The Temple of Solomon Portrayed, History · Chapter 9 · Section 1 · Part 4

The Temple of Solomon Portrayed · History · Chapter 9 · Section 1 · Part 4

p. 212The Myſteries of the Sanctuary or Holy Place.

NOw let us enter the Gates of the Sanctuary,(a)(a)Pſ. 118.19.Ps 118:19 the Gates of Righteouſneſſe, Let us enter (b)(b)Pſ. 100.4.Ps 100:4his Gates with thanksgiving and praiſe, let the(c)(c)Pſ. 24.7.Ps 24:7 everlaſting Doores fly open, that we may ſee the King of Glory in this his ſacred Palace, that we may(d)(d)Pſ. 27.4.Ps 27:4 behold the beauty of the Lord and enquire in his Temple. Angelicall words (though pillar'd, with the firmeſt Reaſon, adorned with the choiſeſt Gold of Rhetorick, and(e)(e)Cant. 4.10.Song 4:10 paved with melting Affections) are not Chariots majeſticall enough to carry within them thoſe Royall conceptions, which become thoſe Myſteries that ſate in ſtate within theſe holy Chambers. Incomparably glorious was that place of old, wherein the unapproachable Majeſty of Heaven was pleaſed to vouchſafe his preſence, of favour and grace, among duſt and aſhes, to take up a habitation among Worms, and to receive Homage and Adoration from Creatures, in compariſon with him, leſſe then(f)(f)Iſa. 40.17.Isa 40:17 nothing and vanity. Yet ſo pleaſed it the infinite and incomprehenſible God, ſo far to condiſcend to the workmanſhip of his own hands, as to keep houſe in the midſt of his people, whom he was pleaſed to chooſe for himſelf out of all Nations, and within this ſacred building to command ſeveral Golden Utenſils to be made, and placed there for his uſe, as if he did indeed dwell amongſt them. Here were the ten Tables of Shew-bread ſet before him continually: There the Lamps of the ten Golden Candleſticks burned, with pure Oyl Olive continually feeding their radiant flames: Above ſtood the golden Altar of Incenſe, ſending forth its fragrant odours, while the King was held in his(g)(g)Cant. 7.5.Song 7:5 Galleries; to whom, while ſitting at his Table, the(h)(h)Cant. 1.12.Song 1:12 Spikenard ſendeth forth its rich Perfume. Whoever drawes nigh, but to the contemplation of theſe rare and profound Myſteries therein couched, let him pull off the(i)(i)Exo. 3.5.Exod 3:5 ſhooes of his worldly Converſation and corrupt Affections: For the place whereon he ſtands is holy Ground: which is the earneſt and ardent prayer of the unworthieſt of his Servants, before he enters upon ſo ſolemn and ſacred a work as this before us.

In former Lines it hath been declared, That the Temple in generall ſignified the Goſpel-Church; I hope alſo it ſhall appear in ſucceeding paſſages, That the Oracle, or moſt holy place, did ſignify and ſhadow forth Heaven, or the place and ſtate of Saints in Glory: It reſts then, that the Body of the Temple, called [foreign] in a more eminent and yet uſual manner [(k)(k)1 Kin. 6.7.1 Kgs 6:7 The TEMPLE], but more properly and ſtrictly ſtyled, the Sanctuary, ſhould decipher and exhibit the Type of the Church Militant upon Earth, and converſing with God in his divine Ordinances. His Majeſty of old had acquainted his people of Iſraël, that he would ſet(l)(l)Lev. 26.11, 12.Lev 26:11Lev 26:12 his Tabernacle among them, and walk in the midſt of them; which was moſt graciouſly performed from the daies of Moſes to the Reign of Solomon. At which time he declares himſelf evidently, that it was his holy will to …well in a fixed Temple at Jeruſalem, promiſing that he would(m)(m)1 Kin. 8.29.1 Kgs 8:29 place his name there. Now, that the glorious Fabrick of the Temple did myſtically ſhadow forth the ſpirituall Houſe of the Evangelicall Church, the Apoſtle Paul will come in as a clear witneſſe, in that ſolemn appeal to the Hearts and Conſciences of his Corinthians, [(n)(n)1 Cor. 3.16, 17.1 Cor 3:161 Cor 3:17 Know ye not that ye are the Temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?] Yea further, he makes every particular Saint to p. 213be a little Sanctuary for the Holy Spirit to dwell in, as may appear by that expoſtulation: [What, know ye not, that your Body is the (a)(a)1 Cor. 6.19.1 Cor 6:19Temple of the Holy Ghost, which is in you?] Likewiſe, that the Church of God in general, is the(b)(b)2 Cor. 6.16.2 Cor 6:16 Temple of the Living God: alledging by way of Teſtimony, that place in Leviticus before cited. In another place the ſame pen-man declares, that the Building being fitly framed together, and fixe upon Chriſt, the choiſe Foundation, doth grow into a Holy(c)(c)Eph. 2.21.Eph 2:21 Temple in the Lord. Other where he exhibits the infallible Characteriſtick o… the Grand Antichriſt to be this, that as(d)(d)2 Theſ. 2.4.2 Thess 2:4 God he ſits in the Temple of God, under the Goſpel times, Lording it over the Church, and uſurping the ſeat of Chriſt. In fine, giving Inſtructions to young Timothy, by an excellent Epiſtle, he tells him the end of his writing was, that he might know how to behave himſelf in the(e)(e)1 Tim. 3.15.1 Tim 3:15 Houſe of God, which is the Church of the Living God. Other places might be added, but theſe may ſuffice for the preſent purpoſe: To which, as a Coronis, let me ſubjoyne a paſſage out of the Learned Jerom to the ſame effect, cenſuring ſuch as doted too much upon material Temples; and were too ſuperſtitiouſly addicted to Pilgrimages unto the Holy Land. [(f)(f)Ad Paulinum. Tom. 1. Epiſt. 13. Qui dicunt Templum Domini, Templum Domini, audiant ab Apoſtolo, Vos eſt is Templum Domini, & Spiritus ſanctus habitat in vobis; & de Hierſolymis, & de Britanniâ aequaliter patet aula coeleſtis.] They that cry, The Temple of the Lord, The Temple of the Lord, let them hear the Apoſtle; Ye are the Temple of the Lord, and the Holy Spirit dwelleth in you. The Court of Heaven is open to them that dwell in Britain, as well as at Jeruſalem: To conclude, I ſhall add the worthy advice of Gregory Nyſſen, which he gave to ſuch as conceited ſome excellency, and rare merit, or the attainment of ſome more then ordinary accompliſhment, if they took but a journey to Jeruſalem. [(g)(g)Greg. Nyſſ. foreign. Cum not. Molinaei Hanov. 1607. p. 14. foreign, &c. But forbearing the tranſcript of the Greek, I ſhall give it in Engliſh as follows: [Let not therefore our Example offend any, but let our perſwaſion rather find Credit, becauſe we give counſel about thoſe things, which we have ſeen with our eyes. For we, both before we came to that place, and ſince alſo, have confeſſed Chriſt to be the true God, neither is our Faith either leſſened, or encreaſed by it. We knew the aſſumption of the humane nature from the Virgin before we ſaw Bethlehem. And we believed his Reſurrection from the dead before we ſaw the Sepulchre; and we have confeſſed his real Aſcention into Heaven, before we ſaw the mount of Olives. But this profit onelyonly have we rea…ed by our journy, to know by compariſon, that our holy things are farre beyond theſe external places. Wherefore you that fear the Lord, praiſe him in the places where ye live. For change of place doth not effect a nigher approaching unto God: but where ever thou art, God will come to thee, if ſo be the habitation of thy ſoul be found to be ſuch, as that the Lord may dwell and walk in thee. But if thy inner-man be full of wicked thoughts, although thou wert upon Golgotha, although upon mount Olivet, although thou wert under the moniment of the Reſurrection; thou art as farre from the receiving of Chriſt into thee, as they that acknowledge not the firſt principles. Perſwade therefore (O Beloved) the Brethren to undertake a pilgrimage from the Body unto the Lord, and not from Cappadocia unto Palestine.

Having thus treated in general, let us now deſcend to ſome particulars, and in the firſt place crave leave to ſpeak concerning the ſtately ſtones of the Temple, which were laid in the ſide-walls of the Sanctuary: concerning which, it is the common opinion that they were of pure white poliſhed marble, denoting the beauty, preciouſneſs and durability of the Saints.

p. 214The Loweſt rank of ſtones, which were more immediately laid upon the Foundation, (before ſpoken of) are conceived to repreſent the Prophets, Apoſtles, and Miniſters of the Church. For as in the new Jeruſalem, the ſpirit of God expreſly ſaith, that the(a)(a)Rev. 21.14.Rev 21:14 12 Foundations of the City-wall had written on them, the names of the 12 Apostles, of the Lamb: So likewiſe in the holy Myſtical Temple, we read that the Saints are built upon the (b)(b)Eph. 2.20, 21.Eph 2:20Eph 2:21Foundation of the Apoſtles and Prophets, Jeſus Chriſt himſelf being the chief corner ſtone. So that, although the Lord Jeſus be the maine and principal Foundation of the Church and all its members, whether Miniſterial or others: Yet the Officers of the Church being compared with thoſe that are to be taught and inſtructed in the Principles of Faith, are termed Foundations alſo: that is, Doctrinal, not the eſſential and real Foundation of Saints acceptance with God: Such is Chriſt Jeſus onelyonly. We ſhall read therefore the Apoſtles to be termed Builders in reſpect to Chriſt the chief Foundation; So Paul compares himſelf to a(c)(c)1 Cor. 3.10.1 Cor 3:10 wiſe Maſter Builder, and then according to that Metaphor, the ſeveral(d)(d)Heb. 6.1.Heb 6:1 Fundamental Points of Faith may be compared to the principal ſtones in the Building. Nay the Saints themſelves that conferre about the things of God, are ſaid to Build up, or (e)(e)1 Theſ. 5.11.1 Thess 5:11edifie one another. But to lay that aſide: great is the conſolation which the Prophet Iſaiah bringeth to the Church in that memorable promiſe, given forth to her afflicted members, that her (f)(f)Iſa. 54.11.Isa 54:11Foundations ſhould be laid with Saphires, her Windows with Agates, her Gates with Carbuncles, and her Borders with pleaſant Stones: For all her Children ſhall be taught of the Lord. In another place the Pſalmiſt promiſes that her Daughter ſhall be like (g)(g)Pſal. 144.12.Ps 144:12corner-ſtones, poliſhed after the Similitude of a Palace. Judicious Calvin upon the 13th verſe of the former place in Iſaiah ſaies, that from thence it is Evident, that by the precious ſtones there mentioned, the Prophet is to be interpreted [non de doctrinâ, ſed de hominibus, ex quibus ſpirituale aedificium Eccleſiae conſtruitur] not of doctrines, but of men, out of whom the ſpiritual houſe of the Church is framed. This ſweet promiſe doth ſeem to intimate that God would raiſe ſuch interpreters, men pickt out of thouſands, Sons of conſolation, ſuch as know how to ſpeak a word in ſeaſon to a weary ſoul; that the afflicted people, and toſſed with Tempeſts ſhould be inlightned, comforted, ſtrengthned, and bottomed with ſtrong conſolation, by the power of the ſpirit of God in their Miniſtery.

