for the complaints and murmurings of the Israelites in the desert. "The children of Israel also wept again, and said, who shall give us flesh to eat? We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick; but now our soul is dried away, there is nothing at all beside this manna before our eyes." Numb. xi. 4, 5, 6. We find the lotus-harvest usually connected with horticulture; at first, the plant might be mistaken for corn, but it may easily be recognised by the greenness of the stem, and by the waved lines, which show that it was planted in well watered beds. The gatherers of the lotus appear to have cut the stem off close to the roots, with a sickle shorter and sharper than that used for reaping the corn. We clearly see that the lotus reed was looked upon as far more valuable than straw; great care is shown in binding them into sheaves, and those who carry them exhibit an anxious caution against breaking the stem. It is also remarkable that the lotus was gathered both green and ripe, and that the fruit was extracted by drawing the heads through a toothed instrument not unlike that used for cleaning flax; after which the stems were preserved for a great variety of domestic purposes. The lotus-beds appear to have been kept constantly flooded to the depth of about six or seven inches; the succulent vegetables, and some trees, required to be regularly watered, and in every garden we find several reservoirs established. The water is generally drawn up by the hand, but we find several contrivances to facilitate labour, one of which is in use at this day, in the market-gardens in the neighbourhood of Brentford. It is a simple application of the lever: a stone at one end raises up the bucket from the well by a string fastened to the other, and the attendant has only the labour of pulling down the bucket when empty. "Hewers of wood and drawers of water" were, and indeed are, proverbially the lowest class of the population in Eastern countries. Indeed, one of the advantages which Moses dwells most upon, to show the superiority of the promised land, is, that it would not require the toil of watering like the land of Egypt. "The land whither thou goest in to possess it, is not as the land of Egypt, from whence ye came out, where thou sowedst thy seed and wateredst it with thy foot, as a garden of herbs; but the land whither ye go to possess it, is a land of hills and valleys, and drinketh water of the rain of heaven." Deut. xi. 10, 11. The phrase, watering with the foot," which has perplexed commentators, is illustrated on the monuments by our finding channels or drains cut through the plantations, which may be opened or closed by merely turning the earth with the foot. Cotton was certainly cultivated in Upper Egypt, but we have not met with any representation of the plant on the monuments; at least, none which can be decisively identified. But cotton and the grape-vine belong more properly to the manufactures of Egypt, which we shall examine in a separate article. The breeding and tending of cattle was an important branch of Egyptian husbandry, but less so than might have been expected in a nation so remarkable for animal idolatry. The cow was sacred to Isis, and was never sacrificed; but the bull is not an uncommon offering. The worship of the bull Apis, was limited to a single beast, whose characteristic marks separated him from the ordinary herd. Large herds of black cattle are common on the monuments; the ox was used both for food and agricultural labour; we have already noticed that it was employed both in ploughing and threshing. Swine were unclean beasts: goats were sacred only in some districts; but sheep, which are so important to modern farmers, occur very rarely. Great attention was manifestly paid to the breeding and training of horses; they were used for drawing war-chariots and triumphal cars, but never, as far as we know, for agricultural labour. There is no example of a mounted cavalier, whence it may be inferred, that the use of the horse for riding was unknown in the palmy days of Egyptian civilization. The race of horses seems to belong to the noble breed, of which specimens are still found in the Valley of the Upper Nile and Dongola. In this part of husbandry the Egyptians were so superior, that they supplied war-steeds to foreign nations. It is recorded, that "they brought unto Solomon horses out of Egypt," 2 Chron. ix. 28, for the purpose of mounting his numerous cavalry. No description could convey an adequate notion of the fancy and splendour displayed in the harness and trappings of favourite steeds. Mules and asses both occur; the latter are very different from the despised animals whose name is proverbially associated with stupidity. The Egyptian ass is a noble animal, inferior only to the horse, and was worthy of bearing the judges of Israel. Deborah's address, "Speak, ye that ride on white asses, ye that sit in judgment, and walk by the way," Judges v. 10, ceases to excite surprise at her thus designating the rulers of the people, when we behold how different the animals of which she speaks are from those with which we are familiar. Camels are very rare, and we