as the hearts of the Jews were with hypocrisie But alas they were stone still that is hard and cruel else they could not have been an Anvil for Satan to forge such horrid Barbarism upon The Tables were in number the same with the Lavers and were set by them to shew what are the fruits of being devoted to the Law as the Jews were in opposition to Christ and his holy Gospel there flows nothing but hardness and a stony heart from thence This was shewed in its first writing it was writ on Tables of stone figures of the heart of Man and on the same Tables or hearts was the death of Jesus Christ compassed One would think that the meekness gentleness or good deeds of Jesus Christ might have procured in them some relentings when they were about to take away his life but alas their hearts were Tables of Stone What feeling or compassion can a Stone be sensible of Here were stony hearts stony thoughts stonâ— counsels stony contrivances a stony Law and stony hands and what could be expected hence but barbarous cruelty indeed If I ask you said Christ you will not answer me neither will you let me see Luk. 22.68 In that these stony Tables were placed about the Temple it supposeth that they were Temple-men Priests Scribes Rulers Lawyers c. that were to be the Chief on whose hearts this murder was to be designed and by them inacted to their own Damnation without Repentance XL. Of the Instruments wherewith this Sacrifice was slain and of the four Tables they were laid on in the Temple THE Instruments that were laid upon the Tables in the Temple were not Instruments of Musick but those with which the burnt-offering was slain And the four Tables were of hewen Stone for the burnt-offering whereon also they laid the instruments wherewith they slew the burnt-offering and the Sacrifice Ezek. 40.42 43. 1. Here we are to take notice that the Tables are the same and some of them of which we spake before 2. That the Instruments with which they slew the Sacrifice was laid upon these Tables The Instruments with which they slew the Sacrifices what were they but a bloody Ax bloody Knives bloody Hooks and bloody Hands For these we need no proof matter of fact declares it But what were those Instruments a type of Answer Doubtless they were a type of our sins They were the bloody Ax the Knife and bloody Hands that shed his precious blood They were the meritorious ones without which he could not have died When I say ours I mean the sins of the World. Though then the hearts of the Jews were the immediate Contrivers yet they were our sins that were the bloody Tools or Instruments which slew the Son of God. He was wounded for our transgressions he died for our sins Isa. 53. 1 Cor. 15. Gal. 1. Oh these Instruments of us Churls by which this poor Man was taken from off the Earth Isa. 32.7 Prov. 30.14 The Whip the Buffetings the Crown of Thorns the Nails the Cross the Spear with the Vinegar and Gall were all nothing in comparison of our sins For the transgressions of my people was he stricken Isa. 53. Nor were the flouts taunts mocks scorns derisions c. with vvhich they follovved him from the Garden to the Cross such cruel Instruments as these They vvere our sins then our cursed sins by vvith and for the sake of vvhich the Lord Jesus became a bloody Sacrifice But why must the Instruments be laid upon the Tables 1. Take the Tables for the hearts of the murderers and the Instruments for their sins and vvhat place more fit for such Instruments to be laid upon 'T is God's command that these things should be laid to heart and he complains of those that do not do it Isa. 42.25 chap. 57.11 2. Nor are Men ever like to come to good until these Instruments vvith which the Son of God vvas slain indeed be laid to heart And they vvere eminently laid to heart even by them soon after the effect of vvhich vvas the conversion of thousands of them Acts 2.36 37. 3. Wherefore vvhen it says these Instruments must be laid upon the stony Tables he insinuates that God vvould take a time to charge the murder of his Son home upon the Consciences of them that did that murder either to their conversion or condemnation And is it not reason that they vvho did this horrid villany should have their doings laid before their faces upon the Tables of their heart That they may look upon him whom they have pierced and mourn Zech. 12.10 Revel 1.7 4. But these Instruments vvere laid but upon some of the Tables and not upon all the Ten to shevv that not all but some of those so horrid should find mercy of the Lord. 5. But vve must not confine these Tables only to the hearts of the bloody Jevvs they vvere our sins for the vvhich he died Wherefore these Instruments should be laid upon our Tables too and the Lord lay them there for good that we also may see our horrid doings and come bending to him for forgiveness 6. These Instruments thus lying on the Tables in the Temple became a continual Motive to God's People to Repentance for so oft as they saw these bloody and cruel Instruments they were put in mind how their sins should be the cause of the death of Christ. 