A41649:885
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.
II. Another argument may be taken from the manifold damages, which usually follow a neglect of Family Catechising.
1. It is the ground of that ignorance, and spiritual ⟨p. 246⟩blindness which overfloweth this Nation. For as darkness proceedeth from the want of light, so ignorance must needs proceed from the want of teaching.
2. It is the ground of that looseness and profaneness that is in many Families. For where Gods service hath no place, there sin will be sure to have free place. Where the light of knowledge is not set up by Catechising, there the deeds of darkness will be sure to break forth. Where there is no speaking to God by Prayer, nor speaking of God by Catechising, you may be sure, there will be speaking against God, and all the ways of holiness.
2. It is the ground of that looseness and prophaneness that is in many Families. For where Gods service hath no place, there sin will be sure to have free place. Where the light of knowledge is not set up by Catechising, there the deeds of darkness will be sure to break forth. Where there is no sp•aking to God by Prayer, nor speaking of God by Catechising, you may be sure, there will be speaking against God, and all the wayes of holiness.