"This is the law of the Burnt offering, of the Meat offering, and of the LONDON: JAMES NISBET AND CO., BERNERS STREET. 1847. PREFACE. He who spake as never man spake, opened His mouth in parables. With His example before us, I have often been surprised that the inspired parables of the Old Testament should have been so neglected; the more as we see from the writings of St. Paul, not only how closely these emblems are connected with Christ, but also how aptly they illustrate, in simplest figures, the wondrous truths and profound mysteries of redemption. Some years ago, one of these Old Testament parables was made an especial blessing to myself. This led me further; and having learnt by personal experience the preciousness of these emblematic Scriptures, I have since freely used them in ministering to others the truths connected with Christ's Work and Person. Some months since I gave a course of Lectures on THE OFFERINGS, which were taken down in short hand at the time. At the repeated request of others I have since corrected them as time has allowed. They are now published in the following pages. As to the great outlines and principles contained in them, I may say that I have confidence that they are in the main correct: mixed with much infirmity and weakness I doubt not; (how much few perhaps will feel more than I do; indeed it has been the sense of this which has so long delayed their publication ;) yet still I trust according to the mind of God, and setting forth not only a measure of truth, but also the truth which the Offerings were intended to typify. Where they contain error, may the Lord and His saints pardon it: where truth, may we all acknowledge it as His, and follow it. I need not say, "I have no commandment of the Lord." I merely "give my judgment as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful." It only remains for me to add here that I have derived much assistance upon this subject from a Tract entitled, The Types of Leviticus.* Published by J. K. Campbell, 1, Warwick Square. I cannot follow the writer of it in his view of every offering. I do not know how far he would assent to the principles I have applied to their varieties. Yet I feel that under God I am much his debtor, I doubt not for far more than I am even conscious of. I now commend these pages to the Lord. May He be pleased to use them, as shall seem good to Him, to His glory. Hull, September, 1847. |