accompanied withal, 1 Pet.i. 10,11. [2.] In earnest desire after
the enjoyment of what they saw afar off, and which was obscurely
represented unto them, Cant. ii. 17, iv. 6. From both these arose
that fervent love unto,’ zeal for, and delight in those ordinances of worship, which did so lead them unto these things that were so
glorious; which in the Scripture are everywhere expressed, and
which were so well-pleasing unto God. (2.) On the other hand,
because these institutions were to be so glorious, that they might
be shadows of heavenly things, and the people unto whom they
were given were carnal, and given to rest themselves in present
outward appearances, God was pleased to intermix with them many
services that were hard to be borne, and many laws with penalties , severe and dreadful. This provision was laid in by divine wisdom,
that they might not rest in what he designed only to prepare their
minds for the introduction of that which was far more glorious.
And well is it for us if we have a due apprehension of the glory of the heavenly ministration of Christ, now it is introduced. It is too
evident that with many, yea, with most that are called Christians,
it is far otherwise; for they are still seeking after the outward glory
of a carnal worship, as though they had no view of the spiritual
glory of the heavenly ministration of the gospel in the hand of Jesus Christ, our high priest. Nor will it be otherwise with any
of us, unless we are enabled by faith to look within the veil, and
see the beauty of the appearance of Christ at the right hand of God. The apostle tells us, that “the ministration of the law was
glorious; yet had it no glory in comparison of that which doth
excel.” But if we are not able to discern this more excellent glory,
and satisfy ourselves therein, it is a great sign that we ourselves are
earnal, and therefore are delighted with those things that are so.
But we must proceed with our exposition.
4. The proof of the foregoing assertion is added by the apostle, in the words which God spake unto Moses with respect unto his building the tabernacle, which was the seat of all the divine service
* The meaning intended seems to be, “made provision to accomplish two necessary objects,” —Ep.
42 AN EXPOSITION OF THE [CHAP. VIII.
they were to administer. And there are two things to be considered in this testimony: (1.) The manner of its introduction. (2.) The words of the testumony itself :-—
(1.) The words of the introduction are, xabadg xeypnudrioras Mavoys,
_ — admonished of God.” Xpnwariouds we render “the Ces oe answer of God,” Rom. xi. 4: “But what saith unto him 6 xpyuariouos,”—“the divine oracle;” a “respon- sum,” a word or answer from God, giving caution or direction. And it is used principally for such an oracle of God as hath a warning or caution in it, for the avoiding somewhat on the one hand, as well as doing what is given in charge on the other. So Joseph was ypyuariobeic, “divinely warned” to avoid the danger that was designed unto the child Jesus, Matt. 1. 22; as the wise men were to avoid going unto Herod, verse 12. So Heb. xi. 7, “Noah being xpnwariobeis,’—“ divinely warned, was moved with fear.’ Yet sometimes it is used for any immediate private revela- tion, Luke ii. 26; Acts x. 22, Wherefore two things are intended in this expression: [1.] That Moses had an immediate word, com- mand, or oracle, from God, to the purpose intended. And, [2.] That he was to use great caution and heed about what was enjoined him, that there might be no miscarriage or mistake: “Admonished of God.” And the manner of the expression in the original carrieth admonition in it: NYY’ NNW,—“ And look to it and do,” Exod. xxv. 40; take diligent care about it. The same is the sense of épa, when thus used, “take heed,” “look well to it.” When John, upon surprisal, would have fallen down before the angel to worship him, he replied, ° Opa w4,—‘“ See thou do it not,” avoid it with care, Rey. xxii. 9. The matter was of the greatest importance, and the utmost diligence was to be used about it; whence the divine oracle was given out in a way of charge and admonition, as we have well rendered the word. And we may observe,—
Obs. IV. That our utmost care and diligence in the consideration of the mind of God are required im all that we do about his worship. —There is nothing wherein men for the most part are more care- less. Some suppose it belongs unto their own wisdom to order things in the worship of God as it seems most meet unto them ;— an apprehension that I shall leave this world in admiration of, that ever it should befall the minds of so many good and honest men as it hath done. But the power of prejudice is inexpressible. Some think they are no further concerned in these things than only to follow the traditions of their fathers. This unto the community of Christians is the only rule of divine worship. To suppose that it is their duty to inquire into the way and manner of the worship of God, the grounds and reasons of what they practise therein, is most remote from them. ‘It was Moses that had the-command to — take care about the making of the tabernacle, and not the people.