The late Rev. E. Temple was, it appears, a most devoted christian pastor. His afflicted widow has published a short life of him and a few of his sermons. The volume does not to us display any signs of deep or powerful thought, but it proves that Mr. Temple was a man of God,' and, having much of the spirit of Christ, he laboriously and efficiently served his generation by the will of God. His life was eminently useful and his death was eminently happy. The volume is beautifully got up. It is adorned with a portrait, and its purchase, which we are anxious to assist, will, we presume, cause the widow's heart to sing.

Mr. Baker, the able master of the Yorkshire Deaf and Dumb Asylum, has prepared some very useful elementary works. Three of them are now before us. One consists of the various characters mentioned in the Bible according to the different periods in which they lived. Another is a series of Questions on each character; while the third is a Tabular View of the Old Testament, with Questions, also divided into periods, with a chronological margin and scriptural references. The aim is to combine History, Geography, and Chronology with a knowledge of the inspired Book. We do not think we ever saw so much scriptural information in so condensed and small a compass. The books, which are square, are printed by the inmates of the asylum, and, after a careful notice of them, we beg leave very cordially to commend them to the confidence of our readers.

SINIM: A PLEA FOR CHINA. Snow.

We have read this very eloquent discourse with very great delight. It is just what was wanted. It gives, in a short compass and in a most fascinating style, those views and facts concerning China which the churches of Christ now need. It is written by a Son to the late Dr. Milne, who finished his course in China. He himself was anxious to be baptised for the dead, and to take his father's place in the celestial empire; but his constitution was too enfeebled. His mind and heart are however fitted for great service, and this sermon is his first contribution to the great cause of missions. We can speak of it most highly and most confidently. Will our readers 'forgive us this wrong' if we express our joy, that the pen which could produce this sermon is employed in the Chinese scenes' which are to constitute our first article in each month of the present year. The sermon is cheap, instructive, and full of holy excitement.

THE PROGRESSIVE QUESTIONING BOOK. Seeley.

This volume is the first part of an important work, which the Rev. E. T. M. Phillips, the Chancellor of the Diocese of Gloucester, proposes, if encouraged and spared to complete. His wish is to form a complete system of questions on the New Testament, not taking the books as they lie in order, but taking the subjects beginning with the simplest facts, and ending with the highest truths and discoveries of Revelation. The first three steps are comprised in the present volume and include the matters of fact contained in Mark, Matthew, Luke, and Acts; the fourth is to comprise John, Romans, and Hebrews, clucidating the doctrines of truth, while the fifth step is to comprise the residue of the divine books, and to inculcate the practice required by Revelation. We wish the amiable author's life, though far spent, may be spared to finish his course. If teachers will use this

book, exercising their own judgment, they will find it a most valuable armoury, out of which they may get weapons of almost every temper for their conflict. We warn them against an implicit reliance on this or any other system of help. Their minds and hearts must both act, harmoniously and simultaneously, if they expect to present their scholars perfect in Christ Jesus. The volume now on our table may be used as a help most advantageously. We wish the author God speed, and shall anxiously await the completing parts of the important work.

The Portion.

APRIL 9.-THE POOL OF BETHESDA.-John v. 1-16.

NOTES.

Ver. 2. 'Sheep market,' or sheep gate, through which the sheep for sacrifice were driven, Neh. iii. 1, and xii. 39. 'Porches,' porticoes fronting the bath, covered to screen the sick, and probably having divisions: 'Bethesda,' a house of mercy, a kind of infirmary. Ver. 3-4. 'Moving, troubling, &c.' this has been variously interpreted, some thinking the curative power was in the mineral properties of the water which was perturbed by storms or subterranean heat: others in the blood of the victims conveyed into the pool by pipes: but whatever means were used, there was obviously a miraculous power employed; not always, but at certain intervals, perhaps during the feast: 'First stepped in,' perhaps this was arranged to excite eagerness for God's help. Ver. 5. Thirty and eight,' this was the duration of his illness, not of his lying in the porch; tradition says he was paralytic. Ver. 8. 'Rise, &c.' Jesus here speaks in his own name; he ordered the man to carry his bed, to prove the completeness of the cure-to proclaim the cure-to oppose the tradition of the Elders as to the Sabbath, and to try the faith and obedience of the man. Ver. 9. 'Immediately,' human cures are slow and leave a langour for a time. Ver. 10. 'Jews,' who met the man, Jer. xvii. 21, Ex. xx. 10. Ver. 11. The Jews admitted that by the command of a prophet the Sabbath might lawfully be broken; this man evidently regarded Christ as a good prophet. Ver. 14. 'In the Temple,' returning thanks to God: 'Sin no more,' implying that his affliction had been brought on by early evil habits, thus showing his own omniscience. Ver. 15. Told the Jews' who met him, in order to justify his cure and shew his gratitude.

