The Mystery of the Temple and City in Ezekiel Unfolded, Treatise

The Mystery of the Temple and City in Ezekiel Unfolded · Treatise

p. 1The Myſtery of the Nine laſt Chapters of Ezekiel in part made manifeſt.

IN theſe laſt Chapters of this Prophecy of Ezekiel we have a deſcription of a Temple, and City, which in the Viſions of God were repreſented to the Prophet; by which we are not to underſtand a material Temple, or City, built after the return of the Jews from Babyloniſh Captivity. For,

1. The Temple and City here deſcribed, are far different from the City Jeruſalem, and the Temple there, both for ſituation and largeneſs. The Temple in the deſcription of it is as large as a City, and the City as large as a Country: For the Temple with the Courts thereof, being a perfect Square, each ſide contained five hundred Reeds, Chap. 42.16. and the circumference of the City, is ſaid to be eighteen thouſand Meaſures, which is judged by Interpreters to be a vaſt circuit.

2. A River is ſaid to iſſue from under the Threſhould of the Houſe, Chap. 47.1. which is not any where affirmed of the Temple at Jeruſalem.

3. This evidently appears from Chap. 41.12. where there is mention made of a ſeparate place, and a Building before it, which is diſtinct from the Temple before deſcribed; for p. 2the Building in the ſeparate place is not ſo large as the Temple, the breadth thereof being ſeventy Cubits, and the length ninety Cubits: ſo that this Building with the ſeparate place is but equal with the Temple, that is, an hundred Cubits each way. And farther, this Building cannot be the Holy of Holies, for the Dimenſions are different: the Holy of Holies is but twenty Cubits long, and twenty Cubits broad, verſe 4. Now we do not read of ſuch a Building and ſeparate place near the Temple of Jeruſalem: 'tis true, 1 Kings 6.27. mention is made of an inner houſe, which was the Holy of Holies joyning to the Temple, and was not in a ſeparate place from it.

4. This Temple and City ſhall not have being on Earth, till the twelve Tribes ſhall be brought back from their Captivity; for they that ſerve the City, ſerve it out of all the Tribes of Iſrael, chap. 48.19. and the Land is to be divided by lot unto the Tribes of Iſrael, verſe 29. which are all named, and the Gates of the City have alſo the Names of all the Tribes upon them.

Theſe reaſons make it evident, that ſomewhat elſe muſt be meant. Now as the Apoſtle ſaith 1 Pet. 1.4, 5. Ye are built up a ſpiritual houſe: and Gal. 4.…. Paul ſpeaks of a Jeruſalem which is above, and John of that Jeruſalem which cometh down from God out of Heaven. So this is here underſtood: and the Temple is the Church of the living God, made of lively ſtones: and the Church in that pure and glorious ſtate which it ſhall be brought into when Antichriſt ſhall be deſtroyed: and thoſe things which may be ſhaken, being the things made by men, ſhall be removed. The Temple and City of Jeruſalem were Types p. 3hereof. And this glorious Church will be the ſubſtance of thoſe ſhadows, and is ſet forth by their names. And what is here foretold, had the beginning of its accompliſhment in the Goſpel-Church, gathered by the Apoſtles, and ſince continued in the world; and ſhall have its perfect accompliſhment when the new Jeruſalem ſhall come down out of Heaven, and the Jews ſhall be called, and the Fulneſs of the Gentiles ſhall come in. So that we may conclude with Rabbi Solomon, quoted by Cornelius à Lapide, Omnia quae in Ezekiele de Jeruſalem ſcribuntur, de ſancta civitate, ſupernâ Jeruſalem, abſque dubio intelligenda ſunt. All is to be underſtood of the Heavenly Jeruſalem, but chiefly of this Heavenly Jeruſalem as it ſhall come down out of Heaven, and of that eſtate which it ſhall be then in. Now that ſomewhat of the Myſtery of this Prophecy may be made known, I ſhall propoſe ſeveral things to conſideration; not proceeding therein according to the order of the Prophecy, but ſhall endeavour to bring the main things of it to ſeveral heads. And truly I may ſay to the praiſe of him that teacheth Man knowledge, that by running thus to and fro in this Prophecy Knowledge hath increaſed, and haply ſome hints may be given, which may provoke others to ſearch further into it.

The firſt thing to be laid down ſhall be for an Introduction to the reſt which are to follow, which is this:

Prop. 1. What is here repreſented ſhould with all ſeriouſneſs and diligence be lookt into and conſidered, chap. 40.4. Son of man, behold with thine eyes, and hear with thine ears, and ſet thine heart upon all that I ſhall ſhew thee: declare all that thou p. 4ſeeſt to the houſe of Iſrael. This Command ſo vehemently urged in ſo many expreſſions belongs to all Chriſtians, but eſpecially to the Miniſters of the Goſpel. The external and internal Senſes are called upon, and ſtirred up to attend to what is made known to the Prophet in this Viſion, and to take an exact view of it: and ſurely it may be expected, that upon diligent ſearch, accompanied with prayer, much may be underſtood of this ſo dark a Prophecy. 'Tis again preſt, chap. 44.5. Mark well, and behold with thine eyes, and hear all that I ſay unto thee. See, and ſet thine heart, as in the former place it is commanded; behold with thine eyes the Frame, and ſet thine heart to know the ſignification of it: behold with thine eyes the ſhadow, and ſet thine heart upon the ſubſtance; and if the heart be ſet upon theſe things, it ſhall be given to know the Myſtery of them. This Prophecy then ſhould not be lookt on as unprofitable, or that which cannot be underſtood. Surely if all Scripture be profitable, then this alſo; and if all things were written for our learning, then theſe things likewiſe, how dark ſoever they may ſeem to be. Luke 2.20. Chriſt read out of Iſaiah the Prophet, and then cloſed the Book and expounded the place to the Hearers, ſaying, This day is this Scripture fulfilled in your ears. And in this the Miniſters of the Goſpel ſhould be like Chriſt, they ſhould read and give the meaning of Scripture. But as to this Prophecy, what do the moſt when they have read it, but cloſe the Book and lay it aſide, and are like thoſe reproved by Chriſt, Iſa. 29.11. The viſion of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is ſealed, which men delivered unto one that is learned, ſaying, Read this, I pray thee: p. 5and he ſaith, I cannot, for it is ſealed: and the book is delivered to one that is not learned, ſaying, Read this; and he ſaith, I cannot, for I am not learned. The Preachers excuſe is, the book is ſealed; the Peoples, we are not learned: but God hath not ſealed it, therefore let not men ſeal it either to themſelves or others. God ſaith, Behold with thine eyes, and ſet thine heart to all that I ſhew thee. Let not any then ſhut their eyes, nor turn away their hearts, from theſe ſo admirable and glorious Diſcoveries. For as God hath not ſaid to the Seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain; ſo he doth not here ſay, See in vain.

Prop. 2. What is in this Prophecy given forth as a Precept, and as ſhewing what ought to be, is to be taken under the notion of a Promiſe, and as declaring what ſhall be in the glorious ſtate of the Church here ſet forth; as chap. 45.9. O Princes of Iſrael, remove violence. Now as Princes at all times ought, ſo then the Princes of Iſrael ſhall remove violence according to that promiſe, Iſa. 60.18. Violence ſhall be no more heard in the land. Chap. 44.24. The Prieſts ſhall judge according to my judgments. Though 'tis their duty, yet it hath not been always their practice: but in the eſtate of the Church here foretold it ſhall be, as their duty, ſo their conſtant practice. Plato gave an Idea of a Commonwealth, not ſuch as ever was in the world, but ſuch as ought to be: now here we have an Idea of a Church and Commonwealth, not onelyonly which ought to be, but alſo which ſhall be.

Prop. 3. In this Prophecy one and the ſame Church is ſet forth by theſe two repreſentations of a Temple and City: by the Temple is ſet p. 6forth a pure and glorious Church, conſtituted according to the mind of God, wherein he ſhall be purely worſhipped. In it ſhall be the true Worſhippers, who ſhall worſhip the Father in ſpirit and in truth. The Father ſeeketh ſuch to worſhip him, and here they ſhall be found. By City is meant the ſame Church, as a ſpiritual and heavenly Commonwealth. As the ſame people of Iſrael were a Church and Commonwealth, ſo as that all that were of the Church, were alſo of the Commonwealth of Iſrael, and all of the Commonwealth were of the Church: ſo will it be in this time and State here foretold. In this Temple Chriſt is the High Prieſt, and Prieſt upon a Throne, miniſtring for men in things pertaining to God. In this City he is a King; in the Temple he is Head of Saints as a Church, leading them in and out, and being in the midſt of them, chap. 46.10. giveth counſel, life, grace, ſtrength, and acceptance to all. As the Heart is in the midſt of the body, the Fountain of Life; as the Sun is in the midſt of the Planets, giving light to all, ſo is Chriſt in the Church. And in the City he is Head of the ſame Saints as a Commonwealth.

Prop. 4. The Church which is here ſet forth as a Temple and City, is that glorious Church which ſhall be after the calling of the Jews, even that Church whoſe Windows ſhall be of Agates, and Gates of Carbuncles, and all her borders of pleaſant ſtones. And as this is meant of the Church of the Jews when they ſhall be called, ſo therefore it is deſcribed by a Temple like the Temple at Jeruſalem, and by Jewiſh Rites and Figures. The Subſtance is given forth under the names of the Shadows, and the Holy Spirit ſpeaking of things which p. 7ſhall concern the Jews, ſpeaks to them in the Jews Language. That the Church of the Jews when they ſhall be called is here meant, appears, becauſe the Names of the Tribes of Iſrael are mentioned, as having Portions in the Land, and Gates in the City; and the Strangers, that is, the Fulneſs of the Gentiles, who ſhall be brought in, ſhall have an Inheritance with them.

Prop. 5. There is an Outer and an Inner Temple mentioned in this Deſcription: the outer Temple with its Courts and Gates, and the Chambers of the Courts and Gates are deſcribed, chap. 40. and 41. and the building of the ſeparate place, chap. 41.13. which is there called the Inner Houſe and Inner Temple, verſe 15. and 17. In this Inner Temple are North and South Chambers, even many Manſions. Here are Prieſts which approach to the Lord, and eat the moſt holy things. Without in the Outer Temple are Ordinances, which are holy things; but in the Inner Temple the moſt holy things are eaten, that is, Chriſt himſelf in a Beatifical Viſion of him. Here is alſo a City deſcribed with its Gates; and without that, Portions for the Tribes of Iſrael, each Tribe having a Portion in the Land, and a Gate in the City. Now what doth this ſignifie, but that there will be a Church?

1. In the City New Jeruſalem, and in the Inner Temple, that is, the Church Triumphant, conſiſting of Saints come up to the meaſure of the ſtature of the Fulneſs of Chriſt; of Saints, I ſay, both raiſed and coming with Chriſt, and alſo of thoſe which ſhall be then changed.

2. It ſhews that there will be Churches alſo without the City, conſiſting of Saints, which ſhall p. 8have Portions in the Land; and Churches of the Outer Temple, and Saints in the Chambers of the Courts, and Gates, as well as in the Inner Temple. Thoſe in the chambers of the Courts, and Gates, and Outer Temple, ſhall have the Perfection there required, and that meaſure of Light and Holineſs which ſhall be due to that ſtate; and ſhall perform the Service which ſhall be required of them in that ſtation. And theſe Churches without ſhall have gate holineſs, court-holineſs, court-attainments, and Outer Temple perfection, communion, and comforts; and the others ſhall have Inner Temple holineſs, perfection, and conſolations. The like may be ſaid of the City: there is the beloved City, New Jeruſalem, Rev. 26.9. and there is the camp of the Saints like the camp of Iſrael, when the Tribes marched and pitched in order about the Tabernacle, and is ſet forth by the ſame word foreign, which is in the Septuagint to ſet forth the camp of Iſrael. This camp will conſiſt of called Iews and converted Gentiles, even the Nations of them which ſhall be ſaved, and ſhall walk in the light of the New Ieruſalem; for New Ieruſalem light ſhall fill the breadth of the Land of Immanuel; and every little chamber of the gates hath a window to let in New Ieruſalem light into it. This camp of the Saints will be urbs mobilis & caſtrenſis, a moveable and Tent City; and the New Ieruſalem, urbs fixa. The former will anſwer the Church of Iſrael dwelling in Tents, and the later the ſtate of that Church when Ieruſalem was the City choſen of God to place his Name in. So then there will be at that time, when the Iews ſhall be called Saints in two different ſtates, that is, glorified and not glorified. That p. 9there will be glorified ones ſhall be after proved; and that there ſhall be ſome not glorified, I ſhall prove by this Argument: There will be marrying and begetting of children in that time, which cannot be among the raiſed Saints, for they marry not, neither are given in marriage; therefore there muſt be Saints in an inferiour ſtate, among whom this will be. And that ſome Saints ſhall beget children then, is evident from chap. 47.22. Ye ſhall divide the land by lot for an inheritance unto you, and to the ſtrangers that ſojourn among you, which ſhall beget children among you, and they ſhall be to you as born in the land among the children of Iſrael. This likewiſe is manifeſt from Iſa. 59.20, 21. The redeemer ſhall come to Sion, and unto them that turn from tranſgreſſion in Iacob. As for me, this is my covenant with them, ſaith the Lord, my ſpirit which is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, ſhall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy ſeed, nor out of the mouth of thy ſeeds ſeed, from henceforth and for ever. This Promiſe concerns the Iews when they ſhall be called; for by this the Apoſtle proves their calling, Rom. 11.26. Now after their calling they ſhall have Seed and Seeds Seed. Iſa. 60.15. I will make thee the joy of many generations. Iſa. 61.9. Their ſeed ſhall be known among the Gentiles, and their of-ſpring among the people. Iſa. 65.23. They ſhall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the ſeed of the bleſſed of the Lord, and their of-ſpring with them. The Promiſe is to them and their of-ſpring, who ſhall all be ſanctified ones, and the bleſſed of the Lord. The curſe of Adam ſhall not then reſt upon any of the Saints children, but they ſhall have the bleſſing of Abraham.

p. 10Prop. 6. This Temple and City, this Church and Common-wealth which was conſtituted and framed according to an Heavenly pattern; Moſes did all according to the pattern in the Mount; and Solomon built the Temple after the form which was ſhewn to David by the Spirit, 1 Chron. 28.12. So Chriſt ſhall build this Temple according to the heavenly pattern. All ſhall be done by line and meaſure, and every part ſhall have its due proportion; ſo that it will be a Spiritual Houſe fitly framed, growing into an holy Temple; chap. 40.3. Ezekiel ſaw a man, whoſe appearance was as Braſs, with a line of Flax, and a meaſuring Reed. This is Chriſt, who ſhall do his Work exactly, and according to rule.

