A10933:1554
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 67 › Chapter 11 › 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.
Now for our instruction and benefit, here we may see, that when the Lord appointeth any man to any special calling, he gives him gifts for the discharge of it. When Moses was to be sent to Pharaoh, he alleged his unfitness and unsufficiencie to speak to a King, the Lord provided for that, before he began to discharge it. The Apostles likewise whom Christ left weak and unfurnished for such a work as they were to take in hand after his ascension, to wit, to preach the Gospel to the most nations of the world, yet before they took it in hand, he made them meet for the work they went about.
Now for our instruction and benefit, heere wee may see, that when the Lord appointeth any man to any speciall calling, hee giues him gifts for the discharge of it. When Moses was to be sent to Pharao, hee alleaged his vnfitnes and vnsufficiencie to speak to a King, the Lord prouided for that, before he began to discharge it. The Apostles likewise whom Christ left weake and vnfurnished for such a worke as they were to take in hand after his ascension, to wit, to preach the Gospell to the most nations of the world, yet before they tooke it in hand, he made them meete for the worke they went about.
So Jephthah, when he was to fight against the Ammonites, for the delivering of Israel, he was by the spirit of God endued with gifts for that purpose, even far greater then he had before, now when he was set about a greater work. So the Ministers much more, as the calling is far more excellent, when he sendeth them to any people to convert them, and make them of his militant Church, he stirs them up by love, zeal and labour, to set their gifts of knowledge a work, and maketh a great change among the people by their ministry. They who are unfit to do the Lords message 1to them to whom they are sent, are not sent by him, but seek themselves and their own profit, and not the peoples. It is worthy our view to behold the difference of men called by God, and such as climb in by another way of their own framing. Both do one and the same work, but the one sets himself awork, the other is set awork by God. The one (after his fashion) goes about it: but how? awkly and untowardly, by setting a bold face upon the matter, by carrying a great show, and bearing sway, by preaching what and when he pleaseth, and in the manner he liketh best: but errand he hath none to do to the people, (no more then Cushi had to David) and thereafter is his welcome. For as he faileth of the end of his office, so loseth he the honour of it; except with a few flatterers and hang-byes. Alas they have enterprized a long race and journey, without provision to enable them to run it through: It is not the habit that makes the Minister, nor the learning (though that comes nearer) degree, dignity, or applause of man, which only will carry this work through stitch: It is this, that God hath said to him as to Paul and Moses; Go, I will be with thee: that is, fit thee, embolden thee, (for a Minister hath enough to discourage him, even from within himself, as I have noted elsewhere) yea bear thee out against opposition, and encourage thee by blessing thy labour: otherwise all thy provision is to little purpose, thou mayest stand like a fool, errandlesse & speechless. Now being called and separated by God, (and therefore also qualified) though thy self a weak earthen vessel, yet what precious treasure doest thou carry?