VINDICIAE DECIMARVM . Of Tithes , a Plea for the Divine Right . Heb. 7. 8. There he receiveth them , of whom it is witnessed that he liveth .

AS of the whole Epistle , So of the Verse now read : Aaron and Christ ; the Law and the Gospell ; Death and Life ; of it and that ; these the {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , they are the Summe . In it then , this Verse , ye have Priesthood , compar'd with Priesthood ; upon the a a {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} . Oecumem . h●● . appearing of the one , of the other yee have the falling downe ; {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} here , in this Levi's dying : in that , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} there , Melchizedec's living ; of the one the declining , it serves to set out the dignity of the other . When among many arguments of Saint Pauls , this portion of Scripture it is b b Hic ponitur terita ratio quae talis est . Ille qui semper vivit major est eo qui ●o ●●ur . Sed Sacerdotes vet. testam. erant mortales , non sic autem Melchizedec . Ergo major est , & Sacerdotium ejus majus est Sacerdotio Levitico . Lyra hic Cum filii Levi sint morientes & iste vivens , apparet quis sit praeserendu● . Anselm hic . One by which he intimates to the Iew , What a great Priest in respect of Aaron , Melchizedec was ; that the Excellency of the Leviticall Priesthood , it was nothing to that of the Messias : if an Hebrew could but tell him how much for worth living did excell dying ; then happily hee might guesse in glory and in repute , how exceedingly the Priest-hood of the Gospell doth transcend that of the Law . For touching the Priesthood Iudaicall , it was of no other Make than its Priests , in its condition meerely mortall : a Life indeed it had , but such a life that was but as a span ; in it it's Priest were {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} Men that dye : and this is that which the meanenesse doth denote , of this Priesthood the worthlessenesse . But now as for Christ : c c Hic ver. 4. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} Consider how great this man is ; who is a Priest , d d Psal. 110. 4. Non dici potest Leviticum Sacerdotium subintrasse ut cessaret illud Melchizedec . Occurrenseni ▪ Apostolus declaravit Melchizedec , esse vitae insolubilis Pontificem . Leviticum igitur Sacerdotium subintravit post promissem , non ad abrogandum illud Melchizedec , sed ad ●oborandum potius & illustrius reddendum . Le● eo modo 〈◊〉 promissionem Patrinostro Abrahe factam subintravit ut non evacuaret promissionem , sed ut Legis in utilitate cognitâ clarior fieret promiscia . Erat enim Sacerdotium non secus ac ipsae Legis promissiones ; videlicet non spirituale sed carnale sacrificium , non ex ore Altissimi , sed per os Mosis secundum mandatum carnale . Catharinus in priorem partem hujus capitis . {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} : for ever after the order of Melchizedec : and in respect of this , his eternity is infer'd over the Legall , of his Priesthood the praeeminentie : for this order of Melchizedec , as it was afore that of Aarons , so it is after ; when the e Mosaicall in such sort it entred in , that in no wise it should abolish that of Melchizedec ; sed ad r●borandum potius & illustrius readendum : but rather to be its Strength ; and in a greater lustre to set it forth : for this it came in that in publishing its owne unprofitablenesse to the Excellency of that under which we are , it might give a grace ; f f Hoc ideo additum est , ●e videatur posterior Le● ( ut moris est ) priori quic quam derogasse . Eucipi enim al●●qui poterat , jus illud quo cl●m potitur ●rat Melchizedec , esse jam obsol●tum , qu●● aliam legem Deus per Mosen tul●sset , qua illud tran●●●rebat ad Levitas ▪ Sed occurrit Apostolus cum dicit ad tempus decimas Levitis sol●tas suisse , quta semper non viverent . Melchizedec , vero qui immortali●●it retinere usque in fi●em ▪ quod a Deo semel illi datus est . Calvinus h●c . and so , no need for us now in point of Tithe to looke at Levi ; no need to urge a duty from a Law that 's dying ; when from the Law first in force , the latter Law did no way derogate ; Aarons claime touching these did no way prejudice Melchizedecs right . Ad tempus decimas Levitis . Tithes to Levi , they were but a temporary due ; the Men that did receive , they were men that dye ▪ to ●●em , these , they became dead , their order once laid in its grave . But now Melchizedec , Christ ; in the text , the He who receives with disconsolate Iob he could nere say , g g Iob 17. 14. To corrupiion thou art my Father , to the worme thou art my Mother . h h Rom. 6. 9. Death over him it had nere power . i i hic ver. 16. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} . Hee , made he is a Priest after the power of an endlesse life . Tithes then to receive , He it is who is alive ; for he saith it , k k Rev. 1 ▪ 18. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , I am he that liveth and was dead ; and behold I am alive for evermore . Thus the eternall debt of tithes to make it good , to him it is that we betake us ; to no other than of Christ the everduring Priesthood : for {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} there , in the Priesthood of Melchizedec , of the Gospell ; {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} . There he receiveth them , of whom it is witnessed that he liveth .

The Soveraigntie of Christs Priesthood in the Text over the Iewish , being manifested from it's eternity ; jus decimarum , the right too of Tithes , sub Evangelio , it doth manifest to be as Lasting : a necessity there is of having these under the Gospell , since of it's Priest we have such certainety : when {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} there , in the Priesthood of the Gospell ; Hee , Melchizedec , Christ receiveth Tithes ; of whom it is witnessed , that is , Witnessed by the Scriptures : for so l l Contestatur ; so . Scriptura , ut Anselmus , Lyra , Dion . Carth , Cajetan , Catharinus , Estius , Iust nian , Lodovic . ●ena , Cornel. a Lap. hic . Vel ut al i Contestatur , i. mecum testatur , vel Contestatur , idem in multis locis contestatur . Gen 14. Psal 109. Hug. Card. Gorran . ibid. expositors give the meaning of testatum est . In the Scripture it is witnessed , that he , Christ , Melchizedec liveth ; who there , in the Priesthood of the Gospell receiveth Tithes . Of these words therefore for the clearer handling , I am to deliver them under a threefold Quaere : Quis , who receives ? Quantum , how much he receives ? Quare , why he receives ?

1. Quis , who receives ? for here wee doe begin ; the Originall of Tithes , fetch it wee must from the condition of the party , whose of these was the first recept : then Quis , who receives ? Is He ; for his kinde of life , in the Text , He who receives ; Is He ; a Priest he is : for He whose dues these are , m m {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} ; Chrysost in ver. 5. Quidecimas accipit Sacerdos est . Catharin . ubi supra . Sacerdotis est proprium decimas accipere . Salmeren in ver. 2. Tota decima● perceptio , est Sacerdotum propria Ludov. Tena . in ver. 4. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} . None but a Priest he is , whose of these is the right primordiall : Tithes and a Priest , they are much of a standing ; of the * * Gen. 14. 18. Office no sooner the appearance but unto it of the deserved reverence yee have the performance . He then who receives in the Text is a Priest ; and is to be considered two wayes ; either

1. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , in the figure , or for the worke sake which he underwent , and by way of subserviencie ; and so , Is He , is Melchizedec ; who was of Christ the type ; the Priest presentative , He receives Tithes : or else consider this Priest .

2. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} in the truth , and of these dues as He is the Proprietarie ; so none but Christ , who is n n Chap. 4. 14. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} the great high Priest , Is He , Iesus Christ receives Tithes . This the He who in the Gospell is the tithe-taker . In the Law , the Text {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} here , 't is {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} Men ; o o hic . ver. 23. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , they were many Priests to whom this portion was delivered : but under Grace , in the Texts {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} there {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} no more than one He , one Priest . He who receives there , is {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} : the Priest God-man , He receives . This the first Quaere , Quis ; who receives : the second followes , which is

II. Quantum ; how much it is this Priest receives ? for that a right he hath to somewhat of each ones goods it will passe unquestioned : yet his right runs not at large : for the muchity of that he receives it t' end left at randome : that he should take so much now , and thus much then ; here this , and there that ; more at one time , and lesse at another ; nor , doth the Priest referre himselfe for what he receives , to the pleasure of those who are bound to give ; but of that he takes the Quantum : So much it is , as he once and for ever hath beene pleased to determine of ; in the text it is {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} Tithes : of what is yours , he hath severed for himselfe a speciall , a peculiar part . What he had of Abraham he requires now of you : You must give , as Abraham gave ; As he , so the p p ●u●Abraham id est fidelis dat decimas omnium . Gloffa ordinar. in ver. 2. faithfull . Now for the quantum which Abraham did impart , praecisē it was {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} a tenth ; so much is the tithe in the Text . q q Franc. Sylvius in Aquinat . 2. 2. quae . 87. Act. 1. Decima vocatur ex decem alicujus rei portionibus una : one portion in any thing of ten , this is that which we call a tenth . Of what the Priest receives this the quantum , the tithe ; no other it is than what they had who were of Levies order , the dues of Men that die , to him alwayes they were and are alive . Therefore , it is our part now to weigh them , just so , in no otherwise then at first appearance , as by Abraham into the hands of Melchizedec they were delivered : in the handling then after a two fold manner they are to be treated on . Extensivè quoad res ; Intensivè quoad personas .

1. Extensivè , in regard of the matter , or the diversity of severalls , out of which they are to be taken ; so your Tithes are {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} . Tithes of all : to him who in the Text receives , Abraham as it is at the second verse , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , He gave a tenth part of all . Any thing of which your selfe makes a gaine , it is matter for a tenth ; all being good , nothing this way is to be refused ; but in respect of the specialties , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , Of all that ye possesse , out of Each your Priest is to receive a tenth ; tithes in their latitude , being of all a tenth part : thus they are to be preach't Extensivè : but beside this they are to be weighed .

