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.
Richard Rogers 1550?–1618London: 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. 1.
Assurance of Salvation, the ground of all.§pag. 1. d.
Most men are deceived about it.§ib. e.
Papists think it impossible.§ibid.
Carnal Protestants think it easy.§ibid.
Weak Christians full of doubting.§2. f.
Three general heads or parts of this Treatise.§h.
Three branches of the first head.
CHAP. 1.
ASsurance of Saluation, the ground of all.§pag. 1. d.
Most men are deceiued about it.§ib. e.
Papists thinke it impossible.§ibid.
Carnall Protestants thinke it easie.§ibid.
Weake Christians full of doubting.§2. f.
Three generall heads or parts of this Treatise.§h.
Three branches of the first head.
CHAP. 2.
Man created happy, fell into misery.§3. b.
Two parts of mans misery.
The first: His sin.§c.
Mans sin what.
Every part corrupted.§d.
Understanding, conscience, will.
Affections.§e.
Conversation.§4. f.
Thoughts, desires, outward behaviour.§g.
Mans best actions abominable.§h.
Few think it thus.
The second part of mans misery: The curse.§k
Which bringeth all plagues.
After this life.
In this life.
The creatures cursed for mans cause:
Much more himself.§5. a
In all he takes in hand.
In his body, diseases, &c.
In his senses, deafness.§b.
In his friends and kindred, &c.
He hath no right to any thing that he enjoyeth, and shall be called to judgement for it.
Men shift off this.§c.
This curse is to all.
To harden the heart against it, dangerous.§d.
The curse upon the soul.§e.
To be given up to vile lusts.
To be darkened in his understanding.
Hastening to endless woe, and not see it.
Hardness of heart.§6. f.
Desperation, madness, &c.
Remediless fears, &c.
Hell pains, extreme, easeless & endless.§g
The necessity of this knowledge of mans misery.§h.
If this doctrine displease men, they may thank themselves.§i.
The doctrine of the Gospel must go with this.
CHAP. 2.
MAn created happie, fell into miserie.§3. b.
Two parts of mans miserie.
The first: His sinne.§c.
Mans sinne what.
Euery part corrupted.§d.
Vnderstanding, conscience, will.
Affections.§e.
Conuersation.§4. f.
Thoughts, desires, outward behauiour.§g.
Mans best actions abhominable.§h.
Few thinke it thus.
The second part of mans misery: The curse.§k
Which bringeth all plagues.
After this life.
In this life.
The creatures cursed for mans cause:
Much more himselfe.§5. a
In all he takes in hand.
In his body, diseases, &c.
In his senses, deafnesse.§b.
In his friends and kindred, &c.
He hath no right to any thing that he inioieth, and shall be called to iudgement for it.
Men shift off this.§c.
This curse is to all.
To harden the heart against it, dangerous.§d.
The curse vpon the soule.§e.
To be giuen vp to vile lusts.
To be darkened in his vnderstanding.
Hastening to endlesse woe, and not see it.
Hardnesse of heart.§6. f.
Desperation, madnesse, &c.
Remedilesse feares, &c.
Hell paines, extreame, easelesse & endlesse.§g
The necessitie of this knowledge of mans miserie.§h.
If this doctrine displease men, they may thanke themselues.§i.
The doctrine of the Gospel must go with this.
CHAP. 3.
OF the knowledge of redemption and deliverance.
It must be known as well as our misery.§7. a.
Four things to be considered in it.§c.
1. What it is, and wherein it consisteth.
Merit overthrown.§d.
2. By whom it is wrought.§e.
3. How it is revealed.§8. h.
4. How it is received and embraced.§k.
Faith what.
How it is wrought.
CHAP. 3.
OF the knowledge of redemption and deliuerance.
It must be knowen as well as our misery.§7. a.
Foure things to be considered in it.§c.
1. What it is, and wherein it consisteth.
Merit ouerthrowne.§d.
