A10945:1994
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.
1Further, it were meet for them to take a view of their weeks work at the end of it, to keep a register of Gods special mercies and deliverances, and another of his chastisements and afflictions; and how they go under them, and profit by them: that by their experience they might the better bring on others. This (I say) and some other such duties ought to be looked to of such: so that private persons need not think themselves so sore pressed in respect of them; who if they look well to their charge, have a double duty to discharge in respect of others. Although I could wish, that they did in practise and in the course of their lives faithfully and carefully perform that,§H which is drawn out in common for every Christian: for with grief it may be spoken,2 but too truly, that many of them live as they list, very offensively; and both in performing the duties of their calling, and example, come much behind many of those, who by good right ought to be guided by them: but none are to stumble at the bad lives of such, forasmuch as there will always be in the ministry,3 offensive persons, who though they should go before the flock,4 yet come far behind them, to their just reproach; and (as Eli's sons) cause their holy calling to be had in contempt, and to be evil spoken of: from whom the people are not to fetch their light nor to take example. For though the calling it self be most glorious and fit to make and keep them heavenly §Iminded, namely, seeing their labours and studies may be helpers of them to godliness, whereas other mens are full of toil, and occasions (through their weakness) to draw them to worldliness: yet except they be such themselves, as have the upper hand over their minds and hearts, and can hold them in subjection, and teach themselves when they teach the people, their studies will not only be full tedious unto them, and yield small profit to their flock; but also they shall be as apt to be deeply plunged in the world, and in idleness and vanity, as others: which will surely come to pass, till preaching, reading and godliness be with a better conscience regarded of them, and till it be their glory & crown to seek to gain many to God.