under the Law though somtimes fortified by the Moral and Judicial Laws were also to remain after the abrogation of the ceremonies and not to determine at that time As for example the seventh part of our time stands dedicated to God by a moral Institution being appointed before the Law was given in the Wilderness even in the state of Innocence and therefore continues after the Law even in the times of the Gospel although the seventh part part of the week be changed to another day yet a seventh part still continues so likewise some acknowledgement of our substance and goods the encrease of our grounds and the fruit of our labours is to be rendred up to God as a moral duty as thereby owning him to be our God and the giver of all our blessings But now the quota pars or how much of this is to be dedicated stands in force by the positive Law of his Declarative Will which I have shewn to be the tenth God declaring that the tenth is his 't is his portion in the world which he gives to his servants whom he appoints for the celebration of his worship Wherefore even Heathens by the light of nature knowing that there is a God and consequently that this God is to be worshipped and then that there must be administrators or managers of this Worship who because of their constant attendance thereon could not nay might not employ themselves in any worldly affairs therefore ought to have some set maintenance whereby their lives might be preserved according to the dignity of their place wherefore they generally assigned them the tenths either deducing it by tradition from the ancient Patriarchs after the flood to whom they were allyed in collateral lines or else by imitation of the Worship of God in Canaan This I could abundantly testifie out of Plutarch Plut. in Luc. alibi and other grave Authors in this case But I cannot say that the tantum or such a quantity dedicated to God could be discerned by the light of Nature A second branch of the objection is That this way of maintenance is Popish and Antichristian being brought into the Church after the defection from the Truth and the rise of the man of sin As to this the want of skill and knowledge in the history of the Church may be indulged and pardoned for no man is bound to speak more then he knows yet to assert it so vehemently as some have done that 's unhandsom and not befitting any sober spirit Let them then know that after the ten persecutions of the Primitive times were ended and peace and rest given to the churches of Christ by the great blessing of God under the glorious Reigne of Constantine the great that godly Emperour that he made a Decree and Law Sozom Hist Eccl. l. 1. c. 8. That the Christian people should give a certain fixed rate of their estates to the maintenance of the Gospel-Ministery about the year 325. after the overthrow of Licinius which certain rate that it was a Tenth is attested by some vid. Zipp 363. ex Hermanno and was fully enjoyned by after Empeâ—ours Whence we infer First That this work was not done by the Pope for then there was but a Bishop at Rome without a super-eminent title or power over others which is the character the Apostle gives whereby we should know the rise of Antichrist 2 Thes 2.4 That it was many years before the clear manifestation of the Man of sin which was in the year 602 when the cruel Phocas constituted the Bishop of Rome head over all Bishops and then was he revealed with power It is true Whitak Ope. Theol Tom. 2. cont de Rom. Pont. praef p 517. 2 Thes 2.7 An 325. Petav Doct. Tempor part 2. p. 720. an Antichristian spirit catching after superiority and usurping of the place of Christ to be Head of the Church did work even in the Apostles days and yet no sober person will say I hope that those times were Popish But to clear up all The Nicene Council manifests the days of Constantine to have shined with great luster of truth as appears by the Nicene Creed or Confession of Faith composed by three hundred and thirteen Fathers then met together in Council which is commonly to be seen for five of the three hundred and eighteen did disagree from it Hotting Eccles Hist part 1. p. 174. They determined also clearly against Arius the Heretick who opposed the Divinity of Christ In these times of the Sun-shine of the Gospel was it that the godly Emperour Constantine stated a set rate for the Ministery Afterwards here in Britain the Saxon Kings having expelled the British out of their ancient Seats being themselves then Pagans at last were converted to the Faith and holding possession of the Land by the Title of Conquest of what Lands they kept to the Crown and of what they enfeoffed their great Lords in to hold under them they retained nine parts and made a donation or deed of gift of the tenth part to the Clergie so that there is no one person in the land that hath at present any injury or is oppressed thereby For if Landlords they never purchased the tenth If they be tenants they never paid for any Hold or Tenure of the Tenths either by Fine or Rent The tenth part being always reserved upon the account of the ancient Donation as the Ministers particular stated portion unless what is alienate by Impropriation in the days of Henry the eighth so that all the great men of the Nation holding their lands either by Grant from the Crown or Patrimonial descent or purchase do thereupon still retain the right of Patronage or presentment to such places whereof their Ancestors were possessed at the time of the Donation So that this Tenure and possession proceeds from the free gift of Christian Magistrates who seeing a necessity of maintaining a godly learned and painful Ministry thought it the highest prudence to fix upon some setled rate and portion annually to be assigned over to that use and behoof who because of the example of the ancient Patriarchs before the Law and the command and institution of God under the Law thought no course could be better taken then to follow those leading examples and not to give either an eighth or ninth or a twelfth or twentieth part of their estates but a tenth which hath since been confirmed by manifold Acts and Decrees of successive Parliaments of this Nation both before and since the Reformation But as to the manner and way I think no sober and serious person will much hesitate in case there be a fixed rate set and appointed that so their condition may not fluctuate and be subject to inconstancy their hopes of supply being else frustrate under some necessities of Providences Hence then as to the third branch of the objection which lies against forced maintenance There is no person in this point unjustly and unrighteously
Peter's words in such a sense as may hint to us a large intire stone that lyes flat at the botome and extends to all the four corners bearing and underpropping the whole building both in the middle and all the four Angles thereof which noble and stately stone being indued with admirable strength by reason of the greatnesse and immensity of its body to undergo the burden imposed upon it we cannot apply and resemble it in a spiritual sense to any thing better than to the infinite strength of the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord on whose almighty shoulders there is laid help sufficient for our faith to lean on to support and preserve us from sinking under the direful weight of our sins into the crude raw indigested and boggy ground of our polluted righteousnesse when oppressed by the impetuous storms of temptation and when mourning under the ponderous pressure of Gods wrath righteously imposed upon the backs of sinners Hence is it that they who believe shall not need to make haste away from it as men do from boggy grounds as the noble Prophet expresseth it in the forecited place seeing it's firme ground wherein the Angular stone of our help and salvation is laid The [c] Isa 9.6 government resteth on the shoulders of an omnipotent Atlas supporting Heaven and Earth from falling under the leaden talents of divine wrath and justice So that the foundation of our spiritual house is not laid in the sandy desert of our impotent and lubricous natures or in the soft and shaking bogs of our filthy works but the help and stresse of our happinesse is settled upon One who is mighty to save For behold a hand of grace and mercy descending from heaven and fixing a most sure foundation on which our souls may find a safe and secure repose from all their fluctuations and disquietments Now for as much as the Apostles of Christ are termed also [d] Eph. 2.20 Rev. 21.14 foundations of the Church Nay seeing that even the Church it self is said to be [e] 1 Tim. 3.15 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the pillar and ground of truth we are to understand the former [f] Noyes Temple meas p. 31. of a doctrinal foundation the Apostles having bin such as did edifie and build up the Church upon the head-stone of the corner So Paul speaks of himself who like a wise master-builder had laid his Corinthians upon Christ as the (a) 1 Cor. 3.10 foundation of their faith By the latter concerning the Church we are to understand the promulgation and conservation of that truth once delivered unto it by our Lord himself and his holy Apostles inviolable and indelible to the day of Christ throughout all generations But of this possibly I may speak more fully in another place of this Treatise Wherefore to conclude this present paragraph about the corner-stone let us also remember that as this stone hath respect unto both sides of the building so it may fairely represent that sacred function and office of our Lord in knitting and uniting both Jews and Gentiles in one Temple of his mystical body Ideo etiam (b) De cessat legal p. 153. saith our famous Grostest sometime Bishop of Lincolne utriusque testamenta sacrificia peregit Christus ut in se angulari lapide continuaret duos parietes aedificii culturae Domini Therefore did Christ also performe the sacrifices of both testaments that he might joyn together the two walls of Gods worship in himself being the corner-stone That so he might become the foundation (c) Jud. 3. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the salvation common both to Jews and Gentiles For through him (d) Eph. 2.18 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 saith holy Paul we both that is of the stock of the Jews and of the gentile race have an accesse by one Spirit unto the Father Others there be who interpret this cementing or uniting of the corner-stone to be understood in respect to Saints and Angels Seeing the Father is related by the same Apostle (e) Eph. 1.10 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to gather together unto a head all things both in the heavens that is Angels and Saints triumphant and also such as are upon the Earth that is Saints militant in Christ the head stone of the corner 6. In the sixth and last place he is termed (f) 1 Pet. 2.4 a living stone ¶ 6. To which purpose we may observe that such stones which still remain in their native place within the Quarry not yet dugg up or removed out of their natural situation are by the antients whether Poets Orators or Philosophers called living stones At present one shall suffice for all it being a thing commonly noted in the poems of the (g) Virgil. Aen. lib. 1. v. 167. Mantuan muse which describing the seats of the Nymphs in a rock upon the African shore sings thus Intus aqua dulces vivoque sedilia saxo Nympharum domus c. Where waters sweet with gentle murmurs slide The Nymphs on seats of living-stones abide Whereas on the other side stones hewn out of the Quarry and translated into stately Fabricks do moulder away by the forcible impressions of stormy weather and impetuous windes and may be styled dead stones though it be an unusual and harsh expression when those that remain in their native seats decay not but are rather increased and augmented and in some sort said to grow The common determination is that these subterraneous bodies are inlarged in their quantity by the petrification of adjacent matter (h) Cont. Cardan Exerc. 