A41649:698
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.
3. Work thy heart to a perfect detestation of all vain and wicked thoughts, that thou mayest be able to say with David, 1I hate vain thoughts. This will heighten thy resolutions to a greater watchfulness against them ⟨p. 197⟩for the time to come, and to use thine utmost endeavour to drive them away, so that though they may arise in thine heart; yet they may not lodge there. And know this for thy comfort, that those vain and wicked thoughts, which thou dost from thine heart hate and detest, shall not be laid to thy charge, at the great day of account.
3. Work thy heart to a perfect detestation of all vain and wicked thoughts, that thou maist be able to say with David, 1I hate vain thoughts. This will highten thy resolutions to a greater watchfulness against them ⟨p. 197⟩for the time to come, and to use thine utmost endeavour to drive them away, so that though they may arise in thine heart; yet they may not lodge there. And know this for thy comfort, that those vain and wicked thoughts, which thou dost from thine heart hate and detest, shall not be laid to thy charge, at the great day of account.
4. Above all things keep a watch over thine heart; according to that counsel of the Wise man,1 Keep thine heart with all diligence. As if he had said, Above all keeping keep thine heart: which is like a City liable every moment both to outward assaults and inward commotions. Not only Satan thine arch-enemy is ever watchful for an opportunity to cast thereinto his fiery darts, and sensual objects: but there are also many rebellious stirrings within, which spring from the fountain of original corruption, over which thou must especially watch; and dismiss them with loathing and detestation. If vain and wanton thoughts be not stifled in the conception, what monstrous wickedness may they not bring forth? How great a fire may these little sparks kindle?