7. It would be well also if these Instruments were at all times laid upon our Tables for our more humbling for our sins in every thing we do especially upon the Lord's Table when we come to eat and drink before him I am sure the Lord Jesus doth more than intimate that he expects that we should do so where he saith When ye eat that Bread and drink that Cup Do this in remembrance of me In remembrance that I died for your sins and consequently that they were the meritorious cause of the sheding of my blood To conclude Let all Men remember that these cruel Instruments are laid upon the Table of their hearts whether they see them there or no. The sin of Judah is written with a pen of Iron and with the point of a Diamond upon the Tables of their heart Jer. 17.1 A Pen of Iron will make Letters upon a Table made of Stone and the Point of a Diamond will make Letters upon Glass Wherefore in this saying God informs us that if we shall forbear to read these Lines to our Conversion God will one day read them against us unto our Condemnation XLI Of the Candlesticks of the Temple AND he made ten Candlesticks of gold according to the form and he set them in the Temple five on the right hand and five on the left 2 Chro. 4.7 1. These Candlesticks were made of Gold to shew the worth and value of them 2. They were made after the form or exâ—ct according to rule like those that were made in the Tabernacle or according to the Pattern which David gave
45. Of the Snuff-dishes that were with the Snuffers of the Temple 117 46. Of the Golden-Tongs belonging to the Temple 121 47. Of the Altar of Incense in the Temple 125 48. Of the Golden Censers belonging to the Temple 129 49. Of the Golden Spoons of the Temple 133 50. Of the Bowls and Basons belonging to the Temple 137 51. Of the Flagons and Cups of the Temple 142 52. Of the Chargers of the Temple 145 53. Of the Goings out of the Temple 148 54. Of the Singers belonging to the Temple 152 55. Of the Union of the Holy and most Holy Temple 156 56. Of the Holiest or Inner-Temple 159 57. Of the Vail of the Temple 162 58. Of the Doors of the Inner-Temple 166 59. Of the Golden Nails of the Inner-Temple 170 60. Of the Floors and Walls of the Inner-Temple 173 61. Of the Ark of the Covenant which was placed in the Inner-Temple 178 62. Of the Placing of the Ark in the Holiest or Inner-Temple 185 63. Of the Mercy-Seat and how it was placed in the Holy Temple 188 64. Of the Living Waters of the Inner-Temple 192 65. Of the Chains which were in the Oracle or Inner-Temple 195 66. Of the High-Priest and of his Office in the Inner-Temple 198 67. Of the High-Priest's going into the Holiest alone 204 68. Of the High-Priest's going in thither but once a year 206 69. Of the Cherubims and of their being placed over the Mercy-Seat in the Inner-Temple 210 70. Of the Figures that were upon the Walls of the Inner-Temple 213 ERRATA PAge 101. line 13. for see read go p. 114. l. 15. leave out if p. 157. l. 17. for invincible r. innumerable p. 158. l. 25 for did read dye The Glory of the Temple OR Solomon's TEMPLE And all the Materials thereof SPIRITUAIZ'D I. Where the Temple was Built THE Temple was built at Jerusalem on Mount Moriah in the Threshing-floor of Arnon the Jebusite Whereabout Abraham offered up Isaac there where David met the Angel of the Lord when he came with his drawn Sword in his hand to cut off the people at Jerusalem for the sin which David committed in his disorderly numbering the people Gen. 22.3 4 5. 1 Chron. 21.15 Chap. 22.1 2 Chron. 3.1 There Abraham received his Isaac from the dead There the Lord was intreated by David to take away the Plague and to return to Israel again in Mercy from whence also David gathered That There Gods Temple must be built This said he is the house of the Lord God and this is the Altar of the Burnt-Offering for Israel 1 Chron. 21.28 Chap. 22.1 Chap. 3.1 This Mount Moriah therefore was a Type of the Son of God the Mountain of the Lords house the Rock against which the gates of Hell cannot prevail II. Who built the Temple THe Temple was builded by Solomon a man peaceable and quiet and that in Name by Nature and in Governing For so God had before told David namely that such a one the Builder of the Temple should be Behold saith he a Son shall be born unto thee who shall be a man of Rest and I will give him Rest from all his Enemies round about for his Name shall be called Solomon and I will give Peace and Quietness to Israel in his days He shall build an house for my Name and he shall be my Son and I will be his Father 1 Chron. 22.9 10. Psal. 72.1 2 3 4. As therefore Mount Moriah was a Type of Christ as the Foundation So Solomon was a Type of Him as the Builder of his Church The Mount was signal for that thereon the Lord God before Abraham and David did display his Mercy And as Solomon built this Temple so Christ doth build his House Yea He shall build the Everlasting Temple and He shall bear the Glory Heb. 3.3 4. Zach. 6 12 13. And in that Solomon was called Peaceable it was to shew with what peaceable Doctrine and Wayes Christs House and Church should be built Isa. 9.6 Mich. 7.2 3 4. III. How the Temple was Built THe Temple was built not meerly by the Dictates of Solomon though he was wiser than Ethan and Heman and Calcol and Darda and all men 1 King. 4.31 But it was built by Rules prescribed by or in a written Word and as so delivered to him by his Father David For when David gave to Solomon his Son a charge to build the Temple of God with that charge he gave him also the pattern of all in Writing Even a pattern of the Porch House Chambers Treasuries Parlours c. And of the place for the Mercy-seat which pattern David had of God nor would God trust his Memory with it The Lord made me said he understand in Writing by his hand upon me even all the Work of this Pattern Thus therefore David gave to Solomon his Son the pattern of all and thus Solomon his Son built the House of God. See 1 Chron 28. from Verse 9. to Vers. 20. And answerable to this Christ Jesus the Builder of his own House whose House are We doth build his holy Habitation for him to dwell in even according to the