serve_v their_o generation_n some_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n inflict_v such_o distemper_n on_o their_o mind_n or_o body_n as_o have_v make_v they_o useless_a in_o their_o place_n some_o by_o the_o procurement_n of_o man_n by_o who_o many_o in_o the_o prime_n of_o their_o time_n have_v be_v lay_v aside_o sometime_o just_o sometime_o unjust_o and_o all_o opportunity_n take_v from_o they_o of_o do_v good_a in_o the_o world._n neither_o be_v all_o age_a person_n render_v useless_a for_o many_o there_o be_v of_o both_o sex_n that_o persevere_v in_o well-doing_n to_o the_o last_o cato_n plead_v cause_n when_o he_o be_v pass_v fourscore_o year_n and_o isocrates_n write_v excellent_a thing_n at_o fourscore_o and_o fourteen_o year_n of_o age_n and_o not_o only_o the_o tongue_n but_o the_o hand_n of_o very_a many_o old_a people_n be_v find_v as_o nimble_a to_o good_a work_n as_o of_o young_a person_n they_o that_o have_v be_v useful_a in_o their_o strength_n will_v scarce_o ever_o become_v useless_a in_o their_o weakness_n plutarch_n observe_v that_o a_o industrious_a bee_n never_o degenerate_v into_o a_o drone_n in_o its_o old-age_n too_o many_o there_o be_v of_o every_o age_n that_o live_v only_o to_o themselves_o that_o neither_o serve_v god_n nor_o observe_v man_n but_o in_o order_n to_o their_o own_o interest_n or_o appetite_n these_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o young_a or_o old_a but_o they_o that_o understand_v and_o embrace_v the_o true_a end_n of_o life_n will_v be_v useful_a one_o way_n or_o other_o to_o their_o life_n end_v and_o the_o great_a service_n that_o the_o ancient_n do_v perform_v be_v by_o their_o sage_a advice_n when_o the_o levite_n be_v at_o fifty_o release_v from_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n they_o be_v say_v yet_o to_o be_v judge_n in_o their_o city_n so_o that_o although_o they_o can_v do_v that_o service_n which_o young_a person_n may_v yet_o they_o do_v great_a for_o the_o great_a thing_n be_v compass_v not_o by_o strength_n but_o counsel_n they_o can_v be_v count_v useless_a say_v tully_n that_o prescribe_v to_o the_o more_o raw_a and_o ignorant_a their_o work_n like_a as_o a_o pilot_n who_o tho'_o he_o run_v not_o up_o and_o down_o the_o ship_n but_o sit_v at_o the_o helm_n yet_o be_v the_o most_o useful_a person_n in_o the_o ship_n so_o the_o age_a head_n be_v the_o most_o useful_a part_n in_o a_o family_n or_o commonwealth_n though_o it_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o fire_n side_n cicer._n hence_o homer_n bring_v in_o agamemnon_n wish_v rather_o for_o ten_o nestor_n a_o age_a wise_a man_n among_o the_o greek_n than_o so_o many_o ajax_n who_o be_v a_o man_n of_o arm_n for_o the_o win_n of_o troy._n and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o grand_a magistrate_n both_o in_o greece_n and_o rome_n be_v the_o ancient_n of_o their_o city_n and_o thereupon_o they_o be_v call_v senator_n and_o the_o great_a council_n of_o rome_n the_o senate_n be_v compose_v of_o age_a man_n yea_o if_o they_o shall_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o age_n be_v whole_o unserviceable_a yet_o their_o example_n be_v useful_a to_o see_v a_o man_n or_o woman_n deprive_v of_o all_o outward_a comfort_n and_o respect_n and_o lade_v with_o heavy_a distemper_n yet_o patient_a and_o thankful_a serious_a and_o devout_a it_o be_v a_o powerful_a lecture_n to_o all_o the_o spectator_n and_o may_v teach_v they_o to_o be_v do_v their_o own_o great_a work_n with_o all_o their_o might_n to_o be_v thankful_a to_o god_n for_o their_o present_a strength_n and_o ease_n to_o beware_v of_o slothfulness_n and_o selfishness_n that_o when_o they_o arrive_v at_o that_o decrepit_a estate_n they_o may_v have_v the_o pleasant_a prospect_n of_o a_o fruitful_a life_n