A41649:578
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. Consider that thine everlasting state depends upon thy well, or ill spending of thy time. Many make light of their time, and thereupon play and sport it away. Yet there is no moment which thou dost misspend, but for ought thou knowest, it may be the very time, upon which thine eternal state doth depend. Oh what a madness must it needs be for an hour or days pleasure to hazard the loss of everlasting happiness, and to ⟨p. 163⟩incur the danger of eternal misery! And yet how few think of the passing away their time, or that any great matter depends thereupon!
1. Consider that thine everlasting state depends upon thy well, or ill spending of thy time. Many make light of their time, and thereupon play and sport it away. Yet there is no moment which thou dost mispend, but for ought thou knowest, it may be the very time, upon which thine eternal state doth depend. Oh what a madness must it needs be for an hour or dayes pleasure to hazard the loss of everlasting happiness, and to ⟨p. 163⟩incurr the danger of eternal misery! And yet how few think of the passing away their time, or that any great matter depends thereupon!
2. Consider the preciousness of time, which is of more worth than all the riches and treasures in the World: for they cannot purchase one minute of time. Should the Lord be pleased to vouchsafe unto a damned soul in hell, but one weeks time to live again upon the earth, for trial how he would improve the same to his souls advantage. Oh how highly would he prize it; how carefully would he improve every moment thereof! how serious would he be in every holy duty, and in all the concernments of his soul! how conscionable in spending of the Sabbath! how watchful would he be on that day over his thoughts, words and actions! Should he hear Christ tendered in the Ministry of the Gospel as a Saviour to poor sinners, oh how readily would he close with the offer of Jesus Christ! how heartily would he embrace him! Should he be tempted by some carnal friends to spend one day with them in mirth and jollity, how would he answer them! Alas the time on which my everlasting condition doth depend is very short: and must it not be egregious folly in me to trifle away part thereof? Shall I implunge my soul into eternal flames for a little pleasure and short delight? Oh, God forbid. And hereby may you see how precious time is. Surely little reason have any to be so sparing of their wealth, and so prodigal of their time: when as all the wealth in the World (as before is said) cannot purchase one hours time.