A10933:840
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.
This entertainment is a part of liberality, and a fruit of the Spirit. So any refreshing of the hearts of Gods Saints, is a worthy work, and shall be regarded of God. I acknowledge that men must do in this, as they may continue other duties which are imposed upon them, about their own flesh 1and family, but yet they must not under that colour be cold and backward in this duty of love, neglecting and letting pass such opportunities of doing good as are offered, for uncertainties to come. As for them that waste much upon lewd company, play, gaming, whoring, drinking, they shall one ⟨p. 315⟩day know to their cost, what it is to lash out, and spend the good blessings of God in such unprofitable and hurtful manner, whereby so many members of Christ might be relieved. But for the entertaining and bestowing of a good part of mens goods in such manner as I here speak of, and commended, as Gideon did, it is to receive men for their mutual good and edification, and not to evil and carnal ends. And therefore that Christians, through self-love, or worldliness should be too fast handed, scanty and niggardly towards other their poor brethren, it savours of small liking or joy they have in their communion of Saints, or fruit of their profession, whatsoever love to God they pretend. For the practise of love and mercy must approve our godliness to be sound, and not frothy. And yet this is apparent, that many a man saveth more by his upright and conscionable walking and fear of God, (the which before he made no conscience to misspend upon his lusts, as many other do) then would well serve them to allot and apply to good uses. But to return, when the Angel had thus resolved Gideon, by the sign mentioned, he departed from him; which clearly showeth to what end he came unto him.
This intertainment is a part of liberalitie, and a fruite of the Spirit. So any refreshing of the hearts of Gods Saints, is a worthie worke, and shall be regarded of God. I acknowledge that men must doe in this, as they may continue other duties which are imposed vpon them, about their own flesh 1and familie, but yet they must not vnder that colour be cold and backward in this dutie of loue, neglecting and letting passe such opportunities of doing good as are offered, for vncertainties to come. As for them that waste much vpon lewd companie, play, gaming, whoring, drinking, they shall one