SERMON XXXV. 491 Monett-lent of the Messiah, which was to be areal relief for the guilt of all nations, Was of much more importance, and held a higher rank in the ideas and designs of God, than the mere cere- monies given to'a single nation. If it should be objected still, that those Jewish rites have been plainly proved by some learned men to he political services done to God as their King and Governor, for he dwelt in Jeru- salem as their king, and kept hit court among them inthe taber- nacle and the temple. I answer: 1. This may very well be granted as an inferior and subor- dinate design of God : For the consideration of God, as the civil or political ruler of the Jewish nation, is much inferior to the consideration of him as the Creator, and the Lord of the souls and consciences, not only of the nationof Israel, but of all man- kind, who were to derive benefitfrom the sacrifice of Christ. The supreme intent and meaning of aaÿ constitution, does by no means destroy those which are subordinate. It may be al- lowed also : 2. That the sacrifices-duly offered, did make a real and pro- per atonement for the political guilt of the Israelites in the sight of God, considered as their peculiar king, and continued them in his political favour; or restored them to it, after some breach of the Jewish laws. Tisis seems to be the sense of the apostle, lleb. ix. 13. The bloodof bulls and goats sanctifies to thepurfl- ing of the flesh, as well as of many expressions in the books of Moses. And yet these same sacrifices might make a typical atonement for their moral guilt in the sight of God, considered as their God, that is, as the Lord of conscience, and the God of the souls of men : And all this with a direct aspect upon the sa- crifice of Christ, thegreat and real atonement that was to cone: And indeed, the next words; .Hell. ix. 14. intimate so much, How much more shall the blood of Christ purge your consciences from dead works? that is, from works of sin which deserve death in the sight or judgment of God, considered as the supreme Lord of souls and consciences. These sacrifices, I say, could make buta typical atonement for moral guilt in the sight of God, considered as their God ; for it is sufficiently evident to any thinkingmind, that it was not pos- sible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sin, as com- mitted against a God ; Héb. x. 4. And therefore theJews them- selves, whenthey had offered their chief sacrifice of yearly ex- piation, had not so clear, so full, and so satisfactory a peace in their consciences, as the gospel of Christ bestows on Christians; The apostle says, verse 1, 2. Thecomers thereunto were not made 'perfect; for if they hau the worshippers once purged, would have nemore conscience of sin, or sense of guilt. Wherefore, when
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