A learned and very useful commentary on the whole epistle to the Hebrews wherein every word and particle in the original is explained ... : being the substance of thirty years Wednesdayes lectures at Black-fryers, London / by that holy and learned divine Wiliam Gouge ... : before which is prefixed a narrative of his life and death : whereunto is added two alphabeticall tables ...

§. 11. Of the Table in the Sanctuary typifying communion with Christ.

THe second special type in the Tabernacle was the Table. This is expresly de∣scribed, Exod. 25. 23, &c. Particulars considerable therein are.

• 1. The mat∣ter.
• 2. The form.
• 3. The appurt•…•…nances.

〈◊〉〈◊〉 generall, the Table typified a communion of Saints with Christ. For one use* 1.1 of a Table is for people to sit together familiarly, and to eat and drink together thereat, 1 Cor. 10. 21.

There is a two fold communion of Saints with Christ.

One in this world by holy ordinances, in reference whereunto the Psalmist thus* 1.2 saith, Thou preparest a Table before me, Psal. 23. 5. And of wisdome it is said she 〈◊〉〈◊〉 furnished her Table: and thereupon thus inviteh her guests, Come eat of my bread, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 drink of the wine which I have mingled, Prov. 9. 2, 5.

The other in the world to come. This is it which Christ thus speaketh of, That* 1.3 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 eat and drink at my Table in my kingdom, Luk. 22. 30.

This is a great favour, and highly to be esteemed. Haman accounted it a great honour that he was invited unto the Queens banquet with the King. Esther 5. 12. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hath ever been accounted a great favour to invite one to his Table, especially when they admit them continually thereunto. Herein did David testifie his good respect to Ionathan his friend, by vouchsafing his son, to eat bread at his Table con∣•…•…, 2 Sam. 9. 7. This honour have all Saints to sit and feed at Christs Table.

Let us well use this priviledge in his holy ordinances while here we 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and then may we be sure to partake thereof eternally in the world to come.

Two cautions are duly to be observed while here we live.

One that we put not off Christs invitation, lest we provoke him to pro∣test,* 1.4 that none of those which were bidden, shall taste of my supper, Luke 14. 18, 24.

The other that we come not without a wedding garment, lest Christ cast us into ut∣•…•…* 1.5 darknesse, Matth. 22. 13.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Table a type of communi∣on.
• * 1.2

  Communi•…•…on Christ here.
• * 1.3

  Communion with Christ in heaven.
• * 1.4

  Put not off Christs invita∣tion.
• * 1.5

  Come prepa∣red.