108.9.4 Scaliger holds that they are increased by certain exhalations that sweat out of the stones themselves like as gummes out of trees which by the astringent and indurating quality of cold do admit of concretion in their exterior parts and so augment their quantities The acute (i) Principo Philosoph p. 231. Amsteled 1644. quarto Renatus Desâ—cartes differs from the former teaching that there are many sharp spirits volatile salts Oily exhalations and vapors of a Mercurial nature that ascend out of the bowels of the Earth towards its surface which according to various and different mixtures cleave together when the more lubricous fluid and aëreal parts are evaporated and flown away producing such various sorts of stones both common and precious in the upper parts of the Earth The last that I shall mention is the opinion of our Country-man (a) De orig font p. 233. Lond. 1605. 8â— Lydiat who conceives upon many probable grounds that there are great subterraneous fires actually burning in the bowels of the Earth from which there ascend great quantities of spirits and manifold vapours differing in moysture or driness according to the inflamed matter beneath The moyster parts of such exhalations are resolved into water near the surface of the earth by reason of the cold aire condensing these vapors into drops as is ordinarily seen in the art of destillation which are the
the Temple and the Court. Certainly that policy is dangerous to the State which is not founded upon piety Kings must alwayes remember to go up to the house of God and make inquiry at the Temple before they set their designes on foot The sword of Gideon will prove but a weapon made of lead it the sword of the Lord do not lead the Van of his Army David when flying from Saul takes to him a consecrated sword (k) 1 Sam. 21.9 from behind the Ephod at (l) 1 Sam. 22.19 Nob a City of the Priests and proves successeful in evading the hands of his persecutor At another time when he was to fight against the Philistins he (m) 2 Sam. 5.19 consults the mind of God and at a second enquiâ—y he is commanded not to stir till he heard the sound of a going in the tops of the Mulbery-Trees For then did the (n) Vers 24. Lord go out before him to smite the host of his enemies Afterwards in the Temple-dayes godly Jehoshaphat (o) 2 Chron. 20.4 5. sought help from God and powred forth an ardent prayer against the consederated Armies of Moab and Ammon Good Hezekiah likewise being greatly troubled by the great Army of Sennacharib but more by his (p) Chr. 32.17 raising â—etters against the Lord God of Israel goes up into the House of God and (q) 2 King 19.14 spreads the Letters before him and commits his Cause to his divine protection to the terror and miraculous confusion of his adversaries the comfort of his subjects and for an example to all future Princes to commend their lawful Arms to the God of Battel Happy are those Kings who before their enterprizes seek to the face of God Blessed are the Courts of those Princes that stand within the hearing of Temple Trumpets and successeful are those Worthies that count it their highest interest to hold constant intercourse with Heaven But besides this Royal-gate there were several others in the Western wall of the outer Court of the Temple and more as far as we have any Scripture-light than on any other side possibly to denote the great and marvellous Income of spiritual proselytes to the Gospel from the Western parts of the World in future ages There were likewise gates on the North and South as before is rehearsed more fully So that on all sides there was admission for persons to the Temple-worship thereby signifying that many (r) Psal 107.3 from the East and West the North and the South should come and sit down with Abraham in the (Å¿) Luk. 13.29 Kingdome of God Behold persons coming from afar off from the North and West with others from the (t) Isa 49.12 Land of Sinim or the Country of the (u) Gen. 10.17 Sinites Southerly of Jerusalem near Sinai in the Land of Arabia Nay God hath promised to save his people from (x) Zech. 8.7 8. the East and West and to bring them to Jerusalem and there will be their God in truth and righteousnesse As the Temple So Jerusalem it self did signifie the Church Now the 12 Apostles are said to have their (y) Rev. 21.14 names written on the 12 foundations of the gates of the new Jerusalem As by whose holy and faithful (z) Potter in 666. p. 100. doctrine all other Christians have had their admission into the Church and are converted to the true faith It is observed that the lodgings of the Priests and Levites were assigned in the (a) Jerem. 35.4 36.10 Gate-Chambers of the Temple-Courts thereby premonishing the Evangelical Church what provision ought to be made for Gospel-Officers in reference to habitation convenient for their attendance upon divine worship Moreover in the sides of these Courts there were porched-walls round about commodiously fitted with seats for persons to repose themselves upon as may be supposed in the first Temple not unlike those whereof we are sure to have bin under the second seeing our Lord himself acquaints us by the pen of the Evangelist that He (b) Mat. 26.55 sate daily with them teaching in the Temple At another time we find him (c) Mark 12.41 sitting over against the Treasury beholding what gifts were cast into it All which conveniences of walking and sitting in places pleasant and defenced from impetuous weather might yield a glance of reflection upon that pleasurable delight and sweet fellowship that Saints should hold together under the Gospel in communion with each other There being no speculation so sweet in the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the portico's of the antient Philosophers no converse so refreshful in the shady walks of the ancient Temple-buildings as are to be enjoyed in Gospel Ordinances no Dialogues so amiable as holy conference no disputes so mild so grave so convincing and so little intermixed with the Checquer-work of vain janglings as those that are managed by meek and holy people in the Gospel-Courts and Porches of our blessed Saviour The most famous of these was called Solomon's Porch by way of eminency as being on the East side of the outer Court most Resplendent and Majestical and as it seems bearing his name in the daies of our Lord which though formerly destroyed by the Chaldaeans as to the super-structures yet reaedified again upon the very same foundations which that glorious King had stupendiously raised out of the Vally whereof hath bin treated at large in the 2d Chapter foregoing In this place (d) Joh. 10.23 24 c. our blessed Lord did Preach himself and bespeak the people with so much perswasive Rhetorick no man ever speaking like him that many believed on his Name Over these porched piazzo's were treasure-Chambers built in several places as is generally conceived standing upon many stately marble pillars In the which were laid up provisions of several sorts for the use and service of the Temple shewing that even under the Gospel also there shall be treasures and (e) Mich. 4.13 spoyles dedicated of mens substance to the Lord of the whole Earth The open places of both these Courts as hath bin formerly mentioned were admirably paved with great variety of curious stones laid in checquered work Shewing how decently all places in and about the Temple were fitted for use what handsome and splendid Ornaments were bestowed upon that beautiful Temple what cost was expended what neat and cleanly provision was made for all the parts of that antient and legal worship To remember us surely that though there be not such holinesse now to be ascribed to publick places of worship as was of Old and although the main stresse of our service lies upon the spirituality of our hearts and sincerity of our minds in drawing nigh to God yet certainly that as to the very places where we now worship there ought to be care taken for all decency and comlinesse so far as may not trend upon the border of superstition If so be the very Rooms of our Houses wherein we lodge
appointment from God Oh did men but know and understand the weighty work of an Evangelical Minister how that their Rod ought to bud as did Aarons with a heavenly prognostick or sign of ministerial fruit and accordingly to prophesie of Gods mercy or judgement to a Nation How that it ought to blossom as did Aarons in doctrines of comfort joy and assurance to broken souls How that it ought to bear Nuts for the people to feed upon in spiritual knowledge surely they would not dare to venture on such holy things Shall Uzzah be smitten for toucning the Ark Shall the men of Bethshemech for prying too curiously into it be dismayed with so sore a slaughter Shall Dathan Abiram and the rest of his company be swallowed up alive for contemning the Ministry instituted of God Shall Vzziah the King be smitten with (a) 2 Chro. 26.19 Leprosie for daring to offer Incense because it did not appertain to him Nay shall Nadab and Abihu Priests by Call and Profession be slain upon the place for offering with strange fire (b) Mat. 4 20. and yet shall dry stumps to please their vain humours puft up with conceit and pride turn blossoming Rods let them take heed of Divine blasting We read the Apostles left their nets their particular callings when they were called to the Ministry 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The counsel and command of Paul to Timothy and in him to every Gospel-Minister is (c) 1 Tim. 4,15 Meditate upon these things give thy self wholly to them that thy profiting may appear to all But as to the people Too delicate and nice are those ears that cannot bear the smiting of Aarons Rods they love to smell the Blossoms of Rhetorick only But such must remember that Aarons Rod was a Scepter of Rule and Discipline and btought forth Almonds also of knotty truths There are sons of Thunder as well as of Consolation Aarons Bells must sometimes ring the knell of the Law as well as the marriage peales of Gospel-grace and love to weary souls Some would fling all Aarons Rods without the Camp and wait upon Inspirations from Heaven in a more immediate way On how grievously do they tempt God and oppose Christ who when he ascended up to the Oracle of Heaven gave Apostles Teachers Pastors to the Church For what (a) Eph. 4.12 for the work of the Ministry 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 For how long till we all come in the unity of the faith to a perfect man Ministry is a plant of Gods own right-hand an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a semper-vive For such hath God (b) 1 Cor. 12.28 set 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 plac'd constituted and established in the Church as the Rod of Aaron alwayes to continue in all ages green and blossoming in the Oracle Whereas some ignorantly object those (c) John 6.45 Heb. 8.11 1 Joh. 2.27 places wherein 't is promised that we shall be all taught of God and that we need not that any man teach us nor for any to learn of his Neighbour They consider not of a mediate teaching wherewith God doth â—oncur Ministers are Instruments in the work only (d) Luke 2.17 and teach but the ear 't is God is the principal Efficient and reacheth the heart Why did John and others write their Episâ—â—â—s else if this conceit