A10945:1808
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.
CHAP. 8. Of the sixth privilege: namely, of the right using of prosperity.
CHAP. 8. Of the sixth priuiledge: namely, of the right vsing of prosperitie.
Now the next privilege that I think may most fitly be joined with the former, is: how the Lord hath taught his the right use of prosperity and adversity, and how they may carry themselves in peace, and be upright in both estates: two of the most principal §Hparts of our life, seeing the greatest part of it doth go through them: for the most of it is accompanied with blessings or chastisements. The right use of both, although in some sort and in general may be gathered out of the former discourses, and namely, of the third privilege: yet because they are distinct points, and it is hard to use them aright, and as precious as it is hard; I know it is very necessary to make a particular Treatise thereof. And first, more clearly to speak of the one, I say: God hath exceedingly declared his mercy and kindness this way to his people, that although prosperity be a slippery path,1 and riches and honour, health and friends, with all the other lawful pleasures, profits and liberties of this life do deceive and undo §Ithe greatest part of the world which enjoy and possess them; yet the beloved of the Lord may be free from this danger,2 and so directed that they need not be taken in these snares, nor make them their bane which are given them as blessings: this grace therefore if any shall be found to enjoy, they may be worthily said to be privileged above other men. Now to prove this, that Gods children may use the world rightly (which is impossible for any other to do:3) I do not mean, that because they have right unto earthly things through Christ, and are heirs with him of the blessings of the world, that therefore they do soberly and as they ought use the same; for many even of them, are (I confess) far from it, and therefore that which they want I labour to help