May 6

"And the house of Israel called the name thereof Manna: and it was like coriander seed, white; and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey." — Exodus 16:31.

WE cannot read the Scriptures with attention without perceiving the striking analogy there is between the types of the law, and the truths of the Gospel. There is something very remarkable in the manna being sent down from heaven on the Israelites, and notwithstanding their rebellion against God, continuing with them till they arrived in the promised land. In what respects was it typical of Christ?

IN ITS COLOR. It was white; this was emblematical of the purity of Christ's nature, his spotless perfection, and the holiness of his heart and life. His life was a perfect transcript of the law of God, and every pure and holy action flowed unsullied from his heart, as water from a crystal fountain.

IN ITS QUALITY. "The taste of it was like wafers made with honey." It required no other ingredients to make it palatable: is it not so with the spiritual manna? Christ and his blessings require nothing beside to recommend them to our spiritual taste. How sweet his name! "it is as ointment poured forth;" his presence how cheering! it sheds a holy fragrance through the church above and below; how sweet his promises, as they centre in him! how sweet his word and ordinances, when by them we can with joy draw water out of the wells of salvation!

IN ITS ABUNDANCE. Upwards of a million fed upon it in the wilderness; there was no scarcity, but an ample supply for all. How beautifully this illustrates the fulness of Christ! Who ever made application to him, and was sent away empty? In him there is a fulness of grace, wisdom, knowledge, pardon, and glory.

IN ITS DESCENT. It fell from heaven round about the camp when the dew descended. Christ is the living bread sent down from heaven; he descends like dew upon the new-mown grass. It was sent at a seasonable period, when they were ready to famish, and Jesus came in "due time," to be a ransom for lost sinners.