A41649:271
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.
Now I know no better way to prevent the discovery of your sins at that great day, than here in this time and day of grace to call your selves to an account, to search and examine your own hearts and lives, and th•n to judge and condemn your selves for your manifold sins and transgressions; for as the Apostle speaketh,1 If we judge our selves, we shall not be condemned of the Lord. Oh therefore let us here often keep a day of judgement in our own souls and consciences, by a serious examining of our selves concerning our sins, and judging and condemning our selves for the same: and then let us in all humility prostrate our selves at the Throne of grace, pleading the mercy of God and merits of Christ for the pardon and forgiveness of them all; giving no rest to our souls, till we have some comfortable evidence and assurance thereof, which will cause us to lift up our heads with joy at the great day of account.
VI. After conviction and manifestation of all their sinful actions, follows the sentence of condemnation; and what it is, our Saviour himself hath showed, Matth: 25.41. Depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire, prepared for the Devil and his Angels. O dreadful sentence! every word whereof carrieth much terror in it, and breatheth nothing but woe and misery, yea fire and brimstone. So terrible is this sentence that the first hearing thereof will make all ears to glow and tingle.
VI. After conviction and manifestation of all their sinfull actions, follows the sentence of condemnation; and what it is, our Saviour himself hath shewed, Matth: 25.41. Depart from me ye cursed into everlasting fire, prepared for the Devil and his Angels. O dreadful sentence! every word whereof carryeth much terrour in it, and breatheth nothing but woe and misery, yea fire and brimstone. So terrible is this sentence that the first hearing thereof will make all ears to glow and tingle.