Commandment of God the Father For saith he I have not spoken of my self but the Father which sent me He gave me a Commandment what I should say and what I should speak And hence 't is said God gave him the Revelation and again That he took the Book out of the hand of Him that sat on the Throne and so acted as to the building up of his Church John 12.40 41. Rev. 1.1 chap. 5.5 IV. Of what the Temple was built THe Materials with which the Temple was built was such as were in their own Nature common to that which was left behind Things that naturally were not fit without art to be laid on so holy a house And this shews that those of whom Christ Jesus designs to build his Church are by Nature no better than others But as the trees and stones of which the Temple was built was first hewed and squared before they were fit to be laid in that house so sinners of which the Church is to be built must first be fitted by the Word and Doctrine and then fitly laid in their place in the Church For though as to Nature there is no difference betwixt those made use of to build Gods house with yet by Grace they differ from others even as those trees and stones that are hewed and squared for building by Art are made to differ from those which abide in the Wood or Pitt The Lord Jesus therefore while he seeketh Materials wherewith to build his house he findeth them The Clay of the same Lump that he rejecteth and leaves behind Are we better than they No in no wise Rom. 3. Chap. 9. Nay I think if any be best 't is they which are left behind He came not to call the Righteous but Sinners to Repentance Mark 2.17 And indeed in this he doth shew both the
yet you see the Temple hath set her Face against it to shew that the true Church cannot be blasted or made turn back by any Affliction 'T is not East Winds nor none of their blastings that can make the Temple turn about Hence he saith That Jacobs Face shall not wax pale And again I have made thy Face strong against their Faces and that the Gates of Hell shall not prevail against it Isa. 29.22 Ezek. 3.8 Mat. 16.18 5. It might be also built with its Face towards the East to shew that the true Church looketh as afore I hinted for her Lord and King from Heaven knowing that at his coming he will bring healing in his Wings for from the East he will appear when he comes the second time without Sin unto Salvation of which the Sun gives us a Memento in his rising there every Morning For as the Lightning cometh out of the East and shineth unto the West So shall also the coming of the Son of Man be Mal. 4.2 Heb. 9.28 Col. 3.3 2 Pet. 11.12 13 14. Mat. 24.27 6. Christ as the North-pole draws those touched with the Load-stone of his Word with the Face of their Souls towards him to look for and hasten to his coming And this also is signified by the Temple standing with his Face towards the East X. Of the Courts of the Temple I perceive that there was two Courts belonging to the Temple The first was called the outward Court Ezek. 40.17 Chap. 46.21 1. This was that into which the People of Necessity first entered when they went to worship in the Temple consequently that was it in and by which the People did first shew their desires to be the worshippers of God. And this Answers to those badges and signs of love to Religion that People have in face or outward appearance Matt. 23.27 2 Cor. 10.7 2. In this though there may sometimes be truth yet oftener Lies and Dissimulation wherefore commonly an outward appearance is set in opposition to Faith and Truth as the outward is in opposition to the inner Court and outward to the inner Man and that is when it is by it self for then it profits nothing Rom. 2.28 1 Cor. 13.1 2 3. 2 Cor. 5.12 3. Hence though the outward Court was something to the Jews because by outward Bodies they were distinguished from the Gentiles yet to us 't is little For now he is not a Jew who is one only outwardly Therefore all the time of the Beasts Reign this Court is given to be troden under foot for as I said outward shew will avail nothing when the Beast comes to turn and toss up Professors with his Horns Rev. 11.12 4. But as there was an outward so there was an inner Court a Court that stood nearer to the Temple and so to the true practical part of worship then that outward Court did Ezek. 10.13 Chap. 46.1 1 Kings 6.36 5. This inner Court is that which is called the Court of the Priests because it was it in which they boyled the Trespass-Offerings and in which they prepared the Sin-Offering for the People 2 Chr. 4.9 Ezek. 46.20 6. This Court therefore was the place of practise and of preparation to appear before God which is the first true token of a sincere and honest mind Wherefore here and not in the outward Court stood the great Brazen-Altar which was a type of Christ by whom alone the true worshippers make their approach with acceptance unto God. Also here stood the great Brazen-Scaffold on which the King kneeled when he Prayed for the People a type of Christs Prayers for his when he was in the world 1 Kings 8. 2 Chro. 6.13 John 17. 