behind_o they_o and_o the_o joyful_a prospect_n of_o a_o bless_a life_n before_o they_o sect_n ix_o the_o nine_o disadvantage_n of_o old-age_n exercise_n be_v that_o it_o be_v unfit_a for_o religious_a exercise_n when_o we_o be_v in_o year_n we_o be_v indispose_v to_o prayer_n and_o fast_v to_o hear_v or_o read_v and_o in_o general_a to_o all_o such_o spiritual_a employment_n wherein_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n must_v concur_v they_o need_v these_o help_n as_o much_o as_o other_o and_o perhaps_o desire_v they_o as_o much_o as_o other_o but_o the_o dead_a weight_n of_o a_o crazy_a body_n sink_v down_o the_o tower_a of_o their_o precious_a soul_n to_o will_n be_v present_a with_o they_o but_o how_o to_o perform_v the_o same_o they_o find_v not_o and_o no_o wonder_n have_v not_o only_o a_o law_n of_o sin_n within_o they_o but_o a_o body_n of_o death_n without_o they_o their_o sense_n be_v grow_v weak_a their_o faculty_n weak_a their_o spirit_n weak_a how_o then_o shall_v they_o wrestle_v with_o god_n in_o prayer_n or_o continue_v instant_a therein_o let_v the_o rider_n be_v never_o so_o good_a a_o horsman_n yet_o he_o must_v travel_v as_o his_o horse_n will_v give_v he_o leave_v so_o let_v the_o soul_n be_v never_o so_o active_a it_o can_v operate_v only_o as_o the_o organ_n of_o the_o body_n will_v permit_v it_o instead_o of_o take_v pain_n about_o their_o soul_n they_o be_v force_v to_o prop_v up_o their_o decrepit_a body_n their_o weakness_n keep_v they_o in_o bed_n while_o the_o holy_a zeal_n of_o other_o be_v burn_v in_o devotion_n and_o as_o the_o old_a woman_n in_o plautus_n be_v ask_v why_o she_o go_v no_o fast_o answer_v because_o she_o carry_v so_o great_a a_o load_n to_o wit_n of_o eighty_o four_o year_n on_o her_o back_n so_o the_o load_n on_o old_a people_n back_n either_o hinder_v they_o from_o come_v to_o holy_a assembly_n or_o else_o cause_v they_o to_o travel_v thither_o very_o slow_o so_o that_o they_o be_v constrain_v to_o live_v in_o a_o manner_n without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n now_o this_o affliction_n to_o a_o holy_a heart_n be_v a_o very_a heavy_a burden_n when_o a_o poor_a man_n be_v cut_v short_a in_o all_o his_o other_o comfort_n and_o as_o it_o be_v besiege_v with_o all_o the_o calamity_n of_o this_o life_n yet_o while_o he_o have_v this_o river_n of_o god_n ordinance_n free_a and_o open_a thereby_o he_o receive_v continual_a supply_n from_o heaven_n the_o stream_n thereof_o make_v glad_a the_o city_n of_o god_n but_o when_o this_o be_v stop_v the_o soul_n grow_v sad_a and_o dry_a and_o barren_a hence_o holy_a david_n in_o his_o exile_n never_o mention_v his_o temporal_a loss_n yet_o cry_v out_o psal._n 42._o 4._o when_o i_o remember_v these_o thing_n i_o pour_v out_o my_o soul_n in_o i_o for_o i_o have_v go_v with_o the_o multitude_n to_o the_o house_n of_o god._n this_o go_v near_o to_o his_o heart_n for_o when_o a_o man_n be_v harrass_v with_o care_n and_o trouble_v all_o the_o week_n long_o yet_o he_o be_v relieve_v and_o refresh_v in_o his_o approach_n unto_o god_n upon_o his_o own_o day_n but_o with_o the_o decrepit_a old_a man_n every_o day_n be_v alike_o and_o his_o soul_n be_v leave_v destitute_a of_o spiritual_a supply_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n and_o this_o affliction_n be_v sad_a of_o all_o when_o by_o disuse_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n the_o soul_n grow_v stupid_a and_o unconcern_v in_o the_o matter_n as_o without_o special_a grace_n we_o shall_v be_v apt_a to_o be_v so_o that_o the_o misery_n be_v great_a in_o the_o want_n and_o great_a when_o insensible_a of_o the_o want_n no_o great_a wonder_n therefore_o that_o when_o all_o these_o misery_n meet_v together_o a_o man_n cry_v out_o with_o job_n i_o will_v not_o live_v