A41670:111
A learned and very useful commentary on the whole epistle to the Hebrews wherein…
A learned and very useful commentary on the whole epistle to the Hebrews wherein every word and particle in the original is explained ... : being the substance of thirty years Wednesdays lectures at Black-fryers, London / by that holy and learned divine William Gouge ... : before which is prefixed a narrative of his life and death : whereunto is added two alphabetical tables ...A learned and very useful commentary on the whole epistle to the Hebrews wherein every word and particle in the original is explained ... : being the substance of thirty years Wednesdayes lectures at Black-fryers, London / by that holy and learned divine Wiliam Gouge ... : before which is prefixed a narrative of his life and death : whereunto is added two alphabeticall tables ...
London: printed by A.M. for Joshua Kirton, 1655
Chapter › Section 1: §. 1. Of the Authority of this Epistle.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
1. THAT we may with the better warrant collect Articles of Faith, and Rules for Life out of this Epistle, it is requisite that we be well informed in the Divine Authority thereof: and also well weigh the excellency of it.
These Evidences following make clear the Divine Authority of this Epistle.
1. The Matter of it, which is beyond the reach of humane invention. So profound Mysteries are revealed therein, as could not be known but by divine Revelation. 2. The Manner of unfolding those Mysteries: which is with such Majesty and Gravity, as argueth a divine Spirit. 3. The Congruity of it with other Canonical Scriptures: so as, if all Scripture be1 given by inspiration of God, then this also. 4. The direct Refutation of pernicious heresies, which since the writing of this Epistle have been forged: so as it must needs be inspired by a fore-knowing Spirit. 5. The whole Tenor of this Epistle; and manner of expressing the legal Ordinances therein, show that this Epistle was written while the Temple stood, and Levitical Rites were in use: which was in the Apostles time: so as if it had not been Canonical, it would questionless have been discovered by them. 6. The Pen-man of it, whom we shall show hereafter▪ to be Paul the Apostle. 7. The express Approbation which St Peter gives of it, for he makes mention of an Epistle which St Paul wrote ato them, to whom he himself wrote his Epistles: who were Hebrews, 1 Pet. 1. 1. 2 Pet. 3. 1.