A41649:902
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.
I. As a day of rest, resting in special from all the works of their ordinary calling. The very name Sabbath (which in Hebrew signifieth rest) and the express prohibition in the fourth Commandment of doing any work on that day, do show that it is a day of rest.
I. As a day of rest, resting in special from all the works of their ordinary calling. The very name Sabbath (which in Hebrew signifieth rest) and the express prohibition in the fourth Commandment of doing any work on that day, do shew that it is a day of rest.
How blame-worthy then are some Masters, who contrary to the express command of God, do set their Servants about the ordinary work of their calling on the Lords day. Let such know that what is got by their Servants work on that day, is but the gain of wickedness, which will prove their loss at last.
II. It is the duty of Masters to take care, that their Families keep the Lords day as an holy rest, by consecrating that time which they set apart from their Worldly business, to the worship and service of God, in the duties belonging to such an holy-day. For the Sabbath was not simply ordained, that we, and our servants should rest from our bodily labour, but that we should in a special manner worship God on that day. So much is implied both in the first and last words of the fourth Commandment. In the beginning it is said Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. And in the close it is added, The Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it, that is, sanctified it, and set it apart to be wholly consecrated to him, and to his worship and service.
II. It is the duty of Masters to take care, that their Families keep the Lords day as an holy rest, by consecratng that time which they set apart from their Worldly business, to the worship and service of God, in the duties belonging to such an holy-day. For the Sabbath was not simply ordained, that we, and our servants should rest from our bodily labour, but that we should in a special manner worship God on that day. So much is implyed both in the first and last words of the fourth Commandement. In the beginning it is said Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. And in the close it is added, The Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it, that is, sanctified it, and set it apart to be wholly consecrated to him, and to his worship and service.