A41649:74
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 2: The Exposition and Observations arising out of verse 3.
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.
And certainly one special reason why many go drooping and groaning so long under the bondage of corruption, under the weight and burden of their spiritual maladies, and diseases, is, because they do not go unto Christ by prayer for freedom from the same: or through the weakness of their faith, they do not believe Christ is, as able, so willing to help and deliver them. For what Christ said to the poor man who came unto him in behalf of his possessed child, the same he saith to thee,1 If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
Obj. Some are apt to say, I have often gone unto ⟨p. 11⟩Christ by Prayer, earnestly begging of him to strengthen my weak graces, to subdue my strong lusts and corruptions, to mollify my hard heart, &c. but I cannot pray in faith: I cannot believe that he is, as able, so willing to grant my requests.
Obj. Some are apt to say, I have often gone unto ⟨p. 11⟩Christ by Prayer, earnestly begging of him to strengthen my weak graces, to subdue my strong lusts and corruptions, to mollifie my hard heart, &c. but I cannot pray in faith: I cannot believe that he is, as able, so willing to grant my requests.
Answ. 1. Thou mayest pray in faith, even then when thou thinkest thou dost not believe. Weak Christians are often mistaken here, supposing that if they be not confidently persuaded that God will hear them, they do not pray in faith. Whereas it is not a confidence that God will hear us, but a dependence upon Christ in hope of audience, that is our set evidence of faith in prayer. Thou sayest thou prayest, and prayest, but canst not be persuaded that the holy God will hear the prayers of such a vile and unworthy wretch, and thereupon concludest that thou dost not pray in faith. But let me ask thee, Dost thou offer up thy prayers in the name of Christ? dost thou depend upon him in hope of an answer for his sake? this is praying in faith.