A41649:368
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.
A. To this the Lord answers in the next words, That he is a God forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin, that is, sins of all sorts, from the least to the greatest. As if he had said, That he would pardon; as all sinners who truly turn from their sins unto him, and close with Jesus Christ, So all their sins, of what kind or degree soever. For the learned generally conceive, that under these three terms, iniquity, transgression, and sin, all manner of sins are comprehended. Thus much for the opening, and applying the fore-mentioned description of God, which sets ⟨p. 94⟩forth his willingness to save poor lost sinners.
2. Gods willingness appeareth from his commands to the worst of sinners to repent and believe. For the former, that God commands them to repent, and turn from their sins unto him, we have abundant proof in Scripture. As Isai. 1. we read that they who are styled Rulers of Sodom, and people of Gomorrah, v. 10. being like them for all manner of abominable wickednesses, even as bad as they, or rather worse; and whose sins ar• called scarlet, and crimson sins, v. 18. yet in v. 16. are they called upon to repent. Wash ye, make ye clean, put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes, cease to do evil, learn to do well. Which are exhortations to repentance. And Jer. 3.1. We read that they who had committed spiritual Adultery, having forsaken the true God, and worshipped Idols, even stocks and stones; yet are they called upon to repent, and turn unto God. Though thou hast played the Harlot with many Lovers, yet return again to me, saith the Lord; and I will be reconciled to thee again, and receive thee into my grace and favour.
2. Gods willingness appeareth from his commands to the worst of sinners to repent and believe. For the former, that God commands them to repent, and turn from their sins unto him, we have abundant proof in Scripture. As