Page:Doctrine of the cross of Christ, stated and improved.pdf/7

 typical of the cross of Christ. We cannot be mistaken in this interpretation of them, since the inspired writers of the New Testament teach us so to understand them. The priesthood of Melchisedec, and that of Aaron and his sons, prefigured the everlasting priesthood of the Son of God. The astonishing transaction of Isaac's being bound, and laid on the altar by the hands of his father, is explained by the cross of Christ. It pleased the Lord to bruise him, he hath put him to grief, he made his soul an offering for sin.

The lifting up of the brazen serpent in the wilderness, for the healing of the expiring Israelites, was realized in the elevation of Jesus on the cross. "So was the Son of men lifted up, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Bread from heaven sustained the lives of the travellers from Egypt to Canaan; Jesus came down from heaven and gave himself to be the life of the world. The rock was smitten, to give drink to the thirsty tribes of the Lord; that rock was Christ, smitten for us by the rod of justice, that we might be furnished from him with the waters of Life and salvation, Joshua led the people of Israel into Canaan; Jesus brings us into the promised land of rest and felicity

The prophets of God, rapt into future