That men ſhould be compared to ſtones in a Building is not unuſual: the former being the parts of a political, the latter of an artificial houſe. And therein likewiſe principal men are uſually reſembled to Foundations and(h)(h)Gal. 2.9.Gal 2:9 Pillars, as James, Peter, and John, are ſo ſet forth by the Apoſtle Paul. It is obſervable alſo concerning the Nazarites, a ſort of people devoted and dedicated unto God, that by the Prophet Jeremy in his ſad doleful Elegies for the diſtreſſed ſtate of the Church, they are compared(i)(i)Lam. 4.7.Lam 4:7 to Rubies and Saphires: Nay, the ſpiritual Nazarites, who have given up their names to Chriſt, and by Faith do eſteem him the moſt precious, are commended by Peter, for coming to him as (k)(k)1 Pet. 2.5.1 Pet 2:5lively ſtones: who like another Amphion doth by the pleaſant harp of his Goſpel-voice, allure theſe ſpiritual ſtones unto the Building up of the walls of his Holy Sanctuary. It is fabled (as I remember) by the Poets that the walls of antient Troy were built in ſtately manner by Apollo and Neptune, with Sonorous or Ringing Marble. The ſtones of the Sanctuary are ſituated in ſuch excellent Method and Order, that it is admirable for ſpiritual eyes to behold, their lives do in harmonious anthems reply to God's precepts, and their mouths break forth into ſinging to the glory of that God, who(l)(l)Pſal. 22.3.Ps 22:3 inhabits the praiſes of Iſrael. Inſomuch that his ſervants take pleaſure in theſe ſtones of Zion, and favour the very duſt thereof: ſuch as God himſelf will build up, and frame into a Holy Temple for his honour to p. 215dwell in. Indeed by nature the(a)(a)Lev. 24.40. &c.Lev 24:40 Plague of Leproſy is ſpread over, and hath eaten into all the ſtones of our Tabernacle: but he purgeth and purifieth and cleanſeth them by the blood of our High Prieſt that is ſprinkled upon them. By nature theſe ſtones are as hard and impenetrable as the(b)(b)Zec. 7.12. very Adamant, the hearts of men are as inflexible and unmalleable as the(c)(c)Job 41.24.Job 41:24 nether mil-ſtone: yet out of ſuch doth he raiſe up believing(d)(d)Mat. 3.9.Matt 3:9 Children unto Abraham.

Many of theſe ſtones, as well as the other materials of the Temple (ſuch as Firre, Cedar, and Gold) are related to have bin fetcht from Tyre,**1 Kin. 5.14, 15, 17.1 Kgs 5:141 Kgs 5:151 Kgs 5:17 Lebanon and Parvaim: to ſignifie to us that the Lord Jeſus ſhould in Goſpel times collect the members of his ſpiritual Church, from the remoteſt Ilands, and Kingdoms of the whole World. All theſe precious and excellent ſtones that are thus fixed upon, and joyned to Chriſt the prime Foundation, by the Coement of Faith, unto the Apoſtles doctrinal Foundations by the coement of obedience, and one to another by love, when once they are fitly ſet and compacted together by the line and plummet of the Word; do hold communion one with another in the myſtical body, by(e)(e)Jam. 5.16.Jas 5:16 mutual prayer,(f)(f)Heb. 3.13.Heb 3:13 exhortation,(g)(g)Gal. 6.1, 2.Gal 6:1Gal 6:2 meek reprehenſions, and bearing one anothers burthen, and ſo do fulfil the Law of Chriſt, and obey the new Commandement of Love, whereas a ſtranger intermedles not with this their joy.

But whenſoever it pleaſeth the Author of Faith to hew ſome others, and make them fit and ſquare for this excellent Building; this glorious Sanctuary hath divers doors prepared for the admiſſion of ſuch into their ſpiritual fellowſhip. Theſe Doors we read to have bin made of Firr Tree, and hung upon poſts of Olive Tree; They were likewiſe curiouſly carved with Cherubims, Palme-Trees, and open flowers. Some are pleaſed to apply theſe doors to Chriſt himſelf, ſeeing our bleſſed Lord is recorded to liken himſelf to a(h)(h)Joh. 10.7, 9.John 10:7John 10:9 Door, by which the Sheep of his Paſture do enter in. He indeed hath an authoritative commiſſion from the Father to give unto the Elect, an admiſſion unto Holy communion with Himſelf. Here though we will not exclude this alluſive interpretation of a door, hinted by our Lord himſelf: yet may we ſafely apply the ſeveral ends for which doors are erected, in a more general way, unto the Sanctuary about which we are now treating. The ordinary ends and uſes of doors in Buildings are, 1. To give admiſſion to ſuch, whoſe propriety in the houſe doth challenge lodging and manſion within, 2. To exclude all others, who are ſtrangers to the Family. And 3. To preſerve thoſe perſons and things in ſafety and ſecurity, which are contained within the houſe. In like manner the Church is compared to an(i)(i)Can. 4.12. encloſed Garden, a Fountain ſealed as well for the ſecure habitation of Saints, as for the unacquaintedneſſe of others with her ſtate and condition.(k)(k)Iſa. 26.1.Isa 26:1 Salvation hath God appointed for Walls and Bulwarks to defend Her. He hath ſtrengthened(l)(l)Pſa. 147.13.Ps 147:13 the bars of Her Gates, and bM…eſſed her Children within her: He hath alſo commanded her Gates ſometimes to be opened,(m)(m)Iſa. 26.2.Isa 26:2 that the Righteous Nation, which keepeth the truth may enter in. Theſe doors then may ſignifie the initiation of members into communion with the Church, that are taken out of the World by the mighty Power of God upon their hearts: together with the excluſion of ſuch as are(n)(n)Ep. 2, 12. aliens from the Common-wealth of Iſrael, and ſtrangers from the Covenant of promiſe. For there ſhall in no wiſe(o)(o)Rev. 21.37.Rev 21:37 enter, any thing that defileth or worketh abomination; but ſuch onelyonly as are written in the Lamb's Book of Life. For without are(p)(p)Rev. 22.15.Rev 22:15 Dogs, Sorcerers, and the reſt of the impure and wicked rabble of the World. Violence ſhall not be heard in the Land of Immanuel: but the Church ſhall call Her Walls Salvation, and Her Gates(q)(q)Iſa. 60.18.Isa 60:18 praiſe.

p. 216In ancient times, the Lord is remembred to have come down in a(a)(a)Exod. 33.9.Exod 33:9 cloudy Pillar at the door of the Tabernacle, when he ſpake with Moſes, Aaron, and Miriam, and afterwards at another time, in the ſame manifeſtation, when he(b)(b)Deut. 31.15.Deut 31:15 treated with Moſes and Joſhua. In following Ages the Temple alſo was filled with the glorious(c)(c)1 Kin. 8.10.1 Kgs 8:10 cloud of his preſence. As to the firſt, we read that when ever the Children of Iſraël aroſe from their ſtations and travelled towards Canaan, (d)(d)Exod. 40.36. Num. 9.17.Exod 40:36Num 9:17the cloud was taken up from off the Tabernacle: Noting to us, that when ever the Goſpel-Church ſhould take its progreſſe towards heaven under its ſpiritual Ordinances, that the myſtical cloud ſhould be taken away: then are we promiſed to behold with open face,(e)(e)2 Cor. 3.18.2 Cor 3:18 and ſhall be changed into the ſame Image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. In reſpect to the latter, the preſence of God in the Temple, we have a moſt excellent promiſe, that(f)(f)Iſa. 4.5.Isa 4:5 the Lord will create upon every dwelling place of Mount Zion, and upon her Aſſemblies, a Cloud, and a Smoak by day, and the ſhining of a flaming fire by night: for upon all the Glory ſhall be a defence. A Cloud to comfort his people, and(g)(g)Exod. 14.19, 20.Exod 14:19Exod 14:20 to obſcure them from their Aegyptian Enemies, a Pillar of flaming Fire to illuminate them in their way, and to keep off the wild beaſts of this world from them. In which reſpect he hath promiſed to be a(h)(h)Zec. 2.5. wall of Fire round about Jeruſalem to protect and defend them. Of old, none but conſecrated(i)(i)Exod. 35.19.Exod 35:19 Prieſts might enter into this holy Sanctuary, whereof we are now taking a View: If the King himſelf preſumed to enter, he was(k)(k)2 Chr. 26.18.2 Chr 26:18 ſmitten with Leproſy. Joſephus in one place bewails the ſad and proſtrate S…ate of the Temple, when Pompey, and ſome of his crew, entred thoſe ſacred Doors, and caſt their profane Glances upon thoſe myſterious Ornaments; my, they were ſo bold as to enter alſo into the Holy of Holyes, [(l)(l)Joſeph. de …ell. Judaic. l. 1.6.5. foreign (ſaith he) foreign.] In which place it was lawful for the High-Prieſt onelyonly to be preſent. But it may be obſerved, that the affairs of that great Captain did afterward decline towards the evening of his former Splendor, and the ſhadows of Envy and Oppoſition to lengthen upon him, till at length the Sun of his Grandeur ſate in the darkneſs of Egypt, where(m)(m)Plut. in Pomp. he was ſlain, and all his Glory was entombed in Mount Caſius in the South part of Syria, as(n)(n)Geogr. l. 16. p. 700. edit. Caſaub. Strabo &††Lib. 22. p. 422. Edit. Lug. Bat. 1632. Mercellinus teſtifie. Which if true, 'tis ſomewhat obſervable that he ſhould be buried, as a far off from his own Country, ſo in the borders of that Land, where he had committed ſo great an offence. That profanation of the Temple was very great, when Perſons did enter thoſe ſacred walls beyond the Line of their function; and therefore good Jeremy did ſorely lament among other Outrages, committed by Nebuchadnezzar's Army of old, this particularly, that the(o)(o)Lam. 1.10.Lam 1:10 Heathen were entred into the Sanctuary; of whom, God had commanded that they ſhould not come into the Congregation.

