A10933:321
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.
Sermon 13 › Chapter 2 › Part 2: The second part of the Chapter.
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.
All the forementioned things did Moses, who governed the people before Joshua: who both are to be followed in their religious course; because experience hath always taught us, that if the chief rulers be zealous and religious, the inferiors will embrace piety and godliness likewise; at least, not be against it. And contrariwise: but if they should not, yet the people must themselves walk with God.
All the forementioned things did Moses, who gonerned the people before Ioshua: who both are to bee followed in their religious course; because experience hath alwaies taught vs, that if the chiefe rulers bee zealous and religious, the inferiours will embrace piety and godlinesse likewise; at least, not be against it. And contrariwise: but if they should not, yet the people must themselues walke with God.
And thus did Joshua send the people away, as it is said in the text, and with ⟨p. 111⟩1gracious words exhorted them, and spake to them when he was ready to die; as in the forementioned chapter of Joshua appeareth, that he might leave his last words so fruitful among them, that their print might remain in them after his death, even as it did. And seeing he sent them away in this manner, we should know, that it becometh meaner persons much more to do so; I mean, to give exhortation to their children, servants, and neighbours, if they have freedom from pain, which often times hindereth right good men, and this is the best memorial that they can leave behind them at their death. There should be a wise putting of the house in order, & a setting of mens estates at a stay before death come, as Hezekiah was willed by 2the Lord to do; a chief part whereof is this giving of exhortation: and this should be; both that the mind of the visited party may be eased and at quiet, and to prevent all trouble among those that remain behind. For if this be not done before sickness) as commonly it is neglected, it had need to be then gone about with all speed. But whiles this duty ought to be performed, of using good speech to the standers by, how many are there who are scarce able or willing to take direction themselves, when they lie upon their death bed? so far are they from bequeathing gracious counsel and exhortation to others, and all because they sought no such matter in the days of their peace, health, and liberty, nor desired that their family should. And this be said of Joshua; now of the people, according to the division made before, in the entering into this verse. They being now sent away, went