[Correctly answered also by Ricardo, J. Y., S. B. D., S. A. C., Ph. B., and W. B.]

FIFTH QUESTION.

"What was the number of the

Israelites who came out of Egypt with Moses?"

ANSWER BY RICARDO. About six hundred thousand, or, as it is stated in Numb. i. 46, “six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty;" this number is made up by counting all males above twenty years of age, exclusive of women and children, and the tribe of Levi. Mr. Rickman, in the "Introduction to the Population Returns," shows that the number of males above twenty years of age is, as nearly as possible, one-half that of the total number of

males; the whole male population of Israel that came out of Egypt with Moses would then, on this principle, amount to 1,207,100; and if we add an equal number of females, the entire male and female population of the Hebrew nation, at this time, would amount to 2,414,200 souls. [Answered also by T. A. B., Myra, J., and D. J.]

SIXTH QUESTION.

They have been identified with the Assideans, who are mentioned in 1 Mac. ii. 42, as being zealously devoted to the law; while others trace their descent from the Rechabites.

It is most probable they derived their origin from Egypt, where the Jewish refugees, who fled for security after the murder of Gedaliah, were compelled, on the captivity of the greater part of their body, to lead a recluse life, out of which the Essene institute might have grown.

They were dispersed chiefly through Palestine, Syria, and Egypt, though they were to be met with in

other countries.

The Essenes were divided into two classes-1. The practical, who lived in society, and some of whom were married. They dwelt in cities and their vicinity, and applied themselves to husbandry and other occupations.

who were also called Therapeutæ, or 2. The contemplative Essenes, physicians, from their application principally to the cure of diseases of the soul, devoted themselves wholly to meditation, and avoided living in great towns, as unfavourable to a contemplative life.

In respect to doctrine, their sentiments were nearly the same with those of the Pharisees, as they

ANSWER BY S. A. V.

This was an ancient sect among the Jews, respecting the origin of which there is some difference of opinion.

of all good, but not of evil, or, in other words, co-operated in good acts, but not in evil.

They also believed that the soul was immortal, that the good, after death, received rewards beyond the islands of the sea, and that the

wicked suffered punishment under the earth. They objected to sacrifices of slain animals, and therefore did not visit the temple.

Although our Saviour censured all other sects of the Jews for their vices, yet he never spoke of the Essenes; neither are they mentioned by name in any part of the New

Testament.

The silence of the evangelical historians concerning them is by some accounted for by their secluded mode of life.

But though the Essenes are not expressly named in the sacred books, it is conjectured that they are alluded to in several passages. Thus, those whom our Lord terms eunuchs (Matt. xix. 12) are supposed to be the contemplative Essenes.

St. Paul is generally understood to refer to them in Col. ii. 18, 23, where he directs those to whom he

writes to abstain from "worshipping of angels," and "neglecting the body;" cautions peculiarly applicable to the doctrine and practice of the Essenes, who, when they received any persons into their number, made them swear solemnly that they would keep the books of the sect, and the names of the angels with care.-Extracted from the "Bible Cyclopædia," published by J. W. Parker, 1841.

[Answered also by Ph. B., Balsdon, Malina, W. H. B., E. A. A., S. B. D., Ricardo, Amelia, D. A., D. J., J. E., Alpha, Lizzie S., Delta, Gamma, T. B., A Senior Scholar, J. J., F. G. H., Kate, Huguenot.]

QUESTIONS FOR REPLIES IN JULY.

I. Would some of the readers of the "Bible Class Magazine" give me a popular description of the armour of Goliath (see 1 Sam. xvii. 4-7), and its weight, with his spear; and show whether such a weight could be borne by any champion now? J. M.

II. To what event are the signs in Matt. xxiv. to be applied?

O. F.

III. Who were the Nicolaitans; what the doctrine of Balaam; and who that woman Jezebel, named in Rev. ii.? T. E. F.

IV. If Jesus was crucified on the

Friday, and rose on the Sunday following, (adopting our names of the days of the week,) how could it be said truly that he lay three days and three nights in the grave?

W. L.

V. Did Jesus wash the feet of Judas? J. G.

VI. What was the name of David's mother? Ann S. P.

VII. Is there any book in the Bible in which the name of God does not occur? G. M.

THE RELIGION FOR MANKIND: Christianity adapted to Man in all the Aspects of his Being. By James Spence, M.A., Author of "The Tractarian Heresy," &c. London: John Snow.

This work is a real boon to our young men, and most timous in its appearance. The argument for Christianity as from God is most fully, clearly, and satisfactorily brought out from a series of views of its leading features, adapting it to man as an intellectual, moral, emotional, social, suffering, and immortal being. The line of thought adopted, and the mode of treatment pursued, make it one the best, most clear, conclusive, and original works designed for young men on the evidences of Christianity we are acquainted with, and eminently

fitted to do good service in these somewhat sceptical times. We earnestly recommend it to the notice of teachers of youths' senior classes as deserving their attention, and as fitted to help them to ground their inquiring charge in the divine credentials of our holy religion.

SKETCHES FROM SABBATH SCHOOL LIFE; or, Experiences of a Sabbath School Teacher. By C. S. S. Edinburgh: W. and C. Inglis. London: J. Nisbet and Co.

We have read the work before us with considerable interest and, we hope, some profit. It is the actual experience of a Sunday school teacher engaged in his work, and it unfolds the mistakes made, difficulties encountered, and successes secured in his various plans of usefulness. In

some respects it is a book more fitted for the help of Sunday school teachers in Scotland than in England; yet passing by what is peculiar to a Scottish sabbath school teacher's work, is fraught with useful suggestions to all engaged in this interesting and important enterprise. The details are in many cases most interesting, and the encounters of the teacher with the children's parents and others often most amusing. We fear some of our English readers will be hard-set to understand the broad Scotch in which many of the conversations are given, and will lose much of their point, as well as drollery and wit, for want of fully comprehending the terms used. The book should be well read by teachers, and would form no bad book for reading and conversation at their meetings.

MARY AT THE FEET OF JESUS.

By Rev J. Drummond. MARY HEARKENING TO JESUS. By Rev. J. Drummond. MARY SEARCHING FOR JESUs. By Rev. J. Drummond.

MARY'S CHOICE. By Rev. J. Drummond.

Edinburgh. Their spirit is most devout, their style elegant, their sentiments evangelical, and their teachings simple and impressive. They are all designed for children, or rather young people, in our Sunday schools, and form for girls particularly a beautiful series of little gift books. The first four are a sort of bible stories, hung over with pretty practical thoughts and lessons. "ELEANOR MARTIN" is the memoir of the last days of a little girl, who fell sweetly asleep in Jesus at twelve years of age, and is a very charming little piece of early religious experience. "THE DOVES" is an allegory after the Hebrew style, poetical, interesting, impressive, and instructive. We commend the whole series to our female teachers, and are persuaded they will find them most agreeable additions to their little stores of children's books.

THE BOYHOOD OF GREAT MEN. Intended as an Example to Youth. With Eight Illustrations by Birket Foster. London: David Bogue.

The conception of this book is excellent, and if fairly and well

ficial to our boys, all glowing with hope, and filled with aspirings after something great and good. It shows them how the boy makes the man, and must have this good influence upon them if rightly pondered, the leading of them to seek right characters, and

pursue honourable courses now, that they may become great and noble then.

There is, however, in our esti