But now God hath conſecrated to himſelf a whole(p)(p)Exod. 19.6.Exod 19:6 Kingdom of Prieſts, all the people of God under the Goſpel being made a(q)(q)1 Pet. 2.5, 9.1 Pet 2:51 Pet 2:9 royal Prieſt-hood, are exalted into the State of Kings and Prieſts unto God, to offer up ſpiritual Sacrifices acceptable to him by Jeſus Chriſt. Not but that ſtill there remains, even through the whole length and duration of the Goſpel-Age, a diſtinct miniſterial Office, reſiding in thoſe, who are regularly ſet apart unto that excellent function, according to the appointment of the Spirit of God in the new Teſtament. Their duty it is to attend upon the ſacred work of dreſſing the Lamps of Knowledge, of ſetting forth the Propitiation bread of Life, and of offering up the Saints prayers in the Church of Chriſt. Wherefore, when the Saints in general are called by the honourable name of Prieſts, we are, in that appellation, to reflect upon the great meaſure of Knowledge, that in the latter daies is promiſed to(r)(r)Iſa. 11.9. Hab. 2.14.Isa 11:9Hab 2:14 cover the face of the Earth, even as p. 217the waters do ſpread themſelvs upon the Channels of the vaſt Ocean. We may further thence likewiſe meditate upon that great and ſweet Communion, which ſhall then intercede between Miniſters and People: And laſtly, foraſmuch as the Services of the Prieſts of old did ſhadow forth ſome ſpiritual things, which every Child of God is to perform under the Goſpel: In that ſenſe are all the Saints called Prieſts, as ſuch who are continually to offer up to God ſpiritual Sacrifices in the Temples of their own hearts; whereof more (with God's good leave) may be ſpoken in the latter end of this preſent Chapter.

To proceed, If then the Doors of the Sanctuary ſignified and held forth the admiſſion of Saints into communion with Jeſus Chriſt, by his inward and effectual Call upon their hearts: Give leave for reſemblances in reſpect to the materials of the Doors themſelvs, and the Poſts whereupon they turned; the latter being made of Olive-wood, the former of Firr. The holy Scripture is pleaſed to ſet forth the Excellency of that fellowſhip which Saints enjoy with Chriſt in Ordinances, by participating of the(a)(a)Rom. 11.17.Rom 11:17 Fatneſſe of the Olive-tree, unto which they are united: and the conſtancy of their perſeverance by the ever-green freſh Verdancy of Chriſt's righteouſneſſe, through whoſe Sap onelyonly is the(b)(b)Hoſ. 14.8.Hos 14:8 fruit of Ephraim found, when ingrafted into him by Faith. Spiritual fruitfulneſſe flowes from a principle, contrary to the ordinary courſe of nature: wherein the Cyon though it ſuck its Juyce and Nouriſhment from the Stock into which it is inſerted, yet as to the fruit, it follows the kind of that Tree whence it was cut. But here the caſe is altered; for the fruit of Believers is found of the ſame nature with the Root from whence their Sap is communicated, and according to the Stock into which they are ingrafted and implanted.

In this place I ſhall at preſent forbear to ſpeak largely of the nature of the Firr and Olive: Seeing the Materials and Ornaments of the Doors were coincident with thoſe of the Sanctuary within: where I ſhall more copiouſly enlarge, when once we are entred into that moſt ſacred and ſtately Palace. In reſpect to the genuine explication of the many excellent Myſteries there layd up, I ſhall conjoyn my ardent ſuit with holy David's unto the(c)(c)Jam. 1.17.Jas 1:17 Father of Lights and the(d)(d)Pſ. 31.5.Ps 31:5 God of Truth;(e)(e)Pſ. 43.3.Ps 43:3 O ſend out thy Light and thy truth: let them lead me, let them bring me to thy holy Hill, and to thy Tabernacles.

Since then we have finiſht our view of the out-walls and doors, and have humbly implored a skilful and faithful Guide, Let us be incouraged to enter with reverence this Holy place, and take a ſtrict notice of all the choiſe Ornaments within, on both ſides, in the Floor, Windows, and ſtately Roof above. Wherein, I ſhall firſt ſpeak apart of the Materials themſelvs, and, after that, endeavour with all ſobriety to ſearch out what Myſteryes (whether Typical or by way of Alluſion) may be couched under them. For as the Sanctuary, the Type; ſo the Church the Antitype, is all(f)(f)Pſal. 45.13.Ps 45:13 glorious within. As to the ancient Type and its adornment, we read of great proviſion made of fragrant(g)(g)1 Kin. 5.6, 8, 10.1 Kgs 5:61 Kgs 5:81 Kgs 5:10 Cedar, for boards to line the walls of this famous houſe within; Planks of Fir to lay under the Cedar boards for the Floor; wood of Olive for the Poſts and Doors, and all overlayd with choiſe Gold, faſtned with rivets or nailes of the ſame Metal, adorned with precious Stones, Sculptures of Cherubims, Palm-trees, and open-Flowers. Of which, to ſpeak one word in generall; If ſo be the faire Marble ſtones (wherewith the ſides of the Temple were built up to the Roof on the out-ſide) have been truly applied unto the Saints or Members of the Myſtical Church, being called living ſtones by the Apoſtle Peter, and reſembled to thoſe of the Temple in other places of the ſacred writings, penned ſince our Lord's Incarnation, as being infallible guides in the Application of the dark Myſteries of the old Teſtament: p. 218then what can we conceive by Analogy to be more properly eſteemed as the true and genuine meaning of theſe rare and coſtly materials, expended upon the inſide of the Sanctuary, than the various Ornaments of gifts and graces, wherewith the Church of Chriſt, and every particular Member, in its degree and ſtation, is moſt curiouſly lined, and moſt rarely beautified? But firſt, of the Materials themſelvs in order, and then of their particular Application unto Saints.

I ſhall begin with the Cedar, the firſt thing mentioned in Solomon's proviſion for the Temple, which was received from Hiram King of Tyre. A Tree of great excellency, and therefore deſired of all Nations for pompous ſtructures; Fit for an enduring Temple, for(a)(a)Lib. 5. c. 5. Theophrastus, in his Hiſtory of Plants, reports of them in the Catalogue of thoſe Trees which are [foreign] of an imputrible nature.(b)(b)Archit. l. 2. c. 9. Vitruvius moreover relates that the Ancients did uſually anoint their books with the Oyl of Cedar, on purpoſe to preſerve them from Worms and Putrefaction.(c)(c)Port. Phylog. inl. 5. c. 1. Another writes, that the Books of King Numa (wherein were contained many Dictates of the Pythagoreans) were found ſafe and whole after the Revolution of 535 years, being preſerved by ſome artificial uſe of Cedar, or Oyl made thereof.(d)(d)Iſid. Hiſpal. Others mention that the Temples of the antient gods of the Heathen had their beams of Cedar. Nay, the Statues of the Gods themſelves were ſometimes carved in Cedar. As to which,(e)(e)L. 13. c. 5. Pliny reports that one of Apollo, brought from Seleucia, was ſeen at Rome. (f)(f)Vitr. p. 35 Plin. l. 16. c. 40.The Temple of Diana at Epheſus was covered with Cedar.(g)(g)Vitr. p. 35. The Temple of Apollo at Ʋtica in Africa, was built with beams of Numidian Cedar, and laſted 1188 years. It's recorded alſo by an ancient and famous(h)(h)Dioſc. de mat. med. lib. 1. c. 89. Phyſitian, that it preſervs dead bodies from putrefaction, by drinking up the ſuperfluous moiſture; and therefore the Aegyptians are related, by(i)(i)L. 2. c. 87. Herodotus, to have uſed an Ointment made of Cedar in the embalming of their dead. Nay, anything almoſt being(k)(k)Plin. l. 16. c. 39. anointed with the foreſaid Oyl is preſerved from worms, being of ſuch a nature as wonderfully reſiſts putrefaction. Nay, it helps againſt the(l)(l)Port. l. 4. c. 7. ſtingings of ſeverall ſorts of virulent Serpents, and cures alſo the(m)(m)Id. l. 5. c. 14. Ulcers of the Lungs. The Tree grows moſt ſtrongly, and flouriſhes on rocky and mountainous grounds, and is held therefore by the foreſaid(n)(n)l. 6. c. 20. Author, (according to that natural ſignature, being of a penetrating quality) to be an excellent cure of diſeaſes in the bones. It is reported furthermore by(o)(o)Syntag. Deor. c. 17. Gyraldus, that neer the times of the Trojan Wars, the Ancients of thoſe times did perfume their Temples with the burning of Cedar.

It is a Tree of exceeding(p)(p)2 Kin. 19.23.2 Kgs 19:23 tall ſtature, and alwaies(q)(q)Dioſc. l. 1. c. 89. green, by reaſon of a hot and clammy viſcous humour wherewith it is endued, thereby retaining its leavs continually upon its branches.

It yields a very choiſe kind of reſine, mentioned frequently by Phyſitians and learned Herbariſts, there being many admirable vertues by them aſſigned to it.

As to the Firr-Tree, (another of thoſe Trees, whoſe wood was uſed in the Sanctuary) it is likewiſe of exceeding great heighth, when arrived to its full ſtature. Which, although it be not of ſo noble an extract as the Cedar, manifeſted by its ſcent, as not ſo fragrant; yet is it of a durable, conſiſtence and, when laid on the fire, yields a reſinous Matter, well known to the Ancients, and not leſſe to the people of Norway in our daies, it being a ſtaple Commodity with that Nation for ſhipping. To which end it was employed of(r)(r)Virgil. Aeneid. 2. old, as well as now, both for Maſts and other Uſes: and moſt frequently improved by the Northern Nations in common and ordinary buildings. Nay, it was advanced to honour in(ſ)(ſ)Plin. lib. 16. c. 10.40, 42. ſacred matters of old, being dedicated to Bacchus: p. 219and therewithal the aeternal fire (ſo called) at Delphos was fed and maintained, and with no other Fuel, as(a)(a)De …à apud Delph. Ed. H. Steph. gr. Moral. part. l. p. 685. Plutarch hath recorded. Concerning its virtues(b)(b)Pag. 33. Ed. praedict. Vitruvius hath treated conciſely. It grows with us in ſome parts, and thereby we know it to be ever-green and to endure a very long time, where it likes its ſeat. To conclude, that it was uſed in the(c)(c)Matt. lib. 14. Ep. 84. preſervation of Books, Martial remembreth in his Epigrams.

