nd or story of early times, then to a _fable_, like those of AEsop.
In modern usage it is defined to be a story in which "there is an
unconscious blending of the deeper meaning with the outward symbol, the
two being separate and separable in the parable." "The mythic narrative
presents itself not merely as the vehicle of the truth, but as itself
being the truth; while in the parable there is a perfect consciousness
in all minds of the distinctness between form and essence, shell and
kernel, the precious vessel and yet more precious wine that it
contains." Trench, Notes on the Parables, chap. 1. A good illustration
of this we have in the tales of Grecian mythology, once received by the
masses of the people as literally true; but which "a later and more
reflective age than that in which the mythus had birth" learned to
regard as only the vehicle of certain ideas respecting deity. The myth,
as thus defined, does not come within the sphere of biblical
interpretation. The historic events recorded in the Old Testament may,
and often do, shadow forth something higher. In that case they are not
myths, but _typical history_. Chap. 37, No. 4. All the scriptural
narratives, on the contrary, which are true, not in their literal
meaning, but in a higher sense, come under the head of allegories,
parables, or symbolic representations.

4. In the _interpretation_ of figurative language we must be guided, in
general, by the principles considered in the preceding chapter. To lay
down special rules for the interpretation of the rich and endlessly
varied figures which adorn the pages of Holy Writ would be as
impracticable as useless. The history of Biblical exegesis, however,
shows that some general cautions are much needed.

5. The youthful student of Scripture should be reminded, first of all,
that its figurative language is no less _certain and truthful_ than its
plain and literal declarations. The figures of the Bible are employed
not simply to please the imagination and excite the feelings, but to
teach _eternal verities_. The Lord Jesus, "the faithful and true
Witness," said: "Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall
not pass away." Mark 13:31. Yet there is a class of interpreters who
seem to think that if they can show in any given case that his language
is figurative, its meaning is well nigh divested of all certainty and
reality. Thrice in immediate succession did he solemnly warn his hearers
to cut off an offending h