The typicall signification of SAMPSON.
HE typically representeth Christ diuers waies; first, in his per∣son, hee was a mightie man; secondly, in his profession, hee was a Nazarite; thirdly, in his calling, he was a Prince and Iudge; fourthly, in his manner of liuing, for he went from place to place, to reuenge himselfe vpon the enemies of Gods people the chil∣dren of Israel; and in his death: euen so our Sauiour Christ is that strong man, who being mightier than the Diuel, hath dispos∣sest him of his tyrannicall jurisdiction ouer the soules of man∣kinde; hath taken away those gates of death, by his mercy ope∣ning vnto vs the dore of life, that so being set at liberty from that hellish imprisonment, we may be made partakers of euerlasting happinesse: he was also a Nazarite euen from his mothers womb, borne and bred there, tying himselfe to a vow of bondage, that we might be made free: he is a Prince for euer, and a Priest after the order of Melchisadeck: during the continuance of his life in this vaile of misery, his chiefest actions were to go from place to place, to teach, to doe good, and to rescue and relieue the poore distressed members of the Church, who lay miserably afflicted vnder the hands of Sathan; healing some, relieuing others, and bringing a third sort into the state of grace: so that as Sampson de∣liuered the Israelites from the bondage of the Philistins; Christ our Prince and Iudge deliuereth his from the slauerie of Sathan: by his death sauing more soules, than in his life. And therby pul∣ling down the strong buildings (the temptations of Sathan) hath laid them leuel with the ground, that they shall neuer be restored