close to him with the curious Girdle of the Ephod Lev. 8.7 of Gold Blue and Purple of Scarlet and fine twined Linnen 6 The next thing is the Breast-Plate of Judgment made of cunning-Work just like the Ephod It was four-square being a span each side of the square and it was doubled that is the cunning-work of Gold and Blue and Purple and Scarlet and fine twined Linnen was double that it might be the stronger to bear the stones Exod. 39.9 In it were set four Rows of Stones In the first Row was a Sardius a Topaz and a Carbuncle In the second an Emerald a Saphire and a Diamond Exod. 39.13 In the third a Ligure an Agate and an Amethyst In the fourth a Beryl an Onyx and a Jasper 13 in all each engraven in order with the names of the 12 Tribes of Israel and each was inclosed in Ouches of Gold In the four Corners were Gold Rings The uppermost Corners had two Ouches of Gold two Gold Rings and in them fastned two Golden Chains of Wreathen-Work one at each end which Chains reached up to and were fastned in the two Golden Ouches of the Shoulder-pieces of the Ephod At the two lower corners were two Rings of Gold also which had a Lace of Blue running through them to fasten the Breast-Plate therewith to two other Rings that were set in the Ephod beneath 7 After this there was placed in this Breast-Plate of Judgment Exod. 28.30 the Vrim and Thummim that they might be upon the High Priests Heart when He went in before the Lord to bear the Judgment of the Children of Israel upon his Heart before the Lord continually Some think those words were written Some think there was either two other Stones or pieces of Gold and indeed they knew not what Others think there was nothing added onely it signified the meaning of the 12 Stones that when the Children of Israel or any particular Tribe or the King or any other should enquire the Mind of God then they should receive an Answer from the High Priest in the Name of God which Answer as to future things should be as Vrim that is as Light clear and perspicuous and either concerning past present or future should be Thummim that is perfect and full of all Integrity and Truth As to which it is conceived that when the Lord did answer Positively and Affirmatively the Stones did shine most radiantly but continued in their common hue upon the Negative There is this Reason urged by some Why they did not note any new material added to the Breast-Plate because when Moses relates the making of things according to the given Pattern we read of no such thing made Exod. 39.32 Lev. 8.8 though the Text says expresly that all was done that the Lord commanded Moses yet in Leviticus it says He did which I leave to mature consideration 8 The Mitre lastly was put upon his head and upon the Mitre a Holy Crown of Gold and on the Fore-front of the Crown a Plate of Gold which was fastned to the Mitre with a Blue Lace and on that Plate was engraven as on a Signet these words HOLYNESSE TO THE LORD The inferiour Priests in their order and the High Priest according to His Superiour Dignity being thus set forth in their goodly Array were afterwards anointed with Holy Oyl consecrated and sanctified by the blood of some Sacrifices and so were prepared for the Services of the Temple in the next Chapter CHAP. V. Concerning the Solemn Worship and Service of GOD in the Temple THis Chapter might be distinctly methodized and accordingly handled either as the Worship hath respect to the various Persons or Officers employed in several Sacred Functions Or secondly as to the different Solemn Times of Service and Worship in their Mysterious Solemnities Or thirdly as to the various Sacrifices and Offerings commanded by God to smoak upon His Holy Altar All which Particulars we shall crave leave in as brief a manner as possible to exhibite in their due order and method in three distinct Sections following SECT I. Of the Temple Officers their Names and Employments IN the first place we shall speak of the different sorts of Officers about the Temple which are particularized under five several Names in Scripture viz. Priests Levites Singers Porters Nethinims The Priests are distinguisht into the chief Priests and the other interiour Priests of the 24 Courses Of the chief Priests Ezra 7.24 The chief Priests were two the High Priest and his Second the High Priest was by the Appointment of God that Person who was the Lineall Heir in Aaron's Posterity the eldest living that descended in the most direct Line from his Loins His Office was mainly upon the Expiation Day being the 10th of the 7th Moneth to perform the Solemn Rites of that Service in entring the Holy of Holies not without blood and to persume the Oracle with fragrant Incense Exod. 30.10 Lev. 16.34 Heb. 9.7 Unto which Josephus adds that He assisted in the Work on every Sabbath De Bell. Judaic l. 6. c. 6. p. 9 18. F. in every New-Moon and every Solemn Festival as may appear out of the 1 Chron. 