A41649:160
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.
Obj. Haply thou wilt say, though I am not sure to live another day, yet I am likely, being in good health and strength of body.
Answ. How many as strong and healthful as thy self, have suddenly by death been snatched away? And why mayest not thou be as soon taken away, having no Lease of thy Life? who then but a fool or a mad-man would adventure his eternal happiness upon such an hazard? Oh therefore as thou tenderest the everlasting good of thy precious soul, put not off this great and weighty work a day longer:1 for who knoweth what a day may bring forth?
Answ. How many as strong and healthfull as thy self, have suddenly by death been snatched away? And why maist not thou be as soon taken away, having no Lease of thy Life? who then but a fool or a mad-man would adventure his eternal happiness upon such an hazard? Oh therefore as thou tenderest the everlasting good of thy precious soul, put not off this great and weighty work a day longer:1 for who knoweth what a day may bring forth?
Hadst thou been taken away in the state thou art in, how sad had thy case been? where hadst thou been at this hour? Certainly thou art not able to conceive the dreadfulness of that misery thou shouldst now have been in. And hast thou lived all this while in so great danger, and wilt thou live in it still? God forbid! Hath a miracle of mercy kept thee out of hell so long? and wilt thou yet continue securely in such danger of it? Oh ungrateful wretch! Questionless if thou hadst any ingenuity in thee, thou wouldst be ashamed thus to abuse the patience, and long-suffering of God towards thee; which should have led thee to repentance. Thou shouldst rather take up a resolution,