The Candlestick a Type of Christ, and of His Mystical Body

    I. It was the only thing that held the light, which enlightened the sanctuary; so from Christ all the light of grace and spiritual gifts come, for the use and benefit of his Church.

    II. It had seven lamps, to signify that perfection of light that is in Christ.

    III. It was placed in the sanctuary: so is Christ as a glorious light placed in his Church, or spiritual sanctuary; "Out of Zion the perfection of beauty, God hath shined." Some by the lamps, understand the ministers of the Gospel were signified.

    IV. It had an upright stem, which bore the many branches that issued or proceeded from the same: typifying Christ Jesus, that true and blessed stalk and fountain of light, from whom all light floweth, and who bears up and keeps constant in the truth, all the branches, and true lightbearers of his word, Re 1:20.

    V. The branches were adorned with bowls, knobs, and flowers, &c. So are the ministers of his Gospel, or true spiritual light-bearers, with many rare and most excellent graces, and gifts of the Holy Spirit.

    VI. Aaron dressed those lamps, and renewed their oil daily; so our high priest Jesus Christ, is the only enlightener and fitter of his faithful ministers. That they may shine more clearly, and be the greater ornament to his Church, it is he that supplies them continually with his Spirit, and the saving graces thereof.

    VII. The Candlestick had snuffers, and snuffdishes of pure Gold; which might figure forth the good and godly discipline of the Church, whereby those evil persons who hinder the peace and glory of it, are taken away by excommunication.