2. Intensivè ; that is , they are to be treated on , as they respect the frame and disposition of his soule ; who , to him who receives is to pay tithes of all : thus the tenth it is r r hic ver. 4. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} ; the tenth of all , in each sort , it should be the best of all ; for so of old runnes the reading at the fourth verse . Cui & decimas dedit de praecipuis Abraham Patriarcha . s s See the right reverend Lord Bishop of Norwich against Selden . chap. 1. pag. 173. To whom the Patriarch Abraham gave even the tenth of the chiefest : to translate it decimas spoliorum , as you have it , the tenth of the spoyles ; is a construction too restrain'd : when {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} primarilie in respect of chiefenesse , it hath reference to the quality of a thing , and for the sake of this , the quality doth import the matter , or subject . If then of spoyles it be translated to the meaning of {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} it will come nearer , to render it t t Grace de primitiis frugum . Nam {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} significat principale quod est in frugis cumulo , id quod est in vertice cumuli , &c. Et regrediens triumphator Abraham , spoliorum optima quaeque in dec●mas obtulit Melchizedec . Michael . de Palacio in ver. 4. de praecipuis spoliorum ; a tenth of the best or chiefest of the spoyles . This reading u u {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} . Theophylact , in ver. 4. Non constat {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} exuvias significare , & si constar , &c. Dris Prideaux orat . de decimis . Num. 5 {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} Socrat Hist. Ecclesiast. lib. 1. cap. 5. unto the Greeke Church is not unknowne ; and in the Latine {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} went ever for praecipua till the Centurie that is last past . As then of all is to be received a tenth , so too , that tenth of all it should be the most especiall . By Abraham what in tithes was rendred to Melchizedec , of all it was the primest ; all and of all the best it is that must be for tithes . Now thus stands the point touching the quantum : it is a tenth that doth determine the how much the Priest receives ; concerning which was our second Quaere : there is yet the third and the last which is

III. Quare ; why he receives ? the reason why ; {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} It is witnessed that he liveth : therefore the Priest receives tithes , because it is witnessed that he liveth . Of him here {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} the life , it is ratio proxima , the very reason or cause immediate , why these are now due : of tithes , this the why durative . Vnder the Gospell , the claime for these 't is still of force , in that the Gospell to receive Tithes , hath a Priest that liveth : of this portion for the receit , ye may see it in the Text ; the very ground or warrant , it is from the perpetuity of the Priests life . Therefore his dues ever tithes , he a Priest ever being ; from his ever living , is the cause that tenths are never-dying . For , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} . There he receiveth them , of whom it is witnessed that he liveth . Thus of these words the severalls ; the Quaere we begin with , is Quis , who receives ? exprest in our text by the particle , Is he , a Priest receives .

I. Is he ; a Priest receives . Now this Priest no other wise in this Quaere , ye are to behold him , than as Abrahams tithing sets him forth : not x x Ex supra dictis vidistis qualis fuerit Melchizedec sed nunc Intuemini quantus sit hic , id est quantae dignitatis , sanctitatis , & perfectionis , &c. Anselmus in ver. 4. Qualis , such as he is quà Priest , but quantus in his Office how great he is , ye a●e to take notice of him : for this it is from his receiving at Abrahams hands in the fourth verse , Saint Paul would have considered . {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} . Consider , saith he there , how great this man was , in the text the He , unto whom the Patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the chiefest . That then for which tithes serve , it is of ,

Priesthood to set out the greatnesse ; to signifie unto us of how eminent a quality this holy function is , this it is for which at first tithes had their institution . y y Chrysostom . Ipse Abraham nullo modo decimas Alienigenae dedisset , nisi plurimus et excellens ejus Authoresso● . Ambrosius . {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} Oecumen. Abraham 〈◊〉 Alie●igenae decimas non dedisset nisi excellentiorem esse sciret . Anselm . Abrah . decimas non dedisset , nisi ●o major fuisset . Dion Carthus . Iste Melchizedoc tantus est , quod ipse Abraham Pater Sacerdotum Regalium & totius Populi dedit ei decimas . Cajetan ut priores in ver. 5. See the Lord Bishop of Norwich . p. 174. Ipsa decimarum oblatione Abraham minorem se Melchiz . professus est . Estius in ver. 4. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} . It was for the honour of Melchizedec , that these dues Abraham paid . The Finis ultimus then why tithes were ordained , it was to manifest of the Priest the excellency ; to denote of how great digni●y He who receives , for this cause it is that they were appointed ; to point out unto us the Priests {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} ; his Praerogative to be very great . For tithes they are the medium by which our Apostle proves , in the person of Melchizedec , of Christs Priesthood the sublimity ; in that Abraham who paid tithes , z z Abraham dans decimas Melchizedec , hoc ipso confessus est se illo esse minorem , & hoc ipso se illi subjecit . Cornel. a Lapide , in ver. 5. hoc ipso in this very thing , he was made lower than Melchizedec , who received . What then in this part we must pursue , it is that for which tithes had their rise : in the beginning these they were assigned to discover unto us what high esteeme is due unto Priesthood ; yea even to that of Moses . For this was the ground , as from the fift verse a a {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} . Oecumen. in ver. 5. Iudai non dedissent Sacerdotibas decimas nisi propter excellentiam Sacerdotum , quam ex divina ordinatioue habebant . Dion Carthus . ibid. Omnes Hebraei in subjectionis fignum subministrabam & Levi●is & Sacerdotibus decimas . Mich. de Palac . ibid. In lege populares Sacerdotibus Levitici generis tanquam majoribus decimas persolvebant , quâ ration● Populus ille fatcbatur Sacerdotes esse cujusdam excelsioris dignitatis . Iustinian . ibid Deus jussit omnibus Iudaeis etiam Levitis ut decimas darent Sacerdotibus Aaronicis , volens hac ratione honor are ac praeferre Sacerdotes . Cornel. a Lap●de , ibid. the learned do observe , Why to Aaron the children of Iacob in this duty stood obliged ; when this portion which beneath Melchizedec , did argue Abraham , above any of the Hebrewes , Levies tribe they did praepose : as him , who received their tenths , with those of Israel , none so honourable ; though one with another People and Priest , all alike honorably descended ; yet with these the honour due to the Office outstrips the honor had by the birth . b b Tanta erat Sacerdotij excelleatia , ut qui similes essent honoris progenitoribus , & enudem haberent progenitorem , tamen ut multo meliores essent fratribus suis quo Sacerdotio digni effi●erentur . Ambros. Chrysost. Theodor . Ans●lm . Glos. ordin. Hug. Card. in ver. 5 Tanta enim erat Sacerdotii ●xcellentia , &c. say the Fathers . Even of Levies Priesthood the excellency it was so ample , that all of such a kinde , it exalts them above all of the same kinne : to Aarons order , paying of tithes , their dignity , that it did surpasse any of the race of Iacob it doth ascertaine . But to let passe the Legall Priesthood ; to that of the Gospell it is , that I must keepe me ; and must tell you from the rendring of tithes , over all whomsoever of its Priest the superexcellency ; this to be it which is inferred . For our Evangelicall Doctor saith . I●tuemini quantus sit hic . He who receives , Consider how great he is to whom the Patriarch Abraham gave &c. Marke well who gave . {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , Abraham the Patriarch ; this eminent Christian in the top of his dignity is set before you to usher in the greater dignity of the Christian Priest ; it is the Patriarch Abraham : c c Vi habent Anselm . Lyra. Hugo Cardin , Estius , Iustinian . Gorran . Co● . a Lap. &c. in ver. 4. that is , Abraham the chiefest of Fathers , the very first Father ; Princeps Patrum Abrahamus . If literally the terme Patriarch be taken , then such a Father he from whom all the Fathers in Israel had their beginning : but if Mystically and Spiritually , then Abraham he is , d d Rom. 4. 11. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} : the Father of all them that beleeve : which of the two was the greater glory . Now then , let the renowne of Abraham , nere so much exceed , be his fame nere so flourishing ; t is but that which the Apostle would , that none among the Israel of God in glory should be so great as he : for in that one so glorious did tithe it to Melchizedec , how glorious then must Melchizedec be ? This is it which Saint Paul would have considered : and too , he would have all hence to learne the lesson which Abraham tithing reades unto them ; which is this , that when

Tithes ye give of your selves to your Melchizedec , it teacheth you the humbling ; that wherein it instructs you , t is naught else than of your selves , unto him in the lowly submission : for these they are the test of the awefull reverence that to the Priest is due ; in giving up of these as Abraham , so every man else , to his Melchizedec , he doth declare his subjection ; e e Oecumen in ver. 5. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} : f f Offerre decimas alteri fignum est subjectionis & inferioritatis . Ludo . Tena difficul . prim . in hoc cap. Decimas persolvere certum est symbolum ejus subjectionis cui nullam parem homines hominibus debent . Probat Apostolus hanc decimarum oblationem signum esse subjectionis ab ex●mplo Levitarum , qui a caeteris tribubus hoc veluti tributum ex mandato Dei accipiant , quod ultro Abraham Melchizedec obtulit . Bezae majores annotat . in ver 4 & 5. Signum subjectionis ; g g Scultet . in ver. 4. Quod Melchizedec Sacerdoti primarius Dei servus & Propheta Abraham obtulit decimas , eo confessus est honoris gradu supra se excellere . Calvin in ver 4. testimonium erant reverentiae erga eum cui pendebantur . He still passeth a great deale for the better man , to whom h h Quod Abraham Dea debebat propter partam victoriam , Deo s●lvit per manum Melchizedec . Salmer in ver. 5. Quod debebat Abrah . Deo , solvit in manum Melchiz . decimarum ergo solutione se minorem professus est . Calvin . ut ante : Gods dues , his tenths they are delivered : of a whole people the man most chiefe , tithes sets him below the Priest ; the charge it warrants to be right high , to which of these the payment is referred : betweene man and man they put a difference , but the receiver , still they assure him to be the more worthy : that here which is inferred from the Patriarchs paying of tithes , it is before himselfe of his Priest the preferring : for t is {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} . &c. Confid . &c. It tells him that gives , that he is not like to him who takes for dignity , before any other , these tithes , they are the seales of the Priests promotion ; here above the Patriarch they set Melchizedec . Your rendring then of these to your Priest ; they are the reall the manifest profession of your submission . For of whom Religion requi●es this fe●liy , over all such it shewes its authority ; and learnes them their owne humbling , in this sort enjoyning their obedience . i i Ioh. 6. 60. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} . This is an hard saying , I dare say to the most that heare it ; to heare that honour's due to an outcast Priest , and that by tithes ; to you , to whom the very sound of Priest is even ominous , is not this a theme that 's sowre ? It exacts therefore the closer pressing . Know , then know , that the reverence had to those who are entrusted with the dispensing of Sacred verities , tithes denotes it to be of a more delicate straine , than what 's borne to other men ; though men to be admired for their condition , amiable for their graces , and for their piety even imirable of the Priest himselfe ; yet of these with the Priest , none to be compared . For as the Patriarch among men , for dignity none so supreme ; Yet to the He who receives , here he stoopes and lets downe his saile ; to Melchizedec , Abraham , be 〈◊〉 it in his glory ; in honor unto God before himselfe , he preferres his Priest , and did publish to the world his owne lowlinesse when he tithed it to Melchizedec . With a serious eye then of the Gospell Priest , weigh now the Super-excellency : that Abraham , that he who for his glory of all his posterity was the most unmatchable ; that he , who for his worth had never any that could ever equall him : but all , at all times he did surpasse : yet this man who did outstrip all ; that Melchizedec the He , who in the text receives , that the Priest should surmount him ? {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} . &c. Consider how great this man is ; this He of how great perfection . k k Cui non solum multas alias venerationes sed & decimas dedit Abraham . Vade maximus apparet & inestimabills magnitudinis , cui Pater aliorum Patrum decimas dedit , in quose longe inferiorem isso esse reputavit . Anselmus . in ver. 4. That besides many venerable respects that Abraham bore him , that to him too he should give tithes ; it was an argument more than prevailing , that of Melchizedec , the dignity it was non-pareil : of devouter Abraham this devouter act , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} by many , very many degrees , it puts him below Gods Priest , though a Patriarch than any in Israel much more illustrious . This , of tithes the effect ; of their payment the issue , 't is to confirme how great a Priest , the Priest of the Gospell : for Abraham to the He who receives , these argue him much unaequall Abraham for dignity to Melchizedec ; and make the Patriarch too meane to come in ballance with the Priest ; since to this great man these they doe subject Abraham : this deed preacheth aloud , that Melchizedec to this loyall Saint he was superior ; and declares the good man obsequious to Gods Priest , though he triumpht it over Kings . Thus Melchizedec the figure ; for all that was done , verily to him it was done who was the type , and did the service for him who indeed in the text receives . Now then , if Melchizedec for repute even to astonishment was so wondrous as that to his sheafe Abrahams must bow ? then Christ , the great high Priest , Iesus Christ , how he ? If the semblance doth beare downe all before it , then the substance what ? l l {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} . Chrysost. in ver. 4. Occum . in ver. 4. & 5. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} &c. If of command so powerfull be the appearance ; then of the truth it selfe how glorious the royalty ; m m Vnde 〈…〉 veritatis in Christo majestatem . Iunius lib. 3. Paral. in hoc cap. its Majesty how perspicuous ? to Iesus Christ , in what to him did Abraham stand bound ? in what ? verily by the current of our text in naught else but in that which he receives , that is , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , tithes ; that which Abraham owed here it is them , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} : He receiveth them , tithes . The upshot then of that , which as hitherto hath beene promiscuously delivered out of this first Quaere ; distinctly it is but Quis and Quare .