Prop. 7. There were ſome things commanded to the Jews of old, which are not mentioned in the deſcription of this Temple and City, and the not mentioning of them with other Jewiſh Rites and Ordinances here ſpoken of, doth argue the Perfection which the Church here deſcribed ſhall have, above what it had under Moſes, or any time ſince. Now to ſhew this, conſider:

1. There was a Candleſtick for Light, both in the Tabernacle and Temple: much is ſpoken of it, as Exod. 25.31. and in other places; this was a Type of Goſpel-Churches, which are called Golden Candleſticks, Rev. 1.20. and the two Witneſſes are called two Candlesticks, Rev. 11.4. A Candleſtick is to hold forth light in a dark place: And when Goſpel-Churches are called Candleſticks, it notes Churches which ſhall be in a time of darkneſs, when a Candle is uſeful. Thus in John's time there was much darkneſs upon the face of the earth, John 1.5. The light ſhineth in darkneſs. And the two propheſying p. 11Witneſſes, are Lights, ſhining in Darkneſs. Heatheniſh, Mahometan, and Antichriſtian darkneſs hath covered the greateſt part of the World; and the few Witneſſes of Chriſt have been Candleſticks holding forth the true light in a dark time and place. But in the deſcription of this Temple and City, we read nothing of a Candleſtick, or light of a Candle. Whence may be concluded, that the ſtate of the Church here fore-told, will be much more glorious in reſpect of Light and Knowledge, than as yet it hath been; Rev. 22.5. it's ſaid the New Jeruſalem hath no need of a Candle. And then even in the portions of the Tribes that will be made good: Iſa. 30.26. The light of the Moon ſhall be as the light of the Sun, and the light of the Sun ſeven-fold. That degree of Scripture-light which now ſhines in the World, being compared with that which ſhall ſhine hereafter, is but as the light of the Moon to the light of the Sun; 'tis but as the leſſer Light ruling the Night: but then it ſhall be as the greater Light ruling the Day. And as now is a time of much darkneſs in the World, ſo a great matter of comfort it is, that we may ſay as the Apoſtle, Rom. 13.12. The Night is far ſpent, and the Day is at hand. The Night in which Antichriſt reigns, and wild Beaſts are abroad ſeeking their Prey, is very far ſpent; and the Day of the Son of Man is at hand. And when this Day comes, the Church ſhall be no longer a Candleſtick, but a glorious Light upon the top of a Mountain: and all Heatheniſh, Mahometan, and Antichriſtian darkneſs ſhall paſs away, and the Earth ſhall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the Waters cover the Sea. There ſhall be abundance of light, and p. 12knowledge: Idols ſhall be aboliſhed, and there ſhall not be Athiſm in the World. As there is not Atheiſm in Hell, but Devils and damned Spirits know that there is a God: ſo in this time of ſuch glorious light, there ſhall not be Atheiſm amongſt the unconverted ones in the world. And this is a reaſon why the Devil endeavours ſo much to fill the world with Atheiſm now, becauſe he knows his time is ſhort, of being Ruler of the darkneſs of this world, and the day is at hand, in which the Earth ſhall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord: And when the Morning of this Day ſhall come, then the wild Beaſts ſhall lay them down in their Dens, and not hurt, nor destroy in all the holy Mountain of God. And men ſhall be aſhamed to commit thoſe abominations which now the world is ſo full of. They that be drunken, are drunk in the Night: But in that Day they ſhall be ſober, and civilly and morally good, who ſhall be without ſaving grace.

2. There were Laws given to the Jews concerning the Lepers, both for the tryal of them, and removing them from the Camp, when pronounced unclean: and it was ſuppoſed there might be a Leper of the houſe of Aaron, Lev. 22.4. Thus hitherto it hath been in the Church: much of ſpiritual Leproſie hath been found there, and even amongſt thoſe of the ſeed of Aaron; but we find not any thing here of ſuch Laws. What may be concluded hence, but that at this time there will be no Lepers in Iſrael. Spiritual Leproſie ſhall not appear amongſt any in Churches, to occaſion their removal from them, Rev. 21.27. In the New Jeruſalem there ſhall be nothing that defileth.

3. There was a Law about bleſſing and curſing in p. 13Iſrael, Deu. 27.12. The bleſſings were to be pronounced from Gerizim, and the curſes from Ebal: but we find not any command here for curſing any in Iſrael. There wil be that day bleſſing, but not curſing in Iſrael. Jer. 31.23. It ſhall be ſaid, The Lord bleſs thee O Habitation of Justice, and Mountain of Holineſs. But, as it is Rev. 22.3. there ſhall be no more curſe. All ſhall have the bleſſing of Abraham, and none the curſe of Iſhmael, to be caſt out. There ſhall not be an Anathema Maranatha for any of the Church then.

4. There were Laws about the redemption of Inheritances, Lev. 25.25. If thy Brother be waxen poor, and ſell his poſſeſſion, and any of his Kin come to redeem it, then he ſhall redeem that which his Brother ſold. But we read not any thing here of ſelling, or redeeming Inheritances; becauſe no Brother ſhall at this time wax poor, a… ſell his Inheritance. Now 'tis, as Chriſt ſaid, Th… Poor ye have always with you; but then there ſhall be no Poor in the Land. They that obtain that Kingdom which is to come, ſhall have all other things added to them. Chriſt will not be then Hungry, Naked, Sick, or in priſon in any of his Members.

5. There were Laws concerning ſuch as had familiar Spirits, and were Wizards, Lev. 20.27. A man or a woman that hath a familiar Spirit, or is a Wizard, ſhall ſurely be put to death. But at this time there ſhall not be ſuch in the Land of Immanuel: nay not amongſt the unconverted ones. Evil Spirits ſhall not be Familiar Spirits to any then, for they ſhall be all bound, and ſhut up in the bottomleſs Pit.

6. There were Laws for tryal of Jealouſie, which was the bitter water that cauſed the curſe, which the ſuſpected woman was to drink. Now p. 14as among the Tribes in the Land, and among the ſacred Nations, there will be Marrying; ſo none that ſhall defile themſelves, either by Fornication, or Adultery. No Adulterers, or Effeminate ſhall be in that Kingdom of God, but all ſhall poſſeſs their Veſſels in Sanctification and Honour.

Prop. 8. This will be a time in which God will honour thoſe that honour him, which is promiſed, 1 Sam. 2.30. And in this time, and ſtate of the Church, it ſhall be eminently made good. This may be concluded from Chap. 44.16. The Priests, the Levites, the Sons of Zadok, which keep the charge of my Sanctuary, when the Children of Iſrael went astray from me, they ſhall come near to miniſter unto me. As for the Levites that went aſtray after Idols, and made the Children of Iſrael go aſtray …hey ſhall bear their iniquities, and not come near … the Office of a Priest; v. 10.13. but I will make them keepers of the charge of the houſe.

Here two things are to be opened:

1. What this hath reference to under the Old Teſtament; that is, when did the Sons of Zadok ſhew themſelves faithful in keeping the charge of the Sanctuary; and when did the Levites go aſtray themſelves, and cauſe Iſrael to go aſtray?

2. What this foretels, in reference to the times here meant.

For the firſt, Let it be conſidered who were the Levites going aſtray; and when, and how they went aſtray: and next, wherein the Faithfulneſs of Zadock and his Sons appeared.

As for the Levites that went aſtray, they were thoſe of the ſtock of Eli. It's ſaid of his two Sons, Hophni and Phineas, they were Sons of Belial, and knew not the Lord, and therefore God p. 15denounced a Judgment, 1 Sam. 2.20. I ſaid that thy houſe ſhould walk before me, but now be it far from me. And upon this God ſaid, v. 16. I will raiſe me up a faithful Priest; which was fulfilled when Abiathar followed Adonijah, and Zadock was made Prieſt in his room.

And thoſe Levites went aſtray in two things:

1. Eli's Sons made a God of their Belly, and offered to that Idol what was brought to be offered to the Lord. Their cuſtom was, 1 Sam. 2.13, 14. When any man offered Sacrifice, the Priests Servant came while the Fleſh was in ſeething, with a Fleſhhook of three Teeth, and ſtruck it into the Pan, and all that the Fleſhhook brought up, the Priest took to himſelf; v. 15. Thus the Sin of the young men was very great, for men abhorred the Offering of the Lord.

2. Abiather, who was of the Stock of Eli, went after Adonijah, and no doubt drew ſome other of the Levites with him, and by this the iniquity of Eli's Houſe came to be full, which brought the Judgment threatned; as we ſee, 1 Kings 2.27. Solomon thrust out Abiathar, from being Priest, that he might fulfill the Word of the Lord which he ſpake concerning the Houſe of Eli.

Next, as touching Zadock's Faithfulneſs, that was ſeen in his keeping with David, and anointing Solomon; 1 Kings 1.39. and many faithful Prieſts deſcended from him, as Jehoiada, whoſe faithfulneſs was eminent in hiding Joaſh, and after bringing him forth, and giving order for the ſlaying of Athalia. Matth. 23.35. mention is made of Zacharias, who was ſlain betwixt the Temple and the Altar. Ezra alſo was of the Poſterity of Zadock, Ezra 7.2.

p. 162. As for what this foretels, obſerve theſe particulars:

1. When Idols ſhall be aboliſhed, many that have gone after them may find mercy and favour. As for Idols, they ſhall be aboliſhed, Iſa. 2.18. But many that go after them may be ſpared: I will make them Keepers of the charge of the Houſe. Pſal. 99.8. Thou ſparedst them, but tookest vengeance of their Inventions. 1 Cor. 3.15. If any mans work ſhall be burnt, he ſhall ſuffer loſs, but he himſelf ſhall be ſaved.

2. Thoſe to whom God will vouchſafe any favour, after their goings aſtray, muſt be convinced of their ſin therein, and lay it to heart. Ezek. 43.11. If they be aſhamed of all that they have done, ſhew them the pattern of the Houſe: So, if aſhamed, they ſhall keep the charge of the Houſe.

3. God will in the times of reſtitution have a faithful Miniſtry, according to his own heart, which ſhall keep the charge of his Sanctuary; and neither Levites, nor any of the Houſe of Iſrael, ſhall go aſtray after Idols any more. There ſhall not be an Adonijah, or an Abiathar to go after him; but there ſhall be Sons of Zadock, that is, faithful Prieſts, following the true Solomon. Jer. 3.15. Ple give Pastors after mine own heart.

4. It ſeems that in the New Jeruſalem there may be different degrees of glory: Zadock and Abiathar, ſome Levites that went aſtray, and the Sons of Zadock may meet there, but not in the ſame degree of glory; as appears Chap. 44.14, 16. David had his Worthies who followed him in the Wilderneſs, and ſome did more valiantly than others: And when David came up out of the Wilderneſs unto the Throne, he conferred honour p. 17upon all, though not in the ſame degree, 2 Chron. 11.20, 21. Abiſhai had a Name among the three, and was more honourable than the two, and he became their Captain; however he attained not to the firſt three. So verſe 25. Benaiah was honourable among the thirty, but attained not to the firſt three; and David ſet him over his Guard. Now this may be look'd upon as typical: Chriſt will honour all his Servants, but moſt his moſt eminent and faithful Servants. We read in relation to this time, of Rulers over ten Cities, and Rulers over five Cities, Luke 19.17. according to the greater or leſſer number of Talents given and gained. When the mother of Zebedees children ask'd of Chriſt, that one might ſit at his right hand, and the other at his left in his Kingdom; he replied, Can ye be baptized with my baptiſm, and drink of my cup? And further ſaith, That to ſit at his right hand and left, ſhall be given to thoſe for whom it is prepared. Whence it follows, that there are different degrees of glory in Chriſts Kingdom; and thoſe that do and ſuffer moſt for Chriſt, ſhall have greater degrees of glory; not that doing or ſuffering doth merit, but thus ſhall they be rewarded by Grace.

Thus in theſe eight Propoſitions ſome things have been inſiſted on, which relate both to the City and Temple; in the next place they ſhall be handled apart. And firſt what concerns the Temple with the Courts and Gates, and thoſe that worſhip and miniſter in it; and then what concerns the City, and the Portions of the Tribes in the Land. Concerning the Temple let ſome things be conſidered in the general, and ſome things more particularly.

p. 18The more general conſiderations are theſe:

Conſid. 1. The Church is here ſet forth in its exalted ſtate, and as very eminently and viſibly glorious; for it is a Houſe upon the top of a Mountain, chap. 43.12. and is here ſet forth in its Mountain eſtate, according to that Prophecy Iſa. 2▪ 2. The mountain of the Lords houſe ſhall be exalted above the top …f the mountains. It ſhall be a Mountain above all Mountains, a Mountain exalted and eſtabliſhed in its exalted ſtate. The Church ſhall not be then in a Wilderneſs, nor low in a low place, not in dens and caves of the earth, but on the top of a Mountain. There is a time when the Saints are to glorifie the Lord in the Fires or in the Vallies, Iſa. 24.15. The man of ſin hath been upon a Mountain, and the true Church of Chriſt in the Vallies and in the Fire; but glorifying the Lord in the Vallies, and enduring the fiery trials, it ſhall be glorified on the top of a Mountain, and be for ever above, and no more beneath. And as the Saints always are, ſo then they ſhall appear to be, the excellent ones of the earth, and they that deſpiſed them ſhall bow themſelves down at the Soles of their feet, and ſhall call them the City of the Lord, the Sion of the Holy One of Iſrael; And God will make them the joy of many generations, Iſa. 60.15. As the Church ſhall be in a glorious and quiet eſtate, ſo ſhall it continue in it many generations.

Conſid. 2. Here is a place prepared to receive, and a Table to entertain all that come to this Houſe. No ſooner within the gate, but there is a chamber to receive them. Once the Son of Man had not where to lay his head, but he will provide p. 19better for his Servants. The Shunamite ſaid to her Husband, Let us make a chamber on the wall, and ſet a bed, and a table, and a ſtool in it; which was to entertain Eliſha the Prophet, 2 Kings 4.10. this is Chriſts care for all that come to this Houſe. And they that ſhall be planted in theſe courts of the Houſe of the Lord, ſhall grow and flouriſh in them; and as 'tis ſaid Pſalm 84.7. They go from ſtrength to ſtrength, or from company to company. So they that come to this Houſe, ſhall go from the company in the chambers of the Gates and Outer Temple, to the company in the Inner Temple: ſo coming to this Houſe upon the top of the Mountain, ſhall at laſt get to the top of glory in it.

Conſid. 3. Many things in the frame of this Building are four ſquare: the whole Building is ſo deſcribed, each ſide being five hundred Reeds. Thus it was in Solomons Temple, 1 Kings 7.5. all the Doors, Poſts, and Windows were four ſquare; ſo here the chambers are ſo, one Reed long, and one Reed broad. So the Poſts, chap. 41.21. the Altar, chap. 43.10. the holy Oblation of Land, chap. 48.20. Thus Rev. 21.16. the City lieth four ſquare, which may ſignifie thus much:

1. Churches and particular Saints ſhall agree with their Rule, and be fitly and exactly framed as they ought to be; they ſhall be like Chriſt, and conformed to his will. Things of a four ſquare figure are made ſo by a ſquare Rule: Churches ſhall at laſt be framed according to their Rule, which is the Word of God. Churches ſhall be four ſquare Churches, Saints ſhall be four ſquare Saints, made after God, and ſhall bear the Image of the Heavenly Adam, even as they have of the p. 20Earthly. They ſhall be at laſt as throughout like the Heavenly Adam, as ever they were like the Earthly Adam.

2. Churches and Saints ſhall be like one another, all four ſquare, all figured alike; there ſhall be at laſt an Uniformity of Churches, and of all Saints; they ſhall all ſerve the Lord with one conſent; and when all ſhall agree with their rule, then ſhall they agree one with another.

3. Churches, and Saints in them, ſhall be like themſelves. As like Chriſt, like one another, ſo like themſelves: not ſubject to declinings, and decays, as now they are. All ſhall be growing onwards towards perfection, and none ſhall backſlide. Round things are eaſily turned this way or that way, but what is of a four ſquare Figure lies firm. All will be firm and ſtable in the Church here ſet forth. Saints will not be like Reuben, unſtable as Water; or double-minded Men, unſtable in their ways; but like David, who ſaid, My heart is fixed, O God, my Heart is fixed. It is a good thing that the heart be eſtabliſhed with Grace, Heb. 13.9. And at this time the Lord will perform this good thing, in eſtabliſhing the Hearts of all his People with Grace, ſo that they ſhall not fall from their own ſtedfaſtneſs; but he that is righteous, ſhall be righteous ſtill, Rev. 22.11.

