A41649:450
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.
Part › Chapter 15: Other Means on our part to be performed for attaining of Regeneration.
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 therefore frequent the Ministry of the Word, where the Spirit of Christ useth to move, yea▪ and to breath a spirit of life into dead souls. Take all occasions of hearing the Word both in season and out of season. Let nothing but necessity keep thee at home; for thou knowest not what Sermon may be most suitable to thy condition. And when thou hearest, attend to it, as to a message sent from God concerning thine everlasting salvation. And be often calling it to remembrance, whereby it will take the deeper impression upon thine heart. And though for the present thou find not that benefit thou expectest, yet wait still upon the Ordinance. The lame man who lay long at the Pool of Bethesda, at last was cured.
Oh therefore frequent the Ministry of the Word, where the Spirit of Christ useth to move, yea▪ and to breath a spirit of life into dead souls. Take all occasions of hearing the Word both in season and out of season. Let nothing but necessity keep thee at home; for thou knowest not what Sermon may be most sutable to thy condition. And when thou hearest, attend to it, as to a message sent from God concerning thine everlasting salvation. And be often calling it to remembrance, whereby it will take the deeper impression upon thine heart. And though for the present thou find not that benefit thou expectest, yet wait still upon the Ordinance. The lame man who lay long at the Pool of Bethesda, at last was cured.
2. Be much in reading the Word of God, and such practical books as may help thee in understanding and applying it. This must not thrust out Preaching, yet is it an excellent means of grace in its own time and place, as very many have found by their own experience. For as the Psalmist speaketh,1 The Law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul. So that the word read is sometimes the power of God to Regeneration and Salvation, as well as the Word Preached. As the Eunuch was a reading a portion of Scripture in his Chariot, the Spirit of God commanded Philip to go near unto him, to teach him the meaning thereof, and to instruct him in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, whereupon he believed and was baptized.