there God acts in a way of grace towards us Exod. 25.17 18 19 20 21 22. LXIV Of the Living Waters of the Inner Temple ALthough in the holy Relation of the Building of the Temple no mention is made of these Waters but only of the Mount on which and the Materials with which the King did Build it Yet it seems to me that in that Mount and there too where the Temple was Built there was a Spring of Living Water This seems more than probable by Ezek. 47.1 where he saith He brought me to the Door of the House and behold Waters issued out from under the Threshold of the House East-ward for the fore-front of the House stood toward the East and the Waters came down from under from the right side of the House at the South side of the Altar So Again Joel 3.18 And a Fountain shall come forth of the House of the Lord and shall Water the Valley of Shittim Nor was the Spring where-ever was the first appearance of these holy Waters but in the Sanctuary which is the holyest of all Ezek. 47. v. 12. where the Mercy-seat stood which in Revelations is called The Throne of God and of the Lamb Chap. 22.1 2. This also is that which the Prophet Zechariah means when he says Living Waters shall go forth from Jerusalem half of them toward the former Sea and half of them toward the hinder Sea c. Zech. 14.8 They are said to go forth from Jerusalem because they came down to the City from out of the Sanctuary which stood in Jerusalem This is that which in another place is called a River of Water of Life because it comes forth from the Throne and because it was at the head of it as I suppose used in and about Temple Worship 'T was with this I think that the Molten Sea and the Ten Lavers were filled and in which the Priests washed their Hands and Feet when they went into the Temple to do service and that also in which they washed the Sacrifices before they offered them to God Yea I presume all the washings and rinsings about their Worship was with this Water This Water is said in Ezekiel and Revelations to have the Tree of Life grow on the Banks of it Ezek. 47. Rev. 22. and was a type of the Word and Spirit of God by which both Christ himself sanctified himself in order to his Worship as high Priest And also this Water is that which Heals all those that shall be Saved and by which they being Sanctified thereby also do all their works of Worship and Service acceptably through Jesus Christ our Lord. This Water therefore is said to go forth into the Sea the World and to Heal it's Fish the Sinners therein Yea this is that Water of which Christ Jesus our Lord saith Whosoever shall drink thereof shall live fer ever Ezek. 47.8 9 10. Zech. 14.8 LXV Of the Chains which were in the Oracle or Inner Temple AS there were Chains on the Pillars that stood before the Porch of the Temple and in the first House so like unto them there was Chains in the Holiest here called the Oracle These Chains were not Chains in shew or as Carved on Wood c. but Chains indeed and that of Gold And they were prepared to make a Partition before the Oracle within 1 King. 6.21 2 Chron. 3.16 I told you before that the Holiest was called the Oracle not because in a strickt sence the whole of it was so but because such answer of God was there as was not in the outward Temple but I think that the Ark and Mercy-seat was indeed more specially that called the Oracle for there will I meet with thee said God and from above that will I commune with thee When David said I lift my Hands toward thy holy Oracle he meant not so much towards the Holiest House as toward the Mercy-seat that was therein Or as he saith in the Margin Toward the Oracle of thy Sanctuary Psal. 28 2. 1. When therefore he saith before the Oracle he means These Chains were put in the most Holy place before the Ark and Mercy-seat to give to Aaron and his Sons to understand that an Additional Glory was there For the Ark and Mercy-seat were preferred before that holy House it self even as Christ and the Grace of God is preferred before the highest Heavens The Lord is high above all Nations and his Glory is above the Heavens Psal. 113.4 So then the Partition that was made in this House by these Chains these Golden-Chains was not so much to divide the holy from the place most holy as to shew that there is in the Holiest House that which is yet more worthy then it The Holiest was a type of Heaven but the Ark and Mercy-seat were a type of Christ and of the mercy of God to us by him and I trow any man will conclude if he knows what he says that the God and Christ of Heaven are more excellent then the House they dwell in Hence David said again Whom have I in Heaven but thee For thou art more Excellent then they Psal. 73.25 For though that which is called Heaven would serve some yea though God himself was out on 't yet none but the God of Heaven will satisfie a truly Gracious Man 'T is God that the Soul of this Man thirsteth for 'T is God that is his exceeding Joy Psal. 42.2 Psal. 63.1 Psal. 143.6 Psal. 17. ult Psal. 43.4 These Chains then as they made this Partition in the most holy Plaâ—â— may teach us that when we shall be glorified in Heaven we shall yet even then and there know that there will continue an infinite Disproportion between God and us The Golden Chains that are there will then distinguish the Creator from the Creature For we even we which shall be saved shall yet retain our own Nature and shall still continue finite beings yea and shall there also see a disproportion between our Lord our Head and us for though now we are and also then shall be like him as to his Manhood yea and shall be like him also as being glorified with his glory yet he shall transcend and go beyond us as to Degree and Splendor as far as ever the highest King on Earth did shine above the meanest Subject that dwelt in his Kingdom Chains have of old been made use of as notes of Distinction to shew us who are bond men and who free Yea they shall at the Day of Judgment be a note of Distinction of bad and good even as as here they will distinguish the Heavens from God and the Creature from the Creator 2 Pet. 2.4 Jude 6. Mat. 22.13 True They are Chains of Sin and Wrath but these Chains of Gold yet these Chains even these also will keep Creatures in their place that the Creator may have his Glory and receive those acknowledgments there from them which is due unto his Majesty Rev. 4. and Chap. 5.11 12
