§. 203. Of Samsons kind of death.
THE last act of Samson was the greatest, and best. It was the greatest evi∣dence of his faith; and the most profitable to Gods Church: Yet out of it a double question ariseth.
- 1. Whether it were a lawfull act.
- 2. Whether the like may lawfully be don by others.
His act was this, that he pulled down a great house where he was upon him∣self,* 1.1 and upon the enemies of the Church, which were in, and upon that house, Iudg. 16. 27. &c. This personal act was in it self, as he did it, lawfull, For,
- 1. He did it with true devotion, and invocation of Gods Name. Iudg. 16. 28. So true, so hearty, so intire was his devotion, as God had respect thereto: even as he had to his Prophet. Iona. 2. 2.
- 2. He did it with a true, and stedfast faith. For it was his last act, and he is here brought in as a pattern of faith. Of him, as well as of others it is said, These all having obtained a good report through faith, &c. v. 39.
- 3. He did it by vertue of his vocation, and function, which was deputed to him from his mothers womb. Iudg. 13. 5. Which was to deliver Israel out of the hands of the Philistines. If a valiant Souldier should cut asunder a post of a bridge whereon an Army of enemies stand, though the bridge should fall upon himself, yet he did but what his calling required.
- 4. He did it with a well composed mind: not in any such passion, or perple∣xity of mind as self murderers do. It was a zeal of Gods glory, love of the Church, of his, and of his own Country, due and just revenge on the Churches enemies, and a recompence of his former folly.
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5. He did it with a special warrant: which was, the immediate, and extraor∣dinary motion of Gods Spirit.
He did it with such a Spirit, as Elijah did, when he called for fire upon the Mes∣sengers