The Mystery and Marrow of the Bible

COROLLARY VI.

THat, This Sinai- Covenant was Israel's Eminent Privilege, although they were constantly hell under it in a very servile Condition. Though it was a great Bondage; yet it was a greater Blessing: Though it was Onus magnum, a great Burden; yet was it Honos major, a far greater Honor. By being under this Covenant, they were kept in much servile slavery: but had they not been under it, they had been exposed to utter Misery. For; ^1. Then, they had lain open to all idolatrous profane and unrighteous Seducements; ^2. Then, they had soon degenerated into mere Paganism, The former Covenant with Abraham almost utterly obliterated out of mind; 3. Then, they had been an heedless confused heap of tumultuous people without all order and Government; ^4. Then, they had not been digested into a Divine Common-wealth; 5 Then, they had not been advanced to the dignity of a National Church of God; ⁶ Then, they had been left destitute of this Eminent Discovery of Jesus Christ for their Salvation.

More Particularly, though this Covenant kept Israel in a servile state, yet this Covenant was every way an Eminent Privilege to them: As may appear by these Particulars, viz.

1. By the Covenant-Relation herein established betwixt God and Israel. This Relation was various, and precious. ^1. He contracted with them, as JEHOVAH, giving subsistence to his Promises: They as Heirs of those Promises. ^2. He as their Covenant-God by his Covenant with Abraham: They as his Covenant people being the Seed of Abraham. 3. He as their Redeemer, literally from the bondage of Egypt, spiritually and mystically from the bondage of Sin, Satan, &c. They as his Ransomed and Redeemed. ^4. He as their Supreme Law-giver in Jesus Christ: They as his Subjects owing to him and his Laws all possible allegiance and obedience. 5. He as their dearest Husband: They as his endeared Spiritual Spouse. How great a dignity was it therefore to Israel to be advanced so nigh unto the most high God in such dear and sweet Relations! were these small things?

2. By the Covenant-blessings herein promised by God to Israel. These blessings are many and excellent: both Temporal, Spiritual, and Eternal. Veiw them severally, weigh them judiciously: and then conclude how great things the Lord hath done for Israel in this Covenant.

3. By the Covenant-Duties herein restipulated by Israel to God. Faith in Jesus Christ, Sincere, entire, constant obedience, and Repentance in case of any failings in the Premises; were not only Israel's Duties, but also Israel's Dignities and Privileges. For, ^1. Faith is not of ourselves, it is the gift of God. Hereupon Paul saith; To you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake. The Apostles expression plainly intimates that God granted and gave to them a double privilege, viz. of Believing on Christ, and Suffering for Christ. Believing on Christ is a mere supernatural endowment: therefore a great Privilege. ^2. Obedience sincere, entire and constant, is an eminent fruit of Faith unfeigned; in them only that are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, &c. 3. And Repentance is God's gratuitous gift to sinners. The Sinner can no more create a New heart within himself, then he can create a New world without himself.

4. By the Covenant-Ends herein intended. The immediate End, was a Fuller revealing of Jesus Christ to Israel, then in all the former Covenants: The Mediate End was Israel's further Happiness, and God's greater glory. All these ends were high Privileges. Was it a small matter to know more of Christ the Sinners Savior, then did Adam, Noah, or Abraham? Was it a light matter, that further Provisions should be made for Sinners Happiness and God's Glory by this Covenant, then by any of the former?

5. By the Covenant-distinction made herein betwixt Israel and all other people in the Earth. This Covenant was a discriminating, a distinguishing Covenant. It was a Middle Partition-wall betwixt Israel and all other Nations, till Christ by his death took it down. Hereupon, Israel became God's peculiar treasure above all the people of the Earth: Israel was God's special inclosure; others remained as a waste Common, or Wilderness: Israel his vineyard of Red wine, kept and looked to every moment night and day; all others neglected, overlooked, and suffered to perish in ignorance and unbelief: Israel drawn near unto God; all others •… far eff: Israel God's Covenant-people; All others; Not the people of God▪ Israel the Church of God; all other Nations remaining the Synagogus of Satan. Here were vast distinctions betwixt Israel and others: and consequently very high Privileges of Israel above others.

6. Finally, By the Covenant-liberty herein couched under this Covenant-servitude. Though this Covenant kept Israel in a servile state till Christ: yet under all their bondage they had much freedom. And though their Bondage was some Prejudice: yet their Freedom was a greater Privilege. ^1. They were in Bondage to God and Jesus Christ, whose▪ Yoke is easy, and his burden light: but they were at liberty from cruel tyrannical Egypt and all other Oppre •… sors▪ ^2. They were in bondage under the Levitical Ceremonies and services: but they were hereby kept at liberty from all Paganish Idolatries and superstitions. ³ ▪ They were in servitude under the Letter and outward Ministration of this Covenant▪ but they were at liberty in regard of the Spirit and inward Mystery of this Covenant, leading them to Christ that they might be justified by Faith▪ ^4. They were in bondage, as they were kept under the Law, shut-up-together as under lock and key: but they were at liberty under this bondage, whilst they were shut-up unto the Faith that should afterwards be revealed▪ ^5. In a word they were in bondage during their underage, and as servants in Condition▪ under Tutors and Governors of this Covenant: but even then they were at liberty being children of God▪ heirs of all by right, having true Title to Jesus Christ, and to all spiritual liberty and felicity in him (which all other Nations wholly wanted)▪ and as soon as their Full-age came, they were by Christ redeemed actually from all their bondage, furnished with the Spirit of Adoption, as sons, heirs, and coheirs with Christ.

COROLLARY VII.

THat, This Covenant from Mount Sinai was full of CHRIST▪ therein eminently revealed. I have formerly often intimated, How much this Covenant Revealed Christ and intended Christ▪ and this in many Particulars: As, In his Particular descent of Israel according to the flesh; In his Person and Natures; In his Mediatory Office of Prophet▪ Priest and King; In his states of Humiliation and Exaltation wherein he discharged that his Mediatory Office. Let the Reader Consult those former passages: who therein desires satisfaction.

But having now spoken to the whole Body of this Covenant, and unfolded it both in the Substantials and Circumstantials thereof, it is much more evident, (if we reflect upon the whole,) that This Sinai- Covenant was exceeding full of JESUS CHRIST▪ the Foundation, Center, Substance, Matter, Mystery, and Scope thereof. For,

I. God's Preparatory Introduction to this Covenant was full of Christ. For, in him alone it is that lapsed Sinners become an Holy Nation, a Royal Priesthood, or Kings and Priests to God, and a peculiar people: As there he promised, Israel should be, if they would keep this Covenant.

II. God's Preface to this Covenant, the ten Commandments, was full of Christ. For, ^1. God is JEHOVAH, giving actual subsistence to his Promises unto Sinners, only in Jesus Christ, in whom all the Promises of God are Yea, and Amen. ^2. God was Israel's God, ( viz. Their Covenant-God, as Abraham's Seed, according to his former Covenant made with Abraham and his Seed,) only in and through Jesus Christ. God becomes not a Covenant-God to any, nor accepts any as his Covenant-people since the Fall, but only in Jesus Christ the Mediator. 3. God was Israel's Redeemer out of Egypt's bondage literally, and out of the bondage of Sin and Satan typified thereby mystically, and both by Jesus Christ the only All-sufficient Redeemer of God's Elect. This is clear by the Passover appointed to be first celebrated on that very night when Israel departed out of Egypt: which Passover was Mystically Christ.

