A41649:209
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.
Haply thou wilt then look unto Jesus Christ, in hope that he will appear for thee, and his blood make thy Atonement: But sinner know, that though his blood be a fountain opened to all poor penitent believers, to wash away the filthy spots and stains of their sins; Yet to thee, who hast all thy life long, suffered Christ to stand knocking at the door of thine heart, by the Ministry of his Word, by the motions of his Spirit, and by the checks of thine own conscience, and wouldst not open unto him: to thee his blood will be then a fountain sealed; so that thou shalt not partake of the least benefit thereof, because in thy life time thou hast so often slighted it, yea and crucified him afresh by thy bloody sins.
Haply thou wilt then look unto Jesus Christ, in hope that he will appear for thee, and his blood make thy Attonement: But sinner know, that though his blood be a fountain opened to all poor penitent believers, to wash away the filthy spots and stains of their sins; Yet to thee, who hast all thy life long, suffered Christ to stand knocking at the door of thine heart, by the Ministery of his Word, by the motions of his Spirit, and by the checks of thine own conscience, and wouldst not open unto him: to thee his blood will be then a fountain sealed; so that thou shalt not partake of the least benefit thereof, because in thy life time thou hast so often slighted it, yea and crucified him afresh by thy bloody sins.
Ah sinner, sinner, whither wilt thou flee for comfort in the midst of thy distress? It will then be too late to cry out, Oh that the time I have spent in Taverns and Ale-houses, in sports and pastimes, in carnal pleasures and sensual delights, I had spent in Prayer and fasting, in humbling and repenting! It will then be too late to cry with Balaam, Oh that I might dye the death of the righteous, when thou hast, neglected to live the life of the righteous. For look as the life is, so commonly is the death; and as death leaves a man, so the last judgement shall find him.