A10933:283
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.
But to come more particularly to this covenant which the heads of Israel 1must keep toward the Lord, of casting down their alters, and of having no fellowship with the Canaanites, they afford a several lesson. By the first that I mentioned, this may be learned, that Christian Magistrates are by their authority to pull down all Idols, and abolish superstition both 2of the infidels and heretics, and the occasions of Idolatry, and to purge their dominions and jurisdictions from such dross and abominations. (Hezekiah brake down the brazen serpent being abused, and called it Nehushton, that is, a piece of brass.) And so much the rather, seeing Gods worship is 3simple and uncompounded, and he that addeth thereto any superstitious ceremony, tainteth the substance as much as lieth in him. And all Christians ought to do the same in their private houses, and places subject to them, as their fields, farms, Chapels, &c. And yet let them take heed, that they attempt not to do so out of their callings, or in other mens houses, or other places where they have no authority to meddle, upon any devotion or good intent (as they call it) either to honour God, or benefit others, or though it were to win the Idolaters themselves. For that course is not only not ordained of God, to win the Idolaters to sound religion, but also forbidden: ⟨p. 96⟩and other means, as the preaching of the word, conference, &c. are appointed to root the same out of mens hearts, and to turn them from such blind devotion. The other may be termed zeal, but unadvised, corrupt and sinful; neither of an wise Christian to be used. And this be noted by occasion of the one part of the peoples covenant: namely, that they must pull down their alters.
But to come more particulerly to this couenant which the heads of Israel 1must keepe toward the Lord, of casting downe their alters, and of hauing no fellowship with the Canaanites, they affoord a seuerall lesson. By the first that I mentioned, this may bee learned, that Christian Magistrates are by their authority to pull downe all Idols, and abolish superstition both