A10933:1197
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.
Now behold here in these men who were of his mothers kindred, how soon they hearkened unto this corrupt motion of that Abimelech, and so 1approved of his device and suite, that they durst propound it to the rest of their neighbours, which was too shameful for themselves to open their ears unto: Like unto whom is that practise of those Courtiers of David▪ • the advancing of Adoniah, among whom were also many of his brethren ⟨p. 443⟩2and kinsfolk. By this we may see how kindred are blindfolded to bear one with another; breaking through shame, modesty, yea and honesty also; regarding no other thing but this, that they are their flesh, and they take part with them, be the matter that moves them never so bad. For example, how are parents blinded in their children, and carried by them almost to any persuasion: and that without all Christian wisdom or regard? being sometime incensed by them against those that are good; and yet not reproving, but winking at their children's faults, and giving them their will so far till themselves blush, & smart for it, to see to what boldness they grow thereby, nor taking it in any manner contentedly, if their children though never so justly be called to their answer for their doing, and corrected: but revenging it rather, and that with spitefulness. Even so, what disorders are fain to be suffered in towns, while every one (forgetting the Apostles speech, that it is an higher degree to back a sinner, then to commit sin) holds with his 3own kindred, so that none must stir against them, but the town is divided into factions, and parts taking for their cause, (and so it is also betwixt carnal friends) where as kindred (being nearer to a man then other good acquaintance, or company) ought to be the first that should bridle, control, and help to hold under their kinsfolk from ill rule and disorder: and as for friendship, men should reach it out, and show it, but according to conscience, not daring to abuse the bond of nature, to brotherhood in evil. The which produceth dangerous effects both to the party wronged, the parties defended, and also the parties themselves who countenance them: as here, both the whole common-wealth, Abimelech, and the Shechemites smarted all by this confederacy. And the greater, and the more authority such friends, kindred or parents be of, the more this doctrine toucheth them: