December 14

PART II.— Hebrews 9:4.

LET us now consider the mode of its communication. The manna was given to the Israelites in the desert: they had no price wherewith to purchase it; they had no righteousness by which it could be merited: but God graciously compassionated them in their low estate, and freely sent it them from heaven. Jesus is God's gracious gift to the world. He so loved it, that he did not withhold his only Son. The manna was bestowed plentifully, it fell in rich abundance, so as to meet the wants of all the hundreds of thousands of Israel. Jesus is the bread of life to the whole world. In him is provision enough for Adam's universal race.—

" Enough for each, enough for all, Enough for evermore."

The manna was given them constantly, and i never failed them so long as they journeyed in the desert. Christ, in his precious benefits, is exhaustless. He is our souls' daily bread. We may feed upon him through the whole of life's pilgrimage. And then, when heart and flesh faileth, he will be the strength of our hearts, and our portion for ever.

"Jesus thou art the living bread, By which our needy souls are fed; In thee alone thy children find Enough to fill the empty mind.

Without this bread I starve and die, No other can my need supply, But this will suit my wretched case, Abroad, at home, in every place.

This precious food my heart revives, What strength! what nourishment! it gives, O let me evermore be fed With this divine celestial bread."