A10945:1374
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 whatsoever strangeness and absurdity any men shall think this to be,1 to have such an eye to our selves, that our well ordered course be not broken off, in the time when we shall be alone, (by setting our selves about things holy, or disposing of things lawful, or watching carefully against those which are evil; and that we may not be at our own choice to do or desire what we list and think good, without this strict tying of us to some certainty) they which will not be contentious, I trust shall easily be answered.2 To whom, this I say for answer, (much like as I said to them who thought it too hard) and let it be well weighed: that there is no time wherein we shall be alone, in which one of these three shall not be necessary, or wherein §Kany other thing besides almost, shall be tolerable or allowable. For what time of our solitariness can there be, wherein we shall not have some lawful thing and that which is indifferent to think of about our family, our crosses or other business, and to prevent dangers imminent, to remove or ease troubles present, or some other such way to dispose of matters for our peace, and for the good of others? or wherein we shall not have cause to bewail ⟨p. 379⟩§Asome infirmity which oppresseth us; or to cast with ourselves, what an heap and dung-hill of corruption is lodged within us, and complain of it, and to see and know it better? or wherein we shall not have just cause to break out into the praises of God, or some such like passing the time about some holy matters (as hath been said) whereof there is so great variety and store? I speak to those which have understanding to judge discreetly, and to whom nothing that I say, should be harsh or unsavoury; as having received from God a wise and understanding heart to discern, and a promise of strength, and therefore sufficient encouragement to do his will in this part of their life readily and gladly, rather then to desire with earthly minded persons to range §Bafter noisome and unlawful liberties.
And whatsoeuer strangenesse and absurdity any men shall thinke this to be,