unmistakable financial success. We beg to append a reply received by a correspondent from the Home Secretary:

"Whitehall, March 1, 1883. "SIR,-I am directed by the Secretary of State to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 21st ult., inquiring as to the legality of raffles or lotteries at bazaars in aid of churches or chapels; and I am to acquaint you, in reply to your inquiry, that all lotteries are illegal.

"I am, Sir, your obedient servant,

"GODFREY LUSHINGTON."

Those, however, who are under the Gospel of purity and right, should not need the stern hand of the law to keep them from illegal and questionable acts.

Conference Services and Arrangements.

We must extend our article, already too long, in order to add a few notes on what we know will interest and gratify our readers. There is always great eagerness to see the Conference programme. By the courtesy of a Sheffield correspondent we are able to anticipate it a little. All the business sessions and some of the religious services will be held in South-street Chapel, as formerly. The rest of the services will be held at. our oldest chapel, Scotland-street; and at Broomhill Chapel, one in the best and newest style. Scotland-street is honoured as the spiritual birthplace, we believe, of the Revs. Dr. Stacey, J. Innocent, W. N. Hall, and other ministers. There our revered founder, the Rev. A. Kilham, was first stationed in 1797; and thence went forth our first missionaries to China in 1829. As was said recently in the Cutlers' Hall, Sheffield, by the present minister :—

"Scotland-street Chapel had a history which would never die; he understood that it was the oldest Methodist New Connexion Chapel in the town, and that from Scotland-street, more or less, the other chapels belonging to the Connexion had arisen. He did not think Scotland-street. Chapel had any ground of being ashamed for any of its children."

Special interest attaches to the President's official sermon, which will be given on the first Sunday morning, June 10, in South-street Chapel, where the communion of the Lord's Supper will be held in the afternoon, and there, too, the annual missionary meeting of the Conference will take place on the following (Monday) evening at 6 o'clock, Mr. Alderman Edwards, J.P., of Longton, in the chair. To this, our May meeting in June, special interest will attach, for the official deputation to Australia, Dr. Ward, will, we doubt not, have a graphic and stirring account to give of his adventurous journey thither, of his inspection of our missions, and of the many things that would strike a stranger in that wonderful land. On Tuesday evening there will be the Sunday-school Convention at Scotland-street, when there will be much talk and instruc tive conflict of opinion on "Doctrinal Teaching and Matters of Discipline in our Schools." The schools in connection with Scotland-street are beliveed to have been the first fully established in the town; and it is through the munificent gift of the chairman of the Convention, Mr. Councillor Skelton, that a project has just been started for the building.

of large and splendid schools at South-street. On Wednesday evening there will be the always-crowded Ordination service at Broomhill; and the Ordination Charge by Dr. Stacey in open conference, on Thursday forenoon, will doubtless be a rich feast to all who can attend it. A most successful demonstration of the Band of Hope, with a choir of 250 voices, is expected on the Thursday evening, Mr. Alderman Longbottom, of Halifax, in the chair; and on Friday there will be the ever-popular Conference tea in Hanover-street schools, kindly lent by the Methodist Free Church, and the public meeting afterwards in South-street, under the genial presidency of the Mayor of Nottingham, Mr. Alderman Lindley.

We would advise intending visitors to the Conference Lovefeast on the second Sunday, in Scotland-street, to be in good time. It will, no doubt, be crowded early. May it bring a full blessing, and be like the baptism of Pentecost! On the same day our venerable father in the Connexion, the Rev. Dr. Cooke, is appointed to preach in South-street, and many of our readers will, we know, make a note of this.

The Church will almost touch the fringe of the world, and yet, we believe, will" keep itself unspotted," in the conversazione on Monday, the 18th, which will be held in the Albert Hall. It will be a most pleasant time for the re-union of long-severed friends, for social chat and intercouse, for refreshing entertainment and instruction, after the long sessions of the previous week, and the self-absorbing toils of the closing Connexional year. We understand that elaborate preparations are being made for the comfort and enjoyment of visitors. In the Albert Hall there will be good air to breathe and room to turn in; and that will be a sweet relief after some experiences of the past.

Our correspondent says it is expected that it will be a happy Conference, and bring blessing to the good old town of Sheffield. People of other Churches have most cheerfully offered the hospitality of their homes to the members of the Conference; and some of the chief pulpits of the Presbyterians, Wesleyans, Free Churches, and Congregationalists, in addition to others, will be occupied by our ministers. May the whole town feel the gracious influence of our presence, and through us receive a rich benediction from above! NEWCON.

BRIEF EXPOSITION

OF THE

SUNDAY-SCHOOL INTERNATIONAL LESSONS

FOR 188 3.

JUNE 3.

SUBJECT-PAUL and BarnaBAS AT ANTIOCH IN PISIDIA.

Lesson-Acts xiii. 13-16 and 43-52. Golden Text-Acts xiii. 32. INTRODUCTION.-Previous lesson left Paul and Barnabas in Cyprus. Now find them still at Paphos, preparing to continue journey. Little choice of route in those days. Happened to be vessel bound for mainland; on this missionaries embarked.

