A10933:195
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 7 › Chapter 1 › Part 2: The second 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.
This work of the house of Joseph which they went about; namely, to take this city Bethel, (which was before in the division of the land of Canaan 1given to them,) as God had enjoined them, doth lively set before our eyes, 2as in a glass, the duty of all Gods people, that is to say, readily to go about and set upon the work that God hath appointed them and laid upon them, yea and this is to be done, whatsoever lets and discouragements may stand up in the way to hinder them. For hath not he commanded them? And is not he able to remove those impediments, rather then they shall hinder his work in the hands of his servants? which they believing, are to go forward, and commit the success to him that hath promised to bring them through all difficulties which might hold them back. For otherwise, if we look 3not to God by faith, but what let is in the way, and be hindered thereby; we shall cast the commandment of God behind our back, and do as they who 4observe the wind, and therefore sow not; and look too much to the clouds, and therefore reap not; and so for fear of inconveniences we shall let pass necessary duties. Again, when we thrive and have good success, we bless God, and are merry; but if we be crossed, we curse & disguise our selves with impatience. Whereas it ought to be enough to us, that God hath brought it to pass either thus, or otherwise. And beside the authority he hath over us, his bountiful rewarding of us in his service, ought to encourage us to address our selves to all such work: and not only so, but further, seeing he commandeth and would have us do it, as it may be most for our own ease, 5that is, willingly, readily, cheerfully; for the Lord loveth that, in all his service; as he loveth a cheerful giver. And we know (for our own parts) that 6men go awkly and untowardly about that work which they take in hand unwillingly. And we are all to learn of our Saviour, who hath given us example 7