A commentary vpon the Epistles of Saint Paul to Philemon, and to the Hebrewes together with a compendious explication of the second and third Epistles of Saint Iohn. By VVilliam Iones of East Bergholt in Suffolke, Dr. in Divinity, and sometimes one of the fellowes of the foundation of Emmanuel Colledge in Cambridge.

VERSE 5.

AGainst that might bee objected. What? is the recei∣ving of tithes an argument of greatnesse? Why then the Levites are as great as Melchizedec, for they take tithes.

Sol: true indeed, yet great oddes betweene them.

1. They are of the tribe of Levi, which GOD consecrated to the Priest-hood: in that respect they have a right to receive tithes: Melchizedec is none of that tribe: yet hee takes tithes, because his Priest-hood is more excellent: in regard whereof he hath a greater interest to tithes.

2. The people give them tithes, because they have an expresse commandement from GOD to take them. Abraham not by commandement, but willingly of his owne accord gave tithes to Melchizedec, because he knew he had an immediate autority to take them from God, being in a more excellent manner the Priest of God.

3. The Levites take tithes of the progeny of Abraham, Melchi∣zedec of Abraham himselfe, the author and foundation of the whole stocke of the Hebrewes.

They have a commandement, which is laid downe, Num. 18.21, 31. Lev. 27.30. Deut. 14.22, 27. therefore they may lawfully take, and who be they that dare resist this commandement?

According to the law: not of their owne braines, but by war∣rant from the Law.

Not of some, but of all the people: none are exempted from paying of tithes.

To tithe the people: that is, by a metonymie, the goods of the people.

He shewes what is meant by the people: the Israelites their bre∣thren: they were brethren in nature, having all one father, which was Abraham; and in religion, professing one God and religion. This should make them more loving one to another.

4. They tooke tithes or their brethren: but Melchizedec of their father, which was Abraham.

Vterini, as it were: though in this respect they and the people are equall: both came out of Abrahams loines; yet that did not priviledge them from paying tithes to the Levites.

There be two veines and two arteries from the loines, which carry the seede to the place thereof: therefore they are put for ge∣neration.

Though the Ministers bee advanced into a chaire of dignity a∣bove the people, yet they must remember, that they are their bre∣thren. The King is the subjects brother: when thou makest a King, thou shalt take him from among thy brethren: much more is the Mini∣ster brother to those, to whom hee speaketh. Our Saviour Christ is not ashamed to call us brethren: and shall wee disdaine to call

the least Sheepe in our flocke, our brother, or our sister? Wee must not bee as Lords and tyrants over God his heritage, but carry our selves as brethren towards them: Speake kindely, have compassion one on an others infirmities, as brethren.