A10933:611
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 it is showed, how Jael came out to meet Barak, who not finding 1Sisera among those who were slain, followed after him; and she told him what she had done unto him, and thus she prevented Barak, lest he should weary himself with seeking him, and be grieved when he found him not, and he came into her tent, and found it so. And by Baraks pursuing him, it appeareth that Sisera was not deceived in that he feared it, and warned Jael to prevent it. Likewise it appeareth here, that the Lord delivered his people out of the hands of Jabin, and destroyed him. Here let us note two or three things, and so come to an end of the whole chapter. And first, though Jael must embrace and hold peace with Jabin, yet we see her heart 2went not with him, neither did she like his cruelty and oppression of Gods people, but sought to turn it away, and she rejoiced to see the people of God to prevail, and to help them all that she could, as Nehemiah and Ester did, using their favour they found with Kings, to this end. It teacheth, that the godly do give good testimony how they dislike it, when the wicked 3rule, and have all in their hands: as Jael did here, by her worthy helping to beat down Jabin's and Siseras power. For (as Solomon saith) when they bear rule, the people sigh. And contrarily, what joy they have, when God gives them godly guides, and makes them to prosper, such as Moses and Joshua 4were, with other, who did more advance the Lord and his true worship, as it became them, then they did themselves. And so it is in meaner estates, that we have great cause to praise God, when he feebleth and disgraceth the ungodly, and prospereth the enterprises of his servants, in any place of superiority and government, and so in meaner conditions. And let all such as are under them, glorify God by bringing forth much fruit, when they enjoy such liberties, and let them fervently entreat (for much good may be 5done in such times) the Lord when it is otherwise, to change it: remembering that which is written in the Psalm: Pray for the peace of Jerusalem, they 6