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

In this whole Matter he is considered not Absolutely and Personally, but Typically and as a Representation of somewhat else. And what is Represented in the Type, but is really, subjectively and properly found only in the Antitype, may be affirmed of the Type as such. So it is in all Sacramental Institutions; as the Paschal Lamb was called expressly Gods Passover, Exod. 12. 11. when it was only a Pledge and Token thereof; as under the New Testament, the Bread and Wine in the Sacred Supper, are called the Body and Blood of Christ, which they do Represent. Thus it is true really and absolutely of our Lord Jesus Christ, That he Liveth for ever, that he is a Priest for ever, which the Apostle much insisteth on and urgeth unto his purpose afterwards. This Eternity or ever-living of Jesus Christ was Represented in Melchizedek in that it is not said any where in the Scripture that he dyed; it is witnessed therefore that he Liveth, because He whom he Represents doth really do so, & his own Death is not mentioned, on purpose that he might so Represent him. And the Apostle's Argument unto the Dignity and Preeminence of Melchizedek above the Levitical Priests in this Instance, is of an unquestionable Evidence. For consider Melchizedek not in his Natural Being and Existence, which belongs not unto this Mystery, but in his Scripture-Being and Existence, and he is Immortal, always Living, wherein he is more Excellent than those who were always obnoxious unto Death in the Exercise of their Office. And from the branches of this Comparison we may take two Observations.

In this whole Matter he is considered not Absolutely and Personally, but Typically and as a Representation of somewhat else. And what is Represented in the Type, but is really, subjectively and properly found only in the Antitype, may be affirmed of the Type as such. So it is in all Sacramental Institutions; as the Paschal Lamb was called expressely Gods Passover, Exod. 12. 11. when it was only a Pledge and Token thereof; as under the New Testament, the Bread and Wine in the Sacred Supper, are called the Body and Blood of Christ, which they do Represent. Thus it is true really and absolutely of our Lord Jesus Christ, That he Liveth for ever, that he is a Priest for ever, which the Apostle much insisteth on and urgeth unto his purpose afterwards. This Eternity or ever-living of Jesus Christ was Represented in Melchisedec in that it is not said any where in the Scripture that he dyed; it is witnessed therefore that he Liveth, because He whom he Represents doth really do so, & his own Death is not mentioned, on purpose that he might so Represent him. And the Apostle's Argument unto the Dignity and Preheminence of Melchisedec above the Levitical Priests in this Instance, is of an unquestionable Evidence. For consider Melchisedec not in his Natural Being and Existence, which belongs not unto this Mystery, but in his Scripture-Being and Existence, and he is Immortal, always Living, wherein he is more Excellent than those who were always obnoxious unto Death in the Exercise of their Office. And from the branches of this Comparison we may take two Observations.