tion of
divine power. In truth, no marvel could excel that which annually
multiplies the corn beneath the clod, and by the process of decay in
springtime feeds the world in autumn. Only its steady recurrence throws
a veil over our eyes; and it is a vain conceit that the same web would
not be woven by use between man and the Worker of any other marvel that
was perpetuated. Already the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord,
for all who have eyes to see.

It is also to be observed that the manna was not given to teach the
people sloth. They were obliged to gather it early, before the sun was
hot. They had still to endure weary marches, and the care of their
flocks and herds.

And, in curious harmony with the manner of all the gifts of nature, the
manna sent from heaven had yet to be prepared by man: "bake that which
ye will bake, and seethe that which ye will seethe." Thus God, by
natural means and by the sweat of our brow, gives us our daily bread;
and all knowledge, art and culture are His gifts, although elaborated by
the brain and heart of generations whom He taught.

Moreover, there was a protest against the grasping, unbelieving temper
which cannot trust God with to-morrow, but longs to have much goods laid
up. That is the temper which forfeits the smile of God, and grinds the
faces of the poor, to make an ignoble "provision" for the future. How
often, since the time of Moses, has the unblessed accumulation become
hateful! How often, since the time of St. James, the rust of such
possession has eaten the flesh like fire! Men would be far more
generous, the difference between wealth and poverty would be less
portentous, and the resources of religion and charity less crippled, if
we lived in the spirit of the Lord's prayer, desirous of the advance of
the kingdom, but not asking to be given to-morrow's bread until
to-morrow. That lesson was taught by the manner of the dispensation of
the manna, but the covetousness of Israel would not learn it. The people
actually strove to be dishonest in their enjoyment of a miracle. It is
no wonder that Moses was wroth with them.

Among the strange properties of their supernatural food not the least
curious was this: that when they came to measure what they had
collected, and compare it with what Moses had bidden,[31] the most eager
and able-bodied had nothing over, and the feeblest had no lack. Every
real worker was supplied, and none was glutted. This result is
apparently m