A41649:526
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.
3. He may yet be in the travel of his new birth, or but newly delivered; so that he is hardly freed from the spirit of bondage. And therefore no marvel that he still walks with a sorrowful heart. But this sorrow will soon end in full joy. For Christ the Sun of Righteousness is rising upon his soul with healing in his Wings, who will dry up his tears, and fill his heart with joy.
4. Or if he be a through Convert, yet he may be under some soar temptation from the Devil, whose main design is to keep men in slavery and bondage to himself; but if he fail therein, then his next design is to weaken their comforts. And therefore so far as God will give him leave, he will be sure to set upon them with his fiercest, temptations, and to cast into their minds many Atheistical and Blasphemous thoughts: the venom of which is ready to drink up their spirits: and it is no marvel if they walk uncomfortably at such times, for joy and rejoicing attends not the combat but the conquest. Think not the worse of the ways of God for that the Devil is so much against them, and straws them with such thorns.
4. Or if he be a through Convert, yet he may be under some soar temptation from the Devil, whose main design is to keep men in slavery and bondage to himself; but if he fail therein, then his next design is to weaken their comforts. And therefore so far as God will give him leave, he will be sure to set upon them with his fiercest, temptations, and to cast into their minds many Atheistical and Blasphemous thoughts: the venom of which is ready to drink up their spirits: and it is no marvel if they walk uncomfortably at such times, for joy and rejoycing attends not the combate but the conquest. Think not the worse of the wayes of God for that the Devil is so much against them, and straws them with such thornes.