King. 3.1 Chap. 6.1 2 Chro. 5.1 13. Chap. 7.2 The first house namely that which we have been speaking of was a type of the Church militant and the place most holy a type of the Church triumphant I say of the Church triumphant as it is now So then The house standing of these two parts was a shadow of the Church both in Heaven and Earth And for that they are joyned together by one and the same foundation it was to shew that they above and we below are yet one and the self-same house of God. Hence they and we together are called The whole Family in Heaven and Earth Ephes. 3.14 15. And hence it is said again that we who believe on Earth are come to Mount Zion to the City of the living God the heavenly Jerusalem and to an invincible company of Angels To the general Assembly and Church of the first born which are writen in Heaven and to the Spirits of just men made perfect and to God the Judge of all and to Jesus the Mediator of the new Covenant and to the blood of sprinkling that speaketh better things than that of Abel Heb. 12.22 23 24. The difference then betwixt us and them is not that we are really two but one body in Christ in divers places True we are below stairs and they above they in their holy-day and we in our working-day cloaths they in harbour but we in the storm they at rest and we in the Wilderness They singing as crowned with Joy we crying as crowned with thorns But I I say we are all of one house one family and are all the Children of one father This therefore we must not forget lest we debar our selves of much of that which otherwise while here we have a right unto Let us therefore I say remember that the Temple of God is but one though divided as one may say into Kitchin and Hall above stairs and below or holy and most holy place For it stands upon the same foundation and is called but one the Temple of God which is builded upon the Lord our Saviour I told you before that none of old could go into the most holy but by the holy place even by the Vail that made the Partition between Exod. 26.33 Levit. 16 2 12 15. Heb. 9.7 8. chap 10.19 Wherefore they are deceived that think to go into the holiest which is Heaven when they did who yet abandon and hate the holy place while they live Nay Sirs The way into the holiest is thorow the holy place the way into Heaven is thorow the Church on Earth for that Christ is there by his Word to be received by faith before he can by us in Person be received in the beatical Vision The Church on Earth is as the house of the Women spoken of in the Book of Esther where we must be dieted perfumed and made fit to go into the Bridegroom's Chamber or as Paul says made meet to be partakers of the Inheritance of the Saints in light Esth. 2. Col. 1.12 LVI Of the Holiest or Inner Temple THE most holy place was as I said a Figure of Heaven it self consequently a type of that where the most special presence of God is and where his face is most clearly seen and the gladness of his countenance most enjoyed Heb. 9.23 24. Exod. 25.22 Numb 7.89 The most holy place was dark it had no Windows in it though there was such round the Chambers the more special presence of God too on Mount Sina was in the thick Darkness there 1 King. 8.12 2 Chro. 6.1 Exod. 1â— 9 chap. 20.21 1. This Holiest therefore being thus made was to shew that God as in Heaven to us on Earth is altogether invisible and not to be reached otherwise than by Faith. For I say in that this House had no Windows nothing therein could be seen by the highest light of this World. Things there were only seen by the light of the fire of the Altar which was a type of the shinings of the Holy Ghost 1 Cor. 2. chap. And hence it is said notwithstanding this darkness He dwelleth in the light which no man can approach unto none but the High Priest Christ 1 Tim. 6.16 1 Pet. 3.21 22. 2. The Holiest therefore was thus built to shew how different our state in Heaven will be from this our state on Earth We walk here by one light by the light of a written word For that is now a light to our feet and Lanthorn to our Path. But that place where there will be no written Word nor Ordinances as here will yet to us shine more light and clear then if all the lights that are in the World were put together to light one Man For God is light and in him is no darkness at all 1 Joh. 1.5 And in his light and in the light of the Lamb immediately we shall live and walk and rejoyce all the days of Eternity 3. This also was ordained thus to shew that we while in the first Temple should live by faith as to what there was or as to what was done in the second Hence 't is said as to that we walk by faith not by sight 2 Cor. 5.6 7 8. The things that are there we are told of even of the Ark of the Testimony and Mercy-Seat and the Cherubims of glory and the presence of Christ and of God we are I say told of them by the Word and believe and are taken therewith and hope to go to them hereafter but otherwise we see them not Therefore we are said to look not at the things that are seen but at the things that are not seen for the things that are seen are temporal but the things that are not seen are eternal 2 Cor. 4.18 4. The People of old were not to look into the Holiest lest they died Numb 17.13 save only their High Priest he might go into it To shew that we while here must have a care of vain speculations for there is