QUESTIONS.

1. Why did Jews go up to Jerusalem? Ex. xxiii. 14-17.-2. What do you know about this pool?-3. Can you prove that a miracle was wrought on these sick people?-4. For what object were Christ's miracles wrought? John iii. 2, and xx. 30, 31-5. What was remarkable in the cure now made?-6. How does the cure of Bethesda differ from the cures which Jesus now works? Is. lv. 1, Rev. xxii. 17. -7. Did the man obey the command of Christ ?-8. What command does Christ now give us? Mark i. 15.-9. Do you really believe that God will give you power to obey him?-10. Is it sufficient to be at public worship without strong desires for a spiritual cure?-11. What cure do we need?-12. Why are we not cured?-13. Can you give three or four reasons why Jesus ordered the man to carry the bed ?— 14. What does this narrative teach as to the Sabbath day? Matt. xii. 12.-15. Does Christ's hiding himself after this popular miracle teach us any important lessons?-16. Why did the man go to the Temple? Give two or three reasons.-17. What injunctions did Jesus then give him?-18. That injunction teaches us three or four

truths, what are they?-19. Does the after conduct of the poor man teach us any duty?-20. What do you think of the conduct of the Jews in ver. 16?

APRIL 16.-MARY AT THE SEPULCHRE.-Matt. xxviii. 1-15.

NOTES.

Ver. 1. 'Sabbath,' the Jewish Sabbath, our Saturday, ending at sun set: 'Came, &c.' to embalm the Lord's body; these pious women knew about the stone but not about the seal and watch. Ver. 3. 'Like lightning,' an excessive brightness flashing from his countenance: 'Raiment white, &c.' denoting purity and joy. Ver. 4. 'Keepers,' soldiers on guard. Ver. 5. 'The angel,' who appeared as a young man, Mark xvi. 5. Ver. 6. As he said,' this expression was used to confirm the faith of the women by reminding them of Christ's own predictions: 'Place,' the cavity in which the body had lain. Ver. 8. 'Fear and joy,' a reverential fear and spiritual joy: 'Bring his disciples word,' it seems that Mary Magdalene went at first to tell Peter and John, while Mary and others remained in perplexity at the sepulchre, John xx. 2, Luke xxiv. 4, and that afterwards these latter females obeyed the angels and told others. Ver. 9. 'All hail,' joy to you. Ver. 10. 'Be not afraid,' they might fear their happiness would pass away. Ver. 11. 'Watch,' sixteen soldiers. Ver. 12, &c. 'Take counsel,' in fear and perplexity. It was death for a Roman soldier to sleep on duty. The soldiers could not if asleep have known how Christ arose. Pilate, the governor, might be persuaded to overlook the pretended crime of the soldiers as he had been very yielding before, Luke xxiii. 24. This report is believed now by the unbelieving Jews, 2 Cor. iii. 15, 16.

QUESTIONS.

