A10933:1488
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.
So that in respect of such passions, it is some restraint of nature and bridling of the corrupt heart, in him that can seek to his enemy. And seeing God doth make us all to stand in need one of another, why should we not make our hearts to bow and bend, especially when it shall be also for our own good and benefit? Although I must say, that this is not so commendable in us, nor profitable for us thus far to seek to other, when we may fear the better thereby; (for a natural man will strain himself for advantage) but when we do it to cross ourselves, and our evil hearts (which rebel in us, and would carry us to the contrary) and so stoop to the overcoming of the poison and corruption that is in them, and that also for conscience sake, that we may please God therein; this is a grace and worthy thing indeed.
So that in respect of such passions, it is some restraint of nature and bridling of the corrupt heart, in him that can seeke to his enemie. And seeing God doth make vs all to stand in need one of another, why should wee not make our hearts to bow and bend, especially when it shall be also for our owne good and benefit? Although I must say, that this is not so commendable in vs, nor profitable for vs thus farre to seeke to other, when we may feare the better thereby; (for a naturall man will straine himselfe for aduantage) but when we doe it to crosse ourselues, and our euill hearts (which rebell in vs, and would carrie vs to the contrarie) and so stoope to the ouercomming of the poyson and corruption that is in them, and that also for conscience sake, that we may please God therein; this is a grace and worthie thing indeed.
This being done, we should do well to help one another, and persuade each other to turn away to alienate rancour and stomach from their enemies, as Jacob hath commendably gone before us herein to Esau, and David 1toward Saul, and the Prophet Elisha did persuade the King of Israel to handle his enemies kindly which fell into his hands. But yet on the other side we must take heed as well of flattering men in their evil, as hating them: for we may not sin to obtain and get mens favour, but bear our cross contentedly, if ever we be driven to seek help of them whose sin we have set ourselves against; for why we have done our duties, though we receive ill measure for our good will, and God will make a way for us, that all shall be well, and he will (if it be expedient) turn their hearts towards us, for all that: but (as was said before) let us make none our enemies by needless provoking of them, but hold peace with all, (if it be possible) yea even with them that are our enemies.