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 ...

§. 71. Of the resolution and observations of Heb. 7. 11, 12.

〈◊〉〈◊〉. 11.

If therefore perfection were by the Leviticall Priest-hood (for under it the people received the Law) what further need was there, that another Priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron.

Vers. 12.

For the Priest-hood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the Law.

THe sum of these two verses is a demonstration of the imperfection of the Leviti∣call Priest-hood.

Thereof are two parts.

In the first, The point it selfe is laid down. In the second, a proof thereof.

The point it selfe is a Priest-hood. This is set out two wayes.

• 1. By the kind of it.
• 2. By the priviledge appertaining to it.

In setting down the kind of that Priest-hood, we are to observe.

• 1. The manner of setting it down, by way of supposition, in this particle, IF.
• 2. The matter whereof it consisteth. This hath two branches.
  • 1. The persons exercising it, The sons of Levi, implied in this word, Leviticall.
  • 2. The imperfection of it: implied in this supposition, If perfection, &c.

The priviledge of a Priest-hood is a relation betwixt it and the Law: under i•…•… the Law, &c.

This is amplified,

• 1. By the persons who received the Law under it, The People.
• 2. By a consequence following upon it, v. 12.

The proof of the point is from the n•…•…ed of another Priest-hood.

Here again we are to observe the manner, and the matter.

The manner of expressing the proof, is by an interrogation, what need, &c.

The matter is,

• 1. Generally propounded in this phrase, another Priest, &c.
• 2. Particularly exemplified.

The exemplification is in two orders.

The first order is asserted, thus, After the order of Melchisedec.

The other order is removed, thus, not called after the order of Aaron.

V•…•…rs. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. The consequence of the foresaid priviledge of a Priest-hood being a re∣•…•… betwixt it and a Law, is a change of the one with the other. Hereof are two 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

〈◊〉〈◊〉 taken for granted. The Priest-hood being changed.

The other, an inference made upon that grant, there is made a change, &c.

This is amplified by the necessity of it, of necessity.

Doctrines.

• I. A conditionall supposition may be the ground of a contrary conclusion. This suppo∣sition it perfection, &c. Is a ground to prove the Priest-hood imperfect. See §. 61.
• II. There was a Priest-hood under the Law. This is here taken for granted. See §. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• III. The Priests under the Law were Sons of Levi. This word Leviticall 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as much. See §. 61.
• IV. The Priest-hood under the Law was imperfect. This is implied under the •…•…∣sequence inferred upon this supposition, If perfection, &c. See §. 61.
• V. A Priest-hood was used for establishing a Law. This was the reason of this •…•…∣hood. See §. 63.
• VI. The Law established by a Priest-hood is for peoples use. For the people 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it. See §. 63.
• VII. An imperfect Prie•…•…t-hood needs another. This is here taken for granted. See §. 64▪
• VIII. Nothing may •…•…e added to that which is perfect. This by consequence followed from the Apostles argument. See §. 65.
• IX. Christ came in the roome of Levi. This also is here taken for granted See §. 64.
• X. Christs Priest-hood is after the order of Melchisedec. This is expresly 〈◊〉〈◊〉 See §. 66.
• XI. Christ was not after the order of Aaron. This also is expresly affirmed. See §. 66.
• Vers. 12. XII. The Legall Priest-hood is changed. This is here presupposed. See §. 67.
• XIII. The Law and Priest depend each on other. This is the force of the •…•…∣quence here inferred. See §. 67.
• XIV. A Law cannot stand without a Priest-hood. This phrase of necessity, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as much. See §. 67.