Conſid. 4. A Sabbath will be obſerved in this time when the Jews ſhall be called, both by them, and the ſaved Nations. Chap. 46.1. mention is made of Six Working-days, and of the Sabbath-day; not a Jewiſh, but a Gospel Sabbath, the First day of the Week: which is conceived to be hinted, Chap. 43.26, 27. Seven days ſhall they purge the Altar, and when theſe days are expired, it ſha… be p. 21that upon the eighth day, and ſo forward, the Priests ſhall make your Burnt-Offerings, &c. when the ſeven days are expired; and ſo the Seventh, which was the Jewiſh Sabbath ended, then upon the Eighth day, the Firſt day of the Week, which is the Christian Sabbath, ſhall the Priests make your Burnt-Offerings. And ſo forward; that is, upon every Firſt day after the ending of the Jewiſh Sabbath. Now the Sabbath mentioned Chap. 46.1. is this Eighth day, ſo called in relation to the Seventh expired; but the Firſt day of the Week, to be obſerved by the Jews when they ſhall be called. This of the Sabbath may well be taken in a literal ſenſe; for we ought not to leave the literal, and go to a myſtical ſenſe, when there is no neceſſity for it. What is ſpoken of the New Moon, muſt be taken in a myſtical ſenſe, becauſe that was an obſervation purely ſhadowy, and ceremonial; but not ſo the Sabbath. Let it be owned then as truth, that a Sabbath ſhall in this glorious ſtate of the Church be purely kept. True, in the New Jeruſalem there will be a perpetual Sabbath; but not ſo amongſt the Tribes in the Land. As Adam in Paradiſe had work to do; and if he had continued in his innocency, ſhould have wrought the ſix days, and have kept the Sabbath: So ſhall the Saints do in the times of reſtitution, for they will be reſtored to the doing of that which Adam ſhould have done. As they ſhall be reſtored to Priviledges, ſo to the performance of Duties; of which the exact keeping of a Sabbath is one. And for the farther clearing of this ſo conſiderable a truth, let Iſa. 58.13, &c. be compared with this place of Ezekiel. If thou ſhalt call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, &c. Where obſerve, p. 22that ſeveral great and precious Promiſes are made to the Jews; and the keeping of the Sabbath is the condition, upon which the accompliſhment of them doth depend. And theſe Promiſes were not fulfilled at the Return of the Jews from Babyloniſh Captivity, or at any time ſince, but ſhall be fulfilled when the Jews ſhall be called. Let the particulars be well weighed, v. 8. Then ſhall thy Light break forth as the Morning, and thine Health ſhall ſpring forth ſpeedily. What Light is this, but that mentioned, Iſa. 60.1. Ariſe, and ſhine, for thy Light is come, and the Glory of the Lord is riſen upon thee. The Jews have been long in Darkneſs, but the Glory of the Lord ſhall at laſt be revealed, and the Veil ſhall be taken from their hearts that they may ſee it. And thy oighteouſneſs ſhall go before thee: that is, The Lord thy righteouſneſs. This then reſpects the time when the Jews ſhall be called by this Name, which hath not been yet; for they at Chriſt's firſt coming, went about to eſtabliſh their own righteouſneſs, and did not ſubmit to the righteouſneſs of God; they would not then be called by this Name. And farther, 'tis ſaid, The Glory of the Lord ſhall be their reward. It ſhall be with them, as with the Jews in the Wilderneſs, when they had the Cloud and ſmoke by Day, and the ſhining of a flaming Fire by Night. Which when Pharaoh purſued them, was their reward, v. 10. Then ſhall thy Light riſe in obſcurity, and thy Darkneſs as the Noon-day. The Jews are under Darkneſs within, and without; Darkneſs covers their Hearts, and their State; for they lie hid in obſcurity and darkneſs, and none knows where the Ten Tribes are; but at laſt they ſhall be brought forth to the wonder of the World: for it p. 23ſhall be ſaid, Theſe, where had they been? Iſa. 49.21. v. 12. They that ſhall be of thee, ſhall build the old waste places, and raiſe up the foundations of many Generations. When they returned from Babylon, they were the Foundations onelyonly of one Generation of Seventy years, that were raiſed up. This promiſe then muſt look further, v. 14. I will cauſe thee to ride upon the high places of the Earth: Not onelyonly of Canaan, but of the Earth. And laſtly, I will feed thee with the Heritage of Jacob thy Father. Which intimates the calling, and gathering of the Ten Tribes alſo. When the Jews returned from Babylon, they were fed onelyonly with Judah's Inheritance. For the Ten Tribes did not then return, which may be proved from Hoſ. 1.6, 7. I will no more have mercy upon the houſe of Iſrael, but will utterly toke them away. But I will have mercy upon the houſe of Judah, and will ſave them by the Lord their God. Therefore when Judah was ſaved from Babyloniſh Captivity, Iſrael was not ſaved: But at laſt Judah and Iſrael ſhall be ſaved together, v. 11. Then shall the children of Judah, and the children of Iſrael be gathered together, and appoint them one Head; and then they ſhall be fed with the Heritage of Jacob. 'Twas the whole Land of Canaan which was Jacob's Heritage, which he divided amongſt his twelve Sons. And how exactly doth this agree with Ezekiel's Prophecy about the diviſion of the Land amongſt the twelve Tribes, which ſhall be fed with the Heritage of Jacob their Father. Its moſt evident then that theſe Promiſes are to have their accompliſhment when the Jews ſhall be called. But obſerve what muſt be done by them. If thou shalt call the Sabbath a delight. Therefore, firſt a Sabbath p. 24will then be kept, even a Christian Sabbath by the Jews. And if a Sabbath was to be kept by Adam in Paradiſe: if it was to be obſerved from the beginning, and ſhall be by the Jews, when called: If the Church, in the times of reſtitution of all things ſhall keep a Sabbath, how much more is it now to be done, when Saints have ſo much need of it? The Sabbath is made for man; that is, for man's benefit, and advantage ſecondarily, as principally for God's glory, that he might be praiſed for the Works of Six Days: And the Christian Sabbath is to be kept, that God may be glorified for the work of Redemption, and of a new Creation. And when the New Heavens and the New Earth ſhall be created, there will be a New Command for it, like that New Command of Love, John. 13.34. And then the Saints ſhall ſay, Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive Glory, and Honour, and Power; for thou hast Created all things. In the beginning, the Heavens and Earth, and all the Hoſt of them: And now the New Heavens and Earth are finiſhed, and all the Hosts of them. And for thy pleaſure, they are, and were created, Rev. 4.11. All things in the beginning were created, and now he that ſits upon the Throne hath made all things new. And as a Sabbath will be kept by the Jews; ſo, in a moſt ſtrict manner: If thou ſhalt call the Sabbath a delight. Many keep a Sabbath now, but do not call it a delight: But then it ſhall be the Saints delight. Next, The Holy of the Lord. The Jews ſhall acknowledge it to be Jure Divino. They ſhall not look upon it as a Humane Inſtitution, and call it the Holy of Men, but the Holy of the Lord; becauſe made Holy by him. And alſo holy to the Lord, honourable: and ſhalt honour p. 25him, not doing thine own works, nor finding thine own pleaſure, nor ſpeaking thine own words; which now even the beſt are too apt to do.

Conſid. 5. A Paſſeover will be kept in the Kingdom of God. Ezek. 45.21. In the firſt monethmonth, in the fourteenth day of the monethmonth, ye ſhall have the Paſſeover, a feaſt of ſeven days; and in that day ſhall the Prince prepare for himſelf, and the people of the land, a ſin-offering, and a burnt-offering, and a meat-offering, verſe 22, 23, 24. Chriſt and the Saints ſhall keep this Paſſeover and Feaſt together. Compare herewith Luke 22.16. where after Chriſt had declared his earneſt deſire to eat of that Paſſeover, he adds, I will not any more eat thereof, till it be fulfilled in the Kingdom of God. 'Tis obſerved by Ainſworth on Exod. 12.11. that ſeven famous Paſſeovers are recorded in Scripture: The firſt that which Iſrael kept in Egypt, Exod. 12. The ſecond in the Wilderneſs, Num. 9. The third when the Iſraelites firſt entered into Canaan in the Valley of Achor, Joſh. 5.10. The fourth in the Reformation of Iſrael by King Hezekiah, 2 Chro. 30. The fifth under Joſias, 2 Chro. 35. The ſixth by Iſrael returning out of Babylon The ſeventh by Chriſt and his Diſciples. And we may obſerve how the true Goſpel-Paſſeover came in the room of the Legal Paſſeover, and what times and occaſions anſwerable to the former there have been, and will be, for keeping a ſpiritual Paſſeover.

1. The true Paſſeover hath been ſlain in Egypt, 1 Cor. 5.7. Chriſt our Paſſeover is ſacrificed for us. And as the Iſraelites having the Bloud of the Lamb upon their Door-poſts, the deſtroying Angel p. 26paſſed over them: ſo Believers having the Bloud of ſprinkling upon them, may be ſure that wrath and vengeance ſhall paſs over them; and they may and ought to keep the Feaſt by rejoycing in the Grace of God towards them, and in their Peace with him, and alſo in hope of the Glory of God; and ſhould abundantly bleſs God for giving Chriſt for them: ſo ſhould they keep the Feaſt.

Q. But how was Chriſt our Paſſeover ſlain in Egypt?

A. There is that which is ſpiritually called Sodom and Egypt, where alſo our Lord was crucified, Rev. 11.8. The great City there ſpoken of is Rome, and by a Synecdoche is put for the Roman Juriſdiction, which then did extend it ſelf over Iudaea; and by the Roman Power was Chriſt crucified, for the Romans way of putting to death was crucifying. So Chriſt was ſlain in Egypt ſpiritually ſo called, that is, in the Roman Dominion.

2. A ſpiritual Paſſeover hath been kept in the Wilderneſs; for the Church hath been driven into the Wilderneſs by Antichriſt, and there hath been preſerved and nouriſhed, being fed with Angels food: and much experience of Gods goodneſs hath been given for meat to the people inhabiting the Wilderneſs. So that even here the Saints have had the great privilege of keeping the Feaſt, and eating their ſpiritual Paſſeover, whereby the Woman hath been nouriſhed in the Wilderneſs.

3. There have been ſome times of Reformation, and of the Goſpels prevailing, and ſome enlargement of the Church from Antichriſtian Tyranny p. 27and Bondage, and thereby a ground of keeping the Feaſt; as in the times of Hezekiah and Joſiah, all being the fruit of Chriſt their Paſſeover, ſacrificed for them.

4. The calling of the Jews, and the glorious eſtate of the Church in that time, is believed and waited for, and not in vain; for the Valley of Achor ſhall be given them for a Door of Hope, and Vineyards from thence; and then there will be a time for the Iews keeping this Paſſeover and Feaſt, with the unleavened bread of ſincerity and truth.

5. Babylon muſt fall, and be deſtroyed for ever; and the Churches Redemption, which draws nigh, will come. The man of ſin hath been conſuming by the Spirit of Chriſts mouth, and will ſhortly be deſtroyed by the brightneſs of his coming; and Chriſt ſhall take to himſelf his great power and reign. And then ſhall the Paſſeover be fulfilled in the Kingdom of God, and the Prince and People of the Land ſhall eat it together. And as Chriſt and his Diſciples had a perſonal communion in eating the Typical Paſſeover, ſo ſhall they in eating the true Paſſeover.

Q. But how ſhall Chriſt, being the Paſſeover, eat it?

A. The Saints ſhall eat this Paſſeover, and keep the Feaſt, and Chriſt with them. Saints ſhall eat it by looking on Chriſt, as once ſlain for them. They will rejoyce in what Chriſt hath done for and is to them, even Wiſdom, Righteouſneſs, Sanctification, and Redemption. And then Chriſt alſo will keep the Feaſt; that is, he will rejoyce with the Saints, as having been their Paſſeover, ſlain for them, and as having by his Spirit made them new p. 28creatures. The benefits of his Death and Mediation, and bleſſings of his Kingdom, which then the Saints ſhall be partakers of, will be his great delight; and as a Bridegroom rejoyceth over the Bride, ſo will Chriſt over the Saints. They ſhall eat and rejoyce in what they receive from Chriſt, and he in what he gives to them. And as he ſaid, 'tis more bleſſed to give than to receive; ſo ſhall he rejoyce more in what he gives to the Saints, than they can in what they receive from him. And as Saints ſhall offer praiſe, ſo Chriſt with them. Once he ſaid, Father, I thank thee, that thou haſt revealed theſe things to babes: ſo at this Feaſt will he ſay, Father, I thank thee for my Kingdom, and that theſe are with me in it, having been brought out of great tribulation. I thank thee that all mine Enemies being made my Footſtool, theſe are with me on my Throne. And for a cloſe of this particular, conſider how Chriſt ſhall prepare for himſelf, as well as for the people of the Land, a Sin-offering and Burnt-offering, &c. This doth not intimate that Chriſt hath ſin of his own to expiate, but becauſe he ſhall (as hath been ſhewn) eat this Paſſeover with the Saints in the Kingdom of God; therefore he is ſaid to prepare for himſelf, as well as for the people of the Land. Chriſt prepares joy and gladneſs for himſelf, when he prepares good for the Saints.

Thus much of the Paſſeover. We read alſo of the Feaſt of ſeven days, chap. 45.25. but nothing of Faſts. This will be a time of joy and gladneſs; and ſorrow and ſighing will flie away. The Bridegroom will be with the Saints, and therefore they ſhall not faſt.

p. 29But as we read, Zech. 8.19. The faſt of the fourth monethmonth, and the faſt of the fifth monethmonth, &c. ſhall be joyful feaſts. And this ſhall be when many and ſtrong nations ſhall ſeek the Lord in Ieruſalem, verſe 22. Now it being ſhewn how a ſpiritual Paſſeover will be kept in the Kingdom of God, it may not be judged impertinent to adde ſomething for the opening of another Scripture, which hath near affinity with this; and that is, Matth. 26.29. I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, till I drink it new with you in my Fathers Kingdom. Of this Fruit, which doth not intimate that the Fruit of the Vine, taken in a proper ſenſe, ſhall be drunk in that Kingdom of God which ſhall be in the New Ieruſalem, but that which ſhall have ſome analogy or likeneſs with it. For clearing this conſider, that,

1. Chriſt is called a Vine, and he is the true vine, as he ſaith, Iohn 15.1.

2. The Church is called a Vine, Pſalm 80.8. Thou haſt brought a vine out of Egypt, thou preparedſt room for it, and didſt cauſe it to take deep root. And when the Jews ſhall be called, they ſhall be planted a noble Vine. God ſhall prepare room for it, and its Boughs ſhall ſpread, and be as the Cedars of God. The Foxes ſhall be taken that would ſpoil it, and no wilde Bore out of the Wood ſhall waſte it; and the Lord will not onelyonly look upon, but come down and viſit this Vine. Thus we ſee that Chriſt is a Vine, and the Church is a Vine; and this is a Vine in a Vine, a Vine planted in Chriſt the true Vine, having its life, ſtrength, and ſap from him: and when he ſhall look for Grapes from it, 'twill not be in vain, it ſhall not bring forth wilde Grapes. And next p. 30conſider how Chriſt and the Saints ſhall drink of the Fruit of the Vine, new in the Kingdom of God.

