A41649:461
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.
A. 1. The Scriptures give us warrant to press carnal and unregenerate men upon the duty of Prayer. For at the time when Peter told Simon Magus that he was in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity, then he pressed him to pray unto God,1 saying, Repent of thy wickedness, and pray unto God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
A. 1. The Scriptures give us warrant to press carnal and unregenerate men upon the duty of Prayer. For at the time when Peter told Simon Magus that he was in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of i•iquity, then he pressed him to pray unto God,1 saying, Repent of thy wicked•ess, and pray unto God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
2. We do not exhort men to pray and still hold themselves resolved to continue in their wicked and ungodly courses; such prayer indeed would be an abomination: but to resolve upon turning, and so to go unto the Lord for his grace to assist and accept them. And therefore saith Peter to Simon Magus, Repent of this thy wickedness, and so pray for pardon.
3. The young Ravens cry for want of food, and God is said to hear them. Why may he not then hear the cries and Prayers of carnal and unregenerate men? especially when they pray unto him for changed and renewed hearts; which prayers cannot but be agreeable to the will of God. How graciously did God reward that petition of Solomon, when he asked not for riches or long life, but for a wise and understanding heart. So may God say unto them, because ye have not asked temporal blessings, as health, wealth or the like, but a renewed heart, a new birth; be it according to your desires, your natural carnal heart shall be changed and renewed.