Ix INTRODUCTION. 



eye. 1 It is worthy of remark that the central 

 lamp, which appears to be four times the size 

 of the rest, is stated by Philo to represent 

 the sun. The table and the shew-bread, in a 

 physical sense, may perhaps be regarded as 

 symbolizing the earth and its productions, the 

 table which God spreads and sets before us. 

 But as well as a physical, these things have 

 a metaphysical or spiritual meaning. The 

 candlestick symbolizing the church and its 

 ministers, who are characterized as "Lights 

 in the world"* the churches as candlesticks, 

 and the principal ministers of Christ as 

 stars. 3 



The contents of the second Tabernacle, or 

 Most Holy Place, are now to be considered ; 

 these were an ark or chest containing the 

 two tables of the decalogue, over which was 

 placed a propitiatory or mercy-seat of pure 

 gold, at each end of which, and forming part 

 of the same plate, was fixed a Cherub, or 

 sculptured image so called. The directions 

 for the fabrication of these images are not 



1 Joseph. Antiq. 1. iii. c. 7, comp. Philo De Vita Mosis, 

 1. iii. 518, B.C. Ed. Col. All. 1613. 



2 Philip, ii. 15. <Dw<rr/p tv 



3 Revel, i. 20. 