have found no example of the buffalo. Aviaries and poultry-yards are not uncommon; we have already said that ponds for waterfowl are the usual ornaments of every large garden. A SABBATH IN NEW ZEALAND. The following account is given by Mr Marshall, in his Personal Narrative of Two Visits to New Zealand. THE pattering of rain upon the roof of my chamber, awoke me a little after the day dawn, and I arose refreshed in body and mind, to enjoy what for many, many months, I had scarce a single opportunity of enjoying apart from the society of men otherwise minded, communion and fellowship with God the Holy Ghost; where there was no eye but his to behold me, no ear but his to intercept my cry. It was a morning of blessedness, and a time of joy, with which those who are strangers to the covenant of promise cannot intermeddle, and of which, alas! only those can have any conception, who are born again of water and the Holy Ghost, and re-begotten unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. We met round the breakfast table a large and happy family, consisting of Mr and Mrs Chapman, and several of the Missionaries' sons, whose education has been intrusted to Mr Chapman, and who are boarded in his house. Besides these, there were two who interested me very greatly: one, a little girl, the grandchild of the warrior 'Hongi, who is become, in a manner, missionary property, and, rescued from degradation of the lowest possible kind, perhaps, too, from murder, is now training up among Christians, will be instructed in wisdom and true knowledge, and by the divine grace and benediction, may yet adorn the Gospel of God her Saviour. The other child was a boy, the son of a New Zealand mother, but having a profligate Englishman for his father, by whom he was deserted. Him Mr Chapman had adopted for his own, in the fond hope of being enabled to save him from the demoralizing contagion of native habits, and, at the same time, to insure to him the privileges of a Christian education. After we had breakfasted, the custom of the family was followed, one of the Psalms being expounded to the boys every Lord's Day morning. During the meal-time the conversation had been such as might attract the attention of those young persons, and give them a desire to follow on to know the Lord. Family prayer succeeded this exposi tion, and at nine c'clock the village bell invited us to go up together to the house of prayer, and mingle with the great congregation. The chapel at Paihia is extremely neat, I had almost said beautiful. It stands back from the road, in an inclosed square within the fence, on all sides of which the sweet brier forms an impervious hedge, and mixes its perfume with the breeze, thus scenting the pure atmosphere breathed by those who assemble on this spot to worship God; and seeing that Christians are said to be the trees of God's planting, excites the hope that every Christian in this land may raise around the place of his abiding a moral atmosphere both pure and perfumed, and be himself a sweet savour of Christ unto God, a savour of life unto life in them that are saved, and of death unto death in them that are lost. The only defect in this chapel is that it is too small to accommodate the united congregation of Europeans and natives. It has a well-toned hand-organ, which New Zealanders, as well as English, accompanied with their singing, and as its swelling notes came pealing on the ear, bringing with them the music of the "human voice divine," in loud and lofty bursts of praise to the High and Lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, and whose name is HOLY. It was difficult, notwithstanding the tattooed faces before me, to realize the fact that this was taking place on an island of cannibals, and that by far the greater number of the throng whose voices conspired to raise those songs of high religious joy, had been themselves, and that but a very few years before, all savages and all man-eaters. come, that it is sin, the world, and the devil; and how to overcome it, viz., by a lively faith in Christ maintained unto the end, steadfast and immoveable. And, finally, he directed attention to the promised blessing as one that is beyond price, and in no degree admitting of comparison with any of the things of time or sense. In dismissing each separate head of discourse, a personal and practical application of the same was made to us who heard. During the delivery the natives kept their seats, engaged, for the most part, in silent perusal of the words of eternal life in their own tongue. This service over, I went home with the Rev. H. Williams, and partook of a hasty dinner at his house, it being his wish that I should accompany him to the head of the Kaua Kaua, where there is a promising body of natives, who receive with meekness the engrafted word. The wind and tide were both in our favour, but some delay occurred through one of the natives refusing to go in the boat, although previously warned that he would be wanted to make up a crew. He was one of the many unbaptized persons who are suffered to remain in the missionary compound, and to avail themselves of the advantages of education