6.49 The second Priest was the most eminent among the rest who in case of Sickness Pollution or other Emergency befalling the High-Priest did supply that Office Therefore is it that some think Moses of old to have beâ—n a substitute to Aaron seeing Scripture doth expresly call both of them the Priests of the Lord Ps 99.6 We read moreover that Moses did officiate in the Priests office at the consecration of Aaron his Brother Levit. 8. Howexer it be wee find for cerain Eleazar and Ithamar c. usually put together in the Days of Moses Hophni and Phinehas in the old Age and blindness of Eli. Zadock and Ahimelech in the days of David 2 Sam. 8.17 Chap. 15.35 2 King 25.18 Luke 3.2 and afterwards Zadeck and Abiathar Serajah the chief Priest and expresly in so many terms Zephaniah the second Priest in the time of Judah's Captivation by Nebuchadnezzar And lastly in the days of our Saviour Annas and Caiphas are called the High Priests not that there were two in that great Office at once as some have conceited through the Jewish Corruption of the Commandements of God at that time but that the one was a present help and constant substitute to the other in case of necessary detention from his actuall service Of the Ordinary Priests The ordinary Priests were such as sprang from the Loins of Aaron and were in a Collateral Line of Kindred allied to the High Priest which were all Levites as flowing from Levi who was the Abavus or Great Grand-Father of Aaron But being separated from the rest of the Levites for some more immediate service unto God are generally termed Priests whereas the term of Levite is restrained to all others of the Posterity of Levi besides the Line of Aaron These Priests for the more easie
Rod blossoming with these words 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Jerusalem the Holy For the weight and value Caspar Waserus and Edward Brerewood in their Treaties of this nature tell us according to their best inquiries that each shekel was in value proportionable to 2 s. 6 d. English and that it weighed about half an ounce Troy Hist p. 249. Sir Walter Raleigh sets a shekel at the rate of 2 s. 4 d. But I rely rather upon the learned Treatise of Mr. Greaves his Denarius who with the consent of the learned Primate of Ireland Dr. James Vsher Pag. 77. having exactly weighed several of them states it according to the English standard to be exactly 2 s. 5 d. onely according to which one Hebr. maneh of silver will be 7 l. 5 s. of our money One Talent will be 362 l. 10 s. which is 50 manehs or 3000 shekels Exod. 38.26 For if 603550 men be rated to pay half a shekel a piece then they paid 301775 shekels which is recounted to be one hundred Talents and 1775 shekels Ver. 25. So that 300000 shekels which the 600000 men paid is equal to one hundred Talents wherof each Talent contains three thousand shekels which number of shekels contained in one Talent seems also probable by the Brass mentioned v. 29. whereof there being not found fully 71 Talents Moses shews there were 70 Talents and two thousand four hundred shekels whereas if there had been full three thousand it had fill'd up the quantity of another Talent So that it seems there was above two thousand four hundred shekels in one Talent by this verse and exactly three thousand as appears by the former calculation One thing more I would speak to and that is the proportion of gold to silver which according to Plato Julius Pollux Bodinus Bornitius Villalpandus Brerewood and generally all learned Authors is accounted to be duodecupla or twelve times as much in value as the like quantity of silver Which although it hath now and then a little vatied according to the Standards of Princes or the scarcity of metals yet a twelfth-fold proportion is the generally received Opinion and Custome of most Nations according to which we shall rate our gold in these preparation-Offerings for the Temple So then according to this valuation of a shekel King David paid fifty shekels of silver for the threshing floor of Araunah li. s. d. 6 0 2 i. e. according to 2 s. 5 d. the shekel 6 l. 0 s. 2 d. Now whereas it 's said he paid six hundred shekels of gold we are to understand it of the whole Mountain of Moriah to build the Temple thereon 1 Chron. 21.25 which according to twelve-fold proportion is 870 l. of our money li s d 870 0 0 For it is not Adarconim but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 shekels in the Hebr. text Now six hundred shekels of silver at 2 s. 5 d. the shekels arise to 72 l. 10 s. which increased by 12. gives the sum forementioned This then is the first thing which King David did to buy the place 1 Chron. 