The Palm-Tree was uſed in the Sanctuary alſo, but in figure onelyonly and Sculpture: not as to its wood at all: but yet doth challenge ſome Lines, becauſe it was every where an Ornament of the Temple. The moſt excellent ſort of theſe Trees are reported to have grown in Judea, according to the Teſtimony of(d)(d)l. 1. c. 125. Dioſcorides, and moſt plentifully neer to the dead Sea or Lake of Sodom, in the Champion plains of Jericho; which therefore is ſtyled, The City of(e)(e)Deut. 34.3.Deut 34:3 Palm-Trees, in Scripture: and fully accorded to by††Diod. Sic. l. 2. c. 48. Diodorus Siculus: and therefore, in the Coines of Veſpaſian, the conqueſt of 3. Judea is reſembled by a Woman ſitting under a Palm-Tree weeping, with this Inſcription [Judea capta] Judaea conquered. It's a fruitful Tree, and mentioned by the(f)(f)Joel. 1.12.Joel 1:12 Prophet Jöel in the Catalogue of ſuch plants. It bears that fruit which we call Dates, foreign: reſembling the Joynts of the Fingers, as 'tis thought the ancient name was thence taken; but the fruit is uſed with great benefit, both for Food and Phyſick, eſpecially in broths and decoctions, for thin, macilent, and conſumptive bodies. It is a ſociable Tree: For ſome that are very critical in diſcerning the Sex of Plants do averre, that the Female will not bear, at leaſt plentifully, unleſſe it be planted near the Male: which is therefore ſo called, becauſe never yielding fruit. It is likewiſe an Ever-green, as(g)(g)Lib. 16. c. 20. Pliny witneſſeth, and was of old ſacred to the Muſes, whole Preſident was the famous Apollo, and is reported by the ancient Poets to have been born under it, as ſhall be ſpoken to,**Pign. Menſ. Iſiac. p. 10. Edit. Franc. 1608. by and by. Highly prized it was in Aegypt, whoſe Prieſts uſed to lye in little Cottages made up of Palm-branches twiſted together, and 'tis related that the Leavs were laid under the feet of Iſis. It was uſed alſo by the Grecians, but to a different end, to crown the victorious Temples of the Pythian Gameſters. For it was alwaies eſteemed above all other Trees, for a Symbole of Victory, as yielding leſſe then any other(h)(h)A. Gell. noct. Attic. l. 3. c. 6. to weights impoſed upon it, and after the removal riſes ſooner to its former erect poſture, it being very(i)(i)Jer. 10.5.Jer 10:5 ſtrait and upright. Upon another account it was uſed of old for an Emblem of a(k)(k)Pierius l. 50. c. 2. p. 651. 4^o. Year, and of a Month; becauſe (as they report) every new Moon it ſhoots forth new branches, and thoſe but twelve: which are but improbable Niceties and Toyes. However it was in great Veneration among the Heathen, for what Homer hath written concerning Latona, (l)(l)Hym. in Apol. v. 117.foreign, &c. that ſhe caſt her arms about a Palm-tree in Delos when ſhe brought forth Apollo and Diana, who were worſhipped by the Ancients for the Sun and Moon. But there is a thing more obſervable concerning this Tree; that whereas others, which extend many and large branches, grow ſtill narrower toward the Top; This is very narrow at bottom, where the branches are inſerted into its Trunk; and ſpreads very broad at Top toward heaven to receive its influences, while its fruit hangs down humbly towards the Earth, underneath the ſpreading branches.

In the next place let us treat in few words concerning the Olive-Tree. Whereof(m)(m)Porph. de antr. Nymp. p. 231. Porphyry, in his deſcription of the Cave of the Nymphs, gives an account why it was placed over its entrance, to ſignify the wiſdom of God in the framing of the world for (ſaith he) foreign: The Olive is the Symbole of the Wiſdom of God, for it is the Plant of Minerva, but Minerva is Wiſdome: The Country about Athens, (which City was dedicated to that Goddeſſe) p. 220is related to be very fertile in theſe plants. But there was a nearer place, from whence the Temple might be furniſhed; even Mount Olivet, receiving its denomination from the abundance of theſe Trees growing thereabouts. It is remembred concerning Hercules, that his Club was made of Olive wood, for Apollonius Rhodius calls it foreign, a Branch of Olive; which its thought he uſed as a Symbole of diuturnity: For two famous Naturaliſts,(a)(a)Theoph. de Hiſt. Plant. l. 2. & 5. Theophraſtus and Pliny, have related that it is very long-lived, and hath great affinity with the Earth, inſomuch that its dry ſtumps being ſtuck into the Ground will bud forth afreſh, of which the(b)(b)lib. 1. c. 3. former gives this reaſon; Becauſe ſuch fat and unctuous Plants do not eaſily become dry, but do very tenaciouſly preſerve their vital and genital principle. Its obſerved to have a thick Bark, which is the note of Trees that draw much moiſture from the Earth. It loves a Temperate Climate, and the fruit is accounted to be of a very even conſtitution, and moſt proper and genuine for the body of man, and(c)(c)Port. l. 2. c. 1. fattens perſons that are lean and exhauſted with ſharp Humours. It is accounted by ſome Writers a very beautiful Tree (and poſſibly it may be ſo in warmer Countries than ours, where it grows naturally), and therefore(d)(d)Hom. Ili. g. v. 53. Homer compares Euphorbus a comely young man to the green branch of an Olive-Tree, foreign. The Plans are(e)(e)Plin. l. 16. c. 26. Port. l. 6. c. 31. Porph. ubi ſuprà. ever-green and flouriſhing, and therefore by the Father of the Poets called(f)(f)Odyſ. n. v. 116. foreign, when deſcribing the famous Garden of Alcinous in the ancient Iſland of the Phaeacians, now called Corfu. Plutarch rendring the reaſon of leavs falling from trees in the Autumn, to be from the cold Air, and the dryneſſe of the Trees; ſaies, that the Olive, &c. loſe nor theirs, becauſe they are hot and fat, foreign, Symp. l. 8. q. 10. Beſides, it is a Tree, that, where it takes, will laſt to a great Age, and, if(g)(g)Lib. 16. c. 44. Pliny tell true, will live 200 years. It was (as hath been ſaid) conſecrated of old to Minerva the Tutelary Goddeſſe of Learning: and as it was it ſelf the Embleme of Peace, thereby the Graecians did intimate, that Arts and Sciences do beſt flouriſh in times of Peace; when Minerva and her Proſelytes ſit under an Olive-Tree. And becauſe that Goddeſſe is repreſented armed under the Name of Pallas, they taught thereby that the firmeſt peace is obtained by the juſt and prudent Management of Arms. It ſeems this Tree hath been the Note or Symbole of Peace in very ancient times; ever ſince the Dove brought a(h)(h)Gen. 8.11.Gen 8:11 Leaf of it to Noah, a fit Meſſenger for ſuch a Token, viz. of God's being at length pacified, and giving commiſſion for the return of the Waters into their ancient Channels. It is obſerved by ſome, that it was uſed of old as the Teſſera or Token of ſuch a Peace that followed after war and trouble, and therefore(i)(i)Martinii Cadmus. ſome from foreign, the Olive, do deduce the Greek word foreign, that ſignifies Mercy. It is reported, that after great Conqueſts in war, ſuch, among the Romans, who procured a Triumph for the Generall, were to be crowned with(k)(k)A. Gell. noct. Attic. l. 5. c. 6. wreaths of Olive, in caſe themſelvs had not been in the Battel. It's reported alſo (let it lye on the(l)(l)Pier. Hierogl. lib. 53. c. 1. &c. Authors credit) that if, upon Iron, the Mettal whereof warlick Weapons are formed, when made red hot in the fire, you pour the Oyl of Olives, it will tame the rigour of the Mettal, and make it in a good meaſure ſoft and plyable. Which if it be true, a natural reaſon may poſſibly be aſſigned to it, although from ſuch kind of Experiments the Aegyptians, and other of the ancient learned Inhabitants of the Eaſt, did raiſe moſt of the ſignifications of their Hieroglyphical Figures and Sculptures of Plants or Animals, and of the dedication of any of the Creatures to the Gods, reputing ſome Myſtery to lye hid in the nature of all things. Accordingly from the ſeveral Excellencies of this Plant, which they had taken notice of, in ſeveral Experiences, they have applied to it many myſtical ſignifications: If a man did ſee it in a Viſion p. 221or Dream, or had accidentally met with, or fell down near one of them, when going about any enterprize, or journey, or expedition in War, it was then a proſperous Omen to him of Succeſs, & Happineſs,(a)(a)Chartar. imag. Deor. p. 210. or of Pardon, Peace and Mercy, if he went to entreat the diverſion of a Prince's anger; of Meekneſſe, Hope, Joy, Fruitfulneſſe, and the long extent of his ſucceſsful proceedings in all Caſes. Nay, the Ancients made it the Embleme of Aeternity.

Hitherto ſuffice it to have ſpoken in brief concerning the Trees themſelvs, whoſe wood or carved likeneſſe did adorn the Sanctuary. Now let us make an Eſſay of the myſtical meaning of them, by way of accommodation and alluſion. Some of the Ancients have thought, that by theſe excellent Trees the moſt eminent Servants of God in his Church were ſhadowed forth: Foraſmuch as we read often in Scripture of Men noted by Plants and Trees, as judicious(b)(b)Comm. in Eſa. 53. fol. p. 808.Isa 53 Rivet and others have obſerved. The Parable of Jotham in the Ninth of Judges, and the(c)(c)2 Kin. 14.9.2 Kgs 14:9 Meſſage of Jehoaſh King of Iſrael to Amaziah King of Judah, with many other places, in the Canticles and the Prophets do evidence it. Wherefore learned(d)(d)Jerom. Tom. 5. p. 277. edit. Eraſm. Lugd. 1530. Jerom compares Cyprian, and Hilary, and other Holy men in the Church, to Cedars and Firr-Trees, in his Comment on that place of the Prophet Eſay, where there is a famous Prophecy, that in the latter daies the Glory of(e)(e)Iſa. 60.13.Isa 60:13 Lebanon ſhould come to the Church, the Firr-Tree and others to beautify the place of his Sanctuary. The Beams whereof were to be laid with(f)(f)Can. 1.17. Cedar and its Rafters with Fir. Nay further, it's a very common reſemblance, which both ancient and modern Interpreters glance upon, That, as the twelve Wells of water at Elim hinted at the twelve Apoſtles; So the ſeventy(g)(g)Exod. 15.27.Exod 15:27 Palm-Trees, at the ſeventy Diſciples. But ſeeing the ſeveral Trees forementioned, as to their Sanctuary-Uſe, were imployed for inward Ornaments of the Houſe, and annexed to the ſtones of the Temple, which ſignified the living ſtones of Saints, in the language of holy Peter: I ſhall crave leave to apply them rather to the inward Graces and Vertues of the Saints, wherewith they are adorned in the ſight of God and Man, then to the perſons themſelvs. In which reſpect, the extraordinary greatneſſe of their body, and admirable ſtrength, might poſſibly reflect upon the(h)(h)Dr. Edw. Reynolds on Hoſ. 14. Ser. 5. p. 38.Hos 14 ſtability and firmneſſe of the Church. The conſtant Verdancy of their ever-green Leavs might denote the duration of the Church in ſpiritual proſperity, notwithſtanding all its ſtorms; and yielding heavenly refuge and ſhadow to ſuch as lye under her branches: For the Righteous ſhall be like a Tree, whoſe leaf ſhall never(i)(i)Pſ. 1.3.Ps 1:3 wither. Their great procerity and tallneſſe, eſpecially in the Cedar and Firr, might be a reſemblance of the growth of the Church, and its approximation to heaven. Their reſinous or unctuo us qualities reſiſting, Putrefaction, might hint forth the conſtancy of the Church, and perſeverance in Grace, againſt all her inward corruptions and defilements. Their fragrancy, the excellent ſavour of holineſſe and of the evangelical good works of Saints: who ſhall(k)(k)Pſal. 92.12.Ps 92:12 grow like the Cedar, and their(l)(l)Hoſ. 14.7.Hos 14:7 ſmell ſhall be like unto Lebanon. Thoſe that be planted in the houſe of the Lord, ſhall flouriſh in the Courts of our God. The Palm-Trees (wherewith the Sanctuary was every where adorned, as being carved between the Cherubims on the Doors and Wals of the Houſe, and curiouſly wrought upon the Veil) were an excellent Emblem of the flouriſhing and conquering condition of the Church, notwithſtanding the ſoreſt preſſures of her enemies. Her conſtant Motto in all Ages having been, that of the Palm, Depreſſa reſurgo. The Church is expreſly(m)(m)Cant. 7.8. See Ainſw. in loc.Song 7:8 compared to this Tree in the Song of Solomon, in whoſe branches the Lord Jeſus takes great delight. Poſſibly the Pſalmiſt might reflect upon the Palm-Trees in the Sanctuary, when he brings forth that excellent promiſe, that the righteous ſhall flouriſh p. 222like the(a)(a)Pſ. 92.12.Ps 92:12 Palm, eſpecially ſince he mentions their being planted in the houſe of God, and bringing forth fruit in their old Age, where they ſhall prove fat and flouriſhing. That this Tree was uſed as the Embleme of Recovery o… of trouble, in ancient times, ſeems probable by that ſpeech of Job, who foreſeeing, by a divine ray, his future riſing out of the duſt of Affliction, prophecyes of himſelf that he ſhould multiply his daies(b)(b)Job 29.18.Job 29:18 as the Sand, ſaith our Tranſlation; but as the Hebrew word foreign is by the Seventy tranſlated foreign, and the vulgar Latine Palma, and by ſundry learned Lexicographers is turned by the Palm, which the following words ſeem much to favour, ſeeing the Metaphor of a Tree is ſo clearly inſiſted upon in the ſucceeding verſe, when he tells us, that his Root was ſpread by the waters, and the dew lay all night upon his branch. So that the reſtauration of Job, to his former ſplendid condition, after he had been long preſt under the weight of ſorrow and calamity, ſeems to be fitly reſembled by the Palm-Tree's riſing up to its former erect poſture after depreſſion. As it was with Job, ſo it falls out with many a Saint; nay, the whole Church of Chriſt in general: though for a while it may lye under heavy preſſures, yet at length it ſhall ſpread moſt gloriouſly, and triumph with greater luſtre. Wherefore, when Chriſt the King of his Church was riding in ſolemn proceſſion towards Jeruſalem, the people cut down(c)(c)Joh. 12.13. Mat. 21.8.John 12:13Matt 21:8 branches of Palm-Trees, and caſt them in the high-way, where he was to ride: whence might be raiſed a moſt happy preſage from the conſtant and received Hieroglyphick of the Palm-Tree; that, though his Kingdome was but ſmall, and obſcure, oppoſed, depreſſed, and injured at firſt, yet at length it ſhould recover moſt gloriouſly, and fill the whole Earth with its fruitful branches. We read that the Children of Iſrael, when celebrating the feaſt of Tabernacles, were commanded to make their Booths(d)(d)Lev. 23.40.Lev 23:40 of boughs of Palm-Trees as well as others: For as the feaſt was to commemorate their dwelling in Booths in the Wilderneſſe, after their delivery out of Aegypt: So the branches of theſe Trees might, as in a Mirrour, give them the reflection of a great Mercy, after deep miſery and bondage in the Land of Ham. But to conclude; Neither was the Palm a token of Victory among the Heathens onelyonly: but alſo in ſacred Scripture, where we may read of the holy Martyrs triumphing in heaven, with branches of(e)(e)Rev. 7.9.Rev 7:9 Palms in their holy and victorious hands.

