conceives some Typical hint of the Lord Jesus to have bin involved in the very name and accordingly expounds it of the apparition of (c) 1 Tim. 3.16 God manifest in the flesh viz. of our blessed Saviour who was born conversed very frequently and at last suffered in this tract of mountains known of old by the name of the Land of Moriah or of Vision In this particular ridge being the mount it self precisely whereon the Temple stood some (d) Breidenbachius have blessed themselves with a conceit that good Jacob saw in his dream the ladder reaching up to heaven and moreover that he called it Bethel by an Historical prolepsis whereas it is certain the good Patriarch was then passing on in a journey at a good distance from this place toward Syria But the true place of the sacrifice of Abraham indeed was here being frequently called in Scripture by the name of mount Zion especially in the writings of the Prophets where by a Synecdoche the name of one little hill is given and ascribed to all the mountaines thereabout and so Moriah in a more laxe acceptation of Zion is frequently termed by that name whereas in a more strict sense Zion was properly the name only of the neighbouring mount whereupon King David dwelt whose entertainment of the Ark within the verge of his own house hath caused this denomination to be given to all the sacred places thereabouts where the Ark of Gods presence was afterward seated The constant residence whereof by the appointment of God and the care of Solomon was upon the hill strictly so called of Moriah within the walls of the City Jerusalem where it was encompassed with a beautiful Temple instead of the Mosaical Curtains The glorious Majesty of heaven chose a mountain rather then a valley for the habitation of his holinesse thereby giving us to understand the excelsity and dignity of the Gospel-Church in a figure which was of old prophesied of to be (e) Isa 2.2 Mic. 4.1 Dan. 2.44 exalted over all the Mountains and Kingdoms of the Earth It was set upon a lofty mountain to shadow forth the visibility of the Evangelical Church in all ages to such as have spiritual eyes to discern it (f) Mat. 5.14 For a City that is set on a hill cannot be hid Besides as buildings which are fixed upon mountains enjoy a more pure and defaecated aire therefore several of the antients have accounted such places as most proper for those persons who study and consult their health more then their profit In particular (a) In Geoponic p. 31. Bas 80.15.38 Didymus hath these words in his advice to this purpose 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 It behoveth to build your houses on the highest places For such are most commodious both for health and prospect (b) De re Rust Lib. 1. Tit. 8. Palladius also gives counsel thus Ipsius Pratorii situs sit loco aliquatenus erectiore sicciore quà m catera propter injuriam fundamentorum ut laeto fruatur aspectu The situation of the Mansion it self let it be in a place more lofty and dry than of the others to prevent injuries to the foundations and that you may enjoy a refreshing prospect Lastly (c) L. 1. C. 4. Vitruvius saies Primum electio loci saluberrimi is autem erit excelsus First of all ye must design the most wholesome place for your dwelling even such as is higher than Ordinary In like manner the wholesome and healthful situation of the Temple of old did decypher and mark out to us that the health of our souls is then most prudently consulted when we live in such places where we may suck-in the sweet aire of the Gospel-Ordinances in the assemblies of Zion For as much also as the mountains in their stately and elevated position are neerer to the Starrs than ordinary Champion plaines or depressed vallies we may thence conceive that the noble exaltation of this place where the Temple stood might denote the Churches vicinity to heaven whither all its fervent devotions must be directed It being observable in Scripture that the usual seats of divine worship were constituted in such places as were very high shadowing forth the heavenlinesse which is required in the minds of divine worshippers Besides as it was usuall of old to build their fenced Cities and Castles upon hills that were precipicious and most inaccessible So it was Gods good pleasure that the Temple of his presence should have the like secure situation to note the impregnablenesse of the Church which is set upon (d) Psal 2.6 mount Zion Furthermore It is recorded in the sacred Volumes to have bin built upon the threshing-floor of Araunah or Ornan the Iebusite to manifest saith (e) P. 58. Ribera that in time to come the Gentiles should be admitted into consoederation with the Jews in divine worship not unlike to what (f) Vol. 1. pag. 125. Jerom had before observed in his letter written as Erasmus conceives in the name of Paula and Eustochium to Marcella in these words Angelus c. in Orne Jebusaorum regis areâ Templum Domini designavit jam tunc significans Ecclesiam Christi non in Israel sed in gentibus consurgentem The Angel c. designed the Temple of the Lord to be in the threshing-floor of Orne the King of the Jebusites even then signifying the Church of Christ arising not in Israel but among the Gentiles Further the Temple was built on a mountain to note its perennity and duration of the Church They that trust in the Lord shall be as mount Zion which cannot be removed but abideth for ever Psal 125.1 He also that doth the will of God is promised to abide for ever 1 Joh. 2.17 Finally it was built in a mountain possibly to set out the glory of heaven it self even as our Saviour represented the radiancy of heaven to some of his Apostles when he was transfigured before them in the exceeding high mountain as is generally conceived of Tabor His glorious ascension also into heaven took its rise from the mountain of Olives Concerning the Builder of the Temple King Solomon SOlomon the most Famous and Peaceable King of Israel was (a) 1 Chron. 17.12 appointed by God to erect this Royal Structure who as to his name disposition and reign for the grand serenity of his times was a pregnant Type of the Prince of peace Who being entred upon his Government made Zadok (b) 1 King 2.35 High Priest in the Room of Abiathar The name of Solomon signifies peaceableness the name of Zadok righteousnesse even as Christ was a Priest after the Order of Melchizedeck being Clothed with Royal Righteousnesse and styled also by Isaiah the Prince of peace Isai 9.6 hinting to us that at the entrance of Christ our Lord into his Royal Dignity and glorious work of framing his Gospel-Church that (c) Psal 85.10 righteousnesse and peace kissed then each other that truth should
