A10945:782
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 therefore although I look not by this speech to persuade profane men and such as are addicted, and given over to the full enjoying of their hearts desire in the things of this present world, to regard this practise of musing: yet my hope is, that I shall easily prevail with those;1 Who have been ready and willing long ago, if they might have had any plain direction to teach them how to use it; to prevail (I say) with them, to have it in greater reckoning, for the near and inward acquaintance which they may have with God by it, as by little and little they shall be enabled. But the truth is indeed, that it is new and strange to such as have not been accustomed to it,2 though people of good hope: insomuch, that when they hear by the word §Bof God, that such a duty is required by him at their hands, they are ready (though it tend to their great benefit) to reason against it, as needles, and too hard to be attained unto, contenting themselves to serve God without it rather, then to embrace it immediately, until they may see further into the necessity, benefit, and possibility of it. And for the first two, how necessary and profitable it is, I have showed; as also it will further appear by that which followeth, of the lets which do hinder it, and the remedies against them. And then I will show how possible, yea in time how easy it will become; and then will the benefit and fruit thereof, most chiefly appear. And concerning the letters how many and great soever they be, before I §Cspeak of them, I have no doubt, notwithstanding them, by Gods assistance to make the way so easy, and plain to the true Christian to meditation (in this treatise of and about it) that by the same, the difficulties and discouragements which do most trouble them, shall be removed, or at least weakened, that howsoever some take no profit by it, they shall have the way showed them in a few leaves, which they also may learn in a few weeks, to make good benefit of it, which otherwise they may (without help) be void of for many years.
And therefore although I looke not by this speech to perswade prophane men and such as are addicted, and giuen ouer to the full inioying of their hearts desire in the things of this present world, to regard this practise of musing: yet my hope is, that I shall easily preuaile with those;