The city of Bradford claims to possess the first Temperance Hall in the world. The foundation stone was laid on Monday, March 13th, 1837, and the building was opened on February 27th, 1838, by the Bishop of Ripon, Dr. Longley (who in succession became Bishop of Durham, Archbishop of York, and Archbishop of Canterbury). This famous building is still in regular use, the Bradford Temperance Society being one of the most vigorous associations in the country. A unique feature of the hall is a very handsome painted window in memory of the late John Priestman. It is a four-light window, and contains four female figures robed in mediæval costumes, and representing "Religion," "Temperance," "Health," and "Prosperity." Above the central light is an effective portrait of Mr. Priestman. Mr. George Field in his interesting "Historical Survey of the Bradford Temperance Society," says:-- "The hall of this, the first temperance society in England, has been a battle-field for many conflicts with drink, and some of the greatest orators have made its walls re-echo with their oratory. It has had amongst its friends and workers some of the best men and women of Bradford. By its agency many a degraded sot has been rescued and restored to respectability in society, but while the curse of drink remains the work will have to go on." SCRIPTURE LESSONS FOR SCHOOL & HOME INTERNATIONAL SERIES With Illustrative Anecdotes and References. APRIL 16TH.--=Jesus Teaching Humility.= _To read--St. John xiii. 1-17. Golden Text--Ver. 15._ So far have had Christ's _active_ life coupled with His teachings. Come now to His _passive_ life just before the close. To-day's lesson--a sort of active parable--teaching His giving up Himself for man. =I. The Washing= (1-11). _The time._ Just before Christ's last Passover. Supper being "at hand" (Revised Version); washing taking place before a meal (St. Mark vii. 3). Always known as the "Last Supper" or Passover Feast. His "hour" for showing Himself fully as the Saviour was now come. _The cause_ (ver. 1). Love passing all knowledge (Eph. iii. 19). Shown by its _greatness_--loved to the uttermost; its _comprehensiveness_--including even Judas; its _lowliness_--doing a servant's work. _The act._ Disciples began to dispute which should be the greatest (St. Luke xxii. 24). Christ shows by His action what His opinion is. The greatest in His kingdom are they who serve most. Takes towel, water, basin; washes feet of each in turn. Who declines to accept the act of service? But unless Peter submits to Christ, can have no part with Him. He dreads separation from Him, therefore is eager now to be wholly washed. Christ tells him two things-- (_a_) He cannot understand meaning of this act but will hereafter--will add to his faith, virtue (or valour), and knowledge (2 Pet. i. 3). (_b_) He who is washed, _i.e._ bathed (Greek), in Christ's atoning blood (Zech. xiii. 1) needs only to "wash" or be washed from daily sin to be kept clean and holy.