03.03 - Inspiration of Composite Scriptures
(3) Inspiration of Composite Scriptures So with the prophecies of Isaiah and Zechariah, if these were not written by the men whose names they bear, yet, doubtless, they are divinely inspired.
1 Pent. Introduction, p. Ixii.
If the second Isaiah was not the same as the first, yet, judged by the contents of the writing, the last sixteen chapters of that prophecy arc not less inspired than the first forty chapters; nor was the writer less spiritually-minded or less inspired of God; and if we are still to speak of him as the “ unknown,” lie is indeed “the great unknown.” So with the Psalter, if unknown authors wrote main of its hymns and songs of praise, its psalms of penitence, confession, and adoration, yet were the} inspired, and not less inspired for their work than was David. So with the book of Proverbs, if we admit the book to be a collection of proverbs by many authors, the “ words of wise men,” and not exclusively the proverbs of Solomon, their authors were not less inspired than was Solomon; while not unlikely some of the sages were prophets in Israel, and their “words” are words of wisdom, and given for the purpose that “men might know wisdom and discipline, and might receive instruction or training in sound sense, in righteousness, judgments and rectitudes.” So with New Testament Scripture; the Synoptic Gospels may be of a composite character and derived from unknown sources and traditions, and some of the names of their authors cannot claim apostolic authority, yet are they apostolic in their contents and teachings; and are historical and trustworthy records of the things. they narrate and bear the stamp of Divine inspiration. So with other of the New Testament writings the authorship of which is disputed or unknown; for if they be not the work of inspired Apostles yet are they the work of inspired men; and the truths and teachings they set forth are in fullest accord with the spirit and teachings of the New Testament generally. Especially is this the case with the “ Fourth Gospel “ and the “ Epistle to the Hebrews.”
These Scriptures not only show signs of a unity of authorship and marks of the highest qualities of mind and heart; but the sublime conception of God, of holiness, righteousness and truth which they contain, the unique and lofty portraiture of the Person and work of Christ, of atonement, redemption, and salvation they present, and the deep spiritual influence their teachings exert on the minds and hearts of their readers, attest their Divine character and origin, and stamp them as emphatically God inspired writings.