A Pisgah-Sight of Palestine, Book 3 · Part 3

A Pisgah-Sight of Palestine · Book 3 · Part 3

p. 379THE COURTS and UTENSILS OF SOLOMONS TEMPLE.

CHAP. I. Of the Court of the Priests.

§ 1. SO much for the Diamond it self,The difficulty of the present subject, with the causesthereof. the covered Temple, come we now to the Ring wherein it was set, the Courts which encompassed it. Herein we meet with much difficulty, arising partly from Gods silence, (speaking little in Scripture of the present subject) partly from mansloquacity, whose fancies without warrant from the word, are as copious as different in describing the Courts of this Temple. But, that which makes the matter in hand more intricate is, because learned men confound Temples and Times, ascribing those Courts to Solomons, which onelyonly belonged to the second Temple, at, and after the time of our Saviour. Thus, as countrey painters make the nine Worthies (not according to the garb of those ancient ages wherein they lived) with bands and cuffs according to our modern fashion; so some Jewish writers (Iosephus himself being not wholly free from this fault) shape the Courts of Solomons Temple, not after their true form in the old Testament; but as the second Temple adorned by Herod, stood modelled in their own days.

§ 2. We read of Iacob, Ill consequences of confounding the two Temples.that he set his own sheep three daysaaGen. 30. 36.Gen 30:36 journey from the flocks of Laban his father-in-law, so sufficiently to distinguish their severall stocks from making quarrels by meeting together. A greater distance divides the two Temples, there being no less then seventy years, betwixt the destruction of the one, and erection of the other. Enough in probability to prevent all mistakes, which might arise from p. 380…udling them together. I wonder therefore the more at their marvellous agility, who so easily can leap over this great-gulfe of time, & who by confounding the two Temples, and making many things common to both, of two perfect models, compose one no better then a monster. That we run not on the same rocks, we will carefully observe their severall properties, insisting onelyonly on such things for the present, as were peculiar to Solomons fabrick, confining our selves to Scripture instructions: as knowing that the judicious palat will prefer a drop of the sincere milk of the word, before vessels full of Traditionary pottage, resenting of the wild gourd of humane invention.

§ 3. A Court,The fashion of a Court. in Latine Atrium, Greek foreign, Hebrew foreign Chatzer, according to architecture consisteth of two principall parts,

1 An open space in the middle (properly called cavedium, quasi cavum edium) exposed to wind, and weather.

2 A covert on the sides thereof (termed porticus and foreign) whither in heat, or rain, men might retreat, for shade, or shelter, like the cloisters about the Royal-Exchange in London.

This premised of the fashion of a Court in generall, Solomon made two of them on the east of the Temple, one called foreign chatzer happenimith, or, the inner bb1 King. 6. 36.1 Kgs 6:36Court (incc2 Chr. 4. 9.2 Chr 4:9 Chronicles, the Court of the Priests) built with three rowes of hewen stone, and a row of dd1 King. 6. 36.1 Kgs 6:36Cedar beams. Understand three rows, not collaterally in thickness, all abreast on the floor, and the Cedar for ceiling within, (as Richardus will have it) but three subordinately in height, one upon another, with Cedar beams (as lightest, and therefore uppermost) for a tarras on the top thereof. This is all that Scripture acquaints us with, concerning the fabrick of the inner Court. For, that each row of stone therein, was of a different colour, as Lyra eeVid. Lyram in locum.affirmes, is but a fancy of his own. Such variation of colours I beleeve in Iosephs ffGen. 37. 3.Gen 37:3coat, and Thamars gg2 Sam. 13. 18.2 Sam 13:18garment, because Scripture hath affirmed it: not here, where no warrant out of the word for such an assertion.

§ 4. Probably certain ascents led hither out of the outward Court, and hence into the Temple. For,D…grees in this Court. besides the frequent phrase of going up into Gods house: it was proper that the Temple, as in holinesse, so in height should be distanced above her Courts (as they one above another, and both above common ground) were it but to minde such as approached thither, with the mounting of their bodies to elevate their hearts in devotion. But, how many these stairs or steps were, is uncertain, though some will have them fifteen, according to the number of the Psalmes of Degrees, sung, as they affirm, by the Priests in their ascent to the Temple.

§ 5. This inner Court, People … pressin into the … Court.or Court of the Priests, was proper onelyonly for the Priests to enter into. Yet probably the common people made a tumul…ous incursion into it, when stoning Zachariah at the command of p. 381King Ioash in the Court of the house of the Lord, even2 Chr. 24. 21.2 Chr 24:21 betwixt the Temple iiMat. 23. 35.Matt 23:35and the Altar. As if the Antiperistasis of two eminent holy places on both sides of them, had intended and emboldned their cruelty, and profaneness. Wherefore, his last words, the Lord look upon it, kk2 Chr. 24. 22.2 Chr 24:22and require it, speake not not so much revenge of his own death, as zeal to Gods honour, that he would vindicate the profanation of so holy a place. This I conceive one cause why the Prophet pointeth the Priests to this particular place, to ll…oel 2. 17.weep betwixt the porch and the Altar, so by their sorrow to avert Gods judgements from their nation, for this foul murder by their ancestours committed therein.

CHAP. II. Of the great, or outward Court.

§ 1. WHereas Solomon is said to have made the Inner Court of the House of the Lord; The severall names of this Court.by the rule of relation, an outward Court is thence next inferred. But to clear it more, express mention is made thereof 2 Chron. 12. 9. where, besides the Court of Priests, he is said to have made the great Court, and doors for the Court, and overlaid the doors of them with brass. This Court in Hebrew is called Azarah **2 Chr. 4. 9.2 Chr 4:9, rendered by Montanus atrium auxilii, from Azar to help, because God there answered his peoples prayer by his gracious assistance afforded unto them.

§ 2. Well might this be termed the great Court, Certainly large, how large uncertain.seeing large (though uncertain) were the dimensions thereof, an hundred Cubits square at the least. But what was this to contain all Israel therein? Philip speaking of five thousand to be fed, Two mmIohn 6. 7.John 6:7hundred penny worth of bread (saith he) is not sufficient for them, that every one may take a little. But, grant this Court two hundred Cubits square (more then the place will allow) this would afford but few inches for a mans body to stand in, except the ground was here (as the loaves) miraculously multiplyed. We therefore conceive, that the people of the land were successively admitted to this place, otherwise impossible to contain them. Ascents, or staires did also lead into this Court, but how many is not known; surely they were low and little, short and easie, to be climbed up, otherwise the cattell brought thither to be sacrificed, could not conveniently clamber over them.

§ 3. This Court was by successive Kings (especially Hezekiah, This Court bettered by succeeding Kings.who nn2 King. 18. 16.2 Kgs 18:16cased the pillars thereof with silver) improved to more beauty, then it had in the days of Solomon. Some will say, this was a disparagement to the perfection of Solomons work, as if he had left any defects, or defaults therein, to be amended by others. Were not his structures, as his discoveries, compleat? for,ooEccles. 2. 12.Eccl 2:12 Who is he that will come after the King in things? It is answered, the outward Temple was, in the appendent Courts thereof, p. 382capable of more cost and expence, to make them both bigger, and braver; though the covered Temple was semel & semper, at once and for ever perfected, afterwards admitting of no new addition, when Solomon had finished it. Surely God granted not such a Monopoly to Solomon alone to ingross all honour to himself, so that no reserve was left for posterity, no bottome for their bounty to build on, in after ages, to testifie their gratitude to Gods goodness. Some accessions therefore might be made (though not to the vitall parts, as I may say) to the out-lims of the Temple. It is the priviledge not of the house of God, but of God himself, to be so perfect, as that nothing can be added unto him.

§ 4. But others will object,Hez…kiah encused from innovation. that this was a presumptuous innovation in Hezekiah, seeing the Courts of the Temple, and all things therein were framed according to the divinepp1 Chr. 28. 11. 12. 19.1 Chr 28:111 Chr 28:121 Chr 28:19 pattern David left to Solomon, for him to overlay those pillars with silver, which Solomons wisdome, following Gods platform, was pleased to make plain. But, let such know, that he swerveth not at all from the proportion of the Copy, who onelyonly gilds, or colours the letters therein. Hezekiah for the main kept himself to the former fabrick, not altering, but adorning the same. The worst was, that afterwards heqq2 King. 18. 16.2 Kgs 18:16 cut off the silver again to purchase the favour of Sennacherib. Better had those pillars been left naked, then thus to be clothed, and then to be stript of their costly coats. For, though (as some scornfully may scoff) there was no danger of their catching cold when thus disrobed; yet the beauty of those pillars were thereby much impaired, looking ruggedly when again uncased, besides the inexcusable sacriledge therein committed, whereof hereafter.

§ 5. We must not forget the entry, Private passage from the Kings house into the Temple.leading from this Court to the Kings Palace, through which the Kings of Iudah had at pleasure a private passage into the Temple. This continuation of the Kings to Gods house, shewed the mutuall intercourse which ought to be betwixt Policy, and Piety; as also that Princes (besides their set, solemn, and publick addresses to God by prayer) must have their secret recourses unto him, in their occasionall devotions. It was first made by King Solomon, and then so stately a structure, that amongst other things, the Queen of Sheba was ravished with admiration at the sight thereof, when she beheldrr1 King. 10. 5.1 Kgs 10:5 the ascent by which he went up into the house of the Lord. And yet afterwards it was made more magnificent, whenss2 Chr. 9. 11.2 Chr 9:11 terrased on both sides with tt1 King. 10. 1.1 Kgs 10:1Pillasters made of those Almuggin trees which she presented to Solomon; which, if oderiferous, (as some will have it) made that passage as sweet to the smell, as specious to the sight. Wicked Ahaz uu2. King. 16. 18.2 Kgs 16:18turned this entry from the house of the Lord, for the King of Assyria, that is, aswwVide ejus annot. in locum. Tremellius will have it, stopped up, or diverted that passage, fearing, lest through it the King of Assyria should out of the Temple suddenly surprise the Kings palace. I conceive this done not for fear, but in favour of the Assyrian King, Ahaz hereby cutting off all connexion, and dependence p. 383of his Palace to the Temple, and utterly renouncing all relation to true Religion, so the more to confirme this friendship with that heathen King, begun on a new account, and grounded on pure principles of Idolatry. At the same time he turned out also the xx2 Kin. 16. 18.2 Kgs 16:18covert of the Sabbath which they had built in the house, by which our foresaid Authour understands, a place erected for the shelter of such Priests as officiated on the Sabbath.

