The good Samaritan; or an exposition on that parable Luke X. ver. XXX----XXXVIII. A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell amongst theeves, &c. By Nehemiah Rogers, preacher of the gospel.

Then said Iesus unto him.]

1. Something in generall is to be learned, in that our Saviour admitteth of this his Answer, (though he were his enemy) and approves it, it being discreetly and directly to the point.

[Doct.] What is good in any, is to be liked and allowed of, though he be an enemy or adversary. Rom. 10.2. Mark. 10.21. 2 Sam. 1.23. Luk. 16.8.

[Reason 1] So farre forth as any thing is good, it comes from God, Iam. 1.17. and therfore is to be liked.

[unspec 2] This likewise stands with the rule of equity, to give every man his due: and so commendation to whom com∣mendation belongs.

[unspec 3] This is a good encouragement to well doing: It is an allurement tempered to the inclination of nature, which is

with nothing led more kindly then with commendation, Act. 26.27.28. Phil. 4.8.

Besides it cherisheth concord, and friendship amongst men, when the neglect doth often stirre up strife and ha∣tred.

[Vse 1] This reproves such, for sowre and uncharitable men, who for some fault, condemne whatsoever good they find; either through weakenesse (as not being able to distinguish betwixt the worke of God, and the worke of sinne) or through wickednesse and envy, shutting their eyes that they may not give vertue its due praise; this is not to be like God, who omits not the due praises of those Churches, whom he sharpliest reproveth; and doth readily take notice of the least good thing in his, both to commend it, and reward it. The little good∣nesse found in Abijah amongst all the sonnes of Ieroboam,* 1.1 the Lord passeth not without mention and recom∣pence.

[Vse 2] Let this be a ground of moderation, in speaking of our Adversaries; if we mention their vices, for loathing or amendment, yet forget not what deserveth praise; give them their due: Is he learned? * 1.2 say not as Festus of S. Paul, hee is mad. Is he bountifull and a good house keeper? say not of him as it was said of Christ,* 1.3hee is a glutton or a wine bibber. Is he temperate and sober, judge not as they of Iohn the Baptist, that hee hath a divell. What man but hath something in him good? that take no∣tice of, and commend, be he what he will.

[Vers. 3] Encouragement to the godly: If Christ deale thus gratiously with sinners, what will he do with Saints? Surely our infirmities and weaknesse shall not so hide our good desires, but God will see them, and commend us for them, which should be a great incouragement in holy duties.

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Notes

• * 1.1

  1 King. 14 13.
• * 1.2

  Act. 26.
• * 1.3

  Luk. 7.