A41649:584
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.
7. Consider the present time is only thine to improve. Behold now is the accepted time, 1now is the day of Salvation. Oh then, why wilt thou trifle away the time which is properly thine; and promise to thy self great things in a time which is none of thine? For even the next hour, yea the next minute thou mayest be cut off by the stroke of death: and then all opportunities of doing and receiving good are taken away.
7. Consider the present time is only thine to improve. Behold now is the accepted time, 1now is the day of Salvation. Oh then, why wilt thou trifle away the time which is properly thine; and promise to thy self great things in a time which is none of thine? For even the next hour, yea the next minute thou maist be cut off by the stroak of death: and then all opportunities of doing and receiving good are taken away.
II. Another singular thing which the Regenerate ought to do above others, is, To embrace every opportunity of doing and receiving good. By doing good, I mean not only beneficence to the poor, but also a conscionable performance of all Christian duties: whether they concern the ⟨p. 165⟩glory of God, the edification of our brethren, or the Salvation of our own souls.1 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might, saith the Wise man, that is, whatsoever opportunity of doing good is afforded unto thee, do it vigorously and speedily, not deferring it till it be too late. Mark his reason in the next words, For there is no work in the grave, whither thou art going. As if he had said, In this life thou hast many opportunities of doing good, but in the grave, thou shalt have neither power, nor opportunities: When thy night cometh there is an end of working; therefore while it is day, and while thou hast an opportunity, up and be doing.