A41649:608
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.
2. Strength of affections is required in every good duty.1 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might, saith the Wise man. This may especially be applied to the duties of Gods worship and service, that we do them vigorously, with all the strength of our affections. Which the Apostle requireth, where he bids us,2 be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. The word in the Greek notes an ebullition, or boiling up of our spirits to the height. 3There is nothing in the World more unbecoming the Worship of God than flatness of spirit, and coldness of affection, when a man serves God as if he served him not. It was Davids commendation, that the zeal of Gods house did eat him up. Which expression showeth the vehemency of his zeal, and strength of his affections, as in reforming Gods house, so in performing the duties of his Worship and service. For this was Jacob honoured, and called Israel, because he prayed with the strength of his affections, 4and is therefore said to wrestle with God in prayer, whereby he prevailed. As thou desirest to prevail with God in Prayer,5 thou must with Jacob, wrestle with him, putting forth the strength of thine affections which will be a special means to keep away vain wandering thoughts. So long as honey is boiling hot, flies will not venture on it. So if the heart and affections be boiling hot in prayer, vain thoughts are not apt to enter in.
2. Strength of affections is required in every good duty.1 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might, saith the Wise man. This may especially be applyed to the duties of Gods worship and service, that we do them vigorously, with all the strength of our affections. Which the Apostle requireth, where he bids us,2 be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. The word in the Greek notes an ebullition, or boyling up of our spirits to the height.