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

2. This Act of Melchizedek is immediately subjoined unto the mention of him as King, being an Instance of Kingly Power and Munificence. Melchizedek, King of Salem, brought forth Bread and Wine. After this, is added, And he was a Priest of the most High God; which is a plain Introduction of, and Preparation for the Expression of his Exercise of that Office in his Blessing of Abraham, which ensues in the next words. The Romanists contend that Vau in [Greek or Hebrew]—is reditive, giving a Reason of what was before affirmed: He brought forth Bread and Wine, because he was the Priest of the High God. But as this offers force to the Universal usage of that Particle, which is Connexive only; so it will not serve their Occasion. For they would have it that Melchizedek only Offered this Sacrifice of Bread and Wine; whereas if the Reason why he did so, was because he was the Priest of the High God, then every one who was so, was in like manner to Offer the same Sacrifice. And whereas they place the whole especial Nature of the Melchisedecian Priesthood in this his Sacrifice; if this were common to him with all others, then was he not a Priest of a particular Order; and so the whole Discourse of the Apostle is vain and impertinent. But it is plain that he having nothing to do with, nor Inference to make from his Royal Office or Acts, doth therefore omit this which evidently was an Act of Kingly Bounty.

2. This Act of Melchisedec is immediately subjoyned unto the mention of him as King, being an Instance of Kingly Power and Munificence. Melchisedec, King of Salem, brought forth Bread and Wine. After this, is added, And he was a Priest of the most High God; which is a plain Introduction of, and Preparation for the Expression of his Exercise of that Office in his Blessing of Abraham, which ensues in the next words. The Romanists contend that Vau in 〈non-Latin alphabet〉—is reditive, giving a Reason of what was before affirmed: He brought forth Bread and Wine, because he was the Priest of the High God. But as this offers force to the Universal usage of that Particle, which is Connexive only; so it will not serve their Occasion. For they would have it that Melchisedec only Offered this Sacrifice of Bread and Wine; whereas if the Reason why he did so, was because he was the Priest of the High God, then every one who was so, was in like manner to Offer the same Sacrifice. And whereas they place the whole especial Nature of the Melchisedecian Priesthood in this his Sacrifice; if this were common to him with all others, then was he not a Priest of a particular Order; and so the whole Discourse of the Apostle is vain and impertinent. But it is plain that he having nothing to do with, nor Inference to make from his Royal Office or Acts, doth therefore omit this which evidently was an Act of Kingly Bounty.