1. Quis , who receives ? in respect of Service and assignement Melchizedec he receives ; but in regard of Lordship and propriety , the He who receives is Christ ▪ for He is Lord of the soyle , out of which these fruites are gathered ; of these his is the right originall ; tithes in the primary claime they are his , who {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} is the Priest ; to none but to him they appertaine in their primier Seizint his jus decimandi in the first tenure , by way of selfe-owning and title indubitate he receives tithes who is n n Ioh. 1. 41. the Christ , our Iesus . This the 〈◊〉 who will satisfie you , whensoere in this point ye put forth Quis. But then

2. Quare , it may be demanded for what cause at first this Priest received tithes ? I have told you the cause why ; in the beginning it was no other , but of Priest-hood by the payment of these that the greatnesse might be declar'd ; and so , this of tithes is the why institutive : of the Priesthood of the Gospell to set out the great honour which is due unto it , to this they are appointed ; unto Christs Yoke , the badges and tokens they are of his subjection , who soere payes : for this cause at first ordained , that at all times by these the people might witnesse what reverent abearance they owe unto their Priest : over all from whom he receives his Superiority they are to denote . And this of the first Quaere , in its severall branches is the Summe : we proceed now to the second , which we proposed in the terme .

II. Quantum ; how much this Priest received ? in the Text definitely set downe to be {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} tithes or tenths : so much by Abraham was given to Melchizedec . These tenths then they are to be treated on either ,

First in respect of the things offered ; and so Abrahams tithes , they were {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} tithes of all : or else ,

Secondly , in respect of the persons offering , and so the Patriarchs tenth , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , of whatsoere his tenth was , of the Chiefest it was a tenth . Of these two , that which must first be set before you , it is that which shewes how large a spread Abrahams tithing had ; to all it did extend . {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} o o Hic . ver. 2. He gave unto Melchizedec a tenth part of all ; which is the first part of our second Quaere , touching the Quantum , and comes now to be handled .

1. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} : of each ones goods his Extensive qu● adres . part who lives , it is a tenth part of all : for this quantity of his Priests , this the claime ; this Melchizedec did receive , this Abraham did impart , of all the tenth .

Of any thing then you doe possesse , of this portion there is no exempting : with what ye are blest no stinting of Christ , otherwise than he hath beene pleased to stint himselfe . His command is p p Luk. 11. 42. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , Yee ought to tithe all manner of herbes , q q Gen. 28 22. Et Omnium decimas . Of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee : of blessed Iacob this was the righteous vow . r r {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} . Chrysost. 54. in Gen. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} . This of Iacob by no meanes the Christian let it passe : {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} ; but what he afore the Law , under Grace , it is ours to doe as much : decimas omnium Iacob . And under the Law , s s Deut. 14. 22. 't is Omnem proventum sement is tuae . Thou shalt truely tithe all the encrease of thy seed that the field bringeth forth yeare by yeare . And againe , the Israelites upon the charge of King Hezekiah : t t 2 Chron. 31. 5. 6. Copiose decimas omnium . The tithe of all things brought they in aboundantly . yea tithe of Oxen. T is too in the Prophet . Inferte omnem decimam . u u Malac. 3 10. Tobi. 1. 7. Luk. 18. 12. Bring ye all the tithe into the storehouse ; which could not be all the tithe , if not of all . Thus precept as well as practice makes it good , that the tenth , his dues who receives , Of whatsoere was to be tithed to be a renth ; implying Abrahams duty whiles to Melchizec ; Ex omnibus , of all that religiously he might , he paide tithes . For x x Touching the extent of {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , See the Bishop of Norwich against Selden chap. 1. p. 140. &c.

{non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} of all , it is set downe in the largest sense ; and so not to be confinde by any particular . That then some would have all of these , and others all of those , of all to be the all ; this their opinion passe it doth with me for the instance of the Patriarchs action , not for the restraint . It is not I that deny Abraham to have imparted of the spoyles a tenth ; y y Decimas praedae atque victorie Ambros. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} . Chrysost. Praedae decimam Theodoret. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} . Oecumen. the Fathers say he did : nor yet is it I who dare gaine say him to have tithed all z z Decimas omnie substantiae suae . Isidor Hispal . De omnibus re 〈◊〉 su●s dedit decima● . Tost . in Gen. 14. the goods that were his owne : a a Bish. Norw. pag. 150. when he who saith of all excludeth nothing . b b Decimas omnium non solum frugum sed & praeliorum . Hugo . Cardi in ver. 2. De omnibus spol●is aut etiam aliis rebus . Dion . Cart. in Ge. 14. Decimas praeliorum , a tenth of the spoyles that he got in battle that he did pay , I doe beleeve it ; and too , decimat frugum , with the tithes of the fruites of the Earth that were his , with these that he did present his Priest , I am verily perswaded . If then any say , c c An de facultatibus suls , an etiam de spoliis hostium ? Sic Apostolus , Heb. 7. 4. Patri archa dedit ei decimas ex spoliis . A●●ui hit ver. 23. Abraham recus●●it ex spoliis vel cor: igiam accipere . Non ergo ex his dedit et decumas . Respondeo disting●t●da sunt spolis . Hostibus non solum praedam Sodomiticam , sed & reliquam aliunde compilatam eripuit , quoniam castris penitus eos 〈◊〉 . Ex Sodomiticâ prada quicquam ac●ipere recusavit , ex coigitur Melchizedec non dedit , quia non suam sed alienam duxit . Hostium vero spolia 〈◊〉 dixit . Ex his igitur Melchizedec tribuit . Pareus in Gen. 14 Quoniam in lib. Gen. recus●vit Abraham quicquam de spoliis ex hostibus detractis , mirum videri possit quomodo ex manubiis dicimas obtulerit ? An Abraham cum dixit , Levo manm , &c Non de 〈◊〉 spoliis , sed de ipsius Regis Sodomae bonis loquebatur , de exuviis omnibus qua ad se pertinebant decimas dederit Melchizedec . Iustinian . hic in ver. 4. that

1. Abraham gave these dues out of the spoyles that he gained from Chedorlaomer and those other Kings against whom he raised the warre ; that of all these as included the {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} should be meant , 't is confest : for as our tithepayer jure belli d d Bish. Norw. pag. 147. had a right to these , in that they were the peculium of the Assyrian Princes whom he vanquisht ; so to the tithe of these in respect of him who gained them , Melchizedec also had a right , Or if as it pleaseth e e 2 〈◊〉 Vel quod video aliis platere , oblatio decimarum prasente Rege nec contradicente facta est , atque ita , iis si●t dubio exceptis , ut etiam excepta sunt illa quae tulerant s●●ij Abrahae , cuncta Regi restituit . Iustinian ut ante . De omnibua puta quae recuperaverat ca sis belle Regibus . Iunius in Anal. Gen. 14. Videtur de suis rebue decimas dedisse ; nisi intell gamu● eum priusquamid diceret Regi Sodomorum ut ordo Historia postulare videtur , has Melchizede● obtulisse , ut postea decimis exemptis reliqua pradaprater id quod excipi voiuit Abraham , restitita fuerit Regi Sodomorum . Mercerus in Gen. 14. De quibus rebus decimas Abraham obtulerit Melchizedec ? Pro solutione notandum est duo genera honorum posse hic confiderari : Primum eorum qua a quatuor Regibus Verisimile est accepisse Abraham . quanquam sacra Scriptura id non declarat : quoniam ad comple● entū victoriae sufficiens fuit declarare bona Sodomorum fuisse recuperata . Secundum genus est eorum bonorum quae quatuor Reges a Sodomis acceperant eisq Abraham postea restituit ; & haec omnia verè sunt spolia . De quorum primis at Pe●iera quod Abraham decimas dedit . Meliu tamen asserit C●jetanus de his omnibus spoliis decimas dedisse , quia hic omnia fuerunt ve●e spolia ill us victoriae , & ita melius salvatur quod Gen. 14. dicitur absolute El dedit ei decimas ex omnibus . Lud. Tena difficul . 4 in hoc cap.

