A10933:871
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 here we may see, that howsoever Gideon was accounted of God for 1his faithfulness; yet his father maintained idolatry; for his were the wood or grove, the altar and the bullock, being implements of their idolatry. And these the Lord commanded Gideon to remove and take away, to the end we may learn, that in purging religion, or in the amending of faults, we must always begin with our own families, and nearest kindred; lest otherwise we should show our selves ridiculous, in seeming to be very forward in reproving and correcting other, while our own be neglected and passed 2by. Thus God beginneth judgement at his own house. Thus did Joshua 3in his reforming the whole Congregation, profess most worthily, I and my house will serve the Lord. And Ely, a Judge also, for not governing his house, and staying the outrage of his sons, is severely threatened. And good reason: for sithence next to our selves (who must first of all be reformed, or else our zeal ill becometh us, and argueth hypocrisy) the next, I say, are our kindred and families. Therefore we must without partiality first set upon them, that so it may appear that we detest sin heartily, in that we cannot endure it in those whom we love best: and others may be ashamed to stand out in their own defence, and fear to offend. For if the father first begin with his children, how shall his servants look to escape?
And here we may see, that howsoeuer Gedeon was accounted of God for 1his faithfulnesse; yet his father maintained idolatrie; for his were the wood or groue, the altar and the bullock, being implements of their idolatrie. And these the Lord commanded Gedeon to remooue and take away, to the end wee may learne, that in purging religion, or in the amending of faults, wee must alwaies begin with our owne families, and nearest kindred; lest otherwise we should shew our selues ridiculous, in seeming to be very forward in reproouing and correcting other, while our owne bee neglected and passed 2by. Thus God beginneth iudgement at his owne house. Thus did Ioshua