A10933:2192
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.
Now to proceed with Samson upon this, that he casting down the house upon the Philistines, died also with 1them: it is demanded, if he did not kill himself, which if we find that he did, then all the commendations of his renewed repentance falls to the ground, and is washed away by this his last so woeful a fact, and that also advisedly done. Hereto I answer, that it cannot be said he killed 2himself: indeed he died with them, but the end that he propounded, was not that he might die, neither did he desire it; but he sought revenge upon Gods enemies, which was the work of his calling, and that which was like to bring and procure it: but what was that but a faithful serving of God, though with the loss of his life? even as the Apostles did. If they preached 3Christ, they saw it would cost them their life, and that they should be slain if they would needs preach him: now when it fell out so indeed by their preaching, shall we say therefore that they killed themselves, and that they sought their own death? No, no more then a zealous and diligent Preacher, who by his pains in study and his ministry, impaireth and spendeth his strength and health, can be said to be the procurer of his own untimely death, for he hath spent his strength in his calling, to which end God gave it him.
NOw to proceed with Samson vpon this, that hee casting downe the house vpon the Philistims, died also with 1them: it is demanded, if he did not kill himselfe, which if we finde that he did, then all the commendations of his renued repentance falles to the ground, and is washed away by this his last so wofull a fact, and that also aduisedly done. Hereto I answere, that it cannot bee said hee killed 2himselfe: indeed he died with them, but the end that he propounded, was not that he might die, neither did he desire it; but he sought reuenge vpon Gods enemies, which was the worke of his calling, and that which was like to bring and procure it: but what was that but a faithfull seruing of God, though with the losse of his life? euen as the Apostles did. If they preached