A commentary upon the whole book of Judges Preached first and delivered in sundry…A commentary vpon the vvhole booke of Iudges Preached first and deliuered in sundrie…

So Jephthah, when he was to fight against the Ammonites, for the delivering of Israel, he was by the spirit of God endued with gifts for that purpose, even far greater then he had before, now when he was set about a greater work. So the Ministers much more, as the calling is far more excellent, when he sendeth them to any people to convert them, and make them of his militant Church, he stirs them up by love, zeal and labour, to set their gifts of knowledge a work, and maketh a great change among the people by their ministry. They who are unfit to do the Lords message ¹to them to whom they are sent, are not sent by him, but seek themselves and their own profit, and not the peoples. It is worthy our view to behold the difference of men called by God, and such as climb in by another way of their own framing. Both do one and the same work, but the one sets himself awork, the other is set awork by God. The one (after his fashion) goes about it: but how? awkly and untowardly, by setting a bold face upon the matter, by carrying a great show, and bearing sway, by preaching what and when he pleaseth, and in the manner he liketh best: but errand he hath none to do to the people, (no more then Cushi had to David) and thereafter is his welcome. For as he faileth of the end of his office, so loseth he the honour of it; except with a few flatterers and hang-byes. Alas they have enterprized a long race and journey, without provision to enable them to run it through: It is not the habit that makes the Minister, nor the learning (though that comes nearer) degree, dignity, or applause of man, which only will carry this work through stitch: It is this, that God hath said to him as to Paul and Moses; Go, I will be with thee: that is, fit thee, embolden thee, (for a Minister hath enough to discourage him, even from within himself, as I have noted elsewhere) yea bear thee out against opposition, and encourage thee by blessing thy labour: otherwise all thy provision is to little purpose, thou mayest stand like a fool, errandlesse & speechless. Now being called and separated by God, (and therefore also qualified) though thy self a weak earthen vessel, yet what precious treasure doest thou carry?

So Iphtah, when hee was to fight against the Ammonites, for the deliuering of Israel, hee was by the spirit of God indued with gifts for that purpose, euen farre greater then he had before, now when hee was set about a greater worke. So the Ministers much more, as the calling is farre more excellent, when hee sendeth them to any people to conuert them, and make them of his militant Church, hee stirres them vp by loue, zeale and labour, to set their gifts of knowledge a worke, and maketh a great change among the people by their ministerie. They who are vnfit to doe the Lords message