they all concur together, to build up a holy Temple in the Lord. |
IV. The Temple was a most rare and glorious Structure; it was over∣laid with fine Gold upon carved Cedar. | IV. To shew the Beauty and Glory of the Church, which is adorned with the Gifts and Graces of the Spirit. The Church is inwardly pure, very rich and beautiful. Hence the King's Daughter is said to be all glorious within. |
V. In the Temple were many Windows, to let in Light abun∣dantly. | V. So in the Church, the Light of the Gospel, and the blessed Spirit, shines gloriously; these let Light in in great abundance. |
VI. In the Temple were several Degrees of Galleries or Lofts, each one above another, and larger each than other. | VI. So in the Church God hath placed Degrees of Officers, some greater and higher in Glory than others; as Apostles, Pastors, Teachers, &c. |
VII. The Walls of the Temple were covered round about with Cherubims, Palm-Trees, and Flowers. | VII. To note (saith Mr. Guild) the Protection of the Church by the Mini∣stry of Angels, tho they are not seen, and its peaceable, victorious, and flou∣rishing State under the same. |
VII. Solomon consecrated the Temple unto the Lord. | VIII. So did Christ his Church unto the Father. |
IX. There was Musick used in the Temple. | IX. Which signifies that Joy of Heart, and heavenly Melody, that is in the Church, amongst the faithful and sincere Converts thereof. |
X. In the Temple was the Ark of the Testimony, and in the midst of the House 'tis said he set it. | X. So in the Church is God's Word and Covenant of Grace, born by Christ, and by his true Ministers, by preaching and publishing the same. |
XI. The Glory of the Lord fil∣led the Temple; God promised to dwell therein, and hear the Prayers that should be there made. I have hallowed this House, (saith God) that thou hast built, to put my Name there for ever; and mine Eyes and my Heart shall be there perpetually. | XI. So the glorious Presence of Go is in his Church, he dwelleth in Sion, and from thence the Perfection of Beauty shines forth, and the Promises of blessed Grace, Peace, Pardon, and Acceptance, is made to them who dwell therein. His Eye is always upon the Righteous, his Ears open to their Cry, and his tender Compassion is ever toward them. |
Type. | Disparity. |
THe Temple was built with dead and senseless Stones. | THe Church is built with living, sen∣sible, and lively Stones. |
II. The Stones were polished and hewen by the hands of Men. | II. These Stones are hewn and polish∣ed by the hand of the Spirit. |
III. The Temple that was built by Solomon, was utterly destroyed by the Babylonians. | III. The Church of God can never be destroyed; the Gates of Hell shall never prevail against it, so as utterly to over∣throw it: tho it is not denied, but the outward Courts have been trodden down by the Popish Gentiles. |