1. _The Nature of Government Established by Moses:_ "Then came the law from Mount Sinai. God became the God of Israel, everything done to establish religion, tabernacle made for his residence. Defection from religion high treason. Hence complete separation from all nations. Moses was but a mediator between God and his people; proper title legislator of the Israelites and their deliverer from the Egyptians. * * * * For administration of justice Moses divided people in tens, fifties, hundreds, thousands, and placed judges over each. Mode taken from Egypt. Amongst the higher of these judges there was much political power likewise. * * * * Each tribe had a sort of independent government, with its own magistrates and representatives; sometimes acted without aid or sanction of others, (e. g., tribe of Benjamin protected criminals of Gibeah and fought against others.) * * * * * Sometimes several tribes acted together without others. * * * * * What the influence of such a government? Exceedingly favorable to development of character and individual energies. Not favorable for harmony or tranquility." (Ancient and Modern Nations, Dew, pp. 13-14.) 2. _The Law of Moses:_ "Though new in its general conception, it was probably not wholly new in its materials. Neither in his material nor his spiritual providence does God proceed _per saltum_. There must necessarily have been, before the Law, commandments and revelations of a fragmentary character, under which Israel had hitherto grown up. Indications of such are easily found, both of a ceremonial and moral nature; as, for example, in the penalties against murder, adultery, and fornication (Gen. ix. 6; xxxviii. 8), in the distinction of clean and unclean animals (Gen. viii. 20), and probably in the observance of the Sabbath (Ex. xvi. 23, 27, 29.) But, even without such indications, our knowledge of the existence of Israel as a distinct community in Egypt would necessitate the conclusion, that it must have been guided by some laws of its own, growing out of the old patriarchal customs, which would be preserved with oriental tenacity, and gradually becoming methodized by the progress of circumstances. Nor would it be possible for the Israelites to be in contact with an elaborate system of ritual and law, such as that which existed in Egypt, without being influenced by its general principles, and, in less degree, by its minuter details. As they approached nearer to the condition of a nation they would be more and more likely to modify their patriarchal customs by the adoption from Egypt of laws which were fitted for national existence. This being so, it is hardly conceivable that the Mosaic legislation should have embodied none of these earlier materials. It is clear, even to human wisdom, that the only constitution, which can be efficient and permanent, is one which has grown up slowly, and so been assimilated to the character of a people. It is the peculiar mark of