A10933:435
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.
The first thing here to be noted, is, that the people again wrought evil 1in the sight of the Lord, as they had done before. And this shows that they broke out further then they did, while Othniel lived, or else nothing should have been said more then before in his days, during whose time though they be not commended, yet neither are they discommended. Therefore to say nothing of either, seeing I have no ground for it, let that be observed whereof the text giveth just occasion how prone and ready we are to break out, as soon as we have any opportunity. Oh the flesh is soon weary of pending in. While we are well fenced against falls by good teaching and company, I must needs say, all is much the better with us, and we be the easilier kept from great offences. Here in this land especially, where we have the purity of the Gospel, and of the true worship of God established among us, (for it is gross indeed to fall from a good course, while that is present) and also while godly Magistrates are with us to encourage us, as it was with them while Othniel lived. But for all this, (as gross as it is) when men will 2let loose themselves with the times to the sins thereof, and such helps fail them, as I have spoken of, what care soever hath been among them of honouring God in former times, they are soon carried away, every man as he is disposed, by his own corruption one to some sin, and another to another. And yet where all the forementioned outward helps be, we being easily brought to make common things of them, the false heart will be ready to break out, and fasten delight in some sinful pleasure or other, if it be not strongly held in by grace, as by a bridle.
The first thing heere to be noted, is, that the people againe wrought euill 1in the sight of the Lord, as they had done before. And this shewes that they broke out further then they did, while Othniel liued, or else nothing should haue been said more then before in his daies, during whose time though they be not commended, yet neither are they discommended. Therefore to say nothing of either, seeing I haue no ground for it, let that be obserued whereof the text giueth iust occasion how prone and ready we are to break out, assoone as we haue any opportunity. Oh the flesh is soone wearie of pending in. While we are well fenced against falles by good teaching and company, I must needs say, all is much the better with vs, and we be the easilier kept from great offences. Heere in this land especially, where wee haue the purity of the Gospel, and of the true worship of God established among vs, (for it is grosse indeed to fall from a good course, while that is present) and also while godly Magistrates are with vs to encourage vs, as it was with them while Othniel liued. But for all this, (as grosse as it is) when men will