A41649:715
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.
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?
6. Another benefit of divine contemplation, is a profitable improvement of time. For thereby all the chinks, ⟨p. 202⟩and crevices of our time will be filled up. There need be no vacuity, when we have work that is so proper for every season; yea and that will whet and quicken us, to what ever other work God hath for us to do. The most contemplative Christians are the most active. Our holy thoughts will set us upon our holy work; the thoughtless are usually the most fruitless of men.
7. Victory over our lusts and corruptions, is another benefit of divine contemplation. It is recorded of Noah, that though he lived in wicked and corrupt times, yet he was a just and upright man. 1