A41649:925
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.
Part › Chapter 10: Of Exemplary lives in Parents and Masters of Families.
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.
1. Your lives are looked upon as Presidents, your examples as rules, by your Children and Servants: and therefore you ought to be exemplarily holy, and religious. What the Wise man saith of one sin in a Ruler, If a Ruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked, is true in other sins: If a ruler, or master of a Family be a swearer, a drunkard, a Sabbath-breaker or the like; his servants are so too, or will quickly become such. For patterns are very prevalent both to Vice, and Virtue; especially the patterns of Superiors. Inferiors are very apt to follow the example of Superiors, and to tread in their steps. How ordinary is it for wicked Parents to have bad Children, and profane Masters to have wicked Servants; And no marvel, seeing Children and Servants are apt to follow the evil example of their Parents and Masters, and to write after their copy. How careful then should Parents and Masters of Families be of their lives and conversation, that they be holy and righteous, and not loose and scandalous, lest their Children and Servants should follow after them to Hell.
1. Your lives are looked upon as Presidents, your examples as rules, by your Children and Servants: and therefore you ought to be exemplarily holy, and religious. What the Wise man saith of one sin in a Ruler, If a Ruler hearken to lyes, all his servants are wicked, is true in other sins: If a ruler, or master of a Family be a swearer, a drunkard, a Sabbath-breaker or the like; his servants are so too, or will quickly become such. For patterns are very prevalent both to Vice, and Vertue; especially the patterns of Superiours. Inferiours are very apt to follow the example of Superiours, and to tread in their steps. How ordinary is it for wicked Parents to have bad Children, and prophane Masters to have wicked Servants; And no marvel, seeing Children and Servants are apt to follow the evil example of their Parents and Masters, and to write after their copy. How carefull then should Parents and Masters of Families be of their lives and conversation, that they be holy and righteous, and not loose and scandalous, lest their Children and Servants should follow after them to Hell.
2. Your holy and righteous lives will draw honour and reverence from your Children and Servants. For, the Image of God, which consisteth in true holiness and righteousness, carrieth such a Majesty in it, that it commandeth honour and reverence from others. If therefore you who are Parents and Masters will with David, walk within your houses with perfect and upright hearts, showing your selves patterns of piety, and Godliness, your Children, and Servants cannot but honour and respect you;