000. Preface
PREFACE THE substance of these chapters has been given in various Bible Readings. Their object is not so much to attempt an explanation of the individual types, on which so many volumes have already been written, as to arouse interest in the study as a whole, and to emphasize the importance of comparing one with another. Not only does this method seem the surest way of arriving at the meaning of the separate types, but it is valuable as affording evidence of the presence of one Spirit inspiring the whole.
It has not been possible to do more than suggest some of the various methods in which the Bible types may be grouped together, and give samples of the great variety that exists amongst them.
These studies are but very imperfect outline sketches of bird’s-eye views. To fill in too many details would have been in many cases to lose sight of the chief lines of the pictures; but if some are induced to explore for themselves, they will find out the endless beauties that surround them on all sides.
It would be impossible to acknowledge all the channels through which many precious things concerning the types have been received. We read a book or hear an address, and some thought strikes us; we make a note of it, and it becomes our own. Other thoughts are added on the same subject, and we soon forget through whom they came. If they are God-given this does not greatly matter; for in Bible study anything that is really original, anything that is simply our own, is not worth passing on to anyone else. But if in the course of our study GOD opens our eyes to behold wondrous things, it is only that we may tell others of what we have seen. When they look for themselves and see the same things, they will soon forget who pointed them out. The man who finds the gold may be quite unknown, or is soon forgotten; but the gold passes from hand to hand and others are enriched. The one who is prefigured in the types is not a mere man, but is Jehovah - GOD - the great I AM; and the chief scene which is foreshadowed is the most solemn event that has taken place on this earth. In considering the types therefore, and trying feebly to speak of them, the ground whereon we stand is holy ground. May anything in these pages that is contrary to GOD’s thoughts be forgiven for the sake of the great High Priest who bears the iniquity of our holy things; and may He use what is of Himself to stimulate many to deeper and more reverent study of His Word, that His Name may be glorified.