A10933:340
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 last sort of the people affordeth also an other lesson unto us, that the 1latter generations are for the most part backwardest in goodness, and more declining from it, then the former. It was no wonder if it were so in these that wanted the means, for it is so, even where they are enjoyed. We see how those plants and flowers that were rare a few years ago, grow now 2in every garden; for one getteth them of another; so sin grows by tradition and example, and daily increaseth, each age adding some new, till they come to the full measure. And though commonly old things decay and wax worse, yet old Adam the older, the stronger. Sin hath his ages of growth for as the world grows older, so sinners multiply who trading in 3sin, do still exceed the former age in all kind of lewdness; and one consenting with the other in exalting folly, whether we consider number of persons (equal comparison being made) or the foulness, or boldness in sin, we must look that the latter days will be worser. The pride, covetousness, and drunkenness of our present age was not seen in our forefathers days as now: nay (which is monstrous) not in the middest of Popery, although this extenuateth not their other sin, for even they in subtlety and ill conscience exceed their former ages also. There is now more knowledge indeed where long teaching hath been, but because men receive not the truth in love and sincerity, God accurseth it with barrenness. Honest simplicity, which is not tainted with craft and subtlety, and therefore fitter to receive the print of the Gospel, is justled out, by such as are (for the most part) risen up more profane and filthy; more scornful also and hardlier persuaded to goodness then the former generations. And though this may be found true in the general estate of all (as toward the end of the 4world, and in the latter days our Saviour foretold it should be so) that iniquity should abound, and have the upper hand: yet in particular generations one after another, it may also be seen to be so; that if the Gospel be planted in a nation country, or town, and be continued from one age to another, though the means be like, yet the latter generation shall come behind the form, in fervency, diligence, and every way in yielding fruit of the Gospel commendably in respect of it;