III. God's Commandments themselves, wherein the Sum of this Sinai- Covenant was eminently comprised, had much of Christ in them. For; 1. Christ was in the First Commandment: Inasmuch as none can have the LORD to be their God▪ or worship him as their God acceptably, but only in and through Jesus Christ, that only way unto the Father, in whom alone all our Spiritual Sacrifices are acceptable to God. 2. Christ was in the second Commandment: Inasmuch as the General Promise of showing Mercy to thousands of them that love him and keep his Commandments, is founded on Jesus Christ. For, None can truly love God, or keep his Commandments, but in and by Christ: without whom we can do nothing▪ And Spiritual▪Pardoning Saving Mercy (which is the mercy there intended) is extended to none but only in Christ. 3. Christ was in the fourth Commandment: Inasmuch as one Reason whereby the Sanctification of the Sabbath was urged upon Israel, was God's Redeeming Israel from the Corporal slavery of Egypt, which typed to them their Redemption by Christ from their spiritual slavery under Sin, Satan, &c. as hath been intimated. And some have Opinion, That the seventh Day Sabbath was principally grounded on Christ as Promised; and the first-day Sabbath afterwards grounded upon Christ as performed. 4 Christ was in the fifth Commandment: Inasmuch as the Particular Promise of Long life in Canaan, annexed to that Commandment, was founded on Christ the Basis of all God's Promises. The Land there intended, was the land of Canaan, literally called The land of Immanuel; and Heaven it self typed out by Canaan mystically. And long life in Canaan, figured out eternal life in Heaven. Now Heaven is the place which Christ prepares for his elect: and Eternal life is the gift of God through Jesus Christ our Lord. 5. Finally, Christ was in The Sum of this whole Covenant of the ten Commandments, consisting in Loving the LORD our God with all the Heart, Soul, and might, and our neighbor as ourselves: Inasmuch as we can neither Love God nor our neighbor sincerely and acceptably as we ought, but in Christ the Son of his love, and through faith in him. For we love God, because he first loved us in Christ. And Faith works by love.

IV. The Mercies Promised on God's part in this Covenant, and the Duties Restipulated on Israel's part, were full of Christ. When God promised, To be a God to them, To raise them up Christ a Prophet like Moses, To give them the Spirit of Christ to Circumcise their Hearts, And to furnish them abundantly with Temporals, Spirituals, and Eternals; Had not all these Blessings Jesus Christ engraven upon them, in whom all things are ours, and with whom even all Temporals are added to us? And when Israel restipulated Faith, Obedience, and Repentance in case of miscarriages, were not these Duties wholly to be performed through Christ assisting?

V. The Promulgation of this Covenant had much of Christ in it. For; 1. It may be warrantably thought, That God delivered this Covenant by Christ the second Person in Trinity, (who was afterwards to be incarnate) unto Moses, and by Moses to the people. Inasmuch as, ( ¹ ) It is expressly said, That Moses was in the Church in the Wilderness with the Angel, who spake to him in Mount Sinai. ( ² ) This Angel is styled, The Angel of his Presence: because by this Angel the Lord vouchsafed his special Presence with, and residence among Israel. And he is called, The Angel of the Covenant, or Messenger of the Covenant: that is, That Messenger of God by whom the Covenant was sent to Moses for Israel. Christ then put this Covenant into Moses his hands. Yea this Angel is elsewhere called, Christ; Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of the destroyer. 2. This Covenant was promulgated by God in such dreadful and terrible manner, as compelled Israel to sue for a Typical Mediator, viz. Moses, to pass betwixt God and them: which request the LORD highly commended and granted, Promising them also upon that occasion to raise them up the true Mediator Jesus Christ A Prophet from among themselves, &c.

VI. The Solemn Sanction, Dedication, or Establishment of this Covenant was full of CHRIST. For, 1. The Sacrifices slain, and the blood of those Sacrifices sprinkled. one half on the Altar, the other half on the People, were Eminent Types of Christ the true Sacrifice offered up and of his blood shed to purge away his people's •… ins indeed. The Death of which Sacrifices, &c. did typically declare Jesus Christ the Testator of this Testament: forasmuch as he confirmed this First Testament by his own Death in the Type, as afterwards he confirmed his New Testament by his own Death in Truth. 2. The sweet vision of God, presently upon this Sanction, having under his feet as it were a paved work of a Sapphire-stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness, (emblems of divine favor to his Covenant-people in the Mediator) and all this without any their hurt or terror; did also further let them see, what a vast difference there was betwixt approaching God without, and with a Mediator.

VII. The Gracious Renewing of this Covenant, and the Tables thereof had much of Christ in it. For; ^1. God's course in bringing Israel to Repentance for their breach of Covenant; by denying his presence to them, and causing his Tabernacle to be removed out of the camp: ^2. God's proclaiming, upon their Repentance, all his goodness before Moses; The LORD, the LORD God, Merciful and Gracious, Long-suffering and abundant in Goodness and Truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin: ^3. God's Renewing of this Covenant hereby with Israel: All these notably pointed at Christ, in whom alone there is a door opened, for Repentance unto Sinners, for Pardon upon Repentance, and for Renovation of Covenant after violation thereof. The Covenant of works without Christ admitting of, No Repentance after Sining, No Remission upon Repenting, No Renewing of Covenant after breaking thereof.

VIII. The Additionals annexed to this Covenant of the ten Commandments, especially the whole body of the Ceremonials (which as hath been shown, were digested into this Covenant,) were all full of Christ: He, one way or other, being the Truth of all those Types, the Substance and Body of all those shadows.

Now, That JESUS CHRIST was the Truth and Substance of all these Ceremonial Shadows, and the great Mystery chiefly intended in all those Figures, may briefly appear by this ensuing Induction of Particulars, viz. ^1. Of Sacred Places for public worshi •… ^2. Of Sacred Utensils for those Places; ^3. Of Sacred Persons appointed to Officiate in those places; ^4. Of Sacred Things, whereabout they were to be employed; ^5. And of Sacred Times, which were more Solemnly to be observed by them in their Ministrations: According as I have already marshalled these Ceremonials in the beginning of this chapter.

