19. In how many ways were predictions made before the Law?

D. Before the Law in how many ways were predictions made? M. Five. Either (1) generally, such as, "Therefore a man will leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife, and the two will be in one flesh" (Gn 2:24; Mt 19:5). And again, "Cursed is the earth in your works" (Gn 3:17). For this, through one human being, is acknowledged to have been foretold for the whole human race. Or (2) in part, or by half, "I will multiply your sorrows, and you will bring forth children in sorrow; and your turning will be toward your husband, and he will have dominion over you" (Gn 3:16). For this was said not to the whole human race, but to all women. Or (3) individually, for instance, "And Adam called the name of his wife Eve, because she is the mother of all the living" (Gn 3:20). [1b] Or (4) in regard to the beginning of the Old Testament, for example, "Cursed be Canaan; he will be a slave to his brothers" (Gn 9:25). Or (5) in regard to the New Testament chiefly; for when it is said, "Let us make man in our image and likeness" (Gn 1:26), and, "Come, let us go down and confound their tongues" (Gn 9:7), the plural number is evidence of the Trinity, which is more openly proclaimed by the New Testament. And when it is said, "The blood of your brother cries aloud to me from the earth" (Gn 4:10), the passion of our Lord is foretold, the Apostle being witness in the Letter to the Hebrews (Heb 12:24): that the sprinkling of Christ's blood was more able to cry aloud to God for us than the blood of Abel had cried aloud against his brother.