Solomon's Temple Spiritualiz'd OR GOSPEL-LIGHT Fetcht out of the TEMPLE AT JERUSALEM To let us more easily into The GLORY of New-Testament-Truths By John Bunyan Ezek. 43.10 11. Thou Son of Man shew the House to the House of Israel shew them the Form of the House and the Fashion thereof and the Goings out thereof and the Comings in thereof and all the Forms thereof and all the Ordinances thereof and aâ—l the Forms thereof and all the Laws thereof LONDON Printed for and Sold by George Larkin at the Two Swans without Bishopgate 1688. TO THE Christian READER Courteous Christian Reader I Have as thou by this Little Book mayst see adventured at this time to do my endeavour to shew thee something of the Gospel-Glory of Solomon's Temple That is of what it with its Utensils was a Type of and as such how instructing it was to our Fathers and also is to us their Children The which that I might do the more distinctly I have handled Particulars one by one to the number of threescore and ten namely all that of them I could call to mind because as I believe there was not one of them but had its signification and so something profitable for us to know For though we are not now to worship God in those Methods or by such Ordinances as once the Old Church did Yet to know their Methods and to understand the Nature and Signification of their Ordinances when compared with the Gospel may even now when themselves as to what they once enjoyned on others are dead may minister Light to us And hence the New-Testament Ministers as the Apostles made much use of Old Testament-Language and Ceremonial Institutions as to their signification to help the Faith of the Godly in their preaching of the Gospel of Christ. I may say that God did in a manner tie up the Church of the Jews to Types Figures and Similitudes I mean to be butted and bounded by them in all external parts of Worship Yea not only the Levitical Law and Temple but as it seems to me the whole Land of Canaan the Place of their Lot to dwell in was to them as Ceremonial or a Figure Their Land was a Type of Heaven their passage over Jordan into it a similitude of our going to Heaven by death The Fruit of their Land was said to be uncircumcised as being at their first entrance thither unclean in which their Land was also a Figure of another thing even as Heaven was a Type of Sin and Grace Again The very Land it self was said to keep Sabbath and so to rest a holy rest even then when she lay desolate and not possessed of those to whom she was given for them to dwell in Yea many of the Features of the then Church of God were set forth as in Figures and Shadows so by Places and things in that Land. 1. In general she is said to be beautiful as Tirzah Song 6.4 and to be comely as Jerusalem 2. In particular Her Neck is compared to the Tower of David builded for an Armory Song 4.4 Her Eyes to the Fishpools of Heshbon by the Gate of Bethrabbim chap. 7.4 Her Nose is compared to the Tower of Lebanon which looketh towards Damascus chap. 4.1 Yea the Hair of her Head is compared to a flock of Goats which come up from Mount Gilead And the Smell of her Garments to the smell of Lebanon vers 11. Nor was this Land altogether void of Shadows even of her Lord and Saviour Hence He saies of Himself I am the Rose of Sharon and the Lilie of the Valleys Song 2.1 Also She his Beloved saith of him His Countenance is as Lebanon excellent as the Cedars chap. 5.15 What shall I say The two Cities Sion and Jerusalem were such as sometimes set forth the two Churches Gal. 4. the True and the False and their Seed Isaac and Ishmael I might also here shew you that even the Gifts and Graces of the True Church were set forth by the Spices Nuts Grapes and Pomgranates that the Land of Canaan brought forth Yea that Hell it self was set forth by the Valley of the Sons of Hinnom and Tophet places in this Country Indeed the whole in a manner was a Typical and a Figurative Thing But I have in the ensuing Discourse confined my self to the Temple that immediate place of God's Worship of whose Utensils in particular as I have said I have spoken though to each with what brevity I could For that none of them are without a Spiritual and so a Profitable Signification to us And here we may behold much of the Richness of the Wisdom and Grace of God namely That he even in the very place of Worship of old should Ordain Visible Forms and Representations for the Worshippers to learn to Worship him by Yea the Temple it self was as to this to them a good Instruction But in my thus saying I give no encouragement to any now to fetch out of their own fancies Figures or Similitudes to worship God by What God provided to be an help to the weakness of his People of Old was one thing and what they invented without his Commandment was another For though they had his Blessing when they Worshipped him with such Types Shadows and Figures which he had injoyned on them for that purpose yet he sorely punished and plagued them when they would add to these Inventions of their own Yea he in the very act of instituting their way of Worshipping him forbad their giving in any thing way to their own Humours or Fancies and bound them strictly to the Orders of Heaven Look saith God to Moses their first great Legislator That thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the Mount Exod. 25.40 Heb. 8.5 Nor doth our Apostle but take the same measures when he saith If any man thinketh himself a Prophet or Spiritual Let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the Commandments of the Lord 1 Cor. 14.37 When Solomon also was to build this Temple for the Worship of God though he was wiser than all men yet God neither trusted to his Wisdom nor Memory nor to any immediate Dictates from Heaven to him as to how he would have him build it No he was to receive the whole Platform thereof in writing by the Inspiration of God. Nor would God give this Platform of the Temple and of its Utensils immediately to this Wise Man lest perhaps by others his Wisdom should be idolized or that some should object that the whole Fashion thereof proceeded of his Fancie only he made pretentions of Divine Revelation as a cover for his doings Therefore I say not to him but to his Father David was the whole Pattern of it given from Heaven and so by David to Solomon his Son in writing Then David saies the Text gave to Solomon his Son the Pattern of the Porch and of the Houses thereof and of the Treasuries thereof and of