nothing to be seen by us while here in Heaven otherwise then by faith in God's eternal Testament True we may now come to the Holiest even as nigh as the first Temple will admit us to come but it must be by blood and faith not by vain imagination sence or carnal reason 5. This Holiest of all was four square every way both as to height length and breadth To be thus is a note of perfection as I have shewed elsewhere wherefore it was on purpose thus built to shew us that all fulness of blessedness is there both as to the nature degree and duration So when that which is perfect is come that which is in part shall be done away 1 Cor. 13.8 9 10. Heb. 10.19 20 21 22. LVII Of the Vail of the Temple THE Vail of the Temple was a Hanging made of blue and purple and crimson and fine linnen and there were Cherubins wrought thereon Exod. 26.31 32. 1. This Vail was one partition 'twixt the
Stones called Foundation-Stones were Types of the Prophets and Apostles Matt. 16.18 Ephes. 2.20 21. Heb. 11.10 Wherefore These Stones were Stones of the biggest Size Stones of Eight Cubits and Stones of Ten Cubits 1 King 7 10. Now as the Temple had this double Foundation so we must consider it respectively and distinctly For Christ is the Foundation one way the Prophets and Apostles a Foundation another Christ is the Foundation personally and meritoriously but the Prophets and Apostles by Doctrine Ministerially The Church then which is Gods New-Testament Temple as it is said to be builded on Christ the Foundation SO none other is the Foundation but He 1 Cor. 3.11 12. But as it is said to be Builded upon the Apostles So it is said to have Twelve Foundations and must have none but they Rev. 21.14 What is it then Why we must be Builded upon Christ as he is our Priest Sacrifice Prophet King and Advocate and upon the other as they are Infallible Instructors and Preachers of him not that any may be an Apostle that so shall esteem of himself nor that any other Doctrine be Administred but what is the Doctrine of the Twelve for they are set forth as the chief and last These are also they as Moses which are to look over all the Building and to see that all in this House be done according to the Patern shewed to them in the Mount Exod. 39.43 John 20.21 22 23. 1 Cor. 3.9 Chap. 4.9 Let us then keep these distinctions clear and not put an Apostle in the room of Christ nor Christ in the place of one of those Apostles Let none but Christ be the High Priest and Sacrifice for your Souls to God and none but that Doctrine which is Apostolical be to you as the Mouth of Christ for Instruction to prepare you and to prepare materials for this Temple of God and to Build them upon this Foundation VIII Of the richness of the Stones which were laid for the Foundations of the Temple THese Foundation Stones as they were great so they were costly Stones Tho as I said of themselves of no more worth then they of their nature that were left behind Their costliness therefore lay in those additions which they received from the Kings charge First In that labour which was bestowed upon them in Sawing Squaring and Carving For the Servants as they were cunning at this work so they bestowed much of their Art and Labour upon them by which they put them into excellent form and added to their Bigness Glory and Beauty fit for Stones upon which so goodly a Fabrick was to be builded Secondly These Stones as they were thus wrought within and without so as it seems to me they were inlaid with other Stones more precious than themselves Inlaid I say with Stones of divers colours According as it is written I will lay thy Foundations with Saphires Isa. 54.11 not that the Foundations were Saphires but they were laid inlaid with them or as he saith in another place They were adorn'd with goodly Stones and Gifts Luk. 21.5 This is still more Amplified where it is written of the New Jerusalem which is still the New testament-Testament-Church on Earth and so the same in substance with what is now The Foundations of the Wall of the City saith he were garnished with all manner of precious Stones Revel 21.19 True these there are called The Foundations of the WALL of the City but it has respect to the matter in hand for that which is before called a Temple for its comparitive smallness is here called a City for or because of its great Increase And both the Foundations of the Wall of the City as well as of the Temple are the twelve Apostles of the Lamb Rev. 21.14 For these Carvings and Inlayings with all other Beautifications were types of the extraordinary Gifts and Graces of the Apostles Hence the Apostle calls such gifts signs of Apostleship Rom. 15.19 2 Cor. 12.21 Heb. 2.4 For as the Foundation Stones of the Temple were thus garnished so were the Apostles beautified with a Call Gifts and Graces peculiar to themselves Hence he says First Apostles for that they were first and chief in the Church of Christ 1 Cor. 12.28 Nor were these stones only laid for a Foundation for the Temple the great Court the inner Court as also the Porch of the Temple had round about them three rows of these stones for their Foundation 1 King. 7.12 Signifying as it seems to me that the more outward and External Part as well as that more Internal Worship to be performed to God should be grounded upon Apostolical Doctrine and Appointments 1 Cor. 3.10 11 12. 