A10933:1270
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 58 › Chapter 9 › Part 3: The third 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.
Also by this division betwixt them, we may note, that when God suffers 1division among the wicked, or an evil spirit any way to lead them, it is to punish their lewd fellowship, and to revenge the sin of both parts, and to make each the others executioner. And yet, Oh what a sweet liberty it is thought to be, to enjoy fellowship with such? We see that the thatched houses 2which stand close together, though they fence each other from the violence of weather for a time, yet if one be on fire, it serveth but to hasten the consumption of the other. And so there is no knot so wickedly knit betwixt men, but (while it lasteth) it bringeth (I grant) some benefit to the confederates: but when once the Lord hath dissolved the band, their greatest union turns to the most deadly enmity that can be, and is as the division of brethren, 3stronger then the brazen bars of a palace or city gates. And first, grudges secretly being conceived, they are nourished by jealousies and suspicions exasperated by daily injuries, till they break out into hatred, and end in extremity. These things are commonly seen: but who beholdeth Gods justice therein? or is thereby flayted and feared from having any thing to do with such? or made wise to lay a better foundation of their amity and friendship?
Also by this diuision betwixt them, we may note, that when God suffers 1diuision among the wicked, or an euill spirit any way to leade them, it is to punish their leaud fellowship, and to reuenge the sinne of both parts, and to make each the others executioner. And yet, Oh what a sweet libertie it is thought to be, to inioy fellowship with such? We see that the thatcht houses 2which stand close together, though they fence each other from the violence of weather for a time, yet if one be on fire, it serueth but to hasten the consumption of the other. And so there is no knot so wickedly knit betwixt men, but (while it lasteth) it bringeth (I grant) some benefit to the confederates: but when once the Lord hath dissolued the band, their greatest vnion turnes to the most deadly enmitie that can be, and is as the diuision of brethren,