in these last dayes He hath (g) Heb. 1.2 spoken to us by his Son who is expresly called (h) Dan. 9.24 Rev. 19.13 the most holy by the Prophet Daniel and was the person through and by whom the Father hath opened his minde to the World For the onely begotten Son which is in the bosome of the Father (i) Ioh. 1.18 he hath declared him He is Ioh. 1.1 called the word of God the Interpreter of the divine will in all ages neither (k) Mat. 11.27 knoweth any man the Father but the Son and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him It was the (l) 1 Pet. 1.11 spirit of Christ in the Prophets of old testifying before hand of his sufferings and the glory that should follow By the same spirit (m) 1 Pet. 3.19 he went and preached to the spirits of the old World which are now in prison by which also he taught (n) 2 Cor. 13.3 the Apostle Paul and continues to inspire the hearts of his faithful Embassadours to the end of the World having upon his Ascension-day (o) Eph. 4.8 12 13. given gifts unto men for the perfecting of the Saints for the work of the Ministery and the edifying of his Body till we all come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect man unto the measure of the stature of the fulnesse of Christ Wherby is evidently declared that the Gospel-Ministery divinely taught by Christ the Supreme Prophet of his Church (p) 1 Pet. 2.25 the Shepheard and Bishop of our souls (q) Ioh. 7.46 who spake as never man spake must endure till all the Elect be gathered and built up into a holy Temple in the Lord which shall not be fully and compleatly finished till the end of the World Moreover As in the Temple of Solomon there was an Ark made of Shittim-wood containing the Tables of stone whereon the ten Commandements were engraven and preserving them as a lively memorial of Gods Covenant with the Children of Israel to protect and defend them in case they kept and obeyed those precepts of God So Jesus Christ our blessed Saviour is declared to have (a) Mat. 5.17 fulfilled the Law not only as it became a just and righteous person so to do but on the behalf of the elect that so by the (b) Rom. 5.19 obedience of one many might be made righteous Which he performed with so much alacrity and willingnesse of spirit that he speaks of himself that (c) Psal 40.8 he delighted to do the will of God yea the Law was within his heart as a more excellent Cabinet then that which lay of old within the Oracle To contract As the curious vaile in the Tabernacle or Temple kept off the overcomming Majesty of divine glory from the eyes of those persons who entred the Sanctuary so the (d) Heb. 10.20 vaile of Christs flesh was drawn over Him as a Curtain to obumbrate and shadow the radiant divinity of his Godhead that rested in him in the daies of his Incarnation As the Golden Altar of Incense was the seat of those fragrant Odours which perfumed the holy of holies So are the prayers of the Saints offered up by the Lord Jesus upon the heavenly (e) Rev. 8.3 Altar of his intercession which stands before the Throne where our High Priest perfumes them in the golden censer of his own merit and makes them acceptable to his Father As the Table of shew-bread did exhibite food to the Priests that ministred before the Lord after the Cakes had stood their limited time within the Sanctuary So the Lord Jesus (f) Iohn 6.32 descending from heaven is that true bread of Life whereupon Saints do feed who are consecrated for (g) Rev. 1.6 Priests under the Gospel unto God the Father As the Golden Candlestick did yield a beautiful light within the Temple continually before the Lord Accordingly doth our Lord Jesus term himself (h) Ioh. 8.12 the light of the World that whoever followeth him and worketh by that light shall not walk in darknesse but enjoy the light of eternal life The seven lamps likewise of that Candlestick did signifie the various and excellent graces (i) Rev. 4.5 of the holy Spirit wherewith our Lord was adorned above his fellows who took great delight in (k) Rev. 2.1 walking in the midst of those 7 golden branches As the brazen Altar received the sacrifices which were offered up for the people's sins to make an atonement on their behalf before God So upon the Altar of the Crosse did the Lord Jesus (l) Heb. 9.26 put away the sins of his people by the Sacrifice of Himself As the Gate of the Temple gave admission to the Priests into those mysterious places where they executed their offices and performed services acceptable unto God So the Lord Jesus is the door of the new Testament-worship through which we must enter with our Gospel-sacrifices to performe our spiritual homage to his divine Majesty In all our prayers we must have a special eye to Christ and his mediation Even as Daniel in the Land of his Captivity kneeling upon his knees prayed when the (m) Dan. 6.10 windows of his Chamber were open towards Jerusalem and as Jonah though (n) Ion. 2 4 7. cast out of sight his soul fainting