2. Others ; the spoyles to be those which Abraham recovered from the conquered Kings , and were the very goods of Lot , and of the Kings of Sodome and Gomorrah ; such there are who say , these to be the all , of which he paid tithes . With these men so of all , these spoyles might goe for one part , I de joyne hands : when {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} is large enough to comprehend these also . For consider , that albeit f f Bish. Norw. pag. 176. Piè & Sancte Abraham hanc partem Deo dicatam excepit ip●e , quia plora poterat exeipere , Deumque ex officio hac parte muneratus est . Nam cum etiam juste & honeste sibi suisque mercedem servare potu●ss●t , ea liberaliter cesserat : tantum quod debebatur Deo , de cujus potestate nihil volutt aut potuit cedere illud ex pretatis & religionis officio pralibavit sive praecerpsit Iunius ut supra . Abrahams Iuravi elatâ manu meâ ad Iehovam , &c. That himselfe would take nothing of the King of Sodome ; yet his vow did not tye him , nor could it withhold him from giving to the Priest of the most High God , that which belonged to him ; even the tenth part of all the spoyles that were recovered . Once more , be there g g Quod additur de omnibus dedisse decimas , id neutiquam ad praed most referendum . quia textus paulo post clare do●et neque cordulam neque corrigiam voluisse Abraham a●cipere de prada cum offerretur a Regibus . Igitur particula ( de omnibus ) non ad praedam est referenda , sed ad f●cultates Abrahae . Luther in Gen. 14. Incertum est spoliorumne decimas an honorum quae domi possidebat ob●u●erit ? Sed quia Verisimile , non est liberalem suisse de alteno , & praedae decimam partem largitum esse , ex qua ne filum quid matting 〈◊〉 , potiut Coniicio Sumptas foisse decimas has ex propriis ejus fructibus . Cal●mus ibidem .

3. Others who put aside the spoyles , and deliver the all to be Abrahae facultates ; this with me of the all , as another 〈◊〉 all it will 〈◊〉 {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} bellie , all this it will hold and 〈◊〉 , burst . That Abraham payd tither of all where : with himselfe was enrich't , I gladly yeeld it , and of all that he gave , it was too of all that was his owne : for if the Patriarch did pay . tit be 〈◊〉 all the spoyles ; shall we deny him to have discharged , this debt with the the of all that he had , out of his certaine and standing possessions ? About what then our Moderner tugge , and to ; the exempting of all the rest , for such a specialty would conclude : goe it may , not for the bound ; but for that which of the all may helpe to the making up . In briefe of all that the Patriarch gave , would you have the totull ? Touching it , h h Bish. 〈◊〉 pag. 150. what I have received , that I deliver to you : in all humble obedience to his Priest he gave a tenth part of all ; that is , of all whatsoere be had ; Of all the spoyles that for himselfe of the enemy he gained ; the tithe of all the spoyles of Sodome , and substance of Lot , which he brought backe and recovered ; of all that he carryed out with him , and of all that he left at home ; euen of all that any way he possest . Thus , his decim●● omnium without any the least violence offered to the text , to all tithe able stuffe whatsoever that was within his power , it may be stretcht .

Well then , to make no hue and hue after any who hath stole from Abrahams {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} : oneone-onely wee le put forth a Si quis . If then there be any manner of man , who cannot be induct to allow Abrahams piety of his goods to be so lavish ; but that it stood better with his wiser thrift to have offered once , and no more , to his Priest a tenth of the spoyles , out of that so renowned a victory ; if there be any such that can be found ? such a foundling , for my part let him have his will : for once to the theology that is municipall wee le endeavour meekely to subscribe ; that onely of the spoyles , and of nothing else , but of these onely , a tenth part was onely imparted : as by the Moncke of the order of Cleroborus it hath beene onely said , so be it ; that what Abraham gave was of onely spoyles , meerely spoyles : if onely so , what then followes ? In so saying , this divine Solus , he did not prejudice the Priests right , but onely of the Patriarch , from the well-knowne zeale he doth detract : he onely delivers to the world Abraham to God-ward , to have beene pitteously penurious ; that of his dues to Religion he was a niggardly micher , that he was an Abraham clunchfisted ; and all that this way went , he thought it onely ●aste ; that the good child Iudas that he did , he did learne of his father Abraham , i i Mar. 14. 4. Quorsum perditiohaec ? Not at all from Melchizedec he doth withdraw . For once then , in this pinching sparing , scraping wise , let it be admitted ; that Abraham gave a renth of nothing but onely of the spoyles , which at such a time he got at such a battle : but withall then let it be admitted what Saint Chrysostome hath left ; for indeed he sayes k k {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} Hom. 35. in Gen. Abraham decimas Melchize . dedit , viz. omnium manubiarum quas secum ferebat : his sc. Melchizedec secretis vicem 〈◊〉 rependit ; 〈◊〉 facto mortales omnes docet ut se gratos erga Sacerdotes exhibeant , 〈◊〉 decimas omnium dent , qu● Deus ipse 〈◊〉 : Elias Cretensis e Catalogo Dri● Tilleslie An. 1020 {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} : and we say so too : if you will , let the father say , that onely with the spoyles : for , doth he not say in that famous Homilie de Autolico made to the Legists of Praedonia ; there , doth he not say there that Abraham was the first who put in practice modus decimandi ? Be it so then , that Saint Chrysostome sayes that onely with the spoyles , which Abraham brought backe , he gratifyed Melchizedec , But then of this holy Father the {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} we would have you to take home unto you : for saith he {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , by his giving a tenth of the Spoyles ; {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} ; Hence , to all Abraham is made a teacher ; {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} . This Abraham in giving a tenth of the spoyles , preacheth unto us , that as he , so each man else should give unto God , the first fauites of what hee gives unto him . {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , &c. of all which he did bring backe a tenth he severed for Melchizedec : hence to all Abraham is made a teacher ; Now to no more we urge you , than from Abrahams deed , Saint Chrysostome enjoynes : be it a tenth part onely of the spoyles that he got ; we presse you to no more , than onely to the rendring of a tenth part of that you get . Thus the payment from the spoyles , Melchizedec's dues it doth no way impeach ; for unto him as to each Priest else , there was no more due than the tenth of all that did anew come in : of your latest incre●se , so much that yee should contribute , from Abrahams fact this it is of the golden-mouth'd Greeke that is requir'd . And therefore now to proceed , your

Duty , sute it should with his practice ; of all that you get bound it is to the giving up of a tenth part . For l l Ambros Ser. 33 fer. 2. post . Dominic prim . Quadra . tom. 5 Decimas nostras annis singulis decunctis frugibus , pecoribus praecipit erogand●s Dominus . Of all fruites , of all cattle , each yeare the Lord commands a tenth to be given out . And m m De grano suo aut de vino suo , out de fruct 〈◊〉 arborum , aut de pecoribus , aut de horto , aut de negotiis , aut de ipsa venatione sua . Quia de omni subst &c. Idem fer. 3. ut ante . Vide Doctris Tilleslie catalogu●s , Annis . 430. 6. 0. 630. 786. 791 812. 813. 940. 1050 1191. De omni substantia quam Deus homini donat decimam partem sibi servavit , For himselfe God keepes the tenth of all the substance which he gives to men . n n 1. Cor. 9 11. If we have sowne unto you , saith the Apostle , spirituall things , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , Is it a great thing if we shall reape your carnall things ? {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , your carnall things . o o De 〈◊〉 re est judicandum secundum ejus radicem . Radix autem solutionis decimarum est debitum quo seminantibus spiritualia debentur carnalia , secundum illud Apostoli , 1 ad Cor 9. Si nos vobis seminav , &c. Super hoc enim debitum fundavit Ecclesia determinationem solutionis decimarum . Omu●a autem quae homo possidet sub carnelibus continentur ; & ideo de omnibus decimae sunt So vendae . Aquinas . 2. 2. quae . 87. art. 2. in corp. Super hoc debitum , upon this debt of returning things carnall for receiving things spirituall , saith Aquinas , doth the Church ground its determination for the paying of tithes . omnia quae homo possidet , all that a man hath sub carnalibus continentur , under carnall things it is contained : and therfore de omnibus possessis , it is inference , Of all that a man hath , hee must pay tithes . De p p Si jus Scriptum 〈…〉 . Lessius . lib. 2. de Iur. & Iust. cap. 39. dub ▪ 3. fructibus & quasi fructibus omnium ●erum quae quodam modo nobis sunt frugiferae : of fruites and of each thing fruite-like , that bringeth in increase ; Omniumquè negotiorum lucrosorum : Vnto your Priest , the manifest of your subjection it must be from all your affaires , whence yee have your gaine . q q Chrys●st in ver. 4. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} . Out of the very fruites of his very labours these dues Abraham raised for his Melchizedec . r r Carnalium nomine continentur omnia quae possidemus , neque est 〈◊〉 quare ex 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 praebeantur deci●●● , & non ex aliis . Franc. Sylvius in praed. Aquinat . Neque est ratio : neither is there any reason since all that is yours , comes under things carnell , why of some of these you should pay tithes , and not of others . Of the trade then that any of you drive , thence it is to your Priest in this matter that your obedience ye must make good ; of each one from each thing righteously got , thence Heavens quota pars . With Abraham he gives not tithes of all , who is conscious of any one thing to the keeping backe . Therefore , s s Si decimas non habes fructu●m ●errenorum quod habet Agricola ; quodcunque te pascit ingenium , Dei est ; & inde decimas expetit 〈◊〉 viv● ; de militia , de negotio ; de artificio redde decimas Augustin . Serm. 219. Tom. 10. Si decimas non habes fructuum terrenorum quod habet Agricola . If of fruites of the earth ye hand tithes as the Husbandman ; yet quod cunque te pascit ingenium , whatsoere craft sustaines thee , inde decimas expetit , unde vivis ; our tenths are to be demanded whence ye live : Courtship , Campe , Or Barre ; Shop Or Plow ; all in these are alike ingag'd . t t Sicut decima praediales debentur ex fructibus praediorum , ita personales ex 〈◊〉 personarum ; qui fructus sunt actiones & labores ipsius personae & l●cra illorum . Be then thy gaines from the earth , that is thy possession , or from the very labours of thy very person ; if of thy Suarez . lib. 1. tract , 2. de Virtut . Religi . cap. 31. num. 7 Cum non minus fructus nostrorum laborum sint a Deo quam fructus terrae , non minus decet ut ex illis Deum colamus quam existis . Ibid. ca. 32. num. 2. paines thou findest the fruites , thence with a tenth Melchizedec must be served ; in these matters of your travaile tithes followes the successe ; nor of what sort of calling the tithepayer be , so a lawfull , upon that Religion does not stand , but to all that a man gets its dues it doth extend : for as of Abraham , so of each man else that which he hath obtained , it is titheable : even those minutula , things which in themselves are little worth , and seeme of no account ; as Rue , Annise , Cumin , yet of these for tithe no omission , u u Mat. 23. 23. Vide dilegentius quomodo sermo Domini vult fieri quidem omnimode quae majora sunt Legis non tamen , omuti & haec quae secundam literam designantur . Quod si dicas , quia haec ad Pharisaeos dicebat , non ad discipulos : audi iterum ipsum dicentem ad discipulos . Nisi abundaver●● justitia vestra plusqu . &c. Quod ergo vult fieri a Phari●●is multo magis & cum majore abundantia vult a Discipulis impleri , quod autem fieri a Discipu●is non vult , nec Pharisaeis imperat faciend●● . Origen Hom. 11. in Num. Commendat Deas haec sacienda ubi ait Vae Vobis Scrib & Pharis . Cum ilico subjungit Hecoport . facere . Oporterigitur , & semper oportet quod Deus oportusse testatur ; neque parvi-pendendum suit , aut erit unquam , quod Deus vel furi fussit , vel factum , facientis devotione commendavit . E catalog . Doctris Tilleslie . An. 828. These ye ought not to leave undone . For though in his x x Licet singula in his videantur esse parva , & nullius aestimationis , tamen omnium cumulus magni aestimari debet , & necessarius vel valde commodus ad convenientem sustentationem Ministrorum . Rapinel de la Torre . ●n praedicta Aquin. disput. 3. singula , of these each severall may seeme of little or no moment , yet omnium cumulus , in their heape and saile , they may amount to much : now that cannot but stead the Priest which to the owner is advantageous . It is a tenth then , and a tenth of all that is sub manu , which of the Priest is the portion . y y Gal. 6. 6. 7. Let him that is taught in the word , saith the Apostle , communicate to him that reacheth in all good things . Here is a Text for you of London : Men much addicted to him that teacheth , but nothing to the Priest , to Melchizedec ; For you then ; What we heare of you it is no good report ; in the businesse that we are now about , it is too well knowne that ye deale double . Therefore ( in the behalfe of the Curates of London , to keepe close to that taking device of the incomparable Selden , and withall to bring you to your duty ) that he who teacheth may be provided for of sufficient living : we advise you that ye doe not deceive , and your selves be not deceived , for God is not mockt . For him then whom ye would have , your teacher ; what for him that teacheth , ye are commanded to set aside , somewhat it is , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , in all good things . Now as a z z Cum hac verba audio , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} : similis mini sonus videtur atque illorum ad Heb. 7. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} ; ut conjectura sit , nec Illa levis {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} Apostolum ad illud Genes. recté illam {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} insinuare qua usus est Abraham , fidei suae filiis per omnia ubi & quantum datur imitandus . Quid si autem sic ? Praeceptum illud quod vel optime consalit {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , antiquandum non est . Ist●c autem quin sit sanctio de decimis dubium non est . Per eam namque vera est , & ( si per vos liceat dicere dicam ) realis communio bonorum omnium , tum fractuum , tum fatuum , terrae , plantarum , animalium ; vos ipsi apud vos reliquam inductionem contexite . Stipem ejus loco ponite , Capite censionem , taxationem aedium : multi errores ; pars celatur , pars subducitur , ausim dicere {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} Lancelot . Epist. Winton . de Decimis inter opuscula posthuma pag. 147. Right Reverend of our owne hath it , this all of Saint Paul , in all good things ; no other it doth insinuate , than the al of which we have hitherto treated ; naught else but Abrahams all : it would that you of the City , as well as those of the Country should impart to him that teacheth in all good things , one part in tenne . For attend ; as Christ in our Text must be honored , So are ye to communicate ; now the tenth is that which he receives , and the tenth is that which ye of London ought to give . For otherwise than the Priest takes in all good things , should we allow ye to contribute . We should make Saint Paul to the Galatians thwart and clash with Saint Paul to the Hebrewes : but , my beloved Londoners , no such matter ; since the Text that 's loose , is to be bound by the Text that 's strict : what then in one place in all good things , he leaves unlimitted , that is to take quantity from the place that doth determine ; the Scripture tith'd , is to be the rule to the Scripture which is unti●hed : and so , the part in our text Christs right being a tenth ; it remaines in the behalfe of him ; as Abraham , so yee Citizens to him that teacheth , ye should ensure your subjection in all good things of a tenth , by the communicating . Of tithes touching the extent thus stands the case : {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , in each kinde it ought to be a tenth part of all comming in . But here we rest not ; all is not all , unlesse as Abrahams all it be de praecipuis , of all the most chiefe . Abrahams all , which for the quantity was the tenth ; that too for the quality of all , it was the most principall .

II. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} ; the tenth of all than any of the other nine parts , was m●ch were Intensivè quoad Personas . choyce : for this terme {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , a a Bish. Norw. pag 181. b 171. 194. Touching the divers modification of this word {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} . See this right worthy Author . pag. 163. 164. & 165. Bish. of Chichest treat. of tith . chap. 2. pag. 7. Graca vox {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} significat praecipua ; qua five de singibus , sive en spol●is Deo offerri solent . Estius in ver. 4. the Apostle useth to extend it to all ordinary tithes of encrease ; b and unto that eternall duty of paying tithes it will fetch in the best and principall of mens possessions . Hence then we urge ; each one of this duty whiles he is in the performance , of each parcell that he offers unto a diligent survey : in these matters not to deale with God hand over head ; but as for himselfe in every thing he would that which is most singular , so in point of tithe to be as studious ; not to set apart that for him who receives with which himselfe can not away ; to the Priest no offering of that , which so it be gone , we care not much who hath it . Such dealings as these they ne're stood with the fidelity of Abraham . God who c c Neh. 9. 8. found his heart faithfull before him , for the choysenesse of that wherewith he ministred to his Priest , no doubt but he found him very Solicitous ; to give that which did more excell right industrious . He who lov'd so much what was of little or no value for his Priest , a meete present he could nere thinke it : but what in honour to his Melchizedec he did performe , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} no other from Abraham could proceed than of the chiefest even a tenth . Ye may then beleeve me , to pay his Saviour with his trash to his beleeving soule it was abhorrent ; nay rather , his tenths though nere so precious , of what they should in his owne esteeme , did they not faile ? Indeed , to give tithes of any thing , no matter what , so it be a tenth ; it denotes a feare had to him who doth command , but of the Sonne not the feare : the Son-like feare , if this way a worke ; for the sort 't is dainty , it severs , and culs , and pickes , and weighes , and chooseth that which is most pleasing for him who hath its reverence , its love puts its God before it selfe in each part of its substance . As then in all morall duties it fares with each agent , so with him who tithes it . d d Chrysost. Hom. 18. in Gen. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} . Tithing aright hath a strong and most especiall regard to the minde and purpose of him that offers ; that hee doe it out of a willing and ready disposition , with all strength of affection : which neere so well appeares as when his subjection to him that lives savours of all his soule ; as when his tenths shewes that for his Redeemer , he thinkes nothing too good ; when the tenth of every thing is better than that which he reserves for himselfe ; and his owne profit is put behinde his dues to Religion ; not ought more worth , and that no present for the Priest : in a word , when a man gives a bare tenth , he gives of his goods , but he gives himselfe whom his tenth gives up the best . Now whosoere doth thus , doth no more than to what he stands bound . e e Num. 18. 29 Out of all your gifts , optima & electa cuncta ; ye shall offer , saith the Text , of all the best thereof . f f Gen. 4. 4. Mal. 1. 8. 13. 14 Iude 11. Righteous Abel , ex primogenitis & pinguissimis ; unto the Lord hee-brought the firstlings of his flocke , and of the fat thereof . On this offering of Abels , will ye heare Saint Chrysostome to descant ? thus then he g g {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} . Chrysost. ut supra . {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} : unto the Lord meerely o his sheepe Abel did not bring : but What ? {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , of the first of his flocke , he ; {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} that is , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , of those that were prize-worthy , of the delicate ; {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} : and after that out of those firstlings which were choyse , againe did Abel select the choyser . Now did Abraham in his oblation come behinde the pious Abel ? Non h h Anselm . Dion , Carth. Hug Card. Salmer . Gorcan . &c. in ver. 4. devilioribus , he , sed de praecipuis ac melioribus dedit ei decimas . To give unto Melchizedec the refuse of his store , it nere stood with Abrahams piety . He , whose Lord had long afore his heart , in his tenths unto him he could nere be heartlesse ; but what he payd with a deale of care he did all ; not set apart he , and of what not fore thinke ; but what was of most esteeme he did first discerne , and then let it goe ; with a busie eye bee over-lookt all ; but naught his Priest he did assigne , but what for worth the rest did overtop . Abrahams tenths , they were {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , the richest of the spoyles , the most liking of his cattle , the purest of his gold , of his silver the most refin'd . For i i Gen. 13. 2. Abraham , as the letter hath it , was very rich in cattle , in silver , and in gold . Touching the matter then of this present duty how much it is ? that it is decima a tenth ; and too , a tenth of all , ye are not ignorant : but as for the manner , how good it must be ? the Apostle tels you that it must bee {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , the prime , something more surpassing in that kind any of the rest ; this at least it must be : but whether ? to put that to the question which indeed is out of question . As it is then ,

Whether nothing so good ? of all whether it should be the best ; looke you to that ? such as is your offering , such is your devotion ; if ye faile not of so much as you are commanded , for you give a tenth ; yet render not so good as ye are able : k k Mar. 22. 37. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} ; with all the heart , as ye should , doe ye love the Lord your God ? If in what ye tithe , ye give Christ what is good , yet in that kinde keepe backe somewhat that is better , above all , is Christ then , is he preferr'd before all ? l l Anselm . in ver. 4. Cui meliora , ille melior . That 's better than God , for which is reserv'd a better thing ; and whiles of your estates ye returne him the common stuffe , no affection it denotes but what 's common ; sleightly serv'd he , and as sleightly priz'd . In your tithes then the choysenesse of what you bring ; What reverence ye bare him who receives , hence is the lively evidence : in religion cold and frozen , nay dead is that Soule , which could set out his gleanings , and withdraw his sheaves ; make shew of the gudgeon , but to conveigh away the Salmon ; that hee might gaine-say his timber would flatter you with the chips ; when he should pay the pearle , doth very frankely set downe the pibble . But not so Abraham , of what he made up his tenths , of that he was curious for the kinde ; God was first in his soule , and too first in his possessions ; still the best that a man hath , it is for his service , who hath the best of a man . naught too deare for God , if once in our better part , we are indear'd to him : Tithes then cannor but be de praecipuis , unlesse in our selves the High Priest be ende praecipuus . Thus did Abraham , and ye must no otherwise : his tenths they were of all , and of all the most choyse ; your duty of no other stampe ; of your encrease the tenth of all in each severall , and in each of all no other than the chiefest . Of ●i●hes this the condition , when Abraham tith'd it to Melchizedec ; so much they were , and in such a manner to be deliver'd up : and in this matter at this day no change : for the old honorary , the old clame , since no Priest now , but the Priest of old ; when your Priest than Abrahams Priest he is no other . m m Heb. 13. 〈◊〉 ▪ Iesus Christ the same yesterday , and to day , and for ever : it was Gospel then , it is Gospel now , therefore the same tithes , since the very selfe same Priest ; there being no other Priest , there needs no honor of a new Edition : So that your dutie 's not a whit altered ; his dignity being full as fresh , he as great as he was before . To him then even in these times by tithes the same subjection holds firme ; in that in office he the same continues : that , which unto us and all that come after us brings downe the why institutive ; it is of tithes the why durative : for the awefull reverence , which by this tribute Abraham shewed to the greatnesse of the Priest ; why at this day it must be observed , it is at this day of the Priest from the endurance . In the very way then of Abrahams payment , we come now to the reason for which tithes are to be continued ; for touching your duty , wherefore in conscience to render these ye are obliged , and that we have authority upon the perill of your soules to command the fulfilling ; in the text the ground , of the Priest is {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} : of your obeying and our enjoyning , the life it is the warrant ; for , He who receiveth tithes , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} Of him it is witnessed that he liveth : of the Priest the life , why tithes are now due it is the Quare ; and of the three Quaeres as the last proposed comes to be considered {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , that he l●veth .

