Transcribed from the 1814 R. Thomas edition , Many thanks to the British Libraryfor allowing their copy to be consulted.
THE
SACRIFICE of LIFE
SLAIN BY THE TWENTY-NINE
INSTRUMENTS OF DEATH.
BEING THESUBSTANCE OF A
SERMON,
Preached on SUNDAY MORNING, Nov.28, 1813,
At the Obelisk Chapel.
BY J. CHURCH,V.D.M.
“CHRIST OUR PASSOVER IS SACRIFICED FORUS.”
“WEARE VERILY GUILTY CONCERNING OUR BROTHER’SBLOOD.”
LONDON,
PRINTED FORTHE AUTHOR, BY R. THOMAS
RED LION STREET, BOROUGH.
1814.
p. 3ASERMON.
“—Andnine and twenty knives.”—Ezra i, ix.
The grand design of God the Fatherand the eternal Spirit, from all eternity, was to glorify theLord Jesus Christ in our nature; for this purpose he was set upfrom everlasting, to be future Man and Mediator; to obey the lawhis people had violated, and endure the curse which they hadmerited—to make intercession for the transgressors, torepresent his chosen, and to communicate all spiritual blessingsto them, as they severally need. This is the scripturerepresentation of the adorable Mediator and his Work. Thissubject is sometimes set forth in express terms; at others bystriking imagery, which infinite wisdom appears to delight to useto make his dear people acquainted with his will. Veryoften this grand theme is depicted by illustrious persons andsacred things; this may be particularly seen in the instance ofthat sacred edifice, the Temple, with all its appurtenances,which p. 4wasmodelled according to the plan shewed to David, and executed bySolomon. Every rite and ceremony, every utensil, howeverapparently insignificant, was calculated to lead the mind of anelect converted, intelligent Jew, to the contemplation of theglorious Person and Work of the adorable Saviour; so that fromthe person and qualifications of the High Priest, down to thebells upon his robes, the believer could view his lovelyRedeemer, appearing in our nature, with the priestly robes of hisrighteousness, intercession and salvation, while the joyful soundof gospel truth, and the glorious fruits produced was asevident. The very Temple itself we are assured was a figureof that glorious temple of the human nature of Jesus, the jointconcern of the ever-blessed Trinity in Unity; while everyconsecrated vessel in it, from the cups to the flagons, thegolden altar to the snuffers, and the sacrifices to the kniveswhich slew them, were all symbolical of those truths which weremore clearly revealed in the New Testament.
It is a pleasing work for a mind under the influence