LXIX. Of the Cherubims, and of their being placed over the Mercy-seat in the inner Temple.

THere was also Cherubims in the most holy place, which were set on high above the Mercy-seat. See 1 Kings 6.23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28.

1. These are called by the Apostles, The Che∣rubims of Glory covering the Mercy-seat, Heb. 9.5.

2. These Cherubims were Figures of the Angels of God, as in other places we have proved.

3. 'Tis said these Cherubims were made of Image∣work, and that in such manner, as that they could, Page  211 as some think, move their Wings by Art: Where∣fore 'tis said they stretched forth their Wings; the Wings of the Cherubims spread themselves; and that the Cherubims spread forth their Wings over the place of the Ark, and the staves thereof above, 1 Kings 6.27. 2 Chron. 3.13. Chap. 5.8.

4. I read also of these Cherubims, that they had Chariots and Wheels; by which is taught us how ready and willing the Angels are to fetch us when commanded, unto the Paradice of God; for these Chariots, were types of the Bosoms of the Angels; and these Wheels, of the quickness of their motion to come for us when sent. The Chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of Angels: the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the holy place, 1 Chron. 20.28. Ezek. 16.9, 15, 16, 18, 19, 28. 1 Kings 6.17. Psal. 68.17. 2 Kings 2.11. Dan. 9.20.

5. What difference, if any, there is between Cherubims and Seraphims, into that I shall not now enquire; though I believe that there is a di∣verse Order and Degrees of Angels in the Heavens, as there are Degrees and diverse Orders among men in the World. But that these Cherubims were Figures of the holy Angels, their being thus placed in the holy Oracle, doth declare; for their Dwelling∣place is Heaven, though they, for our sakes, are Conversant in the World; Heb. 1.

6. 'Tis said, that these Cherubims in this holy place, did stand upon their Feet. To shew,

1. That the Angels of Heaven are not fallen from their Station, as the other Angels are.

2. To shew also that they are always ready at Gods bidding, to run with swiftness to do his plea∣sure.

Page  212 3. To shew also that they shall continue in their Station, being therein Confirmed by Jesus Christ, by whom all things consists; Col. 1.

7. 'Tis said, their Faces were inward, looking one to another, yet withal, somewhat ascending, to shew that the Angels both behold, and wonder at the Mysteries of Grace, as 'tis displayed to Vs∣ward, from off the Mercy-seat. The Faces of the Cherubims shall look one to another; toward the Mercy-seat shall the Faces of the Cherubims be. Exo. 25.20. 2 Chron. 3.13. 1 Pet. 1.12. Ephesi. 3.10.

1. Towards the Mercy-seat: They are desirous to see it, and how from thence (I say) Mercy doth look towards us.

2. They look one towards another, to shew that they agree to Rejoyce in the Salvation of our Souls, Luke 15.10.

3. They are said to stand above the Mercy-seat (perhaps) to shew that the Angels have not need of those Acts of Mercy and Forgiveness as we have, who stand below, and are Sinners. They stand above it, they are Holy. I do not say, They have NO need that the goodness of God should be ex∣tended to them, for 'tis by that they have been, and are preserved: but they need not to be for∣given, for they have committed no Iniquity.

4. They stand there also with Wings stretched out, to shew how ready, if need be, the Angels are to come from Heaven to Preach this Gospel to the World; Luke 2.9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14.

5. 'Tis said in this, their thus standing, their Wings did reach from Wall to Wall; from one side of this holy House, to the other, to shew, that ALL the Angels within the boundaries of the Heavens, with one Consent, and one Mind, are ready to Page  213 come down to help, and serve, and do for God's Elect at his Command.

'Tis said also that their Wings are stretched on high, to shew that they are ONLY delighted in those Duties, which are enjoyned them by the high and lofty One, and not inclined, no not to serve the Saints in their Sensual or Fleshly Designs. It may be also to shew that they are willing to take their Flight from one end of Heaven, to the other, to serve God and his Church for good; Mat. 13.41, 49. Chapt 24.31. Chap. 25.31. 2 Thes. 1.7, 8.