§ 6. As for their tradition,A Rabbinicall Tradition. who report Solomon to have written on the walls of the Temple, soveraign Receipts against all diseases, which Hezekiah afterwards is said to rase out, because people placed too much confidence therein, to the prejudice of divine providence, I listen to both as Rabbinicall fables. Surely such medicines (if any there prescribed) proved uneffectuall to cure Asa's gout, Ioram's dysentery, Uzziahs leprosie, as indeed no art can crave longer time, when death calls for the present payment of the debt to nature.

CHAP. III. Of the Gates and Porters of the Court.

§ 1. HEaven hath onelyonly one,Four principall gates. and that a**Mat. 7. 14.Matt 7:14 narrow gate leading thereinto. But severall fair gates on all sides, gave entrance into the Courts of Solomons Temple. Some of them to us of certain, others but of conjecturall situation. Of the former were,

1 East-gate, whereaa1 Chr. 26. 14.1 Chr 26:14 Shelemiah was Porter. This gate was set in the front, leading directly to the Temple, and therefore King Iotham bb2 Kin. 15. 35. & 2 Chr. 27. 3. Vide Tremel. in locos.2 Kgs 15:352 Chr 27:3rebuilt it, mounting Monarch-like above the parity of other ports, that it became higher then all the rest, yet met with no zelot to humble it, for aspiring above its fellows.

2 North-gate, wherecc1 Chr. 26. 14.1 Chr 26:14 Zacharias his son was Porter.

3 South-gate, attended on by the sons ofdd1 Chr. 26. 15.1 Chr 26:15 Obed-Edom. The house of Asuppim eeIbidem.(rendred by Hierome and Pagnine a counsel-house, by Tremellius Aerarium, the Treasury) was for conveniency united to their charge. A place, probably of entrance, certainly of consequence, as needing a constant guard about it.

4 West-gate, where Shuppim ff1 Chr. 26. 16.1 Chr 26:16and Hosah were Porters. To them also belonged the gate Shallecheth, by the causway of the going up, understand thereby that stately ascent made by Solomon, out of his own Palace into the Temple.

But besides these four, which respected the cardinall winds, we meet with other intermediate gates, whose accurate position is uncertain. Never did the blindedggGen. 19. 11.Gen 19:11 Sodomites more groap for Lots door in the dark, then learned men are puzled to finde the gate ofhh2 King. 11. 6.2 Kgs 11:6 Sur, (elsewhereii2 Chr. 23. 5.2 Chr 23:5 called p. 384the foundation-gate) where at the coronation of King Ioash, a tierce of Levites were awarded to waite, by order from Iehojada. Tremellius not improbably conceives it the same with the East-gate. As for the Newgate kkIer. 26. 10. & 36. 10.Jer 26:10Jer 36:10, wherein Baruch publickly read the book of Ieremy, I am confident it was one of the four principall gates, onelyonly repaired, enlarged, or adorned with new buildings.ll1 Chr. 26. 18.1 Chr 26:18 Parbar seated on the west must not be forgotten (whether Porters-lodge, Priests-vestry, or place wherein sacrificing instruments were laid up) having something of the nature of a gate therein, because two porters daily attended it. Say not, it was suspicious, that so small a Court would run out at so many gates, which surely were no more, then just proportion, and uniformity did require.

§ 2. The principall office of Porters was to secure the gates,The number and office of the Porters. providing for the peace and purity of the Temple and service therein. These in all weremm1 Chr. 23. 5.1 Chr 23:5 four thousand, thus daily disposed of; Eastward, six; Northward, four; Southward, four; at Asuppim-gate, two; and two, Westward; at the Causway, four; at Parbar-gate, two; four and twenty in all. An eminent number in Temple-service (so many the singersnn1 Chr. 25. 32.1 Chr 25:32, and the severalloo1 Chr. 24. 18.1 Chr 24:18 courses of the Priests) to which the four and twenty Elders in theppRevel. 4. 4.Rev 4:4 Revelation have some allusion. Their service was, as well nocturnall, as by day:qqPsal. 134. 1.Ps 134:1 which by night stand in the house of the Lord.

§ 3. Here let others dispute,A treble quere concerning the Porters places. whether the Porters places were meerly ministeriall, (or servile rather) or also partly judiciall, with some admissive, and exclusive power to take cognizance of the cleanness of such persons as did approach to the Temple. Otherwise, they were easily qualified for their office, rather bigness then brains commending men generally to such imployments. Secondly, if they were intrusted with any such authority, let others enquire, by what means they made discoveries of peoples uncleanness, finding no oath Ex officio they tendred to any to betray themselves, though otherwise some secret pollution might be concealed, the parties themselves being onelyonly privy thereunto. Lastly, let them discuss, whether these Porters were afterward advanced to higher places, or onelyonly (as the doors whereon they attended turned round on their hinges) moved alternately in their own sphere, without possibility of any farther preferment. If the latter, it is strange that the worthy parts of Zachariah his son Porter Northward, commended in Scripture to be arr1 Chr. 26. 14.1 Chr 26:14 wise counsellour, should be imprisoned in so narrow a profession. And yet his employment (though the meanest about the Temple) was honourable in it self, if well executed: witness holy David his choice, I had rather bessPsal. 84. 10.Ps 84:10 a door-keeper in the house of my God, then to dwell in the tabernacles of wickedness.

§ 4. Now notwithstanding all the care of the Porters to the contrary; some (not going through the gates,Intruders into the Temple without the Porters leave. but over the walls) made bold to lodge and live with their whole families within the verge of the p. 385Temple. Yea, the sparrowttPsal. 84. 3.Ps 84:3 hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for her self, where she may lay her young, even thine Altars, O Lord of hosts, my King, and my God. By Altars understand the Courts and buildings about it, otherwise the Altar it self (fitter for Salamanders then Sparrows) was too hot a climate for their habitation. Birds, we see, may prescribe an ancient title to build in our steeples, having time out of minde taken the same priviledge in the Tabernacle, and Temple. Yea David in exile debarred access to Gods publick service, doth pity his own, and prefer the condition of these fowls before him. And, although no devotion (whereof they were uncapable) but the bare delight in fair fabricks, brought them hither; yet, we may presume (according to their kind) they served God better then many men in that place, chirping forth Morning and Even-praises to the honour of their maker. To take our farewell of these Porters, wicked Ahaz gave them a Supersedeas. from their office, in that long Vacation wherein heuu2 Chr. 28. 24.2 Chr 28:24 shut up the doors of the house of the Lord, so obstructing Gods mercy against himself.

CHAP. IV. Of the Chambers, and Treasuries about the Court.

§ 1. THe Porches,Chambers and Treasuries over the Porch. or Cloisters beneath were built with rooms above; if not round about the Court, certainly over the intervalls of the gates. Such places were employed, partly for chambers for Priests to lodge in, partly for Treasuries, wherein consecrated things were deposited.

§ 2. Amongst the former,The Chamber of Gemariah wherein Ieremiahs book was read. most remarkable was the chamber of Gemariah the son of Shaphan the Secretary, whereinaaIer. 36. 10.Jer 36:10 Baruch read the book of Ieremy, which afterwards was burnt by Iehojakim King of Iudah. When though some (dissenters and disswaders) amongst all the Courtiers no mourners appeared at the funeralls of this book, it being expected, they should have been as cruell to their clothes, tobbVers. 24. rend them for sorrow, at the sight of that double martyrdome of that innocent Volume, first cancelled with a pen-knife to pieces, then afterward burnt to ashes. But the flame, which did burn the book, did but burnish the truths written therein; Yea another Phoenix arose out of the ashes thereof. Baruch transcribing another roulccVers. 32. with the same and many like words added beside. Thus wanton children by breaking their parents old rod, give them onelyonly the occasion to make a better, and bigger in the room thereof.

§ 3. Next we take notice of the chamber of Nathandd2 King. 23. 112 Kgs 23:11 Melech at the entring of the house of the Lord, Chamber of Nathan Melech.by which stood those statues of horses dedicated to the Sun by some Idolatrous Kings of Iudah, which Iosiah destroyed. p. 386What! was the Sun, whicheePsal. 19. 5.Ps 19:5 rejoyceth as a Giant to run his course, ever so tyred, as to need hacknies to carry him to his journeys end? Oh no, but the Iews plundred this piece of Idolatry from the Persians, who ffXenophon li. 8. foreign.offered horses unto the Sun, andggFastor. 1. Ovid renders some reason thereof,

Placat …quo Persis radiis Hyperiona cinctum,

Ne detur celeri victima tarda Deo.

Horse to the beamed Sun's the Persians gift,

Slow sacrifice ill fits a God so swift.

Now the Iews counting it too gross Idolatry to sacrifice naturall horses to the Sun, erected artificiall ones in honour thereof.

§ 4. Another eminent chamber,The chamber of the Sons of Hanan. was that of the Sons of Hanan,hhIer. 35. 4.Jer 35:4 which was by the chamber of the Princes, probably on the one hand, which was by the chamber of Maaseiah the son of Shallum the keeper of the door, on the other hand thereof. Here Ieremy in vain solicited the Rechabites to drink wine, observing the instructions of their ancestours therein; as also in their constant dwellingiiIer. 35. 10.Jer 35:10 in tents, so to entertain all turnings of the times, with less trouble to themselves. Provident birds, onelyonly to perch on the boughs, not build their nests on that tree, which they suspected would suddenly be cut down, foreseeing perchance the captivity of Babylon. Indeed, in all fickle times (such as we live in) it is folly to fix on any durable design, as inconsistent with the uncertainty of our age, and safest to pitch up tent-projects, whose alteration may with less loss, and a clear conscience comply with the change of the times.

CHAP. V. That Solomon made no moe then two Courts on the east of the Temple.

§ 1. ALthough many learned authours make four,No moe then two outward Courts made by Solomon. and some moe Courts about Solomons Temple, yet the following reasons perswade me, that these two Courts formerly described by us, were all which were of Solomons originall foundation. Because,

1 Mention is made of no moe in Scripture, either in the book of Kings, or Chronicles, where his buildings are particularly described.