the Vpper Chambers thereof and of the Inner Parlors thereof and of the place of the Mercy-Seat 1 Chron. 28.11 And the Pattern of all that he had by the Spirit of the Courts of the House of the Lord and of all the Chambers round about and of the Treasuries of the House of God and of the Treasures of the Dedicated Things ver 12. Also for the Courses of the Priests and Levites and for all the work of the service of the House of the Lord and for all the Vessels of service in the House of the Lord. ver 13. Yea moreover he had from Heaven or by Divine Revelation what the Candlesticks must be made of and also how much was to go to each the same Order and Commandment he also gave for the making of the Tables Flesh-hooks Cups Basons Altar of Incense with the Pattern for the Chariot of the Cherubims c. ver 14 15 16 17 18 19. All this said David the Lord made me understand by writing by his Hand upon me even all the Work of this Pattern Ver. 20. So I say He gave David the Pattern of the Temple so David gave Solomon the Pattern of the Temple and according to that Pattern did Solomon build the Temple and no otherwise True all these were but Figures Patterns and Shadows of things in the Heavens and not the very image of the things But as was said afore if God was so circumspect and exact in these as not to leave any thing to the dictates of the godly and wisest of men what Can we suppose he will now admit of the Wit and Contrivance of men in those things that are in comparison to them the Heavenly things themselves It is also to be concluded That since those Shadows of things in the Heavens are already committed by God to Sacred Story and since that Sacred Story is said to be able to make the man of God perfect in all things 2 Tim. 3.15 16 17. It is duty to us to leave off to lean to common understandings and to enquire and search out by that very Holy Writ and nought else by what and how we should worship God. David was for enquiring in his Temple Psal. 27.4 And although the old Church way of worship is laid aside as to us in New-Yestament-times Yet since those very Ordinances were Figures of Things and Methods of Worship now we may yea we ought to search out the spiritual meaning of them because they serve to confirm and illustrate matters to our understandings Yea they shew us the more exactly how the New and Old Testament as to the spiritualness of the worship was as one and the same only the Old was clouded with Shadows but ours is with more open Face Features to the life as we say set out by a Picture does excellently shew the skill of the Artist The Old Testament had the shadow nor have we but the very Image both then are but Emblems of what is yet behind We may find our Gospel clouded in their Ceremonies and our Spiritual Worship set out somewhat by their Carnal Ordidinances Now because as I said there lies as wrapt up in a Mantle much of the Glory of our Gospel-matters in this Temple which Solomon builded therefore I have made as well as I could by comparing Spiritual Things with Spiritual this Book upon this Subject I dare not presume to say That I know I have hit right in every thing but this I can say I have endeavoured so to do True I have not for these things fished in other mens Waters my Bible and Concordance are my only Library in my writings Wherefore Courteous Reader if thou findest any thing either in word or matter that thou shalt judge doth vary from God's truth let it be counted no mans else but mine Pray God also to pardon my fault do thou also lovingly pass it by and receive what thou findest will do thee good And for thy easier finding of any particular in the Book I have in the leaves following set before thee the chief Heads one by one and also in what page of the Book thou mayst find them Thy Servant in the Gospel John Bunyan THE CONTENTS OF THIS BOOK 1. WHen the Temple was builded Page 1 2. Who Built the Temple 2 3. How the Temple was built 3 4. Of what the Temple was built 5 5. Who was to fell the Trees and to dig the Stones with which the Temple was built 6 6. In what Condition the Timber and Stones were when brought to be laid in the building of the Temple 9 7. Of the Foundation of the Temple 12 8. Of the richness of the Stones which were laid for the Foundation of the Temple 14 9. Which way the Face of the Front of the Temple stood 16 10. Of the Courts of the Temple 19 11. Of the great Brazen Altar that stood in the Inner Court of the Temple 23 12. Of the Pillars which were before the Porch of the Temple 26 13. Of the height of these Pillars that thus stood before the Porch of the Door of the Temple 29 14. Of the Chapiters of the Pillars of the Temple 31 15. Of the Pomgranates adjoyning to the Nets on the Chapiters 33 16. Of the Chains that were upon these Pillars that stood before the Temple 35 17. Of the Lilie-work which was upon the Chapiters that were upon these Pillars of the Temple 35 18. Of the Fashion of Temple 40 19. Of the outward Glory of the Temple 44 20. Of the Porch of the Temple 46 21. Of the Ornaments of the Porch of the Temple 49 22. Of the Ascent by which they went up into the Porch of the Temple 52 23. Of the Gate of the Porch of the Temple 54 24. Of the Pinacles of the Temple 57 25. Of the Porters of the Temple 59 26. Of the Charge of the Porters of the Temple more particularly 61 27. Of the Doors of the Temple 64 28. Of the Leaves of this Gate of the Temple 66 29. What the Doors of the Temple were made of 69 30. How the Doors of the Temple were adorned 70 31. Of the Wall of the Temple 75 32. Of the Garnishing of the Temple with Precious Stones 78 33. Of the Windows of the Temple 81 34. Of the Chambers of the Temple 83 35. Of the Stairs by which they wâ—nt up into the Chambers of the Temple 86 36. Of the Molten Sea which was in the Temple 89 37. Vpon what the Molten-Sea stood in the Temple 92 38. Of the Lavers of the Temple 96 39. Of the Tables in the Temple 99 40. Of the Instruments wherewith the Sacrifices were slain and of the Four Tables they were laid on in the Temple 102 41. Of the Candlesticks of the Temple 106 42. Of the Lamps belonging to the Candlesticks of the Temple 109 43. Of the Shew-Bread on the Golden Table in the Temple 111 44. Of the Snuffers belonging to the Candlesticks and Lamps of the Temple 114
