A41649:547
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.
1. As it was a Covenant of works, or as the Covenant thereof was works. We are not absolutely bound to such rigour, and exactness as that required. Indeed we ought to endeavour after the most perfect obedience, and to be humbled for our defects and failings therein; but not to despair because of them: for all failings not allowed are pardoned. Besides Christ our surety hath in all things fulfilled the Law, and performed perfect obedience thereunto. So that the strictness of the Law being fulfilled by our surety, its not expected, that it should be performed by us in our own persons.
1. As it was a Covenant of works, or as the Covenant thereof was works. We are not absolutely bound to such rigour, and exactness as that required. Indeed we ought to endeavor after the most perfect obedience, and to be humbled for our defects and failings therein; but not to despair because of them: for all failings not allowed are pardoned. Besides Christ our surety hath in all things fullfilled the Law, and performed perfect obedience thereunto. So that the strictness of the Law being fulfilled by our surety, its not expected, that it should be performed by us in our own persons.
2. We are freed from the Curse and condemnation of the Law. 1Christ, saith the Apostle, hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law, being made a curse for us. So that although we do not perform it in that exact manner and measure which it requireth: yet our transgressions shall not be imputed to us to condemnation. The Law may condemn the actions, but not the persons of the Regenerate, it hath nothing to do with them;2 therefore the Apostle saith, There is no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.
2. We are freed from the Curse and condemnation of the Law. 1