C INTRODUCTION. 



those spiritual essences that approach nearest 

 to him, in the purity of their natures, are the 

 antitype of the cherubic forms. St. Paul, 

 describing the creation of all things by the 

 Son of God, whether visible or invisible, men- 

 tions particularly four ruling powers in nature 

 and grace Thrones, dominions, principali- 

 ties, and powers.* This may be interpreted 

 of all rule and government both in heaven 

 and upon earth; which is all derived from 

 Christ, as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, 

 to whom All power is given in heaven and 

 earth:* who therefore is the Insessor of the 

 cherubim, acting by all the powers that he 

 hath created, whether physical or metaphy- 

 sical, whether civil, ecclesiastical, or spiritual ; 

 for He upholdeth all things by the word of 

 his power? 



In the prophecy of Isaiah, and in the 

 Apocalypse, 4 the six-winged beings called by 

 the former The seraphim, 5 and by St. John 



1 Coloss. i. 16. 2 Matth. xxviii. 18. 



3 Heb. i. 3. 4 Isai. vi. 3. Rev. iv. 8. 



5 Heb. D3W This name, which literally may be rendered 

 burners, physically would signify the heavens in the most in- 

 tense state of action ; they are stated to have six wings, the 

 upper pair veiling their faces, the lower pair covering their feet, 

 the intermediate pair being used for flight. See Isai. vi. 2. 



