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

2. Although he was not in his Kingly Office directly Typical of Christ, yet he was by ⟨p. 95⟩being a King the more meet to represent him as a Priest, seeing he was to be the only King & Priest of the Church also. And it may be observed, that although Moses in Genesis makes mention of the Acts of both his Offices, yet our Apostle takes notice of those of one sort only. For Moses informs us in the first place, that when he went to meet Abraham, he brought forth Bread and Wine, that is, for the Refreshment of him and his Army. Now this was an Act of Regal Power and Munificence. This the Apostle takes no Notice of, but only of his receiving Tithes, and Blessing Abraham, which were both of them Acts of Sacerdotal Power. Wherefore although it was convenient he should be a King, yet as a King, and in what he did as a King, he was no Type of Christ, though there might be a Moral Resemblance between them. For as Melchizedek Refreshed Abraham the Father of the Faithful and his Army, when they were weary after their Conflict with their Enemies, and in the Discharge of their Duty; so doth the Lord Christ as King of his Church take care to support, relieve, and refresh all the Children of Abraham, all Believers in all their Duties, and in the whole course of Obedience. So hath the Wisdom of God disposed of things in the Scripture unto a fitness to give Instruction, even beyond what they are firstly and principally designed unto. And although this and the like considerations should give no countenance unto mens Curiosity in the Exposition and Application of any Passages in the Scripture, beyond the severest Rules of Interpretation, yet may it encourage us unto a diligent search into them, whilst we are duly steered by the Analogy of Faith. And I see no Reason why we may not hence collect these two things.

2. Although he was not in his Kingly Office directly Typical of Christ, yet he was by ⟨p. 95⟩being a King the more meet to represent him as a Priest, seeing he was to be the onely King & Priest of the Church also. And it may be observed, that although Moses in Genesis makes mention of the Acts of both his Offices, yet our Apostle takes notice of those of one sort onely. For Moses informs us in the first place, that when he went to meet Abraham, he brought forth Bread and Wine, that is, for the Refreshment of him and his Army. Now this was an Act of Regal Power and Munificence. This the Apostle takes no Notice of, but only of his receiving Tythes, and Blessing Abraham, which were both of them Acts of Sacerdotal Power. Wherefore although it was convenient he should be a King, yet as a King, and in what he did as a King, he was no Type of Christ, though there might be a Moral Resemblance between them. For as Melchisedec Refreshed Abraham the Father of the Faithful and his Army, when they were weary after their Conflict with their Enemies, and in the Discharge of their Duty; so doth the Lord Christ as King of his Church take care to support, relieve, and refresh all the Children of Abraham, all Believers in all their Duties, and in the whole course of Obedience. So hath the Wisdom of God disposed of things in the Scripture unto a fitness to give Instruction, even beyond what they are firstly and principally designed unto. And although this and the like considerations should give no countenance unto mens Curiosity in the Exposition and Application of any Passages in the Scripture, beyond the severest Rules of Interpretation, yet may it encourage us unto a diligent search into them, whilst we are duly steered by the Analogy of Faith. And I see no Reason why we may not hence collect these two things.