A41649:260
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.
The latter book, namely the book of Conscience, we find mentioned Jer. 17.1. The Sin of Judah is written with a pen of Iron, and with the point of a Diamond, it is graven upon the Tables of their hearts. That is, their sins are so fixed in their hearts and consciences that they cannot be forgotten, but the memory of them all shall be revived. And with the Apostle, Their conscience also bearing witness, 1and accusing them in the day, when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ. In this book of conscience, which God hath given to every man and woman, as in Gods book, so in this also are written all their thoughts, words, and actions; yea their sinful omissions, as well as their sinful commissions; their secret impurities, as well as their open impieties.
The latter book, namely the book of Conscience, we find mentioned Jer. 17.1. The Sin of Judah is written with a pen of Iron, and with the point of a Diamond, it is graven upon the Tables of their hearts. That is, their sins are so fixed in their hearts and consciences that they cannot be forgotten, but the memory of them all shall be revived. And with the Apostle, Their conscience also bearing witness, 1and accusing them in the day, when God shall judge the secrets of men by Iesus Christ. In this book of conscience, which God hath given to every man and woman, as in Gods book, so in this also are written all their thoughts, words, and actions; yea their sinful omissions, as well as their sinful commissions; their secret impurities, as well as their open impieties.
Now many mens consciences are, as it were, asleep, so that though they are guilty of manifold sins and transgressions, yet their consciences do not accuse them for the same: but their iniquity is still marked, and at that day every mans conscience shall be awakened, bring forth its black roll, even all his sins, and so shall be as a thousand witnesses against him. Then the Covetous Shop-keeper shall remember all his deceits in trading, his false weights and measures, his lying and dissembling. Then shall the unclean person remember all his watchings for the twilight, all his speculative wantonnesses, and contemplative as well as practical uncleannesses. Then shall