A41649:481
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.
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, o•e whereof is Regeneration: find this and thou needest not doubt 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 maist know thine election. The eternal decrees of God are only made known à posteriori, from their effects, o•e whereof is Regeneration: find this and thou needest not doubt of thine election.
3. Wilt thou not plough nor Sow because thou knowest not whether God hath determined thee an Harvest? Thou wilt say, I am sure I shall not reap, if I sow not; there's hope of an Harvest, if there be a Seed-time: and therefore I will adventure to sow what ever the issue may be. And wilt thou not be as wise for thy soul, as for thy body? Because thou art not sure of thine election, wilt thou make thy damnation sure?
3. Wilt thou not plow nor Sow because thou knowest not whether God hath determined thee an Harvest? Thou wilt say, I am sure I shall not reap, if I sow not; there's hope of an Harvest, if there be a Seed-time: and therefore I will adventure to sow what ever the issue may be. And wilt thou not be as wise for thy soul, as for thy body? Because thou art not sure of thine election, wilt thou make thy damnation sure?