III , On {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} . Helives , and he lives a Priest , for under n n Quisest qui vivit ? Ille factus est Sacerdos in aternum secundum ordinem Melchizedec ●ypum gerentis Pontificis nostri , qui se metipsum obtulit hostiam Deo placentem , non ex necessitate qualibet sed ex voluntate propriae potestatis : qui nihil morti debuit , ideirco pontificali sacrificio sui corporis omnium abluit peccata . Ambros hic . Bish. Chichest. treat . of tithes . chap. 2. & . 3. this notion it is , that we are to present him to you ; and in the kinde you wot of , why Abrahams duty to Abrahams Children it should descend ; the grand quaere is ; not in that simply belives ; but because he alwayes lives a Priest . What then is of notice most especiall , why tithes still are your debt ; of his life it is the diversity of consideration : which is to be set before you either primitivè or dispensativè .

First primitive , ye are to behold it , as Christ , he who lives for your eternall profit , puts it into action ; and so , this his life , being unto you the life of a Priest ; hence it is that in the first rise unto him , from you tithes are due ; {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , in that for you he liveth now a Priest .

Secondly , this his life is to be weighed dispensativè ; as the Melchizedec's here below have the manageing of it , to discover what pretious fruites doe accrue unto you from this his life ; it being a life for your spirituall good , wholely behoofefull : and this is the Quare why of the Gospel the now Priests , they of tithes are among you made the receivers ; it is because the word which they bring , it is the o o Phil. 2. 16. word of life : for thus , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} . &c. Of him it is witnessed that in them he liveth . What then in the first place warrants unto him Abrahams performance to be your service , it is in that

1. Primitivè and in se , in his owne personlie l●ves a Priest : and no meane motive this from all Christians for the pleaded-for subjection , if but duely thought on : when this Priest , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , in that he lives ; it is to pray , and p p Esay 53. 12 : for the transgressors to make intercession . q q 1 Iohn 2 : 1. If any man hath sinned , saith Saint Iohn , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , Wee have an Advocate with the Father , Iesus Christ the righteous . For , r r Iere. 30. 21. Zach 1 12. Rom. 8. 34. 1 Tim. 2. 5. Apoc. 8. 4. who is this but hee who hath engaged his heart to approach unto the Lord ? In respect then of him for the abidance of tithes , this the Quare : in that in himselfe a Priest he lives ; even now to be our spokesman , to pleade , and sue out our pardon , to reconcile and set us at one with him , whom our sinnes hath set at oddes . s s chap. 2. 17. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} : It is for us that he is at this present , the mercifull and faithfull High Priest , in things pertaining to God : When none of us without this life that dares deale above ; that can goe to God , and yet goe without Christ ; who is it that can appeare an offender before his Iudge , and not provided of a satisfaction ? would a release of his bonds , and neglect the life that payed the ransome ; stands in neede of mercy , and yet t t Dan. 9. 17. for the Lords sake does not petition it ? Behold then the life I set before you this day , and of the Priests clame , yeeld to the Iustice ; hence in Abrahams way , ought ye not to apply your selves to Abrahams subjection ? for as to Abraham , so to you he lives a Priest ; this his life in your behalfe he wholely employes it ; where he is , the manageing of your affaires altogether takes him up : On {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} that he liveth , as a good Priest should he abides our suitor , and that thither we may come whether he hath ascended , for this he lives to request the Father . Prayers then hee doth offer up , and in u u {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} . Oecumen. in ver. 25. this a Priest : but this is not all at which wee are to looke ; {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , that he liveth and intercedes ; but too , the sacrifice , we must regard , x x hic . ver. 25. which he did once when he offered up himselfe : since this also in se , as in himselfe he is a Priest , it is to be considered . That then y y Esay 53. 5 , 6. Iohn 1. 19. Tit. 2. 14. 1 Pet. 1. 18. 19 2 24. 1 Ioh. 1. 7. Gal. 3. 13. for our transgressions hee was wounded , and bruised for our iniquities ; as ever , so now , z z Officium Intercessionis & Redemptionis ita sunt conju●cta , ut dignitatē , virtutem , se● efficaciam intercessionis Christi ex meritis . Redemptionis pendere ostendat Apostolm ad Heb. c. 7. & . 9 , Chemnit. ex . am . Concil. Trident. de In. vocat . Sanct. p. 169. col . 1. intercessio nihil allud est quam Redemptionis applicatio , & continum quasi vigor 〈◊〉 apud Deum concilians , &c. Mediatoris nostri apud Deum Intercessio nisttur ejusdem satisfactione & merito : unde in Sacerdota●i Christi officio satisfactio , meritum & intercessio indivulso nexu conjunguntur . Gerardi . loc. com . tom. 8 de Morte . § 385. 4 , § 389. 5. this is that which makes him a powerfull Orator : when from the redemption that he wrought , is the life of his intercession ; the strength of his interpleading , it is from the dignity of his merit ; from his passion , of his prayers , is the prevalency . So then , for the point in hand , ye see upon what warrant we ground the urging ; this homage of yours what now commands ; but that in which consists your blisse eternall ? from that which of the Gospel is the very pith ; ab Evangelii Evangelio , from the life of a Saviour , hence the now Quare : his Priestly being is the why at your hands this service why now he must receive ; from a perpetuall benefit , it is that the bond is perpetuall when for us it is in se , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , that a Priest be liveth in himselfe : for our sakes , it is that the Deity is still solicited ; to appease the wrath that we have provokt , this the cause that before justice eye his precious sufferings are still set ; that the remembrance of his fore-past Chastisement this Priest renues , t is to effect our peace ; and now powres out the desires of his soule for that onely which wee all desire . Yet further ; that which addes to the worth of this his executing his Priestly office ; and so , unto you makes the enforcement the more strong ; it is {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} that now he lives a Priest enthron'd : for , a a chap. 9. 24. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} : into heaven it selfe he is entred now to appeare in the presence of God for us . Therefore , all his doings ye are so to construe them , as of his infinite glory they sute with the present condition : weighwell ye should of the now Priest , the now state ; an all-glorious life it is of an all glorious Priest . Christs then b b Vnigenito filio pro homine interpellare , est apud coateruum Patrem seip sum hominemdemonstrare ; etque pro humana natura rogasse est ean dem naturam in Divinitatis suae celsitudine suscepisse . Gregor. magn. Moral . lib. 22. cap. 13. Illa interpellatic Christ . Doctorum omnium vera assertione , non summissa est postulatio , sed ejus passionla quae semel suscepta , semel pro nobis in sacrificium oblata est , aeterna commemoratio , &c. Rupertus de divinis officiis lib 9 cap. 3. Vide Estium hic in ver. 25. pro humanâ naturâ rogasse ; at this day his mediating for us , no other it is than in the statelinesse of his Divinity his taking to him our nature ; and thus , in his owne Person having assum'd it , in our behalfe what he will he obtaines of this by the presenting ; all things then to him are granted , not from the submissenesse of his desire , but upon the knowledge of his desert ; as a supplyant he does not now crave , but as a conquerour he procures . What I say ye may beleeve , when c c Chap 8 1. we have such an High Priest , who is set , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} : on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens . To his clame then unto the debt we preach for , ought ye not to have regard ? when this Priest though he liveth so d d Phil 2. 9. highly exalted ; yet in naught fallen from his office ; but the Priests worke , it is still his e e Estius ut ante . Non otiosum gerit Christus sacerdotium : from the businesse due to the Priesthood , though he be in heaven he is not discharged ; but for your heale it is that even there , he abides a Priest all-sufficient : since , f f Hiever . 25. He is able to save , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , to the uttermost them that come unto God by him , seeing hee ever liveth to make intercession for them . The remission then of your sinnes ; unto a better hope , the acceptance of your persons ; for your time of being here , your Priests plighting of his word for your upright abearing ; upon his owne backe his taking of your load ; his fulfilling whatsoere you faile in ; of his now being the now majesty : in a word , all that the Gospell reveales touching this Priest , all serves but to make the continuing Quare the more weighty ; that yee may be the more easily induced by ●ithes to evidence your submission . Thus , to the Sonnes he that lives being the same Priest that he was to the Father , Abrahams dues , that they should be your debt is it any more than right ? g g Tertul. lib. 4. contra Marcion . cap. 9. Christus Iesus Catholicus Pa●ris Sacerdos . He being of his Father the Catholique Priest , is there any reason that he should be denyed a * * Videtur totam tribum Levi conferre cum Melchizedec in hunc modum . Cum Levitis Deus concesserit jus exigendi decimas , Israelitis omnibus eos praefecit , licét en eodem essent omnes progeniti . Atqui Abraham qui omnium est Pater Sacerdoti alienigenae decimas solvit ; ergo omnes Abrahae posteri huic Sacerd●●i sunt subjecti . Ita jus illud reliquit quod in fratres delatum est , in Levitis . Sed Melchizeder , sine exceptione Deus in omnes praesecit . Salmeron in ver. 5. Causam non reddit Apostolus , ac si decimas ideo Sacerdotes accipiunt , quod sint ex Filiis Levi , sed totam illam tribum consert cum Melchizedes in hunc modum Cum Levitis Deus concesserit jus exigendi decimas a Populo ita Israelitis eos praefecit omnibus , & si ex eodem Parente essent omnes simul progeniti . Atqui Abraham qui omnium Pater est Sacerdoti Alienigenaesolvit decimas ; ergo huic Sacerdot ; omnes poste●i Abraha sunt subjecti . Ita jus Leviticum particulare suit in reliquos fratres ; sed Melchizedec sine enceptione summoloco statuitur ut sibi subjiciat omnes Calvinuss . ibid. Catholique subjection ? according to that he receives , of all is it not necessary that there be rendred to him one and the same obedience ? since as for Abraham so for all , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} : Of him it is witnessed that a Priest he liveth : from him quà Priest , there flowing an universall good , unto him ought there not to be returned a duty universall ? Of tithes for the permanency in this manner stands the Quare , in regard now of the right primitive : in se , he who receives , as he is in himselfe if beheld ; ye finde unto you {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , that he liveth still a Priest : and therefore for this cause it is by tithes your allegeance unto him ye ought to make apparent . But yet , in the spring head and ascent upmost , though his they are : yet as he lives otherwise , than in himselfe a Priest , so too , for the lasting of tithes , an other sort of right , his life it doth produce , a right derivative ; when

