A41649:515
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.
A. 1. True it is none are more afflicted and persecuted than they: but their afflictions and persecutions do not always deprive them of true spiritual joy and comfort. For saith the Apostle, Being justified by faith we have peace with God, and we rejoice in tribulation. And saith our Saviour,1 When men shall revile you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake, rejoice and be exceeding glad.
A. 1. True it is none are more afflicted and persecuted than they: but their afflictions and persecutions do not alwayes deprive them of true spiritual joy and comfort. For saith the Apostle, Being justified by faith we have peace with God, and we rejoice in tribulation. And saith our Saviour,1 When men shall revile you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evill against you falsely for my sake, rejoyce and be exceeding glad.
2. Gods Children in and under great afflictions do oft-times feel and find the greatest joy and comfort. As their sufferings abound, so their consolation aboundeth in and through Christ. 1When doth a Christian stand in more need of the comforts of God, and when doth he enjoy more of them then when outward comforts do most fail him? When David was sorely distressed, being plundered of his goods, and robbed of his Wives and Children, he encouraged himself in the Lord his God, and received much comfort from him.2