A10945:385
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.
Now such as have been trained up in the obedience, which the Scripture §Eteacheth, from their youth, are able,1 upon their so long trial of Gods directing them in that course,2 not only to go forward cheerfully and readily themselves, but also to persuade and hearten on others. And such therefore, thorough this grace received at Gods bountiful hands, are much freed from this bondage, and seldom so grossly holden under of their corrupt lusts, as others, saving that God will make them see their weakness from time to time, especially to subdue pride in them, which is soon kindled in them, and ⟨p. 116⟩to hold them under: they have therefore their minds usually set upon §Fsome one or other of the infinite heavenly instructions, which from time to time they have treasured up in their hearts, both out of the Scriptures, and the fountains of other holy men; whereby, although they are not quickened as they would, and desire to be, yet they are held from much evil. The particulars, of Gods unutterable kindness, of mans mortality, the momentany estate of all things under the sun, the blessed estate of the elect, the endless woe of the damned, &c. who can reckon? They have much time taken up in the beholding and meditating of Gods majesty, as they can conceive of him, his power, his wisdom, his everlasting being: of his judgements, and how he is provoked: of his patience, and long suffering towards the §Gworld; his daily pulling of them from their pleasures, who thought they should never be taken from them: and their own estate, and several parts of their lives much occupy them;3 how they may keep in their way: For it is the wisdom of the prudent to understand their way. Also, how they may hold out constantly the profession of their hope with joy unto the end: how they may resist all occasions of evil (for they presume not without daily help from God for all their strength) they consider what lets they shall find from Satan, the world, and their own hearts: how they may order well their particular actions in, and through the day, in their callings, giving to all men their due: that they may prosper, and also, that they may make a good account