1. The Sacred Places appointed under this Covenant for God's Public worship, were the Tabernacle built by Moses in the Wilderness; The Temple built by King Solomon, and the second Temple built by Zerubbabel, both these in the land of Canaan on Mount Moriah. Now The Tabernacle and Temple were-Types of CHRIST. The Tabernacle; For when Christ was actually incarnate, it is said of him; And the Word became flesh, and dwelt amongst us: Gr. and tabernacled, or dwelt-as-in-a-Tabernacle amongst us: that is, he dwelt in human flesh as in a Tabernacle. And Christ is styled, A Minister of the Sanctuary and of the true Tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man. — An High-priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect Tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building. The Temple also was a Type of Christ: Hence Christ calls himself the Temple, destroy this Temple,—but he spake of the Temple of his Body. The Sacred Tabernacle and Temple were Eminent Types of Christ in many regards, especially in these respects; 1. The Tabernacle and Temple were places of God's special Presence and Residence in the midst of Israel; Let them make me a Sanctuary, that I may dwell amongst them. God dwelt amongst them in his Tabernacle Symbolically, affording them there visible symbols or signs of his presence and favor. Thus in Jesus Christ, in his human Nature, the fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily, or Personally: as the Greek word ( 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 ) may be well translated, viz. by a personal union of his Humanity with his Godhead. 2. The Tabernacle and Temple were places of public worship and holy Ministration for the Priests to minister in. So Christ our great High Priest Ministred in this true and more perfect Tabernacle of his own human Nature. 3. The Tabernacle and Temple in regard of God's presence and worship there, was Holy; The Sanctuary, The Holy and Beautiful House, The Holy of Holies, &c. So Jesus Christ was Holy, Harmless, Undefiled, separate from sinners; without sin; yea from his very Birth and Conception, That Holy-thing—the Son of God. 4. The Tabernacle and Temple were so accepted of God, that thereby the Ceremonial Worship and Sacrifices presented to God therein, and their Prayers made towards those places, were rendered acceptable to God. So Jesus Christ is most accepted of God; The Son of God's Love, The Beloved, in and for whom alone both our Persons and all our Spiritual Sacrifices are acceptable before God. 5. The Tabernacle had an Outward Court, A Sanctuary, And the Holiest of all. The Sanctuary was sever •… •… om the Outward Court by a Curious hanging for the door of the Tent, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, wrought with Needle-work, through which the Priests entered into the Sanctuary to Minister. And the Holiest of all was severed from the Sanctuary by a veil of blue and purple, and Scarlet, and fine twined linen of cunning work with Cherubims: through which veil the High-priest alone was to go into the Holiest of all once every year, and that not without the blood of Sacrifices. Thus Jesus Christ (whose veil of human Nature was curiously embroidered with all varieties of Mediatory gifts and graces, being annointed with the oil of gladness above all his fellows, ) is the only way unto the father, and door of the sheep, whereby we enter into the Church militant shadowed out by the Sanctuary, and into the Church triumphant in Heaven itself, resembled by the Holiest of all. So that now we have boldness to enter into the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh. 6. The Tabernacle was made up of many Materials, The Temple built of many stones, &c. and they were, without, very sumptuous, within▪ very glorious: yet all making up but one Tabernacle, and one Temple upon one foundation. So Christ mystical is made up of many Materials, many living stones: Christ himself the living foundation stone chosen of God and precious, upon whom believers as lively stones are built up a Spiritual House; — and they are built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone, In whom all the building fitly framed together, groweth unto an Holy Temple in the Lord,—for an Habitation of God through the Spirit. And, the Kings daughter is all glorious within: her clothing of wrought Gold.

2. The Sacred Utensils or Instruments of Ministration for the Tabernacle and Temple, were very many, all one way or other leading to CHRIST. These Utensils were contained, ^1. In the Court of the Tabernacle; ^2. In the Sanctuary; 3. In the Holiest of all.

In the Court of the Tabernacle were especially these two Utensils, viz. The Altar of Burnt-offering, and The Laver of Brass. I. The Altar of Burnt-offering by the Door of the Tabernacle, was a notable Type of Jesus Christ our true Altar: and this divers ways. 1. The Matter of it was durable Shittim wood, overlaid with Brass, a strong and durable metal able to abide the constant fire. Shadowing out the ability and strength of Christ for suffering of God's wrath for our sins, without being consumed or overcome thereby. ( Brass being ofttimes used in Scripture to denote strength: ) As also the perpetuity and incorruptibleness of Christ's Priesthood, and constant virtue or efficacy of his Sacrifice. 2. The four Horns of the Altar, which were both for Ornament, and for keeping things from falling from the Altar, ( Horns usually denoting power and renown, ) signified the Power and Glory of Christ's Priesthood for the salvation of his Church gathered from the four Corners of the Earth; thinks Ainsworth. 3. The form of the Altar, which was four-square, signified the immovable stability and firmness of Christ's Priesthood and Merit for his people's eternal Happiness. 4. The Instruments and vessels for the Altar, for taking away the ashes or any filth from the Altar; figured the Word and Ordinances of Christ in his Church, serving to purge away the filth of the flesh, and to kindle the fire of the Spirit, for the service of God in purity. 5. The Nature and Use of the Altar was Holy, it was Anoynted, Dedicated and Sanctified to be Most Holy, that (being greater then the gifts offered thereon) it might sanctify all the Sacrifices, and make everything that touched it Holy. This figured out Jesus Christ sanctifying himself, especially the Godhead of Christ consecrating and sanctifying the Sacrifice of his Man-hood for his Church, that he might be an odour of a sweet smell unto God: and by his Mediation sanctifying the daily services of his people, that they might be acceptable to God, The Altar being a public sign of them also. See Heb. 13 10, 15. John. 17. 19. Ephes. 5. 2. Isa. 19. 19, 20 Gen. 8 20. & 12. 7. II. The Laver of Brass, whereat the Priests were to wash their hands and feet with water continually before they came near to the Altar or entered into the Sanctuary. It was placed betwixt the Altar and the Sanctuary. Hereby was shadowed out, Justification by the blood of Christ, wherein we are washed from our sins, and so made Kings and Priests unto God: As also Sanctification, by the washing of Regeneration and Renewing of the Holy-ghost; That thus, our hearts being sprinkled from an evil Conscience, and our Bodies washed with pure water, we may draw near with a true heart, in full assurance of Faith, to serve and worship the Lord acceptably; and washing our hands in innocence may compass God's Altar pleasingly.

In the Sanctuary were chiefly these three Sacred Utensils. viz. ¹ The Golden Table, ^2. The Golden Candlestick, ^3. And The Golden Altar of Incense. I. The Golden Table, was made of Shittim wood, over-laid with pure Gold, with a Crown of Gold round about, besides all its other furniture, whereon twelve unleavened Cakes of Shew-bread (according to the number of the twelve Tribes of Israel ) were set with Frankincense upon them, before the LORD week after week, Continually on the Northside of the Sanctuary. To omit the curiosities of some, the Mystery of the Sacred Utensil seems to be this: The Pure Golden Table shadowed out Christ; The Incense on the Table, his Mediation and Intercession for his Church; The twelve unleavened Cakes represented the twelve Tribes of Israel, and in them all God's Elect his true Israel, which as upon unleavened Cakes are presented unto God in Christ as a pure Table in his Church made acceptable to God through the virtue of his Mediation and Intercession, and there continually serving him and enjoying the favorable presence and face of God in Christ familiarly, God familiarly conversing and feasting with them, and they with him, till at last they shall be taken up into Heaven to Feast with Christ at his glorious Table of those endless pleasures and fullness of joy in God's presence for evermore. II. The Golden Candlestick, of pure beaten Gold, with his shaft, six branches, bowls, knops, flowers, and seven lamps thereof &c. was placed on the Southside of the Sanctuary, over against the Golden Table, to give light therein Continually. This represented the Continual light of the Word held forth by Christ, his Spirit and Ministers in his Church to his People, that in the light thereof they might still stand before the Lord and serve him night and day. More Particularly; The shaft, represented Christ, as the Basis bearing up the whole Candlestick: The Branch, the Church of Christ set upon him: The many branches coming out of the shaft, The variety of Christ's Ministers, as Prophets, Apostles, Evangelists, Pastors, Teachers, &c. all his Gifts to the Church, all implanted into Christ, and receiving light from Christ, that they may impart it to the Church: The Ornaments upon the branches, the variety of Spiritual gifts and endowments, wherewith Christ adorns his Servants and Ministers who adhere to him, as the extraordinary endowments of Tongues, Interpretation of tongues, Miracles, Discerning of Spirits, &c. And the Ordinary endowments of Knowledge, Judgment, Utterance, Government, &c. The Bowls for containing the liquor, their Capacity for containing of Christ's Doctrine: The round knops, The Perfection of their Doctrine and life: The flowers, their Gracefulness and Chearfulness in dispensing Christ's Word, with all timely speed: The seven lamps, figuring out the manifold graces and gifts of the Holy Spirit of Christ, furnishing them to their office, &c. III. The Golden Altar of incense, was placed by the veil, whereon Aaron was to burn Incense of sweet spices every day morning and evening; and on the Horns whereof he was to make an Attonemeut with the blood of the Sin-offering of Attonements once every year. This Golden Altar shadowed out Christ, sanctifying and making acceptable all our Sacrifices laid upon him: This Incense burnt thereon after the dressing of the lamps, figured the Prayers of all Saints with light of understanding and Faith presented to God as an odour of a sweet smell in and through Jesus Christ continually, whereupon whilst the High-priest was burning Incense in the Sanctuary, the people were Praying without, Luke 1. 9, 10. Christ our great High-priest adds much Incense also of his Mediation and Intercession to the prayers of his people, to make them sweet as a pillar of Incense, without which Incense is abomination: And the blood of Atonement, was a type of Christ's blood reconciling us to God, whereby the Sinners imperfections and infirmities adhering to the best Prayers of his Saints and members had need to be purged away that they may be accepted of God as well-pleasing before him.

