§. 194. Of mens fitnes to their function.
ALL the six Worthies that are here mentioned agree in one general, that they were endued with an extraordinary spirit.
Of their distinct and different gifts we shall speak when we come severally to •…•…ouch them.
They all jointly, and every one in particular give proof, that God enables men to that whereunto he calls them.
The four first were extraordinarily called of God to be Judges, or Generals over his people. Three were Judges, Gideon, Samson, and Iephthah. Barak was a General, under Deborah, for she judged Israel. Judg. 4. 4, 6.
Gideon was called by an Angel, Judg. 6. 14. Barak by Deborah, a Prophetess, Judg. 4. 6. Samson by an Angell at his first conception, Judg. 13. 5. Iephthah by the choise of the people testified before the Lord, Judg. 11. 11. As for Da∣vid, he was expresly anointed by Gods commandement, 1 Sam. 16. 12.
And Samuel was called of God, 1 Sam. 3. 20, 21. In like manner Oth•…•…iel, Ehud, Shamgar, Deborah, and other Judges, and the Prophets, were extraordinari∣ly gifted, because they were called to extraordinary functions.
Onely Abimelech, who was not called of God, but trecherously thrust in him∣self (Iudg. 9. 1, 5.) was not endued with any spiritual gift, but rather with a diabolical spirit of dissention.* 1.1
The extraordinary gifts wherewith such as were called of God were endued, are apparent evidences of Gods prudence and providence.
Thus God gifted them, that his work might be the better effected by them.
- 1. This extraordinary work of God affords an ordinary rule to such as enter upon any work of God, to have good assurance that they are in some competent measure enabled thereto.
- 2. It directeth those that are in place to set any apart unto Gods work, to make good proof of them, whether they be enabled thereunto, or no.