1. The Saints ſhall drink, and drink abundantly, of the Fruit of the true Vine, which is Chriſt: for he appearing in glory, and the Saints ſeeing him as he is, they ſhall be abundantly refreſh'd and ſatisfied, in thoſe times of refreſhing from the preſence of the Lord. The Saints drinking now of this Fruit of the Vine by Faith, have joy unſpeakable and full of glory. When they ſhall drink in the New Jeruſalem by viſion, full fruition, and participation of the benefits of Chriſt, how full of glory will that joy be! Pſalm 36.8. Thou ſhalt make them drink of the river of thy pleaſures. A River of Wine ſhall flow from Chriſt then, the ſtreams whereof ſhall make glad the City of God.

2. As the Church is a Vine, ſo Chriſt ſhall drink of the Fruit of it. For, 1. The Memory of what Saints now do and ſuffer for Chriſt, will be very grateful and pleaſing to him: for what ſhall Chriſt ſay then? Come ye bleſſed, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you: for I was hungry and ye fed me, I was thirſty and ye gave me drink; and what ye gave me then to drink, is ſweet Wine to me now. And this is the Fruit of the true Vine Chriſt.

2. The then holineſs and happineſs of the Saints, and their peace and proſperity, will be Chriſts great delight: all is the Fruit of the true Vine, being purchaſed by his Bloud: and of his Fulneſs Saints receive as Branches from the Vine. And then Chriſt ſhall rejoyce in the glorious effects of his Sufferings for the Saints, and take pleaſure in their proſperity, procured by his being a man of p. 31ſorrows. And once more let Pſalm 36.8. be conſidered, Thou wilt make them drink of the river of thy pleaſures. There will be in the New Jeruſalem a River of pleaſures, and theſe ſhall be not onelyonly the Saints pleaſures, but Chriſts pleaſures alſo: for that River, the ſtreams whereof make glad the City of God, ſhall make Chriſt alſo glad. And lo, here is the Wine which cheareth God and Man: ſuch an expreſſion there is in Jothams Parable, Jud. 9.13. It cheareth the heart of Chriſt, who is God and Man; and it cheareth Saints too. Chriſt beholding the Saints, ſhall ſee of the travel of his Soul, and be ſatisfied: this is the Wine which he ſhall drink. And Saints ſhall delight themſelves in the Lord, and be ſatisfied in ſeeing him, and have the deſire of their hearts; and this is the Wine which they ſhall drink. And thus as a Paſſeover will be kept in the Kingdom of God, ſo ſhall alſo the Lords Supper; but among the glorified Saints in the New Jeruſalem, not in ſigns, but in ſight of Chriſt. And as at the firſt Inſtitution of the Lords Supper Chriſt was perſonally preſent with his Diſciples; ſo when it ſhall be eaten and drunk in this more excellent way in the Kingdom of God, Chriſt ſhall be perſonally preſent with the Saints; for he ſaith, I will drink it new with you. And this ſhall be done,

3. In the Fathers Kingdom: which is taken two ways.

1. As diſtinct from the Kingdom of Chriſt as Mediator, which ſhall then have being, when Chriſt ſhall deliver up the Kingdom to God the Father.

2. As the ſame with Chriſts Kingdom; for Chriſts Kingdom is the Fathers, though at laſt the p. 32Fathers Kingdom ſhall not be Chriſts as Mediator, but as God equal with the Father. I ſay, Chriſts is the Fathers: for,

1. The Father gives it to him; Chriſt is the Fathers King; I have ſet my King upon my holy hill of Sion, Pſalm 2.6. And he hath given him power over all fleſh, John 17.2. And hath committed all judgment to him.

2. The Father governs the World in and by Chriſt as Mediator.

3. The Son rules to the glory of the Father, for he is ſaid to be Lord, Phil. 2.11. And every tongue ought to confeſs it to the glory of the Father. So Chriſts Kingdom is the Fathers, which is here meant, as thus appears:

1. What in Matthew is called the Fathers Kingdom, Mark 14.25. and Luke 22.18. is the Kingdom of God; and the Kingdom of God in the Goſpel moſt uſually is taken for Chriſts Kingdom, Luke 11.21. The Kingdom of God is within you, or among you, which muſt be underſtood of Chriſts Kingdom.

It is to be obſerved alſo, that what is called the Fathers Kingdom in Matthew, is called Chriſts Kingdom Luke 22.30. That ye may eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom.

2. Chriſts Kingdom is included in the Fathers, in that Petition, Thy Kingdom come. The Prayer is made to the Father, Thy Kingdom, &c. Now in this Petition the coming of Chriſts Kingdom is firſt deſired, and after the Fathers, when Chriſt ſhall have finiſhed the work given him to do as Mediator.

Conſid. 6. This Houſe with the whole Limit thereof, and every thing belonging to it ſhall be p. 33moſt holy. Chap. 43.12. This is the Law of the Houſe upon the top of the Mountain, the whole Limit thereof round about ſhall be most holy: And 'tis added to ſhew the certainty of it, This is the Law of the Houſe.

Q. But how a Law?

A. The Law of this Houſe ſhall not onelyonly be a Law ſhewing what ought to be: For thus 'tis a Law now, and at all times, that all things in the Church ſhould be holy. 1 Cor. 3.17. The Temple of the Lord is holy. That is, ought to be ſo: But alſo a Law ſhewing what ſhall be. There is a Law commanding, and a Law cauſing that to be which is commanded, like the Law of the Creation, Let there be Light, and there was Light. So God will ſay, Let this Houſe be holy, and it ſhall be ſo. There is the Law in the Word, and the Law in the Heart; and in relation to this time eſpecially God promiſes, I will put my Laws in their inward parts, and write them in their hearts, &c. The Law in the Scriptures requires obedience; the Law in the Heart inclines to it, and makes it natural and pleaſant. Paul ſaid of Timothy, I have no man like minded, who will naturally care for your ſtate. So when the Law is in the Heart, it will make Men to care naturally for the things of God: I mean with reſpect to the Divine Nature, which Saints partake of. Rom. 8.2. Mention is made of the Law of the Spirit. Now ſuch will be the Law of this Houſe. The Law of the Spirit, which is mighty in Christ Jeſus, ſhall make the whole Limit of this Houſe holy. Ezek. 36.27. I will put my Spirit within you, and cauſe you to walk in my Statutes, and ye ſhall keep my Judgments, and do them. And here let this farther be taken notice of, and it will be a p. 34very comfortable conſideration. Not onelyonly the Temple, and Altar, and thoſe that worſhip therein are to be meaſured, but alſo the Courts, both inner and outer; and the Gates and Chambers thereof, all are to be meaſured, and made according to their Pattern, and ſo most holy. Now compare with this, Rev. 11.1, 2. Where the Temple and Altar, and thoſe that worſhip therein are to be meaſured. But the Court without was not to be meaſured, becauſe it was to be given to the Gentiles, &c. This ſets forth the time of Antichrist's Reign, who was to poſſeſs the outer Court. But when the Gentiles thus tread down the Court which is without, there is ſtill a Temple, and Altar, and there are thoſe that worſhip therein, even a true Church holding Christ the Head, and holding forth the truth as it is in Jeſus; and ſuch who worſhip the Father in Spirit, and in Truth. And in this time the holy City must be troden down fourty and two Moneths. Jeruſalem in the Letter was trodden down of the Romans: and Myſtical Jeruſalem hath been trodden down alſo. As that by the Power of Rome when Heatheniſh; ſo this, by the Power of Rome Antichriſtian, but Heatheniſh ſtill; Papiſts being but Heathens to the true Iſrael of God. This Court trodden down of the Gentiles is caſt out, and not meaſured, being cut off, and ſeparated from the Temple; that is, the true Church of God, by the Reed of the Word, as not belonging to the ſame. Thus in John's Viſion, the outward Court is not meaſured, but Heathens poſſeſs it. But Ezekiel in his Viſion ſees the outward Court alſo meaſured, with the Gates, Threſholds, Posts, and Chambers thereof; and all most holy. What may be concluded hence; but that,

p. 351. The State of the Church as it ſhall be after the Deſtruction of Antichrist, is here ſet forth. when the fourty and two Moneths ſhall be ended; the Witneſſes raiſed, and the Jews called: for ſo long as Antichrist remains, he poſſeſſes the outward Court, and it is not meaſured. But being meaſured, as we ſee in Ezekiel's Viſion, the Gentiles will be then caſt out, and Christ will tread in his anger, and trample in his fury, thoſe who did tread down the Holy City. And this meaſuring of the outward Court, ſhews, that the times of the Gentiles will be then fulfilled; and the Jews inwardly, and in the Spirit, even a true Church, ſhall be in the outward Court.

2. Churches at this time will be pure, yea most holy, even the Churches of the outward Court; for all will be meaſured. The Wall on the outſide of the Houſe, chap. 40.5. the Stairs, the Gates, the Threſholds, and every little Chamber, v. 6, 7. all agree with their Pattern: and ſo there will not be any Antichristian Church, left, but all will be holy, yea most holy. How will this be? Churches will be, as true, ſo pure, and in a degree of purity above what they have been at any time yet in the World. The Church of the Jews in the Wilderneſs was holy: the meaſured Churches which have been in the time of Antichrist's Reign, have been holy: And the Primitive Church gathered by the Apostles, was more holy than any before, or ſince. But that Glorious Church which ſhall be after the Calling of the Jews, being compared with the former, ſhall be the most holy of all. As Christ ſaid of Iohn Baptist, A greater than he hath not riſen, notwithstanding he that is least in the Kingdom of God, is greater than he. So there hath not been a p. 36more Glorious Church in the World, than the Primitive was: but the leaſt in the time here meant, will be greater than that. The leaſt of Churches in the time of the New Heavens, and New Earth, will be greater and more glorious than the beſt in the times of the Old Heavens, and the Old Earth. And why may we not conceive that God is pleaſed to make uſe of the Names of the Types and Figures, in ſetting forth this Glorious Church; to declare that this Spiritual Houſe will be framed as exactly according to an Heavenly Pattern, as the typical Houſe was: and that true holineſs will be as perfect, and exact in this, as typical was in that? We know that Moſes his Work was according to the Pattern in the Mount: For he made the Tabernacle, Aaron's Garments, and all other things, as he was commanded. There was a perfect Ceremonial Holineſs in all. And the Sacrifices were without blemiſh. Now all things here being given forth under the Names of Moſaical Rites, and Shadows; this ſeems to intimate, That true Holineſs will be as perfect in this time, as Ceremonial was in Moſes his time.

Thus much concerning the General Conſiderations: the more particular are theſe following.

Conſid. 1. All Ordinances will be Gods Ordinances, and adminiſtred according to his Inſtitution, and Command; and none of Mens Ordinances will be added to, or joyned with them. Chap. 43.7. The place of my Throne, and of the Soles of my Feet, ſhall the Children of Iſrael no more defile, in ſetting their Threſhold by my Threſhold, and their Posts by my Posts. There is God's Door, and Threſhold, by which Men are to enter into the Church; and there are Doors and Threſholds made by Antichrist, and p. 37he would not have any to enter, but through his Doors, and over his Threſholds. But in this time of Reformation, all theſe will be taken away, and none ſhall remain but the Lords. And then not onelyonly Ordinances, but the Forms and Faſhions of them, and all their Circumstances, and manner of Administration, will be of Divine appointment. The Man of Sin hath taken upon him to form, and faſhion things which concern the Worſhip of God; and to mend Divine Inſtitutions, and to make up what he judges to be wanting in them. He will put a better form upon them, than that in which the Word hath left them to us: and adds many new things of his own inventing. But obſerve what is ſaid, Chap. 43.11. Shew them the form of the Houſe, and the faſhion thereof, and all the forms thereof: Shew them the Ordinances thereof, and all the forms thereof. The mentioning of Forms ſo oft, is not a vain repetition. 'Tis to ſhew, that all will be as it ought, both for Subſtance and Circumſtances. And when it is ſaid, All the Ordinances, and Forms thereof, it may be meant of the forms of thoſe Ordinances. All in this Church will appear in a Scripture ſhape, and form; and the Lord will magnifie his Law, and make it honourable; and all Antichriſtian Laws and Ordinances ſhall be brought into contempt, and ſhall have the Judgment of the Great Whore, which is to be hated, and utterly burnt with Fire.

Q. But will there be ſuch Ordinances as now, in that time, viz. Preaching and Administration of Sacraments? John ſaith, Rev. 21.22. That there will not be need of the Sun, or Moon, no need of a Miniſtry; for the Lord God, and the Lamb, will be the Temple thereof.

p. 38A. This is true, as to the New Jeruſalem, but amongſt the People of the Land, and the ſaved Nations, there will be Ordinances: They ſhall have the Light of Scripture, and a Miniſtry holding it forth. Fiſhers ſtand upon the Bank of the River. What are theſe, but Fiſhers of Men? and do hint a Miniſtry. A Miniſtry muſt be till all the Saints be come up to the meaſure of the ſtature of the fulneſs of Christ; which cannot be ſaid of the People of the Land. And we may not think that the great abounding of Light and Grace, in that Glorious Day, will render a Miniſtry uſeleſs, and unprofitable. For as 'twill be a growing time with the People of the Land, and the ſaved Nations; ſo a Miniſtry will be a means of their growth. 'Tis obſerved that Chriſt, who received the Spirit, and not by meaſure, did yet attend on John's Miniſtry; which is gathered from John 1.26, 27. Iohn Baptist ſaith, There is one ſtanding among you, &c. This was Christ, who then ſtood among Iohn's Diſciples, He it is, who coming after me, is preferred before me. After me, in the Greek is, foreign, not post, but pone me, behind me, as a Follower of mine. Matth. 16.24. If any will come after, foreign, ſo as to be a Diſciple, and Follower of mine. So this coming after, is of a Diſciple following his Maſter. Thus did Christ; he followed John, and attended on his Ministry. And how was the Miniſtry magnified by this, when the Lord of Glory attended on it! Chriſt was, as Iohn's Maſter, ſo Iohn's Diſciple; even as he was David's Lord, yet David's Son. Iohn might have ſaid, as when Chriſt came to be baptized of him, I have need to be baptized of thee; ſo I have need to be taught of thee, and comeſt thou to me? But this p. 39Chriſt did alſo, becauſe it became him to fulfill all righteouſneſs. And if it became him to do this, how much more doth it become us to do it now? and how much more will it become the people of the Land to do it, when the Jews ſhall be called, who ſhall then be in a growing ſtate?

And if there ſhall be a Miniſtery in that time, then alſo Baptiſm; for Chriſts Commiſſion was, Go teach all nations, baptizing them; make Diſciples, and then baptize them. If therefore the ſaved Nations ſhall be converted by teaching, then they muſt be baptized. This ſeems hinted chap. 40.38. At the entries by the poſts of the gates they waſhed the burnt-offering. And if there ſhall be Baptiſm, then alſo the Lords Supper; which the Tables, on which the Sin-offering is to be ſlain, may alſo hint; of which more afterwards.

Q. Will not the perſonal coming of Chriſt put an end to Ordinances? for the Apoſtle ſaith, As often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do ſhew forth the Lords death till he come, 1 Cor. 11.26.