7. Wherefore this Court was a type of practical worship and so of our Praying Hearing and Eating before God. There belonged to this Court several Gates an East a South and a North Gate and when the People of the Land went into this Court to worship they were not to go out at that Gate by which they came in but out of the Gate over against it to shew that true Christians should persevere right on and not turn back what ever they meet with in the way He that entereth in by the way of the North Gate to worship shall go out by the way of the South Gate And he that entereth in by the way of the North Gate he shall not return by the way of the Gate whereby he came in but shall go forth over against it Ezek. 46.9 8. These Courts were places of great delight to the Jews as both feigned and sincere profession is to those that practise therein Wherefore when the Jews did enter into these they did use to do it with Praise and Pipe as do both Hypocrites and sincere ones So then when a man shall tread in both these Courts and shall turn what he seems to be into what he should be in reality then and not till then he treads them as he should For then he makes the outward Court and his treading there but a passage to that which is more inward and sincere But he that stayes in the outward one is but such an one as pleases not God for that he wants the practise of what he Professes with his Mouth XI Of the great Brazen Altar that stood in the inner Court of the Temple 1. IN the Inner Court stood the great brazen Altar which Solomon made This is evident for that when he kneeled upon the Scaffold there to Pray he kneeled before this Altar see Exod. 40.6 29. 2 Chron. 6.13 2 Kings 16.14 Joel 2.17 2. This Altar seems to be placed about the middle of this Court over against the Porch of the House and between it and the Temple was the place where Zachariah was slain This Altar was called the Altar of burnt Offering and therefore it was a type of Christ in his Divinity For Christ's Body was our true burnt Offering of which the bodies of the Sacrificed Beasts was a type now that Altar upon which his Body was offered was his Divinity or God-head For that and that only could bear up that offering in the whole of its Suffering and that therefore and that only was to receive the Fat the Glory Hence it is said He thorow the Eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God Heb. 9.14 3. For Christ is Priest and Sacrifice and Altar and All. And as a Priest he Offered as a Sacrifice he Suffered and as God he supported his Humanity in that suffering of all the pains it underwent Gal. 1.4 Chap. 2.20 1 Pet. 3.18 Heb. 9.14 4. It was then Christs God-head not the Tree that was the Altar of burnt Offering or that by which Christ Offered himself an Offering and a Sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling Savor 5. That it was not the Tree is evident for that could not Sanctify the Gift to wit his Body but Christ affirmeth That the Altar Sanctifieth the Gift And by so saying he affirmeth That the
9.2 13 14. XXI Of the Ornaments of the Porch of the Temple THere were three things belonging to the Porch besides its height that was an Ornament unto it I. It was over-laid within with Gold. II. It had the Pillars adjoyned unto it III. It was the in-let into the Temple First It was over-laid with Gold. Gold oft-times was a type of grace and particularly of the grace of love That in Solomon's Chariot called Gold is yet again mentioned by the name Love Song 3.9 10. As it is in the Church the grace of Love is as Gold 'T is the greatest the richest of Graces and that which abides for ever Hence they that shew much love to Saints are said to be rich 1 Tim. 6.17 18 19. And hence Charity is called a treasure a treasure in the heavens Luk. 12.33 34. Love is a golden Grace let then the Churches as the Porch of the Temple was be in-laid with love as gold Secondly It had the Pillars adjoyned to it the which besides their stateliness seem to be there typically to teach example For there was seen by the space of four Cubits their Lilie-work in the Porch 1 King. 7.19 Of their Lilie-work I spake before now that they were so placed that they might be seen in the Porch of the House it seems to be for example to teach the Church that she should live without worldly care as did the Apostles the first Planters of the Church And let Ministers do this they are now the Pillars of the Churches and they stand before the Porch of the House let them also shew their Lilie-work to the House that the Church may learn of them to be without carefulness as to worldly things and also to be rich in love and charity towards the brethren A covetous Minister is a base thing a Pillar more symbolizing Lot's Wife then an holy Apostle of Jesus Christ let them since they stand at the door and since the eyes of all in the Porch are upon them be Patterns and Examples of good works 1 Tim. 6.10 11 12. Tit. 2.7 Thirdly Another Ornament unto this Porch was that it was an inlet into the Temple Charity is it which receiveth Orphans that receiveth the poor and afflicted into the Church worldly love or that which is carnal shuts up bowels yea and the Church-doors too against the poor of the Flock wherefore look that this kind of love be never countenanced by you Crave that rather which is a fruit of the Spirit O Churches let your Ministers be beautified with your love that they may beautifie you with their love and also be an Ornament unto you and to that Gospel they minister to you for Jesus Christ's sake XXII Of the Ascent by which they went up into the Porch of the Temple 1. THis Porch also had certain steps by which they went up into the House of the Lord. I know not directly the number of them Though Ezekiel speaks something about it Ezek. 40.38 39. Hence when Men went to worship in the Temple they were said To go VP into the house of the Lord Isa. 38.22 These steps which were the ascent to the Temple were SO curiously set and also so finely wrought that they were amazing to behold Wherefore when the Queen of Sheba who came to prove Solomon's wisdom saw the house which he had built and his ascent by which he went up into the house of the Lord she had no more spirit in her She was by that sight quite drowned and overcome 1 King. 10 4 5. 