Exercitations on the Epistle to the Hebrews

§ 32 Moreover, Besides the Peculiar Excellency which is found in the Style of the holy Scripture, either evidencing its Divine Original, or at least manifesting that there is nothing in it, unworthy of such an extract, the Authority of its principal Author exerts it self in the whole of it unto the consciences of men. And herein, is this Epistle an ⟨p. 19⟩especial sharer also. Now this Authority as it respects the minds of men, is in part an exurgency of the Holy Matter contained in it, and the Heavenly Manner wherein it is declared. They have in their Conjunction, a peculiar Character differencing their Writings from all Writing of an humane Original, and manifesting it to be of God. Neither can it otherwise be, but that things of Divine Revelation, expressed in words of Divine Suggestion and determination, will appear to be of a Divine Original. And partly it consists in an Ineffable Emanation of Divine Excellency, communicating unto his own Word a distinguishing property from its Relation unto him. We speak not now of the work of the Holy Ghost in our hearts by his Grace, enabling us to believe, but of his work in the Word, rendering it credible and meet to be believed; not of the Seal and Testimony that he gives unto the hearts of individual Persons of the Truth of the Scripture, or rather of the things contained in it, but of the Seal and Testimony which in the Scripture he gives unto it, and by it, to be his own Work, and Word. Such a character have the Works of other Agents, whereby they are known and discerned to be theirs. By such properties are the Works of men discerned, and oftentimes of Individuals amongst them. They bear the likeness of their Authors, and are thereby known to be theirs. Neither is it possible that there should be any work of God, proceeding so immediately from him, as do Writings by Divine Inspiration, but there will be such a communication of his Spirit and likeness unto it, such an impression of his Greatness, Holiness, Goodness, Truth and Majesty upon it, as will manifest it to be from him. The false Prophets of old pretended their Dreams, Visions, Predictions and Revelations to be from him. They prefixed [Greek or Hebrew], he saith, unto all the Declarations of them, Jer. 23.31. and therefore doubtless framed them to as great a likeness unto those that were by inspiration from him as they were able;

§ 32 Moreover, Besides the Peculiar Excellency which is found in the Style of the holy Scripture, either evidencing its Divine Original, or at least manifesting that there is nothing in it, unworthy of such an extract, the Authority of its principal Author exerts it self in the whole of it unto the consciences of men. And herein, is this Epistle an