A41649:79
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.
4. Know that thy corruption neither is, nor will be utterly destroyed, so long as thou livest here in this World; neither will thy spiritual maladies and diseases be quite cured, but they do and will continue in some measure and degree; partly to bring down thy pride, which of all sins is the most odious and abominable unto God; and to advance thy humility, which of all graces is most pleasing and acceptable unto God: and partly that thou mayest have frequent occasion of going unto God by prayer for help and strength against the power of thy lusts and corruptions.
5. Know, that power against sin, increase of grace, an humble, tender, clean heart, are mercies as worth the praying for, so worth the waiting for. Christs delays are no denials: thou canst not say, he will not, because yet he hath not given thee thy desires. Be not weary of seeking; in due season thou shalt reap, if thou faint not.
Before I leave this point, I shall add one word by way of caution. Beware thou mistake not thy self.
Take not thy self to be one of little faith, whilst thou hast no faith. Let not unbelievers catch at the comforts and encouragements that belong to the least of Saints; that which is their meat, will be thy poison. Comforts falsely applied, though they be sweet in the mouth, will prove curses in the belly. Hast thou no faith? Oh tremble, this is the word that belongs to thee,