attempts which have been made to identify this manna with the natural and condensed juices or gums, from certain shrubs or trees, to which the name has been applied; for the manna of Scripture has been sought for not merely in the produce of one gum-exuding plant, but of many. The strongest claim to identity applies to the substance, still called by the Arabs mann, which is produced in the peninsular of Sinai; but we have already stated, that Arab identifications, whether of sites or products, or anything else, are not of the least value, unless supported by other and strong corroborations. We take this, however, because, if it be not the manna of Scripture, no other natural product can pretend to the distinction. The best and most complete account of it is given by Burckhardt. Speaking of the Wady el Sheikh, to the north of Mount Serbal, he says, 'In many parts it was thickly overgrown with the tamarisk or tarfa; it is the only valley in the peninsula where this tree grows, at present, in any great quantity, though some small bushes are here and there met with in other parts. It is from the tarfa that the manna is obtained; and it is very strange that the fact should have remained unknown in Europe till M. Seetzen mentioned it in a brief notice of his tour to Sinai, published in the Mines de l'Orient.' This substance is called by the Arabs mann, and accurately resembles the description of the manna given in Scripture. In the month of June it drops from the thorns of the tamarisk upon the fallen twigs, leaves, and thorns, which always cover the ground beneath the tree in the natural state; the manna is collected before sunrise, when it is coagulated, but it dissolves as soon as the sun shines upon it. The Arabs clean away the leaves, dirt, &c. which adhere to it, boil it, stain it through a coarse piece of cloth, and put it into leathern skins; in this way they preserve it till the following year, and use it as they do honey, to pour over their unleavened bread, or to dip their bread into. I could not learn that they ever made it into cakes or loaves. The manna is found only in years when copious rains have fallen. Sometimes it is not produced at all. I saw none of it among the Arabs, but I obtained a piece of last year's produce at the convent; where, having been kept in the cool shade and moderate temperature of that place, it had become quite solid, and formed a small cake; it became soft when kept sometime in the hand, or if placed in the sun for five minutes; but when restored to a cool place it become solid again in a quarter of an hour. In the season at which the Arabs gather it, it never acquires that degree of hardness which will allow of its being pounded, as the Israelites are said to have done in Numbers xi. 8. Its colour is dirty yellow, and the piece which I saw was still mixed with bits of Tamarisk leaves; its taste is agreeable, somewhat aromatic, and as sweet as honey. If eaten in any considerable quantity, it is said to be slightly purgative. The quantity of manna collected at present, even in seasons when the most copious rains fall, is very trifling, perhaps not amounting to more than five or six hundred pounds. It is entirely consumed among the Bedouins, who consider it the greatest dainty which their country affords. The harvest is usually in June, and lasts six weeks; sometimes it begins in July."-Tour in the Peninsular of Mount Sinai.

"If for a moment we allow this to be the manna of Scripture, let us see to what extent a miracle is still required to account for the phenomena recorded there. This mann is only yielded six weeks in the year; but the manna of Scripture was supplied at all times of the year during forty years, and a double supply came regularly every Friday, to compensate for its being intermitted on Saturday. It fell also in the Hebrew encampment, wherever it happened to be, in all the country between Sinai and Palestine. The mann of Sinai may be kept from one year to another; but the manna, if kept till the day after that on which it was gathered, bred maggots, became noisome, and was unfit for use, except once a week, when its freshness was preserved for two days; and except also in the instance of the vessel full of it, which was directed to be preserved as a standing memorial of this wonderful provision. The mann is found under the shrubs which pro

