A10945:1771
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.
Also men must think it the greatest liberty, to have their hearts readily ⟨p. 510⟩framed and disposed to their several duties; and be persuaded, that nothing §Fis better for them then thus to bridle the unruly affections,1 which are every while ready to break off the best course that can be entered into of them. And if we think it much to be enjoined thus to curb up the old man which most hindereth from going forward with delight and readiness, consider what injury we offer to the Almighty,2 that whereas nothing goeth forward well that is unwillingly gone about: so neither should this work of the Lord do in us, except we should provide so, that much untowardness and awkenesse in Gods service (which is wont either to break it off, or to be the greatest hinderance therein) be removed or at least resisted. Which shall not be hard to do,§G if we daily consider, that he hath promised to make us fit for that which he sets us about; and that we believing his said promise, shall find the trueth of it in us, our hearts encouraged, our backwardness and sloth repelled or much abated, as Joshua and other his faithful servants have done: which grace if it may be obtained of us (and who doth not see clearly that it may?) I mean, that all true Christians may obtain willingness and cheerfulness in their daily duties doing, and to be much freed from the contrary untowardness and unfitness, which is the greatest let that can stand in their way: if (I say) God have provided so mercifully for his, that they may with delight walk in his ways, set themselves to watch against their infirmities, and so in their §Hcommon dealings and actions practise a godly and innocent life, and that they may do earthly business with heavenly minds,3 (which the unreformed cannot in the least manner attain unto) I conclude this privilege as the former, that the Lord hath in giving this gift unto his children, bestowed an unvaluable blessing and prerogative upon them: and let us wait for and enjoy it; and when we fail most, acknowledge such weakness, that we may find release of it from God: and if any of his find it not, neither see it to be so, it is their unbelief which depriveth them of such a treasure; but when they enter into Gods sanctuary, they shall see it far otherwise.