always_o so_o that_o tiberius_n caesar_n have_v a_o say_n as_o plutarch_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v a_o shameful_a thing_n for_o a_o man_n that_o be_v pass_v sixty_o to_o stretch_v out_o his_o hand_n to_o a_o physician_n reckon_v that_o it_o be_v fit_a he_o shall_v then_o be_v content_a to_o die_v but_o yet_o if_o we_o weigh_v the_o matter_n well_o the_o case_n of_o ancient_a people_n be_v not_o so_o desperate_a as_o it_o seem_v for_o to_o proceed_v in_o our_o former_a method_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o many_o other_o beside_o the_o age_a be_v cut_v short_a in_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n some_o willing_o in_o factory_n beyond_o the_o sea_n some_o wilful_o by_o their_o own_o atheism_n and_o ungodliness_n some_o unwilling_o by_o distemper_n and_o other_o hindrance_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n divers_a ancient_a people_n have_v be_v capable_a to_o attend_v the_o service_n of_o god_n even_o to_o their_o die_a day_n thus_o ahijah_n though_o his_o eye_n be_v set_v for_o age_n yet_o be_v enable_v to_o prophesy_v to_o ieroboam_n wife_n and_o jacob_n can_v worship_v god_n lean_v on_o the_o top_n of_o his_o staff._n and_o st._n john_n be_v a_o evangelist_n when_o he_o be_v a_o hundred_o year_n old_a and_o there_o be_v anna_n a_o widow_n of_o about_o
god_n how_o can_v he_o embrace_v jesus_n christ_n aright_o except_o he_o know_v he_o or_o build_v for_o heaven_n without_o a_o foundation_n now_o the_o age_a person_n have_v live_v long_o have_v converse_v both_o with_o man_n and_o book_n have_v the_o rust_n of_o natural_a ignorance_n well_o scour_v off_o conviv_n and_o if_o he_o have_v not_o more_o riches_n than_o other_o yet_o sure_o he_o have_v more_o knowledge_n especial_o if_o he_o have_v put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o be_v renew_v in_o knowledge_n after_o the_o image_n of_o he_o that_o create_v he_o colos._n 3._o 10._o and_o therefore_o though_o it_o be_v a_o brutish_a thing_n in_o any_o body_n to_o be_v ignorant_a in_o those_o thing_n that_o concern_v their_o happiness_n yet_o it_o be_v intolerable_o absurd_a for_o one_o that_o be_v old_a in_o year_n to_o be_v a_o child_n in_o understanding_n to_o be_v like_o the_o old_a man_n which_o mr._n pemble_n tell_v of_o who_o though_o by_o a_o probable_a computation_n he_o have_v hear_v two_o or_o three_o thousand_o sermon_n be_v above_o sixty_o year_n old_a yet_o be_v examine_v by_o a_o minister_n on_o his_o deathbed_n concern_v his_o knowledge_n of_o god_n he_o think_v he_o be_v a_o good_a old_a man_n concern_v christ_n that_o he_o be_v a_o towardly_a young_a youth_n concern_v his_o soul_n that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a bone_n in_o his_o body_n and_o concern_v his_o future_a estate_n he_o say_v if_o he_o have_v do_v well_o he_o shall_v be_v put_v into_o a_o pleasant_a green_a meadow_n what_o a_o woeful_a thing_n be_v this_o that_o a_o constant_a hearer_n and_o seem_a lover_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o this_o man_n be_v shall_v live_v and_o die_v in_o such_o gross_a ignorance_n no_o trade_n how_o difficult_a soever_o but_o seven_o or_o eight_o year_n will_v teach_v it_o what_o a_o shameful_a thing_n than_o be_v it_o to_o be_v send_v into_o the_o world_n purposely_o to_o learn_v to_o be_v a_o true_a christian_a and_o after_o fifty_o or_o sixty_o year_n to_o remain_v ignorant_a in_o the_o mystery_n of_o it_o to_o be_v ever_o learning_n and_o never_o able_a to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 7._o on_o the_o other_o side_n josephus_n tell_v we_o speak_v of_o the_o jew_n every_o one_o of_o our_o nation_n be_v demand_v of_o our_o law_n can_v answer_v as_o ready_o as_o tell_v his_o own_o name_n learning_n it_o as_o soon_o as_o we_o come_v to_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n it_o be_v imprint_v in_o our_o mind_n certain_o a_o ignorant_a old_a person_n be_v the_o shame_n of_o christianity_n yea_o of_o humanity_n itself_o let_v it_o therefore_o be_v your_o study_n that_o be_v ripe_a in_o year_n to_o be_v ripe_a in_o judgement_n to_o be_v wellgrounded_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o godliness_n while_o other_o be_v heap_v up_o riches_n do_v you_o treasure_n up_o knowledge_n the_o knowledge_n of_o natural_a thing_n as_o also_o of_o civil_a affair_n will_v adorn_v you_o the_o least_o dram_n of_o this_o be_v more_o excellent_a than_o many_o talent_n of_o gold_n but_o the_o least_o grain_n of_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a knowledge_n be_v more_o valuable_a than_o all_o the_o natural_a and_o civil_a knowledge_n under_o heaven_n hence_o it_o be_v report_v of_o albertus_n magnus_n that_o before_o his_o death_n he_o pray_v that_o he_o may_v obtain_v the_o oblivion_n of_o all_o former_a vain_a knowledge_n which_o may_v hinder_v his_o happiness_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ._n hear_v also_o the_o apostle_n yea_o doubtless_o and_o i_o count_v all_o thing_n but_o loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n my_o lord_n philip._n 3._o 8._o be_v not_o discourage_v with_o the_o seem_a impossibility_n of_o attain_v a_o sufficient_a measure_n hereof_o he_o that_o teach_v old_a nicodemus_n will_v teach_v you_o industry_n and_o resolution_n will_v facilitate_v your_o achievement_n you_o must_v be_v convince_v that_o ignorance_n will_v never_o excuse_v those_o that_o have_v the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n that_o though_o god_n do_v nor_o require_v the_o same_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n from_o all_o christian_n but_o do_v allow_v for_o man_n education_n part_n and_o employment_n yet_o he_o do_v indispensable_o require_v so_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o form_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n to_o the_o necessary_a doctrine_n and_o duty_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o neither_o the_o spiritual_o dumb_a nor_o the_o blind_a can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n awake_v therefore_o you_o that_o sleep_v out_o of_o your_o stupid_a negligence_n and_o christ_n will_v give_v you_o light_n redeem_v some_o time_n daily_o for_o read_v meditation_n and_o prayer_n if_o thou_o cry_v after_o knowledge_n and_o lift_a up_o thy_o voice_n for_o understanding_n if_o thou_o seek_v she_o as_o silver_n and_o search_v for_o she_o as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n then_o thou_o shall_v understand_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o find_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n prov._n 2._o 3_o 4_o 5._o especial_o improve_v the_o lordsday_n to_o this_o end_n there_o be_v variety_n of_o book_n which_o handle_v the_o ground_n of_o religion_n some_o more_o brief_o some_o more_o large_o take_v not_o upon_o trust_v the_o doctrine_n of_o your_o salvation_n but_o endeavour_v to_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o you_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o instruct_v other_o for_o shame_n be_v not_o you_o child_n in_o knowledge_n your_o self_n and_o you_o that_o be_v competent_o know_v shall_v thirst_v for_o more_o and_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 18._o this_o be_v the_o fit_a covetousness_n for_o a_o old_a man_n or_o woman_n theologico_fw-la this_o will_v make_v you_o like_v unto_o god_n honour_v of_o wise_a man_n and_o useful_a to_o all_o man_n sect_n ii_o the_o second_o grace_n proper_a for_o old-age_n faith._n be_v faith_n whereby_o the_o soul_n do_v embrace_v redman_n jesus_n christ_n as_o mediator_n