A41649:273
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.
Depart from me] that is, from Jesus Christ, the fountain of bliss and happiness. This the wicked make light of at present: for taking more delight in their sinful lusts and pleasures than in Christs presence, they are willing to depart from him. Whereas in truth it is a most grievous misery; for, as the Psalmist speaketh, in his presence there is fullness of joy, 1and pleasures for evermore. So to be cast out of his presence, is to be cast away from the fountain of all joy and pleasure, yea from glory and Salvation: for if from Christ, then from all that is his, even his glory and salvation.
Depart from me] that is, from Iesus Christ, the fountain of bliss and happiness. This the wicked make light of at present: for taking more delight in their sinful lusts and pleasures than in Christs presence, they are willing to depart from him. Whereas in truth it is a most grievous misery; for, as the Psalmist speaketh, in his presence there is fulness of joy, 1and pleasures for evermore. So to be cast out of his presence, is to be cast away from the fountain of all joy and pleasure, yea from glory and Salvation: for if from Christ, then from all that is his, even his glory and salvation.
Ah sinner, What a terror, what a torment will this be unto thee at that great day? This will be a great part of thy torment, that thou shalt be excluded, and that from Christ and his glory, when others shall be admitted; as our Saviour speaketh, There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, 1when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the Prophets in the Kingdom of God, and you your selves thrust out. Oh the fears and distractions! the horror and confusion! the tearing of hair, and gnashing of teeth! the wringing of hands and dashing of knees! that these words will produce, Depart from me. Oh that sinners would lay this to heart! You that now bid God depart from you, you will have none of his knowledge, none of his commands: God will requite you in your own kind, he will then command you to depart from him.