28.11 12 13. which at two payments came to 876 l. 0 s. 2 d. the whole 2. The second thing that David performed was the model of the Temple and all its Buildings received from God and given to his Son Solomon being the pattern of the Porch Houses Treasuries Upper-Chambers inner Parlors the place of the Mercy-Seat of the Courts of the House the Chambers round about the Treasuries of the house of God and the Treasuries of the dedicate things Of the Courses of the Priests the Vessels and the work of the service in the house of the Lord. 3. Thirdly he furnished his son with many rare and costly materials 1 Chron. 22.14 whereof for metals he first dedicated a hundred thousand Talents of gold Now one hundred thousand Talents of silver according to the forementioned rate of a shekel at 2 s. 5 d. arise to 36250000 li. of our money Which being twelve times increased according to the proportion of silver to gold will give the sum to be 435000000 li. of our Sterling money 4350000000 l. All this gold was for the Instruments of gold the Candlesticks Lamps Tables 1 Chron. 28.14 15 16 17 18. 1 Chron. 22.14 Flesh-hooks Bowls Cups and Basons as also for the Altar of Incense and the Chariot of Cherubims He set apart moreover a thousand thousand Talents or a million of silver which arises to 362500000 li. of our money wherewithall to make the instruments of silver even for Candlesticks Lamps Tables and Basons Besides this he provided Brass in abundance 362500000. C. 28. v. 15 17. 1 Chron. 22.3 1 Chron. 18.8 Ver. 10 11. even without weight some whereof was brought from Tibhath and Cun the Cities of Haderezer King of Zobah and therewith Solomon made the Brazen Sea and the Pillars and the Vessels of Brass He dedicated also Vessels of gold silver and brass that were sent him as a Present from the King of Hamath and those Treasures also which he brought from Edom Moab Ammon the Philistines and the Land of Amalek 1 Chron. 22.3 14. Moreover he gave Iron in abundance and that without weight for the Nails Doors of the Gates and their joynts As to precious stones we find him to have prepared Onyx stones and stones to be set and glistering stones and of divers colours nay all manner of precious stones 1 Chron. 29.2 C. 22.2 and Marble stones in abundance and hewn stones wrought by Masons that were strangers in Israel C. 22.4 2 Chron. 7.6 He provided also Cedar-trees in abundance He gave also many Instruments of Musick which he had made for the Levites therewith to praise the Lord. 4. Fourthly he appointed the Orders and Offices of the Priests and Levites in their courses of service for sacrifice and singing together with the stations of the Porters in their Watches at the several Gates of the Temple 2 Chron. c. 23. 24. 25. 5. Fifthly and lastly Besides all this out of his affection to the house of his God 2 Chron. 29.4 he gave even of his own proper goods three thousand Talents of the gold of Ophir which in sum results according to the former stated proportions to 13050000 li. of our Coin 13050000. li. Besides this he gave seven thousand Talents of refined silver to over-lay the Walls of the House withall which is equivalent to the sum of 2537500 li. of our money 2537500 li. After this grand mass of Metals and other Treasures given by himself alone He calls out to others to lend their helping hand saying And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day to the Lord 1 Chron. 29.5 6. Then the chief of the Fathers the Princes of the Tribes of Israel and the Captains of thousands and hundreds with the Rulers over the King's Work offered willingly this ensuing sum 21750000 li. First five
carrying on of the Temple-Work were divided into 24 Courses by Lot according to this ensuing Table in the days of David by his Appointment But these Orders as to their Genealogicall Succession having been much confounded since that time especially under the Captivity possibly the Priests of Nehemiah's List might receive new Names according to a new Lot for their several Stations and therefore it is perhaps that we find the ancient Names somewaat varied and some of the new Courses not to be found Registred according to all the Names of David's Division Howsoever so far as they can be without many Transpositions of Letters clearly set down we may read as follows 1 Jehojarib 1 Chron. 24.7 called Jojarib in Nehem. 12.6 19. 2 Jedajah 1 Chron. 24.7 Neh. 12.7 19. 3 Harim 8 Neh. 10.5 12.15 Or Rehum Chap. 12.3 4 Seorim 8 Perhaps Serajah Nehem. 10.2.12.1.12 5 Malchijah 9 Nehem. 10.3 Or Malluch Neh. 12.2 Or Melicu v. 14. 6 Mijamin 9 Nehem. 10.7 Or Miamin Neh. 12.5 Or Minjamin Neh. 12.17 7 Hakkez 10 Perhaps Hatiush Neh. 10.4 12.2 8 Abijah 10 Neh. 10.8 12.4 17. Luke 1.5 9 Jeshuah 11. 10 Shecaniah 11 Neh. 12.3 Or Shebaniah Nehem. 10.4 12.14 11 Eliashib 12. 12 Jakim 12. 13 Huppak 1 Chron. 24.13 14 Jeshebeab 13. 15 Bilgah 14. Nehem. 12.5 18. Or Bilgai Neh. 10.8 16 Immer 14. Perhaps Merimâ—th Neh. 10.5 17 Hezir 15. Called Ezra Neh. 12.1 13. Or Azariah Nehem. 10.2 18. Aphses 15. 19. Pethahiah 16. 20. Jehezekel 16. 21. Jachin 17. 22. Gamul 17. 23. Delaiah 18. 