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 ...

§. 66. Of Christs Priest-hood differing from Aarons.

THe Apostle sets down the difference betwixt the Leviticall Priest-hood and Christs, both affirmatively, thus, After the order of Melchisedec: and negatively, thus, and not to be called after the order of Aaron. This he doth purposly to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with an objection, which might be made against his former arguments: namely, that a succession of one thing after another, doth not necessarily imply an imperfe∣ction in the one, and perfection in the other. For Eleazar succeeded •…•…Wprd•…•…, and so other Priests under the Law one after another, yet the latter were not more per∣fect then the former.

Answ. The Apostle doth not draw his argument simply from the succession of one Priest to another: but of one Priest-hood, and that after another order.

These two orders of Melchisedec and Aaron, are the only two orders of Priest∣hood that ever were instituted in Gods Church. In this respect the numeration of orders, here set down, is full and perfect.

The former, after which Christ was, hath been proved to be far more excellent then the latter, see v. 4. §. 31.

The latter, after which Christ was not, is stiled the order of Aaron. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was the first publick legall Priest: that Priest-hood was appropriated to him and li•…•… seed: and the Laws concerning that Priest-hood were first given to him: and, in and under him, to his posterity. Fitly therefore is that Priest-hood said to be, after 〈◊〉〈◊〉 order of Aaron.

This word, a 1.1 called, is not b 1.2 the same that was used, Chap. 5. v. 4. §. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

About Gods deputing one to an office. It properly signifieth to be said, Chap. 3. v. 15. For Christ is no where said to be a Priest after the order of Aaron. But he is said to be after the order of Melchisedec, Psal. 110. 4. Of a negative 〈◊〉〈◊〉, See Chap. 1. v. 5. §. 46.

That then which is here to be especially observed, is, that Christs Priest-hood is* 1.3 of another kind then Levi's was. The Apostle proveth this by many arguments, namely, in that it was after another order; under another Law, v. 12. by a Priest of another tribe, v. 14. Of greater efficacy, v. 19. having a better sacrifice, Chap. 9. 23. and a more glorious place, Chap. 9. 24.

Aarons Priesthood was not sufficient actually and effectually to do the things 〈◊〉〈◊〉 are to be done by that function. It could not cleanse from sin, It could not 〈◊〉〈◊〉, It could not properly sanctifie, It could not make perfect those which are 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it, Chap. 10. v. 1. &c. Therefore that which doth these things must needs be of another kinde.

This teacheth us to be of other minds and other manners: not to dote on out∣•…•…ard 〈◊〉〈◊〉: after another manner to come to Jesus and to use him, then the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 came to their Priests and used them. We need not now go on pilgrimage to 〈◊〉〈◊〉: but with the eye of faith look to heaven: We need not bring doves, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, goats, buls, but spirituall sacrifices. Another Priest requireth another kind of disp•…•…sition and conversation. All things are now new; So must we be new crea∣•…•…, 2 Cor. 5. 17.

Notes

• a 1.1

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• b 1.2

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.3

  Christs Priest∣hood another then Aarons. See Chap. 5. v. 6. Sect. 30.