2 Manasseh is said to have built Altars for the host of Heaven in the twoaa2 King. 21. 5.2 Kgs 21:5 Courts of the house of the Lord. Probably, had there been any moe, his profaneness would have found them out, no place being priviledged from his Idolatry.

3 The narrowness of the place, as it was in Solomons time, admitted of no moe Courts, such was the precipice thereof on all sides.

This last is confessed bybbIoseph. de Bel. Iud. lib. 6. ca. 6. Edit. lat. sed graec. cap. 13. Iosephus, whose words deserve our heeding to clear the matter in hand; The Temple was built upon an ccforeign.hard mountain, and at the first, the plain on the top thereof was scarce sufficient to contain the Temple, and the Altar, theddforeign. circumference thereof being steep and shelving. But, when King Solomon who built the Temple, had compassed the east part thereof with a wall, he p. 387also placed a Porch upon the rampire, and so, many ages after it layeeforeign. unfenced on the other parts, untill the people every day bringing earth thither, at last made it plain and large enough. Insomuch that the Temple extant in the days of Iosephus▪ had a threefold wall about it, and other courts built on that forced ground, which industry had added thereunto. See here the small compass of the Temples floor at the first founding thereof. So that those who in Solomons time make moe Courts about it, must build them in the aire, seeing the earth (such then the scantness and steepness thereof) afforded no bottome for the building of such imaginary fabricks.

§ 2. But shrewd objectionsObject. are brought to the contrary,David at least prescribed three Courts. by such who, in Solomons time, make moe then two Courts by us described. No doubt (say they) he observed Davids instructions, who by the Spirit gave him the pattern of ff1 Chr. 28. 12.1 Chr 28:12all the Courts of the house of the Lord, which he meant to make. These therefore at the least must needs be three, seeing All (asggLib. 1. de Caelo. cap. 1. Aristotle observes) can not in proper language, be predicated of a lower number.

§ 3. Answ. I confess the words so read in the vulgar Latine, & omnium quae cogitaverat atriorum, though no such thing appears in our translation founded on the originall, where David is said to deliver to Solomon the hh1 Chr. 28. 12.1 Chr 28:12pattern of all that he had by the Spirit, of the house of the Lord, of all the chambers round about &c. This third Court therefore in Solomons time, was but a groundless fancy.

§ 4. Object. Another Court must of necessity be allowed on the west of the Temple,Court on the west. or else (which is altogether improbable) the Holy of Holies lay open, unfenced, and common to the City.

§ 5. Answ. The same was sufficiently fenced, and severed from the City with the precipice of the place, barring all access, and the Temple on that side surrounded with ambient aire in the concavity of the vally. If besides this, any artificiall wall encompassed the Temple on the west, the distance between it and the Temple may be counted a passage, but amounted not to the spaciousness of a Court.

§ 6. Object. Good authours,Some make a womans Court. Bede, Cassidore, Comestor, and Tostatus confidently adde, Atrium Foeminarum, or, the Womens Court, where their sex severally by themselves attended their devotions. Nor is it probable they were mingled with men, seeing the Prophet speaking of a solemn humiliation, They shall waile (saith he) the family of the house of David apart, and theiriiZec…. 12. 13. wives apart, the family of the house of Nathan apart, and their wives apart.

§ 7. Answ. This place cited out of Zachary was spoken after Solomons Temple was demolished,The womans Court not grounded on Scripture. and Zerubbabels erected. Such separation of sexes in severall Courts in the first Temple hath no foundation in Scripture, but rather thence the contrary may be collected, that all sexes and ages promiscuously met together; for, Iehosaphat is said, to have stood in the kk2 Chr. 20. 5. Ibid. ver. 13.2 Chr 20:5house of the Lord with their little ones, their ^l wives, and their children. p. 388However it may be that there was anciently a partition of the outward Court per clathros & cancellos, with bar or lattise-work, into two parts, and so the women (though in the same Court) might be severally by themselves.

§ 8. Object. There were moe Courts,Ezekiels Temple had moe Courts. three at least, in Ezekiels Temple; which as Villalpandus will have it, in all particulars was the same with Solomons.

§ 9. Answ.But was not the same with Solomons. Confessing some generall conformities, we deny, not onelyonly the identity, but exact similitude betwixt them. It is against the nature of a Prophecy to have a retrograde motion, to bring things backward, and raise the ghosts of buildings departed, which rather looks forward, presenting things to come. Ezekiels Temple had not the same body with Solomons, but greater, and moe were the parts, and members thereof; as in due time, God willing, we shall make it to appear.

§ 10. Object.mmAnt. Iud. l. 8. cap. 2. Iosephus a learned Iew living in Ierusalem seems to adde another,Some collect another Court out of Iosephus. Atrium Gentium, the Court of Gentiles, or unclean persons.

§ 11. Answ. The place quoted out of him to this purpose, will scarce bear the collection of a new Court from it. However Iosephus was none of thosennEzra 3. 12.Ezra 3:12 aged men, who remembring the magnificence of Solomons, wept when the foundation of the second Temple was laid before their eyes. I mean he was no eye-witness of the first and old Temple (being born five hundred years and more, after the dissolution thereof) and onelyonly spake of it, either by tradition, or conjecture, and therefore his authority of no such strength, as to command our beliefe. Besides, he seems to have forgotten what formerly we cited out of him, for the narrowness of the place, not admitting moe Courts in Solomons time. However, his eyes were so dazeled with long looking on the second Temple extant in his age, that he conformeth thereto, and confoundeth therewith Solomons Temple, if making any moe Courts then two therein.

§ 12. However, I dare not deny,A third Court might afterwards be added but even this first Temple, after the death of Solomon, might by succeeding Kings, have another Court added thereunto; namely, when by art, industry, and great expense they had raised up the valley, and gained more ground to the mountain of the house, which was so small at the first. Hereof we finde a double insinuation in Scripture:

1 One, when Iehosaphat is said to stand in the house of the Lord before the newoo2 Chr. 20. 5.2 Chr 20:5 Court, which probably about his reign, was added to the ancient fabrick.

2 Another, when at the coronation of Ioash Iehoiada gave order that the Priestspp2 Chr. 23. 6.2 Chr 23:6 alone should come into the house of the Lord (meaning the inner-court thereby) whilest the people should be in the CourtsqqIbid. ver. 5. of the house of the Lord, the plural number there importing two Courts at the least, at that time belonging to the Temple, into which the common people had free access. But herein nothing can be positively concluded.

p. 389Wherefore, as the sons of Barzillai, though Priests, yet because they found not their genealogy reckoned in therrEzra 2. 62.Ezra 2:62 Register, were therefore removed from the priesthood, till one with Urim and Thummim, should arise to decide the controversie: so we suspend this third and new Court, as doubtfull, in our descriptions, untill some infallible Judge, on better evidence then we can produce, shall clear the title thereof.

CHAP. VI. Of the Pillars in the Porch of the Temple.

§ 1. GOd at the first creation,The expressive utensils of the Temple. having finished the elements, and essentiall parts of the world, did afterwards furnish them with creatures suitable thereunto, no vacuity being left: so that rather then any thing should be empty, any thing will fill it. Solomon in like manner, having ended the main rooms of the Temple, in the n…xt place made the furniture thereof, wherein every vessell was pregnant with heavenly mysteries; so that what the Apostle saith of the languages in the worldaa1 Cor. 14. 10.1 Cor 14:10 none of them are without signification, was true of the smallest Uten…ill in the Temple, speaking much holy matter, had we eares to hear, and hearts to understand it.

§ 2. We begin with the Porch,The different dimensions of the Pillars reconclled. where the two great brazen pillars were set up, each of thembb1 King. 7. 15.1 Kgs 7:15 twelve Cubits in compass, (bearing a little more then four Cubits in Diameter) fourccIer. 52. 21.Jer 52:21 fingers thick of solid metall, and the rest hollow within, some difference appearing in the measure of their height, variously presented unto us;

1 KING. 7. 15.

And he cast two Pillars of brass of eighteen Cubits high a piece.

2 CHRON. 3. 15.

Also he made before the house two Pillars of thirty and five Cubits high.

1 To reconcile these, some have recourse to severall Cubits, common, or great; of the first measure conceiving the former mentioned in Kings; the latter (which were twice as big) intended in Chronicles.

2 Others understand the bare shaft of the Pillars to be eighteen Cubits high, besides the Chapiters above, and Basis beneath them: the former beingdd1 King. 7. 16.1 Kgs 7:16 five Cubits, and the latter so many as made the totall number thirty and five.

3 A thirdeeRibera de iis qua erant in Temp. l. 2. ca. 11. sort most probably conjecture, that in Chronicles the height of both Pillars are counted together.

Where if any object, that eighteen and egihteen Cubits make thirty six, one more then the number in Chronicles; Ribera conceives that so much onelyonly as appeared of these pillars are summed up, each of them having half a Cub it of their shaft lost in their height, as running in, and hid in his Chapiter grafted upon it.

p. 390§ 3. The chapiters of these pillars were curiously adorned with network, Their chapiters how adorned.chain-work, and rowes of pomegranats. These were but apples of brass, whilest words spoken in due season are far more precious, being like those of gold in picturesffProv. 25. 11.Prov 25:11 of silver. Lilliesgg1 King. 1. 19.1 Kgs 1:19 also were made on the top of these Chapiters, wherein though Hiram might imitate the fashion of those flowers, no art could counterfeit their colours, seeing he who set him on work, evenhhLuk. 12. 27.Luke 12:27 Solomon himself in all his glory was not arayed like one of these. These pillars set in the porch did not like those two in Dagons iiIudg. 16. 29.Judg 16:29Temple support the main fabrick thereof, nor was any burden born by them, but were onelyonly (like brazen Andirons in great mens chimnies) for ornament. Let none say unto them as the master to the men in the market place,kkMat. 20. 6.Matt 20:6 Why stand yee here all the day idle? seeing they were usefull in their kind, and contributed much to the beauty of the Temple.

