A10933:398
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.
And let it be well thought of by us, for even so God dealeth with us, if we can by his mercies be drawn to duty, he is ready to bestow them plentifully 1upon us, he thinketh nothing too good for us, so as we need not know the sorrows and vexations that are in the world, in comparison of that which many thousands do feel, and smart by them. But if we will follow the common course of others, to be like to them in evil, we shall soon know that it was no mean benefit to be so sheltered by the Lord as we were before; and namely, that shall be, when we begin to feel his heavy hand against us. And we in this town, and hereabout have seen, while we 2have made it our chief delight, to follow the Lord, not regarding the examples and multitudes of bad and irreligious persons (who dwell among us) to be withdrawn by them, we that have done so, we have seen, I say, Gods exceeding goodness toward us (I speak to his praise) and desire I may never see the contrary. And in comparison of the world, I mean, the ignorant and profane sort, who desire not to be acquainted with the Lord and his ways, it may truly be said, that we have seen many good days, when our chief care hath been to live under his government; and when we have failed at some time more then at others, and through frailty forgotten ourselves, he hath mercifully quickened and brought us back again: so that (for the most part) we have not known what the sorrows ⟨p. 141⟩of the world mean. And our worst days have been, when we have forgot ourselves, and forsaken the good and right way, and walked or stepped aside into 3by-ways, then he hath taught us (by woeful experience) what sorrows and vexations mean. For example: when we have in the simplicity of our hearts joined in the sweet doctrine of the Gospel preached unto us, and have minded it chiefly as our best treasure; and when we have as well feared to offend the Lord in those things which have liked us best, provoking one another to love and to good works, oh how hath he made us to prosper? and when hath he frowned upon us, but when we have perverted our ways.
And let it be well thought of by vs, for euen so God dealeth with vs, if we can by his mercies be drawne to dutie, he is ready to bestow them plentifully