2 Thes. 2.15 Chap. 3.6 Heb. 6.1.2 3 4. IX Which way the Face or Front of the Temple stood 1. THe Temple was Builded with its Face or Front towards the East and that perhaps because the Glory of the God of Israel was to come from the way of the East unto it Ezek. 43.1 2 3 4. Chap. 47.1 Wherefore in that its Front stood towards the East it may be to shew that the true Gospel Church would have its Eye to and Expectation from the Lord. We look said Paul but whither We have our Conversation said he in Heaven from whence our Expectation is 2. Cor. 4.18 Phil. 3.20 21. Psal. 62.5 2. It was set also with its Face towards the East to keep the People of God from committing of Idolatry to wit from worshiping the Host of Heaven and the Sun whose rising is from the East For since the Face of the Temple stood toward the East and since the worshippers were to worship at or with their Faces towards the Temple it follows that both in their going to and worshiping God towards that place their Faces must be from and their Backs towards the Sun. The thus Building of the Temple therefore was a Snare to Idolators and a proof of the Zeal of those that were the true worshippers As also to this day the true Gospel instituted worship of Jesus Christ is Hence he is said to Idolaters to be a Snare and Trap but to the Godly a Glory Isa. 8.14 Chap. 60.19 3. Do but see how God catcht the Idolatrous Jews by this means in their naughtiness And he brought me said the Prophet into the inner Court of the Lords House and beheld at the Door of the Temple of the Lord even between the Porch and the Altar were about five and twenty men with their Backs towards the Temple of the Lord and their Faces towards the East Ezek. 8.16 It was therefore as I said set with its Face towards the East to prevent false Worships and detect Idolaters 4. From the East also came the most Blasting Winds Winds that are destructive to Man and Beasts to Fruit and Trees and Ships at Sea Exo. 10.13 Job 27.21 Ezek. 17.10 Chap. 19.12 Psal. 48.7 Ezek. 27.26 I say The East Wind or that which comes from thence is the most hurtful
Temple THese Pillars were also adorned with Lilie-work as well as with Pomgranates and Chains The Chapiters also which were upon the top of the Pillars were of Lilie-work so was the work of the Pillars finished See 1 King. 7.19 20. This Lilie-work is here put in on purpose even to shew us how far off those that were to be the true Apostles of the Lamb should be from seeking carnal things or of making their prevailing a stalking-horse to worldly greatness and that preferment There was Lilie-work upon them That is they lived upon the bounty and care of God and was content with that glory which he had put upon them The Lilies saith Christ they toyl not neither do they spin and yet Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these Matt. 6 28 29. Luk. 12.28 29. Thus therefore these Pillars shew that as the Apostles should be fitted and qualified for their work They should be also freed from cares and worldly cumber they should be content with God's providing for them even as the goodly Lilies are And as thus prepared they were set in the front of the House for all Ministers to see and learn and take example of them how to behave themselves as to this World in the performing of their office And that which gives us further light in this is that this Lilie-work is said by divine Institution to be placed over against the belly the belly of the Pillars a type of ours 1 King. 7.20 The belly is a craving thing and these things saith the Text were placed over against the belly to teach that they should not humour but put check unto the haveings and cravings of the belly or to shew that they need not do it for that he that calls to his work will himself provide for the belly 'T is said of the Church that her belly is as a heap of Wheat set about with Lilies Song 7.2 To shew that she should without covetousness have sufficient if she would câ—st all her care upon God her great Provider This the Apostles did and this is their glory to this day So was the work of the Pillars finished To live Lilie-lives it seems is the glory of an Apostle and the compleating of their Office and Service for God. But this is directly opposite to the belly over against the belly and this makes it the harder work But yet so living is the way to make all that is done sweet-scented to those that be under this care Covetousness makes a Minister smell frowish and look more like a greedy Dog than an Apostle of Jesus Christ. Judas had none of this Lilie-work so his name stinks to this day He that grows like the Lilie shall cast forth his scent like Lebanon his branches shall spread and his beauty shall be as the Olive-Tree and his smell as Lebanon Thus lived Christ first and thus the Apostles next nor can any other as to this live like or be compared to them They coveted no Man's Silver or Gold or Apparel They lived like Lilies in the World and did send forth their scent as Lebanon Thus you see of whom these Pillars were a shadow and what their height their Chapiters their Bowles their Nets their Chaines their Pomgranates and their Lilie-work did signifie and how all was most sweetly answered in the Antitipe These were Men of the first rate the Apostles I mean were such XVIII Of the fashion of the Temple 1. OF the length and breadth of the Temple I shall say