A10945:31
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.
I know it can do the best no harm.1 I am sure (trusting and looking for the blessing of God) that it shall do many good, such I mean as would do well, if they knew how; and would grow wiser, sounder and more constant in faith and a godly life, if they had help and direction thereto plainly set before them. And I am not ashamed to say,2 that for mine own furtherance as well as other mens, and the better carriage of my self through this my pilgrimage; I have been willing to gather some such things together, as in this small volume I have contrived.3 Neither had it come into the hands of others, unless such as are of account above my self for their gifts, as well as my neighbours,4 among whom I have preached the doctrine, had persuaded me to set it forth. Besides all that hath been said, I have chiefly in this enterprise (as God doth know) sought this, that this unperfect & weak labour of mine may stir up and move some of my godly brethren (who for the ability and grace which God hath given them, if their leisure had been as much as mine, might ten-fold more profitably and substantially have undertaken it) to enlarge and perfect the same, the argument being so needful and profitable, to the further benefit of Gods Church and people.5 Another reason of setting out this treatise was this, that they who desire it, may see, by the diligent marking of the same, the beauties of the Christian life more clearly, then by many Christians lives it can be seen, and that it may be brought into greater account with many, who think it (through error) overburdensome.
I know it can doe the best no harme.1 I am sure (trusting and looking for the blessing of God) that it shall do many good, such I meane as would doe well, if they knew how; and would grow wiser, sounder and more constant in faith and a godly life, if they had helpe and direction thereto plainely set before them. And I am not ashamed to say,