Stones called Foundation-Stones were Types of the Prophets and Apostles Matt. 16.18 Ephes. 2.20 21. Heb. 11.10 Wherefore These Stones were Stones of the biggest Size Stones of Eight Cubits and Stones of Ten Cubits 1 King 7 10. Now as the Temple had this double Foundation so we must consider it respectively and distinctly For Christ is the Foundation one way the Prophets and Apostles a Foundation another Christ is the Foundation personally and meritoriously but the Prophets and Apostles by Doctrine Ministerially The Church then which is Gods New-Testament Temple as it is said to be builded on Christ the Foundation SO none other is the Foundation but He 1 Cor. 3.11 12. But as it is said to be Builded upon the Apostles So it is said to have Twelve Foundations and must have none but they Rev. 21.14 What is it then Why we must be Builded upon Christ as he is our Priest Sacrifice Prophet King and Advocate and upon the other as they are Infallible Instructors and Preachers of him not that any may be an Apostle that so shall esteem of himself nor that any other Doctrine be Administred but what is the Doctrine of the Twelve for they are set forth as the chief and last These are also they as Moses which are to look over all the Building and to see that all in this House be done according to the Patern shewed to them in the Mount Exod. 39.43 John 20.21 22 23. 1 Cor. 3.9 Chap. 4.9 Let us then keep these distinctions clear and not put an Apostle in the room of Christ nor Christ in the place of one of those Apostles Let none but Christ be the High Priest and Sacrifice for your Souls to God and none but that Doctrine which is Apostolical be to you as the Mouth of Christ for Instruction to prepare you and to prepare materials for this Temple of God and to Build them upon this Foundation VIII Of the richness of the Stones which were laid for the Foundations of the Temple THese Foundation Stones as they were great so they were costly Stones Tho as I said of themselves of no more worth then they of their nature that were left behind Their costliness therefore lay in those additions which they received from the Kings charge First In that labour which was bestowed upon them in Sawing Squaring and Carving For the Servants as they were cunning at this work so they bestowed much of their Art and Labour upon them by which they put them into excellent form and added to their Bigness Glory and Beauty fit for Stones upon which so goodly a Fabrick was to be builded Secondly These Stones as they were thus wrought within and without so as it seems to me they were inlaid with other Stones more precious than themselves Inlaid I say with Stones of divers colours According as it is written I will lay thy Foundations with Saphires Isa. 54.11 not that the Foundations were Saphires but they were laid inlaid with them or as he saith in another place They were adorn'd with goodly Stones and Gifts Luk. 21.5 This is still more Amplified where it is written of the New Jerusalem which is still the New Testament-Church on Earth and so the same in substance with what is now The Foundations of the Wall of the City saith he were garnished with all manner of precious Stones Revel 21.19 True these there are called The Foundations of the WALL of the City but it has respect to the matter in hand for that which is before called a Temple for its comparitive smallness is here called a City for or because of its great Increase And both the Foundations of the Wall of the City as well as of the Temple are the twelve Apostles of the Lamb Rev. 21.14 For these Carvings and Inlayings with all other Beautifications were types of the extraordinary Gifts and Graces of the Apostles Hence the Apostle calls such gifts signs of Apostleship Rom. 15.19 2 Cor. 12.21 Heb. 2.4 For as the Foundation Stones of the Temple were thus garnished so were the Apostles beautified with a Call Gifts and Graces peculiar to themselves Hence he says First Apostles for that they were first and chief in the Church of Christ 1 Cor. 12.28 Nor were these stones only laid for a Foundation for the Temple the great Court the inner Court as also the Porch of the Temple had round about them three rows of these stones for their Foundation 1 King. 7.12 Signifying as it seems to me that the more outward and External Part as well as that more Internal Worship to be performed to God should be grounded upon Apostolical Doctrine and Appointments 1 Cor. 3.10 11 12. 2 Thes. 2.15 Chap. 3.6 Heb. 6.1.2 3 4. IX Which way the Face or Front of the Temple stood 1. THe Temple was Builded with its Face or Front towards the East and that perhaps because the Glory of the God of Israel was to come from the way of the East unto it Ezek. 43.1 2 3 4. Chap. 47.1 Wherefore in that its Front stood towards the East it may be to shew that the true Gospel Church would have its Eye to and Expectation from the Lord. We look said Paul but whither We have our Conversation said he in Heaven from whence our Expectation is 2. Cor. 4.18 Phil. 3.20 21. Psal. 62.5 2. It was set also with its Face towards the East to keep the People of God from committing of Idolatry to wit from worshiping the Host of Heaven and the Sun whose rising is from the East For since the Face of the Temple stood toward the East and since the worshippers were to worship at or with their Faces towards the Temple it follows that both in their going to and worshiping God towards that place their Faces must be from and their Backs towards the Sun. The thus Building of the Temple therefore was a Snare to Idolators and a proof of the Zeal of those that were the true worshippers As also to this day the true Gospel instituted worship of Jesus Christ is Hence he is said to Idolaters to be a Snare and Trap but to the Godly a Glory Isa. 8.14 Chap. 60.19 3. Do but see how God catcht the Idolatrous Jews by this means in their naughtiness And he brought me said the Prophet into the inner Court of the Lords House and beheld at the Door of the Temple of the Lord even between the Porch and the Altar were about five and twenty men with their Backs towards the Temple of the Lord and their Faces towards the East Ezek. 8.16 It was therefore as I said set with its Face towards the East to prevent false Worships and detect Idolaters 4. From the East also came the most Blasting Winds Winds that are destructive to Man and Beasts to Fruit and Trees and Ships at Sea Exo. 10.13 Job 27.21 Ezek. 17.10 Chap. 19.12 Psal. 48.7 Ezek. 27.26 I say The East Wind or that which comes from thence is the most hurtful
