January 19

Like unto the Son of God.—Hebrews 7:3.

MELCHISEDEC'S history is briefly presented in a few verses of the fourteenth Chapter of Genesis, where he met Abraham as he was returning from the battle of the Kings, and blessed him as the Priest of the Most High God, and received tithes of all that he had. David when looking to Christ through the medium of prophetic revelation, exclaims, "Thou art a Priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec." The Apostle in this epistle still dwells more largely upon the subject. The typical points of likeness seem to be these, Melchisedec's descent and decease were not known, so that it is said he was without father or mother, without beginning of days or end of years. This is really true of the Redeemer, as Divine he had no mother, no beginning of days, and as Human, he had no father, and as Divine and Human, he will have no end of years, "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, to day, and for ever." Melchisedec was a priest of the Most High God, and in his sacerdotal office, he had no predecessor or successor. So Christ is the great priest of our profession, and as none preceded him, so he abideth a priest continually. Melchisedec united both the royal and sacred offices in himself; so Christ is Lord, as well as Christ; he is King of the heavenly Salem, and shall reign for ever and ever. Melchisedec blessed Abraham, and gave him bread and wine; Jesus also instituted the ordinance, wherein these same elements are employed, as the symbols of his own body and precious blood, which he gave for the life of the world. Abraham in return, gave unto him tithes of all that he had; Christ in like manner, demands of his people an entire surrender and consecration of themselves, to his service and glory. How limited the space of Melchisedec's office! How extensive that of Christ, the priest of his universal church. How short in duration that of Melchisedec, how abiding that of Christ! Do I rely on the nature of the sacrifice he has presented? Do I trust to the prevalency of his

Intercession? Have I received from his lips the true blessing my soul requires? Do I live by faith on the Son of God?