A41649:137
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.
Reas. 2. From the stability of Gods Word. God hath said, Except a man be born again, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God. Is the word of God yea and nay? doth he say and unsay?1 Heaven and Earth shall pass away, but his word shall not pass away. Count upon it sinner, as sure as God is true, thou shalt never see the salvation of God, unless thou be first made partaker of the renewing of the holy Ghost.
Reas. 3. From the respect that Regeneration hath to Salvation. Regeneration is a degree and part of Salvation. Grace is glory begun, holiness is the beginning of blessedness, the perfection whereof will be in Heaven hereafter,1 where the image of God, which consisteth in knowledge, holiness, and righteousness will be perfected in our souls, where we shall perfectly love God, and delight in him, and be ever praising him with the Heavenly host. Now, how canst thou expect the participation and enjoyment of this blessed estate without regeneration and renovation here? Unless the image of God be renewed upon thee in holiness? and thou dost truly love God, and delight in communion with him here? Canst thou expect the consummation without a beginning! to be perfectly holy hereafter, and not initially holy here! to live with God in glory hereafter, and yet here live and lye in thy filthiness and uncleanness! Canst thou expect hereafter to live in the everlasting love of God, and yet here have no true love to him at all? Canst thou expect hereafter fullness of delight in the presence of God, and yet here ⟨p. 25⟩have no delight in him at all? But takest thy whole delight either in satisfying thy covetous humour by heaping up riches, or in gratifying, thy sinful lusts and affections, by yielding to the solicitations of the flesh?