A10933:573
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 further, let us note in this verse by the joint agreement 1of all these here mentioned; I mean Debora, Barak, and the ten thousand of Zebulun and Naphtali, (especially it being so needful that they should so consent together) how good and worthy a thing it is for the servants of God to join and be like minded in good things; though it do not directly tend to their own profit and earthly benefit, or not so much as to the common good & behoof of all the people, or many, (as here it did,) but to a town or family, the commendation of this gift of free consent together in many good people is clearly to be seen in the Apostles, and those that kept company with them; of whom it is said, that they were altogether of one mind: which caused Saint Paul to make so earnest a request to the Philippians 2to remove from them contention and pride; whereby this consent ⟨p. 210⟩and agreement is easily broken. For we know it is no easy matter for many to join and agree together, and that by reason of so much contrariety as is in mens minds, and for that one is so ready to cross and withstand an other, especially in good things, through Satan by his subtle and malicious policy working therewith, who gaineth much by their distraction and disagreement, as in Paul and Barnabas may be seen. It is therefore to be sought & laboured for always, by the love and wisdom of godly teachers, who by their doctrine, persuasions, and good example, do much help hereto. Thus had Debora and Barak prevailed with these ten thousand, that they drew them to this work jointly, as if they had been but two persons. Oh, agreement in good things, what is like it, either in beauty or delight, as the Psalmist speaketh, Behold how good and pleasant a thing it is, for men to dwell together 3in godly unity? And experience teacheth the same. For there, many uniting their force of courage and wisdom in one, they do easily resist the common enemy, and (which is harder) their own corrupt passions and rebellious nature, the which to what evil and mischief it carrieth them, the infinite broils, suits, quarrels and controversies of almost all places do too truly testify. Such are they who in loving and kind agreement betwixt themselves, do submit themselves to the word of God, whereby they become meek and humble, and so they easily consent to that which is good.