2. These steps whether Cedar Gold or Stone yet that which added to their adornment was the wonderment of a Queen And whatever they were made of to be sure they were a shadow of those steps which we should take to and in the house of God. Steps of God Psal. 85.13 Steps ordered by him Psal. 37.23 Steps ordered in his Word Psal. 119.133 Steps of faith Rom. 4.12 Steps of the Spirit 1 Cor. 12.18 Steps of truth 3 Joh. 4. Steps washt with butter Job 29.6 Steps taken before or in the presence of God. Steps butted and bounded by a Divine Rule These are steps indeed 3. There are therefore no such steps as these to be found any where in the World. A step to honour a step to riches a step to worldly glory these are every where but what are these to the steps by which Men do ascend or go up to the House of the Lord He then that entreth into the House of the Lord is an ascending man as it is faid of Moses he went VP into the Mount to God. It is ascending to go into the House of God. The World believe not this they think 't is going downward to go up to the house of God but they are in a horrible mistake The steps then by which Men went up into the Temple are and ought to be opposed to those which Men take to their lusts and empty glories Hence such steps are said not only to decline from God but to take hold of the path to death and hell Psal. 44.18 Prov. 2.18 chap. 55. chap. 7.25 26 27. The steps then by which Men went up to the House of the Lord were significative of those steps which Men take when they go to God to Heaven and Glory for these steps were the way to God to God in his holy Temple But how few are there that as the Queen of the South are taken with these goodly steps Do not most rather seek to push away our feet from taking hold of the Path of Life or else lay snares for us in the way But all these notwithstanding the Lord guide us in the way of his steps they are goodly steps they are the best XXIII Of the Gate of the Porch of the Temple 1. THE Porch at which was an ascent to the Temple had a Gate belonging to it This Gate according to the Prophet Ezekiel was six Cubits wide The Leaves of this Gate was double one folding this way the other folding that Ezek. 40.48 Now here some may object and say Since the way to God by these doors were so wide why doth Christ say the way and gate is narrow Answer The straightness the narrowness must not be understood of the Gate simply but because of that cumber that some Men carry with them that pretend to be going to Heaven Six Cubits What is sixteen Cubits to him who would enter in here with all the World on his back The young Man in the Gospel who made such a noise for Heaven might have gone in easie enough for in six Cubits breadth there is room but poor Man he was not for going in thither unless he might carry in his Houses upon his shoulder too and now the Gate was strait Mark 10.17 18 19 20 21 22. Wherefore he that will enter in at the Gate of Heaven of which this Gate into the Temple was a type must go in by himself and not with his bundles of trash on
22. Jer. 32.41 Revel 21.6 Chap. 22.17 Wherefore the Oyl of Grace signified by this Oily Tree or these Olive-posts on which these Doors do hang do cause that they open glibly or frankly to the Soul. XXIX What the Doors of the Temple were made of 1. THE Doors of the Temple were made of Firr that is so sweet-scented and pleasant to the smell 1 King. 6.34 2. Mankind is also often compared to the Firr-tree as Isa. 41.19 Chap. 55.13 Chap. 60.17 and Chap. 14.8 3. Now since the Doors of the Temple were made of the same doth it not shew that the way into God's house and into his favour is by the same nature which they are of that thither enter even thorow the vail his flesh Heb. 10. For this Door I mean the Antitype doth even say of himself I am as a green Fir-tree from me is thy fruit found Hos. 14.8 4. This Fir-tree is Christ Christ as man and so as the way to the Father The Doors of the Temple are also as you see here made of the Fir-tree even of that Tree which was a type of the Humanity of Jesus Christ. Consider Heb. 2.14 5. The Fir-tree is also the house of the Stork that unclean Bird even as Christ is a harbour and shelter for Sinners As for the Stork saith the Text the FIR-TREE is her house and Christ saith to the Sinners that see their want of shelter Come unto me and I will give you rest He is a refuge for the oppressed a refuge in time of trouble Deut. 14.18 Levit. 11.19 Psal. 104.17 Psal. 84.2 3. Matt. 11.27 28. Heb. 6.17 18 19 20. He is as the Doors of Firr of the Temple the inlet to God's House to God's presence and to a partaking of his Glory Thus God did of old by similitudes teach his People his way XXX How the Doors of the Temple were adorned AND Solomon carved upon the Doors Cherubims Palm-trees and open Flowers and overlaid them all with Gold 1 King. 6.35 Ezek. 41.15 He carved Cherubims thereon These Cherubims were Figures or Types of Angels and for as much as they were carved here upon the Door it was to shew First What delight the Angels take in waiting upon the Lord and in going at his bidding at his beck They are always waiting like Servants at the Door of their Lord's house Secondly It may be also to shew how much pleased they are to be where they may see sinners come to God. For there is joy in the presence of the Angels of God over one sinner that repenteth and comes to God by Christ for mercy Luke 15.10 Thirdly They may be also placed here to behold with what reverence or irreverence those that come hither to worship do behave themselves Hence Solomon cautions those that come to God's House to worship that they take heed to their feet because of the Angels Paul also says Women must take heed that they behave themselves in the Church as they should and that because of the Angels Eccles. 