A10933:1224
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.
Moreover, let the foolishness of these men of Shechem, who believing ⟨p. 454⟩Abimelechs fair words, went by and by and made him King, let it (I say) teach us wisdom. For it is a singular good watch-word to all Christians, that we do not regard so much the speeches of vain and loose persons, as 1weigh and compare their actions one with another, that we may profit by them, and not be beguiled. As the proverb saith; what should I hearken to words, when I see deeds contrary. His were vile and horrible, as they saw, therefore they ought not to have regarded his words. For he that is faulty in a great matter, is not to be trusted in a small. For example; if (as our text teacheth) a man be unpitiful to his own, as this Abimelech was, he will certainly be without pity and compassion to other, howsoever for vain glory he may show pity sometime, and in some case; but that will not hold, neither is it to be rested upon: for one swallow maketh not summer. So if one will contend and fall out with, disclaim, and deceive his near friend, let not a stranger trust him. For though such an one be now in favour with him, yet they may twenty ways be easily estranged one from another, as we see it cometh daily to pass. So if a man live not peaceably and kindly with his wife, he may say what he will of his agreeing with others, but longer then while his corrupt and inconstant humour be pleased, he will live kindly with none. This David aimed at, and meant in his answer 2to them that brought tidings of their murdering of Saul, and of Ishbosheth: for what likelihood gave they of any more fidelity to him, if the time should have served?
Moreouer, let the foolishnesse of these men of Shechem, who beleeuing ⟨p. 454⟩Abimelechs faire words, went by and by and made him King, let it (I say) teach vs wisdome. For it is a singular good watch-word to all Christians, that we doe not regard so much the speeches of vaine and loose persons, as 1weigh and compare their actions one with another, that we may profit by them, and not be beguiled. As the prouerb saith; what should I hearken to words, when I see deeds contrarie. His were vile and horrible, as they saw, therefore they ought not to haue regarded his words. For he that is faultie in a great matter, is not to bee trusted in a small. For example; if (as our text teacheth) a man be vnpitifull to his owne, as this Abimelech was, he will certainly be without pitie and compassion to other, howsoeuer for vaine glory he may shew pitie sometime, and in some case; but that will not hold, neither is it to be rested vpon: for one swallow maketh not summer. So if one will contend and fall out with, disclaime, and deceiue his neere friend, let not a stranger trust him. For though such an one bee now in fauour with him, yet they may twentie waies be easily estranged one from another, as we see it commeth daily to passe. So if a man liue not peaceablie and kindly with his wife, hee may say what hee will of his agreeing with others, but longer then while his corrupt and inconstant humor bee pleased, he will liue kindly with none. This Dauid aimed at, and meant in his answer