A10933:1038
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.
Sermon 50 › Chapter 8 › Part 1: The first part of the Chapter.
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.
Like unto these are all such as promise great friendship to a man, but if they perceive their betters brook not the person, but frown upon them that show any kindness to him, then they must, in a dishonest manner, find some fault with him also, and allege: that they cannot therefore show him the kindness, nor do that for him, that they had promised. Is this to provide things honest before men? Is not such dealing apparent dishonesty? So in adversity and disgrace, right good men shall be jostled to the wall, who yet if they be again restored to their former estate, and accounted of, and in favour with their betters, they shall be sought unto and regarded, as Jephthah was. In all these and the like, there is this dissembling to be seen, which was in these Ephraimites: a manner of dealing contrary to simplicity and plainness, ⟨p. 385⟩and from good Christians, as a main blemish, nay as a stain, utterly to be removed and abandoned. And this is bad enough even in civill dealings; but when it appears in matter of religion, far worse, and by infinite degrees to be detested, whether it be showed toward God or men. I mean, when as in a subtle & politic manner, (not of fear and frailty, for then it is not so gross, though evil) men will abstain, and conceal their affection to the Gospel, till they see whether the time be like to favour or 1frown upon them: in the mean while carrying such a dark and ambiguous countenance, that no man can tell what to make of them. And yet he that cannot carry the matter thus, but plainly bewray his opinion and judgement, is counted a fool, and shiftless person: as indeed he is to the world-ward, if there were nothing else to be regarded. It is as possible to make a true cognizance for these temporizers, as a coat for the Moon: for they serve their belly, their ambition, their purse, and as these lead them, so they follow: God they serve none, for their religion is only a stalking horse for them, to play their part the more cunningly till their turn be served. The same I say of the committing this sin toward men: what is more odious in a man, then when he shall promise, and pretend all love and faithfulness to his neighbour, and yet mean and intend no such thing, but practise the contrary.
Like vnto these are all such as promise great friendship to a man, but if they perceiue their betters brooke not the person, but frowne vpon them that shew any kindnesse to him, then they must, in a dishonest manner, finde some fault with him also, and alleage: that they cannot therefore shew him the kindnes, nor doe that for him, that they had promised. Is this to prouide things honest before men? Is not such dealing apparent dishonestie? So in aduersitie and disgrace, right good men shall be iustled to the wall, who yet if they be againe restored to their former estate, and accounted of, and in fauour with their betters, they shall be sought vnto and regarded, as Iphta was. In all these and the like, there is this dissembling to be seene, which was in these Ephramites: a manner of dealing contrarie to simplicitie and plainnesse,