A10945:567
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 who seeth not, that good example and innocent life, doth more move the ignorant, and unstayed persons at the first, then the doctrine, because though they hear it, yet they understand not the power and authority of it, neither are able to weigh the soundness of it, until they see the beauty of it appear in practise: And therefore he saith; Let your conversation be pure, that they which obey not the word, may be won by you.
And who seeth not, that good example and innocent life, doth more moue the ignorant, and vnstayed persons at the first, then the doctrine, because though they heare it, yet they vnderstand not the power and authoritie of it, neither are able to weigh the soundnes of it, vntill they see the beautie of it appeare in practise: And therefore he saith; Let your conuersation be pure, that they which obey not the word, may be wonne by you.
With this holy example of life, another duty is required, that all occasions be taken, and the opportunities used of winning men to God,1 and of §Dconfirming them who are in Christ already, and peace making, and reconciling such as be at variance, and observing one another, and provoking to love, and good works, the fruits thereof, by instruction, by exhortation, admonition,2 consolation and such like. If the desire of the salvation of our brethren were such, when opportunity serveth, and especially in company, as that for the same, we could neglect our own ease, and vain liberties in idleness, and unprofitable talk; there is no doubt, but by kind and wise dealing with them, we should prevail with some: especially this one thing being added,3 (a thing of all other most looked after) that with godly counsel, we pitied the necessities of those that be in wants, as their case requireth, and that with