A01975:1184
A guide to go to GodA guide to goe to God
A guide to go to God: or, An explanation of the perfect pattern of prayer, the Lords prayer. By William Gouge, B. in D. and minister of Gods Word in Black-Friars LondonA guide to goe to God: or, An explanation of the perfect patterne of prayer, the Lords prayer. By William Gouge, B. in D. and minister of Gods Word in Black-Friers London
London: printed by G. Miller for Edward Brewster, 1626
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.
A. Man is not able to himself to discharge the debt of sin. If he were, what need forgiveness? This is the reason why the Psalmist desireth God not to enter into judgement with him, 1because no man living can be justified in his sight, namely of and by himself. From Gods forgiving of sin the Apostle gathereth,2 that man is not justified by works that is, by any thing which he himself can do.
A. Man is not able to himselfe to discharge the debt of sinne. If he were, what need forgiuenesse? This is the reason why the Psalmist desireth God not to enter into iudgement with him, 1because no man liuing can be iustified in his sight, namely of and by himselfe. From Gods forgiuing of sinne the Apostle gathereth,2 that man is not iustified by workes that is, by any thing which he himselfe can do.
The recompense which is to be given for discharge of the debt of sin, must be of infinite value and worth. For sin being committed against an infinite majesty, provoketh infinite wrath, and so becometh an infinite debt. Can a finite creature, as man is,1 give a recompense of such worth? What shall a man give in exchange for his soul?