In the laſt place, for the Olive Tree; we read, that the door-poſts of the Sanctuary were made thereof; whereby might be ſhadowed forth, that heavenly peace which Saints enjoy, when they are admitted through the doors of Ordinances into communion with God: O! then their Souls ſhall be abundantly ſatisfied with the(f)(f)Pſ. 36.8.Ps 36:8 fatneſſe of his Houſe! Ordinances do moſt exceedingly raiſe and ennoble the Spirit of God's people, when thoſe golden Pipes do convey the Oyl of Grace and Life from above into their thirſting breaſts. When they are inwardly(g)(g)1 Joh. 2.27.1 John 2:27 anointed with that heavenly Oyl Olive of the Spirit of Grace, which ſhould teach them all things. The Diſciples had a promiſe on the Mount of Olives, (where the door of heaven was opened for the reception of our Lord into Glory,) that they ſhould receive power after the(h)(h)Act. 1.8.Acts 1:8 Holy Ghoſt was come upon them in his divine Unction, to be witneſſes to Chriſt, even to the uttermoſt parts of the Earth.

To proceed in diſcourſing further on the Ornaments of the Sanctuary: As all the Cedar boards were laid moſt exactly, eeven and plain, doubtleſſe with greateſt care imaginable: ſo likewiſe the Saints that hold ſpiritual fellowſhip in the body myſtical, are full of harmony and union;(i)(i)Eph. 4.3, 5. &c.Eph 4:3Eph 4:5 endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of Peace. And as the Boards were faſtned with nailes and riverts of Gold: this might exhibite the fixedneſs of Saints(k)(k)Pſ. 61.4.Ps 61:4 abiding in the Houſe of God for ever, p. 223and truſting in the covert of his Wings, their(a)(a)Ezr. 9.6. Eccl. 12.11. Iſa. 22.23, 25. Zech. 10.4.Ezra 9:6Eccl 12:11Isa 22:23Isa 22:25Zech 10:4 Nailes being faſtned in a ſure place by the Maſter of Aſſemblies, even in that place where God himſelf hath promiſed to(b)(b)2 Cor. 6.16.2 Cor 6:16 walk in the midſt of his people, and to bleſſe them.

All thoſe things hitherto recited, with ſeveral after-mentioned, were appointed for the Beauty and Ornament of the Sanctuary within, where indeed was its chiefeſt luſtre and glory; So is it with the Church, She is all glorious(c)(c)Pſ. 45.13.Ps 45:13 within: Yea, and every Saint, as his joyes, ſo his graces are hidden from the Eyes of the World. That's the comfort of the Children of God, that like Chriſt our Head, They have meat to eat of, which the World knoweth not of: places in the Holy Sanctuary to take therein moſt refreſhful turns, which are inviſible to the world.

But for the further beautifying of this holy place, we read, that there were Open-flowers carved upon the Cedar, in a very pleaſant and ſtately manner: which are ſuppoſed to have been formed in(d)(d)Lightf. 2d. Temple p. 81. this wiſe: Throughout both the ſides of the Sanctuary, there were long wreaths of bunches of Flowers and Cornucopiaes, carved in the fragrant Wood, running all along in a Line paralel to the Horizon; and the firſt row of theſe flowered Carvings began probably at the bottom of the Wall near the golden Floor; and, over them, Cherubims and Palm-Trees all along to the end on both ſides. Then another row of bunching flowers, and then Cherubims and Palm-Trees again, up to the top by the roof, in as many ranks as the bigneſſe of the Figures would permit, and ſuit with the heigth of the Sanctuary. Our Inquiry may be, for a little time, what ſort of Flowers theſe were. To which the Gloſſe of the Chaldee Paraphraſe proffers ſome ſatisfaction, conſtantly reading the Texts (where they are mentioned) by theſe words foreign, bundles or wreaths of Lillies. We have frequent mention of carved and molten works, made like unto Lillyes in the Temple-ſtories: as in the Lip or Border of each of the 10 Lavers; In the turning down of the brim of the Brazen Sea, and in the fair Ornaments which were added to the heads of the two famous Pillars ſtanding within the Porch before the Sanctuary. In reſpect to the preſent Sculptures in hand, As our Text calls them Open-flowers, ſo they might reſemble the hope of the heavenly Glory, which flowres in the hearts of Saints, walking here below in the Ordinances of the Sanctuary. For as the hope of the harveſt lies in the blade, ſo the hope of fruit and ſeed lies in the flowers of a Plant. In that, they were made to reſemble the flowers of Lillyes, it ſuits aptly with the frequent alluſions made in Scripture unto Lillies, reſpecting the Church. The Spouſe is compared by Solomon to a(e)(e)Cant. 2.2.Song 2:2 Lilly among Thorns; and the Bridegroom himſelf is brought in, as feeding among his(f)(f)Cant. 2.16. & 6.3.Song 2:16Song 6:3 Lillies. It is obſervable, that our Lord compares Solomon in all his(g)(g)Mat. 6.29.Matt 6:29 glorious raiment unto the Lillies, which becauſe of the variety of his gorgeous Attire, might poſſibly be moſt reſembled and ſet forth by that admirable and curiouſly coloured Flower, which we call the Tulip at this day, being brought to us originally from Perſia, whoſe chief City was called Shuſhan, and a Province within that Empire termed Suſiana, from the plenty of thoſe curious Flowers growing there naturally. But as it paſſed through Aſia, and the Turks of Constantinople, (whence we received it more immediately); it gained thence the preſent name of Tulip, from the Turkiſh attire about their heads. Now, if this were the Flower (as 'tis probable) whoſe Effigies was carved in the Sanctuary: although the variety of its colours (for which it is worthily eſteemed the Queen of Flowers) could not be manifeſted, but by Enamelling the Gold which was laid upon the Cedar, a thing probably wherewith the Ancients were unacquainted; yet in conſideration of its rare variety, we may reſemble to it the excellent and p. 222duplicate page p. 223duplicate page p. 224curious mixture of Graces and Vertues ſhining in the hearts and lives of Saints. But if it were no other then the ordinary tall white Lilly, or perhaps that curious, neat, and fragrant ſmall flower, of the Lilly Convally, which grows amongſt us: then, as whiteneſſe is many times uſed for the Embleme of purity, innocency, and chaſtity; ſo might theſe flowers denote the purity of the Saints Holineſſe, the unſpotted innocency of their lives towards men; the integrity of their hearts toward God; the untemerated chaſtity of their conjugal Love toward Chriſt: and, as(a)(a)Eccl. 9.8.Eccl 9:8 white Garments were uſed of old, in times of Joy and feſtival Solemnities; ſo might theſe ſhadow forth the unſpeakable Joy of the Spirit, ſhed abroad in their hearts, upon the account of thoſe gracious endowments wherewith they are qualified. But now, although the Church of Chriſt be thus undefiled, pure, and beautiful, in the ſight of God, like the Lilly: yet ſhall not her beauty be as that fading flower; in the morning pleaſant and lovely to ſee to, in the evening dry and withered; but, as the Flowers in the Temple-carvings were alwaies open, ſo ſhall her Graces and Ornaments be alwaies flouriſhing, till their Roots ſhall be tranſplanted into the Eden above, at the right hand of God, where the Rivers of pleaſure ſhall alwaies preſerve them from a flaccid declining, when their Graces, flouriſhing here in the Garden of the Vally, ſhall be curiouſly tied into a Crown or Garland, which is(b)(b)1 Pet. 5.4.1 Pet 5:4 foreign,(c)(c)1 Pet. 1.4.1 Pet 1:4 foreign, immarceſcible and incorruptible, reſerved for them in the Heavens. Beſides, becauſe the Lilly is but a tender plant, and of ſmall Roots, leſt the duration of the Church ſhould not ſeem to be clearly ſet forth by it, therefore are her Roots promiſed to be ſtrong and abiding like the Cedars of Lebanon. So that as the other ſimilitude did ſet forth the beauty and pleaſantneſs, this doth denote the perpetuity and continuance of the Church of Chriſt; as hath been(d)(d)Dr. Edw. Reynolds on Hoſ. Ser. 5. p. 38.4 to. obſerved by a moſt learned, holy, and reverend Worthy of our Church: Long may he continue both fragrant and fruitfull in our Sanctuaries.

