A10945:622
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.
As all was not heard of Solomon a far off, which was to be seen at home: and yet not all seen, that might be known to be in him. The faithfulness, innocency, and rare continence of Joseph, with other graces which were §Hin him, when they brought him into such favour, credit and admiration amongst men, how (think we) was God honoured, who was the giver of them?1 Thus doth God honour them, that honour him, that he may be all in all, and by them showed, to be most honourable. And to speak of our own time, wherein we live,2 notwithstanding it afford not so many examples of so excellent gifts and graces of holy life (though in learning and knowledge few have gone beyond it) as so long liberty under the Gospel might justly challenge (which sin (I pray God) be not laid to our charge, but speedily repented of:) so yet we will not be ashamed to affirm, to the great praise of God, that both many gracious and godly people, since the reign of our §Imost noble Prince, have been already gathered to their fathers, who in the days of their flesh, did honour God highly; and many remain (God be blessed) amongst us, who have, and do, and to their end shall (we doubt not) to the great comfort of many weak ones, commend the power of the Gospel preached amongst us, and cause that unfeigned thanks be given to God by many for them. And that both of the ministry (though nothing be more ridiculous to the Papists our adversaries) the Lord hath raised up many, who both preach sincerely, and diligently, and walk warily and worthy the Lord, Col. 1.10. and unoffensively seeking to please him in all things: and of the people, he hath drawn not a few, who do beautify their profession, and carry §Kthemselves unrebukeable, among them who can judge aright, and are free from reproachful and dangerous evils. In such (as I have said) is the Lord made admirable: As it is written: In Zion (his Church) shall God be praised: and why? because for them he hath done great things.
As all was not heard of Salomon a farre off, which was to be seene at home: and yet not all seene, that might be knowne to be in him. The faithfulnes, innocencie, and rare continence of Ioseph, with other graces which were