A learned and very useful commentary on the whole epistle to the Hebrews wherein every word and particle in the original is explained ... : being the substance of thirty years Wednesdayes lectures at Black-fryers, London / by that holy and learned divine Wiliam Gouge ... : before which is prefixed a narrative of his life and death : whereunto is added two alphabeticall tables ...

§. 28. Of the resolution of Heb. 7. 1, 2, 3.

1.

For this Melchisedec, King of Salem, Priest of the most high God, who 〈◊〉〈◊〉 •…•…∣ham returning from the slaughter of the Kings, and blessed him.

2.

To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all: first being by interpretati•…•…, King of righteousnesse, and after that also King of Salem, which is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 peace.

3.

Without Father, without Mother, without descent, having neither beginning 〈◊〉〈◊〉 dayes, nor end of life: but made like unto the Son of God, abideth a Priest •…•…∣tinually.

THe sum of these three verses is, The excellency of Melchisedecs Priest-hood. •…•…∣about observe.

• 1. The inference in this causall particle, for. Vers. 1.
• 2. The substance: which is,
  • 1. Propounded.
  • 2. Illustrated, v. 3.

Of the substance propounded, there are two parts.

• 1. An historicall narration of some passages.
• 2. A mysticall application of others.

About the hystoricall narration, there are two points.

One concernes Melchisedec. The other Abraham.

Three points concern Melchisedec.

• 1. His name.
• 2. His functions. These are two.
  • 1. Kingly, amplified by the place, King of Salem.
  • ...

    2. Priestly, amplified by the Lord, whose Priest he was.

    This Lord is described.

  • 1. By his nature, God.
  • 2. By his soveraignty, Most high.
• 3. By his actions. These are of two sorts.
  • ...

    1. Regall. He met Abraham. Amplified by the victory which Abraham go•…•….

    This victory is described two wayes,

    • 1. By Abrahams return from the wars.
    • 2. By the slaughter of the Kings.
  • 2. Priestly: he blessed him.

Vers. 2. The act which concerned Abraham, was an act of piety mixed with gratitude.

In setting it down are noted,

• 1. The person Abraham.
• 2. His kind of act, gave.
• 3. The subject matter, the tenth part. This is am∣plified by the extent: of all.

The mysticall application is of two sorts,

• 1. An interpretation of things expressed.
• 2. A manifestation of things concealed.

Two things are interpreted,

• 1. Melchisedecs name.
• 2. The City of his King∣dome, Salem.

Vers. 3. Five things concealed are in a mystery observed.

• 1. Without father.
• 2. Without mother.
• 3. Without descent.
• 4. Without begining.
• 5. Without end.

The illustration of the foresaid points is,

• 1. Generally expressed, made like unto the Son of God.
• 2. Particularly exemplified, Abideth a Priest continually.