of suffering and deatn. John vii. 30, xiii. 1.—VERSE 21. Did our Lord know who would betray him? Yes; he was acquainted with the base intentions of Judas. John ii. 25.-VERSE 22. What effect did the announcement produce? The disciples were painfully grieved, and for themselves anxiously appealed to their Lord.VERSE 23. How did Christ disclose the traitor? By referring to him, whilst dipping his hand into the dish.-VERSE 24. What is meant by "goeth?" Is hurried to death. Were the sufferings of Christ foretold? Psalm xxii.; Isaiah liii.; Zech. xii. 10. What is woe? Misery, wretchedness. Did the office of Judas exempt him from blame and punishment? No; the curse of Christ was denounced upon him : his very existence was an evil to him. -VERSE 25. What is meant by "thou hast said?" Thou hast said what is true. Matt. xxvi. 64.

IMPROVEMENT.-Pray for grace to be kept from evil desires, evil purposes, and evil deeds. Observe the institutions of Christseek his direction-remember his omniscience-submit to his in spection-and dread his displeasure.

Afternoon Reading, Exod. xv.

Afternoon Lesson, Matt. xxvi. 26-30.

NOTES ON THE LESSON.

VERSE 26.

When was the Lord's Supper instituted? When the
What is meant by

paschal lamb had been eaten. Mark xiv. 22.
blessing the bread? It was set apart to a sacred use. Gen. ii. 3.
In what sense could the bread be the body of Christ? It was merely
a representation of his body, which was broken.-VERSE 27.
What did the cup contain? Wine. Did our Lord acknowledge God's
goodness? Yes; he gave thanks. In telling his disciples to drink
all the wine, he wished them to enjoy all the benefits of his atone-
ment.-VERSE 28. What did the wine represent? The blood of
Christ. What is a testament? A will or covenant. What is the
New Testament? The covenant of the gospel, as distinguished from
the old covenant of God with the Jews. Blood was shed to con-
firm a covenant. Hebrews x. 16, ix. 20. What is remission? A
putting away and remission of sins means forgiveness of sins.
Eph. i. 7; Heb. ix. 22; Rev. vii. 14.-VERSE 29. What was this
kingdom? The state of things he was about to establish. John
xviii. 36, 37. What is meant by drinking with Christ in his king-
dom? It signifies the mutual joy of Christ and his disciples, occa-
sioned by his atonement. This joy would not be experienced till
the kingdom was established. Luke xxii. 29, 30.-VERSE 30.
How did they conclude this solemn feast? By singing a hymn ex-
pressing their joy in Christ. It was customary to sing a hymn at

the conclusion of the paschal supper. Whither did they afterwards go? To the Mount of Olives, which was separated from Jerusalem by the valley of Jehoshaphat and by the brook Kidron.

IMPROVEMENT.-Reflect upon the love of Christ, and the purposes of his death; earnestly seek a personal interest in the benefits of his death, and a holy and joyful fellowship with him and his disciples.

AUGUST 25.

Morning Reading, 2 Kings v. Morning Lesson, Matt. xxvi. 31-35.

NOTES ON THE LESSON.

VERSE 31. What is it to be offended because of Christ? To be displeased with the dishonour and trials to which the profession of his name would expose us. Matt. xix. 22; John vi. 66. See notes on Matt. xxiv. 10. When would the disciples be offended? In that same night, even after a rich enjoyment of his grace and love. Where do the words "1 will smite," &c. occur? Zech. xiii. 7. Who smote the Shepherd? The Father. Isaiah liii. 10. Who was the shepherd? Jesus Christ, for he feeds, guards, and leads his people. Isaiah xl. 11; John x. 11, 14; 1 Peter ii. 25. What would become of the sheep when the shepherd was smitten? They would be scattered. Matt. xxvi. 56.-VERSE 32. Our Lord looked forward to his resurrection, and his going before his disciples into Galilee. Mark xvi. 7. What was Galilee? One of the divisions of the Holy Land in the time of Christ.-VERSE 33. What does the assertion of Peter indicate? Ignorance of his own weakness; a conviction of his superiority to the other disciples; presumption and self-confidence.-VERSE 34. What was the cockcrowing? The morning patrol of the Roman guard round the governor's house. What is denying another? Disowning him.—VERSE 35.

