A41649:714
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.
Hereupon David cried out,1 How precious are thy thoughts unto me, O God! As if he had said, How delightful and comfortable are the thoughts that I have of thee! yea saith he, when I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches, my soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness. And who is there that hath seriously experimented this divine exercise, who doth not find abundance of sweetness and comfort in it? Certainly no comfort, no joy is to be compared with it.
Hereupon David cryed out,1 How precious are thy thoughts unto me, O God! As if he had said, How delightful and comfortable are the thoughts that I have of thee! yea saith he, when I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches, my soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness. And who is there that hath seriously experimented this divine exercise, who doth not find abundance of sweetness and comfort in it? Certainly no comfort, no joy is to be compared with it.
No marvel then that many Christians walk so uncomfortably, when they live at such a distance from Heaven. Where is joy? where is comfort? but in Heaven? Who are like to taste of these Heavenly comforts, but those who go often thither? Strangers shall not meddle with this joy. How can Heaven be matter of joy to them who are never there? nor consider the glorious things, which God hath there prepared for those who love him?
No marvail then that many Christians walk so uncomfortably, when they live at such a distance from Heaven. Where is joy? where is comfort? but in Heaven? Who are like to taste of these Heavenly comforts, but those who go often thither? Strangers shall not meddle with this joy. How can Heaven be matter of joy to them who are never there? nor consider the glorious things, which God hath there prepared for those who love him?