A41649:946
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.
but this is my comfort, that Jesus Christ came into the World to save sinners, and why not me? why not me? I acknowledge my self to be a great sinner: but yet again thy Word testifieth, That Jesus Christ came to save the chief of sinners. Therefore will I not despair of mercy, but am resolved to cast my self, and the burden of my sins into the arms, and upon the shoulders of Jesus Christ. Be pleased to accept of what Christ hath done and suffered for me, and to accept of me in him. Turn me, O Lord, unto thee, and through him let me be reconciled unto thee. Slay the enmity, and subdue the rebellion of mine heart against thee. Wash my ⟨image 145⟩polluted soul with his most precious blood; clothe my nakedness with the long white robe of his righteousness, fill my emptiness out of that fullness which is in Jesus Christ. Enrich my soul with all needful saving, sanctifying graces. Let the faith of Gods Elect, let the love and fear of thy name be shed abroad in my heart. Oh that every grace may more and more flourish in me, and my lusts more and more wither and decay in me. Let my covetousness dye, let my pride, and envy, and passion, and sensuality dye; let the whole body of death be destroyed, that I may no longer serve sin. Oh give me grace in this my day to know the things that belong to my peace, to make a right use of this time of my visitation. As Christ is now frequently tendered in the Ministry of the Gospel as a Saviour to poor sinners: So Lord, give me grace fiducially to close with the offers and tenders of him, that Christ may be mine, and I his. And as thou hast been pleased to afford unto me the means of grace, so I pray thee, help me to carry my self in some measure suitable and answerable thereunto; that I may not be a shame, but rather a credit to Religion, and my profession thereof. To this end teach me to deny all ungodliness and Worldly lusts, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present World. Blessed Lord, seeing without thy blessing it will be in vain to put forth my own pains and endeavours, I beseech thee to help me to labour in the work of the Lord, and to crown my pains and endeavours with a blessing from Heaven. Make me more spiritual in Worldly businesses; and less worldly in spiritual businesses. ⟨image 145⟩Be pleased to put good meditations into my mind, and holy desires into my heart.
but this is my comfort, that Jesus Christ came into the World to save sinners, and why not me? why not me? I acknowledge my self to be a great sinner: but yet again thy Word testifieth, That Jesus Christ came to save the chief of sinners. Therefore will I not despair of mercy, but am resolved to cast my self, and the burden of my sins into the arms, and upon the shoulders of Jesus Christ. Be pleased to accept of what Christ hath done and suffered for me, and to accept of me in him. Turn me, O Lord, unto thee, and through him let me be reconciled unto thee. Slay the enmity, and subdue the rebellion of mine heart against thee. Wash my