A41649:1118
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.
And therefore it is added in the forementioned description, that faith is a grace whereby we receive Christ. And indeed thereby is Christ made ours. For what is more our own, than that which is freely offered us, and we have received. To receive Jesus Christ, is the same as to lay hold on him, or to embrace him, and apply him to our selves. But I have the rather made choice of this word receive, because it is the very expression of the holy Ghost, Joh. 1.12. As many as received him to them gave he power to become the Sons of God, even to them that believe. This latter clause, to them that believe, is added as an explanation of the former clause, As many as received him; showing what is meant by receiving Christ, namely a believing on him. Which two are very fitly joined together. Believing is added to receiving, to show what is meant by receiving Christ. And receiving is added to believing, to show what kind of faith it is, whereby Christ becomes ours, it is such a faith, whereby we accept of and receive Christ with the benefits of his death and passion.
And therefore it is added in the forementioned description, that faith is a grace whereby we receive Christ. And indeed thereby is Christ made ours. For what is more our own, than that which is freely offered us, and we have received. To receive Iesus Christ, is the same as to lay hold on him, or to embrace him, and apply him to our selves. But I have the rather made choice of this word receive, because it is the very expression of the holy Ghost, Joh. 1.12. As many as received him to them gave he power to become the Sons of God, even to them that believe. This latter clause, to them that believe, is added as an explanation of the former clause, As many as received him; shewing what is meant by receiving Christ, namely a believing on him. Which two are very fitly joyned together. Believing is added to receiving, to shew what is meant by receiving Christ. And receiving is added to believing, to shew what kind of faith it is, whereby Christ becomes ours, it is such a faith, whereby we accept of and receive Christ with the benefits of his death and passion.