A01980:62
A recovery from apostasy Set out in a sermon preached in Stepney Church near…A recovery from apostacy Set out in a sermon preached in Stepny Church neere…
A recovery from apostasy Set out in a sermon preached in Stepney Church near London at the receiving of a penitent renegado into the Church, Octob. 21. 1638. By William Gouge D.D. and min. in Black-Friars London Herein is the history of the surprisal and admirable escape of the said penitent.A recovery from apostacy Set out in a sermon preached in Stepny Church neere London at the receiving of a penitent renegado into the Church, Octob. 21. 1638. By William Gouge D.D. and min. in Black-Friers London Herein is the history of the surprizall and admirable escape of the said penitent.
London: printed by George Miller for Joshua Kirton, 1639London: printed by George Miller for Ioshua Kirton, 1639
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
Now therefore he is found indeed. Now that after the just censure of excommunication for his Apostasy, upon his humble confession and hearty repentance (as we hope) he is here this day received into the bosom of the Church, now he is found. So as now to his everlasting comfort (if he remain constant) ⟨p. 16⟩and to the great rejoicing of all true Christians that now behold him, or shall hear of that which we behold, my Text may in special be applied to him, He was lost, and is found.
Now therefore he is found indeed. Now that after the just censure of excommunication for his Apostasie, upon his humble confession and hearty repentance (as we hope) he is here this day received into the bosome of the Church, now he is found. So as now to his everlas•ing comfort (if he remaine constant) ⟨p. 16⟩and to the great rejoycing of all true Christians that now behold him, or shall heare of that which we behold, my Text may in speciall be applied to him, He was lost, and is found.
1I fear, I fear, that there are some even now here present that have been in the case wherein this Penitent was, lost; but not in the case wherein he is, found. I fear there are some that have played Renegadoes, and as an evidence thereof, are circumcised. Let such know (whether they hear me themselves, or shall hear of what I say by others) let them know, that by their secret thrusting themselves into the Church, and concealing their sin from the Governors thereof, and that without just satisfaction which ought to be publicly given for an offence so scandalous as theirs is, they can never find such peace in their conscience as this Penitent may. Yea let them know that they have great cause to fear the deceitfulness of their hearts, and to suspect the truth of their repentance, if at least they make any profession of repentance. True Penitents, which by notorious sins have dishonoured their profession, scandalized the Church, and given matter of insultation to the enemies of true Religion, will not be ashamed to make open confession of their sin, and be willing to undergo any penance that by the true Church shall be enjoined to them.