circumstances of the Jews at that time. It was constructed so that it might be easily taken to pieces, and removed from place to place, in the wanderings and vicissitudes by which God had ordained that this extraordinary people should be tried, or punished.

The Tabernacle, as well as the sacrifices, offered on it, was ordained not only for the immediate use of the Church under the Jews, but also for the confirmation of the faithful in all ages, by types, or figurative prophesies of the future destinies of the true seed of faithful Abraham. These typical representations the several parts and uses of it displayed with a very significant and remarkable accuracy. Thus for example, the Holy of holies represented Heaven; and the mercy seat had frequently actual demonstrations of the Presence of God. But of these we shall have occasion to give further illustrations, when we speak of the Priesthood. The following description of the Tabernacle we extract from Horne's introduction to the Scriptures. "The tent itself was an oblong square, thirty cubits in length, and ten in height and breadth. The inside of it was divided by a veil or hanging, made of rich embroidered linens, which parted the Holy place, which is called the first tabernacle in Heb. IX., 2—6. from the Holy of Holies, called the second tabernacle in Heb. IX., 7. In the former stood the altar of incense overlaid with gold, the table of shew-bread, consisting of twelve loaves, and the great candlestick of pure gold, containing seven branches: none of the people were allowed to go into the Holy place, but only the priests. The Holy of Holies (so called because it was the most sacred place of the tabernacle, into which none went but the high priest,) contained in it the ark, called the ark of the testimony (Exod. XXV. 22.) or the ark of the covenant. (Josh. iv. 7.) This was a small chest or coffer made of shittim-wood, overlaid with gold, into which were put the two tables of the law (as well the broken ones, say the

Jews, as the whole,) with the pot of manna and Aaron's rod that budded. (Heb., IX. 4.) This was the most holy of all the sacred furniture. None but the priests were allowed to touch it; and only the Kohathites, the sacerdotal family, where permitted to carry it, with poles made of shittim-wood also overlaid with gold inserted in two golden rings at each end. (1 KINGS, VIII. 8.) Hence Uzzah the Levite was punished with death for touching it. (2 Samuel, vi. 7.)

"The lid or covering of the ark was wholly of solid gold, and called the mercy-seat: at the two ends of it were two cherubim (or hieroglyphic figures, the form of which it is impossible now to ascertain) looking inwards towards each other, with wings expanded, which, embracing the whole circumference of the mercy-seat, met on each side in the middle. Here the Shechinah or Divine Presence rested, both in the tabernacle and temple, and was visibly seen in the appearance of a cloud over it. (Lev., XVI. 2.) From this the divine oracles were given out by an audible voice, as often as Jehovah was consulted on behalf of his people. (Exod., xxv. 22. Numb., VII. 8—9.) And hence it is that the ark is called the footstool of God (Psal., XCIX. 5.) who is often said in scripture, to dwell between the cherubim. (2 Kings, XIX. 15. Psal., LXXV. 1.) The roof of the tabernacle was a square frame of planks, resting upon their bases, and over these were coverings or curtains of different kinds; of which the first on the inside was made of fine linen, curiously embroidered in various colours of crimson and scarlet, purple and hyacinth. The next was made of goats' hair curiously wove together, and the last, or outmost, was of sheep and badgers' skins (some dyed red, and others of azure blue,) which served to preserve the other rich curtains from the rain, and to protect the tabernacle itself from the injuries of the weather.

"The tabernacle was surrounded by a large oblong court, an hundred cubits long, and fifty broad, nearly

in the centre of which stood a vessel, called the Brazen Laver, in which the priests washed their hands and feet, whenever they were to offer sacrifices, or go into the tabernacle; and directly opposite to the entrance of the tabernacle stood the Brazen Altar of burnt-offerings, in the open air, in order that the interior might not be spoiled by the fire, which was at first miraculously kindled, (Lev. IX. 24.) and which was kept perpetually upon it, and by the smoke arising from the victims that were there consumed.

