A10933:1001
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…
A commentary upon the whole book of Judges Preached first and delivered in sundry lectures; since collected, and diligently perused, and now published. For the benefit generally of all such as desire to grow in faith and repentance, and especially of them, who would more clearly understand and make use of the worthy examples of the saints, recorded in divine history. Penned by Richard Rogers preacher of Gods word at Wethersfield in Essex.A commentary vpon the vvhole booke of Iudges Preached first and deliuered in sundrie lectures; since collected, and diligently perused, and now published. For the benefit generally of all such as desire to grow in faith and repentance, and especially of them, who would more cleerely vnderstand and make vse of the worthie examples of the saints, recorded in diuine history. Penned by Richard Rogers preacher of Gods word at Wethersfield in Essex.
London: printed by Felix Kyngston for Thomas Man, 1615
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
In the 20. verse, in that the people of Israel in their cry and noise that they made, uttered these words [The sword of the Lord, and of Gideon] therein they 1testify, that God was the chief cause, and Gideon as the instrument appointed to bring that work to pass. Not as if they would divide the victory betwixt God and him, (between whom there was no comparison) but to signify, that as God was the chief and principal worker, so it pleased him to use Gideon as his instrument to effect it. The same it behooveth us to do: ascribe we to God the glory of all the good we do, yea and of our salvation ⟨p. 374⟩especially, which we seek, but know we that as Gods instruments, we are to work it on in fear and trembling, and to give all our diligence, as the Apostle 2exhorteth, to make our calling and election sure. And so in all duties of faith that we perform; acknowledge we, that we receive all gifts and ability to think and to do, that which is good, and our selves to be Gods workmen and labourers, unworthy to be employed by him, even as we see it to be an honour to be in a Kings service. And further by this, let all captious cavillers take their answer, who say, that the people who depend upon their Ministers, make them their God. Be it known to all such, that as they detest such blasphemy, so yet to the shame of all such scorners, they honour them under God, as the instruments of their salvation, and acknowledge them, as here Gideons soldiers do him, to be the hand which God putteth the sword of his spirit into, for the conquering not of mens bodies, but their souls, and the bringing into subjection the thoughts of their hearts, yea the whole powers of soul and body, to the obedience of Christ. In which respect Solomon 3prays that Gods Priests may be clothed with salvation. And Paul doubts not to say unto Timothy, He should save himself, and others. For more particular application of this doctrine, read verse 2. of this Chapter.4
In the 20. verse, in that the people of Israel in their crie and noise that they made, vttered these words [The sword of the Lord, and of Gedeon] therein they