to be obtained there, while they are willing to maintain a moral exterior, and careful not to infringe the rules observed by the Missionaries. They are found employment, and receive wages; but old inveterate habits, unsubdued by the working of new principles, refuse at times the restraints of mere law; and that stubbornness of their disposition which is the natural consequence of vicious indulgence in infancy, proves, on such occasions as the present, both a trial to the temper and a hinderance to the labours of the Missionary. The man was soon made ashamed of his conduct, and then evinced not a little chagrin at finding that his place was to be occupied by another. native preachers; on these occasions the inhabitants are again and again entreated to turn from sin unto holiness, and from Satan unto God. But Pomare's ear can rarely be gained: surrounded by a set of the lowest and most debased Englishmen, they effectually deter him from taking any heed to the things that belong to his everlasting peace. The same devotional manner, the same appearance of fixed and deep attention, marked the native congregation here, as I had formerly observed at Waimate. And the mode of conducting the service did not very greatly differ, being conducted, for the most part, in the New Zealand tongue. One English lesson was read, and an English sermon also preached. These were rendered necessary by the many Europeans pre- The sail up the river was very pleasant, and carried sent, comprising the settlers with their families, and the us past the Pa of Pomare, of whom I regret to say, families of the resident Missionaries. It was pleasing that every successive account becomes increasingly sad; to hear that Mr Busby, by constant and unremitting his habits are grown so besotted, and his mode of living attendance in his place in the church on every succes- is so wretched, that his health and vigour of body are sive Lord's day, lends his official sanction to the sacred very sensibly impaired, and the powers of his mind so observance thereof; nor is it less pleasing to believe that diluted by a course of incessant debauchery, as to leave all the really respectable settlers in the neighbourhood him the merest tool in the hands of the designing men gladly avail themselves of the public means of grace by whom he is surrounded. His Pa is frequently visitwhich the English services at the mission-chapel afforded, sometimes by a Missionary, at other times by the them, especially as some of them come from a considerable distance, and have an arm of the sea to cross on their way. My prayer for all such is, that to the means of grace thus valued by them, may be added the hope of glory, which God vouchsafes to every one sincerely in search of him, and of his great salvation. The English discourse was on these words, "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the Churches: To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise Idle Company.-I have often thought that, in the of God." Rev. ii. 7. It was a calm, yet earnest-an day when the eternal state of man is to be determined, affectionate, yet faithful address to the hearts and con- the greater part of those that are lost will perish, not sciences of all present; and in it the preacher considered, through any gross and scandalous iniquity, but through Ist, Who are the parties called upon to hear; 2dly, Who a deadness to God and his love, an ignorance of their the Spirit to be hearkened unto; 3dly, What the sub- own sinfulness, and, in consequence of that, through ject matter declared, this last including a description reigning pride and self-sufficiency. Now, the one great of character, "Him that overcometh," and a concomi- source of all these miserable disorders, or at least by tant promise. In enlarging upon these several par- which they are maintained and strengthened, is keeping ticulars, he carefully distinguished between the use and much company with those whom the Scripture marks the abuse of the Christian privilege of hearing the words out as engaged in talk without sense; company, not of God, explained what was meant by the Scripture with near relations or chosen friends; not with those for expression of having an ear to hear, and pointed out whom we have any real or sincere regard, but with those by what means that ear could be made to hearken to who come to see us, and we go to see them, only because the voice of the Lord the Spirit. He then exhibited the providence of God has brought us into one town. the character, office, and person of the Holy Ghost, as It is this that devours infinitely precious time, and enthe reprover of the world, the comforter of the Church, gages us in mere trifling, when we otherwise should be and the guide into all truth of as many as trust them- drawing nigh to God, and growing rich in divine knowselves to his teaching; shewed what has to be over-ledge and grace.