had been the true meaning of the Apostles We shall observe therefore even under the new Testament whereunto those Promises did look that God was pleased still to use the mediate teaching of his Ministers but still reserving the grand prerogative of moving the heart to himself and that in a more copious manner than of ancient times therein fulfilling the promise more abundantly Wherefore its observable that though God himself could have revealed the birth of his Son to the Shepheards by immediate suggestion yet he uses the Ministry of Angels to them and of the Shepherds themselves to the people of Bethlehem God hath appointed Shepheards and Pastors in his Church to reveal his mind (e) Acts 8.29 Philip was sent by the Spirit to expound the Prophet Isaias to the Eunuch (f) Acts 9.11 Ananias was sent by God to Paul And the Angel bid (g) Acts 10.16 Cornelius send for Peter All to shew that God is pleased now to teach mediately and Instrumentally by his Ministers How happy then is such a people who have the true and genuine Rods of Aaron alwayes blossoming in their streets Happy are the people that are in such a case whose God is the Lord Thus much concerning the mysterious Things laid up in the Oracle I shall now descend to the Sanctuary and view the three famous Utensils therein contained The Mysterie of the Vtensils in the Sanctuary In the next place the stately Rarities of the Sanctuary or Holy place command from us a diligent and humble survey as to the excellent significations concluded in them There were in this place an Altar of Incense ten tables of Shew-bread and ten Golden Candlesticks whereof in their due order In general it is conceived of them that as the three Offices of Christ were exhibited in the Oracle which we have before-mentioned so also here in the Sanctuary we find the like viz. The bread on the Table noting Christs Kingly Office in sustaining his Church The Candlestick his Prophetick in illuminating and teaching of his people The Altar of Incense his Priestly in mediating for them As to the former I shall 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 suspend at present only as to the last it will appear very clear I hope by what may succeed in the particular handling of it Dr. Lightf p. 58.35 Temp. First I shall endeavour to speak to the golden Altar of Incense which challenges our first attendment as standing nearest to the holy Oracle The Altar of Incense This golden Utensil was famous in its generation a Vessel of Honour and Renown It stood a nearest of all to the Oracle and therefore comes first in order of dignity to be handled The Description of this golden Altar we have heard related before Two things more I would speak to a little before I descend to the Mysterie 1. The Censer 2. the Composition of the Incense As to the Censer it is thought to be a little pan made of Gold with a handle to it which as to the brazen Altar is called a fire-pan Exod. 27.3 and a censer Lev. 10.1 16 12. As for the Composition of the Incense we read according to our Translation that it was made of a like quantity of several ingredients and thereof they burnt (a) Ainsworth Exod. 30. v. 8. 50 drams in the morning and 50 at night i.e. one pound of incense every day What the Hebrew dram is may be seen page 2. of this Treatise The Composition was of sweet spices (b) Exod. 30.24 Stacte Onycha Galbanum and sweet Frankincense They are called in the Hebrew 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Arias Montanus turns them by Gutta
Characteristick oâ— the Grand Antichrist to be this that as (d) 2 Thes 2.4 God he sits in the Temple of God under the Gospel times Lording it over the Church and usurping the seat of Christ In fine giving Instructions to young Timothy by an excellent Epistle he tells him the end of his writing was that he might know how to behave himself in the (e) 1 Tim. 3.15 House of God which is the Church of the Living God Other places might be added but these may suffice for the present purpose To which as a Coronis let me subjoyne a passage out of the Learned Jerom to the same effect censuring such as doted too much upon material Temples and were too superstitiously addicted to Pilgrimages unto the Holy Land (f) Ad Paulinum Tom. 1. Epist 13. Qui dicunt Templum Domini Templum Domini audiant ab Apostolo Vos est is Templum Domini Spiritus sanctus habitat in vobis de Hiersolymis de Britanniâ aequaliter patet aula coelestis They that cry The Temple of the Lord The Temple of the Lord let them hear the Apostle Ye are the Temple of the Lord and the Holy Spirit dwelleth in you The Court of Heaven is open to them that dwell in Britain as well as at Jerusalem To conclude I shall add the worthy advice of Gregory Nyssen which he gave to such as conceited some excellency and rare merit or the attainment of some more then ordinary accomplishment if they took but a journey to Jerusalem (g) Greg. Nyss 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cum not Molinaei Hanov. 1607. p. 14. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c. But forbearing the transcript of the Greek I shall give it in English as follows Let not therefore our Example offend any but let our perswasion rather find Credit because we give counsel about those things which we have seen with our eyes For we both before we came to that place and since also have confessed Christ to be the true God neither is our Faith either lessened or encreased by it We knew the assumption of the humane nature from the Virgin before we saw Bethlehem And we believed his Resurrection from the dead before we saw the Sepulchre and we have confessed his real Ascention into Heaven before we saw the mount of Olives But this profit onely have we reaâ—ed by our journy to know by comparison that our holy things are farre beyond these external places Wherefore you that fear the Lord praise him in the places where ye live For change of place doth not effect a nigher approaching unto God but where ever thou art God will come to thee if so be the habitation of thy soul be found to be such as that the Lord may dwell and walk in thee But if thy inner-man be full of wicked thoughts although thou wert upon Golgotha although upon mount Olivet although thou wert under the moniment of the Resurrection thou art as farre from the receiving of Christ into thee as they that acknowledge not the first principles Perswade therefore O Beloved the Brethren to undertake a pilgrimage from the Body unto the Lord and not from Cappadocia unto Palestine Having thus treated in general let us now descend to some particulars and in the first place crave leave to speak concerning the stately stones of the Temple which were laid in the side-walls of the Sanctuary concerning which it is the common opinion that they were of pure white polished marble denoting the beauty preciousness and durability of the Saints The Lowest rank of stones which were more immediately laid upon the Foundation before spoken of are conceived to represent the Prophets Apostles and Ministers of the Church For as in the new Jerusalem the spirit of God expresly saith that the (a) Rev. 21.14 12 Foundations of the City-wall had written on them the names of the 12 Apostles of the Lamb So likewise in the holy Mystical Temple we read that the Saints are built upon the (b) Eph. 2.20 21. Foundation of the Apostles and Prophets Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone So that although the Lord Jesus be the maine and principal Foundation of the Church and all its members whether Ministerial or others Yet the Officers of the Church being compared with those that are to be taught and instructed in the Principles of Faith are termed Foundations also that is Doctrinal not the essential and real Foundation of Saints acceptance with God Such is Christ Jesus onely We shall read therefore the Apostles to be termed Builders in respect to Christ the chief Foundation So Paul compares himself to a (c) 1 Cor. 3.10 wise Master Builder and then according to that Metaphor the several (d) Heb. 6.1 Fundamental Points of Faith may be compared to the principal stones in the Building Nay the Saints themselves that conferre about the things of God are said to Build up or (e) 1 Thes 5.11 edifie one another But to lay that aside great is the consolation which the Prophet Isaiah bringeth to the Church in that memorable promise given forth to her afflicted members that her (f) Isa 54.11 Foundations should be laid with Saphires her Windows with Agates her Gates with Carbuncles and her Borders with pleasant Stones For all her Children shall be taught of the Lord. In another place the Psalmist promises that her Daughter shall be like (g) Psal 144.12 corner-stones polished after the Similitude of a Palace Judicious Calvin upon the 13th verse of the former place in Isaiah saies that from thence it is Evident that by the precious stones there mentioned the Prophet is to be interpreted non de doctrinâ sed de hominibus ex quibus spirituale aedificium Ecclesiae construitur not of doctrines but of men out of whom the spiritual house of the Church is framed This sweet promise doth seem to intimate that God would raise such interpreters men pickt out of thousands Sons of consolation such as know how to speak a word in season to a weary soul that the afflicted people and tossed with Tempests should be inlightned comforted strengthned and bottomed with strong consolation by the power of the spirit of God in their Ministery That men should be compared to stones in a Building is not unusual the former being the parts of a political the latter of an artificial house And therein likewise principal men are usually resembled to Foundations and (h) Gal. 2.9 Pillars as James Peter and John are so set forth by the Apostle Paul It is observable also concerning the Nazarites a sort of people devoted and dedicated unto God that by the Prophet Jeremy in his sad doleful Elegies for the distressed state of the Church they are compared (i) Lam. 4.7 to Rubies and Saphires Nay the spiritual Nazarites who have given up their names to Christ and by Faith do esteem him the most precious are commended by Peter for coming to him as