1. Can you name several means which Christ's enemies adopted to prevent his resurrection ?-2. What was the result of these precautions ?-3. Why did the Marys come to the sepulchre on the Sunday Morning? Luke xxiii. 56, Mark xvi. 1.-4. Did they feel able to roll away the stone from the sepulchre? Mark xvi. 3, 4.5. What do you learn from its unexpected removal?-6. How was Christ's body raised ?-7. Did the presence of the angels shew that God approved of Christ's release from death ?-8. What important doctrine is established by Christ's resurrection? Rom. iv. 25. viii. 24. -9. How did Christ, after his resurrection, differ from what he was before it ?-10. In what ways have angels ministered to Christ ?—11. Was the rising of Christ typified and foretold? Matt. xii. 40, John ii. 19.-12. Did his disciples remember these truths?-13. Will a remembrance of divine truth often prevent perplexity and fear?— 14. What duty may we learn from the eagerness of the disciples to spread the news of the resurrection ?-15. As Christ's enemies were defeated, how did they endeavour to explain the absence of his body? 16. Is money a strong temptation? 1 Tim. vi. 10.-17. How will Christ's resurrection affect us? 1 Cor. xv. 20-23, John v. 28, 29.-18. What will be the issue of our rising ?-19. How can we cause it to be a great blessing?

APRIL 23.-THE FIRST LORD'S DAY EVENING.-John xx. 19-29.

NOTES.

Ver. 19. 'Doors shut,' fearing the Jews should wreak their vengeance on them in reference to Christ's resurrection: 'Peace be unto you,' many had not seen

Jesus since his resurrection, and many had acted inconsistently toward him at his trial and crucifixion, hence he spoke so as to allay all fear. Ver. 20. 'He showed, &c.' to prove it was a resurrection of the same person, Luke xxiv. 37-40. Ver. 22. 'Breathed on them, &c.' a type and pledge of what they were to receive at Pentecost. Ver. 23. Whosoever, &c.' this verse seems to mean that the disciples were to have authority to declare the terms of pardon and salvation, and to organize christian churches. God would confirm all they did, while he reserved to himself the right to forgive sins, Is. xliii. 25. Though Peter was present, no power as the Papists assert, was given to him beyond others. Ver. 25. 'I will not believe,' the incredulity of Thomas shews that the disciples did not agree to impose on mankind. Ver. 26. After eight days,' on the next Sabbath; thus, the first disciples met on the first day of the week, and did it with the sanction of Christ's presence, Acts xx. 7, 1 Cor. xvi. 2, Rev. i. 10. Ver. 28. 'My Lord, &c.' Christ allowed Thomas to call him God and commended him for believing; this exclamation would have been profanity if Christ had not been really God. Ver. 29. 'Blessed are they, &c.' intimating, that those who believe on Christ without a personal sight of him, are worthy of a higher commendation than Thomas was.

QUESTIONS.

1. What events had recently taken place to cause this meeting?— 2. Can you name various feelings which these disciples would have? -3. If the doors were shut, how could Jesus come and stand in the midst?-4. Does his salutation shew anything of his heart?-5. How does this salutation differ from man's? John xiv. 27.—6. Why did Jesus shew his hands and his side?-7. Does he retain the marks of his wounds in heaven? Rev. v. 6.-8. How does the sight of those marks affect the redeemed? Rev. i. 5, 6, and Rev. v. 9.-9. For what work had God sent Christ into the world?-10. When Jesus had sent his disciples, what did he say and do?-11. Can you name any types which the prophets used to signify the nature of their message? Jer. xiii, and Jer. xviii.-12. Did Jesus fulfil the promise he now gave?-13. Are the doctrines and institutions of the apostles as binding on us as those of Christ?-14. How did Thomas act?15. Why ought he to have believed Christ's resurrection? Matt. xvi. 21, Matt. xii. 40.-16. What led him at last to believe?-17. When he did believe, how did he address Christ?-18. Why does that address prove Christ to be God?-19. If he be God, how must we treat him? John v. 23.-20. Why did the disciples meet on the first, not the seventh, day of the week? Give two or three reasons.

