A17410:471
The rules of a holy life. Or A treatise containing the holy order of…
The rules of a holy life. Or A treatise containing the holy order of our lives, prescribed in the Scripture concerning our carriage: towards God, towards men, towards our selves. With general rules of preparation, that concern either the helps, or the manner of a holy conversation. By N. Bifield preacher of Gods Word at Isleworth in Middlesex.The rules of a holy life. Or A treatise containing the holy order of our liues, prescribed in the Scripture concerning our carriage: towards God, towards men, towards our selues. With generall rules of preparation, that concerne either the helps, or the maner of a holy conuersation. By N. Bifield preacher of Gods Word at Isleworth in Middlesex.
London: printed by George for Ralph Rounthwaite, 1619
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
First, to believe Gods acceptation of the mercy showed. For a godly Christian, that is not vain-glorious, hath so mean an opinion of his best works, that he finds need to fly to Gods promises, and dares not trust upon his own goodness. Now God hath promised to accept of that we do, if there be a willing mind: The will is accepted for the deed, 2. Cor. 8. 12.
First, to beleeue Gods acceptation of the mercy shewed. For a godly Christian, that is not vaine-glorious, hath so meane an opinion of his best workes, that he findes neede to flie to Gods promises, and dares not trust vpon his owne goodnes. Now God hath promised to accept of that we doe, if there be a willing minde: The will is accepted for the deed, 2. Cor. 8. 12.
Secondly, to believe the success and reward from God, and that we shall not lose, by what is so expē dead. Though the persons ⟨p. 239⟩to whom we show mercy, should be so ungrateful, that it were as bread cast on the waters: yet we ought to believe, that our seed cast on the waters, shall bring us a plentiful harvest, Eccles. 11. 1. And it is certain, whatsoever the persons be, yet what is given, is sowed. And if the Husbandman do not think his come spoiled, that he casts upon his land, no more ought a Christian to think that to be lost, that is given to the poor. Nature may disappoint the hope of the Husbandman, but in works of mercy, ⟨p. 240⟩there is no venture, but a sure increase from the Lord, 2. Cor. 9. 9, 10. and therefore our faith should make us get bags to put up the certain treasure we shall gain by mercy from the Lord,