intreaty of pardon for this digression whether or no the Tyrians had discovered America before or so soon as Solomon's daies or whether Solomon himself had by Scripture-light or naturall speculation of the frame of the World known the roundnesse of the Earth and thereupon employed Navies to search out the World and its rarities is not to be known because of our defect in historical Writers of those times especially of the Tyrian Annals and others of Egypt mentioned by Josephus We cannot apprehend by the reliques and fragments of stories that remain of those times or the neighbouring Ages when History began to be riper that they had such extraordinary skill in sailing upon the vast Ocean as hath been obtained since the rare invention of the Mariner's compasse but that their discoveries were attained either by reason of impetuous storms driving them beyond their purposes upon unknown Regions or else in coasting slowly by the reaches and Promontories of severall Countries In which manner no doubt Solomon's ships did trend upon the Asian coasts till they came to the habitation of (b) Gen. 10.29 Ophir the Son of Jocktan in the South-Easterly parts of Asia concerning the punctual place of which Country near the Golden Chersonese Stuckius upon Arian's Periplus of the Erithraean Sea Purchas in the first Part of his Pilgrims Sir Walter Rawleigh in his History of the World and above all the learned Bochartus in his Phaleg will give satisfaction to such as please to peruse them while we speak to this excellent Mettal which Solomon brought from thence in great abundance and employed it most bountifully in the adorning and enriching of the Temple Gold the choisest of all Mettals and the finest of that kind must be used about the Sanctuary The Apostle Peter compares Faith to (c) 1 Pet. 1.7 Gold that is tried in the fire and therefore some do accordingly expound that place of Faith where our Lord exhorts the Angel of Laodicea to buy of him (d) Rev. 3. Gold tried in the fire There be who expound it of the Word of God which the Apostle would have to dwell (e) Col. 3.16 richly in the Saints and is more to be desired then (f) Ps 19.10 Gold yea then much fine Gold Others interpret it of the righteousnesse of Christ But I shall enlarge a little more particularly concerning this excellent Mettal of Gold and insert those Observations in their due place It may be observed from Scripture that many things are resembled to Gold as saving and heavenly wisdom though preferred before it Receive (g) Pro. 8.10 knowledge rather then choise Gold for (h) Pro. 16.16 how much better is it to get wisdom then Gold seeing (i) Pr. 20.15 the lips of knowledge are more precious then Gold Sometimes (k) Pro. 22.1 loving favour is compared with but greatly to be valued before Gold Sometimes the purity of Christ's Government in the Church is shadowed by his (l) Delrio in Cant. 5.11 fol. 196. Par. 1604. head of Gold Sometimes the Glory of eternal life is set out by it when the City of the new Jerusalem is said to be of (m) Rev. 21.18 pure Gold Several times the word of God is hereby set forth to shew the estimation that is due to it For so doth the sweet Singer of Israel intimate when he saies that the Judgments of the Lord are more (n) Ps 19.10 to be desired then Gold he acknowledges (o) Ps 119.72 the Law of his mouth was better to him then thousands of Gold and professes that (p) Ver. 127 he loves his commandments above Gold yea above fine Gold Accordingly some have explained that place of the Apostle Paul where he speaks of some that build (a) 1 Cor. 3.12 Gold upon the foundation holding it to be meant of the Word of God Christ doctrinal being built upon Christ the essentiall foundation of the Church It is true that an eloquent light of his Age treating upon that place after several words concludes thus (b) Chrysost Tom. 3. edit Savil. pag. 298. lin 8. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 whence it is manifest saith he that the Apostle's speech is to be understood concerning actions But what are the actions of spiritual builders as such whom the Apostle doth elsewhere call Gospel-ministers but their doctrines and teachings which according to their nature shal either be rewarded or destroyed In this very sense doth learned Jerom expound that place as may appear by these his expressions at large in his Comment on the Prophet Haggai (c) Tom. 6. pag. 280. Ego argentum quo domus Dei ornatur existimo eloquia Scripturarum de quibus dicitur Eloquia Domini eloquia casta c. et aurum quod in occulto Sanctorum sensu et in cordis versatur arcano splendet vero lumine Dei. Quod Apostolum de Sanctis qui super fundamentum Christi adificant sensisse perspicuum est aurum argentum lapides pretiosos ut in auro sensus occultus fit in argento sermo decens in lapide pretioso opera Deo placentia His Metallis illustrior fit Ecclesia Salvatoris quà m quondam Synagoga fuerat his lapidibus vivis aedificatur domus Christi pax ei praebetur aeterna The Silver wherewith the House is adorned I take to be The words of the Scriptures of which it is said The words of the Lord are chast words and the Gold that which is laid up in the hidden meaning of holy things and the secret place of the heart and shines with the true light of God Which it is clear that the Apostle did understand of the Saints who build upon the foundation of Christ Gold Silver precious Stones that the hidden meaning is set forth by the Gold comely Speech by Silver works pleasing to God by the precious stones The Church of our Saviour is more illustrious by these Metals then the Synagogue was in times past The House of Christ is built with these living stones and eternal peace is granted to it But to let that passe Gold in Scripture is thought by many to be a comparison whereby to set out the excellency of Faith true saving Faith in Jesus Christ As where we see upon the right hand of this Prince of Might the Queen to stand in Gold of Ophir the learned Rivet doth apply it to Faith and other Graces as the Golden Ornaments of the Spouse of Christ So where we find her neck to be adorned with (d) Can. 1 10. chains of Gold it may be applyed to the beautiful chain of Faith and other spiritual Graces being her choise Ornaments in the eyes of Christ In another place we read of three Kings from the East believing in him whose star they had seen and presenting our Saviour with (e) Mat. 2.11 Gold Frankincense and Myrrhe which Grotius interprets of Faith Prayer and Repentance We hear likewise of (f) Rev. 5.8 golden Vials in the
book of the Revelations full of odours which some have conceived to be the faithful hearts of Saints sending forth the fragrant odours and sweet-sented breathings of their Souls in prayer toward heaven But above all that singular place is to be remembred to this purpose where the Apostle Peter acquaints his dispersed Brethren (g) 1 Pet. 1.7 that the trial of their Faith is much more precious then Gold being such as is (h) Rev. 3.18 tried in the fire and is to be bought of Christ alone whereby though poor in this World we may be made (i) Jam. 2.5 rich in Faith Of all Metals Gold is the most excellent most beautiful and refers its original as the Chymists have written to the influence of the Sun the chiefest of the Planets it 's the most durable and solid it is the most malleable of all by reason of its vigorous tenacity which two things were of old observed by (k) In Tract 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 pag. 347. Gr. Par. 1552. Philo Judaeus speaking of the golden candlestick 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 · One thing is that it doth not admit rust another that being drawn or beaten into very thin Membranes as leaf-gold it remains unbroken Besides all this it is esteemed by eminent chymical Physitians to be a great restorative to the vital parts if duely prepared and fitted What should I speak of (a) Vitruv. lib. 9. cap. 2. its gravity by which Archimedes found out the Imposture of the Syracusian Gold-smith in the make of Hiero's Crown It s great estimation in all Ages insomuch that (b) A. Gell. noct Attic. lib. 5. cap. 6. Mural Naval and Triumphal Coronets were made of it Or lastly Its conveniency for commerce by reason of its deserved value and estimation as being generally rated in its proportion to Silver as 1 to 12 besides its duration and continuance beyond all other Metals It were an endlesse thing and here improper to insist long upon the nature and excellency of Gold a Metal so much known and thirsted after our Inquiry must be rather that of Persius In Sancto quid facit aurum Sat. 2. v. 69. Rivet in Exod. p. 116. Certainly the immediate end of it was for the beautifying of the House of God Not that his divine Majesty needed or cared for any such Ornaments considered barely in themselvs or that the worshippers by any such dedications were the more acceptable to God but good reason that the hearts of those who draw nigh to him should be manifest in consecrating the most precious of all their enioyments and substance unto him whose name and presence he was pleased to place among and afford to his People at that house in Jerusalem If therefore Wood be useful the Cedar Firr and Olive must be brought the choisest If Metals Silver and Gold the most durable and of greatest esteem If of Stones the most precious of Liquors and Gums the most aromatical and fragrant and so in the rest Besides the Ornament of Gold which was laid upon the Cedar boards we read likewise that the House was garnished and set out with (d) 2 Ch. 3.6 precious stones but what kinds the Scripture is silent therefore we can onely mention them The last things which beautified the House were engraved Cherubims the form and figure is not perfectly known but probably of the same kind with those in the Oracle whereof I shall speak more largely in the third Section Now then to recapitulate and recollect what hath been said and to apply all briefly to the Mystical signification intended by them Some hold that by all those curious materials the Saints themselves were signified who differ one from another in gifts and graces But seeing as hath been before spoken to the Marble stones of the Temple are by the holy Scriptures alluded to when the Saints and People of God are called living stones making up the glorious spiritual Temple of the Gospel it seems more apposite to apyly these inward Ornaments of the Sanctuary to the inward vertues graces and divine qualifications of the Saints If leave may be permitted to Allusions I shall onely compare some divine Qualifications of the People of God with the chiefest and most material excellencies of the fore-described Ornaments The Cedar Firr and Olive Trees being alwaies green may note the never-dying nature of Grace where once it is planted it never decaies The exceeding high stature of the Firr and Cedar may shadow forth their continual growth till they come unto the perfect Man (e) Eph. 4.13 unto the measure of the stature of the fulnesse of Christ As the Olive-tree is exceeding fat and fertile yielding Berries of great use for man both in food and Physick together with the Oyl (f) Jud. 9.9 wherewith both God and Man is honoured God in the frequent use of it in Sacrifices of Meat-Offerings and in the Lamps of the Sanctuary Man in his Unction to Offices both sacred and civill (g) Ps 104.15 making his face to shine it being called the Oyl of joy exhilarating the spirits suppling of wounds refreshing the feet after weary travels Hereby insinuating the fertility and fruitfulnesse of Saints the joy of Spirits in their service of and communion with God nothing so much refreshing their hearts as the fellowship which they hold with his Divine Majesty and one with another in holy Ordinances Furthermore the fragrancy of the Cedar notes the savory smell of the holy Life of Saints As the Gold was likewise another principal Ornament It may signify the preciousnesse the purity the (a) Zech. 13.9 tryed and experienced excellency of all their graces as having been often in the furnace of affliction and the fire of tentation and persecution and have come forth in their Faith Love Patience and other graces more pure then Gold most glittering and glorious the great end being to purge (b) Isa 1.25 away their drosse and take away all their tinn that they may be (c) 1 Pet. 1.7 found unto praise honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ The precious stones likewise did most admirably set forth the oriency of their graces together with their durableness seeing stones of all things are least subject to impressions Precious stones shine in the dark so do Saints graces in dark times they are beauties to the places where they live and inhabit The fiery Carbuncle darts forth a resemblance of zeal the blew Saphire of heavenly mindedness the impenetrable Diamond their constancy and courage the clear Crystal their unspotted innocency the Red Ruby their hot persecutions and the like Whereof more may be spoken when we arrive to the stones in the High Priest's Breast-plate but of the particular application of them to distinct graces I desire to be interpreted 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in a laxe sense Too much curiosity and nicenesse being things I design most to avoid having constantly thought that these