In the Holiest of all, were especially these seven Utensils or Holy Instruments for Sacred use, viz. I. The Ark, with a Crown of Gold round about it, called, The Ark of the Covenant, Heb. 9. 4. The Ark of the Testimony, Exod. 25. 22. and The Glory, 1 Sam. 4. 21, 22. Rom 9. 4. This was the chiefest of all the Holy things▪ for which especially the Tabernacle was framed, Exod. 26. 33. & 40. 18, 21. II. The two Tables of the Covenant written with the finger of God, put into •… nd kept within the Ark. III. The Mercy-seat, Covering the Ark, that the Tables within could not be seen. IV. The two Cherubims of Glory upon the two Ends of the Mercy-Seat, Covering the Mercy-Seat with their wings, with their faces one towards another, and both looking down towards the Mercy-seat. In reference to these things God said; And I will meet with thee there, and I will speak with thee, from above the Covering-Mercy-seat, from between the two Cherubims which are upon the Ark of the Testimony, all things which I shall command thee unto the sons of Israel. The whole was an eminent visible Sign of God's gracious Presence with his People in Jesus Christ. Particularly; The Ark containing the Covenant or Testimony within it, figured out Christ in whose heart and bowels the Law and Covenant of God had its full residence: The Mercyseat, which covered the Ark and two Tables, and whereon God did sit or dwell, (which Mercy-seat the Apostle calls, The Propitiatory, Heb. 9. 5.) typified Jesus Christ, by whom our Transgressions of the Law are forgiven and covered, and in whom God vouchsafes his gracious presence to his people; Hence, Paul calls Christ, A Propitiatory through faith in his blood, to declare God's Justice for remission of sins, that are past; And John saith He is the Propitiation for our sins: The Cherubims on the Mercy-seat, may signify, either God's Angels, whom he employs for his own honor, and for service unto Christ and his Church, whose mysteries they desire to look into, Heb. 1. 6, 14 1 Pet. 1. 12. Or God's Ministers on Earth, who are counted Cherubims, they with heavenly hearts looking unto Christ and into the Law are such as on whom he also rideth by the preaching of the Gospel, Psal. 45. 5. Act▪ 9. 15. But chiefly they signify Christ himself the Covering-Mercyseat, of which they were made on the two ends thereof, to cover the Ark. In these four Holy things we have an admirable representation of the whole Mediatory Office of Christ, as Prophet, Priest, and King, obtaining God's gracious favor to, and presence with his Church. The Crown about the Ark, and the Cherubims Protecting and Covering the Ark, may signify his Kingship, Psal. 99. 1. The Mercy-seat covering, and the Ark containing the Testimony, his Priesthood, Rom. 3. 25. Heb. 10. 5. to 11. Psal. 40. 6, 7, 8. And the voice which spake from the same, his Prophecy, Numb. 7. 8. 9. Heb. 1. 1, 2. Judge. 20. 27. V. The Golden pot with Manna, was also in the Most holy place: there reserved for a Memorial to Israel of the bread, wherewith God fed them in the wilderness for 40 years together. This Manna was an eminent Type of Christ, the true Bread of life, that came down from Heaven, whereby all true believers should be nourished in the Wilderness of this world unto eternal life. Christ is the true Hidden Manna, now laid up and hidden for us in the Holiest of all, Heaven itself, in the glorious presence of God to all eternity. VI. Aa •… s Rod that budded, was also laid up before the Testimony for a Sign, that all generations might know God had stablished and confirmed the Priesthood in Aaron's line, this shadowed out the Priesthood of Christ, whereby they should be reconciled to God. VII. Finally, The golden Censer to burn Incense on, once every year on the day of Atonement, that the cloud of incense might cover the Mercy-seat, seems also to be kept in the Holiest of all. And it figured the sweet, prevailing, and acceptable Prayers, Intercession, and Mediation of Jesus Christ for his Church and people, Psal, 141. 2. Luk. 22. 44. Heb. 5. 7. & 9. 24. Rom. 8. 34. 1 John. 2. 2.

Thus all the Holy Instruments and Utensils of the Tabernacle and Temple did in one regard or other tend to Christ. The Tabernacle and the Holy Instruments therein were full of CHRIST.

3. The Sacred Persons employed by God about the Ministry and Service of the Tabernacle, were chiefly of two sorts, viz. 1. The Priests: both The High Priest, and The second Priests. 2. The Levites, which were to Minister about the Service of the Tabernacle, under the Priests. And both these were notable Types of Jesus Christ, especially in regard of his Priestly Office.

