A41649:821
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.
Besides, joint-prayers will be of this advantage, It will be a great help to those that are less able, to teach them to pray apart. Governors should teach theirs to pray,1 as Christ taught his Disciples. And how should they teach them? by instruction only! We may learn more of the skill, and Spirit of Prayer, by a few instructions exemplified, than by multitudes of counsels alone. The Nurse teaches the Child to speak by speaking in its hearing. By this Christian practice we shall suggest matter of Prayer to them, put words into their mouths, yea kindle desires in their hearts. Who that hath any experience knows not, how our affectionate enlargements, and importunate pleadings, and wrestlings with God in Prayer, do often warm and enlarge the hearts of those that join with us.
Besides, joynt-prayers will be of this advantage, It will be a great help to those that are less able, to teach them to pray apart. Governours should teach theirs to pray,1 as Christ taught his Disciples. And how should they teach them? by instruction only! We may learn more of the skill, and Spirit of Prayer, by a few instructions exemplified, than by multitudes of counsels alone. The Nurse teaches the Child to speak by speaking in its hearing. By this Christian practice we shall suggest matter of Prayer to them, put words into their mouths, yea kindle desires in their hearts. Who that hath any experience knows not, how our affectionate enlargements, and importunate pleadings, and wrestlings with God in Prayer, do often warm and enlarge the hearts of those that joyn with us.
- 1Longum iter per precepta, breve per exempla.
Arg. 2. Its the will of God that Christians should take and improve all opportunities, advantages, and occasions of Prayer. This proposition if it need proof,1