A10933:228
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 more particularly, somewhat is to be said of Manasseh and Ephraim: who did not alike behave themselves when they were severed, as when 1they were joined together: then they went the one with the other roundly to the work, and prospered: but now they being divided, they were 2backward and slothful, and so let the Canaanites grow and multiply. That which I will observe here is this: That we look heedfully to this, that we make much of godly society, and labour to enjoy it therefore, and to take all ⟨p. 73⟩the good that we may by it. For we have much encouragement thereby, whatsoever good we go about, wherein it may be used. For as the Wise man saith; Two are better then one; if one lie alone, how should he be warm? And 3so many good persons being joined together in a good work, (like firebrands in a chimney, that give a glowing heat when they are laid together, when one alone soon goeth out) one is refreshed, helped, heartened, 4and comforted by the other; according to the kind of work which they take in hand: and so one alone is much weakened, made heavy, and soon discouraged. As Moses his hands failed against Amalek, till Aaron and Hur propped them up. But Moses and Aaron, Caleb and Joshua; David and Jonathan, and so much more many together, as their employment required, who doubteth but that they did much more roundly and readily dispatch the work appointed them of God, then if they had been disjoined and asunder? Therefore doubtless, where both, if there be no more, or many are sound hearted in several to God and his worship, and like minded and upright hearted each to other, the Lord is doubly honoured, the Gospel graced, even in the eyes of the wicked; the adversary stronglier resisted by their united force; besides the strengthening one the others hands in the way to happiness.
Now more particularly, somewhat is to bee said of Manasse and Ephraim: who did not alike behaue themselues when they were seuered, as when 1