A10933:715
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.
And thereafter we are to learn what we may do about cursing: that it 1is in no sort lawful for us to curse any man, for to satisfy our own revenging minds. For when we deal in our own matters, we must love our enemies; and as our Saviour teacheth, bless them that curse us: but if God it 2any time show that he will have any to be destroyed, they who know his will, they are to approve the same. This is the harder to learn, because that corruption which lurketh in us, and is chained up from notorious breaking out willingly, seeking the opportunity and pretence of zeal to shroud it self under; even as a secret traitor seeing the door open which leadeth to the Princes chamber, dare not go in alone, but waiteth till some of the nobles or guard passeth in, and in that company he cunningly conveyeth himself to work mischief. Pray we for grace therefore to watch the door of our lips, through which many good words of blessing pass: and let us beware that no cursed speech pass by also, under what colour soever. And thus did David, directed by God, and other of the faithful, who cursed Gods 3enemies, as in the Psalm: who yet as they were, did otherwise in kind affection, and the same not evil, bewail them. As Samuel, and Jeremiah, and our 4Saviour, did bewail and weep for the destruction of wicked men; wherein we have no doubt but they pleased God. Now to such as demand what they shall do to them who vex the godly, and rage against the Gospel? the answer is, that we are to pray God to change their minds, or to weaken their power, that they may not be able to do the evil they would: and if this be not granted, then we must crave strength to bear that which we must go under.
And thereafter we are to learne what we may doe about cursing: that it 1is in no sort lawfull for vs to curse any man, for to satisfie our owne reuenging mindes. For when we deale in our owne matters, we must loue our enemies; and as our Sauiour teacheth, blesse them that curse vs: but if God it 2