2. By whom it is wrought.§e.
3. How it is reueiled.§8. h.
4. How it is receiued and imbraced.§k.
Faith what.
How it is wrought.
CHAP. 4.
Knowledge of our misery and redemption, necessary to salvation.§9. d.
They are most light, who have most cause to mourn.
The person that shall be saved, believeth and applieth general things particularly to himself.§10. f.
Hereby the heart is troubled.§g.
Few, hearing the doctrine of misery, think it to be their own case.§i.
They are hardened, and make it common.§11. b.
Their woe at the time of death.§c.⟨image 318⟩Answer to such as would not have the law preached.§e.
The law is to be preached.
But not without the Gospel.§12. f.
Effects and fruits of the law preached, in the faithful.§g.
The ignorance of the law, how dangerous.§i.
Great fault in the minister that teacheth not the law.§k.
Consultation: the second work.§13. b.
Consultation necessary.§c.
Proved.§d.
Without it, sorrow for sin profiteth little.§e.
They that cannot counsel themselves, must ask.§14. f.
The complaint of the penitent sinner.
What his thoughts are.
1. About his own estate.
2. Concerning the mind of God towards him.§i.
He is secretly upholden by the promise.
Humiliation: the third work.§15. a.
How necessary it is.§b.
What great fruit it brings.§c.
A secret desire of forgiveness: the fourth work.§e.
From what ground this ariseth:
Or, what breedeth this desire.
Many are long ere they come to this point: and the cause why.§16. f.
How fervent this desire ought to be.§g.
To the humbled soul the tidings of salvation most welcome, & till then little set by.§h.
This desire continueth till the thing be obtained.§17. a. b.
What stayeth and upholdeth him in this case.§c.
He resolveth never to walk in his former estate, and why.§d.
How Satan laboureth that men should not come to this point, and by what means.§e.
What he is the better for this resolving.§18. f. g.
Confession and craving of pardon: the fifth work.§h.
How this is done.
How great a matter this is.§i.
To forsake all for it, and highly to price it: the sixth work.§k.
Object. 1. Can these or any thing that man doth, be accepted without faith?§19. a.
Answ. Although none of these things be faith, yet they are not without it.§b.
We cannot discern the very moment when faith is wrought.
Object. 2. Must we thus prepare our selves to receive faith?§a.
Answ. It is not in our power.§c.
It is gods only work to do it.§d.
To apply Christ and his promise: the seventh work.§20. f.
God sealeth up his promises to the believer.§g.
How the believer reasoneth with himself§h.
He weigheth all things hereto belonging.§i.
He seeks help of others.§21. a.
How he groweth settled in believing.
CHAP. 4.
KNowledge of our miserie and redemption, necessarie to saluation.§9. d.
They are most light, who haue most cause to mourne.
The person that shall be saued, beleeueth and applieth generall things particularly to himselfe.§10. f.
Heereby the heart is troubled.§g.
Few, hearing the doctrine of miserie, thinke it to be their owne case.§i.
They are hardned, and make it cōmon.§11. b.
Their woe at the time of death.§c.⟨image 318⟩Answer to such as would not haue the law preached.§e.
The law is to be preached.
But not without the Gospell.§12. f.
Effects and fruits of the law preached, in the faithfull.§g.
The ignorance of the law, how dangerous.§i.
Great fault in the minister that teacheth not the law.§k.
Consultation: the second worke.§13. b.
Consultation necessarie.§c.
Prooued.§d.
Without it, sorrow for sinne profiteth little.§e.
They that cannot counsell themselues, must aske.§14. f.
The complaint of the penitent sinner.
What his thoughts are.
1. About his owne estate.
2. Concerning the minde of God towards him.§i.
He is secretly vpholden by the promise.
Humiliation: the third worke.§15. a.
How necessarie it is.§b.
What great fruit it brings.§c.
A secret desire of forgiuenesse: the fourth worke.§e.
From what ground this ariseth:
Or, what breedeth this desire.