§ 4. Others will say, these pillars were ill placed, because obscured in the porch, where few did behold them. His kindred said to our Saviour llIohn 7. 4.John 7:4There is no man that doth any thing in secret, and he himself seek…th to be known openly. Had Solomon for his credit intended to make the Temple appear glorious, he should not so privately have concealed these pillars in the Porch. —Occultae non gratia magna columnae. Better had they been set like the Colossus at Rhodes, or the two Columns before Saint Markes in Venice, sub dio, in the open aire. But here we must know, first, that Solomon intended his Temple, not so much to be seen, as to be glorious. Secondly, the door leading into the Porch, being exceeding broad, and high, these pillars were not wholly concealed, but a great part, if not all of them, was exposed to publick view through the door of the Porch.

§ 5. The PillarThe meaning of the Pillars names. standing on the right hand in themm1 Kin. 7. 21.1 Kgs 7:21 Porch was called Iachin, that is, he will stablish; and the other on the left side Boaz, that is, in him is strength. Pity without power will be but lame to help us; Power without pity will be but deaf to hear us; whilest both together make a comfortable composition. Both these pillars we finde in a manner erected in the expression of the lepernnMat. 8. z.Matt 8 to our Saviour:

Iachin, but doubtfully and conditionally, Lord if thou wilt.

Boaz, positively and absolutely, Thou canst make me clean.

Both these pillars there set up, signified Gods protection of the place, and the gates of hell could not prevail against that Temple, which had these pillars in the Porch thereof.

§ 6. Besides this, in a secondary sense these two did resemble eminent Saints,What they myftically repr… sented. Ministers especially (such as Iames, Cephas, and Iohn, ooGal. 2. 9.Gal 2:9who seemed to be, yea, whom God madeppRevel. 3. 12.Rev 3:12 pillars in his Temple) who by the Word and Sacraments direct, conduct, and admit men into the true Church. Pillars, bottomed on the basis of a firm faith, mounting up with a clear shaft of a shining life, having their persevering tops garlanded about according to GodsqqRevel. 2. 10.Rev 2:10 promise, Be thou faithfull unto death, and I will give thee a Crown of life.

p. 391CHAP. VII. Of the furniture of the Sanctuary, or Inner Tample.

§ 1. AMongst the Utensils of the Sanctuary, we first look on the Candlestick, Ten Candl… sticks in the Temple.and the light therein enables us, the better to behold all the rest. The Tabernacle had butaaExod. 37. 17.Exod 37:17 one, the Temple tenbb1 King. 7. 49.1 Kgs 7:49 Candlesticks of pure gold, (this exceeding that ten to one in lustre) five on the right side, and five on the left, each of them no doubt fashioned like that which Moses made, seven fold with a great shaft for the body in the midst, and three stems on each side branching out thereof. In some resemblance of the seven Planets, amongst which the Sun, the stock of light, stands in the midst, and three other on each side, above, and beneath it. Here we cannot but minde the reader of a foul mistake inccAnti. lib. 8. c. 2. Iosephus, who beholding these Candlesticks through a multiplying glass, in stead of ten reads ten thousand that Solomon made in his Temple. Yet we deny not, that besides these ten standing Candlesticks of gold, there were many moe …oveable ones, but all those made ofdd1 Chr. 28. 15.1 Chr 28:15 silver, which the Priests in the night might carry about with them. By these Candlesticks also, having lights always in them, Gods Ministers in generall were represented. For, to say, that by these seven lamps in the ten Candlesticks (threescore and ten in all) the eeLuk. 10. 1.Luke 10:1seventy Disciples were designed, would savour of too much curiosity.

§ 2. Next we take notice of the Table offf1 King. 7. 48.1 Kgs 7:48 shew-bread, The Table of Shew-bread.which Solomon made of that gold, which his Father David had peculiarly prepared for thatgg1 Chr. 28. 16.1 Chr 28:16 purpose. The particular dimensions, and fashion thereof, is not mentioned in Scripture. Probably of the, like form with that which Moses made in the Tabernacle, though of a far greater proportion. On this loaves were daily presented to God; Who, not out of any necessity (If I be hungry, I will not tell thee, for thehhPsal. 50. 12.Ps 50:12 world is mine, and the fulness thereof) but free will, was pleased to accept thereof: otherwise no more needing this bread to feed, then the light of the lampes to guide him. The bread on this Table was tendered to God, partly as a Quit-rent, in confession that the Iews held all their food from his providence; and partly as a Type of Christ, TheiiIoh. 6. 41.John 6:41 bread which came down from heaven. And, as servingmen feed on the reversions which their Masters leave, so the Priests (when new was substituted in the room of the formet) eate those loaves which were taken away. Not pretending withkkHist. Bel. v. 7. Bels Priests, that their God eat up, what they secretly devoured themselves; but by license from him, they openly avouched their lawfull repast thereupon.

§ 3. But the most eminent utensill in the Holy, was the Altar of incense, The Altar of incense.made by Moses in the Tabernacle, twollExod. 30. 2.Exod 30:2 cubits high, and four square: namely, with a cubit in the length, and another in the breadth thereof. Proportionable enough for that purpose, no sacrifices of bulk being to be offered thereon, but onelyonly sweet odours (much whereof might lie in p. 392little space) and spirituall spices (as I may term them) which took up but smal room therein. Davids express care providedmm1 Chr. 28. 18.1 Chr 28:18 refined gold for this Altar of incense. And no doubt, Solomon, the Executour of his Will, performed it accordingly. For, when it is said, that henn1 King. 6. 20.1 Kgs 6:20 covered the Altar with Cedar, and that hee ooIbid. ver. 22.overlaid the whole Altar (elsewherepp1 King. 7. 48.1 Kgs 7:48 made the Altar) which was by the Oracle with gold; it can refer to none other, but this Altar of incense; seeing, that for burnt sacrifices, was madeqq2 Chr. 4. 1.2 Chr 4:1 of brass. It seems that, when Solomon made the Holy in the Temple, far larger then that in the Tabernacle, and when every implement therein (to make the furniture proportionable to the room) commenced and took an higher degree of glory and greatness; then he cased the old Altar of incense with Cedar, and overlaid the same with gold, to be but the Basis and Pedestall of a greater Altar, which for the same purpose he advanced thereupon.

§ 4. As for the position of this Altar, that it was not set in the Oracle or most Holy place, Placed in the Holybut onelyonly in the Holy, or inward Temple, may by the ensuing arguments be demonstrated.

1 The text saith expresly, Moses put it in the tent of the rrExod. 40. 26.Exod 40:26congregation before the vaile.

2 The incense thereon was to be perpetuall, renewed every ssExod. 30. 7.Exod 30:7morning, and therefore it could not be in Sancto Sanctorum, which was penetrable but once a year for the high Priest.

3 Zacharias an inferiour Priest (as of the eight tt1 Chr. 24. 10.1 Chr 24:10order, or course of Abiah) incapable to enter the Holy of Holies, Luk. 1. 5.Luke 1:5officiated on this Altar of incense.Luk. 1. 9. & 11.Luke 1:9Luke 1:11

Greater therefore is the difficulty, that, notwithstanding the premises so plain to the contrary, the Authour to the Hebrews, placeth it in the Holy of Holies,uuHeb. 9. 3.Heb 9:3 And after the second vaile, the Tabernacle, which is called the Holiest of all, which had the golden censer, and the Ark of the Covenant &c.

§ 5. All that our best endevours can perform herein,Scripture to the contrary answered. is onelyonly to present the severall solutions, learned men produce to the present difficulty.

1 Iunius wwSee and endevour to understand him, Parall. lib. 3. pa 275.placeth this Altar within the vail, and without the Sanctuary, in so strange a posture, that scarcely either Jewish or Christian Tacticks of Temple-implements, will admit thereof.

2 OthersxxDi…dati in. locam. by the golden censer [foreign] understand not this Altar of Incense, but that eminentyyNum. 16. 18. & 46.Num 16:18Num 16:46 censer of Aaron used by him in his contest with Korah, which they conceive (though omitted by Moses) preserved with his Budding rod, as a memoriall in the Holy of Holies.

3 Others understand thatzzLevit. 16. 12.Lev 16:12 Censer which the high Priest once a year carried thereinto full of incense, and which for the time being was in the Holy of Holies, namely during the high Priest his remaining therein.

4 Ribera, aaDe iis quae erant in Templo. lib. 2. cap. 8.expounding it properly of the Altar of incense, avoucheth, that the Holy of Holies had the golden censer, not, quoad situm, but, p. 393quoad usum; not within the compass, but command thereof, as more immediately subservient thereunto.

Indeed this Altar of incense peculiarly belonged to the anniversary solemnity of the Holy of Holies, upon the hornes whereofbbExod. 30. 10.Exod 30:10 once a year, the high Priest with the bloud of the sin offering (sacrificed no doubt on the brazen Altar without, but) sprinkled here, made an atonement for the people.

§ 6. So much for the Utensils of the Holy, No staves on the Altar in the Temple.onelyonly we will adde, that whereas the Table of shew-bread, and Altar of incense were made by Moses withccExod. 25. 27. & …0. ver. 5.Exod 25:27 staves and rings, to make them more portable on the Priests shoulders; probably Solomon omitted the same as superfluous, when now setled in a fixed residence. Except any will say, that as the Israelites (when peaceably possessed of their countrey) were still enjoined to eat the Passover withddExod. 12. 11.Exod 12:11 staves in their hands, to preserve the memory of theireeYet disused…in Christs time. journey at the first institution thereof: so these Utensils, even in the Temple, continued their staves about them, in memoriall of their long pilgrimage, and late coming home to their constant habitation.

CHAP. VIII. Of the vessels in the Holy of Holies.

§ 1. PAss we now into the Holy of Holies, Why Solomon made no alteration in the Utensils of the Holy of Holies.into which the high Priest onelyonly entered once a year; finding three gradations in their religious service, which waited on the Temple;

1 Hourely attendance in the outward Courts: where many (Porters especially) watched all houres of day, and night.

2 Daily in the Holy: where lighting lampes, and burning incense were quotidian duties.

3 Weekly in the same place, where new shew-bread was substituted every aaLevit. 24. 8.Lev 24:8Sabbath day.

4 Yearly in the Holy of Holies; open onelyonly to the anniversary entring of the high Priest.

This was a little, house well filled with mysterious vessels. And for the main, we may observe, that, although Solomon altered, and enlarged the Utensils in the Holy and outward Courts, yet in the Holy of Holies, he made use of those numericall vessels of Moses his making, without any addition, or alteration: as at the first formed so exactly, and fitted so suitably to the privacy of the place, that it had been presumption to new modell them, whose perfection was uncapeable of any higher improvement.

