A41649:793
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 that if Parents and Masters of Families, respect either that charge God hath laid upon them, whereof they are to give an account to him at the great day: or that good and benefit, which themselves may reap thereby; they will see good and just ground to be diligent and constant in the discharge of holy duties with their Family.
R. V. Another reason may be taken from the manifold mischiefs, which usually follow, and accompany the neglect of family duties.
1. From hence come all Domestic brawls and contentions; hence it is that the house is divided against it self; Husband against Wife, and Wife against Husband; Master against Servant, and Servant against Master; Parent against Child, and Child against Parent; which would be prevented were the Lord better known, and more duly worshipped amongst them. For where God is served with perfect purity, there is perfect peace. But where God is not served, there is no peace, but jars and contentions, strife and debate; which giveth great advantage unto Satan the archenemy of mankind,1 who like a roaring Lyon walketh about continually seeking whom he may devour.
1. From hence come all Domestick brawls and contentions; hence it is that the house is divided against it self; Husband against Wife, and Wife against Husband; Master against Servant, and Servant against Master; Parent against Child, and Child against Parent; which would be prevented were the Lord better known, and more duly worshipped amongst them. For where God is served with perfect purity, there is perfect peace. But where God is not served, there is no peace, but jarrs and contentions, strife and debate; which giveth great advantage unto Satan the archenemy of mankind,