A41649:825
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.
Now to gather up all together. If the example of Christ be obliging to his followers: if governors of Families have opportunities and occasions of joining in Prayer with them; and it be the will of God that they take, and improve all opportunities and occasions: if governors of Families be entrusted with the souls of their Families, and this trust cannot be discharged, where this exercise is neglected, then must it be acknowledged that it is a duty incumbent on them from ⟨p. 235⟩the Lord, and that they sin against God, who make no conscience of it.
Now to gather up all together. If the example of Christ be obliging to his followers: if governours of Families have opportunities and occasions of joyning in Prayer with them; and it be the will of God that they take, and improve all opportunities and occasions: if governours of Families be intrusted with the souls of their Families, and this trust cannot be discharged, where this exercise is neglected, then must it be acknowledged that it is a duty incumbent on them from ⟨p. 235⟩the Lord, and that they sin against God, who make no conscience of it.
To what hath been said, let me farther add these two things,
1. Consider the manifold benefits which usually follow and accompany this duty of Family-prayer.