§ 2. Yet Solomon for the more magnificence,Solomons additionall Cherubims. added two Cherubims, for the matter, dimensions, position, and use thereof, distinguished from those of Moses his making.

1 Moses made his of pure gold bbExod. 37. 6, 7.Exod 37:6Exod 37:7of beaten work, whilest Solomon, were ofcc1 Kin. 6. 23. 301 Kgs 6:231 Kgs 6:30 Olive-tree within, but overlaid with gold.

2 Both the former had but two cubits and an half in length (as onelyonly adequate to theddEoxd. 39. 6. length of the Mercy-seat) whereas each of Solomons Cherubims was tenee1 King. 6. 25▪1 Kgs 6:25 cubits in height, the greatest gallantry of the whole Temple.

3 Moses his Cherubims lay on the Mercy-seat, both whose wings turned inward, met together, whilest Solomons were set on the floor, whose four wings stretched outwards to the full length, extended to the whole breadth of the Holy of Holies.

4 Moses his Cherubims with their wings shadowed the Mercy-seat; Solomons, like a golden arch, overshadowed those Cherubims; so that in the Holy of Holies there was a little Hierarchy, Angels above Angels therein.

Wonder not that whilest Moses his Cherubims were of Massie gold (bearing best proportion to the purity, and incorporeity of the Angelicall Nature) that Solomons should be but overlaid with gold, having Olive-tree within them. For so vast were their dimensions [ten cubits or thirty foot high] that if of solid gold, a little land of Ophir might have lain within that compass. And being to be made hollow, perchance it was necessary that some wood for stiffenting should be put within them. These Cherubims were the most gorgeous and costly ornaments in all the Temple, and probably were embezeled by the covetous Babylonians at the captivity, and never brought back again, because onelyonly essentiallffE…ra 1. 9. vessels, and not all the ornaments of State, were restored, and placed in the second Temple. To return to the Mercy-seat, under it: the Ark of the Covenant was placed, and the Tables written with Gods own finger, were put therein.

§ 3. But here appeareth some contradiction,Aseeming contradiction started. betwixt the furniture of the Ark of the Covenant, as described in the Old and New Testament.

1 King. 8. 9. & 2 Chron: 5. 10.

There was nothing in the Ark save the two tables of stone, which Moses put there at Horeb.

Hebrews 9. 4.

And the Ark of the Covenant overlaid round about w^th gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna & Aarons rod that budded, & the tables of the Covenāt.

Behold here the Ark filled (not to say crowded) by the Apostle with other implements; which the Old Testament onelyonly a Repositary for the Tables of the Covenant.

§ 4. Amongst the many answers tendered by learned men, in solution to this difficulty, none in my opinion so satisfactory,And the same satisfied. as whatffDe iis quae erant in Templo. lib. 2. cap. 2. Ribera first bringeth, andggIn his parallels on Heb. 9.Heb 9 Iunius (otherwise in judgement much different from him) approveth, and enlargeth. Namely, that those words of Saint Paul, Wherein was the golden pot &c. foreign, relates not to foreign the Ark (though last named) but to foreign the Tabernacle, called, The holiest of all in the precedent verse: it being confessed of all hands, that the foresaid pot of Manna, and Aarons rod (though not within the concavity of the Ark) were within the compass of the Oracle, or, Most holy place. Now, that the propriety of the tongue will bear it out, that the Relative sometime refers not to the next immediatly, but more remote Antecedent, many instances are alledged for the proof thereof.

p. 394CHAP. IX. Of the vessels in the Priests Court.

§ 1. SO much for the Utensils in the covered Temple.One onelyonly Altar. Proceed we now into the Priests Court, and there first finde the brazen Altar, having twentyaa2 Chr. 4. 1.2 Chr 4:1 cubits in length, as much in breadth, and ten in the height thereof. Now, although Solomon made ten candlesticks, ten lavers, ten &c. yet he confined himself to one Altar of incense, one Altar of sacrifice, (multiplying of Altars hearing ill in Scripture, as suspicious of Idolatry) but whether therein pointing at Christ our onelyonly Mediatour, or at the unity of the Church, let others dispute.

§ 2. Now seriously considering this Altar, we meet with many wonders therein. First, that being set sub dio, in the open aire, it is strange that rain (presumed sometimes to fall in great plenty, with great violence) did not extinguish the fire thereof. Secondly, seeing continuall fire was kept there, it is wonder, that the whole Court (as the Chimney-generall thereof) was not turned Tawny-More, if not Black-More with the constant soot, smuttiness, and smoking thereof. Thirdly, it is strange, that in so short time, so many sacrifices could be consumed, within the compass of so small a place; especially at the dedication of the Temple, when,bb1 King. 8. 5.1 Kgs 8:5 sacrificing Sheep and Oxen that could not be told, nor numbred for multitude. Lastly, it is admirable, that in a Climate so hot, and place so populous, no putrefaction did arise from the bloud, fat, offall, and ordure of so many beasts slain there, to the infecting of the Priests, and people thereabouts. We know how noisome, and offensive slaughter-houses in Sommer, are in great Cities; insomuch that Tertio Richardi secundi a motion was made, ccSt…ws Survey of London. p. 340.that no Butcher should kill any flesh within London, but at Knightsbridge, or some such distant place from the walls of the City.

§ 3. But under favour I conceive,Unwondred if the nature of the fire be considered. the true satisfying of these difficulties depends on the right understanding of the nature, or rather the supernaturall qualities of the fire on the Altar. It was not common, or culinary fire, but such asdd2 Chr. 7. 1.2 Chr 7:1 came down from heaven: which (amongst other peculiar properties where with it was endowed) was so far from being quenched by rain, or water, that it would quickly lick it up, thoughee1 King 18. 38.1 Kgs 18:38 a trench, containing twelve barrels, were filled therewith: as in the sacrifice of Elijah (fetching fire from the same originall) it came to pass. Secondly, such celestiall flame, being of a more clarified, and refined substance▪ left not any suffocating smoke, or sooty feculency behind it. Thirdly, being sent from heaven not to dally, but dispatch the work (God employs no slugs on his errands) it made speedy riddance of the matter in hand, and consumed the sacrifice of a sudden. We know how quickly lightning (though not the …ame, much of kin to the fi… on the Altar) will turn any thing that resists it, into ashes. Hereupon, some conceive, that by Ariel, that is, Gods Lion, in theffIsa. 29. 1.Isa 29:1 Prophet, the Altar in the Temple is meant. A voracious Lion indeed, which with Pharaoh's lean kine, devoured many thousands of cattell, and was no whit the fatter for the same. Lastly, such heavenly fire was a great preservative against infection, and the purgative nature thereof, swept away much putrefaction, which otherwise would have proved very noisome.

§ 4. Pass we now from the fire, to the Water: from the Altar, to the Molten sea. The brazen Sea.A worthy vessell this was, of solid brass; five cubits high, and ten over from side to side, being gg1 King. 7. 23.1 Kgs 7:23round all about, and thirty cubits in compass, containing two thousand Baths: **1 King. 7. 26.1 Kgs 7:26namely, as they filled it, but two parts of three for ordinary use, leaving a third part for empty Margin in the top. Otherwise were it filled brimfull, it would in all receive three††2 Chr. 4. 5.2 Chr 4:5 thousand Baths, where the totall capacity thereof is computed. Therefore called a Sea from the large containt thereof (and not much unlike the Caspian sea, for the circular form, and entireness thereof) having its brim wrought about with lily-work, and it stood upon twelve oxen, which by four severall Threes respected the quarters of the world.

§ 5. But now the question will be, How this vast vessell was furnished with water?How supplyed with water. Solomon, speaking of the Ocean,hhEccles. 1. 7.Eccl 1:7 All the rivers (saith he) run into the sea; but, how this artificiall sea, was supplied with any water by peoples industry, is a considerable question; the Temple of Ierusalem being so highly situated on a mountain. Here the Rabbins tell us of a WelliiMaimony in Biat… Mikdash. per 5. & Talm. I…rus. in Ioura per. 3. sol. 41. Etam, some distance hence▪ whence the water was conveyed in pipes, so that the Temple had it always in great abundance. We confess, there was akk1 Chr. 4. 32.1 Chr 4:32 city, andllIudg. 15. 11. & 19.Judg 15:11Judg 15:19 rock of Etam in the Tribe of Simeon: near to which a miraculous fountain issued in the days of Samson, to quench his thirst, out of the jawbone of an Ass. And it seems, the Ghost of this fountain did walk in the brains of the Rabbins, when first they invented this tradition. But, this Etam, being full forty miles from Ierusalem, was likely to afford them little water, for the replenishing of this Molten sea. Rather we beleeve, that the Gibeonites, or Nethinims, whose office it was to bemmIcsh. 9. 27. drawers of water for the Congregation, out of the fountain of Siloam, or Pool of Bethesda hard by, filled this Sea, and furnished all other Lavatories, and Offices about the Temple, with that necessary element. Yea, probably there were some wells within the verge of the Temple, seeing Ierusalem is charactred by Strabo, an Heathen writer, to be foreign, well watered within it self, though without the walls it wanted the conveniency thereof. And, which is the main, in Ezekiels description of the Temple, which one may term A visionarie varnish on an historicall ground-work, being a literall truth mystically much improved, we finde, the watersnnEzek. 47. 1.Ezek 47:1 issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward, which swelled to a miraculous proportion. Now, though the increase, and p. 395overflowing of such streams, was extraordinary, and propheticall; yet surely the fountain thereof was reall, and naturall, importing some springs in the Temple, whence the Nethinims did fill this Molten sea, and all other vessels with water, designed for the Priests tooo2 Chr. 4. 6.2 Chr 4:6 wash themselves therein.

§ 6. Having thus dispatched the Molten sea, the ten ppIbidem.Lavers The ten Lavers.(being as it were but so many little lakes) will quickly be described. In the Tabernacle none of these were extant, as appointed for the washing of sacrifices: (for, that single Laver made by Moses for the Priests service, answered onelyonly to the Molten sea) whereby it appears, that Solomon, not onelyonly made in his Temple, vessels moe in number, and bigger in degree, but also other in kind, then were in the Tabernacle, to fill and furnish the magnificence thereof. These Lavers of brass contained forty Baths apiece, each set on his basis with wheels, for their more convenient removall, though generally their station was five on the one side, and five on the other in the Court of the Priests, and east of the covered Temple.

