A10933:339
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.
This be said of that generation that died; now of that which lived, and 1took occasion to do wickedly when their forefathers were dead. This people it is said here, knew not the Lord; that is, effectually; neither therefore acknowledged him, nor they knew not his works; that is, as we heard before, made no use of them, neither profited by them, without which the bare knowledge of them was nothing. A description therefore ye see here set down of an evil people, to wit, that they were such as neither knew God, nor his works. And no marvel; for if they who did both, I mean the former generation, of whom I have spoken, did see that which they did by the means of good teaching and example, it is no strange thing, that these did neither of both, who had not these good helps which the other had: It is not possible for such coming out of darkness, to walk before God in reverence and cheerfulness. For how should men come to understand mysteries, as the saving knowledge of God in Christ is, and the effectual knowledge of his great works, to be brought to his fear by them, and so to do more then they that only say, Lord, Lord, and do not the will of the Lord; how (I say) should they come to such knowledge, unless they should be plainly taught, and have some to break the ice to them, in following and practising it, and so in giving good example to them? Therefore in places where both are wanting, such persons as I speak of, are not to be ⟨p. 119⟩sought, unless they enjoy both, by the benefit of other places, being destitute of them in their own habitation: which is sufficient to move all such of us as enjoy better helps, to mourn for the desolation of those that want them: as we cannot choose, if we have the spirit of our Saviour, who pitied 2such as they were; and to entreat the Lord to supply their wants. And further, this bewrays the unhappiness of all such as do not heartily seek after both, but are content to live without them; I mean the getting of the knowledge of God, and Christ, to the certainty of salvation, Joh. 17. and also 3to live with such, as near as may be, who may be shining lights to them, unto sanctification of life.