By the sea— This sea, which has been mentioned frequently before, is commonly called the Red-sea, or the sea of Suph; which is supposed to be a species of alga, or a marine moss. But Robert Southwell, being at Lisbon, learnt there, from the mouth of an able jesuit, (who had travelled into Ethiopia, and made a voyage on the Red-sea,) the following remarkable particular. The jesuit had seen the Red-sea covered with reddish spots, and he derives from the colour of them, that name which the Greeks gave to it. The particles of these spots proceed from a plant, like to that which is called sargazo; and it is fixed by its root to the bottom of the sea, while its leaves float upon the surface. An Indian, whom they caused in their presence to dive into the sea, brought up such a sufficient quantity of this plant, that it was immediately perceived to be the marine vegetable, which is called by the Egyptians supho. Hence, it is evident, that it is the true suph of the Hebrews, and that hence comes the name which they have given to the Red-sea; and what is decisive is, that even still it has the very same name in the Ethiopian language.
REFLECTIONS.—Now the Egyptians begin to recover from their fright, accuse their own folly in parting with their slaves, and call their march a flight, though themselves had thrust them out: so easily can misrepresentations be made. Hereupon they determine, horse and chariots, to pursue and bring them back to the house of their prison; encouraged by the dangerous encampment they had made, where they quickly found them, and promised themselves an easy prey. Note; (1.) They who are merely frightened by God's word, will quickly be sorry for the little good they did, and be ashamed even of their pretended repentance. (2.) He that will escape out of a sinful world, must expect a hot pursuit from the devil and his servants. (3.) He that brings us out with a high hand, can bear us up with everlasting strength.