A10945:1032
Seven treatises containing such direction as is gathered out of the Holy Scriptures, leading…Seuen treatises containing such direction as is gathered out of the Holie Scriptures, leading…
Seven treatises containing such direction as is gathered out of the Holy Scriptures, leading and guiding to true happiness, both in this life, and in the life to come: and may be called the practise of Christianity. Profitable for all such as heartily desire the same: in the which, more particularly true Christians may learn how to lead a godly and comfortable life every day. Penned by Richard Rogers, preacher of the word of God at Wethersfield in Essex.Seuen treatises containing such direction as is gathered out of the Holie Scriptures, leading and guiding to true happines, both in this life, and in the life to come: and may be called the practise of Christianitie. Profitable for all such as heartily desire the same: in the which, more particularly true Christians may learne how to leade a godly and comfortable life euery day. Penned by Richard Rogers, preacher of the word of God at Wethersfield in Essex.
London: printed by Felix Kyngston for Thomas Man, 1603
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 what marvel should this be to any, who are trained up in the Lords house? For this we know, that as in all trades or sciences, the beginnings are hardest and fullest of discouragements; so it fareth with Christians, namely, that their first enterings are most doubtful, and fullest of weakness: yet who cannot remember that even then, God wrought most lovingly for §Ithem, and dealt most tenderly with them, when their faith was yet so weak and young, that they could not well discern it? For how hath he kept many of them from sore falls, holden them from manifold and great afflictions, and not brought many of their sins to light at once, least they should have been discouraged (even as he hath promised to regard their weakness) whereas otherwise they must needs have been driven to great extremity?
And what maruaile should this be to any, who are trained vp in the Lords house? For this we know, that as in all trades or sciences, the beginnings are hardest and fullest of discouragements; so it fareth with Christians, namely, that their first entrings are most doubtfull, and fullest of weakenes: yet who cannot remember that euen then, God wrought most louingly for §Ithem, and dealt most tenderly with them, when their faith was yet so weake and young, that they could not well discerne it? For how hath he kept many of them from sore falles, holden them from manifold and great afflictions, and not brought many of their sinnes to light at once, least they should haue been discouraged (euen as he hath promised to regard their weakenes) whereas otherwise they must needes haue been driuen to great extremitie?
These and many other such like, why hath the Lord done them, but that his children should mark and observe them, to learn experience by them against the times which shall come after? and that they might safely and §Kboldly promise unto themselves, greater proof of his assistance and fatherly kindness towards them? And why hath he given a good end of their former chastisements when they penitently desire it? even to this end, that their hope may be strengthened for the times that shall come after: As the Apostle speaketh of himself and other godly people; God hath delivered us, doth deliver us: and we trust in him, that yet hereafter he will deliver us. Also