A17397:2462
The marrow of the oracles of God. Or, divers treatisesThe marrovv of the oracles of God. Or, diuers treatises
The marrow of the oracles of God. Or, divers treatises containing directions about six of the weightiest things can concern a Christian in this life. by N. Bifield, late preacher of Gods Word at Isleworth in Middlesex.The marrovv of the oracles of God. Or, diuers treatises containing directions about sixe of the waightiest things can concerne a Christian in this life. by N. Bifield, late preacher of Gods Word at Isleworth in Middlesex.
London: printed by John Legatt, 1630
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.
When I had seriously bethought my self, in what Doctrine especially to employ my Ministry, in the place in which the Lord had by so strong and strange a providence settled me: Amongst other things, I was vehemently inclined to study the Cure of the Fear of Death; both because it may be usually observed, that the most men are in bondage, by reason of these Fears; as also because I am assured, that our lives will become: more sweet, ⟨p. 646⟩yea, and more holy too, when the fear of death is removed. And the rather was I incited hereunto, because I have observed some defect about this Point, in the most that have written about Death. I am not ignorant of the censure which many may give of this project, as accounting it an impossible thing to be effected: but my trust is, that godly and discreet Christians will restrain censure, when they have throughly viewed my reasons.
VVHen I had seriously bethought my selfe, in what Doctrine especially to imploy my Ministerie, in the place in which the Lord had by so strong and strange a prouidence settled mee: Amongst other things, I was vehemently inclined to study the Cure of the Feare of Death; both because it may be vsually obserued, that the most men are in bondage, by reason of these Feares; as also because I am assured, that our liues will become: more sweet, ⟨p. 646⟩yea, and more holy too, when the feare of death is remooued. And the rather was I incited hereunto, because I haue obserued some defect about this Point, in the most that haue written about Death. I am not ignorant of the censure which many may giue of this proiect, as accounting it an impossible thing to bee effected: but my trust is, that godly and discreete Christians will restraine censure, when they haue throughly viewed my reasons.
My unfeigned desire to do service unto Gods Church, in relieving such Christians herein, as are not furnished with better helps, hath emboldened me to offer this Treatise also to the public view. I have presumed in your Honours absence to thrust forth this Treatise under the protection of your Honours name: and withal, I desire heartily to testify my thankfulness for the many favours showed unto me & mine,