A10933:237
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 whereas it will (perhaps) be objected, that the good nature that is in many, more then in some others, and good education do put difference betwixt men, as well as sanctification, and the changing of the nature of man; be it known unto them, that the best nature is poisoned, and inclined 1to all sin, and hath the seed thereof: and the best education, being not seasoned with religion, can but work civility in a man; or (at the most) restrain him from some outward and open wickedness; it cannot give him a new heart, neither therefore make him a new creature. And I conclude with the use of this doctrine, that all such as desire to be better guided then natural men can be, must seriously labour to be acquainted with their hearts, searching out by the Law of God, the depth of falsehood and evil that is in them, which is great and much: and (as they are taught) bewail 2it, as that which bringeth forth fruit unto death, till they obtain pardon thereof, and of their other sins: with the which grace they receive will and strength, though weakly, to live well, and to please God; yea and for the obtaining of all these, let them attend to sincere preaching, not by fits, but ordinarily and constantly as they may, and so God will draw them out of the puddle in which other lie still, and work that grace in them, whereby they shall be reformed to the image of Christ their head, and to the similitude of the members of his body, which are all uniformly governed by the same spirit, which worketh alike fruits in all. And this is the only way to come by it.3
And whereas it will (perhaps) be obiected, that the good nature that is in many, more then in some others, and good education doe put difference betwixt men, as well as sanctification, and the changing of the nature of man; be it knowne vnto them, that the best nature is poysoned, and enclined 1to all sinne, and hath the seede thereof: and the best education, being not seasoned with religion, can but worke ciuility in a man; or (at the most) restraine him from some outward and open wickednesse; it cannot giue him a new heart, neither therefore make him a new creature. And I conclude with the vse of this doctrine, that all such as desire to be better guided then naturall men can be, must seriously labour to be acquainted with their hearts, searching out by the Law of God, the depth of falshood and euill that is in them, which is great and much: and (as they are taught) bewaile