A10945:1255
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 above the rest, this did exceedingly comfort them, that whereas they had oft times before that, been much shaken with fear, that they should not with any peace persevere to the end: now their experience in subduing their §Cunruly affections, and setting themselves to frame their lives to Gods will as they were able, and that for some continuance one day as another, did give them strong hope, that they should much more easily do the same hereafter: yea and were persuaded, that if the Lord should exercise them with harder afflictions, then they had as yet sustained, that he would also uphold them even therein; and that as they should increase, so should their comfort increase, 1whereby they should be made able to bear them. So that this daily tying of themselves to record and think upon Gods kindnesses towards them, in that he had made them happy, both here, had given them sure hope of happiness for hereafter, and the submitting themselves to be guided daily, did greatly §Damend them (as we see by their own confession) in their whole course. And what marvel though it was thus with them?2 For is there not (think we) a great difference betwixt a daily, and a seldom or uncertain view of our estate? betwixt a particular observing our ways, and a general course in Christianity? For although men may have without such like help and direction, oftentimes their hearts well affected, yet will it be nothing like with them, as when they do with a resolute and constant purpose above all other things look to this one, and not to be removed from it, seeing it is the best of all,3 daily and through the day to hold fast the profession of their hope with joy, and to be careful to please God in one thing as in an other. For then doth Christs §Ecommendation of Mary reach also to them, that they count one thing needful; and they have chosen the good part, and it shall not be taken from them: when they can testify to their own consciences, that in their weighty businesses and dealings, and in their matters of pleasure and profit, they be thus indifferently carried about them; that this one thing is still counted needful, that is, by faith to rest in God, and still to be ruled by his word.