Did Peter persist in his assertion? Yes; and the other disciples adopted it for themselves.

IMPROVEMENT.-Remember that Christ notices the sins of people; and learn to mourn over and avoid them. Never make rash and self-confident assertions; but prayerfully aim at a steadfast and uniform adherence to Christ.

Afternoon Reading, Exod. xvi.

Afternoon Lesson, Matt. xxvi. 36-41.

NOTES ON THE LESSON,

VERSE 36. Where was Gethsemane? It was a small village on the Mount of Olives. Thither our Lord sometimes repaired. To whom did Christ say, "Sit ye here," &c.? To the disciples who ac

companied him from Jerusalem, except the three mentioned in the following verse.-VERSE 37. Who were the two sons of Zebedee? James and John. Matt. x. 2. These three apostles had beheld his transfiguration-now they had to behold his humiliation and sadness. Matt. xvii. 4.-VERSE 38. The words "exceedingly sorrowful," are expressive of the most intense agony, extending even to death. Luke xxii. 44. Why were the disciples commanded to watch? Lest by supineness and sleep they should be unprepared for the trials and dangers awaiting them. 1 Thess. v. 6.VERSE 39. Why did he retire a little further? To give expression to the fulness of his grief in prayer. To what does the word "cup" refer? To the cup of suffering or of trembling. There was the cup of wrath as well as the cup of salvation. Psalm lxxiv. 8; Isaiah li. 17; Jer. xxv. 15, 17; Matt. xx. 22, 23. The cup of poison was offered to prisoners taken in war.-VERSE 40. Why was Peter especially addressed? Because he had been foremost in asserting his strong attachment and entire devotedness to Christ. Such an appeal under such circumstances was most affecting.-VERSE

41.

What is a temptation? A trial; a test. What is meant by entering into temptation? Being overcome by it. What is the import of the words, "the spirit," &c.? That they were sincere friends, but that their own powers were weak in resisting temptation. These words may be regarded not as an excuse in mitigation of their sins, but as a motive to their prayer and vigilance. IMPROVEMENT.-Admire the patience and submission of Christ : and remember that "he bore our sins and carried our sorrows." Watchfulness and prayer can alone secure us from the power of temptation.

SEPTEMBER 1.

Morning Reading, 2 Kings vi.

Morning Lesson, Matt. xxvi. 42-46.

NOTES ON THE LESSON.

VERSE 42. Our Lord renewed his prayer, and expressed more entirely his resignation to the will of the Father. Psalm xxii. 1, lxxxi. 1; Hebrews iv. 15.-VERSE 43. Did the disciples regard his appeal and exhortation? No; they again slept. They were not sufficiently impressed with a sense of their danger.-VERSE 44. The drowsiness of the disciples did not make him insensible to the duty of prayer. Luke xviii. 1; 2 Cor. xii. 8; Col. iv. 2; 1 Thess. v. 17.-VERSE 45. What did he afterwards say to them? They might continue in sleep, as the hour of trial had actually arrived. Who are the sinners here alluded to? The Jewish rulers and peo

ple-the Roman governor and soldiers. What is meant by "hands?" Power or control.-VERSE 46. The Saviour declares the near approach of the traitor, and urges the disciples to arise.

prayer.

IMPROVEMENT.-When afflictions abound, continue instant in "Give no sleep to your eyes-no slumber to your eyelids," when the interests of Christ and of your Christian character are endangered. Psalm cxxxii. 3, 4, 5.

Afternoon Reading, Exod. xvii.

Afternoon Lesson, Matt. xxvi. 47-56.

