A41649:702
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.
7. Labour to spiritualize every outward occurrence by raising Heavenly meditations from the same. There is not any creature thou beholdest, or any thing that befalls thee, but thou mayest make some spiritual use, and improvement thereof. As the Bee sucks honey out of every flower; so mayest thou extract spiritual and holy thoughts from every thing thou seest, and beholdest: yea from all occurrences and emergencies; which will be a special means to prevent the Devil and Lust, and to keep out those vanities and wickednesses which otherwise would fill thine head and heart withal.
7. Labour to spiritualize every outward occurrence by raising Heavenly meditations from the same. There is not any creature thou beholdest, or any thing that befalls thee, but thou maist make some spiritual use, and improvement thereof. As the Bee sucks honey out of every flower; so maist thou extract spiritual and holy thoughts from every thing thou seest, and beholdest: yea from all occurrences and emergencies; which will be a special means to prevent the Devil and Lust, and to keep out those vanities and wickednesses which otherwise would fill thine head and heart withall.
8. Labour to get thine heart furnished with the knowledge of God and his word, which will take up thine heart with better things, and leave no room for these unclean birds. As the emptiness of the stomach maketh it subject to windiness; so it is the emptiness of our hearts that makes them so full of vain, foolish thoughts.1 A good man, saith our Saviour, out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth good things. A good man having his heart furnished with a treasure of many precious truths, bringeth forth good thoughts, as well as good things. When thou art walking or riding alone, call to mind some spiritual subject or savoury truth whereon to meditate: bring forth out of thy treasury, and let thine heart be continually ⟨p. 199⟩working upon those good things thou hast there laid up.