Many are long ere they come to this point: and the cause why.
What will follow of applying Christ.§d.
Faith though weak, yet sound, after experience in a godly life shall be confirmed, and bring rest to the soul.§22. f.
Faith is rather discerned by the graces that go with it, then by it self.§g.
A description of the smallest measure of faith.§h.
Some attain assurance in one day, others labour long for it.§23. a.
Faith uniteth to Christ.
Common professors have not this faith.§b.
By what means it is wrought.§d.
Why many want it.§e.
The conclusion of this third part.§24. f.
Marks of faith.
What will follow of applying Christ.§d.
Faith though weake, yet sound, after experience in a godly life shall be confirmed, and bring rest to the soule.§22. f.
Faith is rather discerned by the graces that goe with it, then by it selfe.§g.
A description of the smallest measure of faith.§h.
Some attaine assurance in one day, others labour long for it.§23. a.
Faith vniteth to Christ.
Common professors haue not this faith.§b.
By what meanes it is wrought.§d.
Why many want it.§e.
The conclusion of this third part.§24. f.
Markes of faith.
CHAP. 5.
The second head general of the treatise.
Lets of faith.§i.
Many deceived in faith.§25. a.
A general let of faith, the devils bewitching.§c.
The minister is the watchman to give warning.
Fault of not believing, in the minister and people.§d.
In the minister.
1. Not teaching.
2. Seldom teaching.§e.
Necessity of often teaching.§26. h.
3. Not plain teaching.§i.
4. Want of catechising.§27. b.
The people should be examined how they profit.§d.
The Minister should have authority to do it.
What good would come of it.§e.⟨image 318⟩Commendation and necessity of catechising.§28. f.
Good life of ministers.§g.
Private conference.
CHAP. 5.
THe second head generall of the treatise.
Lets of faith.§i.
Many deceiued in faith.§25. a.
A generall let of faith, the diuels bewitching.§c.
The minister is the watchman to giue warning.
Fault of not beleeuing, in the minister and people.§d.
In the minister.
1. Not teaching.
2. Seldome teaching.§e.
Necessitie of often teaching.§26. h.
3. Not plaine teaching.§i.
4. Want of catechising.§27. b.
The people should be examined how they profite.§d.
The Minister should haue authoritie to doe it.
What good would come of it.§e.⟨image 318⟩Commendati•n and necessitie of catechising.§28. f.
Good life of ministers.§g.
Priuate conference.
CHAP. 6.
Lets of faith in the people.§i.
Light esteeming the Gospel.§k.
Few that receive the doctrine, have faith.§29. a.
Practise of true Christians.§c.
None beguiled by Satan but wilful and foolish.§30. f.
Particular lets of faith.§g.
1. Some think it impossible.
2. Not necessary.
3. Too hard.
4. Others are careless.§h.
5. Fear loss.
6. Presume.§i.
7. Never broken hearted.
8. Fear continuance.§k.
9. Too slightly seek it.
10 Sudden flashes soon out.§31. a.
An exhortation to the ministers.§b.
The titles of ministers.
Their charge.§c.
What their practise should be.§d.
Encouragements to the minister to do their duties.§32. f.
1. From their honour.
2. From their comfort.
3. The peoples benefit.§g.
4. From their own reward.§h.
How to answer the objections which might discourage us.§i.
An exhortation to the people to embrace the ministry.§32. k.
The 1. reason: they are messengers of reconciliation.§33. a.
The 2. reason: from the benefit reaped thereby.§d.
The peoples sin.
How the people hinder themselves.§34. f.
There are fit remedies to these lets.§h.
Every desire of salvation, is not faith.
CHAP. 6.
LEts of faith in the people.§i.
Light esteeming the Gospell.§k.
Fewe that receiue the doctrine, haue faith.§29. a.
Practise of true Christians.§c.
None beguiled by Sathan but wilfull and foolish.§30. f.
Particular lets of faith.§g.