The Priests of both Sorts were most Eminent Types of Christ, especially in these two regards, viz. I. In their Vocation to their Priestly Office. No man taketh this Honor to himself, but he that was called of God, as was Aaron, so also Christ glorified not himself, to be made an High-priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, today have I begotten thee. As he saith also in another place, Thou art a Priest forever after the Order of Melchizedek. As they were orderly and regularly called of God to their typical Priesthood: So Christ was orderly called of God to his true Priesthood. More Particularly, Their Vocation or Deputation to their office had two things in it; 1. Their Election: which had respect; ( ¹ ) Partly to their Tribe; They must be only of the Tribe of Levi. So Christ was a special, a singular man taken from among men. ( ² ) Partly▪ to their Perfections; They must be wholly without blemish or deformity. So Jesus Christ our High Priest is Holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from Sinners, &c. Heb. 7. 26. 2. Their Consecration, whereby they were hallowed to Minister in the Priests Office, which Consecration was dispatched chiefly in these Particulars, viz. ( ¹ ) In washing them with water, at the door of the Tabernacle. So Christ was Baptized or washed with water at his Entrance into his Public Ministry of Mediatorship. ( ² ) In clothing them with holy Garments, excellent for outward beauty and glory, Exod. 29. 5. to 10. & Exod. 28. throughout. These robes typed out the glory and beauty of Christ's Spiritual Ornaments and Mediatory accomplishments wherewith he was every way adorned and clothed most beauteously and gloriously. (3) In Annoynting them with the Holy anointing Oil, which was curiously composed by the art of the Apothecary, according to God's Prescription. As soon as Aaron was clothed with the holy garments▪ This holy Oil was to be poured upon his head. This shadowed out the Holy Spirit of God with all his Graces that was beyond Measure poured forth upon Jesus Christ above all his fellows. The Spirit of the LORD God is upon me because the LORD hath annointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek, &c. Thou lovest righteousness and hatest wickedness, therefore God, thy God, hath annointed thee with the Oil of gladness above thy fellows. ( ⁴ ) In offering divers sorts of Sacrifices at their Consecration and Instalment into their office: Especially they were sanctified to their office by three sorts of Sacrifices, viz. A Sin-offering, A Burnt-offering, A peace-offering, or Thankoffering. All which are Types of Christ's Perfecting, Consecrating, and Sanctifying himself through his own sufferings, and willingly offering up himself for the sins of his Elect, that he might be an all-sufficient High-priest and Mediator for them. To this effect Christ said; And for their sakes I sanctify myself, (viz. by voluntary undergoing of Sufferings and Death, &c.) that they also might be sanctified through the Truth, John. 17. 19. Thus the Priests prefigured Christ in their vocation to their office. II. In their execution and discharge of their Priestly office, they were also singular Types of Jesus Christ. And this evident, ^1. In the Inferior Priests; and ^2. In the High Priest. The Inferior Priests executed their office, 1. By slaying and offering up of Sacrifices for the people, with sprinkling of their blood, upon the Holy Altar. Thus, Christ God-man the Priest, offered up his Human Nature The Sacrifice, upon the Godhead as the Altar consecrating the gift. He laid down his life of himself, for his sheep: none could take it from him against his will. — He through the Eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God. — By the which will we are sanctified, through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 2. By Teaching the people, as the standing Ministry The Priests lips should keep knowledge: and they should seek the Law at his mouth, &c. So Christ is the great Teacher of his Church, That the Prophet like Moses, Deut. 18. 15. who hath the tongue of the learned, Isa. 52. 4. And Grace is poured into his lips, Psal. 45. 2. 3. By Praying for the People and Blessing them. This typified, Christ's Intercession for his Church On Earth offering up prayers and Supplications, with strong crying and tears, and being heard in all things; In heaven appearing continually in the presence of God for us. And Christ's Benediction, who blesseth his people with the Blessing of Abraham, the Promise of the Spirit through Faith: Being sent first in order to bless the Jews, but afterwards the Gentiles, in turning them from their iniquities. 4. By taking the constant care and oversight of the Tabernacle, The Utensils thereof; and of the Service of God therein. So Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church, Savior of the Body, chief Bishop-of Souls, and the great Shepherd of the sheep, continually watching over them for their Salvation. The High-priest executed his Office. 1. By dressing the lamps and lights in the Sanctuary, and then offering Incense upon the Golden Altar daily, morning and evening. Thus Christ is the true Light of life, and Salvation by his Spirit, Word, and Ordinances, ever shining in his Church. And he daily presents the holy Prayers and Services of his people with the much incense of his own merit, that they may be an odour of a sweet smell, acceptable to God in him. 2. By setting Shew-bread before the Lord every Sabbath continually upon the Pure Table. So Christ presents his Church continually in the presence of God as acceptable to him, to have sweet Communion with him especially on his Sabbaths, God and they mutually feasting together in Christ Jesus. 3. By going once every year on the day of Atonement through the veyl into the Holiest of all by the blood of Sacrifices, to make Atonement. So Christ by the veyl of his own flesh entered once for all into the Holiest of all Heaven itself with his own blood to make everlasting atonement for us, Heb. 10. 19, 20. Thus the Priests, both in their vocation to their Office and execution of their office, were eminent Types of Christ. Their Office was full of Christ.

The Levites also, whom God gave to Aaron for the Service of the Tabernacle, having accepted them in lieu of the First-born of Israel, (which First-born were peculiarly God's, and were Priests to God in their several Families formerly,) The Levites being thus appropriated to God for the Service of his Sanctuary in lieu of all the First-born of Israel, and given as a gift to Aaron the High-priest for that end; shadowed out the excellent mystery of God's giving an Assembly of the First-born written in Heaven to Christ our great High-priest, who as spiritual Priests and Levites should follow the Lamb whithersoever he goes, as his redeemed from among men, being the First-fruits unto God and to the Lamb. — Therefore are they before the Throne of God, and serve him day and night in his Temple. To this effect also others express this Mystery.

