in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o confession_n vers_fw-la 12._o interpon_v a_o thanksgiving_n and_o prayer_n bless_a be_v thou_o o_o lord_n teach_v i_o thy_o statute_n the_o three_o part_n be_v in_o the_o 15._o and_o 16._o verse_n contain_v a_o fourfold_a promise_n further_o according_a to_o his_o fourefolde_n former_a confession_n which_o be_v first_o 15._o meditation_n in_o his_o precept_n second_o consideration_n of_o his_o way_n 16._o three_o delight_n in_o his_o statute_n and_o four_a remembrance_n of_o his_o word_n the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o octonarie_n contain_v in_o this_o first_o verse_n thereof_o be_v divide_v again_o in_o two_o part_n a_o question_n and_o answer_v make_v thereunto_o albeit_o there_o be_v some_o who_o make_v all_o the_o verse_n a_o question_n only_o thereby_o denote_v the_o difficulty_n chief_o in_o young_a man_n to_o live_v according_a to_o god_n law_n &_o frame_v it_o so_o according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n whereby_o shall_v a_o young_a man_n cleanse_v his_o way_n that_o he_o may_v keep_v the_o same_o according_a to_o thy_o word_n the_o question_n wherewith_o shall_v a_o young_a man_n redress_v his_o way_n in_o this_o question_n there_o be_v four_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v first_o the_o person_n concern_v who_o this_o question_n be_v move_v describe_v by_o his_o age_n a_o young_a man_n second_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o question_n a_o young_a man_n way_n three_o a_o action_n be_v set_v down_o redress_v or_o cleanse_v thereof_o in_o futuro_fw-la of_o the_o contrary_a thereby_o signify_v the_o present_a estate_n thereof_o to_o be_v unclean_a and_o unredress_v in_o itself_o and_o the_o four_o mean_n wherein_o or_o wherewith_o this_o action_n shall_v be_v perform_v by_o way_n of_o interrogation_n denote_v the_o difficulty_n thereof_o the_o answer_n have_v reference_n unto_o the_o question_n propound_v so_o wherewith_o shall_v a_o young_a man_n redress_v his_o way_n in_o take_v heed_n thereto_o where_o the_o action_n of_o redress_v and_o take_v heed_n have_v their_o reference_n the_o rule_n of_o both_o be_v according_a to_o thy_o word_n the_o translation_n of_o the_o question_n according_a to_o the_o original_n in_o the_o hebrew_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o quo_fw-la mundabit_fw-la etc._n etc._n wherein_o shall_v a_o young_a man_n cleanse_v his_o way_n 5._o as_o if_o he_o will_v say_v see_v the_o way_n of_o all_o man_n be_v defile_v with_o many_o enormity_n and_o much_o filthiness_n of_o sin_n in_o all_o age_n but_o chief_o youth_n be_v pollute_v with_o great_a iniquity_n and_o uncleanness_n of_o the_o burn_a lust_n of_o the_o carnal_a affection_n therefore_o sin_n in_o they_o be_v most_o strong_a and_o so_o most_o severe_o and_o soon_o to_o be_v repress_v wherein_n or_o in_o what_o manner_n shall_v a_o young_a man_n purge_v the_o uncleanness_n of_o his_o youth_n and_o redress_v these_o strong_a enormity_n of_o his_o life_n the_o vulgar_a translation_n be_v wherewith_o or_o by_o what_o way_n or_o mean_n may_v or_o shall_v a_o young_a man_n redress_n and_o rectify_v his_o way_n and_o course_n of_o live_v all_o to_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o meaning_n first_o that_o this_o admonition_n and_o exhortation_n of_o young_a man_n in_o this_o verse_n be_v propound_v question-wise_a wherewith_o &c_n &c_n it_o teach_v we_o first_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o redress_v the_o way_n of_o our_o youth_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o perverse_a and_o adverse_a nature_n thereof_o from_o hear_v good_a counsel_n and_o the_o godly_a grave_a instruction_n of_o our_o elder_n as_o also_o of_o the_o unaptnes_n of_o this_o age_n to_o follow_v or_o to_o embrace_v the_o same_o except_o by_o god_n special_a grace_n it_o be_v assist_v &_o second_v which_o be_v plain_o manifest_v in_o the_o example_n of_o those_o in_o the_o primitive_a world_n that_o despise_v old_a noah_n instruction_n of_o the_o sodomite_n and_o chief_o the_o two_o son_n in_o law_n of_o old_a lot_n to_o who_o he_o appear_v to_o mock_v when_o wise_o and_o love_o he_o warn_v they_o to_o flee_v god_n judgement_n of_o the_o two_o son_n of_o old_a eli_n who_o despise_v their_o father_n reproof_n and_o warning_n to_o abstain_v from_o the_o filthy_a lust_n and_o sin_n with_o sundry_a other_o who_o end_n be_v ever_o fearful_a destruction_n and_o overthrow_n for_o youth_n like_o a_o untamed_a or_o wild_a colt_n can_v hardly_o hear_v or_o will_v obey_v the_o strait_a bridle_n that_o restrain_v liberty_n it_o can_v away_o with_o grave_a counsel_n of_o his_o elder_n but_o as_o foolish_a rehoboam_n despise_v his_o father_n old_a counsellor_n and_o hear_v the_o furious_a and_o hot_a young_a man_n that_o be_v bring_v up_o with_o he_o so_o they_o think_v old_a age_n dote_v and_o willing_o have_v a_o ready_a ear_n open_a to_o the_o entice_a siren_n of_o their_o own_o affection_n and_o youthly_a lust_n who_o be_v their_o young_a counsellor_n and_o placebos_n hear_v and_o be_v seduce_v by_o they_o till_o many_o of_o they_o have_v lose_v a_o great_a kingdom_n than_o solomon_n can_v leave_v to_o his_o son_n even_o that_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n which_o christ_n have_v purchase_v by_o his_o blood_n they_o will_v follow_v whether_o they_o draw_v they_o and_o sail_v as_o they_o blow_v in_o their_o sail_n till_o on_o the_o pernicious_a rock_n of_o fearful_a destruction_n many_o of_o they_o make_v shipwreck_n they_o will_v not_o be_v recall_v nor_o awake_a but_o lie_v asleep_a upon_o the_o deceitful_a knee_n of_o the_o delay_n and_o dally_v dalilah_n of_o the_o filthy_a lust_n and_o vain_a poisonable_a pleasure_n until_o they_o have_v lose_v their_o strength_n god_n grace_n and_o benefit_n bestow_v upon_o they_o become_v a_o mock_a stock_n for_o their_o enemy_n and_o a_o ready_a prey_n for_o satan_n that_o greedy_a devour_a lyon_n therefore_o let_v all_o young_a man_n consider_v that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o youth_n be_v such_o to_o hear_v or_o obey_v good_a and_o grave_a instruction_n whereby_o their_o way_n may_v be_v redress_v desire_v and_o entreat_v earnest_o of_o god_n almighty_a to_o give_v they_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n that_o their_o ear_n may_v be_v willing_o and_o ready_o open_a to_o hear_v his_o word_n and_o the_o godly_a admonition_n of_o their_o elder_n to_o give_v they_o heart_n to_o understand_v aright_o that_o it_o be_v for_o their_o great_a &_o only_o good_a to_o follow_v the_o same_o to_o shut_v their_o ear_n and_o heart_n to_o all_o entice_a of_o sin_n or_o vice_n &_o to_o direct_v their_o footstep_n into_o his_o holy_a way_n that_o by_o his_o grace_n they_o may_v the_o more_o easy_o walk_v