Exercitations on the Epistle to the Hebrews

§ 25 The Comparing of this Epistle with the others of the same Apostle gives farther Evidence unto our Assertion. I suppose it will be confessed, that they only are competent Judges of this Argument, who are well exercised and conversant in his Writings. Unto their Judgement therefore alone in it do we appeal. Now the similitude between this and other Epistles of Paul is threefold. (1.) In Words, Phrases and manner of Expression. Of this sort many Instances may be given, and such a coincidence of phrase manifested in them, as is not usually to be observed between the Writings that have various or divers Authors.

But this I shall not particularly insist upon: partly because it hath already been done by others at large; and partly because they will all of them be observed in our Exposition its self; nor doth it suit our present design to enter into a Debate about particular Words and Expressions. Nor do I assign any more force unto this Observation, but only that it is sufficient to manifest the weakness of the Exceptions urged by some to prove it none of his, from the use of some few words not elsewhere used by him, or not in that sense which here they are applied unto. For their Instances are not in number comparable with the other; and to evidence the Vanity of that part of their Objection which concerns the peculiar use of some Words in this Epistle, it is enough to observe that one word [Greek or Hebrew] being three times used in this one Epistle, it hath in each place a peculiar and divers signification. (2.) There is also a coincidence of Matter, or Doctrines delivered in this and other Epistles of Paul. Neither shall I much press this Consideration. For neither was he in any Epistle restrained unto what he had elsewhere delivered, nor bound to avoid the mentioning of it, if occasion did require; nor were other Penmen of the Holy Ghost limited not to treat of what he had taught, no more than the Evangelists were from writing the same story. But yet neither is this Observation destitute of all efficacy to contribute strength unto our Assertion, considering that there were some Doctrines which Paul did in a peculiar manner insist upon; a vein whereof, a diligent Observer may find running through this, and all his other Epistles. But, (3.) That which under this Head I would press, is the Consideration of the Spirit, Genius, [Greek or Hebrew] and manner of Writing proceeding from them, peculiar to this Apostle in all his Epistles. Many things are required to enable any one to judge aright of this intimation. He must as Bernard speaks, drink of Pauls Spirit, or be made partaker of the same Spirit with him, in his measure, who would understand his Writings. Without this Spirit, and his saving Light, they are all obscure, intricate, sapless, unsavoury; when unto them in whom it is, they are all sweet, gracious, in some measure open, plain and powerful.