A41649:512
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.
The new birth is the very beginning of a life of peace and comfort: and the greatest pleasantness is to be found in the ways of holiness. Would you but make enquiry of those who have tried both stares, both that of sin, and that of grace, they will tell you, that their first state was a state of trouble and misery: and that they never found any true peace and comfort in their souls till they were brought home to God, and came to be acquainted with an holy life. Yea that they have enjoyed more sweetness and delight in one hours communion with God, than ever their flesh brought them in, in all their lives. Solomon who had experience of all other pleasures, yet saith of the ways of godliness,1 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, even soul-satisfying pleasantness.
The new birth is the very beginning of a life of peace and comfort: and the greatest pleasantness is to be found in the wayes of holiness. Would you but make enquiry of those who have tryed both stares, both that of sin, and that of grace, they will tell you, that their first state was a state of trouble and misery: and that they never found any true peace and comfort in their souls till they were brought home to God, and came to be acquainted with an holy life. Yea that they have enjoyed more sweetness and delight in one hours communion with God, than ever their flesh brought them in, in all their lives. Solomon who had experience of all other pleasures, yet saith of the wayes of godliness,1 Her wayes are wayes of pleasantness, even soul-satisfying pleasantness.
If you will not believe the reports of the people of God, yet hearken to what God himself speaketh in his word,1