2. Dispensativè ; in a second way wee told you , that in those he lives to whom of this his life he hath committed the dispensing . Thus wee are fallen upon the point wherein wee are to discover how to tithes the now Priests of the Gospell they lay clame : when tithes not onely primarily as they are owned ; but too , Secundarily they are to be treated on as they are assigned : indeed it is in heaven that the receipt is ratifi'd , though the payment nere were but upon the earth ; ye give here to the hand , what 's there due to the body . Now then , to come to those to whom tithes sub Evangelio are to be deliver'd : of these touching the endurance to handle the Quare as it concernes us . The reason why also tithes are our dues , for these in a surer way we cannot lay the ground , than in the Text upon the {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} : since to the now Melchizedec's , of the Priest , of Christ here {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , of all their labors it is the life : that which makes us bring h h Rom. 10. 15. glad tidings of good things unto you , is it not in that with this life we come fraught ? for i i 2 Cor. 2. 16. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} : of life unto life we are the Savour ; and our now charge k k Act. 5. 20. it is to stand and speake to the people {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} : all the words of this life . Hence then it is that we receive tithes , since of his life , the saving benefits effectually to impart we are enabled : for their Worke sake here below to the Melchizedecs , of the Gospell the now Priests , l l Rom. 15. 16. whose it is {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , to them this honour , hence it is that they have it warranted ; the Priest lives in them to communicate his life ; and of his living Priest-hood these sacred annexa in them he receives . But that we may take the whole Scripture which concernes this matter along with us ; it doth well be seeme us in the old way to set our footing : and so , it is our duty to set before you of Melchizedec and of Aaron the Quare ; that from their why for ou●constant receit of tithes , we also may fetch our Why : which may so be done , and yet of the Priest from the life we not all together turne aside . What then first of

1. Melchizedec was the Quare ; that which was the reason wherefore of this standing tribute , he was daigned the honour ; the cause was a benedicendo : from the blessing , which on Abraham he did conferre . Melchizedec m m hic . ver. 1. 2. blessed him saith the Text , to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all . Now then , marke ; if Melchizedec of the Patriarch upon his n n Quaero de jur● , quo jure ? non sacrificii , nullum enim obtulit . Benedictionis ergo . Coharent enim iste , Benedixit Melchisedec , decimas pendit Abraham . I am assumo . Melch. benedicenti debentur decimae . Idem jus sub Christo manet . Qui id constare potest ? ex ver. 12. ad 7. Heb. Non sit {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} . Ius non transfertur nisi translato sacerdotia . Atqui idem Christi sacerdotium & Melchizedec ( pro quo si opus est Deus ipse jus jurandum interponet ) Ps●l 110. Ergo idem sub utroque jus . Christo igitur debentur , in quo , & a quo , & per quem omnes benedicti sumus benedictus ipse in secula . Quas aequum est ut illi Christi nomine percipiant , qui Christi nomine nobis benedicunt , &c. Manet ergo sub Ch isto decima●um jus . Episc. Winton . de decimis pag. 143. & . 144. blessing did receive tithes ? in his way in the behalfe of us for the same debt is there not the same cause ? since as he to Abraham , so we to all that are of Abraham doe impart the blessing ; o o Gen. 14 19. even the blessing of the most high God Possessour of heaven and earth . This blessing we dispence ; which is no other in the richnesse of it , than the life of him , of whom in the text it is witnessed , &c. For the Quare then , why unto us of Melchizedec tithes the endurance ; there being from us naught now but the same blessing , what should be to us , if not the same subjection ? when whose at this day is the very office , is not theirs too , the very rights , tithes ? for Melchizedec blest , and p p Tanquam sacerdos & Propheta ordinarius benedixit illi . quo nomine etiam Ab●a . illi decimas ex omn bus impertitus est , & ille ab co non dubitavit accipere tanquam fretus autoritate Dei , & ex ea rite perfungens Sacerdotis officio . Iunius lib. 3. Paral. in hoc cap. eo nomine , of a tenth part of all he was made partaker . To the same purpose then that by Abraham these dues were given to his Priest ; the same end in your rendring of tithes it ought to be observed : now to him the tenth it was assigned to set out how great a Priest he was . And for our parts , since we are to you , q q 2 Cor. 5. 20. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} . in stead of him that liveth ; and naught doe , but r r 〈◊〉 . 10. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , in the person of Christ what we doe ; and if anywhere received , s s Gal. 4. 14. Luk. 10. 16. as Iesus Christ we are to be received ; and since , t t Obad. 21. Servatores sumus , we are the Saviours that come up on mount Sion : this being considered ; as tithes did from Abraham to Melchizedec , so from you being payed ; are they not to demonstrate of our Callings excellency , your dreading approvement ? In respect then of each particular duty , our high function enjoynes , these are to ensure your obedience unto us , who have u u Heb. 13. 17. the rule over you . To this tithes serve , that to the world they may declare , what great men they are , who now are Evangelicall Priests ; in that the honour which for himselfe Priest-Christ commands , to us he vouchsafes , his tenths , In token then of your submission to our authority , of all encrease , of all your substance the best in tithes is to be imparted : when Melchizedecs superiority doth follow the charge of Melchizedec ; the life which in the blessing of Melchizedec , was the very creame , the life of the Priest , this is the blessing we bring : with the Bread and with the Wine ; with the Body and with the Blood : with an {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , and a {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , we come . From Melchizodec then unto us for the continuance of tithes we inferre the Quar● : being enjoyned his taske , this the why in dis

Even so hath the Lord ordained that they should live who Preach the Gospell . e e Oecumen ●n 1 Cor. 9. 13. Bish. Chich. treat . of tith . chap. 1. pag. 3. chap. 4 pag. 23 {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} . In matter of maintenance the Apostle does not bring in , any new , strange , unheard of thing , he innovates nothing at all ; with a new egge of his owne addling hee does not present the Corinthians : but the old practise upon former precept to be continued that it is ordain'd this he preacheth . The power that he had f f 1 Cor. 9. 4. to eate and to drinke , it was {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , Even so , as that of Levies , who g g hic . ver. 5. to take tithes had a commandement . Touching those then who sub evangelio officiate for him , Of whom it is witnessed that &c. Aarons portion why their pay ye have the Quare ; the stile of the now Law warrants it to be according to the Law afore ; {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} to be no other than even so . Thus looke which way you please ; to the subjection due to Melchizedec , or to the maintenance owed to Aaron ; to hoc fac , or to Crede hoc ; to the h h Rom. 3. 27. Law of Faith , or to the Law of workes ; to the rule by which ye are justifyed , or to the line by which ye are sanctifye ; of these take which ye will ; and of the Priests life the now dispensers , of these rents how they authorized to be the takers up , ye will easily discerne . Or , if either of these plea's the now Priests should let goe ; yet in the Text a hold they have impregnable ; when out of all danger of assault is : {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , of the Priest the life : Of a right then unto these dues , i i 1 Cor. 4. 1. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , those who unto you are the stewards of the mysteries of God ; of a title unto tenths , these they can nere faile , unlesse our Text faile : keepe then to this , and keepe up tithes : when this assures you of an {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} there , where tithes are ever to be received ; for {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} there , in the Priesthood of the Gospell , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} . There he receiveth them , of whom it is witnessed that he liveth . And here , to our discourse a period it might be put ; but that other things are yet behind needfull to be observed , As first ,

1. All this while , by the Text what 's received , and what s payed , it is but tithes , than a tenth , 't is no more . Therefore , as if this portion were too exceeding ; or that , in the requiring of these we went beyond our commission , that ye may not repine , or what we write with a head hung downe entertaine : we are further to acquaint you , and as the troth is deliver it ; that to the

Now Priests of the Gospell , k k Populus novae legis ad majora obligatur Ministris Dei quam Populus vet. &c Si dignitas Ministrorum attendatur plus ila debetur quam Ministris Legis . Cajetanus in praedict. Aquinat . solut. ad dub . secundum Populus Christianus accepit a Christo majora beneficia quam Israelitae , ideoque ad plura Deo obligatur , Sylv. ibi . Conclus . 4 rat . 2. tithes to be the least of that which justly they may clame ; but a very pittance of that greater summe in which ye all stand engaged . Indeed if we looke at Scriptum est , and jus strictum in respect of a part determined ; than a meere , a bare tenth , no more can be chaleng'd : but if the worth of that we bring were it possible to value it ; how little then of that great deale ye owe would a tenth prov ? for consider , thus much , tithes , the Christians gave who were afore the Law ; and those who were under the Law payed tithes , all which had the Priest that lives in a promise onely , and in a figure ; so much as this they imparted , and all upon the beleife that he was to come : now that he is come , and l l Rom. 8. 32. in giving of himselfe hath freely given all things unto us : to be return'd than the wonted tenth whether there be no more ? judge ye . In this matter to your selves I doe appeale : does not Nature teach , that the better ye are used , the deeper ye are obliged ; and such as is the fare , such should be the pay ; and that a more abounding crop , should follow a more plenteous sowing ; and that we should receive in , according to that we have laid out ? Bethinke your selves ; in the brest within , have ye not a thing that to this beares witnesse ? But to keepe to Scripture : for the legall Priests then , if first fruits and tithes , and what not were due to those , whose m m Heb. 9. 10. Service stood in ordinances that were carnall ; and all that they did , tended no further than n n 13. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , to the purifying of the flesh ? if of such the Ministery had so ample an endowment ? then to him o o 14. whose blood from dead workes is able to purge the conscience , that ye may serve the living God : to him , I say , in his now Priests , can a tenth be a taxe so intolerable ? p p {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} . Chrysost. Hom. 4. in Ephes. Si is qui dat dim dium 〈◊〉 operatur , quanti erit is qui ne decimam quid●m praebet . E catalogo Anno. 544. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} . If under the Old Testament such doings there were as these , then much more should there not be under the New ? This quantity of Levies order , to set out the excellenty it was apppointed , whose Worke was but the q q 2 Cor 3 7 , 8 , ministration of death ; and to those of our rule , whose is the ministration of the spirit , to us than a tenth shall there be due no more ? Our Priesthood then as it is r r Levitis jus decimarum . At ministerinm nostrum ut est natura praestan●●●● dignitate eminentius , ita usu fructuosius . Et plura & majora Populus noster a nobis commoda percipit ; debentitaque majora rotio siation dictat . Quis pudor est Christianos qui debent majora non solvere pavia ? Vberiores fructus recipere possimus si ratio audiatur , tennior●s non possumus . Episc. Winton de deci . pag 155. Natura praestantius , dignitate eminentius , ita usu fructuosius . As in its nature that of Aarons it doth farre surmount , and in its exercise being farre more fruitfull , and in that we of the Gospell come loaded to our people with better commodities , and farre more precious than those of the Law : this being so , in your offering to us , your reverence how should it exceed that of Israel ; how outstrip that ? Quis pudor est Christianos qui debent majora , non solvere paria ? Oh the fhame ! that Christians who owe more , should nere be found to returne so much . What shall we say ? Did not the Scribes and Pharisees pay tithes of all that they possest ? Now s s Mat. 5. 20. Except your righteousnesse shall exceed the righteousnesse of the Scribes and Pharises : — from What followes God defend ; but except your righteousnesse , &c. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} ye shall in no case enter into the Kingdome of Heaven . Deceive not your selves ; of these miscreants the righteousnesse how doth yours t t Quomodo abandat justitia nostra plusquā Scribarum & Pharisaorum ? fi illi de fructibus terrae suae gustare non audent priusquam Sacerdotibus primitias off●ranrant , & Leviti● decimae separentur : & ego nihil borum saciens fructibus terrae ita abutar ut Sacerdos ▪ nesciat , Levites ignoret , divinum altare non Sentiat Origen Hom. 11 in Numer . exceed ? if in that ye are ever peccant wherein they were never guilty ? u u Exime aliquam partem reddituum 〈◊〉 , decimas vis ? decimas excipe ; q●anquam parum sit . Dictum est enim quia Pha●s●i decima● dabant , &c. Et quid ait Dominus ? Nisi abundaverit , &c Et ille super quem debet abundare justitia tua decimas dat , tu autem ●ec mille●imam das . Quomodo superabis eum , cui non aequaris ? August . in Psal. 146. tom . 8. Qnomodo superabis eum , cui non aequaris ? In this duty if these yee doe not aequall , that ye goe beyond such when will be the time that it may be found ? Of the Scribes and Pharises ye are yet to learne ; these though too bad , yet to teach you truely to 〈◊〉 it wondrous and Sufficient : of your profession is not this the blot ; that to Scribes and Pharises ye should be to go to Schoole ? Now then , if it be tithe , and more than a Tithe to which the now Priests have now right ,

2. What warrant then for that unwarrantable competency that every where is in practice ? or what conscience will allow you to abide by a mouldy custome fetcht from time out of minde ? or for your teacher to thinke that right meete which comes from the raw discretion of an upstart Vestry ? or what ground is there for a x x Iudg. 17. 10. Be unto me a Father and a Priest , and I will give unto thee ten shekels of silver by the yeare , &c. y y Ezek. 18. 2. Have not our Fathers eaten sowre grapes ; and the childrens teeth are they not set on edge ? As if the now Priests were the accursed progeny of unhappy Eli. z z 1 Sam. 2. 36. Doe they not come and crouch for a piece of silver ? and for their putting into one of the Priests offices ; for the most part is it not the end , Vt panis frustum , that they may eate a piece of bread ? when tithes which were ever due , they are now no where paid . 'T is in the text a Priest & tithes ; of the blessing upon Abrahams receiving , of these is Abrahams rendring . To the goodwill then of the many no referring of the Priest for that which must sustaine him ; and upon the hearing of the man , no giving accordingly as you like him ; and amend his pay , thereafter as he mends his Preaching ; for if in your wifedomes he chance to improve his talant , perhaps he shall be considered for it : or if for his bigger preferment he can hire out himselfe for more , then to trucke it with him for his longer tarriance : as if , He who lives should not all this while receive tithes ? or for those who of his Gospell are the setters forth he had no way provided ; onely their allowance he hath so left it , that nothing's theirs but what it pleaseth you to give . Now is this the honour that ye doe your Priest ? a a Zach. 11. 13. Thirty pieces of silver , a goodly price that I was prized at of them : ye know full well of whom t is said . In the name of God then , from the beginning of the World to this praesent time , and ever after ; from the bond of tithes have ye had a generall acquittance ? that concerning the worship due unto your Priest , ye are so sapinely negligent ? It is witnessed that he liveth ? and here on Earth must he be so abased ; that those who negotiate for him must stand to your good liking for what they have ? naught receive , but what wherewith to part ye thinke fit ? was this the awefull regard that Abraham bore to his Melchizedec ? that ye should handle your b b 1 Cor. 4. 15. Instructours in Christ , as ye doe those who have the charge of your bounds ? the man now in the Stable , and him in the Church betweene one and other is there any difference ? for what must keepe them , both alike doe they not rely onely upon that which your owne inventions have imagined behoovefull ? the Kitchin and the Pulpit doe they not Worke as you and they , thereafter as ye have agreed ? As if tithes had nothing to doe with conscience ; nor God ere call to a reckoning , of this Sacred Revenue for the vile unhallowing . So long then as ye heare of a tenth , and of one who lives tithes to receive , so long as ye have tidings ; so long know it is not left to you to dispose of the Priesthoods dues according as you last : but that it is yours first to quit you of your debt , and then to talke of your gratuity ; till ye have perform'd your bounden duty , let alone your benevolence : if what ye owe , yee faile to pay , with a largesse of the n'one comming to d' of God , nere dreame ; nere build upon a piece of selfewilled charity , till in what justice would ye have satisfied your Priest , in his tithes . Indeed a freewill offering it may not be denyed , that to the now Priests it is due : and over and above your tenths that much more ye owe , we grant it to you : for , Except your righteousnesse exceed , &c. We confesse too , that the overplus which to render ye are enjoyned , in respect of a fixt , a set part , in this ye are left to your owne liberty ; as a tenth ; so more than a tenth is necessary upon praecept ; but than a tenth how much more ye ought to give ? In regard of you this is the matter onely arbitrary ; to your owne power , ye are to be refer'd to define of that which must exceed ; free in this ye are at your owne choyse for the muchity to offer to your Priest . Seriously but weigh this , and will ye not finde it damnable and deadly to your Soules ; when to the prejudice of tithes , to carve as ye list to your Melchizedec ye nere feare to presume ? For whiles by contributing lesse than a tenth , of your debt ye fancy the discharging : what doe ye but run more upon the score , and make your burthen the more grievous ? In diminishing the Summe , ye adde to your disobedience ; and eternally undoe your selves in impoverishing the Priest . To draw to an end ; on your parts , what then remaines now , but to the

3. Priest , c c Iudeorum imitemur e●ordia , ut Sacerdotibus & Levltis bonorem debitum deferamus ? . Hierom. in cap. 3. Malac. tom . 6. ut honorem debitum deferatis ? naught but of your faithfull service this humble tender ; that in paying of tithes , as tithes require ye make good your subjection ; it is true , with a great deale of goods ye must part ; but too ye must doe it with a great deale of submission : because ye enrich the man , by no meanes your selves exalt . The Priest fares well , and indeed must : d d {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} . &c. {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} . Chrys. in 1 Cor. 9. Homil. 22. yet for the fliece never a whit beholding to the Sheepe ; because of the Parish sustained , he is not therefore brought under of the meanes ye have it is that he lives , but not of you ; at the peoples hands it is that he doth receive , yet on the people it is not that he doth depend ; but onely thence his livelihood , whence his Office . e e Oecumen. ibidem . {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} . For the worke of the Gospell it is that he is appointed ; and too , not of those he teacheth , but that he live of the Gospell it is ordain'd . f f Ambros. Ipsa naturalis ratio hoc habet , ut quis inde vivat ubi laborat . This of nature 't is the dictate , that of each one thence be the support , whence is the ground of his employment . Ye give then , and ye give to him ; yet what he receives , 't is that which of you the Gospell clames ; the duty which ye owe him , 't is for the service which he doth it . Hence of the Priest your obeying ; by your substance his subsisting doth not make you his Good Masters ; but in what he takes , in that ye declare your selves debtors . In the behalfe then of the Priest that ye are put to charges . Non g g Fecit ( D Paulus ) securit castum Evanglistam ( sc. Timotheum ) &c. ut intelligeret quod necessarium sibi sume bat ab tis , quibus tanquam provincialibus militabat , & quos tanquam vi●e●m calturà excreebat , vel tanquam gregem pascebat , non esse mendicitatem sed potestatem . Augustin . lib d●opere Monachorum cap. 15. tom . 3. est mendicitas , sed potestas . In this ye relieve not his penury , but beare witnesse to his authority ; in so doing , ye doe not helpe his wants , but yeild to his power . It would be his sinne then to crave , that which of right he may command ; and in you a foule fauli to expect his asking , when 't is your duty to deliver up . For so long as your tithes yee doe with hold , so long of your Priest from the dignity ye doe withdraw ; ye lessen his reverence , in denying his maintenance ; and make him little , in keeping from him tithes which should make him great ; whiles ye defraud him of his portion , ye avile his function ; ye h h Malac. 3. 8. rob and steale from God , in depriving him of his goods . It is high time then to betake you to your charge , and of this debt in the performance , as it would thereafter to demeane your selves : Ever remembring that this way whiles ye advance your Religion , your obedience thereunto ye doe but anew testifie , and that all is for the honour of your Priest , when this part ye doe so devoutly dedicate ; to make apparent his praeeminence over you , to this it is that tithes they were alotted : for that which made Melchizedez greater than Abraham , was it not tithes ? To shut up all : I onely exhort you of these to the payment ; ye have a Priest who lives to receive , and whom may ye better follow than him whom yee have for your Father . Abraham , he paide tithes of all , and the best of all in honour to his Melchizedec : now , i i Iohn 8. 39. If ye were Abrahams children , ye would doe the workes of Abraham : what he performed that of you it is required . Therefore , k k Ambros. Fer. 3. post Domin . prim Quadrag . tom. 5. Quicunque recognoscit in se quod fidellter non dederit decimas suas . This of Saint Ambrose 't is wholesome counsaile . Whosoever among you doth acknowledge that in matter of tithe he nere dealt faithfully : modo emendet quod minus fecit : now , let him now amend that of which afore he fell so short . Quid est fideliter dare decimas : to give tithes faithfully wherein doth it consist ? nisi ut , nec minus nec pejus aliquando Deo offerat . But that to God of whatsoere ye have , ye offer neither worse nor lesse . Abrahami actio , est nostra institutio , Abrahams action , t is our instruction .