But to proceed; All theſe curious Ornaments, hitherto mentioned, were overlaid with moſt precious Gold, even the Gold of Ophir or(e)(e)2 Chr. 3.6.2 Chr 3:6 Parvaim, differing names (as(f)(f)Ar. Mon. anti. Judaic. l. 1. c. 9. ſome conceive) of the ſame place, which is apprehended to be no other then the Country of Peru (ſo called at this day), in the American Continent: a place very plentiful of Gold. Now, although the Aſſertors of this Opinion,) viz. that the ancient Ophir was the ſame place with the preſent Peru) are without doubt greatly miſtaken: yet the Argument which ſome uſe againſt that aſſertion, viz. that America was not diſcovered by the Ancients, no, not till the daies of Columbus as they conceit), is as falſe. For(g)(g)Biblioth. Hiſt. l. 5. p. 207. Ed. Gr. H, Steph. Diodorus Siculus acquaints us, that the Phoenicians, thoſe moſt famous Sea-men of old times, were by great ſtorms driven off from the Coaſt of Africa, farr to the Weſtward, foreign, for many daies together, and at laſt fell in with an Iſland (as he terms it, and as America is now almoſt fully diſcovered to be) of great magnitude and vaſt Extent, foreign, lying from Libya many daies ſail toward the Weſt: which Story can be fixed upon no place in the World ſave America, if the Relation of Diodorus had ſolid ground for its truth: For the few Iſlands of the Atlantick vaſt Ocean, called the Azores, and ſome others, are very inconſiderable in their Bulk. Moreover this diſcovery of the Tyrians, our Author doth inſinuate to have been performed in very ancient times. Concerning this place (as ſome conceive) Plato likewiſe doth treat in his(h)(h)Pag. 24. To. 3. ed. H. Steph. 1578. Timaeus, when he ſaies, that beyond the Pillars of Hercules, there was an Iſland in the Atlantick Ocean, foreign, larger then Africa and Aſia put together: and in more modern times, but a good while before Columbus, Madoc, a Prince of the Britiſh p. 225blood, had found it out. Powels Hiſt. Wales, pag. 228. But whatever their actual diſcoveries were, it is evident and clear that the Ancients were very skilful in the knowledge and praediction of Eclipſes, as is famouſly known concerning Thales, Hipparchus, Calippus, and many others, who could not be ignorant of the(a)(a)Clavis. Com. in cap. 1. Spher. Johan. de ſacro Boſco. p. 146. edit. Lugd. 1618. Metam. lib. 1. Fab. 1. roundneſſe of the Earth, it being demonſtrable from the Moons Eclipſe, & might thence inferr, that there might very probably be other Lands on the other ſide the Globe, within the boſome of the Atlantick Ocean, to give a poize to the vaſt Continents of Europe, Aſia, and Africa. For as Ovid had obſerved, poſſibly from the writings of ſome Mathematicians, or ſome common ſtories then abroad in the World,

—circumfuſo pendebat in aëre Tellus,

Ponderibus librata ſuis,

That the Earth**Job 26.7.Job 26:7 hung within the compaſſing air, being equally poized with its own weight; the oppoſite parts preſſing towards the Center, againſt each other. Which is the Ground whereupon the(b)(b)Of Languages p. 120 learned Breerwood doth moſt probably inferr, that the Terra incognita, or that part of the Earth as yet unknown to us, lying toward the Antartick Pole, doth equalize the whole Continent of theſe three parts of the Earth, into which the ancient Geographers did divide it, to counterpoize the great and vaſt tract of Land, which is diſcovered in the North parts of the World, even as far as 81. degrees, by William Hudſon an Engliſhman, as Purchas relates in his Pilgrims, Part. 3. pag. 464. and before that; to 82 degrees of Latitude, in a place which the(c)(c)Bert. Ta. bul. Geogra. Contract. Amſterdam 1616. p. 59. & 62. Hollanders made to, in the year 1596, if Bertius ſay true, and called it Spitſberg, from its craggy and mountainous inequality: And, leſt any ſhould object, that poſſibly the Southern Seas might be ſhallower then ours: it is anſwered by the experience of our own Mariners, who have found it, on the South of Africa and America, to the contrary.

I am ſenſible how farr I have diverted from the buſineſſe in hand upon the pleaſantneſſe of this Inquiry: yet ſhall I crave pardon for one word or two more, whereby I would ſhew, that we may even out of Scripture gather ſomething concerning the roundneſſe of the Earth. For at firſt the waters did cover the face of the Earth, before ever the Mountains were weighed in ſcales and the Hills in a ballance, which by the mighty power of God's word were taken out of the body of the Earth, underneath the incircling Waters; and laid on heaps, by his admirable and infinite skill and power, in ſuch manner as to give an equal poize, as well as to††Arias Mont. Anti. Judaic. p. 13. yield deep and vaſt channels and caverns for the waters to ſubſide and ſink into, which were alſo weighed by meaſure, Job 28.2. He it is who meaſured the waters in the [round](d)(d)Iſa. 40.12.Isa 40:12 hollow of his hand. So in the book of Job, where we read, He hath (e)(e)Job 21.14.Job 21:14compaſſed the Waters with bounds, the Text is foreign. His appointment or conſtitution (as Arias tranſlates) hath he deſcribed with a Compaſs upon the face of the Waters, and ſo to the ſame purpoſe the Seventy, foreign, He encircled the waters according to his appointment. In like manner ſpeaks the Spirit of God in the book of Proverbs; that Chriſt, the Wiſdom of the Father, was with him, rejoycing alwaies before him, when he ſet a(f)(f)Pro. 8.27.Prov 8:27 Compaſſe upon the face of the Depth. Whereby we learn that Solomon had probably ſome Knowledge of the circularity of the Earth and Water in one Globe. That the Earth was ſphaerical, the Prophet(g)(g)Iſa. 40.22.Isa 40:22 Iſaiah ſeems to inſinuate, when he brings in the Majeſty of God ſitting [foreign ſuper Globum Terrae, Montanus: foreign, the Seventy] on the Circle of the Earth: Laſtly, that the Heaven which environs this Globe on all ſides, is alſo round, Eliphaz the Temanite obſerves, when he mentions God's walking p. 226upon [foreign] the circuit of the heavens. So that although Scripture moſt frequently ſpeaks according to the apprehenſion of the vulgar, as in the Earth's ſtation; of the ends and ſides of the Earth, the Sun and Moon as being the two greateſt lights, the meaſure of the brazen Sea, (whereof before) and in ſuch like: yet there are very excellent hints of true phyſical Notions in the ſacred Leavs, as in that of the(a)(a)Pſ. 132.7. Jer. 10.13 & 51.16. Eccleſ. 1.7.Ps 132:7Jer 10:13Jer 51:16Eccl 1:7 winds coming out of the Earth, and the rivers proceeding from the Sea, and many others; So in this particular of the roundneſſe of the Earth and Water in one body. But, to conclude, (with an intreaty of pardon for this digreſſion) whether or no the Tyrians had diſcovered America, before or ſo ſoon as Solomon's daies; or whether Solomon himſelf had by Scripture-light, or naturall ſpeculation of the frame of the World, known the roundneſſe of the Earth, and thereupon employed Navies to ſearch out the World and its rarities, is not to be known; becauſe of our defect in hiſtorical Writers of thoſe times, eſpecially of the Tyrian Annals, and others of Egypt, mentioned by Joſephus: We cannot apprehend by the reliques and fragments of ſtories that remain of thoſe times, or the neighbouring Ages when Hiſtory began to be riper, that they had ſuch extraordinary skill in ſailing upon the vaſt Ocean as hath been obtained ſince the rare invention of the Mariner's compaſſe: but that their diſcoveries were attained either by reaſon of impetuous ſtorms driving them beyond their purpoſes upon unknown Regions, or elſe in coaſting ſlowly by the reaches and Promontories of ſeverall Countries. In which manner, no doubt, Solomon's ſhips did trend upon the Aſian coaſts, till they came to the habitation of(b)(b)Gen. 10.29.Gen 10:29 Ophir the Son of Jocktan, in the South-Eaſterly parts of Aſia: concerning the punctual place of which Country near the Golden Cherſoneſe; Stuckius upon Arian's Periplus of the Erithraean Sea; Purchas, in the firſt Part of his Pilgrims; Sir Walter Rawleigh, in his Hiſtory of the World; and above all the learned Bochartus in his Phaleg will give ſatisfaction, to ſuch as pleaſe to peruſe them, while we ſpeak to this excellent Mettal which Solomon brought from thence in great abundance, and employed it moſt bountifully in the adorning and enriching of the Temple.

Gold, the choiſeſt of all Mettals, and the fineſt of that kind, muſt be uſed about the Sanctuary. The Apoſtle Peter compares Faith to(c)(c)1 Pet. 1.7.1 Pet 1:7 Gold that is tried in the fire, and therefore ſome do accordingly expound that place, of Faith, where our Lord exhorts the Angel of Laodicea to buy of him(d)(d)Rev. 3.Rev 3 Gold tried in the fire. There be who expound it of the Word of God, which the Apoſtle would have to dwell(e)(e)Col. 3.16.Col 3:16 richly in the Saints, and is more to be deſired then(f)(f)Pſ. 19.10.Ps 19:10 Gold, yea then much fine Gold. Others, interpret it of the righteouſneſſe of Chriſt.

