A41649:751
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.
So soon therefore as any lustful or exorbitant thoughts begin to arise in thine heart, speedily reject the same: quench the fire in the thatch; crush the Cockatrice in the Egg: stifle the first conception of sin. Certainly as it is a dangerous neglect not to observe and embrace the first motions of Gods spirit in us: so likewise not to take notice of the first thoughts and rising of sin in our hearts. He who slights sinful thoughts,1 is in a fair way to sinful actions. They that are Christs, saith the Apostle, have Crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. The very affections and lusts of the flesh must be Crucified, if we would prevent the works of the flesh.
So soon therefore as any lustful or exorbitant thoughts begin to arise in thine heart, speedily reject the same: quench the fire in the thatch; crush the Cockatrice in the Egge: stifle the first conception of sin. Certainly as it is a dangerous neglect not to observe and embrace the first motions of Gods spirit in us: so likewise not to take notice of the first thoughts and rising of sin in our hearts. He who slights sinfull thoughts,1 is in a fair way to sinfull actions. They that are Christs, saith the Apostle, have Crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. The very affections and lusts of the flesh must be Crucified, if we would prevent the works of the flesh.
IV. Sir up in thy self an earnest desire to have thy lusts mortified and subdued. The reason why no more is done against sin is, because we are too well contented to let it alone; when nothing but the death of sin will satisfy thee, thou wilt then use thy Weapons: when once thou desirest in earnest the destruction of thine iniquities, there's hope they will not be long lived. For God hath promised to satisfy the desire of those that fear him, he will hear their groanings and deliver them.