within him yet looked towards the holy Temple so must we in our deepest exigencies and the most fainting fits of distresse look towards Christ our spiritual Temple and through him only expect audience at the throne of grace In these and many other particulars I might proceed to amplifie upon this point but shall reserve them to a more copious enlargement in the succeeding treatise 2. Let us go on in the next place to shew briefly how the Church also the mystical body of Christ was signified by that glorious building Wherein I shall but succinctly mention some few things recommending the more large explication to their more proper and convenient places As the Temple was the material house wherein God was worshipped under the Jewish administration So is the Church under the Gospel the spiritual (a) 1 Cor. 3.16 Temple of God wherein his holy spirit dwelleth Nos enim sumus Templa dei altaria luminaria vasa We are saith (b) Tertul. de Cor. mil. p. 753. Edit Par. 80. Tertullian the Temples of God the Altars Lamps and Vessels Every Christian Church (c) Dr. Ed. Reyn. on Hos Ser. 5. p. 131. quar as a most Reverend and Learned Dr. of our own Nation is the Israel of God and every Regenerate person born in Zion and every spiritual worshipper the Circumcision Now Christ is crucified in Galatia and a Passeover eaten in Corinth and Manna fed on in Pergamus and an Altar set up in Egypt and Gentiles sacrcified and stones made Children unto Abraham and Temples unto God The Ark of old
originals of springs and fountaines Whereas on the other side the more dry exhalations being contained within such compact parts of the circumambient earth as do not easily yield channels and passages for their transpiration even as it is in ovens well stopt do in length and continuance of time as it were bake together into that firme solidity which we see in stones being also by new ascending vapours continually increased more and more Now hence it is that generally there is found plenty of waters in all mines and quarries which being of near kind to the lapidescent quality by which stones are generated do supply the veins of those quarries with constant moisture thereby assisting them against that gritling friability which exposeth them to corruption when taken forth of their native places As to the point in hand craving a favourable permission at the hands of the learned to speak in an allusive way In like manner the Lord Jesus is not only a solid rock but a living rock a rock that hath a fountain of living water in it and (b) Exod. 17.6 Num. 20.11 flowing from it He is that spiritual living rock which (c) 1 Cor. 10.4 followed the Israëlites in the wildernesse so called by a metaphor taken from living creatures that have a loco-motive faculty In which place the Apostle is to be understood of the water which issued forth of the rock that in a constant stream flowing from it [d] Mede Vol. 1. p. 558. followed them in their several mansions as they passed through that howling wildernesse The first time that we read of water issuing out of a rock was at Rephidim their 11th mansion which satisfied their thirst and extinguished their present murmurs Now it 's evident that the water came gushing forth out of a rock in [e] Deut. 9.21 mount Horeb [d] Exod. 17.6 and yet that mountain is the place of their 12th station at which place also the Law was given and the powder of their golden [e] Deut. 9.21 Calf was cast into the brook of water that descended out of that Mounâ— But herein Bellonius in his Itinerary observations who carfully searched those parts doth help us in that he acquaints his Reader that in this wildernesse of Sinai there is a large tract of mountaines called by the same name extending themselves a great length and in one place arising into two craggy tops like Parnassus in Phocis one whereof is called Sinai particularly giving denomination to the wildernesse and the other Horeb by both which the range of hills are promiscuously and interchangeably calld He relates also that at this day there is a â—ill of water sliding down from that hill which whither it be the same that was opened by Moses at Gods appointment who can tell But we see by Scripture that the water which Moses fetcht out of the rocky mountain of Horeb for the people in Rephidim the 11th station is recorded to have drunk-in the golden powder of their image in the 12th station which stations possibly might be but little asunder But if Alush the 10th station should be Ptolomies 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Jerom's Elusa in his Hilarion or if Rephidim should be Ptolomies * De bell Jud. l. 5. c. 14. ser Ruff. p. 903. Josephus his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or Massah his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 there will prove a very great journey for the Israëlites to march before they came from that side of the Sinai mountaines westward whence the water flowed to the great and ragged rock where the Law was given in their 12th station All which I have hitherto suggested a little to further the sense of that place of Paul before-cited which according to the insinuation of our Reverend translators adding them to followed seems to carry this sense That a stream of waters from the first smitten rock followed them in that dry sandy and barren desert to refresh the congregation of Israel But to let that inquiry passe at present we are sure that our blessed spiritual rock the Lord Jesus doth supply the living stones of his building with living water flowing from his blessed side Who though taken out of the Quarry of humane nature and placed at the bottome of the sacred building of his Church is inspired with a divine vitality and hath received this gift from the Father (a) Joh. 5.26 to have life in himself