and_o also_o rely_v upon_o the_o promise_v arrowsmith_n of_o god_n for_o all_o good_a thing_n needful_a now_o although_o this_o grace_n be_v needful_a for_o every_o christian_a insomuch_o as_o he_o be_v say_v to_o live_v by_o faith_n a_o life_n unknown_a to_o all_o unregenerate_a man_n yet_o it_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v the_o particular_a jewel_n of_o old-age_n for_o as_o god_n word_n and_o ordinance_n be_v the_o usual_a mean_n to_o work_v faith_n and_o herein_o young_a and_o old_a stand_n upon_o the_o same_o level_n they_o have_v equal_a capacity_n for_o the_o attain_n of_o it_o so_o still_o further_o ground_n and_o long_a experience_n be_v proper_a help_n for_o the_o strengthen_n and_o increase_n thereof_o so_o that_o as_o reason_n be_v much_o improve_v by_o learning_n so_o be_v faith_n by_o use_n and_o experience_n hereby_o recumbence_n be_v advance_v into_o plerophory_n thus_o abraham_n be_v represent_v rom._n 4._o 19_o 20._o not_o weak_a in_o faith_n when_o he_o be_v a_o hundred_o year_n old_a and_o so_o stagger_v not_o at_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n through_o unbelief_n though_o his_o year_n render_v the_o promise_n very_o unlikely_a yet_o those_o year_n have_v teach_v he_o that_o the_o performance_n will_v be_v certain_a and_o so_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n he_o give_v glory_n to_o god._n as_o they_o have_v hear_v so_o have_v they_o see_v it_o in_o the_o city_n of_o god_n and_o what_o they_o have_v often_o see_v they_o may_v well_o believe_v they_o have_v see_v the_o wicked_a in_o great_a power_n flourish_v like_o a_o green_a bay-tree_n and_o yet_o sudden_o they_o have_v pass_v away_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o so_o startle_v at_o the_o prosperity_n of_o ungodly_a man_n as_o young_a people_n may_v be_v they_o have_v also_o see_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o upright_o bring_v forth_o as_o the_o light_n and_o so_o be_v hire_v to_o believe_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v well_o with_o the_o righteous_a and_o it_o shall_v go_v ill_a with_o the_o wicked_a at_o length_n they_o themselves_o have_v be_v in_o outward_a strait_n and_o danger_n and_o then_o wonderful_o preserve_v and_o provide_v for_o and_o do_v not_o this_o strengthen_v their_o faith_n and_o then_o in_o case_n of_o spiritual_a want_n and_o trouble_n when_o their_o spirit_n be_v overwhelm_v the_o old-man_n can_v say_v with_o asaph_n psal._n 77._o 5._o i_o have_v consider_v the_o day_n of_o old_a the_o year_n of_o ancient_a time_n and_o so_o prop_v up_o their_o spirit_n in_o their_o great_a dejection_n if_o you_o that_o be_v old_a want_n faith_n it_o be_v a_o arrant_a shame_n for_o you_o for_o you_o have_v be_v so_o often_o tell_v and_o assure_v of_o the_o veracity_n the_o power_n and_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o than_o you_o
experience_n go_v further_a in_o all_o these_o thing_n than_o learning_n for_o the_o age_a and_o experience_a person_n have_v see_v such_o great_a mistake_n in_o himself_o and_o other_o be_v cure_v of_o that_o vain_a credulity_n which_o have_v ruin_v young_a people_n and_o have_v meet_v with_o so_o many_o disappointment_n in_o the_o world_n be_v well_o free_v from_o that_o carnal_a confidence_n which_o have_v undo_v other_o and_o yet_o their_o great_a experience_n of_o the_o power_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n be_v a_o mighty_a bulwark_n to_o their_o faith._n as_o they_o have_v hear_v so_o have_v they_o see_v in_o the_o city_n of_o god_n what_o he_o have_v do_v to_o vindicate_v his_o attribute_n and_o to_o verify_v his_o promise_n hence_o holy_a david_n psal._n 37._o 25._o i_o have_v be_v young_a and_o now_o be_o old_a yet_o have_v i_o not_o see_v the_o righteous_a forsake_v nor_o