A10933:951
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.
It was Gods great mercy, that these three hundred did so willingly and 1readily follow and obey Gideon, according to the word of God to him, which they also heard, I grant: but yet had not God persuaded them inwardly besides, they would have departed with the rest 31700. and would have both grudged at the liberty of the other, who were dismissed, and have refused to bear the burden alone, yea they would have forsaken him, if they had not looked unto God. Where we should note, that in doing our duties 2required by God, we must not regard the forwardness or backwardness of others so much, nor what they do: but what it is that God looketh for at our hands. Thus Caleb and Joshua encouraged the people to go forward against the Canaanites, not looking at the backwardness of the other spies. For as Gods word and authority have enough in them to persuade us, so if 3we look any other way, as to mens example, or to the issue, or our own conceits and discouragements, we may be sure they will easily cool and dismay 4us. Therefore (I say) the practise of these, discovers a great sin in many: who if they have a burden laid upon them, grudge that any other should be free: but in matters of privilege and honour, grudge that any should be their partners. Both these we see exemplified in the Apostles of Christ and the disciples of John. The Apostles seeing one casting out of devils, who was none of their Masters followers: had indignation and complained to our Saviour. They thought none but Christ and themselves worthy of such an office. So Johns disciples grudged at Christs, because they fasted often, but Christs fasted not. They thought they had wrong in that others were 5not held to it, as hardly as they. The cause of the former is especially pride and unthankfulness: of the latter either ignorance, or that which is worse, even boldness therewith. And we see that he is a rare person, who can with equanimity endure that any should excel him in gifts of body, mind, estate, or grace, with the blessings accompanying them. Nay many, of a melancholic and foolish nature, because themselves are given to pensiveness, sadness, &c. envy and censure such as take more liberty in mirth, recreation, company or diet: though (as Paul saith) they may both please God, without condemning on another.