But I ſhall enlarge a little more particularly concerning this excellent Mettal of Gold, and inſert thoſe Obſervations in their due place. It may be obſerved from Scripture, that many things are reſembled to Gold; as ſaving and heavenly wiſdom, though preferred before it: Receive (g)(g)Pro. 8.10.Prov 8:10knowledge rather then choiſe Gold: for (h)(h)Pro. 16.16.Prov 16:16how much better is it to get wiſdom then Gold: ſeeing(i)(i)Pr. 20.15. the lips of knowledge are more precious then Gold. Sometimes(k)(k)Pro. 22.1.Prov 22:1 loving favour is compared with, but greatly to be valued before, Gold. Sometimes the purity of Chriſt's Government in the Church is ſhadowed by his(l)(l)Delrio in Cant. 5.11. fol. 196. Par. 1604.Song 5:11 head of Gold. Sometimes the Glory of eternal life is ſet out by it, when the City of the new Jeruſalem is ſaid to be of(m)(m)Rev. 21.18.Rev 21:18 pure Gold. Several times the word of God is hereby ſet forth, to ſhew the eſtimation that is due to it. For ſo doth the ſweet Singer of Iſrael intimate, when he ſaies that the Judgments of the Lord are more(n)(n)Pſ. 19.10.Ps 19:10 to be deſired then Gold, he acknowledges(o)(o)Pſ. 119.72.Ps 119:72 the Law of his mouth was better to him then thouſands of Gold, and profeſſes that(p)(p)Ver. 127 he loves his commandments above Gold, yea p. 227above fine Gold. Accordingly ſome have explained that place of the Apoſtle Paul, where he ſpeaks of ſome that build(a)(a)1 Cor. 3.12.1 Cor 3:12 Gold upon the foundation, holding it to be meant of the Word of God, Chriſt doctrinal being built upon, Chriſt the eſſentiall foundation of the Church. It is true, that an eloquent light of his Age, treating upon that place, after ſeveral words, concludes thus(b)(b)Chryſoſt. Tom. 3. edit. Savil. pag. 298. lin. 8. foreign: whence it is manifeſt (ſaith he) that the [Apoſtle's] ſpeech is [to be underſtood] concerning actions. But what are the actions of ſpiritual builders (as ſuch whom the Apoſtle doth elſewhere call Goſpel-miniſters) but their doctrines and teachings, which according to their nature ſhal either be rewarded or deſtroyed. In this very ſenſe doth learned Jerom expound that place, as may appear by theſe his expreſſions at large, in his Comment on the Prophet Haggai: (c)(c)Tom. 6. pag. 280.[Ego argentum, quo domus Dei ornatur, exiſtimo eloquia Scripturarum, de quibus dicitur, Eloquia Domini, eloquia caſta, &c. et aurum, quod in occulto Sanctorum ſenſu et in cordis verſatur arcano, & splendet vero lumine Dei. Quod & Apoſtolum de Sanctis, qui ſuper fundamentum Chriſti adificant, ſenſiſſe perſpicuum eſt aurum, argentum, lapides pretioſos: ut in auro ſenſus occultus fit, in argento ſermo decens, in lapide pretioſo opera Deo placentia. His Metallis illuſtrior fit Eccleſia Salvatoris, quàm quondam Synagoga fuerat; his lapidibus vivis aedificatur domus Chriſti, & pax ei praebetur aeterna.] "The Silver wherewith the "Houſe is adorned, I take to be, The words of the Scriptures: of which it is ſaid, The words of the Lord are chaſt words; and the Gold, that which is laid up in the hidden meaning of holy things, and the ſecret place of the heart, and ſhines with the true light of God. Which it is clear, that the Apoſtle did underſtand of the Saints, who build upon the foundation of Chriſt, Gold, Silver, precious Stones; that the hidden meaning is ſet forth by the Gold; comely Speech by Silver; works pleaſing to God, by the precious ſtones. The Church of our Saviour is more illuſtrious by theſe Metals, then the Synagogue was in times paſt. The Houſe of Chriſt is built with theſe living ſtones, and eternal peace is granted to it.

But to let that paſſe: Gold in Scripture is thought by many to be a compariſon, whereby to ſet out the excellency of Faith, true ſaving Faith in Jeſus Chriſt. As, where we ſee, upon the right hand of this Prince of Might, the Queen to ſtand in Gold of Ophir, the learned Rivet doth apply it to Faith and other Graces, as the Golden Ornaments of the Spouſe of Chriſt: So, where we find her neck to be adorned with(d)(d)Can. 1, 10. chains of Gold, it may be applyed to the beautiful chain of Faith and other ſpiritual Graces, being her choiſe Ornaments in the eyes of Chriſt. In another place, we read of three Kings from the Eaſt, believing in him whoſe ſtar they had ſeen, and preſenting our Saviour with(e)(e)Mat. 2.11.Matt 2:11 Gold, Frankincenſe, and Myrrhe; which Grotius interprets of Faith, Prayer, and Repentance: We hear likewiſe of(f)(f)Rev. 5.8.Rev 5:8 golden Vials, in the book of the Revelations, full of odours; which ſome have conceived to be the faithful hearts of Saints, ſending forth the fragrant odours and ſweet-ſented breathings of their Souls in prayer toward heaven. But above all, that ſingular place is to be remembred to this purpoſe, where the Apoſtle Peter acquaints his diſperſed Brethren(g)(g)1 Pet. 1.7.1 Pet 1:7 that the trial of their Faith is much more precious then Gold, being ſuch as is(h)(h)Rev. 3.18.Rev 3:18 tried in the fire, and is to be bought of Chriſt alone, whereby, though poor in this World, we may be made(i)(i)Jam. 2.5.Jas 2:5 rich in Faith. Of all Metals Gold is the moſt excellent, moſt beautiful, and refers its original (as the Chymiſts have written) to the influence of the Sun, the chiefeſt of the Planets; it's the moſt durable and ſolid, it is the moſt malleable of all, by reaſon of its vigorous tenacity, which two things were of old obſerved by(k)(k)In Tract. foreign. pag. 347. Gr. Par. 1552. Philo Judaeus, ſpeaking of the golden candleſtick, foreign p. 228foreign· One thing is, that it doth not admit ruſt: another, that being drawn or beaten into very thin Membranes, as leaf-gold, it remains unbroken. Beſides all this, it is eſteemed, by eminent chymical Phyſitians, to be a great reſtorative to the vital parts, if duely prepared and fitted. What ſhould I ſpeak of(a)(a)Vitruv. lib. 9. cap. 2. its gravity, by which Archimedes found out the Impoſture of the Syracuſian Gold-ſmith, in the make of Hiero's Crown. Its great eſtimation in all Ages, inſomuch that(b)(b)A. Gell. noct. Attic. lib. 5. cap. 6. Mural, Naval, and Triumphal Coronets were made of it. Or laſtly, Its conveniency for commerce, by reaſon of its deſerved value and eſtimation, as being generally rated in its proportion to Silver, as 1 to 12, beſides its duration and continuance beyond all other Metals. It were an endleſſe thing, and here improper, to inſiſt long upon the nature and excellency of Gold, a Metal ſo much known and thirſted after: our Inquiry muſt be rather that of Perſius,—In Sancto quid facit aurum? Sat. 2. v. 69. Rivet in Exod. p. 116.Certainly the immediate end of it was for the beautifying of the Houſe of God. Not that his divine Majeſty needed or cared for any ſuch Ornaments conſidered barely in themſelvs, or that the worſhippers by any ſuch dedications were the more acceptable to God: but good reaſon that the hearts of thoſe who draw nigh to him, ſhould be manifeſt, in conſecrating the moſt precious of all their enioyments and ſubſtance unto him; whoſe name and preſence he was pleaſed to place among, and afford to his People, at that houſe in Jeruſalem. If therefore Wood be uſeful; the Cedar, Firr, and Olive, muſt be brought, the choiſeſt: If Metals, Silver and Gold, the moſt durable and of greateſt eſteem: If of Stones, the moſt precious: of Liquors and Gums, the moſt aromatical and fragrant: and ſo in the reſt.

Beſides the Ornament of Gold, which was laid upon the Cedar boards, we read likewiſe that the Houſe was garniſhed and ſet out with(d)(d)2 Ch. 3.6. precious ſtones; but what kinds, the Scripture is ſilent: therefore we can onelyonly mention them. The laſt things which beautified the Houſe were engraved Cherubims: the form and figure is not perfectly known; but probably of the ſame kind with thoſe in the Oracle: whereof I ſhall ſpeak more largely in the third Section.

Now then to recapitulate and recollect what hath been ſaid and to apply all briefly to the Myſtical ſignification intended by them.

Some hold, that by all thoſe curious materials the Saints themſelves were ſignified, who differ one from another in gifts and graces. But ſeeing (as hath been before ſpoken to) the Marble ſtones of the Temple are, by the holy Scriptures, alluded to, when the Saints and People of God are called living ſtones, making up the glorious ſpiritual Temple of the Goſpel: it ſeems more appoſite, to apyly theſe inward Ornaments of the Sanctuary to the inward vertues, graces, and divine qualifications of the Saints.

If leave may be permitted to Alluſions, I ſhall onelyonly compare ſome divine Qualifications of the People of God, with the chiefeſt and moſt material excellencies of the fore-deſcribed Ornaments. The Cedar, Firr, and Olive Trees being alwaies green, may note the never-dying nature of Grace; where once it is planted, it never decaies. The exceeding high ſtature of the Firr, and Cedar, may ſhadow forth their continual growth till they come unto the perfect Man,(e)(e)Eph. 4.13.Eph 4:13 unto the meaſure of the ſtature of the fulneſſe of Chriſt. As the Olive-tree is exceeding fat and fertile, yielding Berries of great uſe for man, both in food and Phyſick; together with the Oyl,(f)(f)Jud. 9.9.Judg 9:9 wherewith both God and Man is honoured: God in the frequent uſe of it in Sacrifices of Meat-Offerings, and in the Lamps of the Sanctuary: Man in his Unction to Offices both ſacred and civill,(g)(g)Pſ. 104.15.Ps 104:15 making his face to ſhine; it being called p. 229the Oyl of joy, exhilarating the ſpirits, ſuppling of wounds, refreſhing the feet after weary travels. Hereby inſinuating the fertility and fruitfulneſſe of Saints, the joy of Spirits in their ſervice of, and communion with God, nothing ſo much refreſhing their hearts, as the fellowſhip which they hold with his Divine Majeſty, and one with another in holy Ordinances. Furthermore, the fragrancy of the Cedar, notes the ſavory ſmell of the holy Life of Saints: As the Gold was likewiſe another principal Ornament, It may ſignify the preciouſneſſe, the purity, the(a)(a)Zech. 13.9.Zech 13:9 tryed and experienced excellency of all their graces, as having been often in the furnace of affliction, and the fire of tentation and perſecution, and have come forth in their Faith, Love, Patience, and other graces, more pure then Gold, moſt glittering and glorious: the great end being to purge(b)(b)Iſa. 1.25.Isa 1:25 away their droſſe, and take away all their tinn, that they may be(c)(c)1 Pet. 1.7.1 Pet 1:7 found unto praiſe, honour, and glory, at the appearing of Jeſus Chriſt.

The precious ſtones likewiſe did moſt admirably ſet forth the oriency of their graces, together with their durableneſs, ſeeing ſtones of all things are leaſt ſubject to impreſſions. Precious ſtones ſhine in the dark, ſo do Saints graces in dark times, they are beauties to the places where they live and inhabit. The fiery Carbuncle darts forth a reſemblance of zeal; the blew Saphire, of heavenly mindedneſs; the impenetrable Diamond, their conſtancy and courage; the clear Cryſtal, their unſpotted innocency; the Red Ruby, their hot perſecutions, and the like: Whereof more may be ſpoken, when we arrive to the ſtones in the High Prieſt's Breaſt-plate: but of the particular application of them to diſtinct graces, I deſire to be interpreted foreign, in a laxe ſenſe. Too much curioſity and niceneſſe being things I deſign moſt to avoid, having conſtantly thought that theſe things do but generally hint at the Churches excellencies, and probably carry not in them any particular reflection. Wherefore I intreat that I may alwaies be conſtrued according to this ſenſe here laid down, as not indulging a private fancy: nor being any thing poſitive in theſe points, onelyonly ſpeaking by way of alluſion; unleſſe hints from Scripture do fortify and uphold them. Wherefore to proceed (according to this intreated conſtruction): In like manner the prominency or ſtanding out of the precious ſtones (for ſo they are conceived to have been bunching out in ſquares) might declare the viſibility, the exemplarineſſe, and the radiancy of the Saints.