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
his back and if he will go in thus he need not fear there is room The righteous Nation that keepeth the truth they shall enter in Isa. 26.2 2. They that enter in at the Gate of the inner Court must be clothed in fine Linnen how then shall they go into the Temple that carry the clogs of the dirt of this World at their heels Thus saith the Lord No stranger uncircumcised in heart or uncircumcised in flesh shall enter into my Sanctuary Ezek. 44.9 3. The wideness therefore of this Gate is for this cause here made mention of to wit to encourage them that would gladly enter thereat according to the mind of God and not to flatter them that are not for leaving of all for God. 4. Wherefore let such as vvould go in remember that here is room even a Gate to enter in at six Cubits wide We have been all this vvhile but on the outside of the Temple even in the Courts of the House of the Lord to see the beauty and glory that is there The beauty hereof made Men cry out and say How amiable are thy Tabernacles O Lord of Hosts My Soul longeth yea fainteth for the Courts of the Lord and to say A day in thy Courts is better then a thousand Psal. 84.1 2 c. XXIV Of the Pinacles of the Temple 1. THere was also several Pinacles belonging to the Temple These Pinacles stood on the top aloft in the air and were sharp and so difficult to stand upon what men say of their number and length I wave and come directly to their signification 2. I therefore take those Pinacles to be types of those lofty airy Notions with which some Men delight themselves while they hover like Birds above the solid and godly truths of Christ. Satan attempted to entertain Christ Jesus with this type and antitype at once when he set him on one of the Pinacles of the Temple and offered to thrust him upon a false confidence in God by a false and unsound interpretation of a Text Matt. 4.5 6. Luke 4 9 10 11. 3. You have some men cannot be content to worship IN the Temple but must be aloft no Place will serve them but Pinacles Pinacles that they may be speaking in and to the air that they may be promoting their heady Notions instead of solid truth not considering that now they are where the Devil would have them be they strut upon their points their Pinacles but let them look to it there is difficult standing upon pinacles their Neck their Soul is in danger We read God is IN his Temple not upon those Pinacles Psal. 11.4 Hab 2.20 4. 'T is true Christ was once upon one of these but the Devil set him there with intent to have dasht him in pieces by a fall and yet even then told him if he would venter to tumble down he should be kept from dashing his foot against a stone To be there therefore was one of Christ's temptations consequently one of Satan's stratagems nor went he thither of his own accord for he knew that there was danger he loved not to clamber Pinacles 5. This should teach Christians to be low and little in their own eyes and to forbear to intrude into airy and vain speculations and to take heed of being puffed up with a foul and empty mind XXV Of the Porters of the Temple 1. THere were Porters belonging to the Temple In David's time their number was four thousand Men 1 Chron. 23 5. 2. The Porters were of the Levites and their work was to watch at every Gate of the house of the Lord. At the Gate of the outward Court at the Gates of the inner Court and at the Door of the Temple of the Lord 2 Chro. 35.15 3. The work of the Porters or rather the reason of their vvatching was to look that none not duly qualified entered into the House of the Lord. He set saith the Text Porters at the Gates of the house of the Lord that none which was unclean in any thing should enter in 2 Chro. 23.19 4. The excellency of the Porters lay in these three things their watchfulness diligence and valour to make resistance to those that as unfit vvould attempt to enter those Courts and the house of God 1 Chron. 26.6 Mark 13.34 5. These Porters vvere types of our Gospel Ministers as they are set to be Watch-men in and over the Church and the holy things of God. Therefore as Christ gives to every Man in the Church his work so he commands the Porter to watch Isa. 21.11 Ezek. 3.17 Chap. 33.7 Acts 20.17 28 29 30 31. 2 Tim. 4.5 Revel 3.2 3. 6. Sometimes every awakened Christian is said to be a Porter and such at Christ's first knock open unto him immediately Luke 12.36 37 38 39. 7. The heart of a Christian is also sometimes called the Porter for that when the true Shepherd comes to it to him it this Porter openeth also Joh. 10 3. 8. This last has the Body for his Watch-house the Eyes and Ears for his Port-holes the Tongue therewith to cry Who comes there as also to call for aid when any thing unclean shall attempt with force and violence to enter in to defile the house XXVI Of the charge of the Porters of the Temple more particularly 1. THE charge of the Porters was to keep their Watch in four-square even round about the Temple of God. Thus it was ordained by David before him by Moses and after him by Solomon his Son 1 Chron. 9.24 Numb 3. 2 Chro. 23.19 chap. 35.15 2. The Porters had some of them the charge of the Treasure-chambers some of them had the charge of the ministring Vessels even to bring them in and out by tale Also the opening and shutting of the Gates of the house of the Lord was a part of their Calling and Office. 1. I told you the Porters were types of our Gospel-Ministers as they are Watch-men in and over the house of God and therefore in that they were thus to watch round about the Temple What is it but to shew how diligent Satan is to see if he may get in somewhere by some means to defile the Church of God. He goes round and round and round us to see if he can find a Hog-hole for that purpose 2. This also sheweth that the Church of it self without its Watch-men is a weak feeble and very helpless thing What can the Lady or Mistriss do to defend her self against Thieves and sturdy Villains if there be none but she at home 'T is said when the Shepherd is smitten the sheep shall be scattered What could the Temple do without its Watch-men 3. Again in that the Porters had charge of the Treasure chambers as it is 1 Chro. 9.26 It is to intimate that the Treasures of the Gospel are with the Ministers of our God and that the Church next to Christ should seek them at their mouth We have this Treasure in earthen Vessâ—ls saith