§ 7. In the outward Court,Utensils of the outward court. or Court of Israel many (no doubt) were the Utensils thereof. As that brazen qq2 Chr. 6. 13.2 Chr 6:13scaffold made by Solomon for the King to stand, and pray upon, the same (as Tremellius conceives) with the Kings rr2 Chr. 23. 13.2 Chr 23:13Pillar: with the Pulpits and deskes, wherein the Priests expounded the law to the people. But as for the remainder of the vessels of the Temple, with the manyfold traditions concerning them, the Reader is referred to the learned paines of my industrious friend M^r. Iohn Lightfoot: who, as I understand, intends an entire Treatise thereof. Far be it from me, that our pens should fall out, like the heardsmenssGen. 13. 6.Gen 13:6 of Lot, and Abraham, the land being not able to bear them both, that they might dwell together. No such want of room in this subject, being of such latitude, and receipt, that both we, and hundreds moe, busied together therein, may severally lose our selves in a subject of such capacity. The rather because we embrace severall courses in this our Description, it being my desire, and delight, to stick onelyonly to the written word of God, whilest my worthy friend takes in the choicest Rabbinicall, and Talmudicall relations, being so well seen in those studies, that it is questionable, whether his skill, or my ignorance, be the greater therein.

CHAP. X. Of things deposited in the Chambers, and outward Courts of the Temple.

§ 1. PRoceed we now to the outward Courts of the Temple,Rooms for the keeping of Salt. whose Chambers were severally imployed for sundry uses: as for the laying up of Tithes, First-fruits, Wood, Salt, and other Requisites for the sacrifices. Of this last a mass was spent in the Temple, seeing no offering wasaaMark 9. 49.Mark 9:49 acceptable without it. The best was, Iudea could well afford to spare plenty thereof for Gods service, who had bestowed such store thereof upon it, that there was a place called thebbIosh. 15. 62.Josh 15:62 City of Salt in the Tribe of Iudah.

§ 2. Other rooms were employed, to contain the many instruments And for severall musicall instruments.used in the Temple. Some of whose names we finde mentioned in the titles of severall Psalmes, solemnly set to be sung upon them, though so many authours so many mindes in expounding their names and qualities, we will onelyonly insist on what we conceive most probable.

1ccPsal. 22.Ps 22 Aijeleth **Others apply it to Christ.Shahar: or, The hinde of the morning. Probably some early instrument (as the going about of the Waites in some places) bringing tydings of the morning, and giving men notice to rise.

2ddPsal. 46.Ps 46 Alamoth; which literally may be renderedeeAinsworth Annot. ibidem. Virginales, or Maiden-instruments, with high and shrill notes; acuta symphonia, saith Tromellius.

3ffPsal. 8. 81. 84.Ps 8:81Ps 8:84 Gittith; A personall instrument, appropriated to the posterity ofgg2 Sam. 6. 10.2 Sam 6:10 Obed-Edom the Gittite, an excellenthh1 Chr. 15. 21.1 Chr 15:21 Master of musick, thence taking its denomination.

4iiPsal. 56.Ps 56 Ionath Elem, Rechokim. By some rendered appellatively, The dumbe Dove in far places. By others conceived an instrument of sad, and dolefull musick; I did mourn as a Dove▪ saith dyingkkIsa. 38. 14.Isa 38:14 Hezekiah.

5llPsal. 53.Ps 53 Mahalath; which Ainsworth interpreteth, sickness, or infirmity, and conceiveth it a kind of wind-instrument.

6mmPsal. 98.Ps 98 Mahalah-leannoth. The same with the former, but with this addition, tonnAinsworth in locum. sing by turnes, which is, when alternately one part answereth another in singing.

7ooPsal. 9.Ps 9 Mutb-labben. The Chaldee interpreteth it, for The death of the Son (as if it were some cheerfull instrument made by David to comfort himself after the death of his pp2 Sam. 12. 19.2 Sam 12:19child) whilest others conceive it a kind of tune, like to that which we call the Countertenour.

p. 3978qqPsal. 61.Ps 61 Neginah. A manuall instrument,rr1 Sam. 19 9.1 Sam 19:9 Nagan being properly to play with the hand.

9ssPsal. 4.Ps 4 Neginoth, a consort of the former.

10ttPsal. 5.Ps 5 Nehiloth: being wind-instruments, (Chalil being used for auuIsa. 5. 12.Isa 5:12 pipe) as Flutes, Cornets, and Trumpets.

11wwPsal. 12.Ps 12 Sheminitb; an Harp, or instrument of eight strings: conceived (no doubt) very complete in its kind, untill (as there is daily accession and improvement in artificiall inventions) an instrument of tenxxIsal. 30. 2. 144. 9. strings got the credit from it, as of more absolute perfection.

12yyPsal. 45.Ps 45 Shoshannim. Which amongst flowers is the Lily with six leaves, but amongst instruments, an Harp with so many strings.

13zzPsal. 60.Ps 60 Shushan-Eduth. The same with the former, with the addition of the Testimony, as used at the witnessing of some great solemnity.

Expect not here from me a Panegyrick in praise of Musick (either in it self, or reference to Gods service) though in Scripture appearing instrumentall to qualifieaa1 Sam. 16. 23.1 Sam 16:23 evill, and invitebb1 King. 3. 15.1 Kgs 3:15 good spirits; heighten devotion both in Men and Angels: seeing Charity, and Melody, Loving, and Singing is almost all we finde expressed of Celestiall happiness. Nor can any truly taxe Musick, as the children their mates in the market place,ccMat. 11. 17.Matt 11:17 We have piped, and yee have not danced; we have mourned, and yee have not lamented: seeing such the sociableness of Musick, it conformes it selfe to all companies, both in mirth, and mourning, complying to improve that passion, with which it findes the Auditours most affected. In a word, it is an invention which might have beseemed a Son of Seth, to have been the father thereof: Though better it was, thatddGen. 4. 21.Gen 4:21 Cains great-grandchild should have the credit first to finde it, then the world the unhappiness longer to have wanted it.

§ 3. In other Chambers the standards of all measures were carefully kept. Thus we finde the inferiour Levites, whose office was to waite on the sons of Aaron, in severall services; and amongst other of their employments, they had a superintendency overcc1 Chr. 23. 29.1 Chr 23:29 all manner of measures and sizes. Let none conceive this beneath the calling of the Levites, to be so meanly busied; seeing in all ages something of sacredness hath been conceived in weights, God himself (who hath ordered all things in ffWisd. 11. 20.Wis 11:20measure, and number, and weight) being justly reputed the supreme Clarke of the Market; for, All the ggProv. 16. 11.Prov 16:11weights of the bag are his work. And, as God is accounted the first founder, the Levites were esteemed the fitrest keepers of measures, presumed men of much integrity, which willingly would not falsifie, and deprave the same. Besides, an essentiall part of the sacrifices consisted in the pars quota, in the exact quantity of the meale, oyle &c. in their offerings, and therefore the Levites were highly concerned to be skilfull in measures, as constantly converstant in the criticalness thereof.

§ 4. Their measures were of a double nature, either of Application, Measures of Applicationor of Capacity. Of the former these the principall.

1 foreign: A fingers hhIer. 52. 21.Jer 52:21breadth, which in round reckoning. (though not exactly) passed for an inch.

2 foreign, Palmus, A iiExod. 28. 16.Exod 28:16span. Whereof the lesser contained three inches; the bigger was the distan…e betwixt the thumbe, and little finger extended▪

3 foreign A Cubit; of the severall kindes whereof largely before.

4 foreign kkEzek. 40. 5.Ezek 40:5A Reed; used to measure buildings, containing six Cubits, and an hand-breadth in the length thereof.

Here of purpose (because ignorant of the exact proportion thereof) we pass by the foreign Chebel (whence our English Cable) being a Rope, or line to measure ground therewith: so that by a Metonymie, sometimes it is taken for the inheritance it self, The llPsal. 16. 6.Ps 16:6lines are fallen to me in pleasant places.

§ 5. Measures of capacity follow,Of Capacity for dry things. being either to mete things dry, liquid, or both. Dry things were measured by

1 The Kab mm2 King. 6. 25.2 Kgs 6:25, answering unto (in default of accurate correspondencies, we must pitch on the English measure next thereunto) our Quart, the fourth part whereof [our double Gill] of Doves dung, was at the siege of Samaria sold for five nnIbid.pieces of silver.

2 foreign, Omer. It was the dailyooExod. 16. 16.Exod 16:16 Ordinary of Manna for a man, and contained well-nigh a pottle, or two quarts.

3 Ephah. The just quantity that Ruth ppRuth 2. 17.Ruth 2:17gleaned in a day Concerning this measure let these following Scriptures be observed, lest similitude of sound betray us to a great mistake:

1. An Omer is the tenth part of an Ephah. Exod. 16. 36.

2 The Ephah is the tenth part of an Homer. Ezek. 45. 11.

It was in fashion shallow, and broad, (so that aqqZech. 5. 7.Zech 5:7 woman might sit in the compass thereof) and contained halfe a bushell, and a pottle; wherefore Boaz rrRuth 2. 16.Ruth 2:16his bounty concurred with Ruth her diligence in making so good a dayswork.

4 foreign, Homer; that is, The lading of Asse, being five bushels, and five gallons. God threatneth in his Prophet, that, The seed of an ssIsa. 5. 10.Isa 5:10Homer should yeeld but an Ephah, that is, their grain should so decrease, they should onelyonly reap the tithe of what they had sown. The half of an Homer was called attHosea 3. 2.Hos 3:2 Lethec. p. 397Here we wittingly omit the foreign Seah, because unsatisfied in the content thereof; though surely it must be much more, then what a learneduuGodwin in Moses & Aaron. lib. 6. ca. 9. man makes it, stinting it to a gallon, and an half: for, by that proportion no incredible plenty, or cheapness was prophecied in Samaria, whenww2 King. 7. 1.2 Kgs 7:1 a Seah of fine flour should be sold for a shekel (or an English half-crown) which is according to the rate of a Mark the bushell; dear enough of all conscience for poor people to purchase.

§ 6. As for Measures for Liquids, For liquids.we first pitch on an Hin, whereof frequent mention in Scripture (as also of thexxNumb. 15. 9.Num 15:9 half, yyIbid. ver. 6.third, zzNumb. 28. 5.Num 28:5fourth, andaaEzek. 9. 11.Ezek 9:11 sixt part thereof) and contained three English Quarts. Next it we take notice of the Bath, being just of the same capacity with the Ephah, and the tenth part of an Homer, as the ProphetbbEz…k. 45. 14. himself hath computed it, that is, four gallons and an half. By which account the Molten sea, which held three**2. Chr. 4. 5.2 Chr 4:5 thousand Baths, contained thirteen thousand five hundred gallons.

§ 7. Amongst mixt measures the Cor deserveth especiall notice; used both for

1 Liquid.**Ez…k. 45. 14. The Cor of Oyle.

2 Arid. foreign,††Luk. 16. 7.Luke 16:7 Cors of wheat.

The Cor was (as may be collected from theccEz…k. 45. 14. Prophet) just the same quantity with the Homer (as in the best English, Bushell, and Strike are severall names for the same measure) save that the Cor was common to both, the Homer appropriated to liquid commodities.

§ 8. To measures might be added the gage ofdd1 Kin. 18. 33.1 Kgs 18:33 Barrels, Barrels and Coins.and eeIohn 2. 6.John 2:6Firkins; as also all Weights and Coines, as Gerahs, Half Shekels, Shekels of the ffExod. 38. 24.Exod 38:24Sanctuary, (so called, as some will have it, because the Standart thereof was kept in the Sanctuary, whilest others make it double to the common Shekel) Drams, Pounds, Talents, whereof largelyggIn Descrip. of Solomons Temple. heretofore. All which we leave in the Levites safe custody, being confident, that they will very carefully keep them, from ever coming into the fingers of such covetous wretches, who would willingly make The Ephah small, and the hhAmos 8. 5.Amos 8:5Shekel great, and falsifie the ballances by deceit; especially, if the Originals of both were but once in their absolute disposall thereof.

§ 9. There were also Books kept in the Temple,Book of the Law where kept. of which the Autograph of the law was most remarkable, by command from Moses to be placed in the iiDeut. 31. 26.Deut 31:26side of the Ark of the Covenant, that is,kkAinsworth in locum. by the side (as some expound it) in a coffer by it self made for that purpose. But others conceive the performance hereof neglected after Moses his decease (before which time it could not conveniently be done, Deuteronomy not being fully finished till after his death) and this book deposited, not in the Holy of Holies but in some outward place amongst the treasures of the Temple: Alledging in confirmation hereof, how Hilkiah the high Priest, sent to seek out and sumll1 King. 22. 4.1 Kgs 22:4 up the silver for repairing of Gods house, found (what in Davids p. 398and all good mens valuation is dearer thenmmPsal. 119. 72Ps 119:72 gold and silver) the nn1 King. 22. 8.1 Kgs 22:8book of the Law, hid in some treasury within the verge of the Temple. But probably this book was originally placed in the Holy of Holies, which afterwards, when the Temple-service in the Idolatrous days of A…az, and Manasseh was turned upside down, might fall out of the proper position thereof, into another place.

§ 10. Other books (no doubt) were kept by the Priests (Scribes, wherof many amongst them,Other books in the Temple. and books being relatives) though their Libraries could not be so numerous in volumes, the Art of printing not being then invented. Wherefore, when we read in Iob, a most ancient authour,ooIob. 19. 23.Job 19:23 Oh that they were printed in a book! the mystery of the Press is not meant thereby, but letters written in deep and large characters. And amongst all other books most likely it is, that, that book of theppIosh. 18. 9.Josh 18:9 description of the land into seven parts by lot, as of publick concernment, daily use, and divine institution, was preferred in the Temple; like our Domes-day book in England, which some Criticks will have so called (not because all lands are arraigned to appear therein as at a General Iudgment, but) quasi domus Dei, or Godshouse book, where the originall thereof, was anciently intrusted.

§ 11. The Refectories must not be forgotten,Refectories for the Priests. being roomes, wherein the Priests had their repast on hallowed food. Amongst all whose fare, we most admire at the Shew-bread; that, being shifted butqqLevit. 24. 8.Lev 24:8 once a week by Gods command, it did not contract corruption, grow hard, and dry, good onelyonly for the Gibeonites to cheat the Israelites, with therrIosh. 9. 12.Josh 9:12 mouldiness thereof. This the Rabbins ascribe to miracle, the same command, which enjoined it to be set there, preserving it from putrefaction; that nothing might lose ought of its goodness, which is exactly ordered according to Gods direction. Thus, as Man liveth not by bread alone: so bread lasteth not onelyonly by naturall causes, butssMat. 4. 4.Matt 4:4 by every word which proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

§ 12. And now (to conclude all fast and firme) there was also an Armory in the Temple,An Armory in the Temple. well provided with weapons, to guard the Treasure therein. For, seeing it is the priviledge of heaven alone, that therettMat. 6. 20.Matt 6:20 Theeves cannot break through, and steal; the provident Princes of the Iewes thought not fit to entrust so much wealth without Ammunition to defend it, seeing no place so sacred as to secure it self from sac…iledge. David provideduuChr. 23. 9. Speares, and bucklers, and shields for that purpose, as if foreseeing in his Propheticall spirit, that in after ages, a distressed Prince [Ioash] extracted from his loines, should, by Gods blessing, and the assistance of thosewwIbidem. weapons, recover his rightfull throne from the unjust usurpation of [Athaliah] an Idolatrous intrudress thereinto.

p. 399CHAP. XI. The additionall Utensils of the Temple after the days of Solomon.

§ 1. MAny other instruments were added to the Temple,The Chest which I…hoiada the Priest…ade. after Solomons death, by succeeding Kings, as occasion did require. Amongst which, we must take especiall notice of that Chest, which in the reign of King Iehoash, was made by Iehoiada the high-Priest, to receive the peoples free-offerings for the repair of the Temple.

§ 2. It may seem strange,How the Temple so much ruined in so short a time. that the Temple built so substantially at the first, of the most solid materialls, should in so short a time of an hundred and fifty years, run so far to ruine, as to need so costly reparation. But, we must know, it stood without shelter, high on a mount, exposed to tempests, and in the last seven years of wicked Athaliahs reign (gray hairs are multiplyed on men, more by afflictions, then old age) besides neglect of reparation, didaa2 Chr. 24. 7.2 Chr 24:7 meet with despightfull defacing thereof. Iehoash therefore resolves to amend the decays therein, as indeed he stood obliged, both in credit, and conscience; for, seeing the Temple had formely been the nursing-mother to Iehoash, well might Iehoash be the nursing-father to the Temple; who now did onelyonly foreign, pay for his feeding and breeding, who six years bb2 Chr. 22. 12.2 Chr 22:12had his preservation, and his education therein.

§ 3. The care of the work,Levites why backward in repairing the Temple. was at first committed to the charge of the Levites in generall, though it thrived not under their managing therof, so that in the twenty third year of the reign of King Iehoash, they had not repaired the cc2 King. 12. 7.2 Kgs 12:7breaches of the house. We can not be so uncharitable, as to conceive, they embez'led the monies appointed for that purpose, but rather impute their slow proceedings herein, either to

1 The unhappiness usually attending great undertakings, few effectually advancing that work, wherein all are equally intrusted. Or else,

2 Being every one to receive money of their own dd2 King. 12. 5.2 Kgs 12:5acquaintance, some carnall indulgence might be used therein to retard the business.

3 Receiving small sums of severall persons, they were insensible in the taking, and inconsiderable in their laying out.

4 Repairing was out of the Levites element, having no dexterity therein; and we know, that Ministers, and Church-wardens are two distinct employments.

Hereupon the Levites by King Iehoash are called, checked, commanded to forbear farther collection of money, and some other particular persons deputed for that purpose, who had more care, skill, and success to order the matter.

p. 400§ 4. To this end a chest was devised,The fashion and placing of C…rban. with an holecc2 King. 12. 9.2 Kgs 12:9 bored in the lid thereof, and appointed to receive the free-gifts of those who would contribute to so pious a work. It was placed very handy, and convenient for such as went up to sacrifice, to cast in their b…nevolence, being setffIbidem. beside the Altar on the right side in the outward-court as one came into the House of the Lord. Perchance our Saviour reflected on the position of this chest so fit for dexterous Benefactours, when advising in giving of almes, LetggMat. 6. 3.Matt 6:3 not thy left hand know what thy right doth. In this chest were mens charities cast, and kept till amounting to a great sum, (and then the breaches of the Temple were perfectly repaired therewith) and in after-ages, it was called Corban, which name sometimes signifieth thehhMar. 7. 11.Mark 7:11 gift it self, sometimes the vessell receiving it, which was the pattern (not to say parent) of the poor-mens-boxes in our modern Parish-Churches.

§ 5. Here we must not forget that Diall of Ahaz Ahaz his Dial.(in those days, no doubt, a master-piece of art) whereon the Sun miraculously went back tenkk2 King. 20. 9.2 Kgs 20:9 degrees, in token that Hezekiahs life should goe forward fifteen degrees. Some conceive this Dial, not drawn on the outside of any wall, or house, but contrived within a winding stair-case, so that every step thereof bare proportion to the distance of an houre: but whether this fancy may be reconciled to art, be it referred to the judicious in dialling. However it was made, we shall scarce meet with a Dial more ancient in any authour, which many years after retained the name of Ahaz the erectour thereof. But for all this Dial, Ahaz was one of those who could not discern llMat. 16. 3.Matt 16:3the signes of the times, nor perceive the day of his visitation; how his kingdome, being past the flourishing Meridian thereof, did draw near to the night of finall ruin, and destruction.

