'As wherever there is a tendency a form is gradually evolved,
as its Type,--so is it the law of each class and order of
human thoughts to produce a form which shall be the visible
representation of its aim and strivings, and stand before it
as its King. This effort to produce a kingly type it was, that
clothed itself with power as Brahma or Osiris, that gave laws
as Confucius or Moses, that embodied music and eloquence in
the Apollo. This it was that incarnated itself, at one time as
Plato, at another as Michel Angelo, at another as Luther, &c.
Ever seeking, it has produced Ideal after Ideal of the beauty,
into which mankind is capable of being developed; and one
of the highest, in some respects the very highest, of these
kingly types, was the life of Jesus of Nazareth.
'Few believe more in his history than myself, and it is very
dear to me. I believe, in my own way, in the long preparation
of ages for his coming, and the truth of prophecy that
announced him. I see a necessity, in the character of Jesus,
why Abraham should have been the founder of his nation, Moses
its lawgiver, and David its king and poet.
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