1. Some thinke it impossible.
2. Not necessarie.
3. Too hard.
4. Others are carelesse.§h.
5. Feare losse.
6. Presume.§i.
7. Neuer broken hearted.
8. Feare continuance.§k.
9. Too slightly seeke it.
10 Sudden flashes soone out.§31. a.
An exhortation to the ministers.§b.
The titles of ministers.
Their charge.§c.
What their practise should be.§d.
Incouragements to the minister to doe their duties.§32. f.
1. From their honour.
2. From their comfort.
3. The peoples benefit.§g.
4. From their owne reward.§h.
How to answer the obiections which might discourage vs.§i.
An exhortation to the people to imbrace the ministerie.§32. k.
The 1. reason: they are messengers of reconciliation.§33. a.
The 2. reason: from the benefit reaped thereby.§d.
The peoples sinne.
How the people hinder themselues.§34. f.
There are fit remedies to these lets.§h.
Euery desire of saluation, is not faith.
CHAP. 7.
True desire gives not over.§35. a.
It must be fervent and constant.§b.
It is strengthened by an high account of the the thing desired.
No pains and labour in seeking it, thought needless.§d.
Difference betwixt sound and vain desire.§e.
The heart is set upon Gods promises, if the desire be sound.§36. f.
Gods will we should believe.
Advise for the weak Christian.§h.
If any doubting arise.§i.
Not to hearken to any contrary voice.§i. k.
The danger of it.§37. a.
Remedy against fear of continuance.§b.
Conclusion of the former.
CHAP. 7.
TRue desire giues not ouer.§35. a.
It must be feruent and constant.§b.
It is strengthened by an high account of the the thing desired.
No paines and labour in seeking it, thought needlesse.§d.
Difference betwixt sound and vaine desire.§e.
The heart is set vpon Gods promises, if the desire be sound.§36. f.
Gods will we should beleeue.
Aduise for the weake Christian.§h.
If any doubting arise.§i.
Not to harken to any contrary voice.§i. k.
The danger of it.§37. a.
Remedie against feare of continuance.§b.
Conclusion of the former.
CHAP. 8.
How the weak in faith should be established.§e.
Two sorts of weak ones.§38. f.
The first sort described.
The first persuasion to uphold a weak faith.§h.
The second.§i.
The third.§39. b.
He that is new borne, can never die.§c.
The fourth.§d.
The second sort more weak in faith then the former.§40. g.
They are described.§h.
How melancholy worketh in such.§i.
Persuasions to uphold such weak ones.§k.
Satan worketh upon us by suggestions, and by outward occasions.§41. b.
He conceiveth our intents and purposes: and how.§d.
His properties.
He persuadeth and tempteth to sin, which we delight not in.§e.
He laboureth to dim our knowledge, and and the sight of Gods grace in us.§42. f.
He troubleth much by outward objects.§h.
The objections of the weak, in temptation.§k.
The Lords eye watcheth over these weak ones.§43. a. & b.
Remedies against Satan's temptations.§b. &c.
Further remedies.§c. d.
What we should do, when we feel not the sweet taste of Gods mercies.§e.
A fifth persuasion to uphold weak faith.§44. f.
A sixth persuasion.§g.
A seventh persuasion.
CHAP. 8.
HOw the weake in faith should be established.§e.
Two sorts of weake ones.§38. f.
The first sort described.
The first perswasion to vphold a weake faith.§h.
The second.§i.
The third.§39. b.
He that is new borne, can neuer die.§c.
The fourth.§d.
The second sort more weake in faith then the former.§40. g.
They are described.§h.
How melancholie worketh in such.§i.
Perswasions to vphold such weake ones.§k.
Sathan worketh vpon vs by suggestions, and by outward occasions.§41. b.
He conceiueth our intents and purposes: and how.§d.
His properties.
He perswadeth and tempteth to sinne, which we delight not in.§e.
He laboureth to dimme our knowledge, and and the sight of Gods grace in vs.§42. f.
