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

It were easy to make naked the fondness of these Imaginations, would our present Design permit. Some few things may be Remarked on their Assertions. As, (1.) The Apostle in this whole Discourse wherein Melchizedek is introduced and concerned, treateth not at all of the Sacrifice of Christ, nor intimates any Resemblance between the Offering of Melchizedek and that of Christ; but it is the Office alone and its Dignity which he insists upon, designing to treat afterwards at large about his Sacrifice. And when he doth so, he doth not in the least compare it with the Sacrifice of Melchizedek, but with those of Aaron according to the Law; so that here was no occasion for him to mention any Sacrifice of Melchizedek's, should any such thing be supposed in the Text of Moses. (2.) A Supposition of such a Sacrifice of Bread and Wine as that pleaded for, is contrary to the Apostles Design, and destructive of it. For whereas he endeavoureth to prove that the Priesthood of Melchizedek was far more Excellent than that of Levi, he could not do it by this, that he Offered Bread and Wine in Sacrifice, for so also did the Levitical Priests, Lev. 7. 13. 23. 13, 18. But all the Excellencies which the Apostle insisteth on, consists in the Dignity of his Office, and the Qualifications of his Person, not in the matter of his Sacrifice. (3.) Let all be granted they can desire, yet are they not advantaged as unto their especial end thereby. For what is the Offering of real Bread and Wine, and no more, unto the Offering of the Body and Soul of Jesus Christ, under the appearance of them? (4.) As unto what they contend, That the Lord Jesus Christ would not be a Priest for ever, unless he had those Priests on Earth who continue to Offer him in the Sacrifice of the Mass: It is so far from Truth, as that the contrary is irrefragably true and certain. For if he indeed hath need of other Priests to carry on his Office, he doth not continue the Administration of it himself, or all the Apostle's Arguings against the perpetuity of the Aaronical Priesthood are invalid. But because I am not willing to engage in any thing Controversial beyond what is absolutely Necessary, I shall only tender some Considerations Evidencing that no such thing as a Sacrifice can be included in that Expression, He brought forth Bread and Wine; and so proceed.

It were easie to make naked the fondness of these Imaginations, would our present Design permit. Some few things may be Remarked on their Assertions. As, (1.) The Apostle in this whole Discourse wherein Melchisedec is introduced and concerned, treateth not at all of the Sacrifice of Christ, nor intimates any Resemblance between the Offering of Melchisedec and that of Christ; but it is the Office alone and its Dignity which he insists upon, designing to treat afterwards at large about his Sacrifice. And when he doth so, he doth not in the least compare it with the Sacrifice of Melchisedec, but with those of Aaron according to the Law; so that here was no occasion for him to mention any Sacrifice of Melchisedec's, should any such thing be supposed in the Text of Moses. (2.) A Supposition of such a Sacrifice of Bread and Wine as that pleaded for, is contrary to the Apostles Design, and destructive of it. For whereas he endeavoureth to prove that the Priesthood of Melchisedec was far more Excellent than that of Levi, he could not do it by this, that he Offered Bread and Wine in Sacrifice, for so also did the Levitical Priests,