A10933:1877
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.
So in another kind, while Ananias and Sapphira his wife kept their possessions in their hands, there was no complaint made of or against them, neither were they accused to have lived offensively: but when the Church was in need, and they for praise of men would do as other did, according 1to the Apostles persuasion, that is to say, relieve the poor, and so proceeded to sell some part of their lands, then they began to distrust that they should have enough, and of a covetous mind kept away part of the price that they sold it for, and yet would make a show to give it all, swearing falsely thereunto. So many among us live peaceably, innocently, and unoffensively, as honest neighbours, and well liking religion for a time, who yet in trials, and yet these not great, & particularly in matters of money or money worth, bewray that they are to be commended for none of all these shows of goodness, but lay forth themselves in contrary colours. Much like to that which Satan spake of Job, (though amiss, and in another case) Touch 2him, and he will curse thee to thy face. And we may almost bind it for true, that if a man being laid to the touchstone of gain, especially when no man knoweth what he doth, do approve himself conscionable, he is an honest 3man indeed. And as the Philistines did here fall to shifts, unlawful means, cruelty, and many other evil ways, who first did not so. In like manner we see among ourselves, that some will show themselves as fair chapmen as may be, like the bargain very well, and boast they will not take good gain ten pound, &c. for it again: also they will agree upon covenants, seal the writings, take witnesses, appoint the day of payment or delivery; and what should I say more? yet let the ware or merchandise in the mean season wax cheaper then was supposed, then begins the frank buyer to shrink, palter, and shift dishonestly for himself: And so doth the seller commonly, if the price rise any thing: whereas they bought and sold before hand, pretending they were resolved upon whatsoever event to rest satisfied; if there were loss, to depend upon God for restitution, and not to shrink back: Psal. 15. 4. if gain; yet to confess it equal and just, to yield, and forgo it without grudging, seeing God hath cast it upon the party.