A10945:227
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.
And whereas it may be objected, that it is sore shaken and slaked by afflictions, §Clet that trouble none: for no affliction for the time present is joyous, but grievous: and yet we rejoice even in them through hope, that maketh not ashamed, Rom. 5.4. Besides, we have it here but in part, as we have all other graces: and yet affliction (after we have been exercised with it aright) shall make our joy the greater in the end;1 when Gods former graces shall be restored to us, which we were wont in him to find: therefore Saint Peter saith,2 Though ye have not seen, yet ye love him: in whom (though ye see him not) yet ye believe in him, and rejoice with joy unspeakable. Now seeing it must needs be thus, it may well prove to us, that the common opinion of faith, which most have where the Gospel is preached; namely, that they believe in Jesus Christ, deceiveth §Dthem, and is nothing less then true. For were they persuaded of their happiness, how could they choose but feel withal, their souls more joyful and glad within them, then all the commodities of this life could make them? For we no sooner know our selves justified before God by faith; 3but we are at peace with him: and such peace as passeth all understanding. Which after we know how sweet and precious it is, we will by no means forgo again: although for want of stronger faith and sounder knowledge, it is more flitting in some: and yet even that maketh them complain, until they be enlarged: and he that hath not this witness within him, shall not do best to sooth up himself with a vain confidence. Thus I conclude, that joy and peace §Eare inseparable companions of faith.
And whereas it may be obiected, that it is sore shaken and slaked by afflictions, §Clet that trouble none: for no affliction for the time present is ioyous, but grieuous: and yet we reioyce euen in them through hope, that maketh not ashamed,