A41649:426
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.
1. Confess unto God the hardness of thine heart, how it is grown to such an adamantine hardness, that neither the thunderings, nor threatenings of the Law, nor the sweet showers, the promises of the Gospel can make it relent, or dissolve. Confess unto God, that Though thou hast broken his holy and righteous Laws ten thousand thousand times, yet the consideration thereof hath not broken thine heart. Oh this rock, this rock, when shall it be pierced? Oh this hard heart, I cannot break it. I would melt, I would mourn, but cannot. I can mourn for a lost friend, for a lost estate, but I cannot mourn for a lost soul. Oh what groanings and sighings, and lamentations will afflictions press out of me: but my sins, my sins, how little do they move me? The pains of my body I can feel and roar under, but O what a stock am I under, the plague of my heart? Lord smite this rock. My plaints are before thee: mine eyes are towards thee. I cannot weep, but I can cry for a broken heart, Lord hear me.
1. Confess unto God the hardness of thine heart, how it is grown to such an adamantine hardness, that neither the thundrings, nor threatnings of the Law, nor the sweet showers, the promises of the Gospel can make it relent, or dissolve. Confess unto God, that Though thou hast broken his holy and righteous Laws ten thousand thousand times, yet the consideration thereof hath not broken thine heart. Oh this rock, this rock, when shall it be pierced? Oh this hard heart, I cannot break it. I would melt, I would mourn, but cannot. I can mourn for a lost friend, for a lost estate, but I cannot mourn for a lost soul. Oh what groanings and sighings, and lamentations will afflictions press out of me: but my sins, my sins, how little do they move me? The pains of my body I can feel and roar under, but O what a stock am I under, the plague of my heart? Lord smite this rock. My plaints are before thee: mine eyes are towards thee. I cannot weep, but I can cry for a broken heart, Lord hear me.
12. In thy Prayers plead that gracious promise of God, to take away the stony hearts out of our flesh, and to give us hearts of flesh. Hath God promised, and is there no hope in the promise? Is there hope, and wilt thou not lay hold on that hope? plead with thy God upon his own word. Is not this thy Word, O Lord? Hast not thou said, thou wilt make this stone flesh? will it ever be done, if thou dost it not? wilt not thou do what thou hast said? Is it not thy will that I should believe thou wilt? Oh perform thy word unto thy Servant, wherein thou hast commanded me to put my trust.