A41649:486
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.
3. Consider that the sense of thine unworthiness is some degree of worthiness: yea it is the greatest worthiness thou canst attain unto. And none ever found greater mercy from God, than they who have been most sensible of their unworthiness. Instance the Centurion, who speaking unto Christ,1 said, I am not worthy that thou shouldst come under the roof of my house. And yet Christ granted his desire in healing his servant. So likewise the Woman of Canaan, who acknowledged her self to be no better than a Dog, yet received this answer from Christ, Oh Woman, 2great is thy faith, be it unto thee even as thou wilt. So likewise the Publican, who was conscious to himself, of so much unworthiness, that he stood afar off, and durst not lift up his eyes unto Heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. 3Yet as the text noteth ver. 14. He went away justified rather than the Pharisee, who was puffed up with a conceit of his own righteousness.
4. It is to be feared that this objection of thine unworthiness ⟨p. 135⟩ariseth not so much from true humility, as from the pride of thine own heart, who art loth to be beholding unto God for any mercy; but wouldst rather discern something in thy self which may deserve it at his hands. But we are to root out of our hearts this spiritual pride, and be humble; and then we may rest confident, that though we are most unworthy in our selves, yet God will accept of us in and for the worthiness of Jesus Christ.