§. 53. Of Melchisedecs ever living.
THe other branch of the disparity betwixt Melchisedec and the sons of Le•…•…i, i•…•… i•…•… regard of Melchisedecs excellency, which is thus expressed, of whom it is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that he liveth. The excellency it self consisteth in this, that he liveth. The other words are a proof hereof.
This phrase, a 1.1 he liveth, being of the time present, implieth a continuall act, which ceaseth not. Many hundred, yea, and thousand yeares had passed betwixt that time wherein Melchisedec met Abraham, and that wherein the Apostle 〈◊〉〈◊〉 this Epistle. Yet he saith of him, he liveth; So as it implieth an everlasting 〈◊〉〈◊〉, which hath no end. This in reference to Melchisedec is to be taken mystically 〈◊〉〈◊〉 typically.
Mystically in that no mention in that history is made of his death.
Typically in that he prefigured Christ, who doth indeed and that properly, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for ever. It doth therefore set forth the everlastingnesse, as of Christs person, so •…•…∣so of his Priest-hood. For Christ ever liveth to execute his Priest-hood in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by himself. Hereof see more Chap. 5. v. 6. §. 29.
The proof of this great point is taken from a testimony. b 1.2 It is 〈◊〉〈◊〉, saith the Apostle. Of the derivation of the Greek word. See Chap. 3. v. 6. §. 53.
This point is testified. First negatively, and implicitly. Then affirmitively 〈◊〉〈◊〉 expresly.
Negatively and implicitly the Holy-Ghost witnesseth that Melchisedec 〈◊〉〈◊〉, in that he maketh no mention of his death, where he bringeth him forth as a Priest, Gen. 14. 18, 19, 20.
Affirmatively and expresly, where saith, Thou art a Priest for ever after the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Melchisedec, Psal. 110. 4.
Of the force of a testimony of Scripture, see Chap. 1. v. 5. §. 46.
Of an implicite proof See v. 3. §. 23.
Of things spoken of Melchisedec, and applied to Christ, See •…•…. 3. §. 24.