4. Sacred or Holy Things in use under this Covenant-Dispensation, were many: especially of four sorts, viz. 1. Sacraments. 2. Sacrifices. 3. The Holy Annoynting Oil. 4. The Holy Perfume. The Soul and Marrow of them all being Christ. Sacraments, of Ordinary and standing use, Instituted under the former Covenant of God with Abraham, but further confirmed and continued under this Covenant from M. Sinai, were 1. Circumcision. 2. The Passover. Both Types of Christ, as I have formerly manifested. Sacrifices and Offerings were of many sorts: yet all having some tendency towards Christ. I. The Holo-caust, or Burnt-offering, called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Hhholah that is, Ascension: because it wholly Ascended up towards God in flames. It was of the Herd, of the flock, of sowls This Figured, 1. Christ, who through the Eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, to purge his Elect from dead works, and reconcile them to God. 2. Christ's Members, who being reconciled to God, and sanctified by the Death of Christ to serve the living God, do present their Bodies a living Sacrifice, Holy, acceptable to God, which is their service according to the Word. II. The Meat-offering, called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Minchah, that is, The Offering, Gift, or Oblation. It was of many sorts. This Typified and shadowed out, 1. Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us an Oblation and a Sacrifice to God, for a sweet smeling savor, Ephes. 5. 2. Heb 10. 5, 8, 9, 10 from Psal. 40. This Oblation served also to expiate sins, 1 Sam. 3. 14 & 26. 19. Therefore when Christ was come, this Meat-offering ceased, as was foretold in Daniel 9. 27. He shall cause the Sacrifice and the Minchah to cease. 2. Christians, who through Christ are cleansed and sanctified to be pure oblations unto God. This was prophesied; They shall bring all the brethren for a Minchah (or Meat offering) unto the LORD out of all the Gentiles, &c. —This Paul shows to be accomplished by his Ministration of the Gospel to the Gentiles. 3. The fruits of Grace and good Works, which Christians are to exercise, (1) Towards God;— The lifting up of my hands as the Evening Minchah. So when the Lord told the Jews; I will not accept a Minchah (or Meat-offering) at your hand; he adds, For from the rising of the Sun, even unto the going down of the same, my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place Incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure Meat-offering. Which is fulfilled; when men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands. And ( ² ) Towards man also; Heb. 13. 16. Phil. 4. 18. But especially this Minchah figured the New-creature and holy state which we have in Christ; even the Sanctification of our Persons and Actions, and their acceptableness to God through Christ: as the Burnt-offering signified our Reconciliation unto God in Christ. III. Peaceofferings, called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 zebach shelamin, viz. The Sacrifice of things pacifying. It was also divers sorts, These Peaceofferings, were Sacrificed; when men in their troubles prayed unto God for Peace and Salvation: and when, upon Mercies received from God, men would express their thankful Returns to God. As therefore The Burnt-offering typified our Reconciliation too God in Christ; and The Meat-offering our Sanctification and acceptation before God by Christ; So this Peace-offering signified, Both Christ's Oblation of himself, whereby he became our Peace and Salvation: And our Oblation of Prayer, Praise and Thanksgiving unto God, in the midst of troubles, temptations, and spiritual Conflicts which we fight by faith in this life. that we may receive mercy, and find grace to help in time of need; or upon receipt of grace and mercy from God, that we may thankfully render to the Lord for all his benefits. IV. The Sin-offering, in case of Ignorance, or Infirmity: called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Cataah, that is, Sin▪ or, For sin; compare here with those phrases in Rom. 8. 3. & Heb. 10. 6, 7. It was called A Sin offering, because with laying the hand on the head of the Sacrifice, the Sin Confessed was as it were laid upon the Sacrifice offered for Sin. This presigured Jesus Christ the true offering for sin, Isai. 53. 10. who, though he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth, yet was he wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities,—and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. Though he knew no sin, yet he was made sin for us, that we might be made the righter •… sness of God in him, 2 Cor. 5. 21. V. The Trespassoffering, for sins done knowingly, wittingly and maliciously. It was called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Asham, that is, Sin, or Guiltiness. This also, as the former, Figured Christ made a Sacrifice for our Sin and Guiltiness: Not only Redeeming us by his blood from our Ignorance and Infirmities, but also from our sins done against knowledge wittingly and maliciously. So Isaiah prophesied; when 〈◊〉 shalt make his Soul (Asham) an offering for sin, he shall see his Seed. VI. The Consecration-offering, for the Priests: called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Milluim; that is, fulfillings: because hereby the Consecration of Aaron and his sons was fulfilled and completed. The offerings of the Consecration of Aaron and his sons were, A Bullock for a Sin-offering, and two Rams, viz. One Ram for a Burnt-offering, The other Ram of fillings, or Fulfillings, which was in the Nature of a Peace-offering; The blood whereof Moses put upon Aaron and his sons, viz. upon the tip of the right-ear, and upon the thumb of the right-hand, and upon the great Toe of their right-foot. This Sin-offering typified to them Jesus Christ as their Atonement and Justification, for the remission of their sins. This burnt-offering shadowed out Christ, who should transform them by the Renewing of their mind, to present their bodies a living Sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is their Service according to the Word. The second Ram the Ram of fillings, (as Sol. Rashi here noteth) is the Ram of Peace-offering (or of Perfections ) for they filled and perfected the Priests in their Priesthood. It signified the Sanctification of their Consecration and calling to their Office, of their Office itself, and of their administration of it, by the Sacrifice and blood of Jesus Christ; whom Paul calls The Consecrator, Heb. 12. 2. through whom they should with thankfulness and joy perform the work of their Ministry. The blood hereof being put into the ear, thumb, and toe, signified, Partly Christ's sufferings, whose Head was wounded with the crown of thorns, whose hands and feet were pierced with nails. Partly, How in Christ the Priests should be sanctified, To hear and receive th Word from God; To administer the same unto others; And to walk therein themselves accordingly. VII. The Purification-offerings, for several sorts of Ceremonial uncleanness were for the most part made up of former Sacrifices and Oblations, for their cleansing and Purifying: And they figured out Christ's sufferings and blood, wherein they were to be washed from all their sinful pollutions and uncleannesses. Christ is the fountain opened for sin and for uncleanness; He washeth us from our sins in his own blood; They washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb. VIII. The First-fruit-offerings; which were of the Firstborn of man, of The firstlings of Beasts, and of The First-ripefruits of the Earth, these belonged to the LORD, and he gave them to Aaron and to his sons for their portion, (besides other things) in reference to their Priests Office. But the First-born of man, and of unclean beasts were to be redeemed. These did signify, Partly Christ himself, who is the First-born among many brethren, God's peculiar portion and delight, the Son of his Love. Partly the Church of Christ, and all his Members, redeemed to Christ by his precious blood, and not with corruptibles: who being bought from among men, are the First-fruits unto God and to the Lamb; who of his own will begat us with the Word of Truth, that we should be a kind of First-fruits of his Creatures, having received the First-fruits of the Spirit: And these are called, The Church of the First-born which are written in Heaven. Thus Christ was the Truth and Mystery intended in all the Sacrifices and Oblations.

The Holy Annoynting Oil, was composed of the chief of Spices, by the Art of the Apothecary (viz. some of the Priests sons, 1 Chron. 9. 30.) according to God's own Prescription. The Tabernacle and all the Instrument vessels and utensils thereof; as also Aaron and his sons, were to be annointed with it. This Holy Oil and the sweet spices therein, figured out the Holy Spirit and all his gladning graces: And the Annoynting of all the Priests and The Tabernacle with all vessels therein, signified the pouring out of the Spirit beyond measure upon Christ our Head and great High Priest, and in Christ the giving forth of his spirit by measure to his Church, even to all his faithful Ministers and Members. Hence Paul said; Now he that stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath annointed us, is God: who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. And John testifieth; Ye have an Ointment from the Holy-one, and know all things. And the Annoynting that ye have Received of him, dwelleth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you, but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, &c. And as this Holy Annoynting was not to be applied to common affairs: So the Spirit and Graces of God and Christ are not imparted to unregenerate carnal, sensual persons remaining such, who having not the Spirit, turn the Grace of God into lasciviousness.

The Holy Perfume or Incense, made of sweet spices according to God's prescription, to be put in the Tabernacle before the Testimony. This was to be burnt morning and evening upon the Golden Altar, Exod. 30. 8. This figured Christ's Sacrifice of himself, and his Intercession for us, which was an odour of a sweet smell to God: As also the Prayers and other upright Performances of Christ's members which are sweet unto God as Holy Incense or Perfume through the much Incense of Christ's merit put unto them. Which is an High Encouragement to their Prayers, and to all other their gracious exercises.

Thus Christ was the Substance and Mystery of all these Holy things used in the Tabernacle. Christ was, as in Capital characters, engraven on them all.

5. Finally, Sacred and Holy Times used or appointed under this Covenant-dispensation were, Weekly, Monethly, or Yearly: And all of them having singular respect to Christ, as Types and shadows in one regard or other of Christ. The Apostle refers all Sacred times to three heads, in effect the same with these, showing that all of them had their chief accomplishment in Christ. Let no man judge you—in respect of an Holy-day, or of the New-Moon, or of the Sabbaths: which are a shadow of things to come, but the body is of CHRIST. More Particularly.

The Weekly Sacred Times, were the Seventh-day-Sabbaths. Now One great Reason or ground of God's imposing the Sanctification of the Sabbath upon Israel, was, His Redeeming them from Egypt's bondage, and giving them Rest from all that labor, toil and oppression which there they were under. Which Redemption (as I have already shown) was an Eminent Type of our Spiritual Redemption by Christ from the greater thralldom of Satan, Sin and misery, from which Christ hath given us an Happy Rest; in which regard the Sabbath was a token of the Spiritual joy, and Rest of Conscience in Christ: and therefore Christ hath translated the Sabbath to another Day; from the Seventh to that First day of the Week.

