A10933:2137
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 86 › Part 16 › Part 3: The third 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.
But further here let us note, that our sins do not only keep many benefits from us, but also bring many judgements, as shame, poverty, sorrow, 1bondage, prison, and any other misery upon us, and beside them all, they do quench the graces of God in us: as faith, hope, a good conscience, the fear of God, and the rest; which men make little matter of, because they see they are in little account and price in the world. But to be short, he that hasteth after his wicked hearts desire, and will give himself liberty any way which he knows God doth not allow him; though it be not altogether ⟨p. 766⟩so gross and shameful as Samsons sin was, he hasteth his own misery,) as in time appeareth to himself, and is always to be seen of him, that will observe and consider it. Samson was deeply drunken, and therefore his vomit was the stronger. One or two jerks makes a sturdy body but to dance: but when he is stung to the quick, his stout stomach comes down, because he sees no remedy. The hardened heart cannot repent, neither without 2this violence will it be meekened. A subtle traitor, Jesuit, or other, at first examination is as far off as the Moon, and will be known of nothing: but being held well to the rack, he will confess all. If there be so much good to be done by severity, God will use it rather then fail of his purpose. Let it teach men to try God no further then they think themselves well able to stand out in it, and to bear his angry countenance, and if by venturing too far, they find their opinion of Gods lenity confuted, and themselves laden with sorrow; let them rather use the same to meeken their hearts, then to cry out of their misery. For great trouble commonly argueth strong rebellion, and long trouble an hard heart. It is a singular mercy of God, to have it tamed by the continuance of the punishment, but small cause of rejoicing, to have it removed, and the heart left in obstinacy. The more we hasten this cure, the shorter shall be our sorrow: for God delights not to punish long and much together. But to return Samson, be it granted that Samson needed whipping. Must it therefore needs be with a whip 3of so many strings, and were there none meet to see execution done, but they that had no measure?