A41649:435
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.
5. Often renew thy resolutions. It is not sufficient frequently to review thy resolutions, but thou must likewise frequently renew them. For a resolution renewed is as new made, and thereby becometh fresh and vigorous. And truly there is great power in a resolution, when it is fresh upon the heart; new cords are strong.
V. Having resolved to give a bill of divorce to thy sinful lusts and pleasures, make choice of Christ for thy Lord and Husband, as well as for thy Priest and Saviour. Take him as the Bride doth her Bridegroom for better for worse, for richer and poorer, with his cross as well ⟨p. 120⟩as with his Crown, resign and give up thy self unto Christ, to be ruled and governed, ordered and disposed in all things by him: and resolve as to cast thy self at the feet of Christ in subjection to him, so to cast thy self into the arms of Christ, and upon his shoulders for Salvation from him: adventure thy soul upon him, rest upon his perfect righteousness, and all-sufficient Sacrifice for the pardon of thy sins here, and for eternal life and Salvation hereafter.
Let the consideration of those many melting invitations of Jesus Christ unto poor sinners to come unto him, stir thee up to go unto him, to cast thy self into the merciful and meritorious arms and embracements of thy Crucified Saviour, to throw thy self upon his grace and mercy. As God hath laid thy help upon him, so do thou lay thy hope upon him, both for the pardon of thy sins past, and for power against sin for the time to come: for grace here, and glory hereafter, saying, If I perish, I will perish in the arms of Jesus Christ. And if thou canst bring up thine heart to this, then is the match made between Christ and thy soul; so that thou mayest with confidence say, Christ is mine, and I am his.