duced it, in adhesive particles; whereas, the manna was showered down around the Hebrew encampment. If, therefore, so many miraculous circumstances must be allowed; if the identity of the mann and manna be conceded, we really do not see how the believer can do other than consider the supply as altogether miraculous; or how the unbeliever can do better for his bad cause than reject the account as a whole. There is no middle path. In attempting to account for it on natural principles, so much that is miraculous must be admitted, that it does not seem worth while to contend about the remainder. As to the substance itself, the identity, or even resem. blance, does not seem to us so well established as Burckhardt conceives. Besides the differences involving a miracle, to which we have alluded, its appearance and colour do not correspond with the description of manna, as a small round thing, as small as the hoar frost.. like Coriander seed, and its colour like a pearl.' Besides, the mann dissolves in heat after it has been kept for a long time in a solid state; but the manna was found in a solid state; and although it dissolved in the sun if not gathered early in the morning, yet, if collected, it might be pounded into meal, and baked as bread. Burckhardt's manna could not be powdered into meal, and would melt in the attempt to bake it. Moreover, if it was a natural or common product, how is it that the Israelites did not know what it was? (verse 15, and Deut. viii. 16;) and how, in that case, could it have been worth while, after the supply had ceased, to preserve a quantity of the manna in the tabernacle and temple as an evidence of the miracle to future generations?"

Consolation for Christian Mourners; Discourses occasioned by the Death of Friends and other Afflictive Dispensations. By Adam Thompson,

D.D., Coldstream. 1 vol. 12mo, pp. 460. Snow, London. Peace for the Christian Mourner; or, Extracts from various Christian Authors on the subject of Affliction. Selected by Mrs. Drummond; with a Preface by the Rev. D. Drummond, B.A., Edinburgh. 1 vol. 12mo, pp. 300. Seeley and Burnside.

Sorrow and Consolation; or, the Gospel preached under the Cross. Meditations dedicated to the Afflicted. By J. H. Grandpierre, D.D., of Paris. Translated by a Lady. I vol. 12mo, pp. 188. Nisbet and Co.

These three works, differing in character, are similar in design. Their titles sufficiently indicate their object. The ills of life are manifold, trials await us at every step. If man is "not born to trouble,” according to Dr. Conquest's new version of Job v. 7, it is obvious, he is doomed to trouble. The Christian, too, finds his way to heaven through much tribulation: affliction, bereavements, unexpected calamities and distresses form part of his earthly portion, and promote his spiritual good. The Gospel, the entire Scriptures are designed and adapted to meet the wants and woes of the human family; and to supply those topics and means of consolation which cheer the sorrowful, calm the distracted, and bless the dying.

To exhibit the consolatory capabilities of the Bible is the design of the works before us.

Dr. Thompson's volume consists of eighteen discourses occasioned

by the death of friends and other afflictive dispensations; these discourses are distributed under two general divisions, each containing nine sermons. The first division relates to the particular consolations which support believers under the distress occasioned by the death of dear friends; the second, to the general consolations which support believers under all bereavements and afflictions.

Mrs. Drummond's volume consists of extracts from various Christian authors on the subject of affliction, arranged under the following heads : -First, the design and end of affliction; Second, the Christian conduct under affliction; Third, the blessed results of sanctified affliction; Fourth, the Christian comfort under sorrow of every kind. The extracts are made from the writings and letters of Rutherford, Lady Powerscourt, Dr. Love, Mrs. Hawkes, Jones, Hawker, Hill, Case, Bridges, Romaine, Buchanan, Hugh White, Newton, Venn, Blunt, Goode, Gonthier, Bradley.

The third volume is a translation of an interesting series of discourses, by the French pastor Grandpierre, on fellowship in affliction, and in the consolation of the Christian church—the resurrection of the body— the man of sorrow-Christian consolation-the art of administering consolation--the end of affliction-the promise made to the afflictedthe benefit of trial-the sacrifice of Isaac-and the tears of Jesus.

Each of the works possesses its characteristic peculiarity, fitting it for its own class of readers, and for being placed in a situation different from that of its fellows. Dr. Thomson's work is sound, well-reasoned, elaborate, and admirably fitted for the study. Mrs. Drummond's is interesting, highly instructive, and eminently consolatory, as not only pointing to the true sources of relief, but also as detailing the experiences of the various writers in scenes similar to those for whom the volume is designed, and is therefore well-adapted for the chamber of suffering. Dr. Grandpierre's is elegant, ingenious, tender, and soothing, and may be appropriately placed in the parlour for general reading.

