A41649:604
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.
Part › Chapter 20: Of performing good duties after a right manner.
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.
Whensoever therefore we go unto God in prayer, or in any other ordinance, let us carry Christ with us in the arms of our faith. Plut arch in the life of Themistocles reports, that it was the usual custom of some of the Heathens, namely, the Molossia•s, that when they would seek the favour of their King, they took his Son in their arms, and so went unto him. And questionless it would be the wisdom of Christians, in seeking the face and favour of God, who is the King of Heaven and of earth, to take the holy Child Jesus with them, without whom they may not see his face.
Whensoever therefore we go unto God in prayer, or in any other ordinance, let us carry Christ with us in the arms of our faith. Plut arch in the life of Themistocles reports, that it was the usual custome of some of the Heathens, namely, the Molossia•s, that when they would seek the favour of their King, they took his Son in their arms, and so went unto him. And questionless it would be the wisdom of Christians, in seeking the face and favour of God, who is the King of Heaven and of earth, to take the holy Child Jesus with them, without whom they may not see his face.
II. Stir up thy self and all thy strength, put forth thy self to the uttermost, strive to be lively, active, and stirring in Spirit. Get the Spirit of faith, and of power, this will be oil to the wheels, and wind to the Sails, which set all a going: let this be wanting and thy best services will be lifeless and dead Services, in which the Lord takes no delight.
II. Stir up thy self and all thy strength, put forth thy self to the uttermost, strive to be lively, active, and stirring in Spirit. Get the Spirit of faith, and of power, this will be oyle to the wheels, and wind to the Sails, which set all a going: let this be wanting and thy best services will be lifeless and dead Services, in which the Lord takes no delight.