and to communicate of this life unto his members (b) Joh. 10.10 that they may have it more abundantly On this living rock as on the head of the corner is the Church of God founded and all the members do come to him as lively stones so called by Peter in the forecited place by reason of a new forme life or vertue infused into them and flowing from their union with Christ Therefore is it that we read in the Prophet Ezekiel that from under the (c) Ezek. 47.1 threshold of the Temple even from this foundation-stone there said that holy man of God did see in a vision waters issuing forth in great abundance which are to be interpreted of the Spirit which Christ after his departure out of this world (d) Joh. 7.39 would send down among his Disciples So that these Temple-stones being drawn out of the (e) Isa 51.1 pit of nature and hewn by a gracious hand out of the old rebellious rock of Adam are become (f) Ezek. 11.19 36 26. fleshy and living stones and are situated upon Christ the grand foundation of his Church Who though they have most happily lost that native vitality unto sin which cleaved to them in the quarry of corrupt nature yet now by their implantation into Christ receive a new and spiritual life The stones which Deucalion and Pyrrha cast over their heads after the great deluge are called by (g) Comment in Iliad 1. Romae 1550. Eustathius 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 quickened or enlivened stones The weaving instruments also feigned by Homer to be made of stone whereon the Nymphs did make purple webs within their cave are expounded by (h) De antr Nymph Romae 1630. Porphyry to be meant of bones and flesh which by these goddesses were framed into living bodies in that Den which mystically represented the Universe But yet allowing these fables or at least the truths shadowed by them the stones spoken of are animated only with humane or mortal life whereas the stones that we are treating of which are laid upon Christ and fixed in him the head of the Church do receive from him a life which is spiritual and eternal Seeing then the Lord Jesus only is the foundation-stone of the Churches welfare both in grace and glory which God hath laid in mount Zion at the bottome of this sacred building let us esteem it a vain thing to seek him in any place upon Earth but in his Temple the Church wherein he dwells and converses with his people by his Spirit
upon them in his divine Unction to be witnesses to Christ even to the uttermost parts of the Earth To proceed in discoursing further on the Ornaments of the Sanctuary As all the Cedar boards were laid most exactly eeven and plain doubtlesse with greatest care imaginable so likewise the Saints that hold spiritual fellowship in the body mystical are full of harmony and union (i) Eph. 4.3 5. c. endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of Peace And as the Boards were fastned with nailes and riverts of Gold this might exhibite the fixedness of Saints (k) Ps 61.4 abiding in the House of God for ever and trusting in the covert of his Wings their (a) Ezr. 9.6 Eccl. 12.11 Isa 22.23 25. Zech. 10.4 Nailes being fastned in a sure place by the Master of Assemblies even in that place where God himself hath promised to (b) 2 Cor. 6.16 walk in the midst of his people and to blesse them All those things hitherto recited with several after-mentioned were appointed for the Beauty and Ornament of the Sanctuary within where indeed was its chiefest lustre and glory So is it with the Church She is all glorious (c) Ps 45.13 within Yea and every Saint as his joyes so his graces are hidden from the Eyes of the World That 's the comfort of the Children of God that like Christ our Head They have meat to eat of which the World knoweth not of places in the Holy Sanctuary to take therein most refreshful turns which are invisible to the world But for the further beautifying of this holy place we read that there were Open-flowers carved upon the Cedar in a very pleasant and stately manner which are supposed to have been formed in (d) Lightf 2 d. Temple p. 81. this wise Throughout both the sides of the Sanctuary there were long wreaths of bunches of Flowers and Cornucopiaes carved in the fragrant Wood running all along in a Line paralel to the Horizon and the first row of these flowered Carvings began probably at the bottom of the Wall near the golden Floor and over them Cherubims and Palm-Trees all along to the end on both sides Then another row of bunching flowers and then Cherubims and Palm-Trees again up to the top by the roof in as many ranks as the bignesse of the Figures would permit and suit with the heigth of the Sanctuary Our Inquiry may be for a little time what sort of Flowers these were To which the Glosse of the Chaldee Paraphrase proffers some satisfaction constantly reading the Texts where they are mentioned by these words 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 bundles or wreaths of Lillies We have frequent mention of carved and molten works made like unto Lillyes in the Temple-stories as in the Lip or Border of each of the 10 Lavers In the turning down of the brim of the Brazen Sea and in the fair Ornaments which were added to the heads of the two famous Pillars standing within the Porch before the Sanctuary In respect to the present Sculptures in hand As our Text calls them Open-flowers so they might resemble the hope of the heavenly Glory which flowres in the hearts of Saints walking here below in the Ordinances of the Sanctuary For as the hope of the harvest lies in the blade so the hope of fruit and seed lies in the flowers of a Plant. In that they were made to resemble the flowers of Lillyes it suits aptly with the frequent allusions made in Scripture unto Lillies respecting the Church The Spouse is compared by Solomon