A10933:1464
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.
By the shameful fact of them, here we are taught to beware that we do 1not despise any in their affliction, being base, mean and contemptible for the same commonly in the world, and especially if there be any good parts and gifts of God in them, whereby they may be like to be profitable to Church or Common-wealth. Yea and without respect of this also, for because Christ died for them and they are our brethren. For we are taught of God how to carry our selves toward them, though the wicked will be taught by nothing. We learn in the Psalm, that he is happy that judgeth wisely 2of the afflicted, and that we should pity them, and mourn with them that mourn. And in such cases it were our wisdom to put the case, and suppose; what if such affliction and abasement were cast upon our selves, would we not desire to be pitied and regarded? And besides this, we have learned, that judgement shall be to the hard hearted and merciless, and that without 3mercy. And therefore to add sorrow to their bands, who are already wrapped deeply therein, as it is a great sin, so it threatens to the committers, that they shall not go unpunished, but receive the like measure themselves at Gods hands for their so doing. And sometime they suffer the like disgrace and harm at their hands to whom they offered the injury. For when God lifteth up their heads out of adversity, whom they have abused and done the wrong unto, (though they thought that they being once down, should no more get up again and recover) they take stomach and revenge the injury that was done them much more eagerly. As Joseph might have done to his brethren, (their own consciences being witnesses, when he was advanced) for their unnatural dealing with him in his mean estate, and would most certainly have done so indeed, if the fear of God had not 4stayed him.
By the shamefull fact of them, here we are taught to beware that wee doe 1not despise any in their affliction, being base, meane and contemptible for the same commonly in the world, and especially if there bee any good parts and gifts of God in them, whereby they may bee like to bee profitable to Church or Common-wealth. Yea and without respect of this also, for because Christ died for them and they are our brethren. For we are taught of God how to carrie our selues toward thē, though the wicked will be taught by nothing. We learne in the Psalme, that he is happie that iudgeth wisely