5.1 2 6. 1 Cor. 11.10 Fourthly They may also be carved upon the Temple Doors to shew us how ready they are so soon as any poor Creature comes to Christ for life to take the care and charge of its conduct thorow this miserable World Are they not all ministring spirits sent forth to minister for those which shall be heirs of salvation Heb. 1.14 Fifthly They may also be carved here to shew that they are ready at Christ's command to take vengeance for him upon those that despise his People and hate his Person Hence he bids the world take heed what they do to his little ones for their Angels behold the face of their father which is in heaven and are ready at the Door to run at his bidding Matt. 18.10 Sixthly Or Lastly They may be carved upon these Doors to shew that Christ Jesus is the very Supporter and Upholder of Angels as well as the Saviour of sinful Man For as he is before all things so by him all things consist Angels stand by Christ Men are saved by Christ and therefore the very Cherubims themselves were carved upon these Doors to shew they are upheld and subsist by him 1 Cor. 8.6 Col. 1.17 Heb. 1.3 Secondly Again as the Cherubims are carved here so there were Palm-trees carved here also The Palm-tree is upright it twisteth not it self awry Jer. 10.5 1. Apply this to Christ and then it shews us the uprightness of his heart word and ways with sinners Good and upright is the Lord therefore will be teach sinners in the way in at the Door to Life Psal. 25.8 Psal. 92.15 2. The Palm or Palm-tree is also a token of victory and as placed here it betokeneth the conquest that Christ the Door should get over Sin Death the Devil and Hell for us Rom. 7.24 chap. 8.37 1 Cor. 15.54 55 56. Revel 7.9 10 11. 3. If we apply the Palm-tree to the Church as we may For she also is compared thereto Song 7.8 9 10. Then the Palm-tree may be carved here to shew That none but such as are upright of heart and life shall dwell in the presence of God. The hypocrite says Job shall not come before him The upright says David shall dwell in thy presence Job 13.16 Psal. 24.3 4. They are they that are clothed in white Robes which signifies uprightness of life that stand before the Lamb with Palms in their hands Revel 7.9 Thirdly There was also carved upon these Doors open Flowers And that to teach us that here is the sweet scent and fragrant smell and that the coming Soul will find it so in Christ this Door I am saith he the Rose of Sharon and the Lily of the Vallies And again * His Cheeks are as Beds of Spices and several Flowers his Lips like Lilies drop sweet smelling myrrhe Song 2.1 chap. 5.13 Open Flowers Open Flowers are the sweetest because full grown and because as such they yield their fragrancy most freely Wherefore when he saith upon the Doors are open Flowers he setteth Christ Jesus forth in his good favours as high as by such similitudes he could And that both in Name and Office. For open Flowers lay by their thus opening themselves before us all their beauty also most plainly before our Faces There are varieties of beauty in open Flowers the which they also commend to all observers Now upon these Doors you see are open Flowers Flowers ripe and spread before us to shew that his Name and Offices are savory to them that by him do enter his house to God his Father Song 1.1 2 3 4. All these were over-laid with fine gold Gold is most rich of all Metals and here 't is said the Doors the Cherubims the Palm trees and open Flowers were overlaid therewith And this shews that as these things are rich in themselves even so they should be to us We have a Golden Door to go to God by and golden Angels to conduct us thorow the World
this Man's snuff defile that Man's fingers as it doth Nor would the Temple of God be so besmeered with these snuffs and be-daubed as it is Ah Snuffs pull'd off lie still in the Temple-floor and there stink and defile both feet and fingers both the callings and conversations of Temple-worshipers to the disparaging of Religion and the making of religious worship but of low esteem with men And all I say for want of the due use of these Snuffers and these Snuff-dishes there Nay are not whole Churches now defiled with those very Snuffs that long since vvere plucked off and all for vvant of the use of these Snuff-dishes according to the Lord's Commandment For you must know that reproofs and admonitions are but of small use where repentance or Church censures are not thereto annexed When Ministers use the Snuffers the People should hold the Snuff-dishes Round reproofs for sin when they light upon penitent hearts then brave work is in the Church Then the Snuff is not only pulled away but carried out of the Temple of God aright c. And now the worship and worshipers shine like gold As an ear-ring of gold and an ornament of fine gold so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear Pro. 25.12 Ministers it appertains to you to use the Snuffers and to teach the People to hold the Snuff-dishes right Acts 20.20 21. 