A20760:636
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.
The fifth means to arm us with patience against the assaults of anger,1 is that we propound unto our selves the examples of others: for the looking upon green colour is not more sovereign for those who are troubled with inflammation of the eyes, then the beholding of the clemency and patience of others, is for those whose hearts are inflamed with anger. First therefore, let us set before us the example of God himself, who is merciful, gracious, and slow to anger, 2as himself describeth himself, Exod. 34.6. And hereof the Prophet David tasted by often experience, and therefore he saith likewise,3 Psal. 103.8. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy, slow to anger and of great kindness. And as he is not easily provoked to anger, so being provoked his anger lasteth not long; for he will not alway chide, nor keep his anger for ever, as it is verse 9. Nay no sooner can we knock at the gate of his mercy, but he is ready to open, as he hath promised.4 Mat. 7.7. If therefore we would resemble our heavenly father, and so approve our selves to be his children, we must learn to imitate his patience and long suffering.
The fift meanes to arme vs with patience against the assaults of anger,1 is that we propound vnto our selues the examples of others: for the looking vpon greene coulour is not more soueraigne for those who are troubled with inflamation of the eyes, then the beholding of the clemency and patience of others, is for those whose hearts are inflamed with anger. First therefore, let vs set before vs the example of God himselfe, who is mercifull, gratious, and slow to anger, 2