A10933:305
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 I have set down the words of Gods messenger, whereby he 1sought to turn the people from their sins, unto God by repeating his benefits, ⟨p. 104⟩and by reproofs and threats. I should here have ended with his speech, but that I see an occasion of propounding an objection and doubt, will be taken from hence. For which cause I will set it down and answer it, before I go to any new matter. The objection is this, seeing the messenger of God moving them to repentance, doth with his reproving and convicting them, make no mention of faith, it may seem that faith was not of such price then as it is now, no mention being made of it, or if it were, that the people might be driven to desperation rather, then brought to repentance, being not encouraged to believe the pardon of their sin, as well as to forsake it. To the which I answer; first, that they could not be moved 2to repentance, if they had not had with all encouragement & persuasion to believe: for though he name not faith expressly, yet seeing repentance and that cannot be separated, neither could repentance therefore be urged upon them without it. Secondly, I say, this people did repent, as it is clear by the text; therefore they also believed. And thirdly, the messenger repeating Gods promises to them; what doth he but find fault with them for not believing the same before? I conclude therefore, that he moved them to believe, which is the chief thing in our turning to God. And so let all be persuaded, though it be not always expressed, even as it was said to the Jailer, when he asked what he should do to be saved; believe in the Lord Jesus. And as without faith it is impossible to please God; so let it be 3looked unto principally, that we rise up, and lie down, and walk accompanied with that, for so we shall resist the tentations, allurements, and discouragements, 4with other difficulties of this life.
Now I haue set downe the words of Gods messenger, whereby hee 1