A10933:2098
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.
nay, no man may tell him of it neither. Therefore if we will prevent outcries and late repentance for time to come, (for there is a time when such fools cry out; I am lost, I have undone my self) let us learn that the way to become our own best friends, is to be greatest enemies to the sin which most prevaileth in us, as that which threateneth our greatest desolation. God will take that mans part against 1himself, who most striveth to hate himself, I mean the corruption within him, which is as dear to him as himself. And till we be come to this point, that we can have as hearty indignation at our sin that we have most ⟨p. 752⟩delighted in, as we have against others for no cause, or sometime against 2our selves for being circumvented and overshot in a bargain by a cunning cozener; we are far from repentance, or from that estate that a wise man should rest in, though the work be difficult (I confess) which I speak of. But about this business though a man have many, and those great enemies to hinder him; yet his sinful heart is more dangerous then all, and by the treachery whereof only, all other enemies do him mischief. And doubtless the devil and the strongest allurements rebound back, and hurt not, neither enter, where the heart lieth not open to evil, and unfenced against it. The evil that remaineth in the best, occasioneth all external evil enemies to stir it up and increase it. The pure Angels have the devils their envious enemies. Nay, sin makes God our enemy, (not for ever, if ever we were reconciled to him) while it lieth harboured and unremoved: but otherwise, though he correct us, yet he loveth us, as a father his children. The cause is much more the enemy, I mean sin, then the effect, which is Gods enmity. And therefore when he afflicteth for sin, count not him our enemy, no nor the cross which he inflicteth: but patiently bear it, and say, I will go under my trial willingly, seeing I have sinned, and turn my grief against my chief enemy, knowing that except that, which is my sin, undo me, no other thing shall, but turn to my good rather.
nay, no man may tell him of it neither. Therefore if we will preuent outcries and late repentance for time to come, (for there is a time when such fooles crie out; I am lost, I haue vndone my selfe) let vs learne that the way to become our owne best friends, is to be greatest enemies to the sinne which most preuaileth in vs, as that which threatneth our greatest desolation. God will take that mans part against