read that these Courts especially the outer were very strongly and desensibly walled by King Solomon signifying thereby the constant protection which is afforded the Church by Jesus Christ the Antitype of that glorious King (r) Antiq. Judaic p. 1. c. 8. p. 18. edit 1593. She shall call her walls (s) Gen. 10.15 Salvation 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 In the name of Jesus and her Gates praise or else the (t) Isa 60.18 Zech. 2.5 Isa 5.5 walls may signifie protection of Angels about the Church as (u) In Isa Tom. 5. edit 1530. p. 27. Jerom expounds that place of Isaiah where the Prophet speaks of walling in the Vineyard building a Tower in it and setting up a Wine-press By the Wine-press he interprets the Altar by the Tower the Temple by the walls the guard of Angels Seeing also that great men are resembled to (x) Isa 2.15 41.15 Dutch Annotat walls or Towers for the defence of a City we may consider them as reflecting upon the Bulwark or defence of Magistracy which God shall raise up in the Gospel-dayes for the preservation of his Church and Ministry there being a gracious promise that (y) Isa 49.23 Kings shall be nursing Fathers and Queens shall be nâ—râ—â—ng Mothers to the Children of the new Jerusalem In several parts of these walls were many strong and stately Gates erected We read that in ancient times in the Gates or rather the Chambers over the Gates of the Cities the Governours and Rulers sate in judgement and the Sanhedrin or Jewish Councel sate in some Chamber of the Gates of these Courts which might hint forth to us some spiritual Order Rule and Government in the Church of Christ which should preserve the Church from ruine Well did the Rulers sit in Chambers over the Gates to view all that passed in or out thereby noting that where a holy zealous and true ordered Discipline is in a Church the evening Wolves of Heresie and the subâ—le Foxes of error walk not on the walls thereof but because of these great and sad mischiefs Judah mourneth the (a) Lam. 5.18 Gates thereof do languish and are black unto the ground The chiefest and most beautiful gate of the Temple-walls did look towards the East but yet was something lower then the rest as (b) Jerem. 14.2 Ribera conceits out of Bede ita ut exoriens Sol aequinoctiales sine ullo obstaculo radâ—os suos per ostia Templi Oraculi in ipsam Arcam quae erat intra Sancta Sanctorum mitteret that so the morning Sun when cutting the Aequator in the beginning of Aries Libra might without any hinderance dart his beams thorough the Gates of the Temple and Oracle into the Ark it self which was seated in the Holy of Holies I shall not intermeddle with that conceit built I suppose upon an apprehension that the expiation day was at or near that time of the year when the Sun was in the Aequinoctiall at which time the doors of the Oracle being open might admit the Sun when just upon the Horizon to shine upon the Ark. But when we consider the height of Mount Olivet in the East we may safely lay that small point aside and subscribe to this rather that the East Gate was built low that the Priest in the Solemnity about the Red Cow upon Mount Olivet (c) Pag. 17. might sprinkle of her blood toward the Temple and look over this Gate through the Porch towards the doors of the Sanctuary Why the ordinary and most usual Gate for entrance in the outer Court and the principal of the inward faced the East most do conceive to be for these ends viz. to oppose the Customs of Heathens who made their chief Gates toward the West that these stupid worshippers drawing nigh to their (d) Lightf Temple service p. 192. blind deaf and dumb deities might have their Idolls as it were arising upon them out of the East Num. 19.4 with a salutifetous and chearful view Of this their scituation I have spoken somewhat formerly when viewing the Porch But as to this may be opposed the saying of Herodotus concerning (e) Ps 115.5 Pag. 141. l. 46. Asychis King of Egypt that he built a Porticâ— for Vulcan's Temple 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 towards the rising Sun or the East Nay in one word with this doth concur the speech of Porphyry trâ—â—â—ing of the cave of the Nymphs in these words f 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 (g) Pa. 104. For what cause c. doth he ascribe the South to the Gods and not rather use the East and West in this matter Seeing almost all Temples have their Statues and Entrances turn'd toward the East that so those that enter looking toward the West may yield their honour and service to their Gods standing with their faces right against their Images All that I shall rejoyn to this of Porphyries is that possibly after the Temple's erection the Devil might also follow that patterne thereby the more to ensnare his dâ—â—uded tâ— woâ—shippers For (g) Strom. l. 7. p. 320. Edit Heins Anno 1616. Clemens Alexandrinus tâ—ls us 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The most antient Temples did view the Western quarter of Heaven so that those who stood with their faces toward the Images were taught to ruin themselves toward the East But to conclude all Why the ancient Christians did worship toward the East and erect their Temples in that Posture as that the most sacred place so repuâ—ed should stand at the east end seems to be saith (h) De Altar Sacrif p. 94. Molinaus the hatred of the Jews who worshipt towards the Weâ—â— Veluerunt ergo â—e teres Christiani hac notâ à Judaeis discerni Therefore the antient Christians were willing to be distinguished from the Jews by this note or custome So that I cannot apprehend any great Mystery to be further couched in the position of Solomon's Temple in such a manner as that the entrance should be East and the Oracle Westward than to discriminate and put a difference betwixt the Israelites and the antient Heathens as hath bin before hinted in ouâ— discourse concerning the Porch of the covered Temple Whether or no this Eastern situation of the gates for entrance into the Temple might hint at the Income of Saints under the Gospel into spiritual worship to be at first principally by the Converts of Judaea and the Eastern Nations I leave to the consideration of the Learned We know that Peter the Apostle of the circumcision conversed much in and about the Eastern gate of the Temple called (i) Acts 3.2 10. Beautiful wrought miracles and concerted many to the Faith in the dawning of the Gospel To proceed The Principal Weâ—tern gate led to the King's house as hath bin declared in the foregoing History to manifest the necessary connexion between Holiness and Royalty the amicable coâ—respondence that ought to be maintained betwixt
of Thus all over the Island whereof (r) l. 12. c. 14. Pliny treats at large But to let that passe whether the Schittah-Tree were odorous or not is not mentioned neither is it affirmed of the Arabian Schinus which although some do not think to be this wood of ours yet their reason drawn from a report that it was not tall and big is refuted by (ſ) Cap. 18. Lemnius in his History of Scripture Plants where he saies It was patula satis procera spreading to a good height and yet this last Author conceives it was the (t) Pag. 76. Citrus alluding therein to the Hebrew name But if there were no Trees growing in those Deserts of Arabia where Moses then was but onely the three forementioned according to the Testimony of Strabo it seems most probable that it was that prickly Tree seeing it was neither Tamarisk nor Date the name whereof mentioned by Diodorus alluding to the Hebrew may yield some light I know some count it to have been made of a wood that was brought with them out of Egypt because the Text saies that every man with whom was (u) Exod. 35.24 found Shittim wood brought it for the service of the Tabernacle but that doth not follow that this wood did not grow in the wildernesse where they offered it for the service of the Tabernacle because the Text saies it was found with them But indeed it doth not appear clearly and directly what sort of wood it was and therefore we shall suspend any peremptory assertion and proceed to the Mysteries of this excellent and rare Ornament of the Oracle The Mystery of the Ark. THe Ark was the (x) 1 Sam. 4.22 Glory of Israel and the Throne of God amongst his People it was the signe of his presence and before it were Sacrifices (y) 1 Sam. 6.14 15. offered and in the Wildernesse when it set forward then Moses said (z) Num. 10.35 The Lord is in his holy Temple Psal 11.4 Rise up Lord and let thine enemies be scattered Many are the fancies of men ancient and modern in this particular But the Apostle hath left us a Key whereby to open this Mystery in some measure since he expresly tells us that Heaven was signified by the Oracle For Christ (a) Heb. 9.24 saith he is not entred into the holy places made with hands which are figures of the true But into Heaven it self So that though as to the state of the Jewes it was the Symbole of God's presence yet seeing their solemnities were Typical of things under the Gospel we must enquire according to the mind of Scripture what the Ark did signify and it seems it must represent somewhat in heaven where Christ is entred Wherefore laying aside the recital of the various opinions of learned men in this point which would take up much time and paper they being commonly mentioned every where almost The most naked clear (b) Rivet in Exod. p. 116. signification of this holy Vessel was seeing it contained the Tables of stone or the Commandments to represent the Divine Majesty as he is the great (c) Jam. 2.12 Lawgiver to the whole Creation and especially (d) Ps 147.28 Rom. 3.2 shewed his Word to Jacob his Statutes and his Judgments to Israel For to them were committed the Oracles of God who required obedience to them under pain of death In the Ark therefore we are to look upon God's divine Majesty as making a Covenant with Man-kind whose Royal Law speaketh on this wise (e) Gal. 3.12 THIS DOE AND LIVE Wherefore when the (f) Rev. 11.19 Temple of God was opened in Heaven The Ark of the Testament was made visible It was made of Shittim-wood and overlaid with Gold for which cause (g) Cramer Schol. Prophet part 4. p. 78. some apply the Ark it self to Christ they say the imputrible wood noted his Humanity the Gold his Divinity But these are niceties and forced Applications not grounded on Scripture whereas seeing the most proper meaning of this Ark is of the legislative power of God the Chest may be accomodated to signify the constant and inviolable conservation of the pure and holy Lawes of God given forth to the Church seeing it was made on purpose to retain the two Tables of stone written upon by God's own finger whose breast is the fountain of the Churches Laws and his constant presence there noted that God did continually eye his people whether they kept his Covenant Now though the Ark was to be abolished in due time For in the latter daies they shall no more say The Ark of the Covenant of the Lord But they shall call Jerusalem the Throne of the Lord * Jer. 3.16 17. and all Nations shall be gathered to it For God will manifest his presence in his Church in a more spiritual way Yet during the state of the Jews though Solomon made most Materials anew he made no new Ark but brought that which Moses made within the Oracle into the Temple to note that though some formes of worship and circumstances may vary yet the moral Commandments of God are never to alter nor the token of his presence as a King among his people But now since that no meer man ever yet kept the Law of God perfectly onely the Lord Jesus hath fulfilled his whole Will therefore God appointed a Mercy Seat to be laid as a Covering upon the top of the Ark seeing (h) 2 Cor. 5.19 God was in Christ reconciling the World to himself not imputing their Transgressions to them The Law needed a Covering by which our sins might be concealed from God's sight which was properly called a Propitiatory because God will not be satisfyed as to our sins and become propitious to us but alone through Christ (i) Ps 40.8 the Law being within his heart who came to do the Will of God and was the (k) Rom. 10.4 End of the Law for Righteousnesse to them that believe This Propitiatory or Mercy-Seat the Covering of the Ark was made all of beaten Gold to shew the inestimable and precious vertue of Christs ' obedience and it is styled by the 70 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 To which probably the Apostle Paul alludes in the use of this very word of the Septuagint treating of Christ's Righteousnesse whom (l) Rom. 3.25 God saith he hath set forth to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Propitiation through faith in his blood to declare his righteousnesse for the remission of sins that are past through the forbearance of God Holy John useth a word of neer consanguinity with the former when assuring us that Christ is (m) 1 Joh. 2.2 4.10 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Propitiation for our sins This Golden Cover lay betwixt the divine presence as mentioned (n) Exod. 25.22 sitting between the Cherubims and the Tables of stone within shewing that God through Christ alone looks upon us as accepted and keeping
