A10945:1492
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.
The Lord would have none of his to be ranging from under his wings, and much less (if any be fallen through infirmity, or beguiled by Satan's subtlety) would he have them think, that he will therefore shake them off: who hath made it manifest and well known in the Gospel:1 That he seeketh §Dup that which is wandering and lost. This must be throughly persuaded unto Gods children, that they may neither be discouraged (as they must needs be otherwise) in their falls, from suing to God: and yet,2 not boldly abusing his lenity, but well encouraged by his great love to return to him again. For although the devil be a mighty enemy and cruel,3 for which cause he is called A great red dragon; and The accuser of the brethren; and as subtle, vigilant and malicious, as he is strong: yet they for their parts are not naked and altogether unarmed: neither doth their strength rest in themselves, but they derive and draw it from one that is mightier then he. They have liberty,4 nay commandment to be strong in the might of Gods power, that is: to be §Efully persuaded, that if there be any strength in God himself, (who we know holdeth all devils in subjection) theirs it is, and for them, and they may take it for their own: even as if any poor man in a purchase should have by a rich friend laid out for him and freely bestowed on him, whatsoever he should want. Yea, one part of their armour (I mean faith) is able alone to overcome all lets which they shall meet with, and to thrust back even the fiery darts of the devil, which burn and sting most sharply.
The Lord would haue none of his to be raunging from vnder his wings, and much lesse (if any be fallen through infirmitie, or beguiled by Sathans subtiltie) would he haue them thinke, that he will therefore shake them off: who hath made it manifest and well knowne in the Gospell:1