A41649:451
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.
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.
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 E•nuch 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.
And Luther confesseth of himself, that he was changed and renewed upon reading the Scriptures; and therefore professed he would not part with one leaf of the Bible for all the World. For in the Scriptures there is a clear revelation of the way and means of Salvation by Jesus Christ; therein is contained the Covenant of grace, and the Laws of Heaven according to which we must square all our actions.