from_o grace_n to_o grace_n &_o true_o such_o difficulty_n resist_v &_o overcome_v make_v a_o great_a and_o more_o glorious_a victory_n to_o every_o young_a man_n who_o have_v god_n fear_n before_o his_o eye_n the_o second_o thing_n which_o we_o note_v by_o the_o interrogative_n set_v down_o of_o this_o exhortation_n of_o youth_n be_v not_o only_o the_o forenamed_a natural_a difficulty_n in_o they_o for_o redress_v of_o their_o way_n but_o also_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o youth_n as_o the_o prophet_n here_o in_o the_o person_n of_o a_o young_a man_n plain_o show_v which_o be_v that_o every_o one_o shall_v enter_v into_o a_o diligent_a examination_n &_o inquisition_n of_o his_o way_n and_o that_o not_o consult_v with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n for_o then_o many_o excuse_n and_o delay_n shall_v be_v but_o with_o the_o prophet_n here_o with_o and_o before_o god_n alone_o inquire_v of_o his_o way_n according_a to_o his_o word_n the_o further_a command_n of_o this_o duty_n beside_o the_o prophet_n example_n here_o be_v plain_o set_v down_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n lam._n 3._o 40._o let_v we_o search_v and_o try_v our_o way_n and_o turn_v again_o unto_o the_o lord_n the_o neglect_n and_o incommoditie_n whereof_o the_o same_o prophet_n complain_v great_o upon_o jere._n 8._o 6._o i_o hearken_v &_o hear_v but_o none_o speak_v aright_o no_o man_n repent_v he_o of_o his_o wickedness_n say_v what_o have_v i_o do_v the_o incommoditie_n follow_v every_o one_o therefore_o turn_v to_o his_o race_n as_o a_o horse_n russh_v into_o the_o battle_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n also_o the_o apostle_n command_v the_o same_o duty_n 2._o cor._n 13._o 5._o prove_v yourselves_o whether_o you_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n 28._o examine_v yourselves_o know_v you_o not_o your_o own_o self_n how_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o you_o except_o you_o be_v reprobate_n so_o that_o this_o trial_n and_o diligent_a examination_n must_v be_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o every_o true_a christian_a young_a and_o old_a and_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o very_a first_o step_n to_o salvation_n marry_o magdalen_n before_o ever_o she_o can_v come_v near_o to_o christ_n or_o find_v any_o comfort_n in_o he_o she_o try_v and_o with_o
his_o fellow_n therefore_o in_o our_o youth_n &_o tender_a year_n if_o we_o will_v be_v account_v or_o any_o way_n esteem_v to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o member_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v temple_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o have_v our_o name_n write_v in_o that_o book_n of_o life_n or_o ever_o to_o expect_v participation_n or_o enjoy_n of_o the_o endless_a and_o infinite_a joy_n of_o heaven_n then_o let_v we_o by_o the_o assistance_n and_o strength_n of_o that_o strong_a man_n jesus_n christ_n who_o have_v overcome_v and_o subdue_v all_o and_o by_o the_o special_a grace_n of_o his_o bless_a and_o powerful_a spirit_n strive_v to_o bind_v &_o expel_v that_o usurp_a tyrant_n out_o of_o the_o precious_a house_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o to_o shut_v he_o out_o of_o the_o gate_n and_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n that_o we_o be_v none_o of_o his_o possession_n or_o vessel_n in_o his_o house_n and_o with_o all_o our_o strength_n diligence_n and_o power_n seek_v to_o redress_v our_o soul_n and_o heart_n again_o and_o make_v it_o fit_a and_o meet_v for_o the_o habitation_n &_o abide_a place_n of_o that_o clean_a and_o holy_a spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n only_o be_v sanctify_v by_o his_o grace_n in_o all_o the_o member_n of_o our_o body_n &_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n that_o the_o lord_n of_o rest_n may_v give_v rest_n to_o our_o cescience_n &_o rest_n by_o his_o comfortable_a presence_n in_o our_o heart_n continual_o let_v we_o lift_v up_o the_o celestial_a and_o everlasting_a gate_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o let_v the_o king_n of_o glory_n enter_v in_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n and_o redress_v by_o his_o grace_n our_o unclean_a and_o enormous_a way_n of_o sin_n and_o unrighteousness_n the_o second_o word_n to_o wit_n cleanse_v according_a to_o the_o original_a word_n in_o the_o hebrew_n text_n which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d mundabit_fw-la be_v take_v likewise_o by_o a_o metaphor_n chief_o from_o vessel_n which_o use_v to_o be_v make_v clean_o and_o purge_v when_o they_o be_v foul_a or_o pollute_v with_o any_o thing_n according_a to_o christ_n word_n matth._n 23._o 25._o in_o reprehend_v of_o the_o hypocritical_a scribe_n &_o pharisee_n who_o do_v make_v clean_o the_o outter_n side_n of_o the_o cup_n &_o platter_n but_o within_o be_v full_a of_o hypocrisy_n and_o iniquity_n so_o indeed_o all_o man_n young_a and_o old_a we_o be_v god_n vessel_n either_o of_o honour_n or_o dishonour_n appoint_v either_o continual_o to_o remain_v in_o his_o sight_n or_o eternal_o to_o be_v reject_v and_o banish_v from_o his_o glorious_a presence_n there_o be_v no_o day_n also_o but_o we_o be_v pollute_v chief_o in_o youth_n and_o desile_v with_o some_o uncleanness_n of_o sin_n and_o our_o filthy_a lust_n and_o affection_n ever_o do_v infect_v we_o therefore_o continual_o we_o must_v endeavour_n and_o seek_v with_o earnest_a prayer_n that_o we_o may_v cleanse_v and_o purge_v according_a to_o christ_n commandment_n first_o 26._o the_o inside_n of_o the_o cup_n and_o platter_n that_o the_o outside_n of_o they_o may_v be_v clean_o also_o in_o our_o youth_n we_o be_v as_o new_a vessel_n in_o god_n house_n if_o at_o any_o time_n a_o vessel_n be_v esteem_v of_o or_o be_v clean_o it_o be_v when_o it_o be_v new_a &_o therefore_o in_o our_o youth_n let_v we_o chief_o try_v and_o know_v if_o we_o be_v vessel_n of_o honour_n if_o we_o be_v sure_o than_o we_o must_v be_v most_o clean_a for_o a_o precious_a vessel_n of_o honour_n ordain_v to_o be_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o prince_n be_v never_o defile_v with_o filthiness_n nor_o suffer_v to_o be_v put_v to_o a_o unclean_a use_n chief_o be_v as_o yet_o new_a but_o if_o we_o find_v ourselves_o pollute_v with_o filthiness_n in_o our_o youth_n and_o newness_n &_o our_o soul_n make_v the_o receptacle_n of_o stink_a lust_n and_o of_o all_o impurity_n of_o sin_n let_v we_o fear_v and_o suspect_v that_o except_o god_n of_o his_o free_a mercy_n and_o grace_n create_v and_o frame_v we_o of_o a_o new_a again_o and_o purge_v we_o from_o all_o our_o iniquity_n that_o we_o can_v judge_v ourselves_o to_o be_v no_o other_o but_o vessel_n of_o rejection_n impurity_n and_o dishonour_n therefore_o in_o