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…

Now more particularly by these of Machir or Manasseh, Zebulon, and ¹Issachar, which were chief men in the tribes, and yet forward and ready to join with the rest against Gods enemies; we learn, that as the mightiest and wealthiest should not come behind others in any part of Gods service, but put forth themselves before them, as these here did: so they that do not so, must see that they shall have reproach for their negligence and sloth, as the other shall be renowned of God himself, as we see here these be: which were enough to put heart and courage into that sort of men particularly, if sin have not plucked it out. But of this I speak in other places by occasion, and therefore I say no more now.

Now more particularly by these of Machir or Manasses, Zebulon, and ¹Issachar, which were chiefe men in the tribes, and yet forward and readie to ioyne with the rest against Gods enemies; wee learne, that as the mightiest and wealthiest should not come behind others in any part of Gods seruice, but put foorth themselues before them, as these here did: so they that doe not so, must see that they shall haue reproch for their negligence and sloth, as the other shall be renowned of God himselfe, as wee see here these be: which were enough to put heart and courage into that sort of men particularly, if sinne haue not plucked it out. But of this I speake in other places by occasion, and therefore I say no more now.

1. 1Doct. 2. in vers. 14. 15.

Now Debora passeth from these whom she commended, and turneth to the other whom she discommendeth, in these verses. Whereby we may see ¹how great the reproach of them is, who do not help in Gods house, to set forward his work, and to join with his servants therein. For such do not only discourage their brethren, and let the work lie raw and unperfect; but they flesh their adversaries, and God knoweth whether they would not also turn on their sides, if they should be tried. Wherein it is not amiss to observe the plain dealing of the holy Ghost in this narration: for as he ingenuously yieldeth testimony of praise to the well deserving: so he concealeth not the shame of the careless and slothful, but rebukes them without respect of persons. Which dealing, as it showeth what course he will take in that solemn day, wherein he will judge the world with equity: so it should drive all fools out of these conceits, whereby they beguile themselves saying; rush, God will do neither good nor evil; and that he will not smite them, but they shall escape better then others, &c. which was the error of them who (till they found the contrary) would never be persuaded but their estate was good, saying, Lord, Lord, &c. as though thereby they should have entered into his kingdom. And as this is true in the general, so is it in particulars, both bodily and spiritual. For though in the corrupt practise of this wicked world, we see every one is for himself, as the proverb speaketh; posting off the regard of the needy to others: yet if we enter into the Lords sanctuary, and look what is required by his word, we shall find it odious, unnatural, and highly displeasing in the sight of God, that there is not compassion in one to another, and care in one over another, as equity and band of duty requireth; that as they should warm the hearts of their brethren with relieving them readily in their bodily necessities and dangers; so should they comfort their souls likewise with holy instruction and spiritual refreshing, as by good occasion and opportunity they may. And as these should have done it in war, so ought we as well in peace. This duty owe superiors, either in nature, age, place or gifts, to the inferiors, to back, encourage and instruct them: