A10933:697
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.
Sermon 33 › Chapter 5 › Part 3: The second part of the Chapter.
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 now let us mark somewhat out of them more particularly. For of 1Reuben and Gilead it is expressly said, that they neglected this duty for their own profit, and that they were more bent to the seeking of that, then to lend their help where they owe it. This was found fault withal in them: even as our Saviour found the like fault with them, who were invited by 2him unto another duty, even to the great supper, as these were to fight against Gods enemies, they excusing their absence for their own private advantage, every one his way: one had hired a farm, another had bought oxen, and he must even then go try them; and another had married a wife; to whom may be added the third sort of hearers mentioned by our Saviour, whose sin was of the same kind, whom the cares of the world, and thorns of riches choke, so that the seed sown in them brings forth no good fruit. This worldly mind and sloth in men to prefer their own 3profit before Gods business, far more weighty; God in no wise can abide. And yet a common sin it is, and not in the worst sort of professors only; (as we see in Martha, who lost the best part, when Christ was at her house, and that by cumbering her self needlessly) who for their own private commodity neglect and pass by duties to God and their brethren, and those very weighty: for while they puddle for earthly pearls, they forgo the peerless pearl of faith and regeneration, being, (if they could see it) far more gainful then their best merchandise, and by infinite degrees excelling them all. And let us all take heed, seeing commonly it so falleth out, that he who is wittingly careless in some duties, is not very forward in other, how weighty soever, that it be not so with us, that while we aim at heaven, more then some other, we be not weighed down, as it were, with bolts upon our heels, to the depth of earthliness, and so make our dwelling under the earth; in perpetual darkness.
But now let vs marke somewhat out of them more perticularly. For of 1Reuben and Gilead it is expresly said, that they neglected this duty for their owne profit, and that they were more bent to the seeking of that, then to lend their helpe where they owe it. This was found fault withall in them: euen as our Sauiour found the like fault with them, who were inuited by