A. The Saints with Chriſt in the New Jeruſalem will be above Ordinances, but not the people of the Land. Two things are neceſſary to carry a people above Ordinances:

1. Chriſts receiving them to himſelf, to be where he is; John 14.3. I will come again to receive you to my ſelf, that where I am, there ye may be alſo. This is the coming which carries a people above Ordinances:

2. Their being with Chriſt in glory, and made like unto him. Thus will it be with the Saints in the New Jeruſalem, but not with the people of the Land, till changed and tranſlated thither: p. 40therefore they may ſometimes have a ſight of Chriſt yet will not hereby be carried above Ordinances; which may be cleared by two Inſtances.

Firſt, Chriſt was transfigured on the Mount, and was ſeen in that glory, in which he ſhall appear at his ſecond coming; for Peter ſaith, That he, and James, and John, were then Eye-witneſſes of his power and coming. There were with Chriſt then Moſes, and Elias, and Peter, and James, and John; Moſes and Elias ſaw his glory, and appeared with him in glory: and ſo they were above Ordinances. Peter, and James, and John, ſaw his glory, but did not appear with him in glory, neither was that ſight to continue: and therefore notwithſtanding this they were to be under Ordinances. And that they might not think themſelves hereby carried above them, there came a Voice out of the cloud, Hear him. After they had thus ſeen, they were commanded to hear: and we may well conceive, that thus it will be in the New Jeruſalem ſtate; ſome will be as Moſes and Elias, in the preſence of Chriſt, and like him in glory; ſo the Saints in the New Ieruſalem: others will be as Peter, Iames, and Iohn, who may ſometimes ſee Chriſt, and yet be under a command of hearing; ſo the People of the Land.

Secondly, Paul had a ſight of Chriſt after he was received up into glory, 1 Cor. 15.8. Laſt of all he was ſeen of me alſo. And this ſight of Chriſt was with his bodily eyes, even as the other Apoſtles; and five hundred Brethren had ſeen him. But notwithſtanding this ſight Paul remained under Ordinances.

p. 41Conſid. 2. The Members of Churches ſhall have true holineſs and righteouſneſs, Iſa. 60.21. Thy people ſhall be all righteous. Chap. 43.7. The place of my throne ſhall the children of Iſrael no more defile. No carcaſe ſhall be here, none dead in ſins ſhall be admitted into this ſpiritual houſe. Eliaſhib was guilty of this evil thing in relation to the material Temple, He prepared a chamber in the courts of the houſe of God for Tobiah, which grieved Nehemiah, and therefore he caſt the houſholdſtuff of Tobiah out of the chamber, Nehem. 13.7, 8. But no Tobiah ſhall have a chamber prepared in the Courts of this Houſe of God; neither ſhall any of Antichriſts Houſholdſtuff be found in this Houſe to defile it. Chap. 44.9. No ſtranger, uncircumciſed in heart or fleſh ſhall enter into my Sanctuary. All ſhall put off the body of the ſins of the fleſh, and be circumciſed to the Lord, both in heart and fleſh, inwardly and outwardly: they ſhall be holy in heart and life, and in all manner of converſation. There ſhall not be any, who under a form ſhall deny the power of Godlineſs. In the later perillous times it is ſo, but in the laſt pure and peaceable times it ſhall not be ſo. Rev. 22.3. His ſervants ſhall ſerve him; him, and not their Enemies; him, onelyonly, and him throughly. All ſhall be an oblation to God, and ſhall preſent their bodies a living ſacrifice. Chap. 45.15, 16. One lamb out of the flock, out of the fat paſtures of Iſrael, for a meat-offering. Ordinances and means of Grace ſhall then be fat Paſtures for the Saints to feed in. The Church hath been in the Wilderneſs, and nouriſhed there, Rev. 12.14. but at laſt it ſhall be brought out of the Wilderneſs into the fat Paſtures of Iſrael; and the Saints feeding in them ſhall be fat and flouriſhing, p. 42whereby he that is feeble ſhall be as David, and he that is as David ſhall be as the Angel of the Lord. And mark what follows; All the people of the Land ſhall give this Oblation for the Prince, or be this Oblation to the Prince in Iſrael. And how ſhall this be? Ve…ſe 1…. It ſhall be the Princes part to give Burnt-offerings, and Meat-offerings, making good that Promiſe, I will cauſe you to walk in my Statutes. Now to ſet forth this more fully, conſider,

1. All the Sacrifices ſhall be holy and without blemiſh; Chap. 46.4. Lambs without blemiſh. The Saints of that time ſhall be Lambs in innocency, and Lambs without blemiſh. Now there being much ſpoken in this Prophecy about Sacrifices and Offerings, I ſhall take this occaſion to unfold ſomewhat of the Myſtery of them, And in the firſt place ſhall take notice, that mention is made of the Princes Offerings, and of the Peoples Offerings. The Prince is Chriſt, and of his Offerings we read chap. 45.22. On the day of the Paſſeover ſhall the Prince prepare for himſelf, and the People of the Land, a Bullock for a Sin-offering, and ſeven Bullocks and ſeven Rams for a Meat-offering: the Sin-offering for the People of the Land, the Meat-offering for himſelf and the People of the Land. The Peoples Offerings are mentioned chap. 46.24. Theſe are the places of them that boil, where the Miniſters of the Houſe ſhall boil the Sacrifices of the People. …n the next place we may obſerve the ſeveral kinds of Sacrifices mentioned in this Prophecy, being four, the Sin-offering, the Burnt-offering, the Meat-offering, and Peace-offering.

p. 431. The Sin-offering, and this is Chriſt, who ma… his Soul an Offering for Sin.

Q. How ſhall Chriſt be offered when this Temple ſhall be built?

A. 1. There ſhall be a full diſcovery of the Myſtery of Chriſt crucified, of his being made Sin, and fulfilling righteouſneſs. We may obſerve, that where Chriſt crucified was preached, and his death was ſhewn forth in the Lords Supper, there he is ſaid to be crucified. Gal. 3.1. Before whoſe eyes Chriſt hath been evidently ſet forth, crucified among you. So that he was crucified at Galatia, that is, evidently ſet forth as crucified. In like manner when this Temple ſhall be built, Chriſt ſhall be ſlain; that is, evidently ſet forth as ſlain. The price of his Bloud, and his great love in laying down his Life, will be fully manifeſted, and the Doctrine of Juſtification by Free Grace, through the Redemption that is in Jeſus Chriſt will be fully cleared up, and all Errors about it will vaniſh. Chriſt was crucified at Ieruſalem without the Gate, and at Galatia: now at the time here meant Chriſt will be crucified, not as at Ieruſalem, but as at Galatia, in being evidently ſet forth as crucified.

2. Chriſt crucified ſhall be applied by Faith. The Jews ſhall not eſtabliſh their own righteouſneſs then, but ſhall ſubmit to the righteouſneſs of God: and the Benefits of Chriſt crucified ſhall flow in abundantly upon them, as in reconciling them to God; ſo in purging them from dead works to ſerve the living God. Chap. 45.20. The bloud muſt be upon the poſts of the houſe, the ſettle of the altar, and on the poſts of the gates; ſo ſhall ye reconcile the houſe. And this is to be done for p. 44every one that erreth and is ſimple. The leaſt ſin can't be done away but by the Bloud of Chriſt, and then all from the leaſt to the greateſt ſhall be done away. Concerning this Sin-offering one thing more is to be obſerved againſt Popiſh Altars and the Maſs. Chap. 40.39. There are Tables to ſlay the Sin-offering upon: we do not read of Tables for this uſe under the Law, but onelyonly of an Altar. Chriſt will not be ſacrificed and offered on an Altar, as the Papiſts dream they do, ſuppoſing the conſecrated Bread and Wine to be the very Body and Bloud of Chriſt, which their Prieſts pretend to offer up upon an Altar as an Expiatory Sacrifice. But Chriſt ſhall be onelyonly ſlain upon Tables, that is, evidently ſet forth as ſlain, both in the Word preached, and in the Lords Supper, which (as hath been before ſhewn) will be then adminiſtred among the People of the Land: and the whole Myſtery of Chriſt crucified will be made ſo plain upon theſe Tables, that he may run that ſhall read it.

2. Burnt-offerings; of which ſee Lev. 1. & 8. & 9. chap. Theſe went up in Fire to the Lord upon an Altar, which figured,

1. Chriſt, who went up in the Fire of Love and Zeal for the Glory of God, and the Good of Souls.

2. The Saints, who are to preſent their Bodies a living ſacrifice, and to aſcend up alſo in the Fire of Love and Zeal, and ſo ſhall be accepted.

3. Meat-offerings; which ſignified,

1. Chriſt. Heb. 10.5. Sacrifice and offering thou wouldſt not have; but a body haſt thou prepared me, which is the true Mincah, purging away ſin. 1 Sam. p. 453.14. The ſin of the houſe of Eli ſhall not be purged with Mincah.

2. The Perſons of Chriſtians ſanctified for a pure gift. Iſa. 66.20. They ſhall bring your brethren for a Mincah. Rom. 15.16. That the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable to God. The converted Gentiles are now, and at laſt the Jews ſhall be a Mincah acceptable and well pleaſing to God.

3. The Fruits of Grace, both towards God and towards Men. Heb. 13.16. To do good forget not, for with ſuch ſacrifices God is well pleaſed. Phil. 4.18. The things ſent by you were the odour of a ſweet ſmell, a ſacrifice acceptable and well pleaſing to God.

Concerning the Burnt-offering and Meat-offering 'tis to be obſerved, that the Prince is to offer them. Chap. 46.4, 5. The Burnt-offering which the Prince ſhall offer on the Sabbath-day ſhall be ſix lambs, &c. And the Meat-offering for the lambs as he is able to give. Which may ſignifie thus much: Firſt, when any ſhall be converted, Chriſt ſhall offer them to the Father, and he will accept them; theſe are the Lambs which Chriſt ſhall offer. And he ſhall offer as he is able to give, or according to the gift of his hand, that is, according to what he hath in his hands. When Chriſt apprehends any, and takes them into his hands, he preſently offers them up to the Father, and puts them into his hands. Secondly, when any are to be changed and tranſlated into the New Jeruſalem from amongſt the People of the Land, then Chriſt ſhall offer them to be admitted into that glorious Society there, and the Father will accept them. Theſe are the Lambs which Chriſt ſhall take out of the fat Paſtures of Iſrael, and offer to the Father, p. 46and ſhall be with Chriſt beholding his Glory. Theſe he ſhall offer in the New Moons, and Sabbath-days; that is, in the times appointed by the Father.

4. Peace-Offerings, or Sacrifices of Payments and Pacifications, in which Men payed to God their acknowledgments of Mercies received, and gave thanks for their Peace and Proſperity. Pſalm 56.12. I will render Praiſe; or pay confeſſions to thee. Theſe ſignified;

1. Chriſt's Oblation of himſelf, who became our Peace.

2. Our Oblation of Praiſe. The Peace-Offerings might be of Males and Females. Gal. 3.28. Male and Female, all are one in Christ, and ſhould be a Sacrifice of Praiſe. But here is a Queſtion ariſes.

Q. If by Peace-Offerings, Meat-Offerings, and Burnt-Offerings, Saints are meant, and their Services; how are theſe ſaid to reconcile? For ſo we read, Chap. 45.15. One Lamb of the Flock out of the fat Pastures of Iſrael for a Burnt-Offering, Peace-Offering, and Meat-Offering, to make reconciliation for them.

A. 1. It muſt be granted that the Lambs taken out of the Flock, ſignifie Saints; for they are Chriſt's Flock: Fear not little Flock, &c. Now indeed little, but then it ſhall be a great Flock.

2. One of two hundred includes all, and is inſtead of the whole Flock, which ſhall be this Burnt-Offering: as appears, verſe 16. All the People of the Land ſhall give this Oblation; or rather, ſhall be this Oblation to the Prince in Iſrael. All ſhall willingly give themſelves up to the Lord Jeſus, and own him for their Prince.

p. 473. Obſerve what is ſaid, ver. 17. It ſhall be the Princes part to give Burnt-Offerings, and Meat-Offerings, and he ſhall prepare the Sin-Offering, and the Meat-Offering. Here two things are to be taken notice of:

1. When Saints become a Meat-Offering, and Peace-Offering, 'tis by Chriſt's preparing them, and making them ſuch.

2. Chriſt prepares the Sin-Offering to go with the Meat-Offering; that is, he appears in the preſence of God as their Sin-Offering, whereby their Reconciliation was firſt made, and is continued. And Saints being preſented as a Meat-Offering duly prepared, together with the Sin-Offering: thus they become a Sacrifice of a ſweet ſmelling favour, acceptable and well-pleaſing unto God.

4. To declare this farther, take notice of a twofold Diſtinction.

The firſt Diſtinction is this, There is Reconciliation to God:

1. By taking away enmity, and appeaſing wrath, and making peace. This is done by Chriſt alone, as the Sin-Offering. Thus verſe 19. The Blood of the Sin-Offering put upon the Posts of the Houſe, doth reconcile the Houſe.

2. By having the evidence of Reconciliation, and Peace. This comes, and is continued through Prayer, Praiſe, Repentance, holy and humble walking with God. And in this ſenſe the Meat-Offering, and Peace-Offering make Reconciliation; becauſe through theſe it is made evident.

The ſecond Diſtinction is this.

1. There is Reconciliation to God as a Lord, and Law-giver; who is juſt, and will not clear the p. 48Guilty without ſatisfaction to his Juſtice.

2. To God, as an offended Father; who is the Lord, Gracious and Merciful. For God doth ſhew Fatherly diſpleaſure to his Sons when they forſake his Law; and ſometimes viſits their Iniquities with ſtripes, and their Sins with a Rod. Now Reconciliation in the former ſenſe, is by the Blood of Chriſt alone, which Faith eyes, and makes application of. But Reconciliation in the latter ſenſe may be by the Peace-Offering, and Meat-Offering; when Faith in Chriſt, as the Sin-Offering, goes with them. Reconciliation to God as an offended Father, is through Humiliation, Repentance, and Reformation, and preſenting the Body a living Sacrifice: And thus Lambs without blemiſh, taken out of the fat Paſtures of Iſrael, do reconcile. Which in relation to the times here meant, ſignifies thus much. As Enmity will be taken away, and Peace made with God for the Houſe of Iſrael: So the Iews being all effectually called, and made a Righteous People, they ſhall walk ſo cloſely with God, and offer ſuch well-pleaſing Sacrifices, as they ſhall not give occaſion for Fatherly Displeaſure; neither will the Lord hide his Face any more from the Horſe of Iſrael; neither will there be Iniquities to viſit with ſtripes. For, Chap. 43.7. the Lord ſaith, My Throne, and the place of the Soles of my Feet, ſhall the Children of Iſrael no more defile. And therefore as the Peace-Offerings, and Meat-Offerings ſhall be duly offered; even every Morning, Chap. 46.15. So a perfect Reconciliation with God as a Father ſhall be continued; and the Saints ſhall have a Bleſſed State of uninterrupted Communion with God, and everlaſting Joy, as in their Hearts, ſo upon their Heads. And as p. 49now there is no Curſe to true Believers; ſo then there ſhall be no Croſs. There is now no condemnation to thoſe that are in Christ Jeſus; and then there ſhall be no Correction to them. And as all the Offerings of Judah and Jeruſalem, ſhall be pleaſant to the Lord; ſo all the Dispenſations of God ſhall be pleaſant to Judah and Jeruſalem. Thus much concerning the Sacrifices mentioned in this Prophecy, both for the kinds of them, and what they ſignifie. Now for the farther clearing of the holineſs of theſe Sacrifices, conſider two things:

1. There will be an Altar, ſanctifying them. For we read of an Altar, Chap. 43.13. And a meaſured Altar, being of God's appointment; Theſe are the Meaſures of the Altar. Which was not meant of any material Altar, ſet up after the Return from Babylon: But as the Apostle ſpeaks of the true Tabernacle; ſo this here is the true Altar, which God hath erected, and not Man: even that mentioned, Heb. 13.10. We have an Altar, whereof they have no right to eat which ſerve the Tabernacle. Chriſt in reſpect of his Godhead is this Altar, ſanctifying the Gifts which are offered upon it.