youth_n while_o the_o filth_n of_o sin_n stick_v not_o so_o fast_o upon_o the_o vessel_n of_o our_o soul_n nor_o the_o old_a man_n of_o iniquity_n have_v not_o take_v so_o long_o &_o strong_a possession_n of_o the_o house_n of_o our_o heart_n as_o he_o may_v plead_v long_a custom_n or_o defend_v it_o let_v we_o purge_v by_o the_o tear_n of_o true_a repentance_n our_o filthy_a blot_n &_o uncleanness_n of_o sin_n and_o desire_v that_o unspotted_a lamb_n by_o his_o precious_a bloodshed_n to_o purge_v we_o likewise_o from_o the_o guilt_n thereof_o let_v we_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o gracious_a spirit_n expel_v that_o unclean_a spirit_n of_o sin_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o redress_v the_o room_n and_o house_n of_o our_o soul_n with_o open_a gate_n to_o receive_v retain_v and_o entertain_v with_o joy_n that_o spirit_n of_o all_o cleanness_n of_o joy_n and_o endless_a comfort_n as_o jesus_n christ_n our_o saviour_n have_v command_v let_v we_o first_o purge_v &_o make_v clean_o the_o inside_n of_o the_o cup_n &_o platter_n that_o the_o outside_n may_v be_v clean_o also_o that_o be_v let_v we_o begin_v &_o purge_v the_o worm_n of_o sin_n and_o corruption_n from_o the_o root_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o the_o branch_n with_o the_o fruit_n of_o word_n and_o deed_n shall_v prosper_v the_o better_a begin_v and_o purify_v the_o spring_n and_o the_o stream_n that_o run_v therefrom_o shall_v be_v the_o clear_a out_o of_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o mouth_n speak_v and_o according_a as_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v so_o the_o work_v proceed_v and_o the_o member_n execute_v their_o command_n this_o purify_n be_v by_o true_a repentance_n with_o marie_n magdalen_n in_o sorrow_v true_o for_o our_o sin_n and_o in_o all_o humility_n wash_v his_o foot_n with_o the_o tear_n of_o deep_a remorse_n constant_o endeavour_v never_o to_o sin_n no_o more_o and_o by_o a_o lively_a faith_n in_o the_o arm_n of_o our_o soul_n embrace_v and_o apprehend_v the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o death_n as_o our_o only_a righteousness_n obedience_n and_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n before_o the_o father_n and_o by_o good_a work_n and_o a_o sanctify_a holy_a life_n show_v our_o faith_n and_o god_n mercy_n manifest_v in_o we_o to_o our_o life_n end_n to_o the_o good_a example_n of_o other_o and_o our_o own_o soul_n salvation_n this_o action_n of_o cleanse_v or_o redress_v be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o future_a time_n qui_fw-la nam_fw-la mundabit_fw-la etc._n etc._n wherewith_o shall_v a_o young_a man_n cleanse_v his_o way_n note_v thereby_o the_o present_a estate_n thereof_o to_o be_v unredress_v and_o unclean_a whereby_o we_o learn_v and_o may_v observe_v first_o that_o howsoever_o we_o flatter_v or_o excuse_v ourselves_o in_o any_o age_n but_o chief_o in_o our_o youth_n that_o our_o way_n nor_o course_n of_o life_n be_v not_o so_o unclean_a nor_o worthy_a of_o reproof_n but_o may_v be_v easy_o bear_v with_o &_o soon_o redress_v oramend_v yet_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o this_o place_n of_o his_o sacred_a word_n do_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o holy_a prophet_n show_v unto_o we_o that_o our_o way_n be_v so_o unclean_a and_o filthy_a that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a &_o difficult_a thing_n to_o redress_v or_o cleanse_v they_o their_o pollution_n be_v so_o great_a which_o he_o will_v signify_v by_o ask_v interrogative_o how_o they_o shall_v be_v redress_v and_o therefore_o that_o in_o all_o humility_n and_o low_a submission_n of_o heart_n in_o our_o youth_n and_o in_o all_o age_n we_o shall_v acknowledge_v the_o infinite_a greatness_n of_o our_o transgression_n and_o filthy_a uncleanness_n of_o sin_n which_o can_v be_v cleanse_v but_o by_o a_o infinite_a purgation_n even_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o infinite_a and_o unsearchable_a mercy_n shed_v for_o mankind_n which_o we_o shall_v daily_o beg_v and_o continual_o thirst_v after_o the_o same_o greedy_o walk_v worthy_a hereafter_o as_o those_o who_o be_v redeem_v with_o so_o precious_a a_o price_n second_o we_o may_v observe_v here_o the_o mark_n and_o difference_n betwixt_o a_o godly_a and_o ungodly_a young_a man_n the_o one_o consult_v and_o ask_v at_o god_n whereby_o he_o may_v redress_v and_o purge_v his_o way_n the_o other_o consult_v with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o ask_v counsel_n at_o satan_n and_o his_o own_o filthy_a lust_n and_o affection_n whereby_o he_o may_v defile_v and_o pollute_v his_o way_n the_o only_a care_n and_o vigilant_a study_n of_o the_o one_o
they_o lose_v a_o kingdom_n to_o the_o which_o he_o be_v call_v by_o the_o wicked_a and_o furious_a hot_a counsellor_n of_o our_o lust_n and_o affection_n in_o our_o youth_n let_v we_o not_o also_o loose_a the_o glorious_a kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o the_o which_o we_o be_v likewise_o call_v by_o god_n word_n neither_o as_o the_o young_a man_n love_n to_o his_o riches_n make_v he_o to_o forsake_v christ_n let_v the_o unclean_a love_n or_o desire_v to_o follow_v our_o youthly_a pleasure_n or_o to_o fulfil_v our_o filthy_a lust_n and_o affection_n draw_v we_o from_o follow_v jesus_n christ_n our_o saviour_n and_o these_o godly_a example_n and_o pattern_n of_o youth_n which_o in_o his_o word_n we_o have_v here_o set_v before_o our_o eye_n but_o with_o young_a samuel_n when_o the_o lord_n call_v we_o in_o his_o church_n to_o hear_v and_o do_v his_o word_n let_v we_o so_o oft_o answer_v lord_n here_o be_o i_o thy_o servant_n to_o do_v thy_o godly_a will_n speak_v for_o thy_o servant_n hear_v while_o the_o spring_n and_o seed_n time_n be_v of_o our_o tender_a year_n let_v we_o so_o sow_v as_o we_o will_v reap_v and_o so_o bud_v as_o we_o will_v ripen_v our_o youth_n be_v the_o day_n to_o do_v our_o work_n in_o the_o night_n of_o age_n come_v wherein_o we_o can_v work_v in_o that_o time_n we_o shall_v say_v only_o i_o may_v have_v be_v learned_a i_o may_v have_v be_v so_o or_o so_o if_o i_o have_v use_v my_o time_n aright_o but_o winter_n be_v come_v before_o i_o think_v on_o seedtime_n and_o time_n bald_a backside_n be_v turn_v to_o i_o but_o the_o hairy_a forehead_n which_o i_o may_v have_v catch_v hold_n by_o be_v already_o past_a therefore_o the_o wise_a man_n say_v remember_v now_o thy_o creator_n in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o youth_n while_o the_o evil_a day_n come_v not_o nor_o the_o year_n approach_v wherein_o thou_o shall_v say_v i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o they_o while_o the_o sun_n be_v not_o dark_a nor_o the_o light_n nor_o the_o moon_n nor_o the_o star_n nor_o the_o cloud_n return_v after_o