A10933:1765
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.
Again, some things which the word requires we yield to, (for the outward action especially) yea and stand stiffly in the defence of it, as Judas did for the relieving the poor, because (in a divers respect) our desire concurreth with Gods commandment, even corruptly perverting the end and use of a good duty to our own benefit, which ought only tend to Gods glory. But here we do not obey readily, because the manner of obeying, which is for conscience sake, displeaseth us: as the artificer liketh it well, that God calleth for diligence in his calling, for his covetous 1minds sake; but to be occupied therein for the serving of Gods providence, the avoiding of noisome lusts and temptations, the practise of his faith and patience, thankfulness & contentment, he hath no readiness thereto: yea this awkenesse is in the best, that they like any duty should be urged which others are tardy in, and themselves prone unto; but to be drawn any further, and to suffer exhortation and reproof for their blemishes and errors, that is unwelcome. So that readiness and teachableness humbly to ⟨p. 644⟩give place, and curb our contradicting and rebellious nature, where God hath manifested his will upon good ground, is a rare gift of the spirit, and attendeth only upon them, who with David have a respect to all Gods 2commandments. Excellent is that speech of David, O Lord thou saidst, Seek my face; and I answered, Lord I will seek thy face. Even as the wax applied to the seal, receives the impression, and the holy instruments of music in the Temple sounded according to the skilful blowing or fingering of Asaph and his brethren, so pliant and tunable should our hearts be to the voice of God, and make such harmony in his ears, as he himself hath made inwardly in them: as the servant mentioned in the Gospel, 3whose obedience in going, coming, and doing, seemed to be so prompt, as if it were the echo of his Masters voice. And such as have attained any measure herein, let them look to this one thing, that they be constant in so doing, lest (beside the expectation) the devil in time by inward or outward discouragings or allurings, quite alter their temper, and make them first to hear without delight, remissly and coldly, and in time with dislike and resistance, as woeful experience witnesseth.