A41649:741
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.
4. Call to mind the fearful judgements God hath executed upon sinners; as the drowning of the old World; the raining fire and brimstone from Heaven upon Sodom and Gomorrah; the rejection of the Jews: the destruction of those famous Churches of the Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, with divers others. Consider likewise the remarkable judgements of God executed upon notorious sinners in thine own days, for their swearing, sabbath-breaking, whoring, drinking, and the like; which (through Gods blessing) may prove a special Means to keep down all sinful lusts, and inordinate affections, that they break not forth into outward gross acts.
4. Call to mind the fearfull judgements God hath executed upon sinners; as the drowning of the old World; the raining fire and brimstone from Heaven upon Sodom and Gomorrah; the rejection of the Iews: the destruction of those famous Churches of the Corinthians, Galathians, Ephesians, with divers others. Consider likewise the remarkable judgements of God executed upon notorious sinners in thine own dayes, for their swearing, sabbath-breaking, whoring, drinking, and the like; which (through Gods blessing) may prove a special Means to keep down all sinfull lusts, and inordinate affections, that they break not forth into outward gross acts.
5. Consider the deceitful nature of sin, which allureth thee with shows of pleasure, profit, credit, ease, ⟨p. 209⟩and the like? but in the end it bites like a Serpent, and stingeth like an Adder; and then thou wilt perceive how thou art beguiled, and deceived. Horror of Conscience, and hellish torment is all it will pay thee instead of the pleasure it promiseth thee: loss instead of profit, even the loss of Heaven and happiness: shame and disgrace instead of credit: anguish instead of ease:1 tribulation and anguish shall be upon every soul of man that doth evil. Jacob complained of Labans deceit about his wages: and what wilt thou think of thy wages when the pay-day comes? The wages of sin is death, wilt thou not then say, the Serpent hath beguiled me, this sin hath deceived me. Be not such a fool as to take the word of a known deceiver; away with it, crucify it, for it intends thee mischief. Be undeceived betimes: how dreadful will it be, if nothing but fire and mstone will bring thee to thy wits? If thou wilt no see the treachery of sin till it be too late to escape it?