He troubleth much by outward obiects.§h.
The obiections of the weake, in temptation.§k.
The Lords eie watcheth ouer these weake ones.§43. a. & b.
Remedies against Sathans temptations.§b. &c.
Further remedies.§c. d.
What we should doe, when we feele not the sweete taste of Gods mercies.§e.
A fifth perswasion to vphold weake faith.§44. f.
A sixth perswasion.§g.
A seuenth perswasion.
CHAP. 9.
How far an unbeliever may go in the profession of Christianity.§45. a.
What use is to be made of this doctrine.§d.
Forwardness in religion was sometime in many.§46. f.⟨image 319⟩Apostates.§g.
The falls of many professors have made them vile.§i.
Some have fallen away before trouble come.§47. a
Let such repent.§b.
What is required in effectual calling: and how men are deceived about it.§d.
The law is not to be preached without the Gospel.§48. g.
Why the law is preached.
How men abuse their afflictions through Satan's wiles.§k.
Men content themselves with a shadow of of religion.§49. b.
Look to that which is principal.§b.
Troubles inward or outward, commend not a man to God.§c.
When a man is none of the worst, he may be far from being good.§e.
How men should try themselves.§50. f.
Unstayed ones must use all means to be converted.§g. h.
Men are careless in the weightiest matter.§51. b.
How they deceive themselves: or, what weak foundations they build upon.§c.
Some hear willingly, but will not be warned by it.§e.
Why men are so loth to come to trial.§d.
1. Because they have no good evidence to show.§f.
2. Their hearts are not upright: they keep some sin.§52. g.
The main cause why men love not to examine.§g.
Other causes.§h.
Gods children do not so.§k.
The sin of such as mock at them that are forwardest.§53. b.
Exhortation to every one to try his state.
CHAP. 9.
HOw farre an vnbeleeuer may go in the profession of Christianitie.§45. a.
What vse is to be made of this doctrine.§d.
Forwardnesse in religion was sometime in many.§46. f.⟨image 319⟩Apostataes.§g.
The falles of many professors haue made them vile.§i.
Some haue fallen away before trouble come.§47. a
Let such repent.§b.
What is required in effectuall calling: and how men are deceiued about it.§d.
The lawe is not to be preached without the Gospell.§48. g.
Why the lawe is preached.
How men abuse their afflictions through sathans wiles.§k.
Men content themselues with a shadow of of religion.§49. b.
Looke to that which is principall.§b.
Troubles inward or outward, commend not a man to God.§c.
When a man is none of the woorst, he may be farre from being good.§e.
How men should trie themselues.§50. f.
Vnstaied ones must vse all meanes to be conuerted.§g. h.
Men are carelesse in the weightiest matter.§51. b.
How they deceiue themselues: or, what weake foundations they build vpon.§c.
Some heare willingly, but will not be warned by it.§e.
Why men are so loth to come to triall.§d.
1. Because they haue no good euidence to shew.§f.
2. Their hearts are not vpright: they keepe some sinne.§52. g.
CHAP. 10.
The third general head of this treatise.§54. h.
Eight companions of faith.§i.
1. Joy.
This doth not always appear outwardly.§55. b.
How this joy is felt in afflictions.§c.
The want of it argueth weak faith.§d.
Object. You zealous folk, some of you are ever sad.
Answer. Some are weak in faith: they must mourn till they be comforted.§e.
What mourning is good.§56. f.
Answer to such as take offence at the heaviness of Gods children.§g.
Object. The sadness of some professors, makes many shun religion.§g.
Answer. All mirth is madness, that proceeds not from faith.§h.
2. Holy admiration.§i.
This is not in a Christian at his first calling only, but is after continued and increased.§57. a.
Answer to such as think we must not wonder always.§c.
What letteth this grace.§58. g.
3. Love.§h.
None have this but they that are loved first.
The true believers feel sensibly the love of God to shadow the love of other things.§k.
