Directions for the Private Reading of the Scriptures, Rules 1 – Rules 2
Rules or Titles of things to be obserued in reading.
PLaces that in reading I found sensible comfort in.
Places that in the reading of them I found did rebuke corruption in my nature or practise.
Places that shew the priuiledges of the godly aboue all other men.
Places that shew the affection I should beare to God.
Places that shew mee, how to cary my selfe in the Church.
Places that shew mee, how to cary my selfe in the family.
Promises that may comfort mee against the burthen of my daily infirmities.
Comforts against inward tentations and afflictions of spirit.
Promises to establish me against the feare of falling away.
Promises that may comfort mee against outward crosses.
Grounds or places that shew mee diuers points of religion, that I could infallibly rest vponupon & liue and die in the assurance of them.
Hard places that I would faine be resolued for the meaning of them,
Comfortable places concerning prayer.
Places that direct me in my particular calling.
Places that shew mee, how to cary my selfe toward the wicked, especially when I must needes bee in their company.
Comforts against death.
Places that shew the glory of heauen.
Places that set out the terror of hell.
Choice sentences to be learned without booke.
Sentences for children to learne, briefly expressing the chiefe points of religion.
Places against Hypocrisie.
The most memorable sayings of the godly in their seuerall estates.
Places that in reading I thinke might be wonderfull fit to comfort, or admonish, or direct such and such a friend.
Miscellanea or places I would faine remember, but I know not to what head to referre them.
RVLES of the second sort.
Places that iustifie our auoiding of worldly society with wicked men.
Places that iustifie a precise respect of the least sinne.
Places that concerne the strict keeping of the Sabboth.
Places that shew, that the godly hauehave stil bin reproched & slandered
Places that shew, that wee must be sorrow for our sinnes.
Places that shew, that the godly hauehave had all sorts of crosses.
Places that shew, that euen in the visible Church many times but a remnant shall be saued.
FINIS.
End of the text · Nicholas Byfield, Directions for the Private Reading of the Scriptures (1618)