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 ...

§. 35. Of the resolution of Heb. 7. 4. and observations raised from thence.

THe sum of this verse is a proof of Melchisedecs greatnesse.

Here observe,

• 1. The manner of propounding it.
• 2. The matter.

The manner is in two branches,

• 1. By calling them to consider what he was.
• 2. By way of an indefinite interrogation, How great this man was. The matter 〈◊〉〈◊〉 out Abrahams inferiority to Melchisedec.

Of this there are two parts.

• 1. A description of his person.
• 2. Declaration of his act of inferiority.

The person is described,

• 1. By his name, Abraham,
• 2. By his dignity, Patriarch.

His act is set out.

• 1. By the manner, gave, which implies readinesse.
• 2. By the measure, the tenth.
• 3. By the subject matter, spoyles.

Doctrines.

• I. Weighty matters must be well weighed. Consider saith the Apostle. See §. 30.
• II. Melchisedec was super-excellently great. This emphaticall expression, how great this man was, implies as much. See §. 31.
• III. Tenths of old were paid, Abraham paid them to Melchisedec. See v. 2. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 16.
• IV. What is given to Gods Ministers must be chearfully given. See §. 33.
• V. Abraham was a Patriarch, He is so expresly stiled. See §. 32.
• VI. Iust titles may be given to men. Patriarch, was Abrahams just title. See §. 32.
• VII. To receive tenth is an act of superiority. Hereby Melchisedec is proved to be greater then Abraham. See §. 33.
• VIII. Victories are to be ascribed to God. This did Abraham by giving of the spoyles to Gods Priest. See §. 34.
• IX. The be•…•…t is to be given unto God. The Greek word translated, spoyles, import∣eth as much. See §. 34.