rain_n when_o the_o keeper_n of_o the_o house_n shall_v tremble_v and_o the_o strong_a man_n shall_v â—ow_o themselves_o &_o the_o grinder_n shall_v cease_v because_o they_o be_v few_o and_o they_o wax_v dark_a that_o look_v out_o by_o the_o window_n etc._n etc._n describe_v so_o metaphorical_o the_o infirmity_n of_o old_a age_n they_o who_o step_v in_o first_o when_o the_o angel_n come_v down_o and_o trouble_v the_o water_n of_o the_o pool_n bethesda_n be_v cure_v of_o their_o disease_n so_o if_o we_o will_v be_v cure_v of_o our_o soul_n disease_n and_o leprosy_n of_o sin_n we_o must_v strive_v to_o step_v in_o first_o before_o other_o in_o our_o youth_n without_o linger_a to_o be_v wash_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o live_v a_o pure_a unspotted_a life_n joseph_n before_o the_o time_n of_o famine_n come_v lay_v up_o abundance_n of_o corn_n provident_o for_o the_o same_o so_o before_o the_o lean_a and_o crinkle_a year_n of_o age_n come_v we_o must_v provident_o in_o the_o summer_n of_o youth_n with_o the_o bee_n and_o ant_n gather_v and_o lay_v up_o food_n for_o our_o soul_n fill_v the_o storehouse_n of_o our_o heart_n full_a with_o the_o knowledge_n and_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n to_o be_v our_o comfort_n and_o ease_v in_o that_o time_n that_o here_o &_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v we_o may_v be_v account_v among_o the_o number_n and_o of_o the_o sort_n of_o those_o forename_a who_o dedicate_v their_o youth_n and_o first_o fruit_n thereof_o to_o god_n their_o heavenly_a father_n and_o now_o do_v enjoy_v the_o joyful_a recompense_n of_o their_o labour_n with_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lamb_n for_o ever_o to_o remain_v the_o answer_n that_o be_v make_v unto_o this_o question_n be_v this_o in_o take_v heed_n thereto_o according_a to_o thy_o word_n that_o be_v by_o these_o mean_n a_o young_a man_n may_v redress_v his_o way_n and_o course_n of_o life_n if_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o prescript_n of_o thy_o holy_a word_n o_o lord_n he_o take_v heed_n thereto_o diligent_o and_o strait_o mark_v examine_v and_o judge_v the_o same_o and_o rectify_v all_o his_o way_n and_o action_n by_o the_o direct_a line_n and_o rule_v of_o thy_o commandment_n this_o answer_n be_v make_v by_o way_n of_o prayer_n or_o confession_n to_o god_n or_o as_o it_o be_v by_o resolution_n from_o god_n in_o take_v heed_n thereto_o use_v according_a to_o thy_o word_n thereby_o show_v and_o teach_v all_o man_n that_o to_o know_v will_n or_o do_v aright_o as_o god_n have_v command_v according_a to_o his_o word_n be_v not_o of_o our_o strength_n neither_o can_v flesh_n and_o blood_n reveal_v it_o unto_o we_o but_o our_o heavenly_a father_n &_o it_o be_v the_o gracious_a work_n of_o his_o glorious_a spirit_n who_o as_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_v proceed_v of_o his_o special_a illumination_n so_o the_o act_n and_o do_v of_o the_o same_o in_o a_o holy_a and_o upright_o life_n be_v of_o his_o special_a grace_n and_o powerful_a operation_n also_o who_o give_v thou_o knowledge_n will_n and_o power_n to_o do_v the_o same_o velle_fw-la &_o perficerâ—_n by_o enlighten_v our_o understanding_n reform_v our_o wicked_a will_n and_o conform_v the_o same_o unto_o the_o holy_a and_o perfect_a will_n of_o god_n and_o with_o his_o command_n to_o rise_v from_o the_o sleep_n and_o death_n of_o sin_n to_o a_o new_a and_o sanctify_a life_n give_v we_o a_o power_n and_o flow_a light_n and_o life_n from_o himself_o to_o do_v so_o as_o when_o christ_n our_o saviour_n say_v talitha_n cumi_fw-la or_o lazarus_n arise_v etc._n etc._n and_o at_o that_o last_o day_n when_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v rise_v dead_a folk_n come_v to_o judgement_n and_o so_o in_o all_o god_n word_n when_o he_o command_v to_o repent_v believe_v bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n or_o so_o we_o must_v not_o thereby_o think_v because_o god_n command_v so_o therefore_o that_o we_o have_v knowledge_n or_o freewill_n to_o do_v or_o not_o do_v so_o but_o with_o the_o command_n there_o flow_v a_o concomitating_a power_n and_o virtue_n from_o god_n spirit_n to_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o faithful_a predestinate_a for_o salvation_n to_o do_v this_o command_n as_o a_o further_a induration_n to_o harden_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n of_o reprobation_n in_o their_o stiffnecked_a disobedience_n to_o god_n will_v even_o as_o at_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n the_o figtree_n wither_v free_a will_n then_o and_o strength_n of_o ourselves_o to_o know_v and_o do_v evil_a we_o have_v for_o it_o be_v according_a to_o our_o nature_n for_o by_o nature_n we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o wrath_n and_o all_o the_o imagination_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v only_o evil_a continual_o from_o our_o very_a infancy_n and_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o our_o flesh_n for_o the_o flesh_n covet_v against_o the_o spirit_n but_o to_o know_v will_n or_o to_o do_v well_o we_o have_v no_o power_n at_o all_o but_o it_o be_v god_n sanctify_a spirit_n who_o give_v both_o and_o it_o be_v above_o nature_n yea_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o spirit_n against_o nature_n therefore_o let_v we_o not_o trust_v to_o our_o own_o knowledge_n or_o wisdom_n for_o it_o be_v darkness_n &_o foolishness_n nor_o think_v of_o our_o own_o will_n or_o strength_n that_o we_o can_v do_v or_o true_o desire_v or_o know_v that_o which_o be_v good_a be_v so_o perverse_a and_o wicked_a but_o with_o the_o prophet_n after_o his_o example_n acknowledge_v all_o our_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n or_o of_o the_o right_a way_n to_o salvation_n to_o proceed_v only_o from_o the_o illumination_n of_o his_o good_a spirit_n and_o that_o the_o will_n or_o strength_n to_o do_v and_o perform_v the_o same_o be_v only_o his_o own_o free_a work_n in_o mercy_n also_o and_o let_v we_o by_o earnest_a prayer_n as_o in_o all_o age_n so_o chief_o in_o our_o youth_n implore_v his_o holy_a help_n to_o teach_v we_o according_a to_o his_o word_n how_o to_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n and_o to_o take_v heed_n to_o our_o own_o in_o great_a difficulty_n consult_v with_o he_o who_o be_v true_a light_n and_o wisdom_n and_o in_o who_o be_v no_o change_n in_o great_a tentation_n by_o continual_a prayer_n let_v we_o fly_v to_o he_o that_o with_o his_o all-sufficient_a grace_n he_o may_v ever_o assist_v we_o when_o satan_n will_v not_o only_o buffet_v but_o kill_v &_o devour_v our_o soul_n with_o the_o poison_n of_o sin_n and_o our_o own_o lust_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n let_v he_o be_v our_o only_a refuge_n resolution_n and_o comfort_n continual_o in_o take_v heed_n thereto_o etc._n etc._n this_o action_n of_o take_v heed_n to_o our_o way_n in_o the_o answer_n