to a (e) Cant. 2.2 Lilly among Thorns and the Bridegroom himself is brought in as feeding among his (f) Cant. 2.16 6.3 Lillies It is observable that our Lord compares Solomon in all his (g) Mat. 6.29 glorious raiment unto the Lillies which because of the variety of his gorgeous Attire might possibly be most resembled and set forth by that admirable and curiously coloured Flower which we call the Tulip at this day being brought to us originally from Persia whose chief City was called Shushan and a Province within that Empire termed Susiana from the plenty of those curious Flowers growing there naturally But as it passed through Asia and the Turks of Constantinople whence we received it more immediately it gained thence the present name of Tulip from the Turkish attire about their heads Now if this were the Flower as 't is probable whose Effigies was carved in the Sanctuary although the variety of its colours for which it is worthily esteemed the Queen of Flowers could not be manifested but by Enamelling the Gold which was laid upon the Cedar a thing probably wherewith the Ancients were unacquainted yet in consideration of its rare variety we may resemble to it the excellent and curious mixture of Graces and Vertues shining in the hearts and lives of Saints But if it were no other then the ordinary tall white Lilly or perhaps that curious neat and fragrant small flower of the Lilly Convally which grows amongst us then as whitenesse is many times used for the Embleme of purity innocency and chastity so might these flowers denote the purity of the Saints Holinesse the unspotted innocency of their lives towards men the integrity of their hearts toward God the untemerated chastity of their conjugal Love toward Christ and as (a) Eccl. 9.8 white Garments were used of old in times of Joy and festival Solemnities so might these shadow forth the unspeakable Joy of the Spirit shed abroad in their hearts upon the account of those gracious endowments wherewith they are qualified But now although the Church of Christ be thus undefiled pure and beautiful in the sight of God like the Lilly yet shall not her beauty be as that fading flower in the morning pleasant and lovely to see to in the evening dry and withered but as the Flowers in the Temple-carvings were alwaies open so shall her Graces and Ornaments be alwaies flourishing till their Roots shall be transplanted into the Eden above at the right hand of God where the Rivers of pleasure shall alwaies preserve them from a flaccid declining when their Graces flourishing here in the Garden of the Vally shall be curiously tied into a Crown or Garland which is (b) 1 Pet. 5.4 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 (c) 1 Pet. 1.4 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 immarcescible and incorruptible reserved for them in the Heavens Besides because the Lilly is but a tender plant and of small Roots lest the duration of the Church should not seem to be clearly set forth by it therefore are her Roots promised to be strong and abiding like the Cedars of Lebanon So that as the other similitude did set forth the beauty and pleasantness this doth denote the perpetuity and continuance of the Church of Christ as hath been (d) Dr. Edw. Reynolds on Hos Ser. 5. p. 38.4 to observed by a most learned holy and reverend Worthy of our Church
holy scorn and contempt we may take notice from the narrownesse of the Windows externally and the breadth inwardly together with their elevated situation how little Saints do or should meddle with others conversations looking principally into their own breasts The Floor of the Sanctuary which was laid with planks of Firr overlaid with Cedar boards and plated with Gold the place designed to be walked on might shew the humility of the Saints their meeknesse lowly-mindednesse and prostration of spirit before God's Majesty who was pleased to (z) 2 Cor. 6.16 walk in and out among them such Graces being more fragrant then Cedar more beautiful then Gold The Ornament of a meek and quiet spirit †1 Pet. 3.4 being in the sight of God of great price We see the Ornaments of the very Floor were the same for matter with those of the insides of the house to shew possibly that humility and lowly reverence of heart as befitting best divine Ordinances is of as high regard with God as other Graces nay in some sort of higher esteem For the humble shall be (a) Jam. 4.10 exalted by him and receive more Grace from him for as the person walking is in more conjunction to the Pavement or Floor whereon he stands than to the other parts of the building Thus the Lord the high and the losty One who inhabiteth aeternity professeth that he will dwell with him and look on him with an eye of favour that is of an (b) Isa 57.15 66.2 humble and contrite spirit Although humble and meek spirits are counted fools by the World and quickly insulted upon by every proud and insolent spirit yet as holy David sitting by the rivers of repentance and hearkning to the sighs of the groaning Willows under the storms of divine anger sweetly be moans himself a (c) Ps 51.17 broken and a contrite heart O God thou wilt not despise Happy is the humble person who lying upon his back in a prostrate posture and helplesse condition as to himself yet alwaies is looking up to heaven Even as the lowly Floor did constantly face the cieling of the Sanctuary which was all filled with Cherubims a heavenly Host dispatcht from heaven and ready at hand for their aid and comfort Besides the Roof of the Sanctuary which was laid upon those Cherubims held forth the constant divine protection of the Church that resteth on all the Assemblies of the Saints when feasting in that secret communion which the true Members of the mystical and invisible body do maintain in their hearts with Christ (d) Isa 4.5 6. The Lord will create upon every dwelling place of Mount Zion and upon her assemblies a cloud and smoke by day and the shining of a flaming fire by night for upon all the glory shall be a defence And there shall be a Tabernacle for a shadow in the day time from the heat and for a place of refuge and for a cover from the storm and from rain God will be a (e) Isa 16.4 covert to his people from the face of the spoyler (f) Isa 32.2 a covering from the Tempest and a hiding place from the Wind. Our second Solomon having made his Church like a Chariot as well as a Tabernacle or Temple of the wood of Lebanon c. and the (g) Cant. 3.10 covering thereof of Purple even his own righteousnesse to shield us from the danger of his Father's wrath Nay his banner over us is love in this (h) Cant. 2.4 banquetting house of the Sanctuary Where the people of God having satiated themselves with divine love and fully satisfied with the curious views of all its unparallel'd rarities It 's now high time for them to enter the Holy of Holyes with adoration The Mysteries of the Oracle BEfore we set foot into the Oracle strict notice should be taken of the curious Vail embroidered with Cherubims which hung down to the ground cross the Temple and before that most sacred place But although in the Tabernacle there was no other division between the Holy place and the Holy of Holyes yet in the Temple there was a partition of stone which divided betwixt them and Doors in the midst of the patrition Therefore we shall consider the Walls without the Oracle and then the Door and after that the Vail and so proceed to give some account why probably there were no Windows and then descend to the Floor the Roof and after that to the side-Chambers of the Temple To speak first in general There be some as Rivet on Exod. p. 1129. that say The Oracle noted the Gospel-Church However that be for certain It was the Type of Heaven as 't is clear by the Apostle's acquainting us that the (i) Heb. 9.7 8. High-Priest entered into it alone once every year the Holy Ghost thereby signifying that the way into the holyest of all was not yet made manifest that is while the first Tabernacle was yet standing The meaning whereof may be this (k) Cloppenb Schol. sacrif p. 68. that so long as the sacred ceremonies were performing in the former part or room of the Tabernacle which was called the Sanctuary the entrance into the more secret part or the Holy of Holyes called the second Tabernacle was not yet made open So that while the state of the old Law endured and the rites and ceremonies of the Sanctuary continued in their vigour till Christ appeared for the putting of a period to the Mosaical worship there was no entrance or admission into Heaven the Holy of Holyes But when Christ had once offered up himself and was expiring upon the Cross then the (l) Mat. 27.51 Vail of the Temple was rent in twain to give notice that the Door of Heaven was now opened by vertue of his blessed sufferings who (m) Heb. 10.11 after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever sate down on the right hand of God For the Apostle ver 11. opposeth this to a Tabernacle not made with hands i. e. the heavenly into which by his body and blood entrance is made ver 13. In the Oracle we read of the Ark of the Covenant the Cherubims and the Session of the divine Majesty upon their wings In like manner when the Temple of God was opened in heaven (n) Rev. 11.29 there was seen the Ark of his Testaments whereof more hereafter when I arrive to that mysterous Utensil The place of God's glorious presence is in heaven whither all our prayers are to be directed accordingly as David prayes to be heard in his supplications (o) Ps 28.2 when he lifted up his hands towards his holy Oracle This divine place was a perfect Cube hollow within shadowing the perfection of happinesse as the great Philosopher saies that he that bears the shocks of Fortune valiantly is (p) Ethic. l. 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 he is truly good and of a square posture without reproof Besides as a square figure
not presently feed upon it by Faith and digest it in a holy life it will be of no value nor efficacy o our souls But so much of Manna The Rod of Aaron As in Moses time there was laid up in the Oracle Aaron's rod which blossomed It is likewise probable that it might be laid up also in the Oracle of Solomon though it be not praecisely mentioned The story of Aaron's Rod is at large recited in the 17th of Numbers which may be consulted at leisure Aaron being the High Priest and chief of the Tribe of Levi as all the Princes of the Tribes had their Rods or staffes Numb 21.18 So he had a Rod for an Ensign of Government He was a Signal Type of Christ as the Apostle to the Hebrews doth clearly manifest Some think that all the three Offices of Christ respecting the Church were signified by these three choise things in the Oracle The Ark with its Crown round about it and as being the Throne of God noted his Kingly Office The Manna his Prophetical or Pastoral Office And the Rod of Aaron his Priestly And therefore it is that he is so often styled in Scripture the Branch as Isaiah 4.2 11 1 10. 53 2. Jer. 23.5 33 15. Ezek. 17.22 23. Zech. 3.8 6 12. Rev. 5.5 22 16. The Hebrew word in some of those places is in the Septuagint version rendred by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Which makes me to reflect upon that place in Luke where the (a) Luke 1.78 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is rendred by us the Day spring from on high Now considering that the old Greek Version was much eyed by the new Testament Writers we may translate it The Branch from on high hath visited us and overshadowed us with his healing Boughs and therein possibly might be an allusion to Aarons Rod or Branch laid up in the Oracle signifying Heaven which that it did denote Christ is the opinion of Justin Martyr (b) Dialog Cum Triphare Jud. pag. 24. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Rod of Aaron bringing forth Buds did declare him High Priest Isaias did prophesie of Christs birth by the Rod out of the root of Jesse To speak then a while to this Rod of Aaron being the note of the Ministerial function as residing in him and his successours and that none should take to themselves that honour but such as are called of God as was Aaron (c) Heb. 5.4 Here give me leave to enlarge a little upon this flourishing subject of Aarons Rod. A Rod in Scripture denotes Government and so this Rod signifies Christs royal Dominion in his Church He will send the (d) Psalm 110.2 Rod of his strength out of Zion He is to rule over his people with a (e) Psalm 45.6 Scepter of Righteousnesse Sometimes it hints at judgement Hear the (f) Mic. 6.9 Rod and who hath appointed it 1. The Rod of affliction Shall I come to you saith Paul to his Corinthians with a (g) 1 Cor. 4.21 Rod i.e. with some Church-censure Sometimes it notes Teaching and Doctrine He shall smite the earth with the (h) Isa 11.4 Rod of his mouth i. e. with doctrinal reproof Feed thy people with thy (i) Mic. 7.14 Rod of Instruction The Metaphor being taken from Shepherds who carry wirh them a Rod a crook the one to drive their sheep into green pastures and the other to catch them (a) Psalm 23.4 Thy Rod and thy staffe comforted me Thereby they kept off the Wolves the wild Beasts from the Folds Mercury of old was the Caduceator Virgifer of the gods being painted with a Rod twined with Serpents to note its Rhetorick and perswasive Eloquence in speaking he being interpres divum Christ is the revealer of the Father's will he lay in his bosom and hath declared him Joh. 1. 18. Sometimes it signifies ease because this is the end of a Staffe or Rod to lean upon as Jacob (c) Heb. 11.21 leant upon his Staffe to shew that the Evangelical Ministry whereof Christ is the head is a safe resting place for the Church This Rod of Aaron was made of an Almond-Tree of which its observed by (d) Plin. l. 16. c. 25. Pliny that it flowres the first of all Trees even in Jan. in the more Southern Countries and brings forth ripe fruit there in March To shew how quickly those that are designed for the Ministry should blossom toward Heaven young (e) 1 King 18.12 Obadiahs (f) Jer. 1.5 Jeremiahs (g) Luk. 1.15 John Baptists (h) 2 Tim. 3.15 Timothies even in their youth savouring the things of God This doth likewise reflect upon the effect of their Ministry how soon God will bring to passe what they precict in his name when they receive their Visions from him in the holy Mount Therefore Jeremy who was a Priest of Anathoth saw the Vision of an (i) Jer. 1.11 Almond-Tree to confirm his heart in the work of the Ministry The vulgar Latine reads that place by virga vigilans a watchful Rod hinâ—ing how God would hasten the judgement he threatned unless the people repented and further to shew what diligence and vigilancy Ministers ought to use in their Embassies they must be (k) Isay 11. Watchmen and Seeâ—s of the night We read that the Egyptians resembled God by the hieroglyphical sculpture (l) Plutarch de Iside Ostride moral part 1. gr p. 632. ed 1. H. Stepâ— 573. of a Rod or Scepter with an Eye in it noting his omniâ—cient care and wisdom in the Government of the World Every Gospel-Minister should have for his hieroglyphick an Almond Rod with an Eye annexed to it not to rule and teach onely but a so providently to foresee the evill coming and to warn the people of approaching judgements Besides it was a fruitful Rod. The Rod of Aaron had (m) Numb 17.8 Buds Blossoms and ripe Nuts all at once As to the words in the letter there is a little haesitation among the (n) Dr. Gell on Pentateuch p. 512. learned why it should be translated thus the Rod of Aaron budded and brought forth buds as if so be it were a tautology whereas in the Hebrew it is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 And behold the Rod of Aaron for the House of Levi budded and it sent forth buds c. The same radicall word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 being used first in the Verb and then in the Noun The 70 not ashamed to use the same word likewise 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 It budded and brought forth buds and so Paul Heb. 9.4 onely speaks in general 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the terme being comprehensive of all the rest after mentioned in that verse in Numbers The meaning this the Text first sayes in the general that Aaron's Rod did germinate or bud or sprout forth which ye please and then comes to the particulars rehearsing in order how it was or else to express
Disciples by two and two But this were 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Luk. 10 1. to hunt after too much nicety The Tops of the Pillars were curiously adorned 2 Tim. 4.8 to shew that those who persist to the last constantly shall be crowned The Lilly work the Emblem of Innocency Pomegranates of Fruitfulnesse there being many grains in one Apple their Crown shall declare their Glory As Crowns did vary according to the nature of the Service among the Romans so shall every one be rewarded according to his works The Vessels in the open Court IN this place there are these things considerable The Altar of burnt Sacrifice The Sea of Brasse and the ten Lavers of each in their order 1. The Altar of Brasse The Brazen Altar stood in the Priests Court in the open ayre that so the nidor fuligo the sent and smoak of the Sacrifices might be the lesse offensive This Altar had its several implements fit for service as Censers or Ash-pans Num. 4.14 Flesh-hooks