1 Tim. 4.2 We must often be snuffed vvith these Snuffers or our light vvill burn but dimly our Candle vvill also vvaste Pray therefore O men of God look diligently to your People Snuff them as you see there is need but touch not their Snuff vvith your WHITE Fingers a little Smutch on you vvill be seen a great vvay Remember also that you leave them no vvhere but vvith these Snuff-dishes that the Temple may be cleared of them Do vvith the Snuff as the neat House-wife doth vvith the Toad vvhich she finds in her Garden She takes the Fork or a pair of Tongs and therewith doth throw it over the Pales Cast them avvay I say vvith fear zeal care revenge and vvith great indignation 2 Cor. 7.11 And then your Church your Conversation your Fingers and all vvill be kept vvhite and clean XLVI Of the Golden Tongs belonging to the Temple THere vvas also Tongs of Gold used in the Temple of old 1 King. 7.49 1. These Tongs vvas used about the Altar to order the fire there 2. They vvere used too about the Candlestick and are therefore called HIS Tongs 3. Perhaps there vvas Tongs for both these Services but of that the Word is silent But what were they used about the Candlestick to do Answ. To take holy fire from off the Altar to light the Lamps vvithal For the fire of the Temple vvas holy fire such as at first vvas kindled from Heaven and vvhen kindled maintained by the Priests and of that the Lamps were lighted Levit. 9.24 2 Chro. 7.1 Nor vvas there upon pain of death any other fire to be used there Levit. 10.1 These Tongs therefore was used to take fire from off the Altar to light the Lamps and Candlesticks withal For to trim the Lights and dress the Lamps was Aaron's vvork day by day Exod. 40.24 25. Levit. 24.2 3. Numb 8.3 He shall light and order the Lamps upon the pure Candlestick before the Lord and Aaron did so he lighted the seven Lamps thereof as the Lord commanded Moses What is a Lamp or Candlestick to us if there be not light thereon and hovv lighted vvithout fire and hovv shall vve take up Coals to light the Lamps withal if vve have not Tongs prepared for that purpose With these Tongs fire also vvas taken from off the Altar and put into the Censers to burn svveet Incense vvith before the Lord. The Tongs then vvere of great use in the Temple of the Lord. But what were the Tongs a type of The Altar vvas a type of Christ the fire of the Holy Ghost and these Tongs vvere a type of that holy hand of God's grace by vvhich the COALS or several dispensations and gifts of this Holy Ghost are taken and given to the Church and to her Members for her vvork and profit in this World. Tongs vve knovv are used instead of fingers vvherefore Aaron's golden Tongs vvere a type of Christ's golden fingers Song 5.14 Isaiah saith That one of the Seraphims flew to him with a live Coal in his hand which he had taken with the Tongs from off the Altar Here the type and antitype to wit Tongs and hand are put together Isa. 6. But the Prophet Ezekiel treating of like matters quite waves the type the Tongs and speaketh only of this holy hand And he spake to the man cloathed with linnen and said go in between the wheels under the cherub where the mercy-feat stood where God dwelt Exod. 2. Psal. 80.1 and fill thy Hand with Coals of fire from between the Cherubims Ezek. 10.2 Thus you see our golden Tongs are now turned into a golden hand into the golden hand of the man clothed in linnen which is Jesus Christ who at his ascension received of God the Father the Spirit in all fulness to give as his Divine wisdom knew was best the several Coals or Dispensations thereof unto his Church for his praise and her edification Matt. 3.11 Acts 2. 'T is by this hand also that this holy fire is put into our Censers 'T is this hand also that takes this Coal therewith to touch the Lips of Ministers that their Words may warm like fire And 't is by this hand that the Spirit is given to the Churches as returns of their holy prayers Luke 11.1 2. Rom. 8.26 Rev. 8.5 'T was convenient that the fire in the Temple should be disposed of by golden Tongs but the Holy Ghost by the golden hand of Christ's grace for that can wittingly dispose of it according as Men and things are placed and to do and be done in the Churches Wherefore he adds And one Cherub stretched forth his hand from between the Cherubims unto the fire that was between the Cherubims and took thereof and put it into the hands of him that was clothed with Linnen who took it and went out Ezek. 10.7 By this hand then by this man's hand the Coals of the Altar are disposed of both to the Lamps the Candlesticks the Censers and the Lips of Ministers according to his own good pleasure And of all this was the Tongs in the Temple a Type XLVII Of the Altar of Incense in the Temple THE Altar of Incense was made first for the Tabernacle and that of Shittim Wood but it was made for the Temple of Cedar and it was to be set before the Vail that is by the Ark of the Testimony before the Mercy-Seat that is at the entring of the Holiest but not within And the Priest was to approach it every Morning which as to the holiest he might not do Besides when he went in to make an Atonement he
