609. Numerous traditions have been in circulation concerning this great man, many of which are found in Josephus; but there is nothing authentic, except what we find in the Scriptures. There is but a very inconsiderable part of his life brought before us in the Bible; and though we know that the rest was not a blank, how it was filled up we have no means of ascertaining. We may, however, presume that Deity having in view such an important mission for him, did not withhold the requisite discipline for preparing him to fill the place he was to occupy, so far as the natural experiences of life were fitted to give him this preparation. We may presume this, because we know that this has been the order of Providence in all other cases; and with this view, we are saved the necessity of referring to inspiration and miracle, many things that have been thus accounted for, either from a natural tendency to superstition, or because any other interpretation was not readily discovered. With all reasonable abatements, there will be much left for supernatural agency. And what is not supernatural will have to be referred, no less, to a divine agency, operating through the ordinary Providence.

610. A good reason may be given why Moses' eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated. He had led an active life, and had conscientiously discharged the duties of the trust which had been committed to his hands. This is the best way to preserve the strength and vigor of the physical system, and to insure a peaceful death.

611. We are told that he was "gathered to his people," yet no one knew of his burial place. This excludes the interpretation sometimes given of that language. He was not buried with his people. Being gathered to them can have no other reference than the one we have supposed, in other instances, where the phrase occurs. He was gathered to them in the spiritual Canaan. In other words, "he slept with his fathers," he reposed, or reclined with them; not necessarily in sleep, but in quiet rest and happiness.

INDEX OF PASSAGES.

In this Index the passages treated of in this volume are put down in
the order of their occurrence in the Bible, and opposite is the number
of the page where each passage may be found. If a passage is not
found in this index it will not be found in this volume, unless used for
reference merely.

BIBLICAL REVIEW.

A NEW AND IMPROVED COMMENTARY.

BY REV. W. E. MANLEY.

The first volume of the above work, extending through the Book of Genesis, has been published, and has met with a ready sale among our people. It fills a place that no other book does. The plan of the book, unlike any other commentary, is one that makes the book easy and pleasant to be read, at the same time that it is no less valuable than other commentaries for reference. The following chapters, (each chapter having a suitable number of sections,) make up the first volume

I. Character of the Book of Genesis. II. Criticism on Important Words. III. Archæology. IV. Geography. V. Chronology. VI. The Creation, as showing the existence of God. VII. The Creation and Geology. VIII. Unity of the Race. IX. The Deluge and Geology. X. Theological Doctrines of Genesis. XI. Adam and his family. XII. Noah and family. XIII. Abraham and family. XIV. Isaac and family. XV. Jacob and family.

In some one of these chapters, every subject of importance in the Book of Genesis is briefly but sufficiently discussed; and an Index of Subjects enables the reader to turn at once to any topic he may wish to consult.

We subjoin a few of the testimonies of editors and clergymen in favor of the book. Others we shall give from time to time as we may have occasion.

"It is one of the most valuable works that has ever appeared in our denomination. It is a most thorough expositor of the Bible, without the dryness of a commentary.” Rev. J. M. Austin, Editor of the Christian Ambassador.

"It is a book of great value. It must have a great effect upon the reputation of its author: and henceforth he will be regarded as one of our principal expounders of the Word of God." Rev. T. Whittemore, D. D., Editor of the Trumpet.

"But few persons can appreciate the patience and industry which are essential to the execution of a work like this. After scholarship, an eagerness to toil and a willingness to persevere, are the principal requisites. Mr. Manley has all these essentials in a marked degree. In the volume named, he is no copyist; his comments are his own. Rev. Geo. H. Emerson, Editor of Universalist Quarterly.

"We welcome it as a valuable addition to the literature of the liberal church. Instead of being merely a dry book of reference, it is written to be read and will be read." Rev. J. W. Hanson, Editor of the Gospel Banner.

The following is from Rev. H. Ballou 2d., D. D., President of Tuffts College:

REV. W. E. MANLEY,-Dear Sir:- From a brief inspection of the Biblical Review, Vol. I., I am induced to express to you my high appreciation of the work, and my thanks for the service which you have done by it to the popular understanding of the Scriptures.

Yours truly,

Medford, July 10, 1860.”

H. BALLOU 2D.

"For the clearness, simplicity and directness to the purpose at which the author aims, of making the book understood, I regard it as one of the most valuable commentaries I have seen. Indeed, for the general reader of the Bible, so far as it goes, I regard it as unsurpassed by any other work." Rev. Thos. J. Greenwood.

"It is a work of great merit. I have known the writer for twentyfive years, and have always regarded him as among the best biblical scholars of the country." Rev: L. C. Browne.

"It is full of common sense." Rev. C. C. Gordon.

"It is the best book I have read in five years."

Rev. F. B. Peck.

"It is science and common sense applied to biblical interpretation.” Rev. J. R. Sage.

"I like the book." Rev. E. W. Reynolds.

66

I never enjoyed the reading of the book of Genesis half so well before." Rev. F. M. Alvord.

"I am much pleased with the work. It is eminently calculated to do good." Rev. S. P. Carlton.

"It is one of the most interesting books I ever read on the Bible." Rev. R. Blacker.

Many more and similar testimonies might be added, were it deemed necessary. We have only quoted a few expressions, and from only a few persons, who have spoken in its behalf. The book is not only useful for reading and reference, in the family circle, but it is well adapted to Sunday Schools and Bible Classes, as a text-book; and to make it more useful, as such, every paragraph is numbered, and a Question Book will soon be published adapted to this numbering, so that the answer to every question may the more easily be found.

The above book can be had of A. Tompkins, the publisher, 38 and 40 Cornhill, Boston; of Rev. J. H. Harter, Ambassador_Office, Auburn, N. Y.; of A. D. Guild, New Covenant Office, Chicago, Ill.; and at most other places where books of our denomination are usually kept Also a son of the author, Wm. L. Manley, is selling the book the country.

It is a book of nearly 400 pages duo., and well bound. Price $1.00. The Second Volume is now published, and we trust it may be received with equal favor. It is of the same size, style and price as the other. Sent by mail without extra charge.

BOSTON, Oct. 1, 1860.

9290 092