neither_o can_v flesh_n and_o blood_n reveal_v the_o same_o to_o us._n in_o the_o three_o part_n he_o desire_v god_n to_o deliver_v he_o from_o all_o impediment_n whether_o of_o his_o own_o flesh_n of_o sin_n the_o world_n satan_n or_o his_o outward_a enemy_n which_o may_v hinder_v or_o stay_v he_o any_o way_n from_o walk_v more_o free_o in_o the_o path_n of_o salvation_n and_o his_o word_n and_o in_o the_o last_o and_o four_o part_n be_v privy_a to_o his_o own_o conscience_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o his_o former_a life_n and_o equity_n of_o his_o cause_n he_o implore_v god_n constant_a assist_a grace_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o life_n commit_v and_o commend_v to_o his_o eternal_a protection_n for_o ever_o himself_o and_o his_o cause_n so_o far_o in_o general_n concern_v the_o author_n intitulation_n notation_n argument_n and_o division_n of_o this_o psalm_n for_o a_o induction_n to_o the_o special_n follow_v now_o concern_v the_o special_a notation_n argument_n and_o division_n of_o this_o second_o octonarie_n or_o section_n the_o first_o verse_n whereof_o by_o the_o assist_a grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n shall_v be_v by_o we_o handle_v the_o notation_n of_o this_o second_o octonarie_n be_v by_o the_o second_o letter_n of_o the_o hebrew_n alphabet_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d beth_n wherewith_o every_o verse_n in_o the_o original_n contain_v in_o this_o section_n be_v note_v and_o begin_v the_o signification_n thereof_o as_o all_o hebrew_n letter_n signify_v and_o therein_o excel_v all_o other_o letter_n be_v double_a for_o it_o be_v either_o confusio_fw-la as_o ambrose_n turn_v it_o and_o so_o the_o reason_n why_o this_o octonarie_n be_v note_v therewith_o be_v thus_o that_o whosoever_o redress_v his_o way_n by_o god_n word_n seek_v he_o with_o his_o whole_a heart_n wander_v not_o from_o his_o commandment_n hide_v his_o promise_n in_o his_o heart_n that_o he_o sin_v not_o against_o he_o declare_v the_o judgement_n of_o his_o mouth_n delight_v in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o testimony_n meditate_v in_o his_o precept_n and_o forget_v not_o his_o word_n whosoever_o i_o say_v observe_v these_o eight_o thing_n contain_v in_o this_o octonary_n of_o eight_o verse_n shall_v never_o see_v confusion_n this_o same_o reason_n and_o promise_n be_v set_v down_o more_o brief_o in_o the_o 5._o &_o 6._o verse_n of_o this_o psalm_n the_o word_n whereof_o be_v these_o o_o that_o my_o way_n be_v direct_v to_o keep_v thy_o statute_n this_o be_v the_o wish_n or_o condition_n the_o promise_n by_o way_n of_o inference_n follow_v then_o shall_v i_o not_o be_v confound_v the_o condition_n repeat_v when_o i_o have_v respect_n unto_o all_o thy_o commandment_n but_o we_o must_v understand_v that_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a confusion_n for_o there_o be_v confusio_fw-la damnationis_fw-la a_o confusion_n of_o condemnation_n inflict_v upon_o the_o reprobate_n by_o god_n in_o his_o justice_n for_o just_a desert_n and_o punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n of_o the_o which_o the_o prophet_n of_o god_n in_o this_o place_n mean_v and_o there_o be_v confusio_fw-la contritionis_fw-la a_o confusion_n of_o repentance_n proper_a to_o the_o godly_a which_o proceed_v of_o humility_n and_o sorrow_n for_o their_o sin_n wherewith_o god_n in_o his_o mercy_n move_v their_o heart_n that_o so_o he_o may_v accept_v they_o in_o his_o favour_n raise_v they_o by_o the_o comfort_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o forgive_v they_o their_o just_a desert_n for_o their_o offence_n which_o every_o one_o must_v have_v who_o will_v escape_v that_o eternal_a and_o fearful_a confusion_n of_o everlasting_a destruction_n the_o other_o signification_n of_o this_o letter_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d beth_n be_v domus_fw-la a_o house_n who_o figure_n it_o represent_v and_o so_o the_o reason_n be_v thus_o that_o whosoever_o will_v be_v count_v as_o one_o of_o god_n house_n and_o so_o be_v save_v as_o god_n the_o master_n of_o the_o house_n be_v pure_a and_o clean_a his_o house_n and_o servant_n clean_o likewise_o so_o thou_o who_o will_v adjoine_v thyself_o in_o thy_o youth_n to_o their_o society_n and_o eat_v at_o his_o table_n thou_o must_v be_v clean_o also_o cleanse_v thy_o way_n according_a to_o his_o word_n put_v on_o that_o white_a clean_a robe_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o wedding_n garment_n &_o serve_v he_o in_o his_o family_n in_o purity_n &_o holiness_n of_o life_n by_o observe_v these_o doctrine_n which_o be_v here_o set_v down_o in_o this_o section_n to_o do_v the_o same_o the_o argument_n of_o this_o section_n be_v this_o as_o in_o the_o former_a general_o to_o all_o man_n he_o commend_v the_o desire_n of_o godliness_n and_o keep_v of_o god_n word_n show_v the_o estate_n of_o such_o to_o be_v bless_v and_o that_o to_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o attain_v to_o true_a &_o perfect_a happiness_n for_o ever_o so_o now_o in_o this_o octonarie_n and_o first_o verse_n thereof_o particular_o he_o commend_v the_o same_o desire_n of_o piety_n and_o observation_n of_o god_n word_n unto_o young_a man_n first_o and_o that_o for_o two_o chief_a cause_n move_v he_o whereof_o the_o first_o be_v because_o that_o age_n place_v a_o man_n uncertain_a between_o two_o way_n what_o course_n of_o life_n to_o choose_v as_o xenophon_n report_v of_o hercules_n out_o of_o prodicus_n and_o cicero_n in_o the_o first_o of_o his_o office_n say_v imprimis_fw-la autem_fw-la constituendum_fw-la est_fw-la qui_fw-la nos_fw-la &_o quales_fw-la esse_fw-la velimus_fw-la quae_fw-la deliberatio_fw-la est_fw-la omnium_fw-la difficâ—llâ—na_fw-la we_o must_v first_o appoint_v what_o man_n and_o of_o what_o sort_n or_o calling_n we_o will_v be_v which_o advisement_n of_o all_o other_o be_v hard_a and_o most_o difficult_a in_o such_o a_o hard_a &_o doubtful_a deliberation_n therefore_o the_o prophet_n here_o show_v that_o no_o better_a nor_o sure_a counsel_n can_v be_v then_o to_o follow_v god_n word_n 24._o as_o our_o counsellor_n which_o may_v both_o direct_v and_o retain_v we_o in_o a_o good_a course_n of_o life_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o delay_v time_n till_o old_a age_n but_o to_o begin_v in_o our_o youth_n which_o whosoever_o neglect_v and_o therein_o harden_v his_o heart_n in_o sin_n that_o man_n hardly_o be_v or_o can_v be_v recall_v and_o bring_v except_o it_o be_v by_o the_o extraordinary_a mercy_n of_o god_n to_o repentance_n and_o a_o good_a life_n hereafter_o the_o second_o reason_n be_v because_o youth_n be_v