PREFACE. THE following Tract had its origin in a very short outline, prepared by the author for pulpit delivery. And recently, while preparing a volume of sermons for publication, on various subjects, he concluded to write a discourse on the Priesthood of Christ. In so doing, though brief on some parts, even to poverty, he found it difficult to embody his thoughts with sufficient clearness, in one discourse. This pressed him with a difficulty, from which his only relief appeared to be, in dividing the subject, and giving it in separate discourses, and on separate texts. This, even, to his own mind, was not quite free from objections; but it appeared to him the easiest side of the dilemma. And finding the four discourses would form a convenient sized pamphlet alone, he determined, contrary to his original purpose, to publish them separate from any others. The work is now before the public; and while its contents lead the author, and perhaps some of his readers, to exclaim, with the Apostle, "Great is the mystery of Godliness, God was manifested in the flesh," he trusts it will be the means of leading many, to a more implicit faith in that Redeemer, who has made the atonement for the sins of the whole world, who has said, "No man cometh to the Father, but through me," "who ever liveth to make intercession for men ;" and who is able also, "to save to the very uttermost, all who come to Him." Reader, for the profit of thy soul this tract was written. And if thou seekest this in its perusal, the author feels confident, that thou wilt not be disappointed. Hast thou, to the present, been living carelessly in reference to thy soul and salvation? Here thou mayest see the greatly aggravated crime of so doing. The conclusion is Art thou obvious, that, if the Redeemer has done so much to render thy salvation possible and has placed that salvation now within thy reach thou sinnest grievously, in entirely neglecting that salvation thyself Art thou a convinced, an awakened sinner? Here thou wilt find ample direction, as to the course thou must take; and thou wilt, as it were, be taken by the hand and led through the door of the atonement, to the stores of pardoning, saving mercy. already justified by faith, enjoying an assurance of the Divine favour? Here thou wilt meet with powerful motives, not to rest in past or present attainments; but to press on to the perfection of thy dispensation. May its perusal be rendered an especial blessing to thy soul; and may it be the means of increasing in thee, that faith which works by love, and that will yield in thee, an increase of all inward and outward holiness; of holy tempers and holy conduct. JOHN NELSON. WEYMOUTH, March, 1836. DISCOURSE I. PSALM CX. 4. The Lord hath sworn and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. THE office of a priest, it would seem, originated in the early ages of the world; and undoubtedly proceeded from the authority of God. The first mention made of this office in form, we have in Gen. xiv. 18, where it is said that "Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought forth bread and wine; and he was the priest of the most high God." But though this is the first mention made directly of it, there can be no doubt but that the office existed long before that period. Abel, we know, offered sacrifice, and thus performed one of its most important duties; and in all probability it was continued from his days to the fulness of time, when Christ appeared, " to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself." "to The patriarchs, it seems, were generally the priest in their own houses; and exercised the several parts of its office among the members of their different families. When men multiplied upon the earth, and the human race were divided into nations and kingdoms, they almost without exception, recognized the office of the priesthood. Generally, their king or chief, was the priest, and was looked upon as the medium betwixt them and their divinities. Thus we learn that Melchizedek was at once the king and priest of Salem. When God had brought the Israelites out of Egypt, and given them the law from Mount Sinai, he selected a peculiar class of men for the sacred office. To this office especial duties and privileges were attached, and it was intended to point forward to the Messiah, till the atonement had been made by the shedding of his blood. The Gentile nations had their divinities, temples, and priests; but, as might be expected, they were not only mingled with much error, but in many cases, from the corruptions of the parties, were productive of much wickedness. Indeed the notion of a priesthood, and sentiments favourable to it, have almost everywhere prevailed. And though frequently much abused, and oftened rendered a fruitful source of misery to man, we doubt not but it had its origin in a divine institution, and was preserved among the Jews till the coming of Christ, by the especial providence of God. And thus the way was prepared for the accomplishment of the Divine oath; "The Lord hath sworn and will not repent; Thou art a priest for ever, after the order of Melchizedek. --- In attempting to illustrate this portion of divine truth, we propose to consider the person here introduced; the solemn manner in which it is done; the peculiar office which he should sustain; his great suitability for the office; the superior manner in which he should hold it; the particular order of which his priesthood should be; and the period during which he would continue it. 1. THE PERSON HERE INTRODUCED. In reference to whom has Jehovah taken this oath? To whom has he said, Thou art a priest for ever? Who is this whom he will mark with the high honour of being the priest of the human family, and invest with the privilege of drawing near unto him in behalf of a world of transgressors? The person here introduced is the Messiah: the Son of God, |