A10933:1696
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 71 › Chapter 13 › Part 1: The first 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.
The signification of the Nazarite was this, that the Lord would have all that come near unto him, and will be in his service, to be separated from the common sort, which do not examine their ways after the rules of Gods word, but walk after their own hearts desire. And hereby, and under a ceremony, he requireth that of his, which in plain words he doth elsewhere; saying, ye shall therefore be perfect as your father in heaven is perfect: also purify your selves even as I am pure: Be merciful even as your 1heavenly father; And be ye holy, for I am holy. Insomuch that in another place he saith, without holiness, no man shall see the Lord. And the signification 2of the Nazarite, doth exclude all that are unclean and unsanctified, from the Lords presence, favour and service. True it is, the ceremonial rule is abolished: for in the Church of the new testament, it is not permitted to any man to vow any regular serving of God according to outward observances and orders, with placing any religion therein; no not so much as to retain the observation of the Nazarite, much less to invent new rites and orders, and yet such are holden the only religious men and women at this day in the church of Rome, as have solemnly entered into some order or other (as they have many confused orders of their own forging) and therein aim at perfection. But to let these and their disorders go: the equity of this institution still remaineth firm, and bindeth us. For the Lord will have all his to know, that they are not set here to live, no nor to serve him as they list, or be as servants that be at their own hands, but he tieth them to a rule and an order, according whereto he will have them to walk. But this rule is spiritual first, then uniform, and bindeth all without exception. 3The sum whereof is (as I have said) to give up themselves in body 4and soul to the Lord in all inward subjection of heart and outward obedience of life strictly: with cleansing themselves of all superfluity and filthiness of either body or mind.
The signification of the Nazarite was this, that the Lord would haue all that come neere vnto him, and will be in his seruice, to be separated from the common sort, which doe not examine their waies after the rules of Gods word, but walke after their owne hearts desire. And hereby, and vnder a ceremony, hee requireth that of his, which in plaine words he doth elsewhere; saying, ye shall therefore be perfect as your father in heauen is perfect: also purifie your selues euen as I am pure: Be mercifull euen as your