his_o seed_n beg_v bread._n this_o be_v the_o advantage_n he_o have_v by_o his_o old-age_n to_o trace_v out_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o posterity_n of_o good_a man_n that_o walk_v in_o their_o parent_n step_n they_o be_v seldom_o or_o never_o reduce_v to_o want_v at_o least_o to_o common_a beggary_n or_o if_o so_o yet_o be_v never_o quite_o forsake_v of_o god_n as_o himself_o find_v when_o though_o 1_o sam._n 21._o 3._o and_o 25._o 8._o he_o be_v glad_a to_o ask_v supply_n of_o man_n yet_o be_v he_o still_o support_v and_o own_a of_o god._n the_o good_a old_a man_n can_v say_v thou_o be_v my_o king_n of_o old_a o_o god_n psal._n 74._o 12._o he_o can_v say_v i_o remember_v thy_o judgement_n of_o old_a o_o lord_n and_o have_v comfort_v myself_o psal._n 119._o 52._o and_o thus_o he_o may_v direct_v other_o i_o will_v guide_v thou_o with_o my_o eye_n psal._n 32._o 8._o and_o thus_o a_o man_n may_v vindicate_v and_o honour_n god_n concern_v thy_o testimony_n i_o have_v know_v of_o old_a that_o thou_o have_v found_v they_o for_o ever_o psal._n 119._o 152._o the_o unexperienced_a newness_n of_o any_o case_n or_o trouble_v be_v apt_a to_o stagger_v the_o strong_a faith_n or_o courage_n such_o thing_n assault_v a_o man_n by_o way_n of_o surprise_n but_o when_o we_o have_v have_v a_o experience_n of_o they_o we_o be_v corroborate_v to_o grapple_v with_o they_o no_o doubt_v the_o first_o night_n be_v a_o strange_a thing_n to_o they_o that_o have_v see_v nothing_o but_o light_n before_o but_o when_o when_o they_o find_v by_o experience_n the_o return_n of_o the_o light_n again_o they_o can_v brook_v it_o well_o enough_o so_o the_o burden_n that_o do_v at_o first_o affright_v we_o by_o often_o carry_v it_o we_o easy_o bear_v it_o psal._n 63._o 7._o because_o thou_o have_v be_v my_o help_n therefore_o in_o the_o shadow_n of_o thy_o wing_n will_v i_o rejoice_v and_o it_o be_v conceive_v that_o this_o cause_v david_n to_o speak_v so_o of_o goliahs_n sword_n 1_o sam._n 21._o 9_o there_o be_v none_o like_o that_o give_v it_o i_o he_o may_v have_v find_v another_o sword_n of_o equal_a mettle_n but_o he_o have_v experience_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o that_o and_o so_o there_o be_v none_o like_o that_o from_o this_o long_a experience_n the_o age_a person_n not_o only_o contemn_v many_o thing_n which_o other_o admire_v but_o grow_v able_a to_o give_v a_o great_a guess_n concern_v future_a event_n both_o in_o public_a and_o particular_a case_n so_o that_o such_o person_n may_v well_o be_v resort_v unto_o as_o to_o common_a oracle_n if_o they_o have_v treasure_v up_o wisdom_n according_a to_o their_o year_n to_o conclude_v this_o there_o lie_v a_o double_a duty_n upon_o age_a person_n in_o reference_n hereunto_o the_o one_o be_v to_o take_v due_a notice_n of_o all_o such_o passage_n of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n or_o the_o improvidence_n of_o man_n that_o come_v within_o the_o sphere_n of_o their_o cognizance_n and_o not_o heedless_o to_o neglect_v they_o another_o be_v to_o store_v up_o in_o their_o memory_n such_o observation_n for_o experience_n be_v make_v up_o of_o divers_a memory_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n palaeot_fw-la psal._n 143._o 5._o i_o remember_v the_o day_n of_o old_a i_o meditate_v on_o all_o thy_o work_n i_o muse_v on_o the_o work_n of_o thy_o hand_n and_o then_o to_o produce_v these_o in_o time_n and_o place_n convenient_a either_o for_o their_o own_o or_o other_o direction_n caution_n or_o consolation_n sect_n iii_o three_o another_o privilege_n of_o old-age_n sin._n be_v that_o it_o be_v free_a from_o sin._n the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o be_v the_o great_a blot_n and_o woeful_a plague_n upon_o mankind_n and_o the_o first_o thing_n which_o