By comparing the two visions thus, we find striking coincidences and slight differences. In Ezekiel, chapter i., the Cherubim are the regal chariot of Jehovah. In Revelation iv., they stand around the throne; thus proving that they go forward, or rest, just as Jehovah wills. Whether they are actively engaged in executing the judgments of God, or standing still, He is honoured and receives praises through them. In the opening of Ezekiel's vision, we have brought before us the glory in which God dwells; and we learn that He is surrounded by those who are characterized by intelligence, boldness, strength, and fleetness, who at the same time are ready at His bidding to go forth for the purpose of dealing out punishment to a rebellious people. The prophet beheld in vision the Shechinah, or symbol of the Divine presence, go from its proper place between the Cherubim, and stand over "the threshold of the house" (x. 4), from which place it moved to a spot "over the Cherubim " (x. 18); and afterwards, "the glory of the LORD went up from the midst of the city, and stood upon the mountain which is on the east side of the city" (xi. 23).

We think it highly probable that the number four (Ezek. i. 5; Rev. iv. 6) is indicative of so many separate orders, rather than so many different individuals; each order being distinguished by some characteristic mental excellence. Living ones (Ezek. i. 5; Rev. iv. 6), because immortal. Unlike man in this respect, they live for ever. Face of a man (Ezek. i. 10; Rev. iv. 7), denoting intelligence. Face of a lion (Ezek. i.

10; Rev. iv. 7), denoting boldness and courage. Ox (Ezek. i. 10; Rev. iv. 7), denoting strength and firmness. Eagle (Ezek. i. 10; Rev. iv. 7), denoting activity. Each had four wings (Ezek. i. 6): the Seraphim in Isaiah vi., had six, and the Cherubim in Revelation iv. 8, had six. The difference in the number does not interfere with the lesson which they teach us, namely, that the living ones are ever ready to perform the will of God, and that with swiftness. Feet straight (Ezek. i. 7), denoting rectitude. Probably the reason why feet are not seen in the Apocalyptic vision (chap. iv. and v.) is, that the living ones there are resting. The soles of the feet being like the foot of a calf, which was a clean animal, may be regarded as denoting purity and innocence. Hands under wings denote usefulness combined with activity. Full of eyes (Ezek. i. 18, x. 12; Rev. iv. 6-8), denoting quickness of perception, intuitive knowledge, and comprehensive views. Their colour "the colour of burnished brass" (Ezek. i. 7), "like unto crystal" (Rev. iv. 6)—they being represented as in the midst of the throne, which was like a sea of crystal-denotes their glory and majesty. They were connected with the wheels (Ezek. i. 15–19) and lightnings and thunderings, to denote their agency in the events of Providence. They acted in concert with God's Spirit (Ezek. i. 20). May not this also be said of Revelation iv. 5? This may be regarded as denoting the rectitude of their will, their spotless holiness, and entire conformity to God. They turned not (Ezek. i. 17), denoting that their actions were direct, and when

once performed were effectual; they being neither crooked in policy, negligent in obedience, nor inefficient in their operations; there was no necessity for them to do a thing the second time because it was imperfectly or improperly performed.

We trust that sufficient has been advanced to illustrate the facts of a twofold sphere in the Divine actions, and a gradual revelation of God's will to man. It is in seeing these we have a key to the whole of our subject. He spoke by promise; then by promise and covenant; then by promise and covenant ratified and sealed by circumcision; then He spoke in types, symbols, and shadows, so clearly and distinctly, that many individuals looked beyond the things seen into the glorious future; then He spoke by His Son. Throughout we find the flame referred to as the symbol of Jehovah's presence. Since, however, the appearing of Jesus, no symbol is needed; for HE is the brightness of the Father's glory, and the express: image of His person but to argue that the Cherubim are mere temporary forms of being, appears to us contrary to Scripture, as well as opposed to what might be ex-pected. Many probabilities are in favour of the supposition, that inasmuch as the Cherubim have been associated with Jehovah in all His works, they will in ages to come occupy an exalted position, and? bb engaged in carrying out His purposes, or rendering praises which are His just due,

CHAPTER V.

THE BURNT OFFERING.

"Jesus was the victim offered,
On Him fell vindictive fire;
When He died, the victim suffered
All that justice could require:
This is welcome news from far;
Why should any now despair ?"

In all probability it is in consequence of the declaration that "Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth," that so many persons suppose they can dispense with the Old Testament notwithstanding that the words of our Saviour conduct to a different conclusion, "Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of me."

It is much to be regretted that a book, which is professedly received from God, or as having been given to us by "holy men of God who spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost," should be treated with such indifference as it is by thousands, because as they say, the New is better.

Were we to imitate our Saviour, we should be found commencing with the earliest books, and proceeding in our examination and elucidation of each down to that of Malachi, for the purpose of discovering and

bringing forth from that rich storehouse all those Scriptures which refer to Him, whether in the books of Moses, the Prophets, or the Psalms.

One can scarcely understand how it is that so few Christians take any interest in studying the types of the Old Testament, seeing that there are precious treasures stored in that mine for all who explore therein.

It is readily admitted that every believer sees a fulness in Jesus, and is ready to acknowledge that He was both a servant for God to man, and a servant for man to God; yet it must at the same time be added that the views which many hold respecting the person and work of Jesus are unsatisfactory. It should ever be borne in mind that in order to attain correct views of the Lord Jesus and His work, it is absolutely essential that the Old as well as the New Testament be thoughtfully and prayerfully studied. If we in this spirit examine those scriptures which refer to the burnt offerings, the meat offerings, and the peace offerings which were offerings made by fire of a sweet savour to the Lord, we shall discover that they represent in various forms the infinite perfection of Christ's offering of Himself to God, and that the different classes of offerings presented under each head, set forth the different degrees of apprehension existing among men respecting the person, mission, and death of Jesus; while the sin offerings and the trespass offerings will be seen setting forth the soul-comforting doctrine that "He was made sin for us."