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

The Proof of all before asserted is given in the Testimony of the Psalmist so often before appealed unto. For he testifieth, thou art a Priest for ever after the Order of Melchizedek.

The Proof of all before asserted is given in the Testimony of the Psalmist so often before appealed unto. For he testifieth, thou art a Priest for ever after the Order of Melchisedec.

The Introduction of this Testimony is by [Greek or Hebrew], or he Witnesseth or Testifieth; ¹that is, David doth in the Psalm, or rather the Holy Ghost speaking in and by David, doth so testify. He doth not absolutely say that so he speaks, but testifies; because he used his words in a way of Testimony unto what he had delivered. And although one thing be now principally intended by him, yet there is in these words a Testimony given unto all the especial Heads of his Discourse. As (1.) That there was to be another Priest, a Priest that was not of the Stock ²of Aaron, nor Tribe of Levi. For he says unto the Messiah Prophesied of, who was to be of the Seed of David, Thou art a Priest, although a stranger from the Aaronical Line. (2.) That this other Priest was to be after the Order of Melchizedek, ⟨p. 192⟩and was not to be called after the Order of Aaron. For he was [Greek or Hebrew], after the Order; [Greek or Hebrew] is a redundant, and not a suffix. [Greek or Hebrew] is from [Greek or Hebrew] and signifies a state or order of things; [Greek or Hebrew] ³Eccles. 3. 18. I said in my Heart concerning the estate of the Sons of Men, their condition and Order of all things; that is, [Greek or Hebrew]. The Priesthood of Christ in the mind of God was the Eternal Idea or Original Exemplar of the Priesthood of Melchizedek. God brought him forth and vested him with his Office in such a way and manner, as that he might outwardly represent in sundry things the Idea of the Priesthood of Christ in his own mind. Hence he and his Priesthood became an External Exemplar of the Priesthood of Christ as unto its actual exhibition; and therefore is he said to be made a Priest after his Order, that is, suitably unto the Representation made thereof in him. (3.) That he was made a Priest, namely, by him and his Authority, who said unto him, Thou art a Priest; as Chap. 5. 5, 6, 10. (4.) That he was so after the power of an endless life. For he was a Priest for ever. This word is applied to the Law and legal Priesthood, and signifies a Duration commensurate unto the state and condition of the things whereunto it is applied. There was an [Greek or Hebrew] of the Law; an Age whereunto its continuance was confined. So long all the Promises annexed unto it stood in force.