A41649:519
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.
2. But yet this strict walking is no hinderance to true joy, but rather a furtherer thereof; which made the Prophet David to say,1 Great peace have they who love thy Law, that is, they shall enjoy much peace of Conscience, and quietness of mind. It is said of the primitive ⟨p. 143⟩Saints, that they walked in the fear of the Lord, 2and in the comfort of the holy Ghost, because they walked in the fear of the Lord, therefore they found the joy and comfort of the Holy Ghost. And indeed the strictest walking hath procured the swe•test joy: and the loosest walking the greatest sorrow. Ask the people of God, whether any of them, have ever found more soul-rejoicing, than when they have walked most closely and exactly with God. Nay I dare appeal to thine own Conscience, whether it be not more comfortable to serve God, than the Devil? to please God, than to gratify thy sinful lusts and affections? Dost thou make nothing of the joy of a good Conscience, and the sweetness of uprightness and integrity?
2. But yet this strict walking is no hinderance to true joy, but rather a furtherer thereof; which made the Prophet David to say,1 Great peace have they who love thy Law, that is, they shall enjoy much peace of Conscience, and quietness of mind. It is said of the primitive ⟨p. 143⟩Saints, that they walked in the fear of the Lord, 2and in the comfort of the holy Ghost, because they walked in the fear of the Lord, therefore they found the joy and comfort of the Holy Ghost. And indeed the strictest walking hath procured the swe•test joy: and the loosest walking the greatest sorrow. Ask the people of God, whether any of them, have ever found more soul-re•oycig, than when they have walked most closely and exactly with God. Nay I dare appeal to thine own Conscience, whether it be not more comfortable to serve God, than the Devil? to please God, than to gratifie thy sinfull lusts and affections? Dost thou make nothing of the joy of a good Conscience, and the sweetness of uprightness and integrity?