nothing But as to the height thereof there methinks I see something The Temple was higher then the Pillars and so is the Church then her Officers I say consider them singly as Officers though inferiour as to gifts and office for as I said before of Ministers in general so now I say the same of the Apostles though as to office they were the highest yet the Temple is above them Gifts and Office make no Men Sons of God as so they are but Servants though these were servants of the highest form 'T is the Church as such that is the Lady a Queen the Bride the Lamb's Wife and Prophets Apostles and Ministers c. are but Servants Stewards Labourers for her good Psal. 45.9 Revel 19.7 1 Cor. 3.5 chap. 4.1 2. As therefore the Lady is above the Servant the Queen above the Steward or the Wife above all her Husband's Officers so is the Church as such above these Officers The Temple was higher than the Pillars 2. Again as the Temple was highest so it enlarged it self still upward for as it ascended in height so it still was wider and wider even from the lowest Chambers to the top The first Chambers were but five Cubits broad the middle ones were six but the highest were seven Cubits 1 King. 6.5 6. the Temple therefore was round about above some Cubits wider then it was below For there was an enlarging and ascending about still upward to the side Chambers for the winding about was still upward round about the house therefore the breadth of the House was still upward and so encreased from the lowest Chambers to the highest by the midst Ezek. 41.7 And this was to shew us that God's true Gospel-Temple which is his Church should have its enlargedness of heart still upward or most for Spiritual and Eternal things wherefore he saith Thy heart shall fear and be enlarged that is be most affected with things above where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God Isa. 60.5 Colos. 3.2 3. Indeed it is the nature of Grace to enlarge it self still upward and to make the heart widest for the things that are above The Temple therefore was narrowest downwards to shew that a little of Earth or this World should serve the Church of God. And having food and rayment let us be therewith content But now upwards and as to heavenly things we are commanded to be covetous as to them and after them to enlarge our selves both by the fashion of the Temple as by express words 1 King. 4.29 Isa. 60.5 Philip. 3.14 1 Cor. 12.31 1 Tim. 6.8 Psal. 119.32 Since then the Temple was widest upward let us imitate it and have our conversation in Heaven Let our eyes our ears our hands and hearts our prayers and groans be most for things above Let us open our mouths as the ground that is chapt doth for the latter rain for the things that are eternal Job 29.23 Psal. 81.10 Observe again that the lowest parts of the Temple were the narrowest parts of the Temple So those in the Church who are nearest or most concerned with earth are the most narrow spirited as to the things of God. But now let even such an one be taken up higher to above to the uppermost parts of the Temple and and there he will be enlarged and have his heart stretcht out For the Temple you see was widest upwards the higher the more it is enlarged Paul being once caught up into
to Solomon to make them by observe there was great exactness in these and need there was of this hint that Men might see that every thing will not pass for a right ordered Candlestick with GOD Exod. 25.31 32 33 34 35 36. 1 Chro. 28.15 16. These Candlesticks are said sometimes to be ten sometimes seven and sometimes one Ten here seven Revel 1. and one in Zech. 4. Ten is a note of a multitude and seven a note of perfection and one a note of unity Now as the precious stones with which the House was garnished were a type of Ministerial gifts so these Candlesticks were a type of those that were to be the Churches of the New Testament Wherefore he says The Candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven Churches Revel 1.12 13 20. 1. The Candlesticks were here in number ten to shew that Christ under the New Testament would have a many Gospel Churches And I if I be lifted up from the Earth saith he will draw all men unto me that is abundance For the Children of the desolate that is of the New Testament Church shall be many more then they of the Jews were Joh. 12.32 Gala. 4.27 2. In that the Candlesticks were set by the Lavers and stony Tables it might be to shew us that Christ's Churches should be much in considering that Christ tho' he was righteous yet died for our sins Though his Life was according to the holy Law yet our stony hearts caused him to die Yea and that the Candlesticks are placed there it is to shew us also that we should be much in looking on the sins by which we caused him to die for the Candlesticks were set by those Tables whereon they laid the Instruments with which they slew the Sacrifice 3. These Candlesticks being made according to form seems not only to be exact as to fashion but also as to work For that in Exodus with its furniture was made precisely of one Talent of Gold perhaps to shew that Christ's true Spouse is not to be a grain more nor a dram less but Just the number of God's Elect. This is Christ's compleatness his fulness one more one less would make his Body a Monster 4. The Candlestick was to hold the light and to shew it to all the House and the Church is to let her light so shine that they without may see the light Mat. 5.15 16. Luke 8.16 Chap. 11.33 Chap. 12.35 5. To this end the Candlesticks were supplied with Oil-olive a type of the supply that the Church hath that her Light may shine even of the Spirit of Grace XLII Of the Lamps belonging to the Candlesticks of the Temple TO these Candlesticks belonged several Lamps with their Flowers and their knops 2 Chro. 4.21 1. These Lamps were types of that profession that the Members of the Church do make of Christ whether such Members have saving grace or not Matt. 25.1 2 3 4 5 6 7. 