24. Maaziah 18. Neh. 10. â— or Madiah Neh. 12 5. Moadiah ver 17. Of â—hese twenty four courses The first course entring upon the first Sabbath after the Temple's dedication continued so in the devolution of the work unto each succeeding course from Jehojarib the first untill the captivity and being afterwards fixed in the best order they could did so endure till the daies of our Lord's Incarnation Luk. 1.5 neer which time we read of Zachariah's Ministration at the Altar of Incense being 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or as we translate it Of the Course of Abiah which was originally the eighth in number it being called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as some think from this hebdomadicall or weekly entrance into the service Which word if critically insisted upon though it may not yield sufficient ground to build the assertion of this constant revolution of courses at such a set time as a week and if so yet is it not safe to lay stresse upon words the argument from Etymology being very sandy since the fall of the Tower of Babel upon the tongues of our Ancestors yet notwithstanding there are two places of Scripture that help us in this point that we may dismisse verball niceties to their tongues to whom they do movere Salivam The former place acquaints us of the Priests entring in upon the Sabbath and the latter 2 Chr. 23.4 2 Kin. 11.7 of their going forth upon the same day which is sufficient enough at present to our purpose especially Joseph Anti. l. 7. c. 11. p. 248. G. mihi since confirmed by Josephus being himself a Priest in these words 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 And he ordained speaking of David that one Family or course should minister unto God for eight daies together from Sabbath to Sabbath Of these twenty four Tribes or courses 1 Chr. 24.4 sixteen were of the line of Eleazar and eight of the race of Ithamar The work impendent upon their shoulders since the Tabernacle-Vessels were taken off after the settlement of the Ark in the fixed place of the Temple was various and excellent consisting principally in these following particulars 1 The work of sacrificing with all its rites did lye upon them in all Offerings on the Altar of burnt offering nay 1 Chr. 6.49 2 Ch. 29.22 the whole service of the most Holy place 2 The Government of the Sanctuary and of the House of God was impendent on their shoulders 1 Chr. 24.5 3 They set the new-prepared shewbread on the golden Tables within the Sanctuary every Sabbath and removed the old 4 They ordered the Lamps of the golden Candlesticks every Morning 5 They kindled the daily Incense to make a sweet perfume in the Temple at the time of the dressing of the Lamps 1 Chr. 6.49 that the stench of that work might not be offensive 6 They were rhe unappealeable Judges of Leprosy Lev. 13.2 3. and Jealousy betwixt man and wife 7 They blew the Trumpets to the solemn feasts Joel 2.15 1 Ch. 15.24 16.6 Num. 10.8 31.6 and also before the Ark at its solemn removals and also to accompany the Captains of the Battel in War with their silver Trumpets before the Battel as may be perspicuousâ—y evident out of severall places of the holy Scripture 2 Ch. 13.12 Lev. 6.12 13. Exo. 30.23 1 Chr. 9.30 Mal. 2.7 8 They were to looke to the burning of wood continually upon the brazen Altar that the fire once kindled from heaven might never be extinguished 9 They were to make the holy Ointment with the appointed Spices 10 They instructed the People in the Law of God Of the Levites The Levites distinctly so called were not Priests but such as came from the stemme or root of Levi excepting the Children of Aaron These persons were appointed to wait upon the Sons of Aaron in the Courts and in the Chambers 1 Chron. 23.28 29. c. in the purifying of all the holy things and the work of the service of the house of God Both for the Shew-bread and for the fine flower for Meat-Offerings and the unleavened Cakes and for things baked in Pans or fryed and for all manner of Measure and Cize a good president to learne us of what sacred estimation we should account and what diligent care we should take in the conservation of the standard Vessels for the administration of commutative Justice they were also to stand every Morning to thank and praise the Lord and likewise at Evening Yea and to offer all burnt sacrifices unto the Lord that is to assist the Priests in case of multitude of Offerings such as were extraordinary in the Sabbaths new Moons and Set-Feasts by number according to the order commanded them continually before the Lord. And that they should keep the charge of the Tabernacle of the Congregation and of the holy place and of the Sons of Aaron their brethren in the Service of the house of the Lord. For which end they were at first numbred at the age of thirty years 1 Chron. 23.26 27. 1 Chro. 23.3 c. but after the daies of David alwaies at twenty Because then they did no more carry the burden of the Tabernacle-implements and Vessels Their number in the latter end of King David's reign was computed at thirty eight thousand whereof twenty four thousand were set off for the work and businesse of the holy House Six
