I. Scripture-light the most sure light ... delivered in three sermons on 2 Pet.…

But God see here, Gideon before Barak, and Sampson before Jeptha. The Second Note from thence is, Though the Lord will own the weak faith, weak at the first; yet God doth most highly esteem of them that do most excel in faith; Gideon is before Barak, Sampson before Jeptha: those are in most account with God, that do most excel in faith. But then,

But God see here, Gideon before Barak, and Sampson before Jeptha. The Second Note from thence is, Though the Lord wil own the weak faith, weak at the first; yet God doth most highly esteem of them that do most excel in faith; Gideon is before Barak, Sampson before Jeptha: those are in most account with God, that do most excel in faith. But then,

Thirdly: In that the Apostle doth here instance in Sampson for a Believer. It is possible that a great sinner may become a true Believer; yea, possibly a man may have true faith, yet he may fall foully, so Sampson: but if he do fall foully, and be a Believer, he is like to pay dearly for it, so Sampson, both his Eyes went for it: but though a man do pay dearly for it, yet God will return again, and own his faith, and record his faith: so Samsons faith is.

Thirdly: In that the Apostle doth here instance in Sampson for a Beleever. It is possible that a great sinner may become a true Beleever; yea, possibly a man may have true faith, yet he may fal foully, so Sampson: but if he do fal foully, and be a Beleever, he is like to pay dearly for it, so Sampson, both his Eyes went for it: but though a man do pay dearly for it, yet God wil return again, and own his faith, and record his faith: so Sampsons faith is.

Fourthly: In that the Apostle doth here make mention of Jeptha: Jeptha, who was a Bastard, under a reproach, yet recorded for a Believer. Possibly a Bastard may become a Believer, one that lies under great reproach in regard of Parentage, may become a true Believer. Behold what that is, that will roll away reproach from a Family, it is faith, true saving faith: behold, here was a reproach upon Jeptha and his family as a Bastard; now he believes, and faith rolls away the reproach from his person, and from his family, and he is recorded for a Believer. Let none be discouraged in regard of any reproachful Condition that they are in; true faith will roll away the reproach, and by faith you may become of good report.