A41649:648
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 22: Of the danger of Covetousness, as being the root of all evil.
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.
5. How do they suffer the World to take up so ⟨p. 183⟩much of their precious time, that they can scarce find any leisure either for closet devotions, or family Prayers? but make their Religion give place to their Worldly businesses. And when at any time they fall upon the performance of holy duties, how are their hearts in that very time taken up with Worldly thoughts, and imaginations? So that instead of conversing with God in his holy Ordinances, and enjoying communion with him therein, they converse with the World, and hold communion with the Devil.
5. How do they suffer the World to take up so ⟨p. 183⟩much of their precious time, that they can scarce find any leisure either for closet devotions, or family Prayers? but make their Religion give place to their Worldly businesses. And when at any time they fall upon the performance of holy duties, how are their hearts in that very time taken up with Worldly thoughts, and imaginations? So that insteed of conversing with God in his holy Ordinances, and enjoying communion with him therein, they converse with the World, and hold communion with the Devil.
O what a shame is it for such as are brought out of darkness into marvellous light, having their understandings enlightened with the knowledge of God, and of his Son Jesus Christ, and are able to discern the mysteries of Godliness that they should set their hearts and affections upon base and transitory things! that they should lay out themselves so much in the pursuit of them! and never think they have laid up sufficient of these earthly treasures! What a shame is it for such as profess themselves the Sons of God, to live like Sons of men! as if their portion and happiness were only in this life. That they who profess themselves Heirs to an Heavenly inheritance, should so much dote upon earthly things! what a shame is it for such as have reasonable souls, capable of an everlasting life, and of communion with God both here and hereafter, should so far debase their natures, as to live like Moles and Worms in the Earth, and to root like Swine in mud and dung!