Eph. 6. 14. Or, for speed and expedition: as runners or travellers use to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 their long-side garments, Luk. 12. 35.
This word loynes, is also taken for the inward, and lower part of a mans belly, where his seed lyeth. In reference hereunto the phrase of comming out of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ 〈◊〉〈◊〉 oft used, as Gen. 35. 11. So here.
By this phrase, They come out of the loynes of Abraham, are meant, the very 〈◊〉〈◊〉 whom before he called the people and bre•…•…hren. It is here brought in to shew, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 they all came from the same stock: even L•…•…vites that received tithes, and the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 their brethren that paid tithes.
The phrase of comming out of Abrahams loines, is the rather mentioned, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Abraham, who paid tithes to Melchisedec, was the father of the Levites, who •…•…∣ceived tithes, as well as of those who paid tithes.
This discretive conjunction, though, implieth that that equality which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 betwixt the tribe of Levi and other tribes, was no hinderance to the Levite•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉 receiving tithes, nor afforded any exemption to the other tribes, from 〈◊〉〈◊〉 tithes. Though in the common stock, Priests and others were equall, yet the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in office were more excellent, and in this priviledge, of receiving tithes, greater.
Thus we see, that equality in outward condition is no bar to superiority in of∣fice: nor hinderance to just rights appertaining thereunto. Moses and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 uterine brothers, that came out of the same womb, yet Moses was so preferr'd, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 office before Aaron, as God himself said to Moses in reference to Aaron, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be to him instead of God, Exod. 4. 16. The Israelites were to choose a King from a∣mong their brethren (Deut. 17. 15.) yet being King, he had a superiority and •…•…∣nity over his brethren. Men who were like unto others in their nature, are in re∣gard of their function, stiled gods and children of the most High, Psal. 82. 6. The •…•…∣postles were but of mean outward condition, yet in regard of their function, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 were in a high degree advanced above others.
Excellency, Dignity, Superiority, and other like priviledges, are not from •…•…∣ture, but from that order which God is pleased to set betwixt party and party.
They whom God advanceth, have in that respect an excellency, whatsoever their birth were: instance David, who though the youngest, yet was advanced above 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his brethren.
Object. The first-born had a dignity by their birth, Gen. 4. 7. and 49. 3. So Sons of Kings and Nobles, have by their birth a dignity.
Answ. Even all these are from that order which God hath set amongst men.
On this ground we are to respect men, according to that place and office, where∣in God setteth them. This may in particular be applied to Ministers, whose functi∣on is not by birth. The Jewes looking upon Christ as a meer and mean man, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and brought up amongst them, did not discern either his excellent function, or his eminent gifts, and thereupon despised him, Matth. 13. 54, 55. From this evill dis∣position arose that Proverb, A Prophet is not without honour, save in his Country, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in his own house, Matth. 13. 57. This was▪ the pretended ground of Corah, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and Abirams mutiny, Numb. 16. 3. Great damage doth hence arise, not only to •…•…∣sters persons, who are basely accounted of, but also to their function, which is too much disrespected. It hath been an old trick of Satan, thus to bring contempt upon Ministers and Ministery.