XCV1 INTRODUCTION* 



the heads of the- cherubim; and though we 

 cannot comprehend exactly the precise mean- 

 ing of the figures employed, yet the general 

 idea seems to be that of irradiation ; and by 

 these representations the claim of Jehovah the 

 God of Israel is indicated to supremacy and 

 entire dominion over the physical cherubim, 

 or the heavens in a state of action, and as 

 the sole fountain and centre of that incessant 

 radiation and glory, and of those constant 

 effluxes by which the whole universe of sys- 

 tems and worlds is maintained. 



It seems probable, therefore, that one of the 

 principal reasons why the cherubic symbols 

 w r ere placed in the adytum of the Jewish 

 tabernacle and temple was not only to repre- 

 sent those powers that govern under God in 

 nature, but likewise to indicate his Supreme 

 and only Godhead, and that his people were 

 to beware of worshipping these powers or their 

 symbols, because they derived so much benefit 

 from their ministerial agency, but to worship 

 Him alone who created them, employed them, 

 and operated in and by them. 



The ancients seem generally to have re- 

 garded the name and symbols as indicating 

 and representing more than one object. 