not presently feed upon it by Faith and digest it in a holy life it will be of no value nor efficacy o our souls But so much of Manna The Rod of Aaron As in Moses time there was laid up in the Oracle Aaron's rod which blossomed It is likewise probable that it might be laid up also in the Oracle of Solomon though it be not praecisely mentioned The story of Aaron's Rod is at large recited in the 17th of Numbers which may be consulted at leisure Aaron being the High Priest and chief of the Tribe of Levi as all the Princes of the Tribes had their Rods or staffes Numb 21.18 So he had a Rod for an Ensign of Government He was a Signal Type of Christ as the Apostle to the Hebrews doth clearly manifest Some think that all the three Offices of Christ respecting the Church were signified by these three choise things in the Oracle The Ark with its Crown round about it and as being the Throne of God noted his Kingly Office The Manna his Prophetical or Pastoral Office And the Rod of Aaron his Priestly And therefore it is that he is so often styled in Scripture the Branch as Isaiah 4.2 11 1 10. 53 2. Jer. 23.5 33 15. Ezek. 17.22 23. Zech. 3.8 6 12. Rev. 5.5 22 16. The Hebrew word in some of those places is in the Septuagint version rendred by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Which makes me to reflect upon that place in Luke where the (a) Luke 1.78 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is rendred by us the Day spring from on high Now considering that the old Greek Version was much eyed by the new Testament Writers we may translate it The Branch from on high hath visited us and overshadowed us with his healing Boughs and therein possibly might be an allusion to Aarons Rod or Branch laid up in the Oracle signifying Heaven which that it did denote Christ is the opinion of Justin Martyr (b) Dialog Cum Triphare Jud. pag. 24. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Rod of Aaron bringing forth Buds did declare him High Priest Isaias did prophesie of Christs birth by the Rod out of the root of Jesse To speak then a while to this Rod of Aaron being the note of the Ministerial function as residing in him and his successours and that none should take to themselves that honour but such as are called of God as was Aaron (c) Heb. 5.4 Here give me leave to enlarge a little upon this flourishing subject of Aarons Rod. A Rod in Scripture denotes Government and so this Rod signifies Christs royal Dominion in his Church He will send the (d) Psalm 110.2 Rod of his strength out of Zion He is to rule over his people with a (e) Psalm 45.6 Scepter of Righteousnesse Sometimes it hints at judgement Hear the (f) Mic. 6.9 Rod and who hath appointed it 1. The Rod of affliction Shall I come to you saith Paul to his Corinthians with a (g) 1 Cor. 4.21 Rod i.e. with some Church-censure Sometimes it notes Teaching and Doctrine He shall smite the earth with the (h) Isa 11.4 Rod of his mouth i. e. with doctrinal reproof Feed thy people with thy (i) Mic. 7.14 Rod of Instruction The Metaphor being taken from Shepherds who carry wirh them a Rod a crook the one to drive their sheep into green pastures and the other to catch them (a) Psalm 23.4 Thy Rod and thy staffe comforted me Thereby they kept off the Wolves the wild Beasts from the Folds Mercury of old was the Caduceator Virgifer of the gods being painted with a Rod twined with Serpents to note its Rhetorick and perswasive Eloquence in speaking he being interpres divum Christ is the revealer of the Father's will he lay in his bosom and hath declared him Joh. 1. 18. Sometimes it signifies ease because this is the end of a Staffe or Rod to lean upon as Jacob (c) Heb. 11.21 leant upon his Staffe to shew that the Evangelical Ministry whereof Christ is the head is a safe resting place for the Church This Rod of Aaron was made of an Almond-Tree of which its observed by (d) Plin. l. 16. c. 25. Pliny that it flowres the first of all Trees even in Jan. in the more Southern Countries and brings forth ripe fruit there in March To shew how quickly those that are designed for the Ministry should blossom toward Heaven young (e) 1 King 18.12 Obadiahs (f) Jer. 1.5 Jeremiahs (g) Luk. 1.15 John Baptists (h) 2 Tim. 3.15 Timothies even in their youth savouring the things of God This doth likewise reflect upon the effect of their Ministry how soon God will bring to passe what they precict in his name when they receive their Visions from him in the holy Mount Therefore Jeremy who was a Priest of Anathoth saw the Vision of an (i) Jer. 1.11 Almond-Tree to confirm his heart in the work of the Ministry The vulgar Latine reads that place by virga vigilans a watchful Rod hinâ—ing how God would hasten the judgement he threatned unless the people repented and further to shew what diligence and vigilancy Ministers ought to use