Shovels Basons c. of which we must not speak particularly they being but proper appurtenances of the work of Sacrifice What the Altar signified we need not much trouble our selves or haesitate about it having so sure a guide as the Apostle by the dictate of the Spirit of God who saies We have an Altar Heb. 13.10 Molin de Altar p. 79. Rivet in Exod p. 1132. Heb. 10.10 14. whereof they have no right to eat who serve the Tabernacle Those that continued enslaved and yoked to their Jewish Ceremonies had no right to the Altar of which we are to feed on which Christ offered himself We are to eat of the Altar i. e. the Sacrifice offered on the Altar by a frequent Metonymy so then the Sacrifices signified Christ and the Altar his Crosse For Christ was offered to bear the sins of many Heb. 9.28 As the Altar was set without the Temple the Emblem of the Church or new Jerusalem Ver. 12. so Christ's Crosse was without the Gate of the old Jerusalem And as on the expiation-day the Priest officiated without the limits of the Tabernacle Lev. 17.11 See Essâ—nius de sacrificiis p. 220. or Courts of the Temple so the blood of Christ that maketh atonement was shed without the Camp in Golgotha where he had the place of his burial Christ crucified is the food of Souls as the Sacrifices were of old for the Priests The name of the Altar in the Hebrew is sometimes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from Mactation or killing and offering of the Sacrifice sometimes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from ascending up to it whence 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 among the Greeks Altare among the Latines is derived ab Alto from its being built up high above the earth or because in high places as mountains and hills and Ara from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Preces prayers or imprecations made to the Gods at their Sacrifices There be who would by no means have the Altar to signify the Crosse of Christ because the Papists do so highly idolize it and besides do count their Tables on which their unbloody Sacrifice is offered to be signified thereby and therefore understand that place by a Metonymy Habemus Altare we have an Altar i. e. A Sacrifiâ—e offered upon the Crosse viz. Christ himself But I know no reason why there should be so much flying to Tropes and such curiosity in evading this designation because Papists commit folly about it Whereas no doubt they will all affirm that Christ is the Gospel-Sacrifice For he is our Paschaâ— Lamb 1 Cor. 5.7 saith the Apostle Molin de altare p. 79. The Fathers for 200 years called the Table of our Lord The Altar as Molineus witnesseth and that onely by allusion and accommodation and in this figurative sense the Church may say still that we have an Altar though Christ's Crosse were destroyed before the Apostle wrote to the Hebrews But yet if we shall joyn both Sacrifice and Altar in one signification of Christ I shall not gainsay though I see no such grand inconvenience in applying it more distinctly especially since we do it onely by accommodation For on the contrary side by applying the Altar to Christ there 's more danger of the inference of Popish adoration Psal 118.27 if any be inferred The Sacrifice of old was to be bound to the Horns of the Altar Some by the Horns of the Altar expound the strength of Christ but if the Altar might prelude to the Crosse these might note Christ's nailing to the Crosse Whether this Altar were underneath framed of stone is not certain if it were to be sure not of hewn stone (a) Cont. Apion lib. 1. p. 1049. Josephus relates of the Altar at Jerusalem out of Hecataeus and doth not â—oâ—â—radict it thus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 A four square Altar not of hewn but unwrought impolished stones according to the (b) Exod. 20.25 Deut. 27.6 Jos 8.3 command of God Instruments did pollute it The hearts of Saints are compared to Altars by the Ancients in the Primitive Church Humane skill Art and Reason cannot polish stones fit for an Altar to offer up to God (c) Clem. Alex strom 7. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The whole Church is a grand Altar for holy Sacrifices Impolisht stones Saints differing in Judgment may lye together in one Altar on which God may have his (d) Isa 31.9 fire in Zion and hearth in new Jerusalem None but fire from heaven no culinary fire ought to inflame the Sacrifices of the Altar Aaron's Sons smarted in that case No strange fire of our Passions ought to be admitted in any service of God For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousnesse of God Let us in few words mention the New Testament Sacrifices that through Christ are offered up unto God whereof more in the 5th Section (e) Ps 51.17 A broken Heart is a Sacrifice which God will not despise The heart that 's wounded by the knife of Repentance is acceptable to God In Craâ—tfying of our lusts offering them up on the Altar of the Crosse of Christ is a Sacrifice well pleasing in the sight of God The offering up of Christ in prayer to God as of a Lamb without spot morning evening is another Let the (c) Psal 141.2 Mat. 27.46 lifting up of my hands sayes David be like an evening Sacrifice Christ died on the Crosse toward the evening about the 9th hour according to 12 unequal houres counted about the time of Easter from Sun-rise to Sun-set falls between 3 and 4 afternoon The service of our very bodies to God is another reasonable Sacrifice Of old 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 unreasonable Creatures were sacrificed now we may offer our selves (d) Rom. 12.1 rational Creatures in this way of sacrifice (e) Psal 4 5. The Sacrifice of righteousness is another Praysing of God is another He that (f) Psal 50. ult 23. offereth prayse glorifieth