him Psal. 23.5 Luk. 15.22 23 24. Song 5.1 chap. 7.11 12. Joh. 14.23 Revel 3.20 This is that to which the Apostle alludeth when he saith Be not drunk with Wine wherein is excess but be ye filled with the Spirit speaking to your selves in Psalms and Hymns and spiritual Songs singing and making melody in your hearts unto the Lord. For the Cups as to their use in the general understand them as of the Bowls made mention of before For assurances are the blooms and flowers of Faith not always on it though usually on Feasting days 't is so So the degree of the one is still according to the measure of the other Ephes. 5.18 Jam. 5. Rom. 15.13 LII Of the Chargers of the Temple IN the Tabernacle they had but twelve of them and they were made of Silver but in the Temple they had in all a thousand and thirty The thirty were made of Gold the rest were made of Silver Numb 7.84 These Chargers were not for uses common or profane but as I take it they were those in which the Passover and other Meat-offerings were drest up when the People came to eat before God in his holy Temple The meat you know I told you was opposite to milk and so are these Chargers to the Bowls and Cups and Flaggons of the Temple The Meat was of two sorts rost or boyl'd Of that which was rost was the Passover and of that which was boyl'd was the Trespass offerings Wherefore concerning the Passover he saith Eat not of it raw nor sodden at all in Water but rost with fire his head with his legs and with the purtenance thereof Exod. 12. This rost meat was a type of the body of Christ as suffering for our sins the which when it was rost was and is as drest up in Chargers and set before the Congregations of the Saints But what were the Chargers a type of I also ask in what Charger our Gospel-Passover is now drest up and set before the People Is it not in the four Evangelists the Prophets and Epistles of the Apostles They therefore are the Chargers and the Ordinance of the Supper in these also is the Trespass-Offerings with what is fried in Pans mystically prepared for the Children of the highest And why might they not be a type of Gospel-Sermons I answer I think not so fitly for alas the best of Sermons in the World are but as thin slices cut out of those large dishes Our Ministers are the Carvers good Doctrine is the meat and the Chargers in which this meat is found are the holy Canonical Scriptures c. Though as I said most properly the New Testament of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. In these is Christ most truly lively and amply set before us as crucified or rost at the fire of God's Law for our sins that we might live by him through faith feeding upon him 2 Cor. 3.12 Gal. 3.1 2. Acts 3.18 19 20 21. Chap 13.4 Chap 26.22 1 Pet. 1.10 Acts 7.42 Chap. 15.15 Chap. 28.23 Rom. 16.26 Revel 10.7 There is in these Chargers not only meat but sawce if you like it to eat the meat withal For the Passover there is bitter herbs or sound repentance and for other as the thank-offerings there is holy chearfulness and prayers to God for grace All these are set forth before us in the holy Scriptures and presented to us thereby as in the golden Chargers of the Temple He that will scoff at this let him scoff The Chargers were a type of some thing and he that can shew a fitter Antitype then is here proposed to consideration let him do it and I 'l be thankful to him Christians here is your Meat before you get your Carvers to slice it out for you and this know the deeper you dip it in the sawce the better it will relish But let not unbelief teach you such manners as to make you leave the best bits behind you For your liberty is to eat freely of the best of the fat and of the sweet LIII Of the goings out of the Temple AS to the comings into the Temple of them we have spoken already namely of the outer and inner Court as also of the Doors of the Porch and Temple The coming in was but one strait course and that a type of Jesus Christ but the goings out were many Joh. 10.9 Chap. 14.6 Now as I said it is insinuated that the goings out are many answerable to the many ways which the Children of Men have invented to Apostatize in from God. Christ is the way into but sin the way out of the Temple of God. True I read not of a description of the goings out of this House as I read of the comings in Only when they had Athalia out thence She is said To go out by the way by which the Horses come into the King's Stables and there she was slain as it were upon the Horse-dunghil 2 King. 11.16 2 Chron. 24.15 When Vzziah also went out of this House for his transgression he was cast out of all Society and made to dwell in a kind of a Pest-house even to the day of his death 2 Chro. 26.20 21. Thus therefore though these goings out are not particularly described the Judgments that followed them that have for their transgressions been thrust out thence have been both remarkable and tremendous For for to die upon a dunghil or in a Pest-house and that for wicked actions is a shameful a disgraceful thing And God will still be spreading dung upon the faces of such no greatness shall prevent it Yea and will take them away with it Mal. 2. I will drive them out of my house says he I will love them no more Hos. 9.15 But what are we to understand in Gospel-days by going out of the house of the Lord for or by sin I answer If it be done voluntarily then sin leads you out if it be done by the holy compulsion of the Church then 't is done by the Judicial Judgment of God That is they are cut off and cast out from thence as a Just reward for their transgressions Levit. 20.18 Chap. 22.3 Ezek. 14.8 1 Cor. 5.13 Well but whether do they go that are thus gone out of the Temple or Church of God I answer Not to the Dunghil with Athalia nor to the Pest house with Vzziah but to the Devil that 's the first step and so to Hell without repentance But if their sin be not unpardonable they may by repentance be recovered and in mercy tread these Courts again Now the way to this recovery is to think seriously what they have done or by what way they went out from the House of God. Hence the Prophet is bid to shew to the rebellious house first the goings out of the house and then the comings in But I say first he bids shew them the goings out thereof Ezek. 43.10 11. And this is of absolute necessity for the recovering of the sinner For