A20760:381
Four treatises tending to dissuade all Christians from four no less heinous then common…Foure treatises tending to disswade all Christians from foure no lesse hainous then common…
Four treatises tending to dissuade all Christians from four no less heinous then common sins; namely, the abuses of swearing, drunkenness, whoredom, and bribery. Wherein the greatness and odiousness of these vices is discovered; and the means and remedies, which may either preserve, or wean men from them, are propounded. Whereunto is annexed a treatise of anger. By John Downame Bachelor in Divinity, and preacher of Gods word.Foure treatises tending to disswade all Christians from foure no lesse hainous then common sinnes; namely, the abuses of swearing, drunkennesse, whoredome, and briberie. Wherein the greatnes and odiousnesse of these vices is discouered; and the meanes and remedies, which may either preserue, or weane men from them, are propounded. Whereunto is annexed a treatise of anger. By Iohn Dovvname Batcheler in Diuinitie, and preacher of Gods word.
London: printed by Felix Kyngston for William Welby, 1609
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.
CHAP. XVII. Of the means whereby we may be preserved from whoredom.
CHAP. XVII. Of the meanes whereby we may be preserued from whoredome.
And thus have I spoken of the sins of uncleanness,1 both of fornication, which is that filthiness that is committed between single persons; and of adultery, which is committed between married folks; and have proved that they are not only heinous sins, but also that they are attended upon with innumerable mischiefs, and punished with fearful punishments both in this life, and the life to come. Now in the last place I will set down some means, whereby we may be the better enabled to preserve our bodies in purity and chastity, and be either restrained or reclaimed from whoredom and uncleanness. The which means are either common preservatives from all manner of filthy lusts, or more proper remedies against adultery. Concerning the former, if we would be preserved from whoredom and all manner of filthiness, it behooveth us first to reclaim our wills, and to work in our hearts and affections an utter hatred and detestation of this sin, so as we may desire nothing more then to be preserved from it, if we be yet innocent; or at least, may be reclaimed, if we have offended. For as it is in vain to prescribe good medicines to such a patient, as being in love with his diseases, will not receive them; so it is in vain to think of means to preserve us from sin, if we still have a liking of it, or of remedies to cure our spiritual diseases, if we be not come to an earnest desire and hearty resolution to part with them. To this purpose therefore let us in the first place often meditate with our selves, of that which hath been already spoken, both concerning the heinousness of the sin, and the greatness of the punishment. As for