carry_v with_o a_o more_o headlong_a force_n unto_o vice_n lust_n and_o vain_a pleasure_n of_o the_o flesh_n therefore_o it_o have_v need_n of_o straight_a discipline_n more_o careful_a watch_n and_o hard_a bridle_a and_o more_o diligent_a instruction_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o except_o it_o be_v adhibit_v timely_a there_o be_v great_a peril_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v lest_o head-longs_a in_o the_o vehemency_n of_o their_o course_n they_o be_v carry_v sudden_o into_o utter_a destruction_n which_o lamentable_a experience_n have_v too_o often_o teach_v to_o be_v true_a the_o division_n of_o this_o octonar_n be_v in_o three_o chief_a part_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v contain_v in_o this_o first_o verse_n which_o god_n will_v shall_v be_v entreat_v of_o wherein_o be_v to_o show_v the_o excellent_a effect_n of_o god_n word_n in_o this_o whole_a psalm_n be_v that_o it_o keep_v from_o sin_n it_o quicken_v it_o bring_v peace_n and_o gladness_n to_o the_o heart_n it_o give_v understand_v &c._n &c._n thereby_o the_o more_o to_o induce_v and_o mrue_v every_o man_n to_o a_o great_a desire_n and_o love_v thereof_o he_o set_v down_o here_o the_o first_o particular_a and_o chief_a effect_n of_o god_n word_n as_o to_o all_o age_n and_o man_n so_o chief_o and_o more_o particular_o commend_v and_o command_v the_o study_n exercise_n and_o desire_v thereof_o to_o youth_n the_o firstage_n capable_a of_o the_o same_o for_o the_o reason_n and_o cause_n aforesaid_a the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o octonarie_n be_v from_o the_o 1._o verse_n thereof_o to_o the_o 15._o wherein_o he_o set_v down_o his_o own_o example_n for_o confirmation_n and_o further_o move_v of_o young_a man_n to_o embrace_v his_o former_a exhortation_n and_o it_o contain_v four_o several_a confession_n make_v unto_o god_n the_o first_o of_o his_o great_a desire_n to_o god_n word_n 10._o in_o seek_v he_o with_o his_o whole_a heart_n with_o a_o prayer_n to_o confirm_v he_o the_o more_o therein_o the_o second_o of_o his_o great_a care_n and_o estimation_n he_o have_v thereof_o 11._o in_o hide_v it_o in_o his_o heart_n for_o the_o end_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o sin_v against_o he_o 13._o the_o three_o of_o the_o declare_v of_o the_o judgement_n of_o his_o mouth_n with_o his_o lip_n 14â—_n and_o the_o four_o of_o the_o great_a delight_n he_o have_v therein_o as_o in_o all_o riches_n
midianite_n &_o fight_v against_o his_o enemy_n so_o by_o god_n own_o word_n and_o the_o holy_a messenger_n of_o his_o spirit_n every_o young_a man_n be_v command_v in_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o youth_n to_o rise_v against_o fight_n and_o subdue_v his_o own_o corrupt_a affection_n which_o be_v enemy_n to_o god_n and_o his_o own_o salvation_n so_o that_o in_o our_o youth_n we_o must_v begin_v and_o serve_v god_n amend_v and_o redress_v our_o way_n according_a to_o his_o word_n not_o exclude_v but_o in_o every_o age_n we_o have_v need_n and_o must_v do_v so_o and_o the_o rather_o see_v a_o maiori_fw-la ad_fw-la minus_fw-la if_o god_n word_n serve_v to_o redress_v a_o young_a man_n way_n who_o burn_v in_o his_o lust_n and_o affection_n much_o more_o serve_v it_o to_o redress_v a_o man_n in_o ripe_a age_n his_o affection_n be_v they_o more_o cool_v but_o chief_o in_o youth_n we_o have_v most_o need_n by_o god_n word_n to_o cleanse_v and_o redress_v our_o way_n for_o sundry_a reason_n first_o because_o our_o nature_n then_o which_o contrary_n grace_n be_v strong_a and_o so_o we_o be_v more_o apt_a and_o ready_a to_o be_v lead_v away_o by_o our_o lust_n and_o to_o be_v draw_v in_o the_o chain_n of_o our_o affection_n by_o satan_n into_o a_o far_a country_n of_o sin_n from_o our_o own_o father_n house_n with_o that_o prodigal_a son_n to_o abuse_v and_o riotous_o to_o consume_v god_n liberal_a gift_n and_o manifold_a grace_n bestow_v upon_o we_o in_o poverty_n nakedness_n and_o famine_n of_o all_o goodness_n feed_v our_o filthy_a unclean_a lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o greedy_o feed_v and_o eat_v with_o they_o therefore_o in_o most_o dangerous_a estate_n we_o must_v take_v the_o best_a and_o straight_a heed_n when_o our_o enemy_n be_v within_o wall_n then_o most_o strong_o and_o courageous_o must_v he_o be_v resist_v when_o we_o find_v our_o nature_n most_o incline_v to_o obey_v sin_n then_o must_v we_o strive_v and_o wrestle_v with_o god_n in_o most_o earnest_a prayer_n and_o hold_v he_o fast_o until_o he_o give_v we_o his_o blessing_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o strive_v also_o and_o prevail_v with_o sin_n that_o our_o nature_n by_o his_o grace_n may_v be_v reform_v our_o will_n make_v conformable_a and_o incline_v to_o his_o and_o that_o in_o soul_n and_o body_n we_o may_v bow_v in_o obey_v his_o commandment_n second_o our_o youth_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o our_o pilgrimage_n and_o in_o it_o we_o must_v enter_v in_o either_o at_o the_o broad_a way_n which_o lead_v unto_o everlasting_a destruction_n or_o at_o the_o narrow_a way_n which_o lead_v unto_o everlasting_a joy_n and_o salvation_n the_o true_a way_n be_v jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o righteousness_n i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o verity_n and_o life_n who_o as_o he_o be_v the_o way_n so_o he_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o way_n eternal_a salvation_n as_o he_o be_v god_n so_o he_o lead_v unto_o god_n and_o to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n his_o father_n and_o be_v the_o ease_n and_o rest_n of_o all_o that_o come_v load_v or_o weary_a unto_o he_o therefore_o in_o thy_o youth_n and_o enter_v in_o thy_o pilgrimage_n see_v thou_o enter_v in_o this_o way_n and_o if_o thou_o will_v find_v this_o way_n to_o walk_v therein_o desire_n god_n to_o open_v thy_o eye_n that_o thou_o may_v see_v this_o narrow_a way_n search_v the_o scripture_n say_v the_o way_n itself_o for_o they_o be_v that_o testify_v of_o i_o when_o thou_o have_v find_v he_o in_o his_o word_n and_o know_v he_o by_o his_o word_n as_o the_o sheep_n do_v the_o true_a shepherd_a apply_v he_o then_o by_o a_o lively_a faith_n to_o thy_o soul_n and_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o way_n and_o have_v find_v know_v apply_v and_o take_v hold_v of_o he_o then_o apply_v thy_o whole_a course_n of_o life_n in_o thought_n word_n and_o deed_n unto_o this_o way_n ever_o walk_v therein_o be_v you_o holy_a as_o i_o be_o holy_a say_v he_o learn_v of_o i_o for_o i_o be_o humble_a and_o meek_a moses_n be_v command_v to_o pull_v off_o his_o shoe_n because_o the_o ground_n he_o do_v stand_v upon_o be_v holy_a if_o thou_o stand_v tâ—â—n_v upon_o that_o holy_a ground_n &_o groundstone_n jesus_n christ_n &_o walk_v