A41649:622
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.
Upon this account St. Paul resolved to avoid the eating of flesh, though he might lawfully do it: yet when it was like to be a stumbling-block to his weak Brother, in regard it had an appearance of evil in it,1 he said, If meat make my Brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth. Upon this ground likewise the Apostles and Elders in the first general Council at Jerusalem imposed upon the Gentiles abstinence from meat offered to Idols, 2from things strangled, and from blood. Not for that these meats were in themselves unclean and unlawful; but because they were apprehended to be so unto many of the Jews, who were kept off from Christ, because those meats in which they supposed to be such uncleanness were ordinarily eaten by the Christians. Hereupon it concerns us in all our actions to be satisfied, not only of the lawfulness but likewise of the expediency of them.3 For many things in themselves may be lawful, which yet in some respect may not be expedient, because they have some show of evil in them, or are liable to some mis-construction, or may be occasions of sin unto our selves, or of scandal and offence unto our weak Brother, or may strengthen and confirm wicked men in their ungodly courses, and the like. ⟨p. 177⟩But herein this caution is to be observed,4 that all necessary duties commanded by God, ought to be performed by us, though our Brother be offended at them, and though to the World they have some appearance of evil. Christs Doctrines, Works and Conversations were an offence to many in his days, yet he went on therein, and pronounced them blessed who were not offended in him. We may not therefore shun profession of holiness, and the practice of Godliness, because unto Worldly men it appeareth but brain-sick peevishness, and an irrational preciseness. But being commanded by God in his Word, ought to be endeavoured after. I may not wound mine own Conscience to secure my Brothers.
Upon this account St. Paul resolved to avoid the eating of flesh, though he might lawfully do it: yet when it was like to be a stumbling-block to his weak Brother, in regard it had an appearance of evil in it,