Titus. This type will be equally well exhibited by the repetition of the same person in the two consecutive series, or by the repetition of the same name, signifying two different persons in the genealogy.

But what important matter is evidenced or illustrated by the threefold, enumeration of the fourteen generations? Many explanations have been given of this difficult question, and each of them may have their just application; and all of them together may well give im· portance to this fact, so solemnly noticed by the holy Evangelist.

The period from Abraham to David was that of increase and progress, and that of the heroes of the Church. The period from Solomon to Jehoiakim and the Captivity was that of established empire, and regal greatness and splendour. That from the Captivity to Christ was the period of decline; and the time when the sceptre departed from Judah, when Shiloh should come. After the completion of such a succession of periods—the periods of types—it would be natural to expect the commencement of the establishment of the true Church—the fulfilment of those types.

The changes of the moon are at the fourteenth day. At this it comes to its perfection, at this it comes to its decline; and it again begins its course, its birth, and growth, and increase to the full again. The moon is a signal type of the Church, especially of the Jewish Church. The Paschal Lamb was also kept till, and was then brought out to be sacrificed on, the fourteenth day; and at the full moon Ezekiel saw the vision of the new city and temple, after the fourteenth year. (Chapter xl. 1.)

After a threefold repetition the end promised or threatened is usually expected; as children in starting for a race say, Once, twice, thrice, and away. St. Peter heard the voice say, "Rise, slay, and eat," three times; and immediately, while Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said, "Behold three men seek thee; go with them." The threefold repetition signed that the accomplishment would be immediate.

Also the working days are 6, and then cometh the Sabbath; and 7 times 6, or the time of work multiplied into the number which signified completeness, makes 42, the same as 3 times 14.-And 42 were the journeys

of the children of Israel in the wilderness, by which they came into the promised land, and their Sabbath of temporal rest.

These several signs and significations so brought together, in relation to our Lord's descent, are of far higher importance than the reconcilement of St. Matthew's and St. Luke's genealogies. The seventy and seven generations of St. Luke's genealogy have also a signification of absorbing importance, compared with this reconcilement, if it had not been sufficiently made and remained doubtful.

HOMILY II.

MATTHEW I. 18-25.

18. Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. 19. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. 20. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23. Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. 24. Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife 25. And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son and he called his name JESUS.

ALL sin came into the world by the woman. Adam was not in the transgression directly, but his sin was brought to him through Eve, (1 Tim. ii. 14). In so doing he became a type of Christ, who sinned not himself, but all the

sin of the whole world was brought to Him, and laid upon Him by his spouse, the Church, which is of mankind, and will be eventually all human kind.

All sin, and infirmity, and suffering, was through the woman. Therefore the Saviour was to be the seed of the woman, that He might inherit all these. And the woman was, for her original transgression, to bear Him, and to bear Him alone. And her pangs of childbearing were greatly multiplied, to signify how very great was the difficulty of producing a Redeemer, and how very great and grievous was the weight of wickedness which required such a Physician and Mediator. The sorrows of child-bearing are greatly increased; but they have their re-payment in the birth of a Redeemer and Intercessor. The travail pains of the woman bring forth the Christ Jesus. The travail pains of the world bring forth the Healer. The travail pains of the Church bring forth its kingly Child, who is to rule all nations by it. The travail pains of each one's heart and conscience bring forth Christ in it: who is to rule there by his sceptre, the Cross, over all the whole world in us.