The three works combined form an admirable repository of thoughts and suggestions, suited to every season of trial, and whence a spiritual adviser may draw topics wherewith to console the distressed. Should a selection of the works be necessary, and an opinion be asked which is the best, the answer must depend on the circumstances and habits of the inquirer. That unquestionably is the best, which is the most likely to accomplish the end desired. If brevity, variety, spirituality, the workings of experimental piety are required, then Mrs. Drummond's is the best-if a regular, systematic, thoroughly scriptural treatise is desired, and is best adapted to the mental constitution, and the situation of the inquirer, then Dr. Thompson's is the best-if the consolatory character of religion will be better appreciated when exhibited in combination with genius, piety, and taste, then preference must be given to the meditations of the French pastor.

We cordially recommend them all.

THE EDITOR'S TABLE.

The Congregational Calendar and Family Almanac for 1842, being the second after Bissextile or Leap Year. Compiled pursuant to a vote of the Congregational Union of England and Wales. 12mo. London: Jackson and Walford.

The Biblical Geography of Asia Minor, Phoenicia and Arabia. By E. F. C. Rosenmüller, D.D., Translated by the Rev. N. Morren, A.M. With an Appendix, containing an abstract of the more important Geographical illustrations of Messrs. Robinson and Smith; being Vol. XXXIV. of the Biblical Cabinet. 12mo. Edinburgh: Clarke. London: Hamilton, Adams, and Co.

Lights and Shadows of London Life. By the Author of "Random Recollections," &c. 2 vols. post 8vo. London: Saunders and Otley.

The Christian Almanack for the year 1842. London: Tract Society.

The Lives of Christians during the First Three Centuries of the Church. A series of Sermons on Church History. By Dr. Chr. Lude Couard. Translated from the German by Leopold J. Bernays. Being Vol XXXIII. of the Biblical Cabinet. 12mo. Edinburgh Clarke. London: Hamilton, Adams, and Co.

:

Examples and Warnings; True and Instructive Narratives for Youth. Translated from the German of the Rev. Dr. Barth. By Samuel Jackson. Lingham.

18mo. London:

Rules for Holy Living; with Questions for Self-Examination; a companion for the Pocket Testament or Hymn-Book. 2d edit. 32mo. London: Ward and Co.

Illustrations of Scripture, from the Geography, Natural History, and Manners and Customs of the East. By the late Professor George Paxton, D.D. of Edinburgh. 3d edit. revised and greatly enlarged by the Rev. Robert Jamieson. Vol. I. Manners and Customs. 12mo. Edinburgh: Oliphant and Son. London: Hamilton, Adams, and Co.

Present State of the Church of England Exposed. By a Member of the Church of Scotland. 12mo. London: Whittaker and Co.

Advice to the Bilious; or, Treatise on Disease of the Liver, its causes, its nature, and its cure. By Rowland East; dedicated by special permission to H. R. H. the Duke of Sussex. 12mo. London: Jackson and Walford.

Proceedings at the Half-yearly Meeting of the Teachers instructed at the Institution of the Home and Colonial Infant School Society, held on Wednesday, July 7th, 1841. 12mo. London: L. and G. Seeley.

Tracts on the Errors and Evils of the Church of England. By Wm. Thorn of Winchester. 12mo. London: Jackson and Walford.

The Sunday School Teacher's Class Registry and Diary for 1842. Half-bound, 12mo. London: 60, Paternoster Row.

Poems. By William Cowper. With a Biographical and Critical Introduction. By the Rev. Thomas Dale; and Seventy-Five Illustrations, engraved by J. O. Smith, from drawings by John Gilbert. Half-morocco, 8vo. London: Tilt and Bogue.