2. These Lamps were beautified with Knops and Flowers to shew how comely and beautiful that Professor is that adorns his Profession with a suitable Life and Conversation 3. We read that the Candlestick in Zecharias had seven Lamps belonging to it and a Bowl of Golden Oil on the top and that by Golden Pipes this Golden Oil emptied it self into the Lamps and all doubtless that the Lamps might shine Zech. 4. 4. Christ therefore who is the High Priest and to whom it belongs to dress the Lamps doth dress them accordingly But now there are Lamp-Carriers of two sorts such as have only Oyl in their Lamps and such as have Oyl in their Lamps and Vessels too and both these belong to the Church and in both these Christ will be glorified And they should have their proper places at last They that have the Oyl of Grace in their hearts as well as a Profession of Christ in their hands they shall go in with him to the Wedding but they who only make a Profession and have not Oyl in their Vessels vvill surely miscarry at last Matt. 25. 5. Wherefore O thou Professor Thou Lamp-Carrier Have a care and look to thy self content not thy self with that only that will maintain thee in a Profession for that may be done without saving grace But I advise thee to go to Aaron to Christ the trimmer of our Lamps and beg thy Vessel full of Oyl of him that is grace for the seasoning of thy heart that thou mayst have wherewith not only to bear thee up now but at the day of the Bridegroom 's coming when many a Lamp vvill go out and many a Professor be left in the dark for that vvill to such be a vvoful day Levit. 24.2 Matt. 25. Some there are that are neither for Lamps nor Oyl for themselves neither are they pleased if they think they see it in others But they that have Lamps and they that have none and they vvhich vvould blovv out other folks light must shortly appear to give an account of all their doings to God. And then they shall see vvhat it is to have Oyl in their Vessels and Lamps and vvhat 't is to be vvithout it in their Vessels though 't is in their Lamps and vvhat a dismal thing 't is to be a Malignant to either but at present let this suffice XLIII Of the Shew-bread on the Golden Table in the Temple THere vvas also Shew-bread set upon a Golden Table in the Temple 1 Kings 7.48 The Shew-bread consisted of twelve Cakes made of fine Flovver Two tenth deals was to go to one Cake and they were to be set in order in two rowes upon the pure Table Exod. 29.33 Levit. 8.31 Chap. 24.5 6 7 8 9. 1. These tvvelve Loaves to me do seem to be a type of the twelve Tribes under the Law and of the Children of God under the Gospel as they present themselves before God in and by his Ordinances thorow Christ. Hence the Apostle says For we being many are one bread c. 1 Cor. 10.17 For so were the twelve Cakes though twelve and so are the Gospel Saints though many For we being many are one body in Christ Rom. 12 5. 2. But they were a type of the true Church not of the false For Ephraim who was the head of the Ten Tribes in their Apostacy is rejected as a Cake not turned Indeed he is call'd a Cake as a false Church may be called a Church but he is called a Cake not turned as a false Church is not prepared for God nor fit to be set on the Golden Table before him Hos. 7.8 3. These Cakes or Shew-bread was to have Frankincense strewed upon them as they stood upon the Golden Table which was a type of the sweet perfumes of the Sanctifications of the Holy Ghost To which I think Paul alludes when he says The offering up of the Gentiles is acceptable to God being sanctified by the Holy Ghost Rom. 15 16. 4. They were to be set upon the pure Table new and hot to
the uprightness of their hearts the other of the good savour of their lives The upright shall dwell in thy presence and to him that ordereth his conversation aright I will shew the salvation of God Psal. 140.13 Psal. 50. ult 9. Thus sweet in Earth sweet in Heaven And he that yields the fruit of the Gospel here shall find it for himself and his Eternal Comfort at the Gates of Glory 10. All these were over-laid with gold as you may say and so they were at the Door of the first House True but observe here we have an addition Here is gold upon gold Gold laid on them and then gold spread upon that He over-laid them with gold and then spread gold upon them The Lord gives grace and glory Psal. 84.11 Gold and gold Gold spread upon gold Grace is gold in the leaf and glory is gold in plates Grace is thin gold glory is gold that is thick Here is gold layed on and gold spread upon that And that both upon the Palm-trees and the Cherubims Gold upon the Palm trees that 's on the Saints Gold upon the Cherubims that 's upon the Angels For I doubt not but that the Angels themselves shall receive Additional Glory for the Service which they have served Christ and his Church on Earth 11. The Angels are GOD's Harvest-men and doubtless he will give them good Wages even Glory upon their Glory then Matt. 13.38 39. Chap. 24.31 Joh. 4.36 12. You know Harvest men use to be pay'd well for gathering in the Corn and I doubt not but so shall these when the great Ingathering is over But what an enterance into Life is here Here is gold upon gold at the Door at our first step into the Kingdom LIX Of the Golden Nails of the Inner-Temple I Shall not concern my self with all the Nails of the Temple as of those made of Iron c. 1 Chron. 