A10933:999
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.
As for those that have learned how to strangle their conscience, and smother it, or who are waxen hardened: let them know, that there is no peace belonging to them, though they stop their ear from hearing of terror. And when God shall quicken, and rouse up their conscience, woe be to them, for it shall roar upon them as a lion, and yet God is greater. Therefore if any such shall seek how to be freed from this horror, let them make 1their peace with God, and so their conscience shall turn to be their friend: but the rest may hear this doctrine, as Nabal heard Abigails news, to their confusion.
As for those that haue learned how to strangle their conscience, and smother it, or who are waxen hardned: let them know, that there is no peace belonging to them, though they stop their eare from hearing of terror. And when God shall quicken, and rouze vp their conscience, woe be to them, for it shall roare vpon them as a lion, and yet God is greater. Therefore if any such shall seeke how to be freed from this horror, let them make 1their peace with God, and so their conscience shall turne to be their friend: but the rest may heare this doctrine, as Nabal heard Abigails newes, to their confusion.
It further appeareth by the effect what these fearful means wrought, 1which the holy story setteth down in this verse, that the whole camp was astonished, feared, cried out, and fled. In which case let no man think that these means alone, and apart from Gods work, had any great force to fear, especially to hurt the enemies: for what was there in the blowing of the trumpets, the breaking of the pitches, or in their lamps, to the getting of the victory? But the Lord put to his hand, and help, whereby the enemies were daunted, and set beside themselves, or else, all that was done, had been but ridiculous. And he that made Goliaths head to be cut off with his own sword, he will still bless the unlikely means (as the world accounteth them, yea and foolish also (of our prayers, sincerity, patience, hope and the like, to bring great things to pass, yea and faith to overcome the world, without the which, what are all other things whatsoever? Still I say therefore, as I said before, blessed is the people whose God is the Lord Jehovah. But of this, occasion hath been offered to speak almost in every Chapter.