and pure their lives should be who live under the shining Rayes of the Gospel Such a life according to the word is more to be desired then (*) Psalm 19.10 much fine Gold The (i) Rev. 4.5 seven Lamps signifie the various gifts of the Spirit many are the Sevens in Scripture of which Cyprian (k) Cypr. adv Jud. pag. 265. speaks at large and so likewise the Account of this Number was of great value among the (l) Alexand. Tab. Hiae p. 13. 24 42. Heathen Ancients The trimming of the Lamps might hint the purity of Doctrine or the great care that Ministers should take in their Dispensation of the Word that it be not dim or fuliginous and dark men are led away by dark and smoaky preaching Snuffers Tongs say some (m) Ribera p. 136. did note Disputations Explications about the Word Nay the Snuffers must be of Gold to shew that those who correct and Discipline the Church in truth must be very pure and therefore those who reprove others must be pure and holy themselves There were ten Candlesticks wherein as to the number I cannot conceive any Pythagorean mysterie such as Plutarch explains by that Number as a Number of perfection in his (a) De Ei apud Delphos Morals and Meursius in his Denarius Pythagoricus But rather the multiplying of light and knowledge in the latter dayes which should not only cover the earth as waters do the Sea but as Lamps did fill the Sanctuary Here were ten times seven I will not say it hinted the 70 Disciples whom Christ sent forth by two and two It would be to draw nigh to a nicety but rather the fulnesse of Light and Grace in the Churches in Christ might be thereby denoted In the Porch The two Brazen Pillars IN ancient times Pillars were erected for the bounds of Countries as Hercules his Pillars one in Spain and another on the opposite shoar of Africa for the boundary of his Labours and Empire and so near the River Euphrates we read of Pillars set up for the limits of the Eastern part of the Roman Empire A custome likewise there was of setting up Pillars on the Tombs and other Monuments of famous Heroes as those of Trajan and Hadrian to remember their glory and honour to posterity In Temples the body of the building rested upon Pillars for security and firmity In warr when they erected Trophies they set up Pillars as Herodotus relates of Sesostris King of Egypt setting up some in Palestine Lib. 2. c. 106 Suidas relates in the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of a Pillar set up by Alexander in an Isle of the Indian Seas among the Brachmans Some Monuments of Alexander in India Pag. 121. lib 5. Ed. Hen. Step. 1575. Lib. 5. c. 9. Tab. 2 Asia Arrian calls His twelve Altars near the River Hypasis The like whereof if they be not mistaken for those of India are mentioned by Ptolomy to have been fixed by Alexander in the Asiatick Sarmatia and called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Pillars of Alexander in the Longitude of 80 Degrees and Latitude of 51 30. Nay that this was a frequent custome for limits is asserted by Strabo who mentions severall of the same kind lib. 3. pag. 171. in his discourse of Spain But to come nearer home The Seventy doe inscribe the 16th Psalm where the Hebrew hath Micktam 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Erection of David's Golden Pillar upon the conquest of his enemies When therefore the People of God had their Territories most inlarged as in the daies of Solomon from the †1 King 4.21.24 2 Chr. 9.26 Deut. 1.7 River c. unto the border of Egypt even * Deut. 11.24 Josh 1.4 from the River Euphrates to the great Sea or the Mediterranean Now then when he built the Temple at such a time was it fit and proper to erect the Pillars as Monuments of God's praise in the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the Mountain of his chief City But why in the Temple To note that it was God that gave him the power and dominion over all those Nations and had fulfilled his promise made to Moses and to his people Israel But to what are these to be resembled under the Gospel Some would have the Apostles to be thereby signified as the Primipili and the Defensores fidei The first magnanimous assertors of the Faith of Christ They stood in the Porch or entrance of the Temple the Apostles lived in the beginning of the Church Gal. 2.9 Jer. 1.18 James Cephas and John 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 they seemed to be Pillars in the Church and the Prophet Jeremy God promised to make as an Iron Pillar against Judah Ministers for their gifts and eminent site are Pillars Absalom 2 Sam. 18.18 being without Male Children erected himself a Pillar in the King's Dale to keep his name in remembrance Saul is mentioned to have made himself 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Hand 1 Sam. 15.12 the Vulg. fornicem triumphalem a triumphant Arch We translate it a Place and so the word being taken for monumental Trophy or Pillar is mentioned in Isaiah as a promise to such as please God that they shall have a Place and a name within his house Isa 56.5 the word is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Pillar erected for same To which possibly the Spirit of God may allude in some measure in the Reveâ—tions though both that and this may principally referr to Solomon's Temple Rev. 3.12 For he that overcometh shall be a Pillar in the Temple and shall go no more out as these did into Babylon Brazen Pillars may be broken in pieces but Saints as Sons shall abide in the House for ever Joh. 8.35 they shall endure against all weathers Every Saint is Monimentum aere perennius no eating showers no blustering winds Hor. Carm. l. 3. Od. 30. Psal 74.6 Jch. 10.28 29. nor length of years shall impair him Axes and Hammers may break down the carved work of the Temple but Saints are Pillars in the hand of Christ and of the Father no man can pluck them down Pillars are Emblems of permanency and stability of Ornament of Victory of strength and service patience fortitude and perseverance in all respects Saints are thereby set forth There were two Pillars in the Temple which some resemble to the two states of the Church of God Jewish and Christian I shall therein suspend The one signified present strength Boaz the other Jachin He will fortify the promise of the Gentiles They had no names written on them but were called onely by these names and so Rev. 3. The Saints shall be called by the name of God's strength Others understand thereby the two standing Ordinances Magistracy and Ministry or the two witnesses in allusion to Moses and Aaron Joshua and Eleazar Elijah and Elisha * Zech. 9. Zerubbabel and Jeshua and so in the Revelation-prophecies Christ sent out his
of Judaea no other Country affording it besides as many Authors write the Prince of Oyles or Unguents as the name imports should be left out in this choise composition Wherefore some have apprehended it to be concluded in the first words for that which we translate Principal Spices the Hebrew terms 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Beshamim Rosh Aromata capitis the spices of the head that is the chief and most eminent But because these words seem to be onely general terms comprehensive of the particulars presently enumerated therefore others have thought that the Balsame is couched under the name of free and pure Mirrhe However it be this is evident that the choisest ingredients for such a composition are commanded by God wherewith the Priests were to be anointed But as to the spiritual signification of this Unction we have the guidance of the Holy Spirit him self to direct us who in the New Testament doth frequently intimate that the participation of his Gifts and Graces is thereby shadowed forth to us The High Priest upon the account of this legal Unction is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Messiah Lev. 8.3 5. and by the Seventy in the 3d verse 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and in the 5th 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Christus the anointed clearly hinting to us our Gospel-High-Priest the Lord Jesus Christ the true Messiah or Anointed of the Father with the (a) Ps 45.7 Oyl of gladnesse above his fellowes which place is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 distinctly and expresly applied unto our Lord and Saviour in the (b) Heb. 1.9 Epistle to the Hebrews The glorious Antitype of David being (c) Psal 89.20 anointed King as well as Priest of his Church The same person the Apostle Peter asserts to have been (d) Act. 10.38 anointed with the Holy Ghost and with power Nay all the people of God who are (e) Rev. 1.6 Priests and Kings unto God are (f) 2 Cor. 1.21 anointed with the same Spirit The ancient Unction was external (g) Ps 133.2 upon the head of Aaron and ran down upon the beard and went down to the skirts of his Garments The Gospel Unction is internal which we (h) 1 Joh. 2.20 27. have received from the holy One and abideth in us the same anointing teacheth us all things and is truth Precious and excellent were the mixtures of that ancient Oyl What particular Gifts or Graces each might signify I leave to others being certain of this that (i) Isa 11.2 the Spirit of the Lord did rest upon Christ the Spirit of wisdom and understanding the Spirit of counsel and might the Spirit of knowâ—edge and of the fear of the Lord and it is of this His (k) Joh. 1.16 fulnesse that we have received even Grace for Grace This Unction was administred by measure to Aaron in a certain weight of sweets and a Hin of Oyl Olive Exod. 30.24 Joh. 3.34 but God gave not the Spirit by measure unto Christ But unto every one of us is given Grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ Eph. 4.7 And when all the Graces of the Spirit do hold communion together in a Saint's duty as the several Ingredients of this Unction in one composition then are duties most fragrant With this Unction were all the Vessels of the Sanctuary to be anointed to signify to us that all religious exercises and Ordinances under the Gospel are no further useful and beneficial then as they are perfumed with the secret