A continuation of the exposition of the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the…

But he whose Descent is not reckoned from them, received Tithes from Abraham, and Blessed him that had the Promises.

A Description there is in these words of Melchizedek, by a Negation of a certain Respect Useful to be Observed unto the Design of the Apostle; and then an Assertion upon a supposition thereof. (1.) He was a Person whose Descent, Pedigree, Nativity, Traduction of Stock and Linage, was not reckoned from among ¹them. He had before observed absolutely, that he was not at all Genealogized, ver. 3. [Greek or Hebrew], without Descent. And how this was necessary to shadow out the Eternity of the Priesthood of Christ, we have declared. For if he had any Genealogy, or had stood in need thereof, it had been to show from whom he derived his Priesthood, and unto whom it was transmitted; whereas he had no such Circumstances, nor was to have, as to the End of his Call and Office. Hence it follows in particular, that he could not derive his Descent from Levi; Morally he could not, because so he had none at all; and Naturally he could not, for in his Days Levi was only yet in the Loins of Abraham; so that in no respect he could descend from him. But the Apostle hath a peculiar Intention in this Verse. For whereas he designed to prove the Greatness of Melchizedek from his receiving Tithes, he intends here to declare, on what Right and Title he did so: For there were but two ways whereby any one did or might take Tithes of any. (1.) By virtue of the Law, or Institution of God in the Law. This way none could do so, but he who Legally derived his Descent from Levi. (2.) By virtue of some ⟨p. 137⟩especial Grant or Personal Privilege, either before or above the Law. Whereas therefore Melchizedek as is here declared, had no Interest in the former, it must be with respect unto the latter that he had this Right, which Argues his Dignity. So God may and doth sometimes communicate of his Favour and Privileges thereby, by especial exemption, and not by an Ordinary Rule or Constitution. I do not at all know, nor can it be proved, that God is now by his Word or Law or Constitution, Obliged to give no Ministry unto the Church, but by virtue of an Orderly outward Call according to the Rule. It is true, we are obliged to keep our selves unto the Rule and Law in the Call of Ministers so far as we are able; but whether God hath bound himself unto that Order, I very much Question.