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
was to take fire from off that Altar to burn his Incense within the Holy Place Exod. 30.4 5 6 7 8 9 10. Levit. 16.18 1. It was called the golden Altar because 't was over-laid with pure gold This Altar was not for burnt-offering as the brazen Altar was nor for the meat offering nor the drink-offering but to burn Incense thereon ver 7. which sweet Incense was a type of the grace of prayer Psal. 141.2 2. Incense or that called Incense here was not a Simple but a Compound made up of sweet Spices called Stacte Onycha and Galbanum These three and may answer to these three parts of this duty to wit Prayer Supplication and Intercession Exod. 30.34 35 36 37. Chap. 37.29 1 Tim. 2.1 3. This Incense was to be burned upon the Altar every Morning upon that Altar which was called the Altar of Incense which was before the Vail to shew that it is our duty every Morning to make our Prayer to God by Jesus Christ before the Vail that is before the Door of Heaven and there to seek knock and ask for what we need according to the word Luke 11 9 10 11 12. 4. This Incense was to be kindled every Morning to shew how he continueth interceeding for us and also that all true praise of Men to God is by the work the renewed work of the Holy Ghost upon our hearts Rom. 8.26 5. Incense as you see was made of sweet Spices such as were gumme and so apt to burn with a smoke to shew that not cold and flat but hot and fervent is the Prayer that flows from the spirit of faith and grace Zech. 12.10 Jam. 5.16 6. The smoak of this Incense was very sweet and savoury like pleasant perfume to shew how delightful and acceptable the very sound and noise of right Prayer is unto the Nostrils of the living God because it comes from a broken heart Psal. 51.17 Song 2.14 7. This Incense was to be offered upon the golden Altar to shew us that no Prayer is accepted but what is directed to God in the Name of his Holy and Blessed Son our Saviour 1 Pet. 2.5 Heb. 13.15 8. They were commanded to burn Incense every Morning upon this Altar to shew that God is never weary of the godly Prayers of his People It also sheweth that we need every day to go to God for fresh Supplies of grace to carry us through this evil World. 9. This Altar though it stood without the Vail to teach us to live by faith and to make use of the Name of Christ as we find it recorded in the first Temple yet was placed so nigh unto the Holiest that the smell of the smoke might go in thither to shew that it is not distance of place that can keep the voice of true Prayer from our God the God of Heaven but that he will be taken with what we ask for according to his Word It stood I say nigh the Vail nigh the Holiest and he that burnt Incense there did make his approach to God. Hence the Psalmist when he speaks of praying saith 'T is good for me to draw nigh unto God Psal. 73.20 Heb. 10.22 10. This Altar thus placed did front the Ark within the Vail To put us in mind that the Law is kept therein from hurting us To let us know also that the Mercy-Seat is above upon the Ark and that God doth sit thereon with his Pardon in his hand to save us O! What speaking things are types shadows and parables had we but eyes to see had we but ears to hear He that did approach the Altar with Incense of old aright and then he did so when he approached it by Aaron his High Priest pleased God how much more shall we have both Person and Prayers accepted and a grant of what we need if indeed we come as we should to God by Jesus Christ. But take heed you approach not to a wrong Altar take heed also that you come not with strange fire for they are dangerous things and cause the Worshipers to miss of what they would enjoy But more of this in the next particular XLVIII Of the golden Censers belonging to the Temple THere were also golden Censers belonging to the Temple and they were either such as belonged to the Sons of Levi in general or that were for Aaron and his Sons in special as Numbers 16.6 17 18. The Censers of the Levites were a type of ours but the Censer of Aaron was a type of Christ's The Censers as was hinted before were for this use in the Temple namely to hold the holy fire in on which Incense was to be burned before the Lord Levit. 10.1 These Censers then were types of hearts Aaron's golden one was a type of Christ's golden heart and the Censers of the Levites were types of other Worshipers hearts The fire also which was put therein was a type of that Spirit by which we pray and the Incense that burnt thereon a type of our desires Of Christ's Censer we read Revelations the viii which is always filled with much Incense that is with continual Intercessions which he offereth to God for us and from whence also there always goes a cloud of sweet savour covering the Mercie-seat Levit. 16 13. Heb. 7.25 Revel 8.3 4. But to speak of the Censers and fire and Incense of the Worshipers For albeit they were all put under one rule that is to be according to Law yet often times as were the Worshipers such was the Censers Fire and Incense 1. Hence the two hundred and fifty Censers with which Corah and his Company offered are called the Censers of sinners For they came with wicked hearts then to burn Incense before the Lord Numb 16.17 37. 2. Again as the Censers of these Men were called the Censers of sinners shewing they came at that time to God with naughty hearts so the fire that was in Nadab Abihu's Censers is called strange fire which the Lord commanded them not Levit. 10.1 3. This strange fire was a type of that strange spirit opposed to the spirit of God in and by which notwithstanding some adventure to perform Worship to God. 4. Again as these Censers are called the Censers of sinners and this fire called strange fire so the Incense of such is also called strange and is said to be an abomination unto God Exod. 30.9 Isa. 1.13 Chap. 66.3 Thus you see that both the Censers Fire and Incense of some is rejected even as the heart spirit and prayer of sinners are an abomination unto God Hos. 7.14 Chap. 4.12 Chap. 5.4 Prov. 28.9 But there was besides these true Censers holy fire and sweet Incense among the Worshipers in the Temple and their service was accepted by Aaron their High Priest For that was done thorough the faith of Christ and these were a type of our true Gospel-Worshipers who come with holy hearts the holy spirit and holy desires before their God by their Redeemer These are