4. Thankfulness.§59. b.
It must be daily.§c.
Even in afflictions.
Praise God alone, aswell as in the assembly.§d.
5. A desire of an holy communion with God.§e.
Gods presence in heaven to be preferred before it on earth.§60. f.
The estate of them that cannot abide to hear of death.§g.
6. To forsake the world.§h.
A great grace, not to be tied to the world.§i.
Great folly to set our hearts on things below.
Make much of them, till God show us better.§61. a.
A great liberty to be willing to die: such only are fit to live.
The forsaking of the world is not, to leave necessary duties.§b.
For what respects we may desire to live.§c.
Cloistering and such like, no point of godliness.§d.
7. Shame for our former unkindness unto God.§62. h.
The believers revenge themselves for their former sins.§i.
8. To convert & bring on others.§63. a.
Edifying talk, good for our selves and others.§c.⟨image 319⟩Use it a• it may be, though we see not present fruit of it.
CHAP. 10.
THe third generall head of this treatise.§54. h.
Eight companions of faith.§i.
1. Ioy.
This doth not alwaies appeare outwardly.§55. b.
How this ioy is felt in afflictions.§c.
The want of it argueth weake faith.§d.
Obiect. You zealous folke, some of you are euer sad.
Answer. Some are weake in faith: they must mourne till they be ••mforted.§e.
What mourning is good.§56. f.
Answere to such as take offence at the heauinesse of Gods children.§g.
Obiect. The sadnesse of some professors, makes many shun religion.§g.
Answer. All mirth is madnes, that proceeds not from faith.§h.
2. Holy admiration.§i.
This is not in a Christian at his first calling onely, but is after continued and increased.§57. a.
Answere to such as thinke we must not wonder alwaies.§c.
What letteth this grace.§58. g.
3. Loue.§h.
None haue this but they that are loued first.
The true beleeuers feele sensibly the loue of God to shadow the loue of other things.§k.
4. Thankefulnesse.§59. b.
It must be daily.§c.
Euen in afflictions.
Praise God alone, aswell as in the assemblie.§d.
5. A desire of an holy communion with God.§e.
Gods presence in heauen to be preferred before it on earth.§60. f.
The estate of them that cannot abide to heare of death.§g.
6. To forsake the world.
CHAP. 11.
How weak faith is confirmed.§64. h.
The first mean: To account it chief.§k.
The best things must best be regarded.§65. a.
Evil must be avoided, and lawful liberties soberly used.§b.
The second: Earnest prayer, with meditation, &c.§c.
True believers soon faint and are fearful.§e.
They must much help their weakness, and oft.§66. g.
Observe how God keepeth promise in smaller things, that they may believe him in greater.§i.
The third mean: The word and sacraments.§k.
The fourth: A daily humiliation for sin.§67. a.
The fifth: Their former experience.
The faithful have near acquaintance with God.§b.
They are called his friends.§c.
Let no place be given to doubting.§d.
How faith is weakened.§e.
Think of this as the weightiest matter, in the morning, if it may be.§68. f.
The sixth: The example of others, who of weak become strong.
CHAP. 11.
HOw weake faith is confirmed.§64. h.
The first meane: To account it chiefe.§k.
The best things must best be regarded.§65. a.
Euill must be auoided, and lawfull liberties soberly vsed.§b.
The second: Earnest prayer, with meditation, &c.§c.
True beleeuers soone faint and are fearefull.§e.
They must much helpe their weaknesse, and oft.§66. g.
Obserue how God keepeth promise in smaller things, that they may beleeue him in greater.§i.
The third meane: The word and sacraments.§k.
The fourth: A daily humiliation for sinne.§67. a.
The fifth: Their former experience.
The faithfull haue neere acquaintance with God.§b.
They are called his friends.§c.
Let no place be giuen to doubting.§d.
How faith is weakned.§e.
Thinke of this as the weightiest matter, in the morning, if it may be.§68. f.
The sixth: The example of others, who of weake become strong.