22.3 but only with the Golden ones of which you read 2 Chron. 3.4 where he saith And the weight of the nails was fifty Shekels of Gold These Nails as I conceive were all fastned to the place most Holy and of form most apt to that of which they were a Figure 1. Some of them represented Christ Jesus our Lord as fixed in his Mediatory Office in the Heavens wherefore in one place when the Holy Ghost speaks of Christ as he sprang from Judah to be a Mediator saith Out of him came the Corner the Corner-stone out of him the Nails Zech. 10.4 Now since he is here compared to a Nail a golden Nail it is to shew that as a Nail by driving is fixed in his place so Christ by God's Oath is made an everlasting Priest Heb. 7.25 Therefore as he saith again The Nail the Aaronical Priesthood that was fastned in a sure place should be removed be cut down and fall So he who has the Key of David which is Christ Revel 3.7 shall by God as a Nail be fastned in a sure place and abide therefore he says again And he shall be for a glorious Throne or Mercy-seat to his Fathers House And moreover That they shall hang on him as on a Nail all the Glory of his Fathers House the Off-spring and the Issue all Vessels of small quantity from the Vessels of Cups even to the Vessels of Flagons According to that which is written And they sang a new Song to the Lamb that was slain saying Thou art worthy c. Isai. 22.20 22 23 24 25. Rev. 5.9 12. And therefore it is again that Christ under the similitude of a Nail is accounted by Saints indeed their great Pledge or Hope as he is in Heaven of their certain coming thither Hence they said of old God has given us a Nail in his holy place A Nail says the Line a Pin a constant and sure abode says the Margin Ezra 9.8 Now this Nail in his holy place as was shewed before is Christ Christ as possest of Heaven and as abiding and ever living therein for us Hence he is called as there our Head our Life and our Salvation and also we are said there to be set down together in him Ephes. 1. ult Col. 3.3 Ephes. 2.5 6. 2. Some of these Nailes were types of the holy words of God which for ever are setled in Heaven Types I say of their Yea and Amen Hence Solomon in another place compares the Words of the wise God To goads and nailes fastned by the Masters of the Assemblies which are given from one Shepherd Eccles. 12.11 They are called Goads because as such prick the Oxen on in their drawing so God's Words prick Christians on in their Holy Duties They are called Nailes to shew that as Nails when fastned well in a sure place are not easily removed So God's Words by his will stand firm for ever The Masters of the Assemblies are firstly the Apostles The one Shepherd is Jesus Christ. Hence the Gospel of Christ is said to be everlasting to abide for ever and to be more stedfast than Heaven and Earth Isa. 40.6 7 8. 1 Pet. 1.24 25. Heb. 13 20. Revel 14.6 Matt. 24.35 The Lord Jesus then and his Holy Words are the Golden Nailes of the Temple and the fixing of these Nails in the Temple was to shew that Christ is the same to day yesterday and for ever and that his words abide and remain the same for ever and ever He then that hath Christ has a Nail in the Holiest he that hath a promise of Salvation hath also a Nail in Heaven a Golden Nail in Heaven LX. Of the Floor and Walls of the inner Temple 1. THE Floor of the Oracle was overlaid with Cedar and so also was the Walls of this House He built twenty Cubits on the sides of the House both the Floor and the Walls with boards of Cedar He even built for it within for the Oracle for the most holy place 1 King. 16. 2. In that he doth tell us with what it was cieled and doth also thus repeat saying for the Oracle for it within even for the most holy place it is because he would have it noted that this only is the place that thus was done 3. Twenty Cubits that was the length and breadth and height of the House So that by his thus saying he teacheth that thus it was builded round about 4. The Cedar is if I mistake not the highest of the Trees Ezek. 31.3 4 5 6 7 8. Now in that it is said the House the Oracle was cieled round about therewith It may be to shew that in Heaven and no where else is the height of all perfections Perfection is in the Church on Earth but not such as is in Heaven 1. There is a natural perfection and so a Peny is as natural Silver as is a Shilling 2. There is a comparative perfection and so one thing may be perfect and imperfect at the same time as a half Crown is more than a Shilling yet less than a Crown 3. There is