until he that has sinned himself out of God's house shall see what danger he has incurred to himself by this his wicked going out he will not unfeignedly desire to come in thither again There is another thing as to this point to be taken notice of There is a way by which God also doth depart from this House and that also is by sin as the occasion The sin of a man will thrust him out and the sin of men will drive God out of his own house Of this you read Ezek. 11.22 23. For this he saith I have for saken mine house I have left mine heritage I have given the dearly beloved of my Soul into the hand of her Enemies Jer. 12.7 And this also is dreadful The great sentence of Christ upon the Jews lay much in these words Your house is left unto you desolate that is God has left you to bare Walls and to lifeless Traditions Consider therefore of this going out also Alas a Church a true Church is but a poor thing if God leaves if God forsakes it By a true Church I mean one that is Congregated according to outward rule that has sinned God away as she had almost quite done that was of Laodicea Revel 3. He that sins himself out can finde no geod in the World and they that have sinned God out can finde no good in the Church A Church that has sinned God away from it is a sad Lump indeed You therefore that are in God's Church take heed of sinning your selves out thence also take heed that while you keep in you sin not God away for thence-forth no good is there Yea wo unto them when I depart from them saith God Hos. 9 12. LIV. Of the Singers belonging to the Temple HAving thus far passed thorow the Temple I come now to the Singers there The Singers were many but all of the Church either Jews or Proselites Nor was there any as I know of under the Old Testament-worship admitted to sing the Songs of the Church and to celebrate that part of Worship with the Saints but they who at least in appearance were so The Song of Moses of Deborah and of those that danced before David with Others that you read of they were all performed either by Jews by nature or by such as were proselited to their Religion Exod. 15.1 Judg. 5.1 2. 1 Sam. 18 6. And such worship then was occasioned by God's great appearance for them against the power of the Gentiles their Enemies But we are confined to the Songs of the Temple a more distinct type of ours in the Church under the Gospel 1. The Singers then were many but the chief of them in the days of David were David himself Asaph Jeduthan and Heman and their Sons 2. In David's time the chief of these Singers were two hundred threescore and eight 1 Chro. 25. These Singers of old were to sing their Songs over the burnt-offering which were types of the Sacrificed Body of Christ a Memorial of which Offering we have at the Lord's Table the Consummation of which Christ and his Disciples celebrated with a Hymn Matt. 26.30 And as of old they were the Church that did sing in the Temple according to Institution to God So also they are by God's appointment to be sung by the Church in the New. Hence 1. They are said to be the redeemed that sing 2. The Songs that they sing are said to be the Songs of their Redemption Revel 5.9 10. 3. They were and are Songs that no man can learn but they But let us run a little in the Parallel 1. They were of old appointed to sing that were cunning and skilful in Songs And answerable to that 't is said That no Man could learn our New-Testament Songs but the hundred and forty and four thousand which were redeemed from the Earth 1 Chro. 15.22 Revel 14.3 2. These Songs were song with Harps Psalteries Cymbals and Trumpets a type of our singing with spiritual Joy from grace in our hearts 1 Chro. 25.6 2 Chro. 29.26 27 28. Col. 3.16 3. The Singers of old were to be clothed in fine Linnen which fine Linnen was a type of Innocency and an upright Conversation Hence the Singers under the New Testament are said to be Virgins such in whose mouth was no guile and that were without fault before the Throne of God 1 Chro. 15.27 and Revel 14.1 2 3 4 5. See also Chap 7.9 10 11 12 13 14 15. Psal 33 1. 4. The Songs sung in the Temple were new or such as were compiled after the manner of repeated mercies that the Church of God had received or were to receive and answerable to this is the Church to sing now new Songs with new hearts for new mercies Psal. 33.3 Psal. 40.3 Psal. 96. Psal. 144 9. Revel 14.3 New Songs I say are grounded on new matter new occasions new mercies new deliverances new discoveries of God to the Soul or for new frames of heart And are such as are most taking most pleasing and most refreshing to the Soul. 5. These Songs of old to distinguish them from Heathenish ones were called God's Songs the Lord's Songs because taught by him and learned of him and injoyned to them to be sung to his praise Hence David said God had put a new Song in his mouth even praises to our God 1 Chro. 25.7 Psal. 47.6 7. Psal. 137.4 Psal. 40.3 6. These Songs also were called the Songs of Sion and the Songs of the Temple Psal. 137.3 Amos 8.3 And they are so called as they were theirs to sing there I say of them of Sion and the Worshipers in the Temple I say to sing in the Church by the Church to him who is the God of the Church for the mercies benefits and blessings which she has received from him Sion-Songs Temple Songs must be sung by Sion's Sons and Temple-worshipers The redeemed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with Songs and everlasting Joy upon their heads they shall obtain joy and gladness and sorrow and sighing shall flie away Therefore they shall come and sing in the height or upon the Mountain of Zion and shall flow together thither to the goodness of the Lord. Break forth into singing ye Mountains and let the Inhabitants of the ROCK sing Isa. 44.23 Chap. 42.11 To sing to God is the highest Worship we are capable to perform in Heaven and 't is much if sinners on Earth without grace should be capable of performing it according to his Institution acceptably I pray God it be done by all those that now a days get into Churches in spirit and with understanding LV. Of the Vnion of the holy and most holy Temple THat commonly called the Temple of God at Jerusalem considered as standing of two parts was called the outward and inward Temple or the holy and most holy place They were builded upon one and the same foundation neither could one go into the Holiest but as thorow the holy place 1