and most precious operation of the Holy Spirit through whom we are made partakers of Christ's holinesse and have (l) Eph. 2.18 accesse with holy boldnesse to the Throne of Grace The last thing in the consecration of Priests was Sacrificing whereof may be read at large in the 8th Chapter of Leviticus The blood of the Sacrifice being sprinkled upon them To note that the Office Calling and Execution of the service of Gospel-Ministers are all sanctified by the blood of Christ The Lord Jesus died to purchase a Gospel-Ministry his precious blood consecrates and sets them apart to that excellent function Oh how dreadful a sin is it for vile wretches to trample upon and scorn that Office which was dedicated by the blood of Christ who when ascended up on high * Ps 68.18 received Gifts for men He gave not onely †Eph. 4.8 12. Apostles Prophets and Evangelists but Pastors and Teachers also for the perfecting of Saints for the work of the Ministry for the edifying of the body of Christ For how long time 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 The Gospel-Ministry anointed by God and consecrated by the blood of Christ and receiving gifts by the benefit of Christ's ascension is we hence learn to continue till all the Members of Christ's mystical body are gathered into one which work will not be compleatly finished till the end of the world For some Saints shall remain alive at the second coming of our Lord 1 Thes 4.15 c. when he himself shall descend from heaven with a shout with the voice of the Archangel and with the Trump of God c. Then those which are alive and remain shall be caught up together c. in the Clouds to meet the Lord in the aire and so shall they ever be with the Lord who had promised at his ascension to be with his Ministers alwayes Mat. 28.20 even unto the end of the World The High-Priest among the Jews was consecrated with blood he needed Sacrifice for his sins but our High-Priest is holy harmlesse undefiled Heb. 7.26 Ver. 24. separate from sinners and made higher then the heavens he continueth for ever and hath an unchangeable Priest-hood He was without sin and therefore the Sacrifice of himself whereby he was consecrated to all his glorious Offices was to make entrance for others into the holiest by his blood in a new and living way which he hath consecrated for us Heb. 10.20 Joh. 17.19 Heb. 10.14 For their sakes he did 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 dedicate and sanctify himself that they might be sanctified through the Truth For by one Offering hath he perfected for ever them that are sanctified On this excellent subject I might enlarge amply but considering there are yet several things behind in the two last Sections of this Chapter which refer somewhat to this point I shall speak but a word or two of the other Temple-Officers and come to the close of this 4th Section Having spoken thus much concerning the Priests Let me in brief hint at the rest and I shall conclude They were the Levites and Nethinims whereof at large in the former story of the Temple The Levites according to four distinct charges were divided into Singers Porters Judges and Treasurers Here some might expect possibly that I should
Christ and his meritorious Passion all ceremonial worship annexed to Sacrifices and other Injunctions of God to the Jews were absolutely to determine Let us see then what those Sacrifices did principally hold forth Now here I shall desire first to speak somewhat in general and then descend to some particular Sacrifices with their appendices and so conclude this Section Several Names are given to Sacrifice in Scripture as first 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Mincha Gen. 4.4 not only to that of f Mat. 5.23 23.18 19. Cains offering of the fruit of the ground but to that of Abels which was of the firstlings of his flock The word is derived from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to bring and signifies therefore an Offering or Oblation of what kind soever it be but most generally it is taken for the meat-Offering This the 70 in the 4 vers turn by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a gift and so 't is frequently rendred in the New Testament and sometimes g Heb. 5.1 8.3 4. 9.9 distinct from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Sacrifice Sometimes the 70 themselves turn it by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as Gen. 4.3 Exo. 29.41 c. by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ps 40 6. Another term among the Hebrews for Sacrifice is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Zebach from a verb of the same radicalls signifying to slay whence Avenartus would deduce the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The 70 commonly translate it by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 much to the same purpose Another word for Offerings is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Korban and comes from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to draw nigh and is used in the Levitical Law for a Lev. 1.2 Sacrifices of the Herd and Flock and is in the New Testament used in very termes b Mar. 7.11 retaining the word and adding the signification Some Sacrifices are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 propitiatory others 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 gratulatory Propitiatory Sacrifices were to obtain pardon and atonement for sin and they were alwaies to be with blood c Heb. 9.22 for without blood was no remission and therefore Cains Sacrifice was not so acceptable although the naughtiness of his heart was mainly lookt at because he offered the fruits of the earth which were only to be Offered in Peace Offerings and Thanks-givings But Abel Offered a bloody Sacrifice looking at Christ by d Heb. 11.4 Faith and so was accepted of God The blood of those Beasts could not make the Conscience clean but as the Offerer was received into reconciliation with God by virtue of that Sacrifice of Christ who Offered up himself e Rom. 6.10 Heb. 7.27 92.1 10.10 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 once for all sins and instead of all the Ancient Sacrifices In the blood of these Beasts there was f Heb. 10.3 9.7 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a constant remembrance of sins and therefore reiterated because they could not blot out sin but God hath now g Col. 2.14 blotted out the hand writing of Ordinances that was against us The Blood of Christ hath expunged and extinguisht all the terrible curses of the Law against us for our sinnes The Blood of Beasts could never do it but for the time present during that Oeconomy or dispensation God was pleased to accept of the remembrance of Christs Death in the Typicall slaying of the Beasts to all that looked unto him through the Covenant But now That all the faithfull among the Jews who were a Rev. 7.4 sealed and received to Heaven on the account of Christ had an actuall and clear view of the Messiah and could pierce through those vailes and shadows and behold the Saviour to dye for sin afarre off I will not assert But that many of the Ancient Patriarchs did look at Christ in their Sacrifices seems moderately clear and evident Abraham b Joh. 8.56 saw Christs day and rejoyced The Apostle also seems to speak pretty generally when he saies that c Heb. 11.2 1. by Faith the Elders obtained a good report It having bin to them the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen to wit in the Sacrifices representing and exhibiting Christ and the Promises of the Covenant of Grace to the eye of their Faith For they all died in Faith d V. 13. not having received the promises but having seen them afar off were perswaded of them and embraced them And in this particular the Priests were Typicall sureties to the Jewish Saints acting that work to the eye of their Faith in the Sacrifice of the Creature which was the Arrha and Tessera the token of the Covenant For sin was imputed to the Sacrafice by virtue of the sinners imposing and laying his hand on the head of the Beast before it was slain who then confessing his sins over it had a Typicall expiation relating to the great Gospell-offering so often mentioned Indeed these sacrificing rites of old to such as drew not nigh to God with a holy and fervent mind were but a e 1 Tim. 4.8 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a bodily exercise that profited little The Offering of the bodies of Beasts was of no value in the sight of God meerly in it self taken without respect and relation to Christ But to speak unto the Sacrifices themselves The Creatures chosen out for Sacrifice were to be without spot and blemish perfect every way So the Heathens used to speak of their Sacrifice a Homer Illiad α p. 305. β p. 306. c. they were to present as Homer cals them 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 perfect Offerings without any mutilation Such a Sacrifice was the Lord Christ a Heb. 7.26 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Holy harmless undefiled separate from sinners The Sacrifice was to be slain and the blood to be cast at the foot of the Altar b Lev. 17.11 14. Jer. 2.34 In the blood lies the life and soul of the brute Creature though it be otherwise in this rationall and therefore that was to be shed to make atonement c Plutar. de Hom. p. 111. modral p. 1. Plutarch in his discourse of Homer saith either 't is the soul or the vehicle of the soul I remember Virgil speaking of one being slain saies Purpuream vomit ille animam he did vomit out his purple soul meaning his Blood Thus Christ is said to poure out his blood d Aenead V. 348. and to make his soul an Offering for sin after he had bin in an agony heavy unto the death Now because of these expressions in Scripture concerning blood e Isa 53.10 and for that there was a prohibition pro tempore given by the Councell against it in the Primitive times Some good men have bin scrupulous as to eating of blood or any thing composed of it But let such remember that we are not to call any thing common or f Act. 10.15 unclean now
to Alms and the patronage of the Injured Then is man a melodious Harp yeilding to God most harmonious and spiritual Musick And then he goes on thus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c. Such Instruments were then permitted for this cause even for their weakness sake to stir up their mindes to perform their external Worship with some delight Instruments of Musick were not heard in the Latine Church till the days of Vitalianus the Pope as 't is manifest by Volaterrane Platina Volaterran Anthropolog l. 22. p. 501. Edit Basil 1559 Pâ—aâ—n p. 89. Col Agrip. 1626. Fasc Temp ad Ann. Chr. 654 p. 60. Edit Hano 1613. M. Terry's Voyage to the Indies in Puâ—ch part 2 p. 1467. Eph. 3.14 21 Phil. 4.6 the Author of Fasciculus Temporum and others by whom it appears that till after 650. years there were no such things in the Service of God but that these began in the depth of Popish darkness Nay ' its observable that the Turks great strangers to the Truth are offended at this custome in the Christian Churches As a petty King of Socotora near the mouth of the Red Sea coming to the water side heard some of the Wind-Instruments of the English and being a Mahumetan asked if they played David's Psalms which he had heard of and being answered affirmatively replyed That it was an ill invention of him that first mingled Musick with Religions for before God was worshipped in Heart but by this in Sound Which may well be applyed to the times of Vitalianus before spoken of Let us rather in a few words shew why Temple Musick was of old annexed to Sacrifice Doubtless for our Instruction to shew that praise and thanksgiving ought to accompany our prayers and solemn services The Apostle Paul did so Bowing his knees in one verse unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ and in another ascribinâ— glory to him by Jesus Christ and enjoyns the Philippian Church in every thing by Prayer and supplication with thanksgiving to make their request known unto God Further he advises his Colossians to teach and admonish one another in Psalms and Hymns and spiritual songs singing with grace to the Lord in their hearts Eph. 5.19 He counsels the Ephesians to speak to themselves in Psalms and Hymns and spiritual songs making melody in their hearts to the Lord. 1 Thes 5.17 18 He enjoyns the Thessalonians to joyn Prayer and Praises together Pray without ceasing in evâ—ry thing giving thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you and exhorts Timothy That Intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men 1 Tim. 2.1 In like manner we finde the Saints with Harps and Vials full of odours Pro. 5.8 9. praying and praising together and in another place we finde them singing the Song of Moses and the Lamb saying Great and marvellous are thy works Lord God almighty Rev. 15.3 just and true are thy ways thou King of Saints c. Havâ—ng now finished the Interpretation of some of the chief Legal solemnities I shall put a period to this Section with the recital of some Gospel sacrifices which are called so in the holy Scriptures in allusion to those of the Temple in former days Under the Gospel Saints have their spiritual sacrifices as well as they under the Law had their carnal Indeed all theirs had some significancy in them they were not able of themselves to purge the Conscience Christ is the great High Priest that presents his whole Church to himself not having spot or wrinkle Eph. 5.27 or any such thing but that it should be holy and without blemish yea he hath made his people to become a holy Priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices and a royal Priesthood 1 Pet. 2.5 to shew forth the praises of him who hath called us out of darkness into his marvellous light v. 9. Singing of God's praises is a most royal and princely service He hath joyned the Crown to the Mâ—ter and made us Kings as well as Priests to God and his Father Rev. 1.6.5.10.20.6 to whom be glory and dominion for ever Habeat in se saith an Ancient defixum Altare tâ— in quo orationum hostias misericordiae victimas offerat Deo In quo coninentia cultro superbiam quasi Taurum immolet iracundiam quasi Arietâ—m jugulet Origen in Exod. Hom. 9.98 Psal 100.3 Luxariam omnemque libidinem tanquam Hircos Haedos libet Let him have an Altar fixed within him on which he may offer up to God the sacrifices of Prayers and the oblation of Mercy In which he may slay pride like a Bullock with the slaughtering knife of abstinence he may cut the throat of wrath as of a Ram and may make a burnt sacrifice of luxury and all lust as of Goats and Kids When we enter the Courts of his Temple with the voice of joy being his people and the sheep of his pasture let us give up our selves as sacrifices to his praise All the sheep of Christs flock saith our Learned Grosted alluding to that place in Canticles bring forth Twins Grosted de Cessat Leg. p. 125. Cant. 4.2 and there is not one barren among them and the twins are saith he the love of God and our Neighbour The first and prime Gospel sacrifice is our heart and soul Son give me thy heart is that which God principally calls for and expects at our hands The Inwards of the sacrifice were always to be burnt upon the Altar God delights in hearty service when our souls are inflamed with love to him in communion with him in the Ordinances Strabo Geog. l. 15. p. 732. Edit Caus Concerning the Magi in Persia so Strabo calls their Priests it is related by him that they distributed the parts of the sacrifice to be eaten 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Setting apart no share for the Gods for they say that God requires nothing of the sacrifice save the soul I am sure whatever superstitious customs were among the Heathens that the glorious and infinite God that searcheth the heart and tryeth the reins expects them principally and wholly to be sacrificed in all our approaches to him 1 Pet. 3.15 whom we ought to sanctifie in our hearts Therefore in Scripture we shall finde that the actings of the several graces implanted in the soul by the Spirit of God are called by the name of sacrifices Contrition and brokenness of heart are the sacrifices of God Psal 51.17 which he will not despise Faith is a sacrifice If I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith Phil. 2.17 c. which some interpret thus That the Apostle had consecrated and dedicated them as a sacrifice to God by believing and now drawing nigh his Martyrdom Dutch notes was to have his blood spilt as the Drink-offering of Wine anciently was joyned with the Meat-offering upon the sacrifice of their Faith Joy is an
strongly necessitated by want and poverty and the wickedness of those that are able and deny subministration and supply to their wants they ought not to disturb their spirits with the overwhelming and soul-dividinging cares of this life Besides it is necessary for them as the case now stands that they should have a well-furnish'd Library and be well acquainted with the History of the Church all along since the world began especially since the time of Christ to our days Nay there is not one Art or Science in the whole Circle or Compass of Learning but some way or other may contribute to the capacitating of a Minister for his work in the explication and applying of Scripture They ought also to be well versed in controversie that they may be able to oppose gain-sayers and maintain the Truth To this purpose speaks a learned and faithful Dispenser of the Gospel in his days That they ought to have The skill of Arts D. Stoughton Preachers Dignity and Duty p. 87. c. of Tongues the ancient Hebrew the copious Greek the elegant Latine Tongues are necessary for Embassadors and these Tongues are very necessary for God's Embassadors All which must be assisted as the Orb in his motion with his Intelligence or rather informed as the Body with the Soul in all his operations with pithy Logick perswasive Rhetorick profound Philosophy that I may not name others every one of which apart would make a noble Profession in another and yet all together make but a small part of the Noble Profession of Theologie and rather not a part but a Porch of this Royal Building For I have not yet told you of the Scripture in which not a word not a jot not a tittle but hath its weight and must not be suffered to perish the depth of the Scripture left it be said by some scoffing Samaritan The VVell is deep and thou hast never a Bucket Lastly The infiniteness of Divinity there is no infinity in Philosophy but here there is positive controversal Ecclesiastical experimental for the chair for the Schools for the pulpit for the conscience c. All which are necessary for him that would be a worthy Divine 5. He must provide for his own Family or else he will lie under that heavie doom of the Apostle To be worse then an Infidel and deny the Faith which to do as a Man as a Christian as a Scholar as a Minister that is not in a sordid mean base and precarious way lest the Dignity of his Office be objected to contempt in the eyes of carnal vulgar people who generally receive the Truth with the more respect and obedience from such as having some moderate and comfortable estates and are not obliged to unworthy and pedantick shifts and cringings to every insulting Balak nor the ensnaring of their Consciences to satisfie corrupt lusts and humours by intrenching upon their glorious Commissions received from Christ This being certain that converting work is the main and principal work of the Ministry which will be greatly advanced when their persons are not obnoxious to scorn by their meanness which was found fully true in the person of our blessed Lord and his holy Apostles and Disciples 1 Tim. 3.2 Lastly Every Gospel Minister is commanded to maintain Hospitality themselves as well as to preach it Alas they may indeed teach it to others while their Lungs and Heart strings crack for want of supply but are not able generally themselves to go to the cost to practise it in our Nation through inability They are so far from being capable to perform this Duty that many have not for their present necessities much less for their conveniency and refreshment These things being premised and duly considered viz. The noble Provision which God made for his servants under the Law the Dispensation whereof was far inferiour to this under the Gospel Though some will say that the pomp of those Ordinances consisted much in external splendour and they say true but yet thence can by no means be inferred that God requires not the service of our Bodies and Estates under the Gospel for its evident the whole New Testament teaches the quite contrary Besides the necessary and costly provision of all acquired knowledge the enjoyned seclusion of themselves from worldly occupations their required sustentation of their Families and provision of a subsistence for them after their departure The honour and reputation of the Gospel The occurring and obviating the secret designs and machinations of our Popish adversaries who like the Spartans of old to the Athenians did but desire their Orator and then study by all means to ruine Protestant Religion among us and not finding any directer course to steer then this the pulling down of Universities in the which provision is made for able Workmen in the Lord's Vineyard and for such as manage the controversie against them as blessed be God hitherto successfully by Raynolds Whitaker Willet Abbot Davenant and many others and further to subvert the stated and fixed maintenance of the Ministers when come abroad whereby the Divel's ayms will be gratified the enemy overjoyed the Gospel ruined and Ark depart from our Israel But blessed be the Lord who hath fixed his memorial stone in Eben Ezer 1 Sam. 7.12 hitherto hath the Lord helped them and we hope the same mercy will yet continue to make them against those subtle insinuating enemies a fenced brazen VVall Jer. 15.20 21 They shall fight against them but they shall not prevail against them for I am with you to save you and to deliver you saith the Lord. And I will delâ—ver you out of the hand of the wicked and I will redeem you out of the hand of the Terrible Ps 85.9 c. Surely his salvation shall be nigâ— them that fear him that glory may dwell in our Laâ—d That mercy and truth may mee together righteousness and peace may kiss each other Truth shall spring out oâ— the earth and righteousness shall look down from heaven yea the Lord shall give that which is good and our Land shall yeild her encrease Righteousness shall go before him and shall set us in the way of his steps Though the Kâ—ngs of the earth set themselves and the Rulers take counsel togeâ—her against the Lord and against his anointed yet hath he set his King upon his holy hill of Zâ—on and will gâ—ve him the heathen for his Inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth for his possession As for those that break his bands in sunder and cast away his cords from them He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh the Lord shall have them in derision He shall speak unto them in his wrath and vex them in his sore displeasure He shall break them with a rod of iron he shall dash them in pieces like a Potters vessel O then kiss the Sun lest he be angry and ye perish from the way when his wrath is kindled but a little