.6 When the tabernacle was finished, it was consecrated, with all the furniture therein, by its being anointed with a peculiar oil, prepared by divine com`mand for that very purpose (Exod. xxx. 22, &c.) after which God made his people sensible of His special presence in it, covering it with a cloud which overshadowed it by day, and by night gave light, as if it had been a fire, and by giving answers in an audible manner from the ark when consulted by the high priest. Whenever the Israelites changed their camp the tabernacle was taken down and every Levite knew what part he was to carry, for this was a part of their office; and sometimes, upon extraordinary occasions, the priests themselves bore the ark, as when they passed Jordan, and besieged Jericho. (Josh. III. 14., and VI. 6.) Concerning the manner of carrying the several parts of it, see Numb. IV. When they encamped, the tabernacle stood always in the midst, being surrounded by the army of the Israelites on all sides in a quadrangular form, divided according to their several tribes; the Israelitish camp being at the distance of two thousand cubits from the tabernacle, which by computation is reckoned a mile, and is called a Sabbath-day's journey (Acts, I. 12.), as being the distance they had to go on that day to the place of worship."

(To be continued.)

THE LATE RIOTS.

IGNORANCE OF EACH OTHER.

Rev. R. Parkinson, "on the present condition of the Labouring poor in Manchester."

(Continued from VOL. 1, page 184.)

We proceed with our extracts from Mr. Parkinson's benevolent, and well aimed pamphlet, and take the opportunity to express our gratification at seeing its theory attracting by degrees the attention it deserves. In Blackwood's Magazine it has been quoted with approbation, and we think also in the Times. And we shall think "Common Sense" in its humble sphere not published in vain, if it only be instrumental in helping to urge upon those whom it concerns, the religious patriotic and humane duties and sympathies, which are connected with it. The present extract opens upon us the practical operations of the evil Mr. Parkinson combats. His remedy will be seen as we continue our extracts. And, if our bit-by-bit mode of dealing out his pamphlet, should be considered not sufficiently rapid for the curiosity of our Readers, we can inform them, that the pamphlet itself is published at Simm's, Manchester, and at a very low price. We think Masters and Men ought to be acquainted with its contents, and that both would benefit by its suggestions far more, than by raving against the laws or rioting against the authorities of their Country.

"I have so far dwelt-I trust at not greater length than was necessary-on two important questions,the ignorance of the rich with regard to the rich, and of the poor with regard to the poor; both being serious hindrances in the way of effectually and judiciously relieving cases of want and distress. But the main point remains to be discussed, and which

follows with irresistible force from what has been already said; so much so, as only to require stating to be at once assented to; namely the still deeper ignorance of these two great divisions of our population with regard to each other. If men, who are naturally associated by similarity of condition and common objects are yet found to be, in towns like these, very little connected or acquainted with each other, it cannot be expected that those whose station, means, and pursuits are altogether different, should know, or even seek to know, what is the position of those with whom there is so little to bring them into necessary contact. Hence it is that-startling as the expression may seem to those at a distance, who look upon Manchester generally as a totally democratic community-a sort of revolutionary America;hence it is, that there is no town in the world where the distance between the rich and the poor is so great, or the barrier between them so difficult to be crossed. I once ventured to designate the town of Manchester as the most aristocratic town in England; and, in the sense in which the term was used, the expression is not hyperbolical. The separation between the different classes, and the consequent ignorance of each other's habits and condition, are far more complete in this place than in any other country of the older nations of Europe, or the agricultural portions of our own kingdom.* There is

But the other day, a poor woman walked all the way from Stockport, in the hope of getting some relief from me, on the simple ground of her knowing my connection with the agricultural parish where she had been brought up, and which she had left, with her husband and large family, in the hope of higher wages, and some employment for her younger children. I naturally inquired whether she did not regret having left a place where, though she might not get such high wages, she was sure of relief in her distress from those who had known her all her

life? Her answer was:- Mr. Wilkinson (the clergyman) strongly recommended us to stay, and I wish we had taken his advice; for there was not a house in that parish where I could not have had a meal for asking for, both for me and my children;