-VENN, (Complete Duty of Man.) To be continued. SACRED POETRY. SALVATION. BY THE LATE REV. WILLIAM LAURENCE BROWN, D.D., To warm my bosom with that holy love, could I only human bosoms move To feel what for salvation's gift they owe,To feel what real joys they now may proveWhich spurn each vile enjoyment here below! O could the hearts of men but learn to glow With fervours which become those, who, redeemed By Jesus' blood, are snatched from guilt and woe, And precious by the God of love esteemed. For, since from heaven salvation's glory beamed, What can demand such gratitude and praise? Can all on earth, of highest value deemed, Excite such wonder, or such rapture raise? Where God to man, corrupted man, displays The unsullied glory of the eternal throne, The gloom of justice opes to mercy's rays, And heaven to earth in reconcilement's shewn, And peace and happiness from misery's stem are grown. THE DIVINE OMNIPRESENCE. THE cloud that guided Israel's host, On them it beamed with brightest ray,- God's omnipresence thus presents Why shouldst thou tremble in his sight, That nowhere canst thou go, where God, Amid "the busy hum of men" He cheers the gloomy vale that bounds MISCELLANEOUS. Desire for Instruction.-Two youths from Owyhee, the largest of the Sandwich Islands, arrived in America in the year 1809. Their names were Henry Obookiah and Thomas Hopoo. The former narrowly escaped being killed with his father, in one of the sanguinary conflicts then so common among those savage tribes. He was spared only on account of his youth. His uncle was a priest in one of the idol temples, and taught him every morning to repeat very long prayers. After he arrived in America, he was found one evening at the door of the College of Newhaven, weeping. When asked why he wept, he replied, "Because nobody gives me learning." Some pious gentlemen placed him at school, where he made great proficiency in learning. He was able to understand English as soon as he could read it. About a year after his arrival in America, he was overheard to pray in private, as follows: "Great and eternal God-make heaven-make earth-make every thing-have mercy on me-make me understand the Bible-make me good! Great God, have mercy on Thomas-make him good-make Thomas and me go back Owyhee-tell folks in Owyhee no more pray to stone god-make some good man go with me to Owyhee, tell folks in Owyhee about heaven-about hell! God make all people good every where-make all good!" He made great proficiency in learning, and gratefully rejoiced in the advantages he enjoyed.Thomas was nearly washed overboard while on his voyage to America. He also received instruction with avidity, and was desirous that hereafter he might employ the information he had acquired for the benefit of his countrymen. The early Days of Matthew Henry.-Matthew Henry, the excellent son of an excellent father, was subject, when a child, to repeated indispositions, which, notwithstanding, were so ordered and limited by a kind Providence, as neither to impair his great capacity for learning, nor prevent him from making rapid improvement. He was able to read very distinctly in the Bible when only three years old, making suitable observations on what he read; and, indeed, as one of his near relations, and the companion of his youth, declares, he very early put away childish things. When he was ten years old, the time from which he dated his effectual calling, he was visited with a lingering fever, which brought him so very low, that his death was every day expected. This was a great trial of the faith and patience of his good parents. His father, who used to say, Weeping must not hinder sowing," was obliged to go out to a place at some distance to preach the Gospel, and left his son very ill; but he felt, that be must be about his Father's business. On his return, he found matters much as he had left them-his son, his only son, whom he loved, in extreme danger. There was then at his house, a good old gentlewoman, the widow of the Rev. Zachary Thomas, helping and comforting them under this affliction. Mr Philip Henry told them, "At such a place and time upon the road, I did most solemnly, truly, and deliberately, resign up my dear child unto God, to do what he pleased with him and me.' Mrs Thomas replied, " And I believe, Sir, at that place and time, God gave him back to you again." It is certain, that after this he speedily recovered. Just Published, Volume II., Part I., Containing Numbers 45 to 70 inclusive, and extending from 7th January to 1st July, elegantly bound in embossed cloth, Price 4s. 6d. Also, Volume I., for 1836, in same style of binding, Price 7s., or in Two Parts. Price 8s. Published by JOHN JOHNSTONE, at the Offices of the SCOTTISH CHRISTIAN HERALD, 2, Hunter Square, Edinburgh, and 19, Glassford Street, Glasgow; JAMES NISBET & Co., HAMILTON, ADAMS & Co., and R. GROOMBRIDGE, London; W. CURRY, Junr. & Co., Dublin; and W. M'Coмв, Belfast; and sold by the Booksellers and Local Agents in all the Towns and Parishes of Scotland; and in the principal Towns in England and Ireland. Subscribers in Edinburgh, Leith, and Portobello, will have their copies delivered at the own residences regularly, by leaving their addresses with the Publisher.-Subscribers in Glasgow will, in like manner, have their copies delivered, by leaving their addresses at the Publishing Office there, 19, Glassford Street. Subscription (payable in advance) per quarter, of twelve weeks, 1s. 6d.