A10933:266
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 although they cannot value it in any sort according to the worth of it, who have never felt the burden of a troubled conscience, and bodily vexations; yet we that have, though they be nothing so grievous as they 1had; we (I say) are every day (that we rise out of our beds to do our necessary business) to confess this marvellous work of God for our deliverance. And yet I deny not, but that other benefits of God are to be sought for also; as the enjoying of the sincere preaching of the Gospel to the further welfare of our souls, and things necessary for this present life, that so there may want no encouragement to Gods service. But howsoever the Lord should deny us the one, I mean plenty for our bodies, which yet for many years he hath most graciously yielded and granted us: yet we should contend for the other, I mean sound and saving knowledge by an happy and sound ministry, by all means, if possibly we may enjoy it. Which I speak to the just reproof of all such as do only regard their outward estate in the world, little or nothing looking after the benefit of true happiness by their souls welfare: forecasting altogether to plant themselves there, whither the hope of earthly commodities doth lead them. And though the towns, families, and kindreds be never so profane and superstitious, to the which they make hast, yet that they little regard; but so as ⟨p. 89⟩commodity and honour may be gotten (as their common question is, may we look for any good there?) they will dwell, there they will live and dei, 2and there they will match and leave their children to remain after them. But as from holding them from the infection of Popery, or labouring to shield them under a settled good ministry, and so to mind and seek their salvation, it is no part of their thought. Nay there be thousands in this land that lust after the servitude of Popish Egypt again; earnestly desiring that day (which God turn away) the Lord forgive it them, (as our Saviour prayed for them that crucified him) they know not what they do. So far are they from thankfulness for their freedom, that they are voluntary slaves under that Pharaoh of Rome, even in their own country.
And although they cannot value it in any sort according to the worth of it, who haue neuer felt the burthen of a troubled conscience, and bodily vexations; yet wee that haue, though they bee nothing so grieuous as they