APRIL 30 AND MAY 7.-PHILEMON AND ONESIMUS.-Philemon i. 25. As this history could not well be divided nor compressed, it is made into a double portion. Let the teacher, after the Epistle has been read, fully explain the circumstances which gave rise to it. Paul had been sent a prisoner to Rome, as he wished to plead his cause before Cæsar, there he dwelt two years before his cause was heard or the charge against him was withdrawn; while there he caused great excitement by his preaching. Onesimus, the wicked servant of a pious master, who for safety had fled to Rome, several hundred miles from Colosse, heard him preach, perhaps from curiosity-the word was blessed to his conversion-he makes his case known to Paul-the apostle enters into his feelings, and gives him a letter to take back to his former employer, engaging to pay whatever was owing by Onesimus. History informs us that Onesimus became profitable as the pastor of a church at Ephesus, and that finally in the very city, where he entered into a state of grace, he also entered into a state of glory, being martyred for the Lord Jesus. The power of grace in converting so hopeless a character and under such hopeless circumstances, must strike every mind. The whole letter has been praised by critics as the finest example of epistolary writing

extant.

NOTES.

Ver. 1. A prisoner,' Paul was now at Rome a prisoner on account of Christ's gospel, Acts xxviii. 16, 30: 'Philemon,' lived at Colosse, and appears to have been a person of importance; the church at Colosse met in his house. Ver. 2. 'Apphia,' some think she was the wife of Philemon, and Archippus was the pastor of the church which met at Philemon's house. Ver. 5. By reading this verse in a parenthesis, the same becomes much more clear. Ver. 6. 'Communication,' his contributions toward the poor saints which his faith suggested: By the acknowledging,' inducing those who receive his kindness to acknowledge it as done toward Christ. Ver. 9. 'Paul the aged,' probably above sixty. Ver. 11. 'Unprofitable,' injurious, having defrauded and pained his pious master. Ver. 12. Mine own bowels,' Paul here speaks of Onesimus as part of himself, so tenderly do we love those whom we are the means of converting. Ver. 15. For ever,' in heaven, through their mutual partaking of divine grace. Ver. 19. Thou owest, &c.' this implies that all Philemon's hopes as a christian were owing to Paul's usefulness to him also.

QUESTIONS.

1. Under what circumstances did Paul write this letter?-2. How came Paul and Onesimus to be at Rome?-3. What circumstances led to the conversion of Onesimus?-4. Why did that conversion appear very unlikely ?-5. Does the change in Onesimus afford any hope to teachers who have ungodly scholars ?-6. Why did not Paul detain Onesimus at Rome for his own comfort?-7. What did Paul do for Onesimus ?-8. Does any event in Christ's life exceed Paul's condescension and kindness? John xiii. 14.-9. What is our scripture rule in reference to persons below us? Rom. xii. 16.-10. How had Onesimus acted to his master?-11. Does the Bible give servants any injunctions? Col. iii. 22, Titus ii. 9-10.-12. What kind of a change did divine grace make in Onesimus ?-13. Do you know what it is said he afterwards became ?-14. Does this change fulfil any promise? Is. lv. 13, Heb. vii. 25.-15. When religion converts a man how will it affect his feelings and conscience and practice?-16. How will converting grace make us feel toward the unconverted? Ps. cxix. 136, Esther viii. 6:-17. Can you name various ways in which 'a new creature' may be 'profitable' to the church of Christ ?-18. What question should every convert ask? Acts ix. 9.-19. How will Christ at last treat the unprofitable servant? Matt. xxv. 30.-20. What glories await those who are useful? Dan. xii. 3, Ps. cxxvi. 6.-21. From what motives should we wish to do good to others?-22. Is it the number or the use of our talents which Christ will reward? Matt. xxv. 20-23.

Entelligence.

Edinburgh.-SABBATH SCHOOL TEACHERS' UNION.-The annual meeting of this useful and flourishing association, was held in the Waterloo Rooms, on the evening of Tuesday, the 14th of February, which was filled to overflowing, and many who were desirous of attending were unable to procure tickets. Dr. Smyttan, H. E. I. C., took the chair. Tea and coffee having been served, the 133d Psalm was sung, after which the chairman stated that it gave him much pleasure to be present at this meeting of Sunday School Teachers, belonging, in