A39678:89
The reasonableness of personal reformation, and the necessity of conversion
The reasonableness of personal reformation, and the necessity of conversion; the true methods of making all men happy in this world, and in the world to come Seasonably discoursed, and earnestly pressed upon this licentious age. By J.F. a sincere lover of his native country, and the souls of men.The reasonableness of personal reformation, and the necessity of conversion; the true methods of making all men happy in this world, and in the world to come Seasonably discoursed, and earnestly pressed upon this licentious age. By J.F. a sincere lover of his native countrey, and the souls of men.
London: printed for Thomas Cockerill, 1691
THE REASONABLENESS OF Personal Reformation, › Chapter 1 › Section 12
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.
There is no Kingdom or Commonwealth in the Christian world, which would not by thi• means breed and send forth multitudes more than they do, with excellent abilities and qualification• fitting them to sit at the Helm of Government▪ and steer a more prosperous course than they do at present. A wise and steady direction of the a• duous and important affairs of Kingdoms, can only be expected from those that are able to govern themselves, and their own affairs, with sobriety and discretion.
There is no Kingdom or Commonwealth in the Christian world, which would not by thi• means breed and send forth multitudes more than they do, with excellent abilities and qualification• fitting them to sit at the Helm of Government▪ and steer a more prosperous course than they do at present. A wise and steddy direction of the a• duous and important affairs of Kingdoms, can only be expected from those that are able to govern themselves, and their own affairs, with sobriety and discretion.
If the Laws of Nations take care for the preservation and growth of Timber fit for the building of Houses and Ships, and every one sees the usefulness and necessity of such acts; much more ought they to take care for such an education of men, as may render them serviceable members to the State both in Camp and Council.
Magistrates are (in a Sense) the foundation of Kingdoms, the strong Shoulders that bear the burden of Government; and reason will tell, that so great a weight and stress as the Affairs and Concerns of Kingdoms, ought not to be laid on their Shoulders, whose Legs through debauchery are too weak to bear their own reeling and staggering Bodies.