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 ...

§. 89. Of the resolution of Heb. 7. 16, 17, 18, 19.

Vers. 16.

Who is made, not after the Law of a carnall Commandement, but after the power of an endlesse life.

Vers. 17.

For he testifieth, Thou art a Priest for ever, after the order of Melchise∣dec.

Vers. 18.

For there is verily a disanulling of the Commandement going before, for the weaknesse and unprofitablenesse thereof.

Vers. 19.

For the Law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did: by the which we draw nigh unto God.

Vers. 16. IN these four verses the preheminency of Christs Priest-hood above the Leviticall Priest-hood, is proved.

Hereof are two parts.

• 1. The Insufficiency of the Leviticall Priest-hood▪
• 2. The Alsufficiency of Christs Priest-hood.

These two are so opposed, as wherein the insufficiency of the former is mani∣fested, the sufficiency of the latter is demonstrated: and that to shew, that by this latter a supply is made of what soever is wanting in the former.

The Insufficiency of the Leviticall Priest-hood is proved by three arguments: and the Alsufficiency of Christs, by as many.

The first argument to prove the former point is taken from the Law after which it was made. It was a Law of a carnall Commandement.

The latter point is proved,

• 1. Generally by denying it to be after that Law. Not after, &c.
• 2. By affirming another Law, which is stiled the power. This is both il∣lustrated and confirmed.

The illustration is taken from the end of it, life, and amplified by the •…•…∣nuance of it, endlesse.

The confirmation is from a divine testimony, vers. 17.

This is,

• 1. Generally hinted thus, for he testifieth.
• 2. Particularly exemplified. Thou art a Priest, &c. Hereof see Chap. 5. v. 6. §. 31.

Vers. 18. The second argument to prove the insufficiency of the Leviticall Priest-hood is taken from the abrogation of it. This is

• 1. Expressed thus, There is verily a disanulling of the Commandement.
• 2. Confirmed by two Epithites; which are,
  • 1. Expressed in these words, weaknesse and unprofitablenesse.
  • Vers. 19. 2. Confirmed by failing in the main end thereof, which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 make perfect, The Law made nothing perfect.

Another argument to prove the sufficiency of Christs Priest-hood is taken from the ability thereof, to do what the other Priest-hood could not.

This is,

• 1. Generally intimated in this particle of opposition 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• 2. Particularly expressed: and that two wayes.

• 1. By a description of Christs Priest-hood.
• 2. By a declaration of a priviledge thereof.

Christs Priest-hood is described,

1. By substituting it in the room of the other Priest-hood, implyed under this word, bringing in: and amplified by the ob∣ject thereof, a better hope.

The priviledge is accesse to God, by the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 draw neer to God.