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NOw followes the greatnesse of Melchizedec, which was a type of our SAVIOUR CHRIST: wherby the great∣nesse of our SAVIOUR CHRIST Himselfe may shine more evidently to us all.
The amplification of his greatnesse is set forth by comparing him with two famous persons, Abraham and the Levites. 1. That he is to be preferred above Abraham, he evinceth by these two ar∣guments.
1. Hee that takes tithes is greater than hee that gives tithes. Melchizedec takes tithes, Abraham gives tithes. Ergo.
2. He that blesseth, is greater than he, that is blessed: but Mel∣chizedec blesseth, and Abraham is blessed. ergo.
That he is to be advanced above the Levites, he sheweth by two arguments.
The first argument hath two parts: an affirmation, and an an∣ticipation of an objection.
1. Argument: he that received tithes of Abraham that famous and worthy man, of whom the Iewes doe boast more than of any other, must needs be acknowledged to be a great man: but Melchi∣zedec received tythes of Abraham: ergo.
The proposition dependeth on this: tythes were Gods right: therefore they that tooke tythes were in Gods roome: and for that cause superiour to them, that payd tythes. Melchizedec was a ta∣ker of tithes; Abraham a giver of tithes: therefore he was grea∣ter than Abraham.
Because it is a matter of importance and worthy the marking, he stirres them up to attention by an Epiphonema.
Consider: as they doe that are in a theatre, which are wont with serious min••es and carefull diligence to consider of that which they see and heare. Melchizedec as a magnificent King and roy∣all Priest commeth forth to play his part: therefore consider him well.
How great. Not in stature, as Saul was, but in honour and dig∣nitie.
This: whatsoever he were.
Even the Patriarch Abraham. Such a rare man,* 1.1 as Abraham was, the friend of GOD, the Archfather, a chiefe father, the Prince of fathers. Ab rab gnam, the father of many nations: of him the Iewes chiefely boasted, that he was their father. So,* 1.2 Acts 2.29, 7, 8 and 9.
Of the first or chiefe of the fruits: taken also for spoyles. An ordinary thing among the Gentiles to consecrate some of the spoiles to their Gods, when they had gotten a victorie, 1 Samuel 15. ver. 15.
The chiefe of the spoiles, hee would not give of the basest: they by a Synecdoche are put for the whole spoiles. Some tran∣slate it, praecipua, the chiefe things.
The taking of tithes by the Ministers argues a superioritie, that GOD hath given them over the people. In things appertaining to their office they are greater than the temporalty, they are Gods Ambassadours and workmen with him: and the tithes are a tribute which the people are bound to pay them for their worke.
Here wee behold the greatnesse of the Ministerie, and what great men the Ministers bee. It is a thing worth the consideration
of us all, for the Holy Ghost wills us to consider it. The receiving of tythes from the people argues the greatnesse of the Ministers, to whom tithes are paid. The world through the subtilty and malice of Satan hath a base opinion of the Ministers, supposing them to be little men, of no account, or reputation: yet in very truth, what∣soever their stature be, if as little as Zacheus, whatsoever their out∣ward estate and condition be, though as poore as Peter and Iohn, that said, silver and gold have we none, yet in truth they are great men. Obadiah though the Kings steward, had an high opinion of Elias, sayes he, art not thou my Lord Elias? the King of Israel esteemed highly of Elisha; My father the charet of Israel and the horseman thereof. Herod reverenced Iohn Baptist, and the very Devill spea∣king in the mayd, spake honourably of Paul and Silas. Constantine the Emperour used the Bishops at the Councell of Nice with mar∣veilous respect, he would needs have them to sit downe by him, and he would not be covered when any of them were preaching. The Spirit of God sayes in this place, consider how great a man Melchi∣zedec was: So say I to you all; consider what great men the Prea∣chers of the word be. Is not the Kings Ambassadour a great man? they are Ambassadours of the King of Kings: therfore great men. Is not the steward of a noble mans house a great man? these are Gods stewards, the disposers of the secrets of God, as Paul termeth them, 1 Cor. 4.1. they are as Christ himselfe, in their place and office▪ he that heareth you, heareth me, Luk. 10.16.
When they preach, Christ preacheth: therefore great men, to be received as Angels from heaven, yea, as Christ himself: yet some prophane persons there be, that suppose them to be the least of all others, of least account and estimation. He is no Iustice of peace, no governour in the Common-wealth: therefore a little man, a straw for him. I but though in secular affaires they are subject to the civill Magistrates, yet in spirituall matters they are above them (I speak of subordinate Magistrates,) Consider them that labour among you, and are over you in the Lord: they are the Shepheards; and all others, though there be a Gentleman, a Knight, a Lord, in the pa∣rish, yet they be all his sheepe.
Therefore the Minister in respect of his office is a great man; So let us esteeme of him, and receive with meekenesse, feare and reve∣rence the word delivered by him. The small account that the peo∣ple make of the Preacher, causes the Word of God to finde the les∣ser entertainement among them: therefore banish that opinion out of your hearts, and know them to be great men, as indeed they be.
1 Chron. 8.6.
Ioh. 8.53.