The Imperial Family Bible; containing the Old and New Testament, according to the most correct copies of the authorized version, with many thousand Critical, Explanatory, and Practical Notes; also, References, Readings, Chronological Tables, and Indexes. The whole illustrated by a superb series of Engravings, from the old masters, and from original designs by John Martin, K.L. Imperial Quarto. No. I. to IX. London Blackie and Co.

:

The Christian Ladies' Diary; or Evangelical Museum for 1842. With a Portrait of the Rev. W. Jay. London Suttaby and Co.

The Christian Offering; Lyrical Poems and Prose Pieces, Sacred and Miscellaneous.

By George B. Scott, author of "Beauty of Holiness," &c. With Six Beautiful Engravings on Steel. Cloth gilt, 12mo. London: G. Virtue.

Notes, Explanatory and Practical, on the Gospels. By Albert Barnes, Philadelphia. In two volumes. Vol. I. Matthew and Mark. 12mo. London: Blackie and Co. Thoughts by the Way. By W. N. Nash. 18mo. London: J. Snow. Histories from Scripture, for Children: exemplified by appropriate domestic tales. By Miss Graham. Second series, with elegant wood engravings. London: Dean and Munday.

The History of Poland and Russia; from the Earliest Period to the Present Time; adapted for youth. By Miss Julian Corner. Illustrated with a Map and Designs, by J. Gilbert. 12mo. London Dean and Munday.

Psalms and Hymns, selected from various authors, and revised by Seacome Ellison. 12mo. London: Houlston and Stoneman.

The Missionary's Appeal to British Christians on behalf of Southern India; comprising Biographical descriptions of the Madras Presidency; notices of the Moral Statistics of its Provinces; observations on the character and Condition of its Population; and arguments in favour of augmented efforts for its evangelization. By John Smith, of the London Missionary Society. 12mo. London: Hamilton, Adams and Co.

On the Sufficiency of the Parochial System, without a Poor Rate, for the right Management of the Poor. By Thomas Chalmers, D.D. and LL.D. 12mo. Glasgow: W. Collins.

The Christian Souvenir. Edited by the Rev. Charles B. Taylor, author of "May you like it." The Scriptural Illustrations by the Rev. Thomas Dale. With twelve engravings. Handsomely bound in morocco. London: Tilt and Bogue.

The Recreation, 1842. A Gift Book for Young Readers; embracing such subjects as are particularly fitted to interest and improve the youthful mind. Embellished with engravings. Edinburgh: Menzies. London: Tilt and Bogne.

Notes on the Acts of the Apostles. By Albert Barnes. With a Map. Reprinted from the Tenth American Edition, 1841. Medium 8vo. Being No. 36 of Ward's Library of Standard Divinity. London: T. Ward and Co.

LITERARY INTELLIGENCE.

We are happy to announce, that on the first of January will be published, Part First (to be completed in Thirteen) of a New Edition of Henry Ainsworth on the Pentateuch, the Psalms, and the Song of Songs.

It is not easy to assign a reason, except that he was an Independent, why a work so eminently calculated to elucidate the Scriptures, as AINSWORTH'S ANNOTATIONS, should have been so long buried in obscurity. A work which has been praised by all, of every denomination, who have had access to its valuable pages, a work combining a thorough knowledge and explanation of the original Hebrew, with a most indefatigable comparison of the Old and New Testament dispensations, illustrating Scripture by Scripture, and admitiing nothing that is fanciful, or founded on mere conjecture, but establishing the true meaning of the passages explained, by a patient investigation of the sense of the various places in the sacred oracles where the subjects are treated-a work suited to enrich the mind, to facilitate an understand. ing of the divine records, and to repay the diligent research of the most learned, while it is calculated to excite in all an earnest desire to be better acquainted with these copious streams of divine instruction. We, therefore, wish the enterprising publishers success in this reprint of the great work of one our greatest divines, of which there has not been a new edition in this country for more than two centuries. will make two demy 8vo volumes, containing about 750 pages.

It