A10933:675
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.
Another thing in this verse is concerning Barak, and that is, that he should in a show and with solemn pomp set out the conquest and victory 1which God had given them over their enemies. Which though after the victory in war, it was used to be done by the Heathens over such as they conquered, to the priding of themselves, and the uttermost disgrace of them that were subdued; yet this was (we see) spoken by the Prophetess, to the end that God might have honour thereby; for one end she propounded, both of his act, and of her own; and that was, the giving of honour to ⟨p. 253⟩the Lord. For the seeking of a mans own glory, is no glory, but a taking it 2from God, and a provoking of him thereby. Nay, where men would think that it as a due desert to them; yet even there let them beware that they take it not; but let us all acknowledge Gods goodness with thankfulness, for that he will use our service to the honouring of his name. But to flesh and pride our selves in the yoking and subduing of our enemies, this were no better then the act of Adonibezek, who most cruelly cut off the thumbs of the hands and feet of seventy Kings, and made them as dogs, to eat bread under his table, that he might glory in their extreme reproach and shame. This act of triumph was common to the people of God with the Heathen, but not done in so profane and common a manner. And as it hath been in war, so the like in some sort we see at this day in the time of peace, that there are of all sorts who having suits and controversies depending betwixt them, get the day of their adversary, and do bring the one the other to a mean and poor estate; I speak of such as contend lawfully, and having a good cause, and right on their side, they prevail by order of justice one against the other, and do in a certain manner triumph thereby. But what then? In all this the one beareth as he is more graciously seasoned then another, a lowly mind, and remembereth (though he have the better hand, and other wealth beside,) whence he came, who set him up, and why; that is, not to glory foolishly of his welfare over his adversary, but to be thankful to God, and therefore is moderate and sober in the use of all such liberties, and more fruitful in doing good. The other useth them to pride himself, to scorn others, to boast of his success, and to be more impudent, profane, and lawless.