A41649:1110
A word to sinners, and a word to saints The former tending to the…
A word to sinners, and a word to saints The former tending to the awakening the consciences of secure sinners, unto a lively sense and apprehension of the dreadful condition they are in, so long as they live in their natural and unregenerate estate. The latter tending to the directing and persuading of the godly and regenerate unto several singular duties. As also a word to householders stirring them up to the good old way of serving God in and with their families, from Joshua's resolution, Josh. 24. 15. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Set forth especially for the use and benefit of the inhabitants of St. Sepulchres Parish, London by Tho. Gouge, late pastor thereof.A word to sinners, and a word to saints The former tending to the awakening the consciences of secure sinners, unto a lively sense and apprehension of the dreadfull condition they are in, so long as they live in their natural and unregenerate estate. The latter tending to the directing and perswading of the godly and regenerate unto several singular duties. As also a word to housholders stirring them up to the good old way of serving God in and with their families, from Joshuah's resolution, Josh. 24. 15. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Set forth especially for the use and benefit of the inhabitants of St. Sepulchres Parish, London by Tho. Gouge, late pastor thereof.
London: printed for George Sawbridge, 1668
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.
A. True saving faith is a grace wrought in us by the Spirit of God, through the Ministry of the Word, whereby we receive Christ, as he is offered in the Gospel, and rest upon him alone for life and salvation.
First, I say, True saving faith is a grace. It is not the work of nature; it being as impossible for a man by his own strength to believe, as it is to keep the Law. Faith therefore in Scripture is called, the gift of God.
It is added, wrought in us by the spirit of God, by whose efficacy (as the principal cause) it is begotten in us.
Through the Ministry of the Word, because that is the ordinary means whereby the Spirit of God doth work faith in our hearts. Its true, that the reading of the Scriptures, and of good books, may through Gods blessing be a means of working faith▪ but it is most sure and certain, that the most ordinary means is the Word preached, as Rom. 10.17. Faith cometh by hearing, viz. the Word of God.