-per half-year, of twenty-four weeks, 3s.-per year, of fortyeight weeks, 6s.-Monthly Parts, containing four Numbers each, stitched in a printed wrapper, price Sixpence, THE SOLID FOUNDATION OF THE the Spirit of God, there are many persons amongst CHRISTIAN'S HOPE. BY THE REV. THOMAS Ross, LL. D., Minister of Lochbroom. THE remarkable singularity of the lives of the first Christians must have frequently induced an inquiry into the motives of their conduct. Their heathen neighbours could not but behold with wonder, the holy, temperate, self-denied deportment of these extraordinary persons; for they thought it strange, that they ran not with them into the same excess of riot. They must have observed, besides, that these persons, whose lives were so unblameable and pure, were often subjected to the most cruel treatment, even to death in its most ignominious and excruciating forms. They saw them, too, submit to their sufferings with an astonishing patience, meekness, and fortitude, and meet the most formidable approaches of death not only without alarm, but even with calm composure, and often with transports of joy ; all for the sake of certain articles of faith, with which was connected the hope of some future happiness, and not one of which the most tremendous sufferings could force them to renounce. These things would naturally have excited the curiosity of some, the sympathy of others, and the serious feelings, perhaps of not a few, to inquire into the nature and foundation of this extraordinary principle. And to every one of these, as well as to the rulers and magistrates, who, in their official capacity, should interrogate them, the Christians were commanded to be always ready to give a distinct and satisfactory answer. The object, or the substance, of a Christian's hope, is beautifully expressed by the apostle, when he calls it the hope of an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved for them in heaven. This implies the hope of the immortality of the soul, of the second coming of Christ, of the resurrection of the body, of a general judgment, and of salvation with eternal glory. This is the hope which Christianity inspires, and of which every Christian is required to be ready always to assign a reason. Yet, is it not a melancholy fact, that, notwithstanding the importVOL. II. ance of the matter, and the express command of us who are totally ignorant on this interesting' subject-many who have not the hope of the Gospel in them, and who have never inquired after its nature or its object-many who choose to be called Christians, merely because Christianity is the professed religion of the land-who attend its external ordinances, merely because their fathers did so before them-and who, in the folly and ignorance of their minds, attach the rewards of the Gospel to such an unmeaning service? But some will say, perhaps, "We cherish the hope of other Christians, and expect eternal salvation as well as they." And have you ever duly considered the object of the Christian's hope? its glorious nature, its infinite importance, and the manner of its attainment? It is not an earthly possession,-it is an heavenly inheritance; it is not worldly riches, and honours, and power,— it is a crown of glory which fadeth not away; it is not the capricious favour of an earthly sovereign,-it is the eternal enjoyment of the God of heaven. Do you profess to cherish this hope? and would you trust the attainment of its object to vague conjecture, or risk its forfeiture by indifference and neglect? You would not act so imprudent a part in any worldly concern, though of infinitely inferior moment. Incur not, then, the charge of such egregious folly, where eternal happiness or misery is at stake. On what foundation, then, permit me to inquire, do you thus rest the hope of everlasting glory? Is it on the mercy of God? a sure, immoveable foundation, if you can make it yours, but, at the same time, a foundation on which many have made shipwreck of their souls. Are you then sure that God is merciful? You startle at the question. But let me tell you that there was a time when Adam apprehended not that amiable attribute in the character of God. Where, then, have you obtained this heavenly knowledge? On what authority do you believe the interesting fact? From what source have you derived the important information? Was it from the light of nature? No! This light, indeed, affords the most magnificent display of wisdom, power, and goodness; but of mercy it yields no cheering indications. On the con trary, does not this light exhibit the most unequi- | clear in regard to his infallible veracity, his imvocal tokens of the divine displeasure on the maculate holiness, and his inflexible justice. condition of man? Is not this whole world a dismal scene of vicissitude, and disappointment, and vexation of spirit? Are not all mankind acting in it, exposed to incessant labour, and toil, and suffering, and at last to death? And do these circumstances contain any indications of mercy in the Sovereign Ruler? Do they not rather prove that the curse of God hangs over the present state