When we read in the Old Testament the wonderful narrative of the mighty works performed by Moses, and the striking peculiarities of his character; when we find in the Gospels that the works and character of Jesus resemble, in the most striking features, the things recorded of Moses; this resemblance is in itself sufficient to excite a spirit of enquiry, in order, if possible, to discover the cause of the agreement; for we know of nothing in any other history which affords such reason for wonder. But when we read in the same narrative which relates the miracles of Moses, (a narrative preserved by the Jews for many ages before the birth of Jesus) a prediction that a prophet like unto Moses should arise, we have a plain proof of the designed connexion between the two characters; and this, considered together with many instances of like agreement designed by God, will go far to prove that Jesus was "of a truth that prophet

that should come into the world."

This part of the evidence from the Old Testament is the subject of our present enquiry; it is called the Doctrine of Types, and is plainly of the nature of prophecy, being stamped with the same marks of Divine foreknowledge. The two branches should always be viewed in connexion with each other, since they spring from the same source; their differences we shall have occasion to notice

hereafter. And we trust we shall be enabled to make it appear, that as " prophecy came not in old time by the will of man," so neither is the doctrine of typical prefiguration to be esteemed as a "cunningly devised fable."

We shall first offer some observations on the nature of Types, and their uses at various periods, and consider some of the objections urged against the doctrine; and then proceed to examine some of the more remarkable examples in the Old Testament, with a view to establish their prophetical character, and the inspiration of the books in which they are found.

PART I.

66

It is not necessary to undertake any deep research into the subject of the origin of language, and the various means of conveying information, in order to arrive at the notion expressed in the word type." We know that the use of symbolic representation very generally prevailed in the early ages of the world. Of this representation there are two kinds, the one by symbolical writing, the other by significant action. In the infancy of language, these two means of imparting ideas would naturally be the first to present themselves to mankind; and that which necessity at first suggested, might, for various reasons, be employed in after times, even when letters and words had furnished a more extensive medium of intercourse. Among the nations of the present day, the remains of this rude, but natural language, may be traced in many of their most solemn transactions.

In the affairs of religion, in particular, the early ages of the world made frequent use of the two methods of symbolical representation. The most ancient characters employed by the Egyptians to

signify their deities, were of a symbolical nature; and their religious rites consisted in shows and representations in action. The Greeks, deriving their religion in great measure from Egypt, framed their mysteries, both the greater and the less, on the same principle of expressing things by visible signs'. Nor is it difficult to account for the prevalence of this mode of religious instruction; for there is an impressive solemnity in action far above any effect produced by words, and which, by its very nature, strikes the mind, through the medium of the sight, with the most forcible appeal 2.

It is evident that the method of information by action, though at first only used to express things past or present, might be further employed in fore-shewing future events, as well as verbal prophecy. The degree of clearness attending such a prophecy in action would depend on a variety of circumstances; but there is no difficulty in supposing that the signs used might be so adapted to the understanding of the persons to be instructed, that a distinct conception might be conveyed to their minds of the event foreshewn. And accordingly, we find, in the Old Testament, frequent instances of the employment of significant actions for the

1 Euseb. Præpar. Evang. lib. III. cap. 12.

2

Segnius irritant animos demissa per aures

Quam quæ sunt oculis subjecta fidelibus.

1