A10933:18
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.
LECTURES OR SERMONS UPON THE WHOLE BOOK of JUDGES: and first, the entrance into them.
LECTVRES OR SERMONS VPON THE WHOLE BOOKE of IVDGES: and first, the entrance into them.
I Confess, it is no small matter for a man to take upon him to set forth Lectures or Sermons of any part of the word of God, especially of an whole book thereof: and the rather for that it is a matter of much greater difficulty and danger so to do, then to preach them (seeing for mine own part, I would easilier be brought to preach three Sermons, then to set forth or pen one:) and besides, we see that learned men (I speak of many) who might for their excellent gifts profit many, and do the Church much good, are hardly drawn thereto. I leave their reasons to themselves: perhaps they think it a needless work to set forth more books. For mine own part, I knowing that many would read little, if there were not new books set forth, I think it to good purpose to labour in that kind: especially when the things set forth are for the quickening up of the present drowsy age. And so I testify my judgement by my writings, that I am of another mind: not for that I would dissent from learned men, or seek glory and praise by this my practise, when (to speak as the truth is) I confess freely, that 1as I come many degrees behind them in gifts for that purpose: so I would not take upon me this exercise of writing, unless I were led to it by weighty reasons: but in the simplicity of my heart I speak it, that I set myself to this work, as I can have time and leisure from my public employment in my Ministry, and other private duties, even to keep myself from danger in this evil world, as idleness, too much tampering in the world, and such like needless and hurtful business, as well as for the desire I have to benefit any other hereby: and besides, I think it better to benefit the Church while we live, being but a short time, (other may rise up after to perfect such beginnings) then to bury our gifts utterly, and so to deprive it altogether of the same by death.