A41649:292
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, thou art little affected with the apprehension of loosing Gods presence, and all the happiness the godly do enjoy in Heaven. But then thine understanding will be more cleared, and thine apprehension more enlarged to conceive so much of the glory of that happiness which thou hast lost, as will exceedingly increase and aggravate thy misery and torment: especially when thou shalt call to mind the fair opportunity which once thou hadst of obtaining that heavenly happiness: and on what easy terms it was tendered to thee, only upon the abandoning thy lusts, and the accepting of Christ for thy Lord and Saviour, and thy submitting to his gracious government, walking in the ways of holiness and righteousness.
Now, I know, thou art little affected with the apprehension of loosing Gods presence, and all the happiness the godly do enjoy in Heaven. But then thine understanding will be more cleared, and thine apprehension more enlarged to conceive so much of the glory of that happiness which thou hast lost, as will exceedingly increase and aggravate thy misery and torment: especially when thou shalt call to mind the fair opportunity which once thou hadst of obtaining that heavenly happiness: and on what easie terms it was tendred to thee, only upon the abandoning thy lusts, and the accepting of Christ for thy Lord and Saviour, and thy submitting to his gracious government, walking in the wayes of holiness and righteousness.
It is said of Enoch, 1that he walked with God, and it is immediately added, that he was no more seen, for God took him into his presence. If thou in like manner wilt walk before God in the ways of holiness and righteousness, thou shalt be taken up into Heaven with Enoch, there to enjoy fullness of happiness in the presence of God, with the blessed Saints and Angels to all eternity. It is the judgement of many Divines, both ancient Fathers, and modern Writers, that this privation of happiness is the greatest of Hells misery; that the pain of loss is greater than the pain of sense; I mean the loss of happiness is greater than the positive torments. Sure I am, that the loss of all that this World affords is not comparable to the loss of the least degree of the future bliss. Oh what a foolish and mad bargain art thou now making, who art selling such blessedness for bubbles of vanity!