A10933:462
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.
But as Ehud was appointed to present the gift to the King of Moab, so it is said here he did: which we know was a great honour and credit unto him. And he was worthy of it, who did afterward adventure so great danger with it. So God alloweth to them that serve him in high places, and perform great duties in Church and Common-wealth, he alloweth them much credit, honour, and dignity. And for the one as Princes and noble persons, such as David, was, Solomon, Hezechia, and Josia, with Moses, Joshua and others, have enjoyed the same, in respect of some that were as great as they, but not as godly: Even so it is with us: For they that truly honour and favour learning, and good ministers, and make much of them that fear ⟨p. 167⟩the Lord; resisting and opposing the common adversary; they are highly honoured of the Church of God: and so it is also in the ministry: for (as the Apostle saith) they that rule well, are worthy of double honour: If they 1labour painfully and faithfully in the word, and go before their flock, as 2good shepherds, and so rule and guide them by both, and by other censures, as occasion shall be offered, they worthily enjoy love and reverence, with the fruit of both, as credit, and maintenance. And good reason there is why it should be so with both: for the one laboureth and watcheth directly for the peoples souls: the other, in their kind and place, for the maintenance of their peace, lives, and goods. And that which I say of these I may say proportionably of meaner persons, and lower places: that as they do service to God in their lives, places and employments; so are they of greater account, and more set by, (and well worthy) then other who do not so. For their care, faithfulness, and travel for the honour of God is much; and the Lord hath promised to honour them who honour him, and to leave the other without honour. And so it was here, that Ehud had great honour in that he was appointed to deliver the Present to Eglon the King of Moab: And who worthier then he? For beside his other many worthy acts that he did for the peoples peace and deliverance: who among them all would have adventured their lives for the rest? Of whom it may be said, as Pharaoh said of Joseph: when he directed him how to provide in the seven years 3