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§. 48. Of legall figures for the time present.
Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sa∣crifices that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to th•…•… Conscience.
THis Text is here brought in as a reason to shew why the way into the holiest of all was not manifest, while the first Tabernacle was standing.
The reason is taken from the end of the Tabernacle, and of the services apper∣taining thereto. The end is implied in this word figure.
a 1.1 The Greek word translated figure is a compound; it is compounded of b 1.2 a simple verb that signifieth, to lay or to cast, and c 1.3 a preposition that signifieth 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Thus the compound signifieth to lay to, to compare together, Mark 4. 30.
Thence is derived the noun which is here used, which in the new Testament hath* 1.4 sundry significations, for it signifieth,
- 1. A dark and obscure sentence, Mark 7. 17.
- 2. A comparison or resemblance of a thing, Mat. 13. 3.
- 3. A proverbial speech, Luke 4. 23.
- 4. The similitude or likenesse of a thing, Heb. 11. 19.
- 5. A type of some thing to come: So it is here used. Thereupon our English hath translated it a figure. For a figure is a representation of some other thing.
The Apostle to make his reason the more evident, added the circumstance of time, the time then present▪
He doth not mean that present time wherein he wrote this Epistle, the time of the Gospel: as he useth a like phrase, 1 Cor. 7. 26. but that time wherein the Ta∣bernacle or Temple stood, and the several services thereof were of use to Gods people. Therefore our English hath well inserted this particle of time, then; which hath reference to the former times of the Jews Pedagogie.
The word, figure, or parable, sheweth that the legal rites prefigured evangelical truth, hereof see chap. 4. v. 8. §. 50. And chap. 8. v. 5. §. 13.
The circumstance of time sheweth that legal rites had their use but for a time. The opposition which the Apostle maketh betwixt the former time of the Law, and the fulnesse of time, wherein Christ was exhibited, plainly demonstrated this point. Hereupon he blames them for observing times after the date of them was out, Gal. •…•…. 3, 4, 10.
Their end doth plainly shew that they were but for a time. Their end was to sha∣dow and typifie truth: when those truths were accomplished, their end was out, so* 1.5 as there was no further end or use of them.
How great is their folly, who in this present time of the Gospel, revive those abro∣gated rites. They are more foolish then such as burn dim Candles in bright Sun∣shine. It was foretold concerning the time of the Gospel, that the light of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 should be as the light of the Sun, and the light of the Sun seven fold, as the light of seven dayes. Isa. 30. 36. But these make the light of the Sun dimmer then the light of the Moon. To dote on those rites after the truth is exhibited, is to bring a Cloud before the Sun, and to deny the truth.
- 2. Behold here the manifold wisdom of God in ordering the estate of his Church: Whilst it was in the non-age, means fit for such a condition were used, to instruct he•…•…* 1.6 and to keep her in compass: even such as are here called figures, which are distinct∣ly described in the next verse. This is very pertinently set out, Gal. 4. 1, 2. Now that the Church is come to a riper age, those figures cease. The means now af∣forded, are more high and heavenly, more spiritual and mystical.
- 3. Hereby take notice of an especial difference betwixt legal and evangelical Or∣dinances. Those were but for the time, then present. These are to continue to the* 1.7 end of the world. Mat. 28, 20.
- 4. Seeing the then present time is now past, let us be stirred up to search more thro•…•…ghly into those services which succeed them and remain immutable. The 〈◊〉〈◊〉