A41649:479
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.
Obj. 2. I fear I am not elected, and therefore conceive it altogether fruitless for me to labour in the use of any means for this new birth. Oh could I be assured of my election! then should I with comfort and confidence labour after it.
A. 1. Election is a secret thing and belongeth unto God; according to that of Moses, 1Secret things belong unto the Lord our God, but things which are revealed belong unto us. And therefore trouble not thy self• with Gods secret will, but follow his revealed will. Apply thy self seriously and cordially to the use of the means God hath sanctified for thy Regeneration; and from thence thou mayest gain some comfortable evidence of thine election.
A. 1. Election is a secret thing and belongeth unto God; according to that of Moses, 1Secret things belong unto the Lord our God, but things which are revealed belong unto us. And therefore trouble not thy self• with Gods secret will, but follow his revealed will. Apply thy self seriously and cordially to the use of the means God hath sanctified for thy Regeneration; and from thence thou maist gain some comfortable evidence of thine election.
2. Consider though it be the duty of every Christian to give all diligence to make his calling and election sure: yet no man can know, and be assured of his election, till he be Regenerated by the Spirit of God: therefore the not knowing thine election should be so far from keeping thee off from applying thy self to the means of Regeneration, as it should rather be an argument to press thee thereunto: for by thy Regeneration thou mayest know thine election. The eternal decrees of God are only made known à posteriori, from their effects, oe whereof is Regeneration: find this and thou needest not doubt of thine election.