The Monthly Sacred Times, were the New Moons, viz. The First day of every Moon: Then they served God by special Sacrifices, blowing with silver Trumpets in the Sanctuary, Numb. 28. 11.▪ &c. & 10. 10. 2 Chron. 2. 4. Then they repaired to the Prophets to hear the Word, 2 King. 4. 2 3. Then they kept religious Feasts to God, 1 Sam 20. 5, 6. Nor was it lawful then to buy, or sell or do such worldly work, Amos 8. 5. These New-Moons (the Moon now beginning to renew and borrow her light again from the Sun ) did signify to them , The Churches renewed illumination and gracious influences for an holy course of life from Christ the Sun of Righteousness. Or, The Renewing of the Moon (which borroweth her light of the Sun) might figure (thinks Ainsworth ) the Renewing of the Church, (said to be fair as the Moon, Cant. 6. 10.) by Christ the Sun of righteousness, Mal. 4. 2. whiles her light and joy is by him increased and continued, as Isaiah and Ezekiel testify. So that in the New Moons Israel was to Meditate of that Spiritual light, Sanctification, Grace, Joy and Comfort which was to come to them through Christ, whereof these▪ New-Moons were a shadow, Col. 2. 16, 17. And we Gentiles in a Spiritual sense keep these New-Moons, as Isaiah hath prophesied, Isa. 66. 23. not by observing days and months, and years, Gal. 4, 10. But by worshipping the Father in Spirit and in Truth; who will accept of our service performed in Christ, in every place as he did at Jerusalem, Mal. 1. 11. and at all times as he did at Israel's solemn Feasts.

The Yearly Sacred Times, were, Every year▪ every seventh year, and Every fiftieth year. 1. Every year, they had these Feasts and Solemnities, viz. 1. The Feast of unleavened bread for seven days together, beginning the next day after the Passover, viz. on the fifteenth of the first Month Abib, when Israel came out of Egypt. This Figured to the Jews, that as Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, should be sacrificed for them as their true Passover to save them from death and destruction with the wicked: So they should keep that true Passover Feast with the unleavened bread of Sincerity and Truth; yea, and the Apostle intimates to us Gentiles, that we are to keep this Feast of unleavened Bread spiritually, which is during the whole time of the New Testament. For he saith; Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a New lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us. Therefore let us keep the Feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness: but with unleavened bread of Sincerity and Truth. And all this New-Testament time, from Christ's death till the end of world, is this spiritual Feast. 2. The Feast of Harvest, or Feast of Weeks. So called, because kept seven weeks after the former Feast, viz. on the fiftieth day following, (whence it was called Pentecost ) as a Memorial of the Giving of the Law on that day from Mount Sinai out of the midst of the fire. This Figured The Giving of the Spirit of Christ in form of fiery cloven tongues at Jerusalem on the Feast of Pentecost 50 days after the Sacrificing of Christ our true Passover, which spirit should write the Law in our hearts and put it in our inward parts. 3. The Feast of In-gathering, or Feast of Booths, or Tabernacles in the end of the year, when all their fruits were gathered in, on the fifteenth day of the seventh Month (answering to our September ) for seven days together, Levite. 23. 34. to the end. During this Feast they dwelt in Booths or Tents: for a thankful Remembrance of God's Presence with them, Providence and Protection over them, and of all his favors to them, all the while they were in the Wilderness, when they dwelt in Booths or Tents: As also for expression of their joy and thankfulness to God for the fruits of the Earth in that Month gathered in. This Feast typified, Christ's Incarnation and dwelling in the Tabernacle of our flesh, John. 1. 14. The Word was made flesh, and tabernacled amongst us. As also the sufficiency of Christ's grace and power to protect and defend us from all outward injuries and inward infirmities, till we lay aside these mortal Tabernacles and be elothed with our house which is from Heaven, 2 Cor. 12. 9. & 5. 1, 2. These Mysteries Ainsworth expoundeth very appositely: See his own words in the Margin. 4. The Feast of blowing of Trumpets on the first day of the seventh Month, by the Priests in the Sanctuary, and by the Ministers in the Synagogues, wherewith Prayers, Blessing, and Reading suitable Scriptures were used, Levite. 23. 24. Neh. 8. 15. which all the people were bound to hear: Hence that passage; Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound, Psal. 89. 15. This was Preparatory to the day of Atonement. It signified the Preaching of the Gospel by the Lord's Messengers, who should lift up their voices like Trumpets, to bring people to Humiliation and Repentance for their sins, that they may partake the Atonement, even remission of sins and other Mercies from the Lord, Isai. 58. 1. Hos. 8. 1. Joel 2. 1, 15, 16, 17. Ephes. 5. 14. And specially, this Feast of blowing of Trumpets, on every New-years day, and at every Jubiliee, figured out the Ministry of John the Baptist who blew the Trumpet in Israel, preaching the Baptism of repentance for remission of sins: and so prepared the way before Christ coming to preach the acceptable year of the Lord, the New-Testament-Jubilee. 5. The Day of Atonement for afflicting their souls on the tenth day of the seventh Month, Levite. 23. 27 whereunto they were prepared by the Blowing of Trumpets; shadowed out the true Humiliation and Repentance of Sinners for their sins, and their Reconciliation unto God through the death and blood of Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the Atonement, Rom. 5. 11. 2 Cor. 5. 19, 20, 21. Thus the Holy times and Feasts of every year chiefly intended and figured out Jesus Christ unto Israel. II. Every seventh year they had a Sabbath of Sabbatism or Rest to the Land, wherein they should rest from Tillage and Husbandry. This seventh year was a Sabbatical year, an Holy year: as every seventh day was a Sabbatical day, an Holy day of Rest. In this Sabbatical seventh year, these three things were especially to be observed by the Israelites, viz. 1. Every Creditor that lent anything to his neighbor was to Release it, and not to exact it. Hence it was called, The year of Release; and, The LORD's Release. This Release of Debts, was a shadow of God's Releasing and forgiving our Spiritual Debts, our sins. And this year of Release prefigured the Acceptable year of the LORD, the year of Grace, preached by Christ, who hath obtained of God for us, The Release of our Debts, even The Remission of our sins: And hath taught us, To be kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven us; knowing that if we do not from our hearts forgive one another, neither will our heavenly Father forgive us. 2. Every Hebrew Man-servant or Maid-servant was to be set free by their Masters: and when they sent them out free in the seventh year, they should not send them out empty, but furnish them out of their flock, floor, and wine press, as the Lord had blessed them. They were to be sent out free for nothing, without price or purchase. Nor was this Release from servitude only for that year, but forever: hence God blames the Jews in Zedekiah's days, for re-inthraling of their servants after their Release. This Release of servants prefigured The acceptable year, the time of Grace by Jesus Christ, who according to the Tenor of his Gospel of his mere grace freely and spiritually releaseth his Elect from the bondage and servitude for Sin and Satan, to be the Lord's freemen forever. If the Son shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed, John. 8. 36. 3. Every seventh year was a year of Rest to the Land; it should not be tilled nor husbanded, but lie quiet. Now as t • e Sabbath day, wherein they ceased from their own works, to do the Lord's, signified they were not their own, but the Lord's: So the Sabbatical year wherein both they and their land rested signified that both they and their land (called Immanuel's land ) were the Lord's also. It Taught them, To shun earthly cares and live upon God by Faith in his Providence when their husbandry was to cease. Mat. 6. 31. 1 Cor. 7. 29. to 33. To exercise themselves in the Law of God this year to be read in their audience, and in other holy employments, Deut. 31. 10, 11, 12. Neh. 8. To walk holily in their land and not to pollute it, lest the land spew them out as the Canaanites before them, and so lie desolate and enjoy her Sabbaths, Levite. 18. 24, 25, 28. & 26. 34, 35, 43. 2 Chron. 36. 21. And this Holy year of Rest Figured that blessed Spiritual Rest in Remission of sins, Peace with God, Holiness of heart and life, Communion with God Christ and the Spirit in Spiritual Blessings on Earth, and Eternal blessings and Rest in Heaven, which the Church and all the members of Christ should enjoy in and through Christ, Isai. 61. 2. Col. 2. 16, 17. Matth. 11. 28, 29, 30. Gal. 4, 10, 11. Heb. 4. 9, 10, 11. III. Every fifth year, after every seven times seven years, was their year of, IUBILEE▪ proclaiming liberty to prisoners, &c. The Return of every man to his family and Possession. It began on the tenth day of the seventh Month, which was the day of Atonement. It is called Inbslee, Heb. Jobel, from the long-continued-sound of the Trumpet, Exod. 19. 13. Besides the Sabbatical year, three things were peculiar to this Jubiliee-yar, viz. ^1. The sounding of Trumpets whence it had its Denomination. ^2. The Freedom of Servants, Hence its called, The year of Liberty, Ezek. 46. 17. ^3. The Return of every man to his Family and Restoring of Lands or Tenements, sold or morg aged▪ to their own Families. This Jubiliee-year was an Emment Type of the Spiritual Jubiliee, which all the Elect should have in Christ, ¹ Giving them Matter of everlasting •… oy, so that sorrow and mourning shall flee away: ^2. Setting them at liberty from all their Spiritual Thraldom under Sin, Satan, and the curse of God: 3. Returning them unto God the Father through our Lord Jesus Christ; of whom the whole family in Heaven and Earth is named; and Restoring them unto Paradise the right and possession whereof Adam lost to himself and all his posterity by his fall. Thus the Jubiliee carried them on to Christ, by whose Redemption all believers have cause triumphantly to shout and rejoice. When he sounded the Trumpet of the Gospel, (As the Lord annointed him by his Spirit, To preach good tidings unto the meek, and sent him to bind up the broken-hearted, To proclaim liberty to the Captives; and the opening of the prison to them that are bound, To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD; ) Then he said; This day is this Scripture fulfilled in our ears, and all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. So that from this it is evident, that whatever gave the First occasion of Rise to these Solemn Festivals, yet (as learned Davenant hath well observed) they had annexed to them an Adumbration and Promise of Spiritual blessings to be exhibited in Christ.

