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

In Opposition unto this state of the Levitical Priests, it is affirmed that [Greek or Hebrew], in ¹the Case of Melchizedek, [Greek or Hebrew], it is Witnessed that he Liveth. How he Liveth, and how it is Witnessed unto that he Liveth we must Enquire. For it is apparently of Melchizedek, of whom in the first place as the Type these things are spoken; and yet we know that really and in his own Person he was Dead long before. But there are several things on the Account whereof, it is said, that it is witnessed that he Liveth. For (1.) Whatever the Scripture is silent in as to Melchizedek, which it usually relates of others in the like state, our Apostle takes for a Contrary Testimony unto him. For he lays down this general Principle, That what the Scripture conceals of Melchizedek it doth it to Instruct us in the Mystery of his Person and Ministry, as Types of Christ and his. Hence the Silence of the Scripture in what it useth to express, must in this case be Interpreted as a Testimony unto the contrary. So it witnessed of him that he was without Father, without Mother, without Descent, in that it mentioneth none of them. And whereas he had neither Beginning of Days nor End of Life Recorded in the Scripture, it is thereby witnessed, ⟨p. 145⟩that not absolutely but as to his Typical consideration, he Liveth. For there are no bounds nor periods fixed unto his Priesthood, nor did it expire by the bringing in that of Levi, as that did by the Introduction of Christ's. (2.) He did actually continue his Office unto the end of that Dispensation of God and his Worship wherein he was employed: and this witnesseth the perpetuity of his Life in opposition unto the Levitical Priests. For these two States are compared by the Apostle, that of Melchizedek and that of Levi. There was a time limited unto this Priesthood in the House of Aaron; and during that time one Priest died and another Succeeded in several Generations until they were greatly multiplied, as the Apostle observeth, ver. 23. But during the whole Dispensation of things with respect unto Melchizedek, he continued in his own Person to execute his Office from first to last, without being Subject unto Death, wherein it is witnessed that he Liveth. (3.) He is said to Live, that is, always to do so, because his Office continueth for ever, and yet no mere Mortal Man Succeeded him therein. (4.)

In Opposition unto this state of the Levitical Priests, it is affirmed that , in