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 ...

§. 7. Of Melchisedec both King and Priest.

IT is a surpassing excellency in Melchisedec, that he was both King and Priest; The like is not noted in sacred Scripture of any meer man; namely, of any that right∣ly, and lawfully held those two offices.

Some have intruded on them both. Among the Heathen very many. B•…•…t none* 1.1 of those were Priests of the most high God. Among the Jewes, one King presumed to take upon him the Priests function: but for that his presumption, he carried the stamp of Gods indignation to his dying day; •…•… Chro. 26. 16, &c. The like is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Ieroboam, 1 King. 12. 33, and 13. 1. But at that very time was a Prophet 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to denounce a most heavy judgement against him, and his posterity.

Melchisedec was herein a peculiar type of Christ, who was all in all to his Church, both King, Priest, and Prophet.

By the way take notice from hence, of the arrogancy and presumption of the* 1.2 Pope of Rome, who usurpeth those two offices, of King and Priest, which are cal∣led his two keyes. Herein he sheweth himself to be plain Antichrist. Arguments urged by them to this purpose are very ridiculous: as those words of Peter, Lord behold here are two swords, Luk. 22. 38, And this voyce from heaven, rise Peter, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and eat, Act 10. 13.

We, in reference to Christ, may, in regard of the union of those two offices in his person, expect what good may be done by a King, or a Priest.

Notes

• * 1.1

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Plat. Politi•…•….
• * 1.2

  The Popes presumption about two Keyes.