A41649:798
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.
CHAP. III. The Use of Reproof of those Masters who make no Conscience of Family-duties.
CHAP. III. The Vse of Reproof of those Masters who make no Conscience of Family-duties.
Use 1. Seeing it is a Duty incumbent upon Parents, and Masters of Families, to be careful, that not only themselves, but also all under their charge, even their whole Family do faithfully serve the Lord; then they are greatly to be reproved who are neither careful to serve God themselves, neither take they any care of their Family: but as there is no fear of God in their hearts, so neither is there any fear of God in their Families. Yea instead of Gods service, there is all manner of wickedness and profaneness; so that their houses are as so many filthy cages of unclean birds, so many sties of all manner of abominations. Of whose houses we may say what Solomon said of the Harlots house, 1'Tis the way to Hell, that is, the high and ready way unto eternal death and condemnation. These men howsoever they would be esteemed good Masters, and good Governors, yet are they far from such; in that they neglect the main duty belonging to good Governors, which is to take care of the souls of those under their charge, and willingly suffer all manner ⟨p. 228⟩of wickedness, and profaneness, to rule and bear sway in their Families, and that without any check or control.
Use 1. SEeing it is a Duty incumbent upon Parents, and Masters of Families, to be carefull, that not only themselves, but also all under their charge, even their whole Family do faithfully serve the Lord; then they are greatly to be reproved who are neither carefull to serve God themselves, neither take they any care of their Family: but as there is no fear of God in their hearts, so neither is there any fear of God in their Families. Yea instead of Gods service, there is all manner of wickedness and prophaneness; so that their houses are as so many filthy cages of unclean birds, so many styes of all manner of abominations. Of whose houses we may say what Solomon said of the Harlots house,