A41649:585
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.
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.
Doth the Lord afford unto thee any opportunity either of laying up for thine own soul, or of laying out for the good of thy brothers soul, be careful to embrace the same, yea and to improve it to the best advantage. Having a price put into thy hands, oh let it not carelessly slip away, left thou full dearly repent thereof; saying, Oh what an opportunity have I lost of benefiting both my self and others! how might I have furthered both mine own, and others Salvation, by building up one another in the most holy faith! But fool that I was, I have carelessly neglected these precious opportunities, which will never never be regained. Oh how will the thought thereof one day or other gall thy Conscience!
Doth the Lord afford unto thee any opportunity either of laying up for thine own soul, or of laying out for the good of thy brothers soul, be carefull to embrace the same, yea and to improve it to the best advantage. Having a price put into thy hands, oh let it not carelesly slip away, left thou full dearly repent thereof; saying, Oh what an opportunity have I lost of benefiting both my self and others! how might I have furthered both mine own, and others Salvation, by building up one another in the most holy faith! But fool that I was, I have carelesly neglected these precious opportunities, which will never never be regained. Oh how will the thought thereof one day or other gall thy Conscience!