from the order of creation
and its accompanying circumstances. 1 Cor. 11:8, 9; 1 Tim. 2:11-14.
Respecting this class of quotations, it is only necessary to remark that
the validity of the arguments depends on the historic truth and divine
authority of the passages adduced. The Saviour and his apostles
professedly build their arguments on the record of the Old Testament. If
this is sand--mythical quicksand--their house falls, and their authority
with it. But if the foundation is rock--an inspired record of
facts--their house stands, and with it their character as truthful
teachers.

5. Far more numerous are the passages which are cited as _prophecies of
Christ and his kingdom_. These are introduced by various formulas: "That
it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet;"
"that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet;" "in
them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias;" "this day is this Scripture
fulfilled in your ears;" "this Scripture must needs have been
fulfilled;" "it is contained in Scripture;" "another Scripture saith;"
"this that is written must yet be accomplished in me," etc.

The common formula, "that it might be fulfilled," means that the event
recorded took place _in order that_ the purpose of God announced in the
prophecy might be accomplished. The prophecy was not the main thing, but
the purpose of God contained in it. For the accomplishment of this
purpose, and thus of the prophecy which revealed it, God's truth was
pledged. In the same way are to be understood the words of John (chap.
12:39, 40): "Therefore they could not believe because that Esaias saith
again, He hath blinded their eyes," etc. The hinderance to their belief
lay not in the prophecy, but in that which the prophecy announced.

6. Of the prophecies quoted, some refer _immediately to Christ_. Such
are the following: "The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right
hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool" (Matt. 22:44, from Psa.
110:1); "The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever
after the order of Melchizedek" (Heb. 7:21, from Psa. 110:4); "He was
led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his
shearer, so opened he not his mouth," etc. (Acts 8:32, 33, from Isa.
53:7, 8); "A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your
brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear," etc. (Acts 3:22, 23; 7:37,
from Deut. 18:15, 18, 19).

7. Others refer _ultimately