A41649:207
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.
If thou look within thee, what canst thou behold, but thy conscience polluted and defiled, yea accusing and condemning thee? If without thee, what canst thou behold, but the wicked World which thou hast too much loved? and thy relations which stand weeping about thee? a company of miserable comforters, that cannot delay the separating stroke of death one day or hour: neither can they afford thee the least dram of true comfort.
If thou look within thee, what canst thou behold, but thy conscience polluted and defiled, yea accusing and condemning thee? If without thee, what canst thou behold, but the wicked World which thou hast too much loved? and thy relations which stand weeping about thee? a company of miserable comforters, that cannot delay the separating stroak of death one day or hour: neither can they afford thee the least dram of true comfort.
If thou look downward, what canst thou behold, but hell deserved? with her mouth open ready to swallow thee up quick; and the Devils ready to receive thy soul, and carry it to that dungeon of darkness. If upward, what canst thou behold but a provoked, enraged God? whom because thou refusedst to hear in the day of his merciful visitation, he will now ⟨p. 45⟩laugh at thy calamity, and mock when thy fear cometh upon thee, as himself threateneth, Prov. 1.24, 26. and in verse 28. saith the Lord, Then shalt thou call upon me, but I will not answer, thou shalt seek me, but thou shalt not find me, for that thou hatedst knowledge, and didst not choose the fear of the Lord. And verse 30. Thou wouldst none of my counsel, but despisedst all my reproofs. Therefore shalt thou eat the fruit of thine own way, and be filled with thine own desires; that is, the wickedness which thou hast sown, shalt thou reap with all fullness. Thus thou wilt look every where for help, yet findest thy self every way helpless, and hopeless.
If thou look downward, what canst thou behold, but hell deserved? with her mouth open ready to swallow thee up quick; and the Devils ready to receive thy soul, and carry it to that dungeon of darkness. If upward, what canst thou behold but a provoked, enraged God? whom because thou refusedst to hear in the day of his merciful visitation, he will now