A10945:1314
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.
1I will proceed to another objection: The poor Christians would (they say) take pains willingly in their callings, but can by no means maintain their charge:2 what therefore shall they do? To whom, as I can say no less, but that they must not for all this, cast away their confidence, but believe that God hath many ways to deliver and provide for his, and that it hath not been lightly seen that God hath been wanting to his, no not in their outward need; and therefore though their trial should be unto death, yet to trust by lawful means to find help:3 so I must further say to others, who (neglecting §Htheir duty) do suffer them to want & might relieve them; that God will justly bring it against them, & lay it to their charge: such (I mean) as both by that good & christian law of this land (worthy with all care & conscience ever to be executed) are made over-seers of the poor;4 & such also as having superfluity, & much more then necessary food & apparel, yet are not rich in good works, neither do good to the poor, which are amongst them for that purpose. Judgement shall be to such without mercy, because they show no mercy: who if they be living members of Christs body, which is the Church, must pity the bowels, and glad the hearts of their poor brethren. But rare are they, who do any more this way then they needs must; though mens left §Ihand should not know what their right hand doth: but they strive and fall out one with another, even for that they are enjoined by authority to give that little which they do. And for the poor themselves, as they may make their moan to such as are fittest and readiest to relieve them: so they must bear their burden the more easily, because they have hope in Christ, and are by him exalted higher then most of their betters (I speak of the godly:) considering that all Gods servants have their several crosses, to make them meet for the Lord.
1I will proceed to another obiection: The poore Christians would (they say) take pains willingly in their callings, but can by no means maintaine their charge: