Melchizedek and Abraham

1For this Melchisedec was both king of Salem, and a priest of the most high God; 'twas he who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him: 2to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of the whole booty: first, being by the signification of his name king of justice, and in fact king of Salem, which is, king of peace; 3without father, without mother, without genealogy; his days have no beginning, and his life no end; but like the son of God, he was a perpetual priest.

4Now consider the dignity of this person, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils. 5'tis true they of the race of Levi, who assume the office of the priesthood, have a right by law to take tithes of the people, that is, of their brethren, though they all issued from Abraham: 6but he who was not of their pedigree, received tithes from Abraham, and blessed him to whom the promises were made. 7now 'tis past dispute, he that is blessed is inferior to him that blesses: 8besides here they that receive tithes are men who die: but there 'twas he of whom it is testified that he liveth. 9and even Levi who received tithes, pay'd tithes, if I may so say, in the person of Abraham. 10for he was even then in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him.

A Superior Priesthood

11If therefore the Levitical priesthood, concerning which the people received a law, could have given perfection, what further need was there that another priest should rise, to be named after the order of Melchisedec, and not after the order of Aaron? 12now the priesthood being changed, the law must necessarily be changed too. 13for he who was there mention'd was of another tribe, none of whom ever gave attendance at the altar. 14since it is evident that our Lord sprang out of the tribe of Juda, to which Moses never ascribed the priesthood. 15This appears still more clear from another priest's arising like Melchisedec, 16who was not establish'd by virtue of a temporary law, but with the power of being a perpetual priest.

17for it is said, "thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec."

18wherefore the preceeding law is abolished for its being weak and useless. 19for the law made no man perfect, but this was effected by introducing a better hope, which brings us nearer to the divine presence. 20Besides those priests were establish'd without any oath: but this with an oath,

21by him that said to him, "the Lord has swore, and will not repent, thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec."

22so that Jesus was made guarantee of an alliance so much the more excellent, as it was not without the solemnity of an oath.

23besides, the priesthood then devolv'd to many, death depriving them of a lasting possession. 24but he, by virtue of his immortal state, hath a priesthood that does not pass by succession. 25so that he has an uninterrupted power to save those, that come to God by him, because he ever lives to make intercession for them.

26and indeed we wanted an high priest of such a character, one that is holy, innocent, undefiled, one that is separated from sinful men, and exalted above the heavens; one who was under no necessity, 27as those high priests of the law were, to offer up daily sacrifices, first for his own sins, and then for those of the people: having done this once for all, by offering up himself. 28for the law appointed frail mortals to be high priests, but the oracle pronounc'd with an oath, which was since the law, established the son, who is crown'd with immortal perfections.