A10933:2035
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 82 › Chapter 16 › 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.
And therefore let us know, that the people of God (as David, Solomon, Jonah, 1and others did give too good proof of) have not God his grace so pinned to their sleeves, but that they may possibly fall either into this, or other reproachful and foul sins, partly by the forementioned means, and partly by the inward suggestion of the heart, giving liberty thereto; besides this, that there are many other outward occasions and provocations among which they walk, with bad examples, whereto 2they are in danger of being fashioned and made like to them, which may first teach us all to see that there is great cause why the best of us should not trust our corrupt nature, nor content our selves to deal slightly in looking to our vow and covenant made with God against all sin and wickedness; but be fast knit and united to him by faith unfeigned, and true love ⟨p. 729⟩for his infinite kindness to us, so that we might not be let loose so far, as to prostitute our selves to any such villainy and reproach: but rather for the same his goodness to us to be so far off from it, as that we should rather be daily drawn to endeavour to please him in all things, and that with readiness: yea and to watch thereunto constantly for all power from God to arm and enable us thereto: well considering with our selves, that they are not our great words and boasts of our chasteness, honesty, and grace, which will stand us in stead, in the time of tentation and trial, neither are cold prayers and endeavours able to weaken strong tentations in us, but we must look for strength, and hearten on our selves by diligent and reverent using of all good means appointed of God for this purpose, and yet to know that we are great gainers thereby. And to speak more particularly of this sin of 3Samsons, we must (as we shall see cause) arm our selves against dallying with the least tickling of us thereto, and with the forementioned means using, as hath been said) to attend our particular callings, and avoid idle and unnecessary goings abroad; (which Dinah did not, and therefore smarted) 4whereby we shall obtain no small liberty and freedom from the same. These things being duly regarded of us, and fervent prayers offered up oft and constantly to God for assistance and blessing;