to say to God on the behalf of his People To the Oracle that is to the place of revealing For he also was there to receive and from thence to reveal to his Church on Earth something that could not be made manifest but from this holy Oracle There therefore he is vvith the tvvo Tables of Testimony in his heart as perfectly kept he also is there with the whole fulfilling of the Ceremonial Law in his side shewing and pleading the perfection of his Righteousness and the Merit of his Blood with his Father and to receive and to do us vvord who believe in him hovv vvell pleased the Father is vvith vvhat he has done in our behalf 6. Into the most holy place By these vvords is shevved vvhither also the Ark vvent vvhen it vvent to take up its rest And in that this Ark was a type of Christ in this it is to shew or further manifest that what Christ doth now in Heaven he doth it before his Father's face Yea it intimates that Christ even there makes his appeals to God concerning the worth of what he did on Earth to God the Judge of all I say whether he ought not for his sufferings-sake to have granted to him his whole desire as Priest and Advocate for his People Wilt thou said Festus to Paul go up to Jerusalem and there be judged of these things before me Acts 25.9 Why this our blessed Jesus was willing when here to go up to Jerusalem to be judged and being misjudged of there he made his appeal to God and is now gone thither even into the holy place even to him that is Judge of all for his Verdict upon his doing and whether the Souls for whom he became undertaker to bring them to glory have not by him a right to the Kingdom of Heaven 7. Vnder the Wings of the Cherubims This doth further confirm our Words for having appealed from Earth to Heaven as the Ark was set under the Wings of the Cherubims so he in his interceeding with God and in pleading his Merits for us doth it in the presence and hearing of all the Angels of Heaven And thus much of the Ark of the Covenant and of its antitype We come next to speak of the Mercy-Seat LXIII Of the Mercy-Seat and how it was placed in the holy Temple THE Mercy-Seat was made in the Wilderness but brought up by Solomon after the Temple was builded with the rest of the holy things 2 Chro. 5.2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9. The Mercy-Seat as I have shewed of the Ark was but low Two Cubits and a half was the length and a Cubit and a half the bredth thereof But the height thereof was without measure 1. The length and bredth of the Mercy-Seat is the same with that of the Ark perhaps to shew us that the length and bredth of the Mercy of God to his Elect is the same with the length and bredth of the Merits of Christ Exod. 25.10.17 Therefore we are said to be justified in him bless'd in him even according to the purpose which God purposed in him 2. But in that the Mercy-Seat is without measure as to height it is to shew that would God extend it it is able to reach even them that fall from Heaven and to save all that ever lived on Earth even all that are now in Hell. For there is not only breadth enough for them that shall be saved but bread enough and to spare Luke 15.17 And thou shalt says God put the Mercy-Seat above upon the Ark. Thus he said to Moses and this vvas the place vvhich David assigned for it Exod. 25.21 1 Chro. 28.11 Novv its being by God's Ordinance placed thus doth teach us many things 1. That Mercie 's foundation to us is Christ. The Mercy Seat vvas set upon the Ark of the Testimony and there it rested to us-ward Justice vvould not could not have suffered us to have had any benefit by Mercy had it not found an Ark a Christ to rest upon Deliver him saith God from going down into the Pit I have found a ransom Job 33.24 2. In that it was placed above it doth shew also that Christ was of Mercies ordaining a fruit of Mercy Mercy is above is the Ordainer God is love and sent of love his Son to be the Saviour and propitiation for our sins Joh. 3.16 1 Joh. 4.10 3. In that the Mercy-Seat and Ark was thus joyned together it also shews that without Christ Mercy doth not act Hence when the Priest came of old to God for Mercy he did use to come into the holy place with blood yea and did use to sprinkle it upon the Mercy-Seat and before it seven times Take away the Ark and the Mercy-Seat will fall or come greatly down at least So take away Christ and the Flood-gate of Mercy is let down and the currant of Mercy stopt This is true for so soon as Christ shall leave off to Mediate will come the Eternal Judgment 4. Again In that the Mercy-Seat was set above upon the Ark it teacheth us to know that Mercy can look down from Heaven though the Law stands by and looks on but then it must be in Christ as kept there and fulfilled by him for us The Law out of Christ is terrible as a Lion the Law in him is meek as a Lamb. The reason is for that it finds in him enough to answer for all their faults that come to God for Mercy by him Christ is the end of the Law for righteousness and if that be true the Law for that can look no further whoever comes to God by him The Law did use to sentence terribly until it was put into the Ark to be kept But after it was said it is there to be kept we read not of it as afore 1 King. 8.9 2 Chro. 5.10 Rom. 10.4 5. Let them then that come to God for Mercy be sure to come to him by the Ark Christ. For grace as it descends to us from above the Mercy-Seat so that Mercy-Seat doth rest upon the Ark. Wherefore sinner come thou for Mercy that way For there if thou meetest with the Law it can do thee no harm nor can Mercy shouldst thou elsewhere meet it do thee good Come therefore and come boldly to the Throne of Grace this Mercy-Seat thus born up by the Ark and obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need Heb. 4. ult Wherefore the thus placing of things in the Holiest is admirable to behold in the Word of God. For that indeed is the Glass by and through which we must behold this glory of the Lord. Here we see the reason of things Here we see the reason of things Here we see how a just God can have to do and that in a way of mercy with one that has sinned against him It is because the Law has been kept by the Lord Jesus Christ. For as you see the Mercy-Seat stands upon the Ark of the Covenant and