of humanity, and that, for aught that the light of nature shows to the contrary, this curse is executed in its utmost rigour? From this source, then, we draw no comfortable evidence of the divine mercy,-no rational foundation can we lay of pleasing hope. 6 But you will say, no doubt," We do not wish to trust in vague conjecture, but draw our views of divine mercy from the unerring light of revelation, and rest our hopes of glory on the sacred oracles of truth. Has not God, in his infallible Word, proclaimed his name to be The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth? Has he not again declared, in the most solemn manner, saying, As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live?' And has he not invited sinners to come to him with the most gracious promises of mercy and of pardon, saying, Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon?' On such clear and positive declarations, we trust that we can build our hopes with safety." So far, indeed, you seem to promise well. But if you would erect a fair and lasting edifice on the ground of Scripture, you must take care to search it deep, and take it as a whole; for if you rest on partial views, and parts detached, you may be likened to the "foolish man, who built his house upon the sand and the rains descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell and great was the fall of it." Does not that same Scripture, which proclaims the name of the Lord merciful and gracious, at the same time declare, that he will by no means clear the guilty? Does not that same Scripture, which declares that the Lord has no pleasure in the death of the wicked, with equal solemnity affirm, "the soul that sinneth, it shall die ?" Further, do not the Sacred Scriptures represent God as of purer eyes than to behold evil, and as not able to look on iniquity; as having prescribed a law to his intelligent creatures, and denounced an awful curse on every violation of it, saying, "Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them;" and as having "revealed his wrath from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men ?" Thus we see that the Sacred Scriptures, however graciously explicit in regard to the mercy of God, are no less awfully It is even proper in this place to observe, that if, independently of revelation, mankind could have conceived any idea of mercy in the divine character, they ought, from the belief of that attribute, to have inferred the absolute justice of the divine administration, and the indispensable necessity of the punishment of guilt. For, mercy being favour shown to the guilty, it implies in its very nature the existence of a law, without the violation of which no guilt can possibly be contracted; and the existence of a law, infers the existence of a lawgiver,—and in the present instance, of a lawgiver, whose glorious perfections must be the unerring rule of his conduct, and the sole foundation of morals. Hence it appears that, if God (I speak with reverence) should deviate from justice, in the smallest possible instance, he would, from that moment, become incapable of conferring mercy. For, the slightest deviation from justice, being a manifest infringement of the law ;-the least infringement on the part of the lawgiver, is clearly subversive of its authority-destructive of its very essence;-and it is most evident that, when the authority of the law is destroyed, there can be no more transgression on the part of the creature-no more mercy on the part of the Creator. In one word, God will as soon cease to exist, as he will cease to be holy, just, and true:-and consequently, unless you know how his mercy may be extended to the sinner, in full consistency with all the fair demands of truth, of holiness, and justice, you can possess no rational hope of salvation--you can assign no satisfying reason for the hope which you profess to cherish. Surely, then, this interesting subject deserves the trouble of investigation-for who would rest the concerns of an eternal existence, on a foundation on which no prudent man would build the slightest worldly advantage? Blessed be God! who has not left us without the means of substantial information on a point so dear to us; but who has revealed to us, in his infallible Word, a scheme of salvation, equally worthy of his glorious perfections, as suited to our deplorable circumstances a scheme in which “ mercy and truth are met together: righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth shall spring out of the earth: and righteousness shall look down from heaven." This is a scheme by which, in the triumphant language of a multitude of the heavenly host, glory redounds to God in the highest, and on earth is proclaimed peace, good-will towards men. Let us then search the sacred oracles with diligence and prayer, for a rational and safe account of the plan of our salvation-remembering that "this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and that men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil." In the sacred oracles we find that God, whose character is love, having foreseen the apostasy, and consequent misery, of man, resolved not to |