A41649:605
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.
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.
There is a threefold strength we should labour to put forth in all our holy duties, 1. Strength of Intention. 2. Strength of Affections. 3. Strength of Body.
1. We must intend our work, as if it were for our lives, for so it is, whether it be the work of praying, hearing, meditating, or the like. We must put forth the strength of our intention, as well as of our attention, not giving way either to drowsiness of body, or distractions of mind. But oh what light matters are apt to steal away our minds and thoughts in the performance ⟨p. 170⟩of holy duties? If one of our superiors were talking with us, he would expect that we should mind what he saith, and not turn aside to talk with every one that passeth by us. But when God is speaking to us in the ministry of his Word: or we are speaking unto him by prayer, how ordinarily do we turn aside to every vain thought, and trifling business, which offereth it self to us! Intend God more earnestly, and this will fire your thoughts.