1 Sam. 4.4 2 King 19.15 1 Chron. 13.6 Psal. 80.1 Isa. 37.16 The Church on Earth is called God's House and HE will dwell in it for ever and Heaven it self is called God's House and WE shall dwell in it for ever and that between the Cherubims This is more then Grace this is Grace and Glory Glory indeed 3. To dwell between the Cherubims may also be to shew that there we shall be equal to the Angels Mark Here 's a Palm-Tree and a Cherub a Palm-Tree and a Cherub Here we are a little lower but there we shall not be a whit behind the very Chief of them A Palm-Tree and a Cherub an Vpright One between the Cherubs will then be round about the House we shall be placed in the same rank neither can they die any more for they are equal to the Angels Luke 20.36 4. The Palm-Trees thus placed may be also to shew us that the Elect of God shall there take up the vacancies of the Fallen Angels they for sin were cast down from the holy Heavens and we by Grace shall be caught up thither and be placed between a Cherub and a Cherub When I say their places I do not mean the fickleness of that state that they for want of Electing Love did stand in while in Glory for the Heavens by the Blood of Christ is now to us become a purchased Possission wherefore as we shall have their place in the Heavenly Kingdom so by vertue of Redeeming Blood we shall there abide and go no more out for by that means that Kingdom will stand to us unshaken Heb. 9.12 Chap. 12.22 23 24 28. Revel 3.12 5. These Palm-Trees I say seem to take their places who for Sin were cast from thence The Elect therefore take that place in possession but a better Crown for ever Thus Israel possessed that of the Canaanites and David Sauls Kingdom and Mathias the place the Apostle-ship of Judas Acts 1.20 21 22 23 24 25 26. 6. Nor were the Habitations which the Fallen Angels lost excepting that which was excepted before at all inferiour to theirs that stood for their Captain and Prince is called Son of the Morning for he was the Antitype there Isa. 14.12 7. Thus you see they were placed from the ground up to above the door that is from the lowest to the highest Angel there For as there are great Saints and small ones in the Church on Earth so there are Angels of divers Degrees in Heaven some greater than some but the smallest Saint when he gets to Heaven shall have an Angels Dignity an Angels Place from the ground you find a Palm-Tree between a Cherub and a Cherub 8. And every Cherub had two Faces so here but I read in Chap. 10. that they had four Face apiece The first was the Face of a Cherubim The second the Face of a Man The third the Face of a Lyon And the fourth the Face of an Eagle 9. They had two Faces apiece not to shew that they were of a double heart for their appearance and themselves was the same and they went every one straight forward Ezek. 12.22 These two Faces then was to shew here the quickness of their apprehension and their terribleness to execute the Mind of God. The Face of a Man signifies them Masters of Reason The Face of a Lyon the terribleness of their presence 1 Cor. 13.12 Judg. 13.6 In another place I read of their Wheels yea that themselves their whole bodies their backs their hands their wings and their wheels were full of Eyes round about Ezek. 1.18 Chap. 10.12 And this is to shew us how knowing and quick-sighted they are in all Providences and dark dispensations and how nimble in apprehending the mischievous Designs of the Enemies of God's Church and so how able they are to Vndermine them and for as much also as they have the Face of a Lyon we by that are shewed how full of power they are to kill and to destroy when God says go forth and do so Now with these we must dwell and co-habit a Palm-Tree and a Cherub a Palm-Tree and a Cherub must be from the ground to above the door round about the house the Heavens So that the Face of a Man was toward the Palm-Tree on the one side and the Face of a young Lyon toward the Palm-Tree on the other side By these two Faces may be also shewed that we in the Heavens shall have Glory sufficient to Familiarize us to the Angels Their Lyon-like looks with which they used to fright the biggest Saint on Earth as you have it Gen. 32.30 Judg 13.15 22. shall then be accompanied with the Familiar Looks of a Man. Then Angels and Men shall be Fellows and have to do with each as such Thus you see something of that little that I have found in the Temple of God. FINIS * Heb. 3.5 6 7 8 9 10. Levit. 19.23 chap. 26.34 35. Exod. 12.15 Levit. 6.17 chap. 23.17 * Exod. 32.35 2 King. 17.16 17 18. Act. 7.38 39 40 41 42 43. Heb. 8.5 Chap. 9.8 9 23. Chap. 10.1