A10933:2173
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.
And yet if this be so to be disliked (as who of sound judgement will not 1affirm it so to be) what may be said of them who now long after, as also in years past and yet still in the light of the Gospel, have invented other manner of spectacles to delude the simple withal? even shameless shows, and most dangerous stage plays, omitting none to play a part in them, that may increase sin; as some to play the vice and fool, so disguising themselves, as if they were void of reason: some to resemble the devil, by which counterfeiting ⟨p. 780⟩they make the mentioning of devils in the Scripture, to be only a ridiculous jest, and matter to laugh at, that so they may be the bolder to sin, and the less fear devil or damnation: and some are brought on the stage in women's apparel, God having commanded the contrary, and said, 2It shall not be so. In the which meetings they do not only with the Philistines please their eye, but also strongly are incensed and provoked to lewdness and lust, which some of them were nothing so much acquainted with before. Whom if God should show some such strange judgement upon, as upon these here, (as we have heard that some of them have had lately fair warnings in that kind, while they have been in the middest of their pastimes) I deny not but it were lamentable; but doubtless not less (what do I say? nay by far more) deserved then this. But these must be left to the Magistrate, who should not in vain bear the sword, but to the terror of offenders.
And yet if this be so to be disliked (as who of sound iudgement will not 1affirme it so to be) what may be said of them who now long after, as also in yeeres past and yet still in the light of the Gospell, haue inuented other maner of spectacles to delude the simple withall? euen shamelesse shewes, and most dangerous stage plaies, omitting none to play a part in them, that may increase sinne; as some to play the vice and foole, so disguising themselues, as if they were void of reason: some to resemble the diuell, by which counterfeiting ⟨p. 780⟩