A41649:487
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.
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.
Obj. 4. Some object the number and the heinousness of their sins. Oh they are such vile and wretched sinners, having misspent the best of their time, the strength of their youth in the service of sin and Satan, and in gratifying their own carnal lusts and affections; and as they have grown in years, so they have grown in sin and wickedness; and therefore cannot expect so great a mercy from God, as of a Son of Belial to be made a Son of God, by the work of Regeneration.
Obj. 4. Some object the number and the heinousness of their sins. Oh they are such vile and wretched sinners, having mispent the best of their time, the strength of their youth in the service of sin and Satan, and in gratifying their own carnal lu•ts and affections; and as they have grown in years, so they have grown in sin and wickedness; and therefore cannot expect so great a mercy from God, as of a Son of Belial to be made a Son of God, by the work of Regeneration.
A. 1. Know for thy comfort that God hath embraced with the arms of his free grace, as great and heinous sinners as thy self. For hast thou been an Idolater, or Murderer?