A41649:302
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 sinner, wouldst thou never come into this place of torment? descend into it daily: look into the pit often, if thou wouldst not fall into it. If Heaven and all the joy and glory there will not afford arguments enough to draw thee on after thy God; see if Hell and the torments thereof will not yield thee arguments enough to withdraw thee from thy sins. Wouldst thou not be enticed to sin? Let a thought of hell, of death and wrath meet every temptation. In all temptations unto sin, consider the fearful issue and effect thereof: and though it seem never so delightful and agreeable to thy natural humour, yet ask, But what comes after? Let the dreadful consequence thereof, which (without true and unfeigned repentance) is no less than eternal fire, debtor thee from the same. Ah sinner, sinner, when thou art bathing thy soul by the fire of •ust, consider how for the same thou mayest burn in the everlasting flames of Hell. When thou art drenching thy self with the voluptuous draughts of thy carnal pleasure, think what a drench, what a poisonous and bitter cup is prepared for thee below. And this may be a special means to kill that lust which will otherwise kill thy soul. Want of consideration of the fearful issue and effects of sin is questionless the cause of so much sin and wickedness in the World.
Oh sinner, wouldst thou never come into this place of torment? descend into it daily: look into the pit often, if thou wouldst not fall into it. If Heaven and all the joy and glory there will not afford arguments enough to draw thee on after thy God; see if Hell and the torments thereof will not yield thee arguments enough to withdraw thee from thy sins. Wouldst thou not be enticed to sin? Let a thought of hell, of death and wrath meet every temptation. In all temptations unto sin, consider the fearfull issue and effect thereof: and though it seem never so delightfull and agreeable to thy natural humour, yet ask, But what comes after? Let the dreadfull consequence thereof, which (without true and unfained repentance) is no less than eternal fire, deterr thee from the same. Ah sinner, sinner, when thou art bathing thy soul by the fire of •ust, consider how for the same thou maist burn in the everlasting flames of Hell. When thou art drenching thy self with the voluptuous draughts of thy carnal pleasure, think what a drench, what a poysonous and bitter cup is prepared for thee below. And this may be a special means to kill that lust which will otherwise kill thy soul. Want of consideration of the fearful issue and effects of sin is questionless the cause of so much sin and wickedness in the World.