A41649:280
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.
Oh what terror and trembling, what horror and amazement will seize on their souls that have received this dreadful sentence? When King Belshazzar saw his sentence written upon the wall, though he could not read it,1 it is said, his countenance was changed, his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his Loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another. How much more shall the wicked tremble and quake, and their knees smite one against another for fear, at the great day, when they shall hear the sentence of condemnation pronounced by Jesus Christ? How will they then run like men distracted to the Mountains and Hills for covert and shelter? How will they then beg and yell again for mercy to a judge that is justly inexorable? I say, justly inexorable to them, having scornfully rejected his many loving invitations, and earnest beseechings by his Ministers, to accept of that peace and reconciliation which he hath purchased by his blood. Oh that men would consider, that one tear or sigh of a penitent heart will now more prevail for attainment of mercy, than all their bitter and importunate yellings in that day of Gods wrath!
Oh what terrour and trembling, what horrour and amazement will seize on their souls that have received this dreadful sentence? When King Belshazzar saw his sentence written upon the wall, though he could not read it,1 it is said, his countenance was changed, his thoughts troubled him, so that the joynts of his Loyns were loosed, and his knees smote one against another. How much more shall the wicked tremble and quake, and their knees smite one against another for fear, at the great day, when they shall hear the sentence of condemnation pronounced by Jesus Christ? How will they then run like men distracted to the Mountains and Hills for covert and shelter? How will they then beg and yell again for mercy to a judge that is justly inexorable? I say, justly inexorable to them, having scornfully rejected his many loving invitations, and earnest beseechings by his Ministers, to accept of that peace and reconciliation which he hath purchased by his blood. Oh that men would consider, that one tear or sigh of a penitent heart will now more prevail for attainment of mercy, than all their bitter and importunate yellings in that day of Gods wrath!
- 1