LESSON LIII.

MOSES SAVED BY PHARAOH'S DAUGHTER.-EXOD. II. 1-9.

Text-Heb. xi. 23.

Supply the connecting links of the history by mentioning the facts recorded in Exodus i. Then dwell upon the over-ruling providence of the Almighty, in making Pharaoh's daughter the instrument of saving Moses, who was to deliver the Israelites from their Egyptian bondage. The story is beautifully told. Read the account in Exod. ii. Dwell upon the mother's faith in committing her infant to the waters in an ark of bulrushes, in spite of the tyrant's decree: God touched the heart of Pharaoh's daughter by the tears of the babe, and provided even that his own mother should be his nurse. What a proof is the whole story of all working together for good to those who trust in the Lord.

See the sketch on the Scripture Print.

LESSON LIV.

MOSES' EDUCATION—ALSO HIS REASON FOR LEAVING PHARAOH'S COURT.-EXOD. II. 9, 10. ACTS VII. 20, 21. HEB. XI. 24-27.

Text-Col. iii. 2.

First. We have here another proof how wonderfully the Lord causes all things to work together for the good of his people, and the accomplishment of his purposes of love it was in Pharaoh's court that Moses gained the wisdom and learning that prepared him to be the ruler and law-giver of the Israelites.

Second. Let the children observe, how great was his sacrifice for religion. He gave up the honour of being considered the son of Pharaoh's daughter, and all the pleasures that wealth, power, and honour, could bestow. For what was he content to make so great a sacrifice? To suffer affliction and reproach with the people of God. What led him to make this choice? Faith. He believed God, that the riches he had in store for him were infinitely superior to all that the world could offer.

Third. Application. If, like Moses, we cast in

* The questions introduced in these sketches are not intended to be those given to the children, but to help to bring the subject vividly before the Teachers' minds.

our lot with God's people, and seek first the kingdom of heaven, we shall be blessed of God here and hereafter.

LESSON LV.

THE BURNING BUSH.-EXOD. III. 1-6.

Text-Matt. xvi. 18, part.

First. Make the children clearly understand this wonderful miracle-the bush, burning with fire, yet unconsumed. The angel of the Lord; Jesus Christ being in the midst of it.

Second. Bring them to an understanding of what this represented or typified. The bush is the Church —that is, the people of God: the fire, persecutions, they are afflicted, persecuted, cast down, but not destroyed. Why? God, the Saviour, is with his Church, and has promised that the gates of hell shall not prevail against it: for Christ is in the midst of it. Afflictions are sent to purify it.

Third. Application. Do we belong to God's people? if so, though we may suffer persecution, though we may be cast down, we shall not be utterly destroyed. This is the chief lesson, but the verses present another important one. Wherever God manifests his presence, is holy ground. Moses is instructed to put off his shoes. When we approach to God, when we enter his courts, we should care

fully prepare ourselves, and see that by outward reverence and inward devotion we prove ourselves true worshippers. We should pray to God to prepare our hearts by the inspiration of his Holy Spirit, that we may not rush into his courts with unholy thoughts. It is for want of such preparation that so many frequent the house of God with little profit.

LESSON LVI.

MOSES' COMMISSION.-EXOD. III. 7-Iv. 17.

First.

Text-2 Cor. v. 20.

Lead the children to see that Moses received his commission from God. He was to go in the name of Jehovah. "I AM hath sent me."

Second. Observe how unwilling Moses was to undertake the work; it was mighty and perilous, and he looked too much to himself.

Third. Observe the means God condescended to use to encourage him : his rod became the instrument of working miracles; his brother Aaron is to accompany him as his spokesman.

Application. Moses was appointed to a special work, but we should consider also God's ministers as his ambassadors, and receive their message as sent by the King of kings through them.

LESSON LVII.

THE CONDITION OF THE ISRAELITES IN EGYPT.

EXOD. II. 23-25: v. 4—19.

Text-John viii. 34.

First. Lead the children to see the grievous bondage of the Israelites in Egypt; how hard they laboured in making bricks, and building; but the more bitter their lives became, the more they multiplied-Exod. i. 9-14: when Moses interfered, their labour was increased.

Second. Let the children see the fulfilment of God's word in his prophecy to Abraham, and in the type of the burning-bush.

Third. Application. The state of the Israelites represents the state of the unconverted; they are in bondage to sin and Satan. God only can deliver them. But if they cry to him, he will. Have we besought the Lord to deliver us?

LESSON LVIII.

THE WATERS TURNED INTO BLOOD.-EXOD. VII.

19-21.

Text-Exod. xv. 11.

First. You must make this lesson interesting to the children, by dwelling on the fact, and making