the 25th, two came forward and made the "good confession." A. T. M.

HINDMARSH.-On August 27th our annual tea meeting took place. Owing to the unfavourable state of the weather many that would have been with us were prevented; some 350 however sat down to tea. The public meeting was presided over by Bro. P. Santo; Bro Colbourne read the report of the church, showing an increase during the year of 77, and also stated that £300, during the same time, had been paid off the building, leaving £100 more to pay; the present number of members is 308. Brethren Green, Magarey, Strang, Day, Hussey, Mr. McEwin (congregationalist), and Bro. J. Laurie, addressed the meeting. During the past month three have been added to our number, two by faith and obedience, and one restored. J. C.

MALLALA, September 25.-Since last month, ten persons have witnessed a good confession and put on the Lord Jesus in this place. G. D. STRATHALBYN. On Tuesday evening, 22nd inst, tea and public meetings were held here to welcome Bro. John Strang, evangelist, from Glasgow, to his new field of labour, in Strathalbyn and surrounding districts. The public meeting was presided over by Bro. T. Magarey.

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