in_o that_o sacred_a pure_a way_n thou_o must_v separate_v and_o cast_v from_o thou_o all_o filthiness_n of_o sin_n and_o corruption_n if_o thou_o will_v walk_v with_o that_o unspotted_a lamb_n thou_o must_v walk_v clothe_v with_o that_o white_a long_a robe_n of_o sanctity_n &_o righteousness_n purchase_v and_o wash_v in_o his_o blood_n believe_v christ_n jesus_n in_o thy_o heart_n confess_v christ_n jesus_n with_o thy_o mouth_n and_o show_v christ_n jesus_n and_o he_o image_n in_o thy_o life_n and_o conversation_n so_o have_v thou_o enter_v so_o do_v thou_o walk_v &_o so_o shall_v thou_o attain_v to_o the_o end_n of_o this_o true_a and_o joyful_a way_n all_o other_o way_n be_v byway_n the_o leader_n and_o ladder_n satan_n a_o manslayer_n a_o liar_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o such_o be_v god_n fierce_a wrath_n and_o eternal_a perdition_n he_o lead_v thou_o from_o the_o true_a city_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o his_o deceitful_a byway_n to_o rob_v thou_o of_o the_o good_a gift_n of_o god_n bestow_v upon_o thou_o and_o to_o kill_v body_n &_o soul_n and_o cast_v it_o into_o utter_a darkness_n like_o a_o wise_a ulysses_n harken_v not_o to_o this_o siren_n who_o will_v allure_v and_o draw_v thou_o so_o to_o no_o sweet_a harmony_n but_o to_o destroy_v the_o ship_n of_o the_o body_n and_o precious_a load_n of_o thy_o soul_n for_o which_o christ_n shed_v his_o precious_a blood_n upon_o the_o rock_n of_o eternal_a destruction_n to_o be_v his_o prey_n avoid_v this_o scylla_n and_o carybdis_n and_o hold_v constant_o forward_a in_o the_o true_a way_n christ_n enter_v and_o persevere_v in_o it_o in_o thy_o youth_n &_o when_o thou_o be_v age_v thou_o shall_v be_v at_o the_o end_n thereof_o that_o thou_o may_v see_v with_o the_o holy_a apostle_n 7._o when_o the_o time_n of_o thy_o depart_n be_v at_o hand_n i_o have_v seek_v a_o good_a fight_n and_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n for_o henceforth_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o i_o the_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o the_o lord_n the_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v give_v i_o at_o that_o day_n and_o not_o unto_o i_o only_o but_o unto_o aâ—l_v they_o that_o love_v his_o appear_v lord_n grant_v that_o every_o one_o of_o we_o may_v in_o our_o youth_n enter_v in_o this_o course_n constant_o continue_v therein_o tâ—ll_v our_o â—â—ues_n end_n and_o at_o our_o last_o dissolution_n we_o may_v have_v this_o sure_a and_o comfortable_a persuasion_n three_o we_o shall_v serve_v god_n in_o our_o youth_n chief_o obey_v his_o will_n and_o abstain_v from_o sin_n because_o our_o youth_n be_v as_o the_o fat_a most_o pleasant_a unto_o god_n not_o sin_v in_o it_o when_o we_o may_v sin_v and_o therefore_o let_v we_o sacrifice_v the_o same_o unto_o he_o not_o offer_v up_o the_o fat_a morning_n sacrifice_n of_o our_o youth_n to_o molech_n the_o devil_n and_o our_o sinful_a corrupt_a affection_n and_o think_v that_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n will_v accept_v of_o our_o lean_a and_o lame_a cold_a evening_n sacrifice_v of_o weak_a old_a age_n and_o so_o be_v serve_v with_o the_o worst_a after_o his_o enemy_n satan_n in_o our_o youth_n we_o must_v not_o run_v with_o the_o devil_n and_o in_o age_n think_v to_o return_v unto_o god_n never_o forsake_v our_o lust_n nor_o cease_v to_o fulfil_v they_o in_o our_o youth_n till_o then_o in_o age_n they_o forsake_v we_o with_o the_o strength_n to_o accomplish_v they_o when_o we_o be_v strong_a we_o be_v weak_a enough_o to_o follow_v christ_n much_o more_o unable_a when_o we_o be_v weak_a therefore_o as_o david_n kill_v goliath_n in_o his_o youth_n so_o let_v we_o seek_v to_o slay_v that_o manslayer_n satan_n in_o resist_v he_o and_o kill_v that_o goliath_n of_o sin_n and_o our_o corrupt_a affection_n which_o he_o use_v as_o weapon_n against_o we_o put_v off_o all_o fleshly_a armour_n and_o arm_a body_n and_o soul_n with_o the_o strength_n of_o god_n spirit_n put_v our_o trust_n and_o sure_a confidence_n in_o jesus_n christ_n who_o as_o by_o former_a experience_n he_o do_v overcome_v his_o tentation_n in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o in_o the_o person_n of_o all_o the_o saint_n his_o elect_a member_n so_o likewise_o of_o his_o constant_a love_n unfallible_a truth_n and_o unfaileable_a strength_n he_o will_v assist_v and_o persist_v with_o we_o until_o we_o have_v likewise_o tread_v he_o under_o foot_n as_o david_n be_v young_a do_v pull_v out_o a_o lamb_n out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lion_n and_o the_o bear_n so_o
drop_n of_o the_o river_n at_o such_o a_o time_n or_o hour_n shall_v return_v into_o the_o ocean_n or_o the_o return_v of_o such_o a_o man_n unto_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v at_o such_o a_o determinate_a special_a time_n or_o age_n no_o our_o return_v be_v uncertain_a only_o then_o be_v as_o a_o drop_n of_o a_o great_a river_n let_v every_o man_n commit_v the_o same_o to_o god_n and_o endeavour_n as_o he_o come_v salt_n with_o original_a corruption_n from_o the_o earth_n or_o ocean_n so_o to_o walk_v in_o god_n way_n and_o the_o way_n of_o this_o life_n that_o he_o may_v return_v fresh_a and_o purge_v by_o christ_n blood_n to_o the_o ocean_n of_o the_o grave_n and_o so_o drink_v of_o that_o fresh_a spring_a river_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n in_o that_o heavenly_a new_a jerusalem_n for_o ever_o our_o whole_a life_n be_v limit_v but_o to_o 80._o year_n and_o in_o one_o of_o these_o as_o in_o a_o poisonable_a cup_n or_o dish_n of_o meat_n death_n sure_o lurk_v of_o all_o than_o if_o thou_o shall_v taste_v and_o drink_v know_v this_o will_v thou_o not_o suspect_v every_o one_o divide_v again_o every_o year_n in_o 12._o month_n thou_o know_v not_o in_o what_o month_n or_o parcel_n of_o meat_n the_o poison_n of_o death_n lie_v every_o month_n again_o in_o so_o many_o week_n and_o every_o week_n in_o so_o many_o day_n yea_o every_o day_n also_o in_o so_o many_o hour_n in_o which_o hour_n or_o moment_n thereof_o sleep_v or_o wake_v can_v thou_o secure_v thyself_o from_o this_o secret_a &_o uncertain_a poison_n suspect_n then_o all_o and_o live_v so_o always_o as_o to_o die_v always_o night_n or_o day_n be_v provide_v and_o be_v never_o so_o young_a remember_v thou_o know_v not_o but_o the_o poison_n may_v be_v in_o the_o first_o drop_n of_o the_o cup_n and_o year_n of_o thy_o youth_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o dreg_n or_o last_o dish_n of_o old_a age_n when_o thou_o be_v first_o set_v at_o the_o table_n of_o the_o careful_a banquet_n of_o life_n the_o sword_n of_o death_n be_v so_o soon_o hang_v in_o a_o small_a hair_n above_o thy_o neck_n suspect_v then_o the_o same_o at_o every_o morsel_n that_o it_o fall_v not_o heavy_o