A10933:395
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 17 › Chapter 3 › Part 1: The first 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.
Moreover, we must mark that which is set down here in this first verse: 1that the Lord is said to have held these nations still in the land, which was to the exceeding sore vexing of his people: to teach us, that the raising, remaining, or removing of troubles, they are all of the Lord, and by his appointing; even by his will, and of his wise disposing, whether we respect the whole Church, or any part or member of it: and they come not by chance, or a mans ill fortune, as the ignorant people speak, (neither is there any such thing) but as the Lord himself saith in the Prophet Amos, there is no evil in the city, that is, no trouble, but I the Lord have 2sent it. And if it were otherwise, the best people, as the worst are, should (by their afflictions) be at their wits end. We may not therefore rest our selves 3in the second causes, neither vex our selves about them (as we do too oft) which is a spurning against the Lord, but patiently bear them: seeing that whatsoever the instrument be, it is certain, the Lord is the over-ruling cause, howsoever it is evident, that oft times we cause and bring them our selves: and therefore we ought to bend our selves in all earnest manner, to patience: and so much the rather, seeing he further certifieth us, that he doth all for the best to such as fear him: so that we do but increase our 4sorrow, who by impatience increase our sin; and therefore provoke we not him, from whom all trouble cometh, and who through his Almighty power can cast into hell also, but fear we to do evil in his sight evermore, that we may avoid both, and ascribe unto him our deliverances also, that seeing all such deliverances are from the Lord, he may have his due praise from us.5
Moreouer, we must marke that which is set downe here in this first verse: 1that the Lord is said to haue held these nations still in the land, which was to the exceeding sore vexing of his people: to teach vs, that the raizing, remaining, or remouing of troubles, they are all of the Lord, and by his appointing; euen by his will, and of his wise disposing, whether wee respect the whole Church, or any part or member of it: and they come not by chance, or a mans ill fortune, as the ignorant people speake, (neither is there any such thing) but as the Lord himselfe saith in the Prophet Amos, there is no euill in the city, that is, no trouble, but I the Lord haue