A10933:429
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.
Now to proceed, when God had given his spirit to Othniel, it is said, He 1judged Israel; that is, he did as a valiant captain, pull them out of servitude, and take the yoke of bondage from their necks, and restore to them the true worship of God, and govern them, and so the land had rest. All this, with such like befell them, when Gods anger was turned away from them, at the repentance of the people. In their bondage and misery, who would have said, that it could easily, or in short time have been removed? especially, that such a change might have been seen? But this teacheth, that when Gods 2anger is removed from a people or person, all things go well there, punishments are turned into blessings, and great heaviness into joy and comfort. Even as a cloudy, dark, and tempestuous day is forgotten, when the clear and fair sunshine overspreadeth and beautifieth the earth: and like as when 3two great men who by their strife and contention disquieted all, are again made friends, and reconciled; for then the people in that town rejoice, and hold up their countenance. So it is said here of this people, that they having been brought into such extremity for eight years, God sent this Othniel a deliverer and a Judge, to whom he gave courage and wisdom, so that he brought their enemies into subjection, and the people had rest and deliverance. By all these signs of his favour, God declared that his anger was removed. And even so, we shall see good days, if we take heed that God be not provoked to anger by us: and though his anger be kindled, yet if we cry and groan to him under our burden, lift up our hearts and believe that he will be merciful unto us, (as most certainly he will) and turn away his wrath and displeasure from us: for in his favour is life, and when his loving ⟨p. 154⟩countenance shineth upon us, all other things shall turn to us for the best. And the Lord doth either remove outward punishments from us, or else uphold us so with his grace to bear them patiently and meekly, that they shall be no burdens, but matter of comfort unto us.
Now to proceed, when God had giuen his spirit to Othniel, it is said, Hee