A41649:749
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.
II. Another means on our part to be performed for the mortifying our sinful Lusts is, carefully to eschew all occasions of sin, and temptations thereunto. He who will dally with occasions of sin, is in danger of falling. He who will venture upon temptations unto wickedness, is not far from commission of it. Observe therefore what occasions and opportunities, what means and company, have at any time given advantage to thy Lust, to exert and put forth it self; and fly from them as from Hell. This is a point of true spiritual wisdom, to see sin afar off in the occasions of it; and by eschewing the one, to prevent the other.
II. Another means on our part to be performed for the mortifying our sinfull Lusts is, carefully to eschew all occasions of sin, and temptations thereunto. He who will dally with occasions of sin, is in danger of falling. He who will venture upon temptations unto wickedness, is not far from commission of it. Observe therefore what occasions and opportunities, what means and company, have at any time given advantage to thy Lust, to exert and put forth it self; and flie from them as from Hell. This is a point of true spiritual wisdom, to see sin afar off in the occasions of it; and by eschewing the one, to prevent the other.
III. Observe the first working of corruption in thine heart, and carefully suppress the same, not suffering it to get the least ground. Do not say, thus far it shall go and no farther. Give sin an inch, and it will soon take an ell, as the proverb is. Lustful thoughts have oft-times ended in outward uncleanness, and actual Adultery.1 From the heart, saith our Saviour, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, &c. Noting evil thoughts to be the cause of the uncleanness in the life. ⟨p. 212⟩In Athaliah's Massacre of the blood-royal, young Joash was hid in the bed-chamber, there he was nursed, and afterwards came to be King, and ruled in the Throne. Save any Lustful thought, nurse it in the bed-chamber of thy heart, hide it there, and it will in time come to be King, and rule over thee.