Thus All the Ceremonials of more Public Concernment, viz. ¹ Sacred Places, ^2. Utensils, 3 Persons, ⁴ Things, and ⁵ Times, (if we pluck off the veil and look into the inside of them,) were all full of Christ. Christ was the jewel, in all these sacred Cabinets; Christ the Body, under all these visible Dresses; Christ the Truth, of all these Types; Christ the Substance, of all these shadows. They may well be called Shadows; For, 1. The Body is cause of the shadow, not the shadow of the body: so Christ was the Cause of all these Rites, having power also to abolish them at his coming. 2. The shadow is a sign of the Body: so these Types and Figures were signs of Christ to be exhibited. 3. The shadow doth most obseurely and imperfectly represent the Body: So their Legal Ceremonies Christ. 4. A shadow can of itself do nothing, but the body acts and puts forth its power: so these ceremonies could do nothing to remission of sins, Sanctification, and Salvation, but all the saving force is from Christ. Now the Ceremonials being digested into the body of this Covenant from Mount Sinai, and Christ being the Soul and Substance of all these Ceremonials, How full of Jesus Christ is this Covenant! How much doth it testify of Christ! How much more then any, then all, the fore-going Covenants! They are very blind that cannot find and see Christ in this Covenant▪ wherein nothing else in a manner, besides Christ, is to be found and seen. They have no great delight to pry into the sweet and saving mystery of Christ; who despise and reject this Old Testament •… o admirably revealing this Mystery. I conclude this Corollary with that of Novatian in Tertullian; I will again call this Jesus Christ, the Son of this God; we both read him Promised in the Old Testament, and observe him exhibited in the New Testament, by his true bodily presence fulfilling the shadows and figures of all Sacraments.

COROLLARY VIII.

THat, This Sinai-Covenant the Old-Testament, was pure Gospel, as well as the New, for substance, revealing (though with different Circumstances) to lapsed sinners, One and the self-same way of Eternal life and Salvation, by Jesus Christ through Faith.

And what is pure Gospel, but the Doctrine and glad-tidings of Salvation to lapsed Sinners in Jesus Christ by Faith? This Dispensation being every way so full of Christ, must needs be a rich and eminent Gospel. The Old Testament was pure Gospel, Promising Christ: As the New Testament is pure Gospel, Performing and exhibiting Christ. The time of the Old Testament was a time of Signifying Christ: The time of the New was a time of Manifesting Christ. That was a time wherein Good things, to be exhibited afterwards, were prefigured with shadows: This a time, wherein the Truth itself, and the body of things prefigured, is exhibited; according to that, The Law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. Novatian therefore having produced many Testimonies out of Moses and the Prophets to prove Jesus Christ to be one and the same under both Old and New Testament, he gives this grave admonition; That another Christ was not to be expected under the Gospel, then him that was promised by the Creator in the writings of the Old Testament: especially seeing, both the things foretold of him, are fulfilled; and the things which are fulfilled, were formerly foretold. To this effect, Clemens Alexandrinus; The saving Testament (or Covenant) is but one from the beginning of the world, although in the manner of Giving it may seem divers. And therefore The Gospel was preached of old to Israel and to the fathers, as well as to us; They were saved by the same Christ, justified by the same way of Faith, Sanctified by the same Spirit, and glorified in the same Heavens, as believers under the New Testament: yea, from the first grand Promise of the woman's Seed, Gen. 3. 15. to the end of the Revelation, the whole Scripture, and all the Covenant-expressures therein set forth One and the same Christ, one and the same Faith, one and the same Gospel, one and the same Salvation.

COROLLARY IX.

FInally, From what hath been said in this chapter it is evident, That The diligent study, and solid understanding of the Did Testament as well as of the New, is very necessary and advantageous to all Christians. For,

1. The Old Testament is pure Gospel, containing the sweet Doctrine of Sinners Salvation, as well as the New.

2. The Old Testament is full of Christ, as well as the New. Moses and the Prophets first revealed Christ: then the Evangelists and Apostles.

3. The Old Testament and the New do mutually establish each others Authority, and diligently compared together convince us of their Divine certainty and infallibility. For Substance, they are but one Testament, confirmed by the death of one and the same Testator: for Manner of administration, they are two, The Old Promising the Testator in the Types, the other Performing him in the Truth. How can we be sure, that Jesus Christ revealed and exhibited in the New Testament, is the only true Savior of Sinners, which God intended ever since the Fall; unless consulting with Moses and the Prophets we can demonstrate him to be that one only Messiah that was promised under the Old Testament? The Old Testament is the foundation; the New is the Superstruction; Both together are the Sacred Structure of Divine Gospel Doctrine touching Christ and Sinners Salvation by him. In the Old Testament the New is veiled: In the New Testament the Old is Revealed. The Authority of the Old Testament (said Novatian) about Christ's Person is propped up by the Manifestation of the New: and the Truth of the New Testament leans upon the Root of the Old. And Lactantius faith; Jews use the Old Testament, we the New: but they are not divers, because the New is the fulfilling of the Old, and in both is the same Testator Christ. Therefore to reject the Old Testament is to reject the Gospel, to reject Christ, and to reject and overthrow the Authority of the New Testament also touching Jesus Christ and the Gospel.

Hitherto of the fourth Covenant of Promise, the SINAI-COVENANT.