ed cunningly-devised fables, when we made known unto
you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ;" and he speaks of
"majesty," "honour," and "glory," which are the appendages of a
kingdom, and are to be the characteristics of the second advent of
Jesus, in contrast with the meanness, poverty, and degradation of his
first appearance in our world. Those, therefore, who say that the
transfiguration had a typical reference either to the effusion of the
Spirit on the day of pentecost, or to the destruction of Jerusalem,
are greatly in error. It was meant to be a specimen and earnest of our
Lord's appearance hereafter in glory, when he shall come to be admired
in all them that believe, and to establish his everlasting kingdom of
righteousness and peace in the earth. The use of a type is to arrest
and embody in a kind of visible indication the prominent features of
its antitype; and, accordingly, if we examine the leading
circumstances of the transfiguration, we shall find such a resemblance
between it and the second coming of our Saviour, as will clearly
establish such a relationship between these two events. Jesus appeared
in literal human nature on the mountain; so shall he come again, as
the Son of man, possessing the same nature with his people; for the
apostles were informed when he ascended, that the very same Jesus who
had been taken up from them into heaven should even so come in like
manner as they had seen him ascend into heaven. He appeared in glory,
and not in humility; such as he shall descend hereafter, when he shall
come with all his holy angels and sit upon the throne of his glory. As
he was visible on the mountain, so, when he shall come again, every
eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him; and all kindreds
of the earth shall wail because of him. As he was encompassed by a
cloud on the summit of Tabor, so shall he come hereafter in the clouds
of heaven, with power and great glory. As he stood in majesty upon the
mountain, so according to the declaration of the prophet, his feet
shall stand, when he comes again, upon the mount of Olives. And as
Moses and Elias appeared in glory with the Saviour, so shall he bring
his people with him on his return to our world, for, when Christ who
is our life shall appear, then shall we also appear with him in glory.

Such we believe to have been the great primary object of this
interesting event. How full of consolation and encouragement must it
appear in thi