A41649:550
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.
VI. Acceptance of their Services though full of weaknesses, infirmities and imperfections. Natural Parents are not more ready to accept of the weak Services performed by their Children; than God is to take in ⟨p. 152⟩good part the imperfect services of his Children. How maimed and broken are our prayers many times! yet coming from a broken heart they find acceptance with God. Though he regardeth not the glorious works of hypocrites, yet he graciously accepteth of the weak Services of his Children done in sincerity. When we cannot pray with that affection and fervency as we desire: yet if we set upon it with an honest and sincere heart, doing it in obedience to the command of God, with a desire to approve our selves unto him therein, and grieving for our failings and imperfections, God will overlook our failings, and crown our weak endeavours with acceptance.
VII. Protection from things hurtful, is another privilege of the Regenerate. They are here subject to manifold casualties, and contingencies, from which the Lord in mercy protects them, keeping Watch and Ward for them.1 Yea he is said to be a wall of fire round about his people. A wall to defend them, and of fire to consume those that rise up against them.2 So that they shall not be afraid of evil tidings, for their hearts are fixed trusting in the Lord. I deny not but the Children of God may be wronged, oppressed, spoiled of all they have, and unjustly stain, yet in all these shall they not be hurt, for God will turn all to their good. Note what David said of Shimei's cursing him,3 The Lord will look on my affliction and requite good for his cursing this day. 4