unaware_o upon_o thou_o but_o ever_o have_v a_o eye_n upward_o thou_o know_v not_o if_o it_o will_v fall_v at_o thy_o first_o sit_v down_o more_o then_o at_o thy_o last_o rise_v up_o as_o it_o ever_o threaten_v then_o so_o be_v thou_o ever_o prepare_v and_o in_o time_n seek_v to_o redress_v thy_o way_n man_n breath_n be_v in_o his_o nosthrel_n which_o be_v the_o life_n or_o combination_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n who_o dissolution_n be_v death_n be_v thou_o never_o so_o young_a then_o nor_o so_o strong_a when_o thou_o let_v out_o the_o same_o thou_o know_v not_o certain_o if_o ever_o thou_o shall_v draw_v it_o in_o again_o let_v therefore_o thy_o soul_n breath_n unto_o god_n and_o thy_o desire_n be_v to_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n and_o to_o redress_v thy_o own_o all_o flesh_n be_v as_o the_o grass_n of_o the_o field_n now_o green_a and_o present_o blast_v while_o thou_o be_v then_o as_o the_o green_a plant_n in_o thy_o tender_a youth_n expect_v ever_o and_o suspect_v this_o wither_a blast_n of_o death_n who_o since_o shall_v send_v thou_o with_o wither_a age_n alike_o to_o the_o grave_n and_o in_o the_o short_a inconstant_a way_n of_o this_o life_n walk_v in_o his_o way_n who_o be_v true_a and_o eternal_a life_n this_o life_n be_v a_o swift_a post_n run_v fast_o unto_o death_n who_o certain_a step_n thou_o can_v not_o mark_v nor_o observe_v let_v thy_o soul_n then_o begin_v with_o he_o in_o thy_o first_o youth_n and_o of_o the_o contrary_n run_v swift_o unto_o life_n and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o life_n which_o be_v jesus_n christ._n our_o life_n be_v a_o dream_n now_o present_a and_o present_o go_v wherein_o who_o lie_v long_a and_o be_v most_o please_v common_o be_v awake_v rise_v faint_v and_o most_o sorrowful_a do_v not_o assure_v thyself_o therefore_o of_o the_o length_n thereof_o but_o suspect_v the_o shortness_n in_o it_o there_o be_v no_o solid_a truth_n nor_o rest_n apprehend_v therefore_o in_o the_o begin_n thereof_o and_o in_o thy_o youth_n let_v thy_o soul_n wake_v and_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n jesus_n christ_n in_o who_o true_a rest_n be_v only_o to_o be_v find_v pythagoras_n the_o philosopher_n do_v set_v out_o the_o double_a course_n of_o this_o our_o life_n by_o the_o letter_n y._n express_v thereby_o with_o christ_n the_o double_a way_n thereof_o the_o one_o whereof_o have_v a_o straight_a passage_n &_o narrow_a gate_n at_o the_o first_o and_o few_o they_o be_v that_o enter_v in_o thereat_o but_o in_o the_o end_n there_o be_v great_a comfort_n and_o rest_n for_o it_o lead_v unto_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o salvation_n the_o other_o wide_a &_o large_a at_o the_o beginning_n whereat_o many_o do_v enter_v but_o in_o the_o end_n they_o find_v great_a trouble_n and_o straightness_n for_o it_o lead_v unto_o eternal_a misery_n and_o destruction_n both_o these_o way_n be_v set_v before_o the_o eye_n of_o every_o young_a man_n as_o bivium_fw-la herculis_fw-la or_o as_o life_n and_o death_n to_o choose_v this_o narrow_a way_n which_o lead_v unto_o eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n in_o the_o which_o every_o young_a man_n shall_v walk_v in_o the_o pilgrimage_n of_o this_o life_n &_o redress_v his_o own_o way_n of_o youth_n according_a thereunto_o be_v jesus_n christ_n himself_o i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o verity_n and_o life_n and_o no_o man_n come_v to_o the_o father_n but_o by_o i_o our_o walk_n in_o he_o and_o with_o he_o must_v be_v in_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n be_v holy_a as_o he_o be_v holy_a the_o gate_n of_o this_o way_n be_v narrow_a and_o the_o passage_n straight_o for_o the_o liberty_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n must_v be_v restrain_v our_o affection_n bridle_v and_o the_o whole_a man_n captivate_v under_o the_o yoke_n of_o the_o obedience_n of_o jesus_n christ._n and_o as_o through_o many_o tentation_n he_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n so_o we_o must_v the_o same_o way_n follow_v he_o deny_v ourselves_o with_o our_o cross_n take_v up_o till_o we_o come_v to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o way_n which_o be_v true_a life_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n the_o other_o broad_a way_n which_o lead_v to_o destruction_n and_o whereat_o many_o do_v enter_v be_v sin_n and_o satan_n who_o be_v that_o deceive_a way_n unto_o eternal_a death_n &_o which_o every_o young_a man_n shall_v abhor_v and_o fly_v to_o enter_v thereat_o never_o so_o little_a or_o walk_v therein_o never_o so_o few_o footstep_n in_o youth_n the_o walk_n in_o he_o and_o with_o he_o as_o he_o be_v a_o unclean_a spirit_n must_v be_v in_o the_o impurity_n and_o impiety_n of_o all_o sin_n and_o filthiness_n the_o gate_n of_o this_o damnable_a way_n in_o the_o beginning_n be_v broad_a &_o the_o passage_n easy_a but_o the_o end_n be_v utter_a perdition_n and_o straightness_n where_o in_o follow_v christ_n we_o must_v subject_v the_o flesh_n unto_o the_o spirit_n they_o who_o follow_v he_o must_v abandon_v subject_n and_o banish_v god_n clean_a spirit_n out_o of_o their_o heart_n and_o be_v subject_n and_o slave_n themselves_o to_o the_o libertine_n concupiscence_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o unclean_a licentious_a lust_n and_o affection_n thereof_o they_o must_v refuse_v the_o light_a yoke_n of_o the_o obedience_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o follow_v he_o to_o life_n &_o take_v on_o the_o heavy_a yoke_n of_o all_o kind_n of_o sin_n that_o may_v press_v down_o their_o soul_n to_o the_o low_a hell_n and_o follow_v satan_n their_o way_n and_o guide_v unto_o eternal_a torment_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n for_o as_o he_o be_v a_o condemn_a spirit_n himself_o so_o the_o end_n of_o the_o way_n wherein_o he_o lead_v captivate_v soul_n under_o his_o heavy_a yoke_n of_o slavery_n and_o sin_n be_v death_n and_o eternal_a condemnation_n for_o the_o reward_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n therefore_o let_v every_o young_a man_n behold_v these_o two_o way_n choose_v that_o which_o lead_v unto_o a_o glorify_a eternal_a life_n in_o heaven_n by_o a_o sanctify_a life_n for_o a_o time_n on_o earth_n and_o walk_v with_o and_o in_o he_o who_o be_v the_o resurrection_n and_o the_o life_n to_o all_o they_o that_o be_v save_v if_o thy_o walk_v heretofore_o have_v be_v in_o the_o byway_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o broad_a way_n of_o satan_n give_v liberty_n and_o full_a head_n to_o thy_o youthly_a affection_n and_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n seek_v how_o to_o redress_v these_o thy_o way_n &_o hereafter_o strive_v violent_o to_o enter_v in_o at_o that_o straight_a way_n