1. Chriſt gave himſelf, and the Altar ſanctified this Gift: the Divine Nature being the Altar that ſanctified the Humane Nature, and made the Sacrifice to be of infinite value and worth; and altogether ſufficient to take away Sin. As Man's ſin had infinite evil in it, ſo Chriſt's Obedience to Death, and the Righteouſneſs which he fulfilled, brought infinite Glory to God; he being an infinite Perſon who fulfilled the Righteouſneſs, and ſo the Offence is made void thereby.

p. 502. This Altar ſanctifies Believers, and their Gifts offered upon it. Iſa. 56.7. Their Sacrifices ſhall be accepted upon mine Altar, Rev. 8.3. Chriſt, adding Incenſe, offers up the Prayers of Saints upon the Golden Altar.

Now this occaſion being given for unfolding ſomewhat of the Mystery of the Altar; three things more may be added for a farther diſcovery thereof:

1. The Names given to the Altar are worthy of obſervation; and here are two Names by which it is called in one Verſe, Chap. 43.15. The firſt is, foreign the Mountain of God; and foreign the Lion of God. Certainly there is much of Myſtery in theſe Names. We do not find the Altar called by theſe Mames elſewhere in Scripture, onelyonly Iſa. 29.1. The City Jeruſalem is called by this Name, probably becauſe of the Altar there. I ſhall take notice of the latter Name in the firſt place. The Lion of God; ſo called becauſe the Altar did devour the Beaſts offered upon it, as the Lion doth his Prey, which may have ſome ſignification here. For,

1. The Sacrifices brought to this Altar will be ſlain, and the Fire of it will devour Fleſh in them, and conſume it. But yet when Nature as corrupt ſhall be ſlain, a Divine Nature ſhall live, and ſo the Sacrifices will be living Sacrifices, Rom. 12.1. And the reaſonable Creature being renewed, ſhall perform reaſonable ſervice. Thoſe that come to this Altar are crucified with Chriſt, yet live, as Paul ſaid of himſelf, Gal. 2.20. A Saint laid on this Altar is dead, as carnal, but lives by Chriſt living in him. When Chriſt was offered, as Man he died; but the Altar, the Divine p. 51Nature did live; which, as it did ſanctifie, ſo afterwards it did enliven the Sacrifice again. Thus 'tis with the Saints, they are put to death in the fleſh, but live in the Spirit, by this living Altar. And thus the power of this Altar will more eminently appear, in deſtroying Fleſh and corrupt Nature, in the Saints of that Glorious Church which is to be in the World.

2. This Altar will be a Lion of God to its Enemies, who ſhall be a Prey to it. Enemies it hath; Some deny its Being, as the Divine Nature of Chriſt: this the Arrians did of old; the Socinians do it now. And as theſe would make void this Altar in its Being; ſo there are others who go about to make it void in its uſe, that is as an Altar: Thus the Papists, who would find out other ways for acceptance with God, as their own Merits, and Saints Mediation. Now this Lion of God will at laſt riſe up to the Prey, and devour all its Enemies. True, he couches now, but theſe Enemies will not leave ſtirring and provoking, till they rouze him up, and then he ſhall deſtroy them at once, Rev. 6.9, 10. The Souls under the Altar cry, how long, O Lord, dost thou not avenge our Blood on them that dwell on the Earth? And it was anſwered, That they must rest till their Brethren, which are to be killed as they, ſhould be fulfilled. And then as Rev. 14.18. An Angel ſhall come out from the Altar, having Power over Fire, crying with a loud voice unto him that hath the ſharp Sickle, ſaying, thrust in thy Sickle, and gather the Clusters of the Vine of the Earth, for her Grapes are fully ripe. Now when the Altar hath done its Work as the Lion of God, what ſhall it be then, and how ſhall it appear? Then it ſhall be called p. 52by this name Harel, the Mountain of God. The Enemies of this Altar have endeavoured to obſcure it, and to hinder any from coming to it, or looking towards it. The Gentiles poſſeſſing the outward Court, do hide this Altar, ſo that 'tis ſeen but by a few, viz. The meaſured Worſhippers in the Temple. And theſe Gentiles ſet up other Altars; as Jeroboam did, to hinder Men from coming to this. Yet this Altar remains, and there are true Worſhippers that come to it by Faith, and offer their Gifts upon it, Rev. 11.1. But when this Glorious Temple ſhall be built, then this Altar ſhall appear. For the Gentiles that hide it, ſhall be driven out of the outward Court, and Chriſt ſhall be then more clearly ſeen as Priest, Sacrifice, and Altar. For when the Temple of God ſhall be opened, as the Ark of his Testament, ſo the Altar ſhall be ſeen, and that as the Mountain of God, before which all other Altars will be …hrown down for ever; Chriſt will be gloriouſly viſible as God-Man, as King, Priest, Prophet, and Altar. And when the Name of this Altar ſhall be the Mountain of God, then the Souls under the Altar, and hid with Chriſt in God, ſhall ſtand before it; and Chriſt appearing, they ſhall appear with him in Glory.

2. We read of the Settle of this Altar, Chap. 45.19. The Blood was to be put upon the Settle of the Altar. And Chap. 43.14. mention is made of the greater, and the leſſer Settle. What may we conceive to be meant hereby? Surely, as the Divine Nature is the Altar, ſo the Humane Nature is the Settle thereof. For in the Humane Nature of Chriſt, did the fulneſs of the Godhead ſettle, and there it dwells Bodily. p. 53And this is the greater Settle of the Altar. And as the Apoſtle ſaith, Hebrews 13.10. We have an Altar; ſo thoſe that have this Altar, are the leſſer Settle of it: and in ſpecial, as chiefly here meant, that Glorious Church which ſhall be after the coming down of the New Jeruſalem, will be this leſſer Settle. Now we finding this Altar with its greater Settle, upon its leſſer Settle, the Church, which ſhall be at laſt in the World, what doth this hint, but a perſonal preſence of Chriſt, as God-Man, in it?

3. This will be a cleanſed Altar, Chapter 43.20. Thou ſhalt take of the Blood thereof, and put it upon the Four Horns thereof, and on the Four Corners of the Settle, and upon the Border round about, thus ſhalt thou cleanſe and purge it. This Altar is always pure in it ſelf: but as the Holy Name of God is ſaid to be defiled; ſo alſo hath the Altar of God been defiled by Whoredoms, Idolatry and falſe Worſhip, and by the approaches of ſuch who have not waſht their hands in Innocency. Now the cleanſing of this Altar notes the doing away of all ſuch defiling Abominations. No abominable perſon, no abominable thing, ſhall come nigh this Altar: Both Worſhip, and Worſhippers ſhall be Holineſs unto the Lord, verſe. 26. Seven days ſhall they purge the Altar, and purifie it, and they ſhall conſecrate themſelves. Let the particulars be obſerved:

Firſt the Blood is to be put upon the Four Horns of the Altar: What do theſe ſignifie, but the Power of the Godhead? And reconciling Blood upon the Horns of the Altar, ſhews p. 54that the Power of the Godhead ſhall ſave, and not deſtroy thoſe that come to it. Divine Power will be reconciled to them. And here 'tis a happy and bleſſed thing, when Blood toucheth Blood: That is, when the Worſhippers come with the Blood of Sprinkling upon them, to the Blood of Sprinkling upon the Horns of the Altar, and ſo take hold of them. Joab took hold of the Horns of the Altar, but coming with the guilt of Innocent Blood upon him, and not with that which purgeth away Sin, he was taken thence, and ſlain. But at the time which this Prophecy relates to, it ſhall not be ſo. None but purged ones ſhall come, and none of theſe ſhall be taken thence; Becauſe the Blood of Chriſts Manhood will engage the Power of the Godhead, to ſave all the Sanctified Ones that ſhall come to this Altar, and ſhall protect, ſupport, and perfect that which doth concern them.

2. The Blood is to be put upon the Settle of the Altar; which we are to underſtand of the leſſer Settle, even that Glorious Church of the Jews when they ſhall be called, which ſhall be a cleanſed and purged Settle, having that Blood upon it which ſpeaks better things than that of Abel. And it ſhall be a Settle purged throughout, for the Blood is to be put upon the four corners of it.

3. The Blood is to be put upon the Border round about. What is meant by the Border of the Altar? The pure Worſhippers that ſhall come to this Altar, may be conceived to be its Border round about, Pſalm 26.6. I will waſh my hands in Innocency, ſo will I compaſs thine Altar, O Lord. Thoſe that come to, and compaſs this Altar, are p. 55its Border round about. And Blood ſhall be upon this Border: ſo that all ſhall be cleanſed and purged ones that come to this Altar: And therefore as the Houſe of Iſrael ſhall no more defile the Holy Name of God, ſo not the Holy Altar of God, by any Abominations. Thus much concerning the Altar.

2. As there will be an Altar to Sanctifie, ſo all the Sacrifices ſhall have the Salt of the Covenant caſt upon them, Chap. 4.24. Thou ſhalt offer them before the Lord, and the Prieſt ſhall caſt Salt upon them. This is borrowed from Lev. 2.13. Every Oblation of a Meat-Offering ſhall be ſeaſoned with Salt; neither ſhalt thou ſuffer the Salt of the Covenant of thy God to be lacking from thy Meat-Offering. Saints, and their Services, are a Meat-Offering; but the Salt of the Covenant muſt not be lacking. Salt makes ſavoury, and preſerves from putrefaction. An Unregenerate ſtate is ſet forth by not being ſalted, Ezek. 16.4. So to be ſalted is to be Regenerated, and made New Creatures. Col. 4.6. Let your ſpeech be with Grace, ſeaſoned with Salt. Not corrupt Communication, but ſalted and ſeaſoned with Grace. And as there is the Unleavened Bread of Sincerity, ſo there is the Salt of Sincerity. 'Tis not any Salt that will do: Not the Salt of Morality, and common Gifts; But it muſt be the Salt of the Covenant: that is, a true Faith and apprehending Chriſt for Righteouſneſs, and Sanctification, ſo as to receive of his Fulneſs Grace for Grace. And thoſe that have this Salt of the Covenant, are under a Covenant of Salt. For we read of both. The Salt of the Covenant is mentioned, Lev. 2.13. p. 56and a Covenant of Salt, Numb. 18.19. 2 Chron. 13.5. Now a Covenant of Salt is an inviolable and perpetual Covenant. Thoſe that have the Salt of the Covenant, are under an everlaſting Covenant, that ſhall never be broken. And in relation to the ſtate of the Church here meant, it hints thus much; that the Church ſhall remain in that pure, holy, peaceable, and proſperous eſtate which then it ſhall be brought into, of which the Prophets have ſpoken ſo much. Babylons glory, becauſe raiſed by and accompanied with ſo great Abominations, ſhall be as when God overthrew Sodom. God will ſtain the pride of all glory. Men do firſt ſtain their glory with Pride, Injuſtice, Prophaneneſs, &c. and becauſe Men ſtain it with ſin, God will ſtain it with judgments. The Honourable ones of the great City Babylon ſhall be brought into contempt, and the Deſpiſed ones of Sion ſhall be made a praiſe in the Earth. Thus much of the firſt particular, that all the Sacrifices ſhall be holy.

2. All Duties ſhall be performed by Saints, and all Graces ſhall meet in them, and their good Works ſhall have all their requiſites to make them perfect. Saints then ſhall be upon better ground than the young man had, able to ſay what he did, All theſe have I kept from my youth up; and they ſhall have reſpect to all Gods commands: and yet having done all, will ſay as Chriſt enjoyns, We are unprofitable ſervants; and as Paul, I am not hereby juſtified. They ſhall have the Lord for their God, and none other beſides him, Zech. 13.9. and no Graven Image ſhall be among them. There ſhall be no prophaning of the Name of God, chap. 43.7. no drawing nigh to God with p. 57the mouth, when the heart is removed far from him. The Sabbath will be purely obſerved; and for ſecond Table Duties ſee chap. 45.10. Ye ſhall have juſt Balances, a juſt Ephah and a juſt Bath. There ſhall be juſtice in dealings, and none ſhall go beyond or defraud his Brother in any matter, but that Rule of Chriſt will take place, Whatever ye would that men ſhould do to you, do ye even ſo to them. I ſhall inſtance in two Duties, and a little inſiſt on them.

1. Prayer. Mal. 1.11. In every place incenſe ſhall be offered with a pure offering. Prayer ſhall be as Incenſe, and this enkindled with the Fire of the Altar. Zech. 8.21. Let's go ſpeedily to pray before the Lord: Thus ſhall they be calling on one another, and that in a time when many People and ſtrong Nations ſhall ſeek the Lord of Hoſts in Jeruſalem. This hath reſpect to the time of the Jews being called: for ten men out of every Nation ſhall take hold of the Skirt of him that is a Jew, ſaying, We will go with you, for we have heard that God is with you. And at this time he will pour upon the Houſe of David, and the Inhabitants of Jeruſalem, the Spirit of Grace and Supplication. And as perſons gathered together in their Aſſemblies ſhall pray, ſo in their Families, and all in their Families apart. Zech. 12.14. Every family apart, and their wives apart. Hence we find the Name Iſrael uſed ſo much in this Prophecy, becauſe now the Jews ſhall be ſuch Wreſtlers with God, as Jacob their Father was, and ſhall not let him go without a bleſſing. And as Chriſt lifted up his eyes and ſaid, Father, I thank thee that thou haſt heard me; ſo ſhall Saints then, even in prayer, be able to offer up praiſes for being heard, becauſe they p. 58know Chriſt will be making Interceſſion for them. Chap. 45.23. Seven days of the Feaſt the Prince ſhall prepare his burnt-offering. When Saints keep the Feaſt, and are praying and praiſing, Chriſt offers his Burnt-offering, that is, he offers up his Supplications with and for them.

2. At this time God ſhall have his due praiſes ſignified, as hath been ſhewn in the Peace or Pay-offerings, for the great mercies of that time. A Figure of this we have Matth. 21.9. Chriſt rode in triumph into Ieruſalem, the people cried Hoſannah in the higheſt, and ſo did the Children, which offended the Scribes; to whom Chriſt ſaid, Out of the mouths of babes and ſucklings thou haſt perfected praiſe. Which may be look'd on as prefiguring two things, in relation to the time of Chriſts coming in his Kingdom.

1. That even the young Children of Saints ſhall then have a great meaſure of Grace, and much knowledge of the Glory of God; and beholding the King in his beauty, ſhall cry Hoſannah to the Son of David. Little Children will come to Chriſt, and of theſe ſhall be the Kingdom of God. There will be many Timothy's, who from their Childhood will know the holy Scriptures; and as acts of Reaſon ſhall put themſelves forth, ſo acts of Grace therewith.

