A41649:119
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.
Part › Chapter 4: Of the Parts of Regeneration, and Causes concurring thereunto.
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 it is absolutely necessary that this part of regeneration, namely Vivification, be added to Mortification, which is the other part, even as necessary as that Christ being dead should be raised. Where had been the benefit of Christs death, if he had not risen from the dead? And what can be imagined to be the profit of mortification without vivification? It is therefore the accustomed course of Sacred Scripture to infer the following of holiness, upon the flying of sin: the doing of good, upon eschewing of evil. Now the things which God hath joined together, let no man put asunder.
Now it is absolutely necessary that this part of regeneration, namely Vivification, be added to Mortification, which is the other part, even as necessary as that Christ being dead should be raised. Where had been the benefit of Christs death, if he had not risen from the dead? And what can be imagined to be the profit of mortification without vivification? It is therefore the accustomed course of Sacred Scripture to infer the following of holiness, upon the flying of sin: the doing of good, upon eschewing of evil. Now the things which God hath joyned together, let no man put asunder.
Let us therefore prove our regeneration not only by ceasing from sin, but following holiness, and working righteousness. Content not thy self to say, I am not what I was, unless thou canst also add, I am what I was not. It will be but little boot to thee to say, I am no drunkard, nor swearer, nor covetous, nor a walker after the flesh: unless thou canst also say, By the grace of God, I now walk after the spirit, in faith and love, and holy obedience, watchful unto, and endeavouring after a fruitfulness in every good work. Thou art not unjust, (thou sayest) but doest thou show mercy? Thou art no longer earthly; but art thou heavenly minded? Thou art no longer contentious, or quarrelsome: but art thou a peace-maker? Thou hast no longer fellowship with the ungodly, but art thou a familiar of the Saints? Thou wilt not now curse, or swear, or lye, or scoff, but dost ⟨p. 21⟩thou pray and bless? Dost thou hear and read, and meditate on God? Dost thou study thine heart, and govern thy thoughts and affections? Dost thou bridle thy tongue; set a watch over thine eyes, and ears, and steps? Is it thy care to please, and in all things to walk worthy the Lord? Look to thy self, that thou be not deceived. Cast off the works of darkness, and put on the armour of light. Cast off the old man, and put on the new man, which as it is created after the image, So will it carry thee on according to the will of God in righteousness and true holiness.