in their Embassies they must be (k) Isay 11. Watchmen and Seeâ—s of the night We read that the Egyptians resembled God by the hieroglyphical sculpture (l) Plutarch de Iside Ostride moral part 1. gr p. 632. ed 1. H. Stepâ— 573. of a Rod or Scepter with an Eye in it noting his omniâ—cient care and wisdom in the Government of the World Every Gospel-Minister should have for his hieroglyphick an Almond Rod with an Eye annexed to it not to rule and teach onely but a so providently to foresee the evill coming and to warn the people of approaching judgements Besides it was a fruitful Rod. The Rod of Aaron had (m) Numb 17.8 Buds Blossoms and ripe Nuts all at once As to the words in the letter there is a little haesitation among the (n) Dr. Gell on Pentateuch p. 512. learned why it should be translated thus the Rod of Aaron budded and brought forth buds as if so be it were a tautology whereas in the Hebrew it is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 And behold the Rod of Aaron for the House of Levi budded and it sent forth buds c. The same radicall word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 being used first in the Verb and then in the Noun The 70 not ashamed to use the same word likewise 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 It budded and brought forth buds and so Paul Heb. 9.4 onely speaks in general 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the terme being comprehensive of all the rest after mentioned in that verse in Numbers The meaning this the Text first sayes in the general that Aaron's Rod did germinate or bud or sprout forth which ye please and then comes to the particulars rehearsing in order how it was or else to express
this pruritus novitatis an itching desire of venting new high-flown follies This disease proceeds (g) Medicinal exposit ex Hippoer Gal. c. p. 516. Edit H. Steph. 1564. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as one hath noted out of Galen from a sharp corroding humor a thin â—erous matter not fit for nourishment If mens blood were sound and their digestive faculty good this Psora or scabbed-disease would not so importunately afflict them If the blood-royal of truth ran pure in such a one's veines he would not be so fouly corrupred with this itchy temper of error The last thing mentioned is perfection as to generation the Vulg. translate the text by herniosus the 70 by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Gospel-Ministers are to be spiritually qualified for the bringing in Sons and Daughters to Christ Paul had his Children of the (a) Cor. 4.15 Corinthians Galathiaus John had his of the Asian (b) Gal. 4.19 1 Joh. 2.12 Churches That Christ may see of the (c) Isa 53. travel of his soul and be satisfied Let us all pray that quickening and enlivening virtue may never depart from the Gospel in England That Ministers may indeed be (d) 1 Pet. 1.3 Fathers in God and beget thousands to a lively hope of glory From all this preceeding discourse although spiritually to be interpreted in the main yet we cannot but deem it a most lovely and decent thing for Gospel-Ministers to have even bodily perfections especially such as may give a convenient capacity for the work of the Ministry as in the case of eye-sight without which many Church-matters cannot be well transacted Although its true the perfections of the soul are the main and principal qualifications of a Minister yet it were well it might not be said by any scoffing Ismael as was once of Socrates Anima praeconis Evangelici malò habitat But certainly greatly to blame are such Parents who will offer the (e) Mal. 1.8 blind and the lame of their Children to Gods Sanctuary The Person thus qualified with such external bodily perfections and descending from the loins of Aaron might be admitted into this sacred Colledge termed a Priest and put on the holy garments and officiate in the significant services of the Sanctuary of all which in their due place and order First I shall speak a word or two of the name the common Hebrew term is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cohen which some derive from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to fit and dispose and order viz. the rites and ceremonies of Sacrifice But as to the English term Priest which is derived from the Saxon word Priester and that from the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Presbyter it signifies as to the origination of the word an Elder onely and in this sense Priest may be given as a denomination to a Gospel-Minister very honourably according to the new testament Style in many places as in the Acts of the Apostles where in one (b) Act. 20.17 verse the Ministers of the Church of Ephesus are called Elders and in another (c) V. 28. verse Overseers in the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Bishops there being it seems in the Primitive time several Bishops or Elders in one City and so at