2. The Babes and Sucklings in Chriſt, the new Converts ſhall ſhew forth the praiſes of him that hath called them. The offering up of praiſe is the great evidence of the truth of Grace in the heart: and at this time will the Lord perfect praiſe. The praiſe which the Saints ſhall offer will be perfect praiſe, not ſhadowy and in appearance onelyonly, but it ſhall have the perfection of ſincerity p. 59and truth: and it ſhall be in ſuch a degree as God ſhall expect from their ſtate. None ſhall receive the grace of God in vain, but according to what they receive they ſhall render: As where much is given, much is required; ſo then where much ſhall be given, much will be rendred. And as all Duties ſhall be performed by Saints, ſo all Graces ſhall meet in them, and their good works ſhall have all their requiſites to make them perfect. Chap. 46.11. In the feaſts the meat-offering ſhall be an Ephah to a Bullock, an Ephah to a Ram, and an Hin of Oyl to an Ephah. When any thing is ſpoken of Oblations and Meat-offerings, Oyl is alſo mentioned; by which the Spirit is meant making the Saints a willing people. They ſhall have the Oyl of grace and the Oyl of gladneſs: all their works ſhall be done with zeal and alacrity. A due proportion of love and willingneſs is the Hin of Oyl which is to go with the Offerings. This is further ſet forth chap. 46.23. There was a new building, and it was made with boiling places: then he ſaid unto me, Theſe are the places of them that boil, where the miniſters of the houſe ſhall boil the ſacrifices of the people. The Miniſtry then will be a heating and a boiling Miniſtry; the Word will be a Fire in the Heart; and Love and Zeal enkindled thereby, will be as the Fire which came down from Heaven, and was kept burning in the Temple; by this the Sacrifices ſhall be well boiled, ſo that there will not be crude or raw Services then among the Saints; there will not be cauſe to take up Luthers complaint, Deeſt ignis. The Fire from Heaven, which was long kept burning in the Temple, did at laſt go out, and was not in the ſecond Temple; but lo, here 'tis found p. 60in theſe boiling places of a more glorious Temple, being the ſubſtance of that ſhadow, where it ſhall not go out.

3. Saints ſhall make progreſs in the ways of God, and perſevere in well doing. There will not be Apoſtates at this time, none doing wickedly againſt the Covenant, neither ſhall any of thoſe of underſtanding fall; Iſrael ſhall not be any more backſliding Iſrael. Chap. 46.9, 10. When the people of the land ſhall come before the Lord, he that entereth in by the way of the North Gate to worſhip, ſhall go out by the way of the South Gate, he ſhall not return. Here muſt be no ſhadow of turning; the Worſhippers ſhall not go back. The Prince in the midſt of them when they go in ſhall go in, when they go forth ſhall go forth, ſo that they ſhall be ſtill following Chriſt. Verſe 14. A Meat-offering muſt be prepared every morning. There ſhall not be a ceaſing of the daily Sacrifice, either by Saints neglect or wicked mens interruption. Thus much of the Church Members.

3. The Paſtors of Churches ſhall be all holy, and duly qualified; even Paſtors after Gods heart. Now concerning the Miniſters which are mentioned in this Prophecy, we may take notice how they are ſet forth in reſpect of their kind, and in reſpect of their qualifications. As for the firſt, here are three ſorts mentioned:

1. Prieſts and Miniſters of the Sanctuary, which ſhall come near and miniſter to the Lord, chap. 45.4.

2. Levites, called Miniſters of the Houſe, chap. 45.5.

p. 613. Such as ſerve the City, chap. 48.18. which are to be rank'd amongſt the Miniſters, as afterwards will more fully appear.

The Names of Prieſts and Levites are borrowed from the Law, to ſet forth a Goſpel Miniſtery. The Prieſts under the Law were to ſanctifie the moſt holy things, and to burn Incenſe before the Lord, and to miniſter to him, and to bleſs in his Name, 1 Chron. 23.13. The Levites were to ſet forward the work of the Houſe of the Lord; and ſome were Singers, inſtructed in the Songs of the Lord. Of Singers we read in this Prophecy, chap. 40.44. In the Inner Court were the Chambers of the Singers, ſuch who will be inſtructed themſelves, and ſhall inſtruct others in the Songs of the Lord. They were alſo Porters, 1 Chron. 26. and ſome were for the outward buſineſs over Iſrael.

Now to know who are meant by theſe Prieſts and Levites, and ſuch as ſerve the City, we muſt conſult the New Teſtament, and ſuch places wherein mention is made of the ſeveral Officers and Miniſters which God hath ſet in the Church: and ſurely 'tis a Goſpel Miniſtery which is here meant, for ſometimes we find it under a Goſpel name. Miniſters, chap. 44.11. They ſhall be Miniſters in my Sanctuary. Chap. 46.24. The Miniſters of the houſe boil the ſacrifice of the people. Now for the places of the New Teſtament which ſpeak of a Goſpel Miniſtery, ſee 1 Cor. 12.28. God hath ſet in the Church firſt Apoſtles, ſecondly Prophets, thirdly Teachers, then Helps, Governments, &c. Eph. 4.11. He gave ſome Apoſtles, ſome Prophets, ſome Evangeliſts, ſome Paſtors, ſome Teachers. 1 Tim. 5.17. The Elders that rule well count worthy of p. 62double honour, eſpecially thoſe that labour in the Word and Doctrine. In theſe places we find Paſtors which are Overſeers of a Flock, and for the perfecting of the Saints, Evangeliſts to preach among the Nations, through whoſe Miniſtery Nations will be ſaved, and walk in the Light of the New Jeruſalem. Theſe are foretold Iſa. 66.19. I will ſend thoſe that eſcape of them to Pul and Lud, &c. and they ſhall declare my glory among the Gentiles, and ſuch as have not heard of my fame, neither have ſeen my glory. Laſtly, thoſe that ſerve the City will be Miniſters building up Saints, and making them meet to be received into the holy City. Now theſe ſeveral ſorts are to ſhew, that the Church of the Jews ſhall have all ſorts of Miniſters and Officers, which it ought to have by Divine Appointment; all for teaching, edifying, bringing in, building up▪ and for rule and government for the inner and outward buſineſs of the Houſe of God. Thus we ſee what ſorts of Miniſters are mentioned in this Prophecy. We may further take notice of Gods care to provide for them, as alſo the way in which they ſhall be provided for: God will make ſufficient proviſion for all; 'twill not be as now, ſome have Riches given them, and others Poverty, and ſome Food convenient. But then as all ſhall be of Agars temper, in deſiring but Food convenient, ſo that ſhall be given them, chap. 45.3, 4. & 48.9. The Oblation that ye ſhall offer to the Lord ſhall be of five and twenty thouſand in length, and ten thouſand in breadth, in the midſt whereof ſhall be the Sanctuary; it ſhall be for the Prieſts the Sons of Zadock. And over againſt the Border of the Prieſts the Levites ſhall have five and twenty thouſand p. 63in length, and ten thouſand in breadth. The reſidue being ten thouſand Eaſtward, and ten thouſand Weſtward, ſhall be for Food for thoſe that ſerve the City. And here we ſee the way in which they ſhall be provided for: The twelve Tribes have their ſeveral Inheritances allotted them by themſelves, and then the Miniſters have a Portion ſet apart for them, ſo as that they are not to have a Maintenance out of the Inheritances of the People, either by their free gift or otherwiſe: and thus there will not be any dependence upon the people to be a ſnare to them, or any matter of offence to the people, or occaſion of difference betwixt them. Hence it's ſaid chap. 44.28. Ye ſhall give them no poſſeſſion in Iſrael, I am their poſſeſſion: that is, it ſhall not lie upon you to make proviſion for them out of your Inheritances, but they ſhall have Poſſeſſions by themſelves. When Canaan was divided, each Tribe allotted to the Levites out of their Inheritances Cities to dwell in, Joſh. 21. Eight and forty Cities were given them by lot, ſome out of each Tribe; ſo that then the Levites had Inheritances from the Tribes. But when the Jews ſhall be called 'twill not be thus. Paul ſaid he would keep himſelf from being burthenſom to the Corinthians; the like ſaith the Lord here concerning the Miniſters of the new Heavens and new Earth, they ſhall not be burthenſom to the Church in which I ſhall ſet them. Next concerning their Qualifications conſider,

1. They ſhall be clothed with righteouſneſs; this is meant by the Linen Garments, chap. 44.17. with which the Prieſts ſhall be clothed; they ſhall have the fine Linen white and clean, which is the righteouſneſs of Saints.

p. 642. Their frame and fitneſs for Miniſterial work ſhall be ſuch, that it ſhall not be any way burthenſom to them; but they ſhall be like Chriſt, who ſaid, My meat is to do the will of him that ſent me: and like Paul, abundant in Labours without pain and wearineſs. Chap. 44.18. No wooll ſhall come upon them, they ſhall not gird themſelves with any thing that cauſeth ſweat. They ſhall do their Miniſterial work without ſweat; it was a part of Adams Curſe, In the ſweat of thy face thou ſhalt eat bread, Gen. 3.19. If he had not ſinned, he ſhould have done his work without ſweat. Sin cauſed ſweat; Labour is now toilſom and painful, cauſing ſweat and wearineſs: but here will be work and no ſweat and wearineſs, becauſe the Miniſters at that time ſhall have ſufficient ſtrength for and delight in their work.

3. They ſhall be conſecrated to God, and not defile themſelves after their Conſecration. Chap. 44.20. The Prieſts ſhall not ſhave their heads. That we may the better underſtand what is ſignified hereby, we muſt look back to the Law of the Nazarites, which forbids them to ſhave their heads; and concerning their not ſhaving their heads two things are to be taken notice of.

1. It was forbidden them to ſhave their heads in the days of their Separation, Num. 6.5. All the days of the vow of his ſeparation no razor ſhall come upon his head. But yet,

2. In two caſes it was commanded them to ſhave their heads; as,

1. In caſe of being defiled by the dead, Num. 6.9. If a man die ſuddenly by him, and he hath defiled the head of his conſecration, then he ſhall ſhave his head in the day of his cleanſing.

p. 652. When the days of this ſeparation were fulfilled, Num. 6.13, 18. the Nazarite was to ſhave the Head of his Conſecration.

Now for the Application of theſe things: conſider,

1. The Prieſts here ſpoken of ſhall be ſpiritual Nazarites; that is, Perſons conſecrated to God. The word Nazarite ſignifies, One ſeparated to ſome ſpecial Dignity and Sanctity, Gen. 49.26. Joſeph was called a Nazarite, being ſeparated from his Brethren. Chriſt was not a Nazarite after the Law of this carnal Commandment, but a Nazarene, being bred up in Nazareth; and his Name was Netſer, the Branch. Yet the truth of this Type was fulfilled in him, he being ſeparated to a holy Work. And thus the Prieſts ſhall be Nazarites; that is, ſeparated to a Work and Miniſtry which they ſhall fulfil.

2. The Prieſts being under a Prohibition of ſhaving their Heads at all; hence it may be concluded, that what was the ground of the Nazarites ſhaving their Heads, ſhall never happen to them. And therefore,

1. They ſhall not defile themſelves after their Conſecration: They ſhall do their work, and walk worthy of their Calling. There ſhall not be a Mark among them, declining the work of God; nor a Demas carried away with the Love of the World: And none ſhall defile themſelves with any Antichriſtian Abominations. We know there is a Popiſh Cuſtom of ſhaving the Head, and much of Religion is placed in it; but none of that ſort of men ſhall have a Being in this time of the Churches Purity and Glory: But as Iſa. 7.20. The Lord ſhall ſhave with a Raſor the Head and p. 66Hair of the Feet, even all that have the Mark of the Beast. Rev. 19.20. The Beast and the falſe Prophet ſhall be taken, and cast into the Lake of Fire, and the Remnant ſhall be ſlain. In the worſt of times a remnant of Saints is left, which keep the Commandments of God, and have the Teſtimony of Jeſus Chriſt: But in that day no remnant of Babylon will be left, but the remnant will be ſlain by the Sword of him that ſhall ſit upon the white Horſe.

2. Their ſeparation ſhall not be for Days, but Eternity. The Nazarites outward, and in the fleſh, were ſeparated but for a time: But the Nazarites inwardly and in Spirit, ſhall be for ever. For though their Work as Goſpel Miniſters ſhall ceaſe at laſt, yet they ſhall be Prieſts to offer the Sacrifice of Praiſe continually. The Royal Prieſthood ſpoken of, 1 Pet. 2.9. is a Prieſthood for ever. So then the Prieſts ſhall not ſhave their Heads; that is, the days of their ſeparation ſhall not end.

3. They ſhall not be proud or vain. Chap. 44.20. They ſhall not ſuffer their Locks to grow long. This ſometimes diſcovers the pride and vanity of the Heart; whence that may be truly ſaid to ſome, which Eliab ſpake uncharitably to David, I know the pride and naughtineſs of thy Heart. Prieſtly Ornaments then will not be carnal, but the Ornament of a meek, humble, and gracious Spirit.

4. They ſhall not be prophane, verſe 21. Neither ſhall any Prieſt drink Wine. They ſhall be far from Rioting, Drunkenneſs, and Chambering, and Wantonneſs: They ſhall not be filled with Wine, wherein is exceſs; but be filled with the Spirit. Now it may be ſaid to many of thoſe p. 67which ſtand in that Rank, How long will ye be drunken? Put away your Wine from you: But at this time ſuch ſhall not be found among the Prieſts of the Lord.

5. They ſhall be Paſtors of pure Churches, over whom the Line and Reed ſhall paſs. Chap. 44.22. The Priests ſhall not take for their Wives a Widow, or her that is put away. For the better underſtanding of this, we may obſerve, that Paſtors of Churches are called Husbands, there being a kind of Spiritual Marriage betwixt them and Churches. Lev. 21.4. The Priest ſhall not defile himſelf, being a chief Man among his People, or being a Husband among them. So that a Paſtor is an Husband to his People. Now at this time the Priest ſhall not take a Widow, &c. What is ſignified hereby? All Antichriſtian, Popiſh, and pretended Churches will at this time be put away, and thruſt forth. For though there will be a time of Babylon's boaſting, that ſhe ſhall ſit a Queen, and not be a Widow, nor ſee ſorrow, yet her Plagues ſhall come in one day, and Babylon must know Widowhood, and the loſs of Children. And when Antichriſtian Churches ſhall be Widows, and thruſt forth, none of the Prieſts of the Lord ſhall marry them. Now when any Popiſh Churches are Widows, there are Prieſts ready to marry them; but then they ſhall be left deſolate: And in this ſenſe will that be fulfilled, Rev. 18.23. The voice of the Bridegroom, and the voice of the Bride ſhall be heard no more at all in thee. No Prieſts of Babylon ſhall be left to marry them; and none of the Prieſts of Sion ſhall then marry any Widow, or Daughter of Babylon. And obſerve what follows; They ſhall take Maidens of the Houſe of Iſrael. Churches ſhall conſiſt of p. 68chaſte Virgins eſpouſed to Chriſt, and of ſuch who are Iſrael after the Spirit. Such ſhall the Prieſt take, or a Widow that had a Prieſt before. That is, If any Churches ſhall be Widows, by the tranſlation of the Paſtors into the New Jeruſalem, ſuch a Widow a Prieſt may marry.