The ſides of the Sanctuary had three principal, great, and large ornaments; the Palm-Trees, the bunches of open flowers of Lillies, and the Cherubims. The Palm-Trees might denote the Saints patience, and the emergency of the people of God out of trouble and perſecution: who, though depreſſed, yet are not broken; though caſt down, yet not deſtroyed;(d)(d)2 Cor. 4.9.2 Cor 4:9 and that if they perſevere, unto the end, they ſhall walk with(e)(e)Rev. 7.9.Rev 7:9 Palmes of Victory in their hands after the Lamb, whitherſoever he goeth. Beſides; as the Palm-Trees ſtood upright with bunches of pendulous fruit: It might ſhew that Saints have(f)(f)Joh. 4.31.John 4:31 meat to eat in the Sanctuary, which the world knoweth not of.

As there were open flowers carved in Cedar, and covered with Gold: So the Saints, in the State of their converſing here below in Church-Ordinances, are filled with the hopes of Glory; Chriſt in them (the true Lilly(g)(g)Cant. 2.1.Song 2:1 of the Vallies) the(h)(h)Col. 2.27.Col 2:27 hope of Glory. As they are pure white Lillies, noting the impolluted ground of their hopes: ſo doth this hope(i)(i)1 Joh. 3.3.1 John 3:3 purify them more and more, even as he is pure.

Finally, As we find Cherubims on the wals, they might denote the conſtant communion of the Church with Angels. For even thoſe pure Spirits do deſire(k)(k)1 Pet. 1.12.1 Pet 1:12 to pry into the Myſteries of the Goſpel. To the intent that now p. 230unto(l)(l)Eph. 3.10.Eph 3:10 Principalites and Powers in Heavenly places, might be known by the Church the manifold wiſdom of God. To note likewiſe that we ſhould do the will of our Heavenly Father, as the Angels in Heaven do perform it with conſtant alacrity and chearfulneſs. Therein might likewiſe be exhibited the conſtant protection of the Church; which God affords, not only by his own immediate preſence: but by the ſubſerviency of Angels, who are made miniſtring(m)(m)Heb. 1.14.Heb 1:14 ſpirits for them, who ſhall be heirs of ſalvation. Wherefore becauſe of their preſence at Church-Ordinances, Paul charges Timothy not only before God, but alſo the(n)(n)1 Tim. 5.21.1 Tim 5:21 Elect Angels: Women likewiſe that they ſhould have(o)(o)1 Cor. 11.10.1 Cor 11:10 Power over their heads: that is, Vailes upon their faces becauſe of the Angels preſence in their Church-aſſemblies, as ſome have interpreted that obſcure place.

Thus much let be ſufficient to have ſpoken of the inſide Ornaments of the Sanctuary, a little of the Windows, Floor, and Cieling; and I ſhall then lead you into the ſacred Oracle.

The Windows were made to let in the Light of the Sun into the Sanctuary; I will not ſay there was any particular thing thereby typified, but give me leave to allude in conformity to, and harmony with the reſt, ſo that as the other Ornaments ſhewed the various graces of Saints adorning the Church within: ſo theſe might ſignify a divine irradiation ſhining from heaven upon their underſtandings. Or, what if Chriſt's Goſpel-Light ſhould be noted by(p)(p)Cant. 2.9.Song 2:9 it as ſhining through the windows, who is repreſented ſhewing himſelf through the Golden Latteſſes. Beſides, ſince that windows in Scripture are ſometimes taken for the(q)(q)Eccles. 12.3.Eccl 12:3 eyes: and finding that Prophets are termed(r)(r)Kin. 17.13. Seers; Why may not theſe windows of the Temple typifie the Goſpel-Miniſters, that receive Viſions from Heaven? For it is by the(ſ)(ſ)Pſal. 36.9.Ps 36:9 Light of Heaven only we that can ſee and enjoy the true Light. John the Baptiſt is termed by our Lord himſelf(t)(t)Joh. 5.35.John 5:35 a ſhining Light, and otherwhere the Apoſtles are called the(u)(u)Mat. 5.14.Matt 5:14 Lights of the World; not as if they were immediate Fountains of Light, but as Starrs and Candles that ſhine with a borrowed Light: or like Diaphanous, or pellucid bodies that tranſmitt Light, which originally flowes from Heaven it ſelf, teaching us that we muſt receive no Light from Teachers in Church, but ſuch as comes through them from Heaven. Wherein we ſee the difference betwixt them and other Saints: Miniſters being capacitated to convey light to others: as being indued with clearer capacities, and irradiated with Heavenly Viſions. As glaſſe, Cryſtal, the Lapis Specularis, ſo much uſed by the antients for windows; and indeed all perſpicuous bodies having(x)(x)Baſſo Cont. Ariſt. ſtotl. p. 546. ſtraight and direct pores are fitted for tranſmiſſion of rayes of Light: although all Diaphanous bodies do not perform it with equal luſtre; but accordingly as they are thick or thin; or as the pores are more or leſſe obſtructed by thoſe material atoms, as of ſand in the glaſſe, and the like, whereof they conſiſt: For indeed none of theſe pelluicd bodies, be they never ſo thin, but admit of ſome ſmall(y)(y)Lydiat. prael. Astr. p. 24. Gaſſend. Epicur. Philos. Chriſt. 1. p. 302. refraction, although indiſcernable to the eye; as hath bin obſerved by curious inquirers. We may from the mention of the Temple-windows, although we cannot learn that they were adorned with glaſſe: yet herein alluding unto holy Prophets and Evangelical Miniſters, look upon them as fitted by God with clearer apprehenſions, the pores of thier underſtanding being made more direct for the drinking in of the beames of divine Light, and tranſmitting them to others. Whereas the Capacities of ordinary Saints are commonly diſtorted with cares, and obſtructed with the ſorrows, troubles, and buſineſſes of this World.

But let Prophets take heed that (as the beams of Light, receiving tinctures from red or green glaſſes, accordingly do diſtaine the ground) they ſuffer not the Light of Heaven, of its ſelf pure and uncoloured, to be mixed and polluted with private paſſions and affections.

p. 231It is to be obſerved beſides, that as thoſe win lows were narrow without and broad within, to yield an expanſive light into the Sanctuary: It might denote, that all the underſtanding which Goſpel-Miniſters receive from heaven, muſt be imployed for the benefit of the Church of Chriſt. Theſe Windows were high likewiſe, as being above the ſide-chambers, appendant on the out ſide of the Temple; noting the end of the Miniſtry onelyonly to preſent divine and heavenly Objects, but nothing of terrene and low concernment. If we take them to ſignify the medium or means of the particular illumination of each Saint, or the power and faculty of diſcerning, whereby Saints look up to heaven with an eye of love and deſire, and on earth with holy ſcorn and contempt: we may take notice from the narrowneſſe of the Windows externally, and the breadth inwardly, together with their elevated ſituation, how little Saints do or ſhould meddle with others converſations: looking principally into their own breaſts.

The Floor of the Sanctuary (which was laid with planks of Firr, overlaid with Cedar boards, and plated with Gold) the place deſigned to be walked on; might ſhew the humility of the Saints, their meekneſſe, lowly-mindedneſſe, and proſtration of ſpirit before God's Majeſty; who was pleaſed to(z)(z)2 Cor. 6.16.2 Cor 6:16 walk in and out among them, ſuch Graces being more fragrant then Cedar, more beautiful then Gold. The Ornament of a meek and quiet ſpirit††1 Pet. 3.4.1 Pet 3:4 being in the ſight of God of great price. We ſee the Ornaments of the very Floor were the ſame for matter with thoſe of the inſides of the houſe; to ſhew poſſibly that humility and lowly reverence of heart, as befitting beſt divine Ordinances, is of as high regard with God as other Graces: nay in ſome ſort of higher eſteem. For the humble ſhall be(a)(a)Jam. 4.10.Jas 4:10 exalted by him, and receive more Grace from him: for as the perſon walking is in more conjunction to the Pavement or Floor whereon he ſtands, than to the other parts of the building. Thus the Lord, the high and the loſty One who inhabiteth aeternity, profeſſeth that he will dwell with him and look on him with an eye of favour that is of an(b)(b)Iſa. 57.15. & 66.2.Isa 57:15Isa 66:2 humble and contrite ſpirit. Although humble and meek ſpirits are counted fools by the World, and quickly inſulted upon, by every proud and inſolent ſpirit; yet (as holy David, ſitting by the rivers of repentance, and hearkning to the ſighs of the groaning Willows, under the ſtorms of divine anger, ſweetly be moans himſelf) a(c)(c)Pſ. 51.17.Ps 51:17 broken and a contrite heart O God thou wilt not deſpiſe.

Happy is the humble perſon, who lying upon his back in a proſtrate poſture, and helpleſſe condition as to himſelf: yet alwaies is looking up to heaven! Even as the lowly Floor did conſtantly face the cieling of the Sanctuary, which was all filled with Cherubims, a heavenly Hoſt diſpatcht from heaven, and ready at hand for their aid and comfort. Beſides, the Roof of the Sanctuary, which was laid upon thoſe Cherubims, held forth the conſtant divine protection of the Church, that reſteth on all the Aſſemblies of the Saints, when feaſting in that ſecret communion, which the true Members of the myſtical and inviſible body do maintain in their hearts with Chriſt.(d)(d)Iſa. 4.5, 6.Isa 4:5Isa 4:6 The Lord will create upon every dwelling place of Mount Zion, and upon her aſſemblies a cloud, and ſmoke by day, and the ſhining of a flaming fire by night, for upon all the glory ſhall be a defence. And there ſhall be a Tabernacle for a ſhadow in the day time from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a cover from the ſtorm and from rain. God will be a(e)(e)Iſa. 16.4.Isa 16:4 covert to his people from the face of the ſpoyler,(f)(f)Iſa. 32.2Isa 32:2 a covering from the Tempeſt and a hiding place from the Wind. Our ſecond Solomon having made his Church like a Chariot as well as a Tabernacle or Temple, of the wood of Lebanon, &c. and the(g)(g)Cant. 3.10.Song 3:10 covering thereof of Purple: even his own righteouſneſſe, to ſhield us from the danger of his Father's wrath. Nay, his banner p. 232over us is love, in this(h)(h)Cant. 2.4.Song 2:4 banquetting houſe of the Sanctuary. Where the people of God having ſatiated themſelves with divine love, and fully ſatisfied with the curious views of all its unparallel'd rarities; It's now high time for them to enter the Holy of Holyes, with adoration.