A10933:829
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.
OF the first of the four things mentioned in the 11. verse, to wit, who 1should deliver Israel out of the hands of the Midianites (which was Gideon) we have heard: now followeth the second, namely of the sign which Gideon asked, by which he might know who he was who talked with him. To proceed therefore, Gideon having a promise of so great a matter as the victory, from the Angel, who spake to him; whom he took to be neither Angel nor God, but a man to utter the words of God unto him; he desires of him a sign, that he might not be deceived with a fancy, but might know that he was such an one as could make good his word to him, that is, a man of God, as he took him to be. Here before I go on further in the story, I will stay a while by occasion of this speech of Gideon. And let us know, that which he did, in desiring this of the messenger, was meet for him to do; for it behoved him to try the spirits, whether they were of God or no. For an evil spirit can change himself into an Angel of light. And this 2is especially to be done, when any thing is urged upon us that is doubtful, and which may seem unlawful to be done. For there a man may not easily assent, unless he be persuaded that such a thing is from God. Excellent and commendable are the examples of Manoah, Cornelius, the men of Beroea, 3for this wisdom.
OF the first of the foure things mentioned in the 11. verse, to wit, who 1should deliuer Israel out of the hands of the Midianites (which was Gedeon) wee haue heard: now followeth the second, namely of the signe which Gedeon asked, by which he might know who he was who talked with him. To proceed therefore, Gedeon hauing a promise of so great a matter as the victorie, from the Angell, who spake to him; whom he tooke to be neither Angell nor God, but a man to vtter the words of God vnto him; he desires of him a signe, that he might not be deceiued with a fancie, but might know that he was such an one as could make good his word to him, that is, a man of God, as hee tooke him to be. Here before I goe on further in the storie, I will stay a while by occasion of this speech of Gedeon. And let vs know, that which he did, in desiring this of the messenger, was meet for him to doe; for it behoued him to trie the spirits, whether they were of God or no. For an euill spirit can change himselfe into an Angell of light. And this