A10933:1940
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 79 › Chapter 15 › 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.
In this verse, by the earnest inquiry after him that had done them so 1great displeasure, we may see, that by the light of nature they did this, (even as it is lawful for us to do in our own cases by the help of the Magistrate) to seek to find out such as have done much evil in the Common-wealth, and that were troublesome. But yet herein we must differ from them, that as these here did eagerly pursue the doer of wrong to themselves, (more then the disorder) so much more we that are further enlightened by the word of God, ought to hearken after such offenders, and to procure their just punishment as we may; rather for their sin, then to avenge our selves thereby. As Solomon dealt with Joab, who had joined himself with Adonijah 2against the Lords anointed: for he commanded him to be slain, that the blood which he had shed causeless, might be upon his own head. And great is the sin of them, that rather then they would incur the least danger and displeasure at the hands of bad persons, worthy to be cut off, or sore punished; do suffer them to go on in their wickedness, rather then to withstand and bring them forth before authority to receive their due; yea rather, if they can, they will be ready to excuse their fault and defend them: but if a trespass be committed against themselves, there is no measure in pursuing their enemies. But a fitter occasion to handle this, will be offered in the 21. Chapter.
In this verse, by the earnest inquirie after him that had done them so 1great displeasure, we may see, that by the light of nature they did this, (euen as it is lawfull for vs to doe in our owne cases by the help of the Magistrate) to seeke to finde out such as haue done much euill in the Common-wealth, and that were troublesome. But yet herein we must differ from them, that as these heere did eagerly pursue the doer of wrong to themselues, (more then the disorder) so much more wee that are further inlightened by the word of God, ought to hearken after such offenders, and to procure their iust punishment as we may; rather for their sinne, then to auenge our selues thereby. As Salomon dealt with Ioab, who had ioyned himselfe with Adonijah 2