A41649:501
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.
7. Though thou hast long stood out, yet know that God will not presently take the forfeiture of thee: neither will Christ suddenly take his advantage against thee. If the Lord were as hasty to punish sinners, as they are forward to commit sin, there would suddenly be an end of all. And if Christ should be as forward to reject sinners, as they are to reject him, what hope of mercy were there? But Christ is not so severe, he is of great goodness, and of great patience, he makes tenders of grace and peace over and over again, and waits our acceptance. In which respect he is said to stand at their door and knock. 1As knocking is usually a repetition of strokes, so standing at the door and knocking, implieth his waiting for our opening.
7. Though thou hast long stood out, yet know that God will not presently take the forfeiture of thee: neither will Christ suddenly take his advantage against thee. If the Lord were as hasty to punish sinners, as they are forward to commit sin, there would suddenly be an end of all. And if Christ should be as forward to reject sinners, as they are to reject him, what hope of mercy were there? But Christ is not so severe, he is of great goodness, and of great patience, he makes tenders of grace and peace over and over again, and waits our acceptance. In which respect he is said to stand at their door and knock. 1As knocking is usually a repetition of strokes, so standing at the door and knocking, implyeth his waiting for our opening.
Ah sinner, doth Christ continue to renew his offers of grace and mercy unto thee, and wilt thou thereupon continue to refuse them▪ know assuredly that though renewed offers are doubled mercies, yet renewed refusals are trbled sins, which will exceedingly aggravate thy condemnation.