6. They ſhall not err in Doctrine or Judgment. No Tares of falſe Doctrine will then be ſowen. Chap. 44.23. They ſhall teach my People the difference betwixt the holy and prophane, and cauſe men to diſcern betwixt the unclean, and the clean. They ſhall not juſtifie the Wicked, nor condemn the Righteous; neither call Evil good, nor Good evil; but ſhall faithfully ſhew unto Men what is good, and what the Lord requireth of them. Now many, like Ahab's falſe Prophets, utter ſmooth and pleaſing things; but then all ſhall be Micaiahs, in ſpeaking what the Lord ſhall declare to them, verſe 24. In Controverſie they ſhall ſtand in Judgment, and ſhall judge it according to my Judgments. All Controverſies about matters of Faith, Worſhip, and Government ſhall then be at end, for the Prieſts ſhall judge them according to Gods Judgments.

7. They ſhall not in a way of Church-Communion converſe with ſuch as are but dead of themſelves, to the committing of Sin, or are under a force in the profeſſion of Godlineſs: This may be gathered from Chap. 44.31. The Priest ſhall not eat of any thing that is dead of it ſelf, or torn, whether it be Fowl or Beast. This was forbidden under the Law, Exod. 22 31. That which died of it ſelf, and was not orderly ſlain, was unclean, and forbidden to Aaron, and his Sons. The Sacrifices muſt be orderly ſlain, and ſo they might p. 69be eaten. Now this in the ſpiritual ſignification of it, forbids Communion with carnal perſons, who may ſeem mortified ones: But their body of Sin not being truly ſlain by the Word and Spirit, they ſhall not be judged fit for religious Communion. For the better clearing of this, let Acts 10.12, 13. be conſidered: Peter ſaw in a Viſion a Sheet, wherein were all manner of four-footed Beaſts, &c. And there came a voice, Riſe Peter, kill and eat. And what was meant hereby, may be gathered from v. 28. Ye know that it is unlawful for a Jew to keep company with one of another Nation, but God hath ſhewed me that I ſhould not call any man common, or unclean. That is, I muſt preach the Goſpel to Gentiles, as well as Jews, and I muſt endeavour to kill the Old Man in them; and this being done, I may eat; that is, keep company with them, and no longer judge them unclean. This place of Ezek. then hints thus much, That in the New Jeruſalem-ſtate, all admitted to Church Communion, ſhall be ſound and ſincere in the matter of Godlineſs; and true Nathaniels, Iſraelites indeed, in whom will be no guile.

There are now three Ranks of Men profeſſing Godlineſs:

1. Such as are dead in ſome ſort to Sin, and take up a profeſſion of Godlineſs of themſelves, doing it from Self-love, or ſlaviſh fear; or aiming at profit or praiſe; or becauſe they are willing to eſcape Hell, and to get to Heaven at laſt. Theſe may be reckoned among the Righteous, but not being truly of them, may go out from them. For they that forſake Sin out of ſlaviſh fear, may turn to it out of fear. Thoſe that follow Chriſt for Loaves, may forſake him for Loaves.

p. 702. Such as are under a force in the profeſſion of Religion, and have their Sins as it were torn from them. Some by religious Magiſtrates or Maſters, may be with-held from Sin, and be brought to ſome outward conformity in the matter of Godlineſs; theſe are the torn, which if admitted to Church-communion, may break off from it. For thoſe that are torn from Antichriſt, and but ſeemingly joyned to Chriſt, may be torn from Chriſt, and ſo go back to Antichriſt again.

3. There are ſuch who through the Spirit do mortifie the Deeds of the Body, not being under a force, but are made a willing People to follow Chriſt, and are no otherwiſe conſtrained, but by the Love of Chriſt; judging that they ought to live to him who died and roſe again: and of ſuch will all the Churches of the Saints at laſt conſiſt. Theſe three ſorts ſeem hinted, John 1.13. Christ gives to them power to become the Sons of God, who believe in his Name; being born not of the will of the fleſh, nor of the will of man, but of God. Some are born of the will of the fleſh, taking up a Form of Godlineſs from a carnal principle, and fleſhly will. Others are born of the will of Man, being religious, becauſe Men that have Power over them will have it ſo. The former are the Dead of themſelves, theſe the torn. There are others born of God, who can ſay as Jam. 1.18. Of his own will begat he us by the word of truth, that we ſhould be a kind of First-fruits of his Creatures. Now at the time of Jeruſalems being made a praiſe in the Earth, ſuch as are born of the fleſh, which are the Dead of themſelves; and ſuch as are born of the Will of Man, which are the torn, ſhall not be in that Kingdom; but ſuch as are born of God p. 71ſhall enter into, and be of that Kingdom of God. The Prieſts ſhall then kill, and eat; kill, and keep company with them, and ſo not eat of any thing which is dead of it ſelf, or torn; and that in the next place, whether it be Fowl or Beaſts. Beaſts are called Beaſts of the Earth, and Fowls the Fowls of Heaven. By Beaſts of the Earth, are meant Men of a worldly temper, who mind earthly things, and under a Form of Godlineſs, are Lovers of Riches more than Lovers of God. But the Prieſts ſhall not eat of ſuch then: No covetous man, who is an Idolater, ſhall have any Inheritance in that Kingdom of God. By the Fowls of Heaven, are meant ſuch who ſeem to fly high in the profeſſion of Religion, but do it for praiſe and applauſe, and truſt in what they do, that they are righteous thereby. The Phariſee that boaſted, God I thank thee that I am not as other men are, or as this Publican; I fast, &c. He ſeemed to fly ſo high, as to be dead to Sin, and to the World; but he was but a Fowl, dead of himſelf, and therefore unclean. Now the Prieſts in that glorious ſtate ſhall not eat of ſuch Beaſts, or Fowls: But what temper thoſe of that Church ſhall be of, theſe following Scriptures declare, Iſa. 60.4. All they gather themſelves together, they come to thee: v. 5. Then ſhalt thou ſee, and flow together, thine heart ſhall fear, and be enlarged. Filial fear enlargeth the heart to run the way of God's Commandments. The Forces of the Gentiles ſhall come to thee: Theſe Forces ſhall not be forced, but ſhall come, v. 8. Who are theſe that fly as a Cloud, very ſwiftly, and in great abundance, and as Doves to their windows very freely and willingly, Pſa. 102.18. When the time to favour Sion ſhall come, the people p. 72which ſhall be created, ſhall praiſe the Lord; or the new created people: All of the Church then will be a new created people, Iſa, 54.11, 12. O thou afflicted, tost with tempests, and not comforted, I will lay thy Stones with fair colours, and thy Foundations with Saphires; I will make thy Windows of Agates, and thy Gates of Carbuncles, and all thy Borders of pleaſant Stones. Iſa. 60.21. Thy people ſhall be all righteous, the Branch of my planting, the works of my hands, that I may be glorified. By this we ſee how much better it will be with the Church every way than now it is; better in ſtate, and better in frame; better within, and better without: Purity, Peace, and abundance of Light within, and none to make it afraid without: Such as it ſhould be within, and ſuch as it ſhould be without.

9. They ſhall not do their work for hire, or reward; but a work done as it ought to be, ſhall be its own reward, Chap. 44.28. In the day that he goeth into the Inner Court, he ſhall offer, &c. And it ſhall be to them for an Inheritance. Their Sanctuary-work and Ministry ſhall be their reward. Verſe 29. Every dedicate thing in Iſrael ſhall be theirs, and the first of all the Fruits. When any by their Miniſtry ſhall be dedicated to the Lord, theſe ſhall be their Glory and Joy, and Crown of rejoycing; and ſhall be better to them than the Firſt-fruits were to the Prieſts under the Law.

Thus much concerning the Miniſters of the Houſe.

4. This Temple ſhall never be deſtroyed, as the Temple of Jeruſalem was. Chap. 49.19. The Prieſts ſhall take of the Blood and put it on the Posts of the Houſe, and on the four Corners of the Settle of the p. 73Altar. The meaning is, As the Bloud of the Lamb being on the Iſraelites Door-poſts, the deſtroying Angel did not enter; ſo this Houſe being ſprinkled with the Blood of Chriſt, no Deſtroyer ſhall come near to hurt it: No Nebuchadnezzar ſhall burnt it with Fire. v. 20. So ſhall ye reconcile this Houſe. This Houſe will be a reconciled Houſe; here's every where reconciling Blood, and there the Lord will not be angry with it to deſtroy it. There hath been a time in which Judgment began at the Houſe of God; but from thence it ſhall go to Babylon, and there reſt, and never come near this Houſe again. Chap. 41.18. The Building was made with Cherubims, and Palm-trees; ſhewing the Church to be Triumphant, and Victorious. Firſt Cherubims, whereby Angels are meant, of whom an innumerable Company will be with the Saints in the New Jeruſalem. And ſometimes Men are called Cherubims, as appears by comparing Rev. 4.6. with Ezek. 1.5. The four living Creatures are Cherubims, but ſuch as were redeemed to God by Chriſt's Blood, Rev. 5.8. and therefore Men. And theſe Cherubims are ſaid to have two Faces: Chap. 41.18. The Face of a Man, and the Face of a Lion. Though Saints then ſhall not have a Heart, and a Heart; yet they ſhall have a Face, and a Face; and theſe not contrary, but well agreeing: They ſhall have Prudence, Humanity and Love, ſignified by the Face of a Man; and Fortitude ſignified by the Face of a Lion. Saints ſhall be Lions without fear, and Men without ferity: Lions in courage and Men without brutiſh cruelty. The Beast mentioned, Rev. 13. which is the Antichrist, is deſcribed as being wholly a Beaſt, a Lion, Leopard, and Bear; but hath neither the p. 74Heart nor the Face of a Man; there is nothing of Humanity in him towards the faithful Witneſſes, but like the Devil ſeeks to devour. Secondly, there are Palm-trees, ſhewing that Saints ſhall be upright, and grown to an high ſtature, and always flouriſhing, their Leaves ſhall not fade. And Palm-trees ſignifie Victory, and Saints praiſing God for it; Rev. 7.9. I ſaw a great multitude with palms in their hands, ſaying, Salvation to our God. Salvation will come from God, and that ſhall the Saints return to him in their praiſes.

5. When this Temple ſhall be built, there will be a pouring out of the Spirit in a plentiful and abundant meaſure: I will pour out my Spirit upon all fleſh, Joel 2.28. Some taſte thereof was in the Apoſtles days, but at this time will be the full accompliſhment. This is ſet forth in the Viſion of the Waters, iſſuing from under the Threſhold of the Houſe, chap. 47.1. Now as John 7.27. mention being made of living waters, the interpretation is given, this ſpake he of the Spirit. So the Spirit is here meant, the Spirit and Word of truth, and the Spirit of Grace. Theſe waters have two excellent properties:

1. They are healing, chap. 47.8. Theſe being brought forth into the Sea, the waters are healed. The Doctrine of the Goſpel ſhall not onelyonly drop as the Rain, and diſtill as the Dew, but ſhall be as a flowing River, which ſhall heal even the Waters of the Sea. By Waters ſometimes Multitudes of people are meant, Rev. 17.1. The whore ſits upon many waters; that is, Multitudes of people, Nations, and Tongues, verſe 15. So then the Spirit by the preaching of the Goſpel ſhall heal, that is, convert Multitudes of people, even Nations p. 75and many Nations; for by Converſion men are healed: Matth. 13.15. Lest they ſhould be converted, and I ſhould heal them. Hereby the hurt done in the Natures of men by Adams ſin is healed. This ſhews that there will be great Converſion-work at this time: And the healing will be of all diſeaſed parts; they are firſt to the Ancles, ſo that their Feet and Ancle-bones ſhall receive ſtrength, and they ſhall walk, and leap, and praiſe God; the lame man ſhall leap as an Hart; their feet ſhall be ſhod with the preparation of the Goſpel of Peace, and they ſhall run in the ways of the Lord. Then they are to the Knees; ſo that thoſe that come to theſe Waters ſhall bow the Knee to Chriſt, and yield obedience to him. Next They are up to the Loins; the Luſts of Concupiſcence ſhall be waſh'd away. And laſtly, Waters to ſwim in; Sanctification by them will be throughout. Theſe will be as the Pool of Betheſda, thoſe that ſhall ſtep into them will be healed of their Infirmities; and as the Waters of Jordan to Naaman, which cured him of his Leproſie.

2. They are Waters giving Life, verſe 4. Every thing that liveth, whitherſoever theſe waters come, ſhall live. Thoſe that do live, ſhall live; thoſe that did live but a Natural Life, by theſe Waters coming to them ſhall live a Spiritual Life; thoſe that lived the Life of the firſt Adam, ſhall live the Life of the ſecond Adam; thoſe that did live but by a Soul living in them, ſhall live by Chriſt living in them. Theſe will not be as the Waters of Noah, none ſhall periſh in them. They are the proper Element of the new Creature, which can't live out of them. There are now Waters of Adverſity going over the Saints, which iſſue p. 76out of Babylon, and from Antichriſts Throne there; but theſe ſhall be all dried up, and there ſhall be no more Sea: Rev. 21.1. That Sea which is the gathering of the Waters of Babylon ſhall be no more. So that the Saints ſhall not ſit down and hang up their Harps, and weep by thoſe Waters of Babylon; but ſhall ſtand by theſe Waters of the Sanctuary, having the Harps of God; and ſhall ſing the Songs of Sion in their own Land.

6. In this Temple Chriſt is Prince. Chap. 44.2, 3. No man was to enter by the Eaſt Gate, becauſe the Lord God of Iſrael entered by it; it is for the Prince. This Prince is the Lord God of Iſrael; Chriſt ſhall ſit in it to eat Bread. The Saints are to worſhip at the Door of this Gate before the Lord, chap. 46.3. Ezek. 8.16. There were about five and twenty men with their Faces towards the Eaſt, and Backs towards the Temple: There are ſome like theſe that turn their backs upon Chriſt, and faces to Antichriſt; their backs upon the true Temple, and faces to the Synagogue of Satan: but the true Worſhippers turn their faces to Chriſt, and worſhip him, and theſe and their Services are as pleaſant Bread to Chriſt. He is the Bread of Life to them, and they Bread of Delight to him. 'Tis Chriſt then who is the Prince, he ſhall command in matters of Worſhip and be obeyed, and ſhall govern the Saints in their whole Converſation. Chriſt will be all in all in this houſe, Prince, Prieſt, Sacrifice, and Altar. 'Tis obſerved that the Altar was in the midſt of the Building, which if meaſured from the Eaſt, North, and South Gate, there is the ſame diſtance; and when … came in at either Gate, the Altar is directly p. 77before them and in their view: All ſhall look to Chriſt and be ſaved.

Q. How can it be ſaid that this Prince is Chriſt, ſeeing the Prince is to prepare for himſelf and the People of the Land, a Bullock for a Sin-offering?

A. This is the Legal Phraſe which is here made uſe of concerning Chriſt. The Prieſts under the Law were to offer for their own ſins as well as the Peoples; but being ſpoken of Chriſt, it muſt be taken not in a Legal but Evangelical ſenſe; as thus,

1. The People of the Land will be look'd on as Chriſts Body, and ſo himſelf. Eph. 1.22. He is head over all things to the Church, which is his body. And Eph. 5.30. We are members of his body. And it being ſo, when he offers for the People of the Land, he offers for himſelf: ſo then, for himſelf and the People of the Land, is in effect thus much; for the People of the Land, which he reckons to be part of himſelf, even his Body.

2. The ſins of the People of the Land were Chriſts by imputation; he was a common perſon, and the Iniquities of all did meet in him. So then his Sin-offering might be for himſelf as made Sin, but in the benefit of it for the People of the Land. Chriſt gave himſelf for himſelf in this reſpect, even to diſcharge himſelf from that guilt which he had taken upon him, that ſo he might ſave the People of the Lord from their ſins.

Thus much concerning the Temple.