2. Chap. 7.16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28. Chap. 8.1 2 3 4 5. Chap. 9.10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28. LXVII Of the High-Priest's going into the Holiest alone AS it was the Priviledge of the High-Priest to go into the Holiest alone so there was something of mystery also to which I shall speak a little There shall says God be no man in the Tabernacle of the Congregation when Aaron goeth in to make an atonement in the Holy Place until he comes out and have made an atonement for himself and for his Housholds and for all the Congregation of Israel Lev. 16.17 c. The Reason is For that Christ is Mediator alone He trod the Wine-Press alone and of the People there was none with him to help him there Isa. 63.3 1 Tim. 2.5 Of the People there was none to help him to bear his Cross or in the management of the first part of his Priestly Office why then should there be any to share with him in his executing of the second part thereof Besides he that helps an intercessor must himself be innocent or in favour upon some grounds not depending on the worth of the intercession But as to the Intercession of Christ who I can come in to help upon the account of such Innocencie or Worth Not the Highest Angel for there is none such but One wherefore he must do that alone Hence 't is said he went in alone is there alone and there interceeds alone And this is manifest not only in the Type Aaron But in the Antitype Christ Jesus Heb. 6.19 20. Chap. 9.7 8 9 10 11 12 23 24. I do not say that there is no man in Heaven but Jesus Christ but I say he is there to make intercession for us alone Yea the Holy Text says more I go saith Christ to prepare a place for you and if I go and prepare a place for you I will come again and take you to my self that where I am there ye may be also John 14.1 2 3 4. This Text seems to insinuate that Christ is in the Holiest or highest Heavens alone and that he there alone must be until he has finished his work of Intercession For not till then he comes again to take us to himself Let us grant Christ the preâ—ieminency in this as also in all other things for he is Intercessor for his Church and and makes it for them in the Holiest alone 'T is said he is the Light that no man can approach unto LXVIII Of the High-Priests going in thither but once a year AS the High-Priest went into the Holiest when he thither went alone So to do that work he went in thither but once a year Thou shalt not come at all times said God to him 〈◊〉 the Holy Place within the Vail before the Mercy-Seat which is upon the Ark that thou die not Levit. 16 2. And as he was to go in thither but once a year so not then neither unless clothed and adorned with his Aaronical Holy Robes Then he was to be clothed as I hinted before with the Holy Robes the Frontlet of Gold upon his Forehead the names of the twelve Tribes upon his Breast and the Jingling Bells upon the Skirts of his Garment nor would all this do unless he went in thither with Blood Exod. 28. Levit. 16 Now this once a year the Apostle taketh special notice of and makes great use of it Once a year saith he this High-Priest went in thither once a year that is to shew that Christ should once in the end of the world go into Heaven it self to make intercession there for us For by this word year He shews the term and time of the world is meant and by once in that year the means once in the end of the world Not saith he that he should offer himself often as the High-Priest entered into the Holy Place every year with the Blood of others for them must the often have suffered since the foundation of the World. But now once in the end of the World hath he appeared to put away sin by the Sacrifice of himself Heb. 9. And having thus once offered his Sacrifice without the Vail he is now gone into the Holiest to perfect his Work of Mediation for us Not into the Holy Places made with Hands which are the Figures of the True but into Heaven it self Now to appear in the presence of God for us Now if our Lord Jesus is gone indeed Now to appear in the presence of God for us and if this now be the once a year that the Type speaks of The once in the end of the World as our Apostle saies then it follows that the People of God should all stand waiting for his Benediction that to them he shall bring with him when he shall return from thence Wherefore he adds Christ was once offered to bury the sins of many and to them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto Salvation This therefore shews us the greatness of the work that Christ has to do at the Right Hand of God for that he stays there so long He accomplished all the first part of his Priesthood in less then forty Years if you take in the making of his holy Gaaments and all but about this second part thereof he has been above in Heaven above sixteen hundred years and yet has not done This therefore calls for Faith and Patience in Saints and by this he also tries the World so that they in mocking manner begin to say already Where is the Promise of his coming 2 Pet. 3.4 But I say again We must look and wait If the People waited for Zacharias and wondered that he stayed so long because he stayed in the holy place somewhat longer than they expected No marvel if the Faith of the World about Christ's coming is fled and gone long ago yea and that the Children also are put to it to wait since a Scripture little while doth prove so long For that which the Apostle saith Yet a little while doth prove to some to be a very long little John 16. Heb. 10.37 True Zacharias had then to do with Angels and that made him stay so long O but Jesus is with God before him in his presence talking with him swallowed up in him and with his Glory and that 's one Cause he stays so long He is there also pleading his Blood for his tempted Ones and interceeding for all his Elect and waits there till all his be fitted for and ready to enter into Glory I say he is there and there must be till then And this is another reason why he doth stay the time we count so long And indeed 't is a wonder to me that Jesus Christ our Lord should once think now he is there of returning hither again considering the ill treatment he met with here before But what