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Secondly, Christ is a Priest according to the Order of Melchizedeck: and though he did not enter upon this till af∣ter he was risen from the dead, yet it shall not end until the Consummation of all things. His Aaronical Priesthood expired with himself upon the Cross; but he remains a Priest for ever after the Order of Melchizedeck.
And as the Office of this Priest∣hood consisted in Blessing and praying for the People, (as you may collect from Gen. 14. 18.) it belongs also unto Christ, God having sent him to bless you, as St. Peter speaks, Acts 3. 26. And the following words declare, that this Blessing con∣sists in turning every one from his iniquity. And those ex∣cellent means used by Christ for this end (which ought to be reckon'd for the greatest Bles∣sings) are (1.) A Succession of Priests, (an Holy Order of men) whom he continually employs by their Ministry to work in mens hearts a sincere Obedience to the Gospel. (2.) A giving to all humble Christians strength to enable them to overcome sin. (3.) His interceding with God for his Servants, that they may con∣tinue in well doing. And as he
did this last while he was up∣on Earth, praying that his Dis∣ciples Faith might not fail: so he still pursues the same Of∣fice of praying for the Church, now that he is ascended up into Heaven; where, sitting at the right hand of God, he makes request for us, Rom. 8. 34. And it is your duty, as a Christian, to comply with Christ herein, and to be willing to be thus blessed by him, in being turned from your sins; and not to re∣sist his Prayers and Intercessi∣ons, not to render all his Bles∣sings, the means of Repentance, void and fruitless, by your wil∣ful continuance in iniquity. But when you shall use these Blessings to the end they are designed by your Saviour, and shall cease to do evil, and learn to do good, not expecting For∣giveness, or Salvation, upon o∣ther terms than Christ has
propounded them; when you shall be careful to run diligently the Race Jesus has set before you: then may you expect to receive the Prize, even a Crown that fades not, which God the righteous Judge shall set upon your Temples; not for your own, but the Merits of your High-Priest: who according to the Order of Aaron offer'd him∣self a Sacrifice; and according to the Order of Melchizedeck, blesses and prays for you.