A10933:1242
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 57 › Chapter 9 › Part 2: The second 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.
And so when we are driven by necessity, we cannot be charged as many may, I mean these bankrupts, and such as are weary of their callings, who being discontent with meanness, aim at great dealings, never asking a question about their so unadvised changes how God alloweth thereof; and therefore with the trees they lose their sweetness, (as we see by their answer, they must have done, if they had left their places) yea, they must forgo it whether will or no, when they make such changes, and cannot keep it, although they would full fain. But of this point in part see chap. 8. 23.
And so when we are driuen by necessitie, we cannot be charged as many may, I meane these banckrouts, and such as are weary of their callings, who being discontent with meanenes, aime at great dealings, neuer asking a questiō about their so vnaduized changes how God aloweth therof; and therfore with the trees they lose their sweetnes, (as we see by their answer, they must haue done, if they had left their places) yea, they must forgoe it whether will or no, when they make such changes, and cannot keepe it, although they would full faine. But of this point in part see chap. 8. 23.
We may further learn here by the answer which is supposed to have bin made by the trees, to wit, that they did so contentedly rest in that estate 1of their which God set them in, and which pleased him, and was profitable to men, we may learn (I say) by this, that God hath done much for us, to whom he hath given a sweet contentment to rest and abide in our callings, and to use them with faithfulness and diligence. For why? (as I have said) ⟨p. 461⟩there are few that do so; and beside, we are bound in all things to be thankful: and also that is one principal part of our welfare. But we must take it thus, that first we see, we be received into favour with God, and then that we labour to be in deed, and to be counted faithful of him, that so we may be put 2