Philippi where the Apostle in the inscription of his Epistle dedicates it to the Saints (d) Phil. 1.1 Bishops and Deacons in that City and therefore our famous Dr. Whitaker concludes with the generality of the Divines of the reformed Religion in these words Calvinus nostrique omnes hanc Metropolitanorum Primatum hierarchiam non à Christo vel Apostolis institutam sed Ecclesiae authoritate introductam esse scribunt Calvin and all ours do write that this hierarchy of Metropolitans and Primates was not instituted by Christ or his Apostles but introduced by the authority of the Church And again out of Novellus (e) Dr. Whitaker Tom. 2. operum p. 525. Col. 2. Archiepiscopus authoritatem omnem non Divino sed Ecclesiastico jure tenet An Archbishop holds all his authority by Ecclesistical not by Divine right And (f) Ibid. p. 526. Col. 2. afterward clearing this out of Jerom that Bishops and Presbyters were the same in antient times he produces a testimony of that learned Father out of his (g) Ibid. p. 540. Col. 1. Comment upon Titus Noverint Episcopi se magis consuetudine quà m Dispositionis dominicae veritate presbyteris esse majores Let Bishops know saith Jerom that they are greater then presbyters by custome rather then the true institution of our Lord where he is shewing that the same person who is called an (h) Tom. 9. Fol. 153. b. Edit 1530. Lugd. Tit. 1.5 Elder in the 5th verse is termed a Bishop in the 7th So that Elder or Presbyter is the proper Scripture-name of a Gospel-Minister or else Bishop Overseer c. but by no meanes to be called Priest in any other sense then according to the origination of the word before spoken of For as the term Priest is now detorted from its primitive notation to signifie one that offers sacrifice So 't is a word of indignity scorn and contempt which wicked and profane spirits do cast upon the faithful Servants of Christ who disown any sacrifice under the new Testament save that one onely which our High Priest after the Order of Melchizedeck did offer up (a) Heb. 7.27 9 12 25 26 28 10 10. 1 Pet. 3.18 once for all Wherefore in the whole Testament for what ever yet I could observe we shall not find the Gospel-Ministers directly called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is Sacrificing Priests but by other termes Although the Jews had one High Priest over all the rest yet it followes not that we must under the Gospel have such a one unlesse it be Christ himself who ever lives to make intercession for us But to discharge this point it is high time to proceed and not to suffer the Priests to stand so long unclothed and here I shall delay no longer by recital of various opinions concerning the differences of the garments wherewith the High Priest and his inferior attendants were adorned but speak to that in each particular Vestment In the first place we read of linnen Breeches which were common both to (b) Exod. 28.43 Levit. 6.10.16.4 Aaron the High-Priest and to his Sonnes the ordinary Priests They were made of (c) Exod. 39.28 fine twined linnen But why of linnen I shall not say for the same reason which (d) De Iside Osiride Tom. 1. Moral gr H. Steph. 80. p. 528. Plutarch mentions wherefore the Priests of Isis wore pure white linnen 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c. For the colour sake which the flower of flax doth put forth like the brightness of the Heaven compassing the world The true cause of all these things is saith he It is a wicked thing for that which is pure to be defiled by an impure as Plato speaketh
was to take a Censer full of burning coals from off the Altar and a handfull of sweet Incense and bring it within the vail and when he was come thither i Ver. 12 13. to put the Incense upon the fire which might cover the Mercy-seat with a cloud of smoke that he die not For he might not presume to draw so nigh to the Majesty of God sitting between the Cherubims without a cloud of Incense to interpose Then he came forth and received some of the blood of the new-slain Bullock reserved in a golden basin and carried it within the most holy place and k Ver. 14. sprinkled of it with his finger on the Mercy-seat Eastward and before the Mercy-seat seven times After this the lot being cast for which of the two Goats was to be slain l Ver. 19. for the sin-offering of the people he took some of the bloud of that likewise and brought it within the vail and did with it as before he had done with the bloud of the Bullock and this was to make atonement for the most holy place There was to be no man with him when he performed this Ceremony Afterwards he went out to the Altar which was before the Lord that is m Ver. 15 16. the golden Altar of Incense n Exo. 30.10 and took of the bloud of the Bullock and of the Goat mixt together and put part of it o Lev. 16.18 19. upon the horns of the Altar round about and sprinkled of the same bloud seven times upon it to cleanse it from the uncleanness of the children of Israel Thus also was he to cleanse the p Vers 16. Tabernacle of the Congregation it self or in after times the Sanctuary When he had made an end of q Vers 20 21. reconciling the most holy place the Tabernacle and the Altar Then he came to the live Goat and layed both his hands upon his head and confessed over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel and all their transgressions in all their sins putting them upon the head of the Goat and then sent him away by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness that the Goat might bear upon him all their iniquities into a Land not inhabited When he had sent away the Scape-goat into the Wildernesse he comes to the Bullock and Goat which had been slain for himself and the people opens them h Vers 25. takes away the fat and burns it upon the Altar cuts the flesh in pieces and sends it by the hands of others i Ver. 27. with their skinnes and dung to be burnt in fire without the Camp Then the High-Priest k Vers 23. comes into the Tabernacle puts off his linnen garments and leaves them there washes his flesh in water and vests himself with the golden Robes belonging to him as High-Priest comes to the brazen Altar and a Vers 3 5 24. offers up the two Rams for Burnt-Offerings the one for himself the other for the people and so finishes the great work of Expiation Two things more are mentioned about this work That the person who carried away the Scape-Goat and the other who burnt the Sin-Offering were to b Vers 27 28. wash their cloaths and bath their flesh before they should come into the Camp Another is That at the end of every 49 years on this solemn and glorious day the c Lev. 25 8 9. Trumpet was to sound for the year of Jubilee The Explanation of the Mysteries of these grand Solemnities That the supream Officer of the Temple who was to officiate on this great day did signifie the d Ps 110.4 High-Priest after the order of Melchizedeck is evident to all that have but lookt on the Epistle to the Hebrews even e Heb. 4.14 Jesus the Son of God who is passed into the Heavens and is the f 1 Pet. 5.4 chief Shepherd and g 1 Pet. 2.25 Bishop of our souls No man taketh this Honour to himself but he that is called of God as was Aaron So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an High-Priest But he that said unto him Thou art my Son this day have I begotten thee saith also in another place h Heb. 5.4 5 6. Thou art a Priest for ever after the order of Melchizedeck that ancient King of Salem the great Type of our most glorious High-Priest who is King of righteousnesse and Prince of Peace The first thing observable at his initiation into this great work was to wash his flesh in water which possibly might prelude to the Baptism of our Lord i Mat. 3.16 wherewith he was baptized of John before he entred upon his Ministerial service of teaching and suffering for his people But alas it was not that thereby he himself should be cleansed for he was the innocent Lamb of God that took away the sins of the world but rather that he might as an Ancient speaks cleanse the water by the descent of his blessed body into it and thereby purify and consecrate the Ordinance of Baptism for the benefit of his Church which he intended to a Eph. 5.26 sanctifie and cleanse with the washing of water by the Word The Ancient Priests carrying about them natures defiled with sinne needed continual washing but our pure and spotlesse Priest had nothing of impurity in him yet when being in the form of man he submits to this Ordinance and b Mat. 3.15 so fulfills all righteousnesse After washing the High-Priest was not to put on his c Lev. 16.4 gorgeous and rich attire and to appear in all his splendid Ornaments 't was a Fast and Humiliation day and therefore he was to execute his place and function in mean linen garments figuring thereby the low estate of our Lord here upon earth and that he should carry on the work of our Redemption without any external pomp and worldly glory d Isa 52.14 His visage was marred more then any man and his form more then the sons of men He walked up and down in a mean and obscure manner e Phil. 2.7 making himself of no reputation and taking upon him the form of a Servant and being found in fashion as a man he humbled himself and became obedient to death even the death of the Cross The first thing that the High-Prist did after he was thus washt and cloathed and had slain the Bullock for the Sinne-Offering was his entrance into the most holy place f Lev. 16.12 to burn sweet Incense within the Veil Our blessed Lord before he shed his most precious blood did prepare his way to the Crosse by most ardent and heavenly Prayers g Joh 17. and as the Incense was to be beaten small so did it note the agony of his Spirit in Prayer h Luk 22.44 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 he stretched out his heart in Prayer to the Father i Mat. 26.39 If it be possible let