EXPOSITION.

13. Paul. First time so called in narrative. Perhaps began now to employ this name to make easier his way among Gentiles. Would disarm some prejudices. Company. Barnabas and John Mark. Note how Paul's natural energy brings him to front. When started, Barnabas the leader (v. 3), now he in Paul's "company." Paphos. Port on S.W. of Cyprus. 200 miles' sail to Perga, in province of Pamphylia, of which metropolis. Noted Temple of Diana there. Was important port, now a ruin. John departed. Why? Probably no one reason will account. His mother in danger of persecution for shielding disciples (xii. 12); hardships had stripped the work of its romance; and his cousin Barnabas (Col. iv. 10, R.V.) being practically and increasingly subordinated to Paul, may have made him discontented.

14. Departed. But brief stay in Perga. Arriving in spring, would find people preparing for annual emigration to cooler uplands. Paul and Barnabas accompanied, thus avoiding "perils of robbers." A journey of 90 miles brought to Antioch in Pisidia. Distinguish from Syrian Antioch. Pisidia name of district, partly included in Phrygia. The town a Roman colony, under more direct Roman influence. Evidently Jews there, for a Synagogue. Properly arranged for worship, with centre screen to separate sexes, and veil, with ark behind, at east end, towards Jerusalem. Here Paul and Barnabas went on Sabbath. This no antagonism to law, for Christ its Fulfiller. "The law of Moses ought to be a better schoolmaster to bring men to Christ than the law of Nature."

15. Law and Prophets. Bengel suggests that lessons for day were Deut. i.-iii. 22, and Isaiah i. 1-22. These were read in one day, and Paul's address has allusion to these passages. Any word. Customary to give such invitations to distinguished strangers.

16. Stood. Might have spoken sitting, but more respectful to stand. Beckoned with hand. A habit of his (xxi. 40, xxvi. 1).

[The address, which is not included in lesson, was constructed much after model of Stephen's. It produced great sensation, and the Gentiles begged for continuance of the teaching.]

43. Proselytes. Jewish converts from heathenism. Generally proselytes are the greatest bigots-these were noble exceptions. In the grace of God. His saving grace. This they had promptly accepted, for exhorted to continue in it.

44. Paul's discourse, week's talk. ing. Next Sabbath came almost with Jews, proselytes, and heathen. preached.

He not idle meanwhile. Privately teachthe whole city. Synagogue crowded People will flock where word powerfully

45. Envy. Jealousy. (R.V.) Jews were jealous because Paul's one address more influence than their years of proselytising, and because he treated Gentiles as their equals. Selfish of religious blessings. Not realising God given them the faith in trust for world. Spake against. Heard with interest one Sabbath, opposed the next. Blaspheming. May only mean railing (margin R.V.), though too likely in heat of passion would speak profanely (xviii. 6).

46. Waxed bold. Paul not man to be clamoured down. Opposition brought out his strength. "Dare to do right; dare to be true!" Necessary ... first... to you. Because Christ's purpose (Matt. x. 16). Gained by this order-showing Apostles not afraid of investigation by those most competent to know. Merciful too. The Jew greatest sinner-therefore first offer (Rom. i. 16; Acts iii. 26). Judge selves unworthy. Not in own thought -in this, antithesis of unworthy-but the utterance of their deeds. "Man's conduct is his true verdict upon himself." God but confirms this judgment. To the Gentiles: Momentous words! The offer no longer made to these Jews. To win Gentiles henceforth Paul's chief work.

47. Quoted, substantially, from Isaiah xlix. 6 (Septuagint Version).

48. Gentiles glad. Welcomed humbly what Jews refused, as the Centurion, Syro-Phenician woman, and Cornelius had before. Glorified word. Becoming living illustrations of its blessed power. Ordained to everlasting life. Word here translated ordained occurs four times in New Testament. In no case has it thought of predestined. Simply means disposed. They were willing (Rev. xxii. 17).

49. Evidently a church formed, meeting apart from synagogue; from this, truth spread to the pagani-the villagers.

50. Devout and honourable women. Proselytes of noble station. The intriguing Jews worked through that prejudiced narrowness too often found in religious women. The women influenced the chief men-possibly by foretelling tumults. Persecution... expelled. Whether formally banished not told, but had to retire. Conscious of blessings of Matt. v. 10—12. Coasts. Boundaries.

51. Shook off dust. Not in passion, but as denoting utter renunciation. Travelled 110 miles to Iconium, upon Lake Trologis, in Lycaonia, of which practically capital. Here Paul and Barnabas under another jurisdiction.

52. Disciples. At Antioch. Filled with joy. Had found the truth, and were glad in it. Were sharing with teachers the blessing of the persecuted. Filled with Holy Ghost. Enemies could not expel Him. Though Apostles gone, He remained, their teacher and supporter.

LESSONS.

(1) Our deeds, as manifesting ourselves, will be the ground of our judgment (46), see also Matt. vii. 20, xii. 37, xv. 1—20; 2 Cor. v. 10). (2) The danger of despising God's offer of mercy. season fair may never be renewed" (46).

