A10933:1851
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.
And as for the bad, Laban made a feast, and called together the men of the place, when he gave his daughter to Jacob to wife. So also did the young 1men of the Philistines use to do at such times. The action therefore having been the practise as well of the godly as of bad people, in it self is indifferent to be used; and as it may be done lawfully, so it may also be omitted, because wicked men have used it, who do nothing well: and therefore as it falleth out for the most part, that the greatest number that meet at feasts are none of the best, it may be seen oft times more convenient to omit the meetings of such, lest much wickedness should be committed by them, and lewdness in tongue and behaviour, to the dishonour of God, which is the more easily done, when they have well filled themselves.
And as for the bad, Laban made a feast, and called together the men of the place, when he gaue his daughter to Iacob to wife. So also did the young 1men of the Philistims vse to doe at such times. The action therefore hauing been the practise as well of the godly as of bad people, in it selfe is indifferent to be vsed; and as it may be done lawfully, so it may also be omitted, because wicked men haue vsed it, who doe nothing well: and therefore as it falleth out for the most part, that the greatest number that meete at feasts are none of the best, it may be seene oft times more conuenient to omit the meetings of such, lest much wickednesse should be committed by them, and lewdnes in tongue and behauiour, to the dishonour of God, which is the more easily done, when they haue well filled themselues.
Or if it cannot be altogether let pass, yet a smaller company would be gathered, especially of such of our friends as are of the best sort of people; and for the other, if they must needs be there, they should so be placed at the table, that as few of them be set together as may be, and that it be observed, that they may be soon interrupted and broken off, (by such as sit near and are better minded and wise withal) if they should fall in any offensive behaviour. As for our Saviour Christ, he gave good example at the marriage where he was present, and took occasion, by the miracle which he wrought there, to hold them occupied in good talk, and to turn the people away from the contrary; and we as far as we may see our company to be to good ends, as that we may be like to do good, or take good so and thereafter to use it. And this be said of this point here, having before touched it, and having occasion to speak fuller of it afterwards.