Ezekiel 48

Canaan, here divided, represents the gospel church, containing all the tribes of the redeemed, with the presence and ordinance in the midst of them; and in admission to which no natural descent, character or privilege is in the least to be regarded. Jerusalem, the A represents the gospel church as exceedingly enlarged, as wholly answer the measuring line of God’s word, as abundantly accessible to all earth, and as dignified with the special care, presence, and ordination of JEHOVAH. 11

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XLVIII.—In the gospel church old things are all passed away, and all things are become new. In the most comely order, the last is made first: the chief of sinners become the chief of saints. What abundant access have they to Christ and to God in his ordinances! And the most faithful tribes are admitted into the nearest fellowship. Yea God hath made abundant provision for the support of his ordinances, ministers, or magistrates; and it is at their peril if any receive his revenues without serving as his deputies. What is dedicated to his service cannot be alienated to other purposes. And every one in his station ought to lay out himself in the service of this city, knowing that his labour shall not be in vain in the Lord. Great is the regularity, the stability, the strength, the extent, the freedom, the life, and honour, of our gospel Jerusalem in the apostolic and millennial periods! What then shall be the heavenly city, in which God is ALL and IN ALL! Before Christ cr. 607