A great blessing of God to be gently used in the matter of Conversion. [ 1636]
IN some Corporations,* 1.1 the sons of Freemen bred under their Fathers in the same Profession, may set up and exercise their Fathers Trade, without ever being bound Apprentices thereunto; And whereas others endure seven years hard∣ship at the least, before they can be free; they run over that time easily, and are encorporated by their Father's Copy. Thus it is, that they who never were no∣toriously prophane,* 1.2 such whose Parents have been Citizens of the new Ierusalem, and have been bred in the mystery of Godlinesse,* 1.3 are oftentimes entred into Re∣ligion, and become Children of Grace without any Spirit of bondage seizing upon them, and though otherwhiles they taste of legal frights and fears, yet God so preventeth them with his blessings of goodnesse,* 1.4 that they smart not so deeply as other Men; A great benefit and rare blessing to that Soul, where God in his goodnesse is pleased to bestow it.