§ 6. Adrichomius placeth this Dial on the House of the Lord,Adrichomius his conceit concerning this Dial. and therefore we mention it here amongst the ornaments of the Temple. Though, to speak my opinion, on perusall of the text, it appears rather set up in some open place in the Kings Palace, so that sick Hezekiah, for the farther confirmation of his faith, lying on his bed, might look on the retrograde motion of the Sun thereon: though I deny not, but he might receive information thereof from relation of others. But wouldmmIn quar…a parte Templi. Adrichomius had acquainted us, whence he received his intelligence, for what he reports, that Ahaz made this Dial of the brazennnFecit ex altari Holoca…stiaen…o Altar of whole-burnt sacrifices. Indeed oo2 King. 16. 17.2 Kgs 16:17Scripture tells us, that he took down the twelve brazen oxen from under the great sea, and it was poor reparation for his sacriledge, if in lieu thereof he set up a Dial, with figures for twelve houres, or perchance the twelve signes of the Zodiack thereupon. But carnall men conceive, they may safely steale Gods dove, and stick down a feather in the room thereof.

p. 401§ 7. Now besides the originall Utensils of the Temple,Two eminent supplies of holy instruments. of the same foundation with the Temple it self, there were severall recruits (not of different, but the same fashion with the former) which succeeding Kings made in stead of those instruments, which constant use and age had empaired. For, we must not think, that the Ash-pans, Fire-pans, Snuffers, Caldrons, and Flesh-hooks of the Temple, were like the bush appearing toppExod. 3. 3.Exod 3:3 Moses, always burning, yet never consumed: or, that the knives used about the sacrifices, were like theqqDeut. 29. 5.Deut 29:5 clothes of the children of Israel in the wilderness, never a whit the worse for wearing, but they did daily decay, and were duly repaired, especially in the reign of King rr2 Chr. 24. 14.2 Chr 24:14Iehoash. Thus when the soul of a Christian is by faith made the Temple of the holy Ghost, and fitted with severall graces, the furniture thereof; the same notwithstanding, because of continuall sinning, must be constantly repaired by renuing repentance.

§ 8. So much of the right and lawfull issue of holy vessels in the Temple.Idolatrous utensils justly omitted. As for that spurious, and bastard brood of Idolatrous Altars, and other Utensils principally introduced by Kingss2 King. 16. 3.2 Kgs 16:3 Ahaz and tt2 Chr. 33. 7.2 Chr 33:7Manasseh, contrary to Gods express command, and placed in the house of God, we will not doe them so much honour as once to mention them in this discourse.

CHAP. XII. The Temple often spoiled of her Treasure and Ornaments.

§ 1. THe first Temple of God at Ierusalem, The Temple pillaged by Shishak King of Egypt, & Io…sh King of Israel.often had the same hard hap with him that journied thence to Iericho, even to falluuLuk. 10. 30.Luke 10:30 amongst theeves, or rather for theeves to fall into it. Twice was it pillaged by forein foes, and four times by her own friends before the finall destruction thereof. First, when Shishak King of Egypt in the reign of Rehoboam, tookww1 Kin. 14. 26.1 Kgs 14:26 away the treasures of the house of the Lord, This wound, whence so much precious wealth did bleed forth, first shewed, the Temple with the riches therein to be mortall. Shishak did then but brush the house of God, whilest he swept the house of the King, whence he even took away xxIbidem.all. Afterwards Ioash King of Israel in the reign of King Amaziah, having stormed Ierusalem, tookyy2 Chr. 25. 24.2 Chr 25:24 All the gold and silver, and the vessels that were found in the house of God with Obed-Edom, and returned to Samaria. That were found, for, such no doubt was the providence of the Priests to conceal some wealth from his sight. A thing not impossible for them to doe, having formerly hid a young King, and his nurse sixzz2 Chr. 22. 12.2 Chr 22:12 years invisible, from the jealous eyes of Athaliah. p. 402And now, seeing idolatrous Ioash carried away this holy treasure to Samaria, let none hereafter conclude the best cause from the best success, finding the Cherubims of Solomons setting up, worsted by the golden Calves of Ieroboams erection.

§ 2. By the way, it is very remarkable, that the Tabernacle,The Tabernacle never plu… d…red, and why? which lasted four hundred and thirty years before the Temple was begun, was never plundered, or robbed, or spoiled of its goods. Yet the Iews in that age were as sinfull, and their enemies as spightfull, Moabites, Midianites, Ammonites, &c. who in the interim betwixt the Judges, oppressed the people of Israel, though we finde none of them offering any affront, or violence to the Utensils of the Tabernacle. As for the Philistims, though they took the Ark by conquest in the field, we know they were forced with a witness to bring it back again. Whereas the Temple within less space was by forein Princes often pilled and polled of the ornaments belonging thereunto. Enquiring into the reason hereof, we meet with none more probable, then because Divine providence delighteth in protecting what is weakest in it self. And seeing the Tabernacle was altogether undefensible, and able to make no resistance, consisting onelyonly of thin boards, slight skins, & slender curtains, God more immediately walled it about with an awefull respect, which the very enemies thereof bare unto it. Whereas the Temple, being a strong structure of stone, in a stronger City, with walls, gates, and bars, visibly intitled it self to fortification, and therefore God left it to the arme of flesh to defend it, which frequently failed therein, as nothing can be safe, which hath onelyonly …infull men to secure it.

§ 3. But the Temple suffered oftner from her friends,The Temple spoyled by her own Kings. then her foes, frequently spoiling the wealth thereof, insomuch, that in all desperate consumptions of the State, no gold was found so cordiall to cure it, as what was taken out of the treasury of the Temple.

1 Asa brought out silver andaa2 Chr. 16. 2.2 Chr 16:2 gold, out of the treasuries of the house of the Lord, and bestowed them on Benhadad King of Syria, to purchase his assistance against Baasha King of Israel.

2 Iehoash to appease the anger of Hazael King of Syria, marching furiously against him, tookbb2 King. 12. 18.2 Kgs 12:18 all the hallowed things, which his Fathers, and himself had dedicated, and sent them as a gift to Hazael, to stop his coming up against Ierusalem.

3 Ahaz took the silver and goldcc2 King. 16. 8.2 Kgs 16:8 which was found in the house of the Lord, and conferred it on Tiglath-Pileser, to hire his help against the Kings of Syria and Israel.

4 Hezekiah cut offdd2 Kin. 18. 16.2 Kgs 18:16 the gold wherewith he himself had overlaid the doors, and pillars of the Temple, and gave it to pacifie Sennacherib coming against him.

Not to mention the waste, and havock, wickedcc2 Chr. 24. 7.2 Chr 24:7 Athaliah, and Manasseh made, in their idolatrous reigns, of the vessels of the Temple.

p. 403§ 4. There want not those,Reasons for the law fulness of such sacriledge who dare to defend the foresaid spoiling of Gods house to be lawfull, chiefly alleadging absolute necessity (that bawd… generall of all illegitimate actions) that, otherwise, in such extremities, the kingdome of Iudah could not be preserved, from forein invasion. In vain doth what may be dispute, when what must be sits Doctour of the Chaire. It is not onelyonly lawfull, but needfull, to shave the haire, thereby to save the head. The parting with the fruit, kept the tree alive; otherwise, if not pacified with such a present, the idolatrous enemies would undoubtedly have demolished the Temple, and totally rooted out Gods service therein.

§ 5. But what ever politick palliations may be pleaded for the contrary,Such argumēts answered. such sacriledge was unavouchable in it self, and those pretended extremities to justifie it, were onelyonly created; either by mens infidelity, not beleeving Gods power; or their impatience, not attending Gods pleasure, to defend his own glory, in his own due time, by his own means. Yea, Heaven by the finall success protested against such proceedings, and the treasure taken out of the Temple, and given to Pagans, rather presently declined, then finally diverted the imminent danger. Thus Ahazff2 Chr. 28. 21.2 Chr 28:21 took away a portion out of the house of the Lord, and gave it to the King of Assyria, but he helped him not. Likewise whengg2 King. 18. 15, 16.2 Kgs 18:152 Kgs 18:16 Hezekiah presented Sennacherib with the wealth of the Temple to buy his favour, his bribes proved ineffectull, who having received the present, was not pleased to understand the language thereof, but nevertheless in the next hhIbid. ver. 17.verse invaded Iudah. As for the instance of Asa, God directly by the mouth of his Prophet reproved him for his fact, in relying rather on the King of Syria, then divine assistance. In a word, though some were good men that did it, they were no whit the better for the doing it. For, though it be Christian policy, and ChristsiiLuk. 16. 9.Luke 16:9 precept, that men make to themselves friends of the Mammon of unrighteousness; yet, goods rightly consecrated to the righteous God, come not under that appellation: and such holy things are unjustly degraded, which having once been advanced to the dignity of a free-will-offering to God, are afterward set back, to become a peace-offering to man.

§ 6. Indeed some hold,No sacriledge, say some, under the Gospell. that under the Gospell the sin of sacriledge cannot be committed. If so, it is either because nothing under the Gospell hath been given to Gods service; or, because God hath solemnly disclaimed the acceptance of any such donations; which, when and where it was done, will be hardly produced. If this their position be true, we have cause, first, to rejoyce in regard that God and his members are now adays growen so rich, that they need not addition of humane gratuities to be bestowed upon them. Secondly, we may congratulate the felicity of ours above former ages, being not in a capacity of committing the sin of sacriledge, to which those were subject, who lived before the time of our Saviour. Lastly, we may silently smile, to see how Satan is p. 404defeated, having quite lost one of his an…ient baites, and old temptations; men now adays being secured from this sin, and put past a possibility to be guilty thereof. But, before we goe thus far, let us first be sure, we goe on a good ground, otherwise it is the highest sacriledge, to steal away sacriledge it self, and to deny that (which formerly was a grievous) in our days to be any transgression.

§ 7. To come now to the finall, and fatall dissolution of this Temple, with the dissipation, at least wise transportation of all the Utensils thereof.

Three gradations herein may be observed.

Here we will not observe the eleventh year of wicked kings, climactericall to their kingdomes, seeing any year is equally fatall to a nation, when the measure of their sins is made up. Rather we will take notice, how God, twice as it were in mercy, clipt the treasures of the Temple with the cisers, and (neither working repentance) the third time in justice shaved all away, with the hired nnIsa. 7. 20.Isa 7:20razor of Babylon. And it is my opinion, that though the outward Courts, and chambers of the Temple had formerly been frequently plundred, yet the Holy, and Holy of Holies remained entire, and untouched, till all was destroyed at the captivity of Babylon.

Here the Map of Zorobabels Temple is to be inserted.

THE TEMPLE as it was in CHRISTE time.

Iohn Goddard sculpsit.