"Slighted once, the

(3) Who may be saved by Christ. "Whosoever will may come." Gentile as well as Jew (47, 48).

(4) The importance of counting the cost when deciding upon Christian service (13).

JUNE 10.

SUBJECT-AT ICONIUM AND LYSTRA.

Lesson-Acts xiv. 1-18. Golden Text-Acts xiv. 15.

INTRODUCTION.—Our lesson takes us to Iconium, a town of great interest in Asia Minor. Here one of early councils on question of baptism. Here, under its present name of Konieh, was seat of Tartar power. Here Geoffrey of Bouillon, and Frederick Redbeard, with other Crusaders, fought. To us most interesting for its early missionary annals.

EXPOSITION.

1. Together. They worked amicably. Barnabas, not jealous, but rejoicing in Paul's greater gifts. Synagogue. Again, for same reasons, first message to Jews. Great multitude. Not all persuaded at one service. Synagogue not contain so many. Writer evidently is summarising work of a period. Greeks. Proselytes, as distinguished from Gentiles of ver 2. Heathen Greeks would not be at service.

...

2. Unbelieving. R. V. has stronger term-disbelieving. All non-belief is disbelief, where Christ is concerned. Decline Him, you refuse Him. Stirred Gentiles. Schemers rarely scruplers. Jews hated Roman authority, yet used it to crucify Jesus. Scorned these heathen neighbours, yet drew them into plans. Made, &c. . . . evil affected. Not do this by truth. Used misrepresentation.

3. Therefore abode they. To establish their converts. Lord.. gave testimony. His Spirit, working on men's consciences, enforced the Word, which also confirmed by signs and wonders. Not all wonderssigns. These were miracles, attesting Divine mission of Paul and Barnabas.

4. Multitude divided. No neutrals. Family against family; friend against friend. As Christ said (Matt. x. 34, 35). Apostles. Barnabas here called Apostle; not in special and limited meaning, but in general sense of a sent

one.

5. Assault made, i.e., prepared-not delivered. A conspiracy. Gentiles. These regarded Apostles as brawlers and factious. Jews, with rulers. Religious rulers-synagogue officials. Plotted to ill-treat, and then stone. Plainly intended murder.

6. Ware of it. Became aware of serious nature of plot. Fled. Had sown good seed; their work would live, and follow them. Lystra. Small country place, not yet certainly identified; S.E. of Iconium. Derbe. Another small town, further on. Region. Evidently a wild, backward district.

7. There. preached. Thought no sphere too small, no soil too unpromising. In this remote place, probably during this visit, won Timothy. On next journey he accompanied them (xvi. 1).

8. At Lystra. Came there first. Probably but few Jews there, for no mention of synagogue. A cripple. No use in ankles. How exact Luke the physician is!

Beholding.

9. Heard Paul. With sympathy, and was convinced. Reading his very soul in one intent gaze. Faith to be healed. Without faith no special blessing (Matt. ix. 22, 29, xiii. 58; Mark ix. 23).

10. Loud voice. All should hear. In Greek, which though not common speech there, would be understood as English in a Welsh town. Leaped and walked. How natural this order! In exuberance of joy danced. Then, as calmer, walked.

11. Speech of Lycaonia. Some older tongue. Greek was supplanting earlier languages; but in remote districts these still spoken, and in excitement people naturally used speech of their childhood. Gods are come down. Recognised the superhuman in the miracle. Convinced of a Divine power. Taught that gods did sometimes appear. A local legend gave account of one appearance. What excitement would be! Possibly Paul and Barnabas, not knowing this dialect, did not realise people's thought.

12. Barnabas, Jupiter. Father of the gods. Barnabas, so called because of benignant and dignified bearing. Paul, Mercurius. God of eloquence, and messenger of gods.

13. Jupiter... before city. Temple to Jupiter, as tutelary god of Lystra, just outside gates. Oxen for sacrifice. Garlands. To adorn either altar, sacrifice, or gates in honour of visit. Gates of Apostle's lodgings. Not have been to their honour if at city gates.

14. Heard of. Proceedings so far without their knowledge. Perhaps some convert ran to tell. Rent clothes. In token of dismay. Were jealous for Jesus (2 Cor. iv. 5). Sprang forth (R.V). To remonstrate and dissuade. 15. Why these things? We not gods, only men as human as yourselves. But are messengers of the true God, and " bring you good tidings" (R.V.). Vanities. Empty delusions. Neither Jupiter nor Mercurius any real existence, and therefore their worship vain. Living God. "Who only hath immortality." The life-giving God. The Creator of all things.

16. Walk in own ways. These generally Satan's. Suffered. They under Him. He could have punished, but forbore, until teaching of natural religion endorsed and enforced by revelation (xvii. 30).

17. Not without witness. Provisions of nature spoke of gracious Provider, to whom gratitude and service due; and who had power to punish for sin. This voice sufficiently clear to make men responsible."

18. Evidently mere outline of Paul's address, which much resembled that at Athens. It convinced the Lystrians, who reluctantly abandoned purpose and dispersed in perplexity.