A41649:477
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.
A. 1. I would ask thee, whether thou canst in truth say, thou hast not been wanting to thy self in such things as were within thy power and strength? Hast thou not as much power to go into the house of God, as into an Ale-house? to read the holy Scriptures, as Playbooks and Pamphlets? to associate thy self with the Godly, as with the Wicked and Profane? canst not thou take up a resolution, to abandon thine old sinful lusts, and to set upon a new course of life? Certainly if thou hast been wanting to thy self in these and such like things, this objection taken from thine own inability, is but an idle excuse; and argues rather thine unwillingness, than disability: and know that in the last and great day, thou wilt be damned not so much for thy want of power, as for thy want of will.
A. 1. I would ask thee, whether thou canst in truth say, thou hast not been wanting to thy self in such things as were within thy power and strength? Hast thou not as much power to go into the house of God, as into an Ale-house? to read the holy Scriptures, as Playbooks and Pamphlets? to associate thy self with the Godly, as with the Wicked and Prophane? canst not thou take up a resolution, to abandon thine old sinfull lusts, and to set upon a new course of life? Certainly if thou hast been wanting to thy self in these and such like things, this objection taken from thine own inability, is but an idle excuse; and argues rather thine unwillingness, than disability: and know that in the last and great day, thou wilt be damned not so much for thy want of power, as for thy want of will.
2. If thou wilt but put thy self upon the use of Means, thou▪ dost not know what strength thou mayest receive from God, 1and what may be the issue thereof. While Peter was Preaching; the holy Ghost fell on all them that heard the Word. And for ought thou knowest, whilst thou art attending upon the Ministry of the Word, or praying unto God; the Holy Ghost may fall on thee; and ⟨p. 133⟩