NOTES ON THE LESSON.

VERSE 47. Why is Judas frequently described as one of the twelve?" Matt. xxvi. 14; Luke xxii. 3; Acts i. 17. To show that distinguised privileges are not always connected with genuine piety. "Christ is often wounded in the house of his professed friends." Who accompanied Judas? A great multitude. What did Judas and the rulers expect? A violent struggle on the part of Christ and his followers, and therefore they came armed.— VERSE 48. What is a sign? A mark by which somthing is made known or represented. What sign did Judas adopt in betraying Christ? A kiss. Was not this sign basely perverted? Yes; because a kiss is expressive of affection and reverence. Gen. xxvii. 26; Psalm ii. 12; Luke vii. 45; 1 Peter v. 14. Was Judas bent upon the capture of Jesus? Yes. He gave directions to hold him fast. What is meant by the word "Hail"? It is a word of salutation; and expresses the wish of prosperity and comfort. Mark xv. 18; Luke i. 28.-VERSE 49. How did Judas accost our Lord? He professedly wished him well; called him " master," and gave him the token of friendship.-VERSE 51. Who struck the servant of the High Friest? Peter. See John xviii. 10. The other evangelists do not mention his name, for as their gospels were written before the destruction of Jerusalem, and during the life-time of Peter, its being recorded might have enraged the Chief Priest against Peter. Did our Lord heal the servant? See Luke xxii. 51.-VERSE 52. Did Jesus approve of Peter's conduct? No; he told him not to use the sword in his defence. Have the words "they that take," &c., been verified? Yes; they have been awfully verified in the history of war. War is productive of war. There is nothing in war to restrain itself. Gen. ix. 6; Psalm lv. 23; Ezek. xxxv. 5, 6; Rev. xiii. 10.-VERSE 53. How many soldiers were in a legion? About 6,200 foot, and 300 horse soldiers; the power of more than 78,000 angels could not be overcome by the collective forces of human night. In what way could Christ obtain their assistance? Simply

What scriptures might be

by praying to his Father. Verse 54. referred to? Psalm xxii. lxix. ; Isaiah liii.; Zech. xiii. 7.-VERSE 55. Judea was infested by bold and determined thieves, who could be captured only with difficulty and danger. What a contrast between the leader of such a band and the meek and holy Jesus! Where did Christ teach? In the temple, i. e., in the court surrounding the temple, for only priests and Levites were allowed to enter the temple itself.-VERSE 56. What became of the disciples when Christ gave himself up to his enemies? They forsook him and fled. Verse 31. Mark xiv. 50; John xvi. 32; 2 Tim. iv. 16.

IMPROVEMENT.-Abhor treachery and deception; guard against rashness, and follow the example of the meek and lowly Jesus.

REVIEWS.

Lectures on the Conversion of the Jews: by Ministers of Different Denominations. Published under the Sanction of the British Society for the Propagation of the Gospel among the Jews. London: W. Aylott.

WE have been greatly interested by the perusal of this volume. The lectures are all of sterling value, and worthy of the names they bear. Let not our readers imagine, from the title of the volume, that its contents are dry and topical, as is often the case with printed "lectures" and "sermons ;" we can assure them that, if they have any taste, they will be delighted with the entire course.

If required to offer an opinion as to the relative merits of the several lectures, we should give our preference to those of Messrs Hamilton and Archer, and Dr Harris. The lecture on "The Destination of the Jews" contains some delicious passages -as witness the following extract:

'Looking to the present languid and withered aspect of the country, it may be a question with some whether a literal restoration to Palestine would be a blessing to the Jews. On that question we deem the people themselves the best judges, and, if they desire it, it must be a blessing—a blessing because they desire it. The question with the exile is not whether his native land, or his place of banishment, be the fairest and most fruitful; but all the question is, how shall he get home? But, independently of this, Palestine is a 'goodly land.' Its intrinsic resources