A41649:120
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.
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.
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, watchfull unto, and endeavouring after a fruitfulness in every good work. Thou art not unjust, (thou sayest) but doest thou shew 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.