And to say as the thing is, &c.] He proceeds on further, Vers. 9 saying, that Levi himself who was then in the loins of Abraham, was not exempt from this subjection, because Abraham in paying of tithes, did subject both himself, and his posterity also to the Priesthood of Melchizedek. But an objection may be thus framed to the contrary, Objection. that by the like reason Judah also, of whose seed Christ was begotten, paid tithes. But this difficulty will be easily removed, Answer. when we shall consider two things, which amongst Christians ought to be out of question. §1For Christ is not simply reputed among the children of Abraham, as one amongst the rest, but by a special privilege is exempt from the common order. And that is it which himself saith, Mat. 22.42. If he be the son of David, how then doth David call him Lord? We see now that this argument from Levi to Christ holds not. Moreover, seeing Melchizedek is the figure of Christ, what reason is there that he should be set to fight (as you would say) against him? For this common principle is to be held, That which is placed beneath, doth not oppose it self against the principal to which it is referred. Wherefore, seeing the figure is less than the truth, it cannot, neither ought it to be opposite against it. For this combat ought to have place among things of equality. Now the Apostle hath fully showed by these five members, what comparison there is between Christ and Melchizedek. And ⟨p. 144⟩hereby is refuted the brainsick speculation of those who seek the principal similitude in the offering of Bread and Wine. We see that the Apostle examines all things here very carefully and curiously (as it were) one after another. 1He observes the name of the man, the place of his kingdom, the perpetuity of his life, the right of tithes, and the right of blessing. Surely these things were of less importance than the oblation. Shall we say that the Spirit of God had forgotten himself, so as to stay in these lesser things, and to omit that which is the principal, and wherein the pith of the matter lay? And I do the more wonder that so many of the ancient Doctors of the Church have been so far besotted with this opinion, as to stand disputing here about the oblation of the Bread & Wine. Thus they say; Christ is a Priest after the order of Melchizedek:
And to say as the thing is, &c.] He proceedes on further, Vers. 9 saying, that Leui himselfe who was then in the loynes of Abraham, was not exempt from this subiection, because Abraham in paying of tithes, did subiect both himselfe, and his posteritie also to the Priesthood of Melchisedec. But an obiection may bee thus framed to the contrarie, Obiection. that by the like reason Iudah also, of whose seede Christ was begotten, paid tithes. But this difficultie will be easily remoued, Answer. when wee shall consider two things, which amongst Christians ought to be out of question. §1For Christ is not simply reputed among the children of Abraham, as one amongst the rest, but by a speciall priuiledge is exempt from the common order. And that is it which himselfe saith, Mat. 22.42. If he be the sonne of Dauid, how then doth Dauid call him Lord? Wee see now that this argument from Leui to Christ holds not. Moreouer, seeing Melchisedec is the figure of Christ, what reason is there that he should be set to fight (as you would say) against him? For this common principle is to bee held, That which is placed beneath, doth not oppose it selfe against the principall to which it is referred. Wherfore, seeing the figure is lesse than the truth, it cannot, neither ought it to bee opposite against it. For this combat ought to haue place among things of equalitie. Now the Apostle hath fully shewed by these fiue members, what comparison there is betweene Christ and Melchisedec. And ⟨p. 144⟩hereby is refuted the brainsicke speculation of those who seeke the principall similitude in the offering of Bread and Wine. We see that the Apostle examines all things here very carefully and curiously (as it were) one after another. 1He obserues the name of the man, the place of his kingdome, the perpetuitie of his life, the right of tithes, and the right of blessing. Surely these things were of lesse importance than the oblation. Shall wee say that the Spirit of God had forgotten himselfe, so as to stay in these lesser things, and to omit that which is the principall, and wherein the pith of the matter lay? And I doe the more wonder that so many of the ancient Doctors of the Church haue been so farre besotted with this opinion, as to stand disputing here about the oblation of the Bread & Wine. Thus they say; Christ is a Priest after the order of Melchisedec:
- 1Name, place, perpetuity, tithes, and the right of blessing.Name, place, perpetuitie, tithes, and the right of blessing.