every_o person_n arrive_v at_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n shall_v serious_o set_v about_o shall_v be_v to_o be_v heal_v of_o it_o but_o instead_o of_o that_o most_o people_n meet_v with_o temptation_n without_o they_o and_o find_v strength_n and_o youth_n within_o they_o forget_v the_o care_n of_o their_o hereditary_a disease_n and_o pursue_v their_o iniquity_n with_o greediness_n some_o be_v tickle_v with_o applause_n and_o so_o they_o hunt_v after_o a_o airy_a renown_n and_o a_o ungrounded_a reputation_n other_o let_v the_o reins_o lose_v to_o sensual_a delight_n and_o wallow_v in_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n other_o set_v aside_o all_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o love_n to_o their_o neighbour_n be_v set_v upon_o revenge_n and_o will_v run_v down_o every_o one_o that_o stand_v in_o their_o way_n and_o other_o hope_v for_o that_o fatisfaction_n in_o riches_n which_o they_o will_v never_o find_v set_v their_o mind_n to_o grasp_v after_o a_o plentiful_a estate_n by_o hook_n or_o crook_n now_o though_o some_o young_a people_n do_v happy_o escape_v these_o snare_n as_o be_v the_o case_n of_o obadiah_n and_o some_o old_a people_n be_v unhappy_o entrap_v in_o they_o as_o be_v the_o case_n of_o solomon_n yet_o most_o common_o youth_n by_o reason_n of_o its_o inexperience_n and_o unmortifiedness_n be_v full_a of_o sin._n job_n can_v reflect_v on_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o youth_n and_o david_n see_v cause_n to_o cry_v for_o the_o pardon_n of_o those_o offence_n hence_o aristotle_n will_v scarce_o admit_v they_o capable_a of_o moral_a lecture_n and_o indeed_o that_o ardour_n and_o vehemence_n which_o be_v almost_o inseparable_a from_o that_o age_n make_v they_o a_o easy_a prey_n to_o many_o temptation_n now_o when_o old-age_n take_v possession_n the_o proud_a the_o furious_a and_o the_o wanton_a spirit_n be_v spend_v as_o wine_n at_o first_o be_v mix_v with_o dregs_o till_o by_o time_n it_o settle_v and_o be_v refine_v so_o the_o passion_n of_o youth_n if_o they_o be_v not_o mortify_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n yet_o they_o be_v weaken_v and_o deaden_v by_o the_o age_n of_o man_n as_o tully_n have_v it_o when_o pleasure_n have_v almost_o deprave_v both_o body_n and_o mind_n than_o age_n come_v and_o cure_v that_o which_o wisdom_n can_v not_o and_o it_o be_v a_o happiness_n to_o be_v rid_v of_o such_o unruly_a guest_n any_o way_n but_o you_o will_v say_v though_o one_o sort_n of_o sin_n be_v go_v yet_o other_o succeed_v in_o their_o room_n and_o it_o be_v too_o evident_a by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v before_o that_o old-age_n have_v its_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o youth_n the_o objection_n must_v be_v answer_v with_o tear_n no_o age_n in_o this_o world_n without_o its_o temptation_n this_o leprosy_n will_v not_o be_v full_o cleanse_v until_o the_o house_n be_v take_v down_o but_o yet_o as_o we_o find_v child_n and_o youth_n more_o apt_a to_o breed_v vermin_n than_o age_a person_n so_o there_o be_v few_o enormity_n in_o this_o age_n than_o in_o that_o 61._o for_o transgression_n do_v general_o proceed_v either_o from_o ignorance_n which_o old-age_n do_v usual_o inform_v and_o heal_v or_o from_o the_o strength_n of_o passion_n which_o be_v much_o rebate_v and_o repress_v in_o old-age_n or_o from_o malice_n now_o the_o wise_a a_o man_n be_v grow_v the_o less_o likely_a he_o be_v to_o choose_v evil_a the_o more_o divine_a stroke_n and_o judgement_n one_o have_v see_v upon_o evil_a doer_n the_o more_o he_o shall_v be_v afraid_a of_o tamper_n with_o it_o the_o near_a a_o man_n be_v to_o his_o end_n the_o more_o in_o all_o reason_n he_o will_v beware_v of_o clog_a his_o conscience_n so_o that_o die_a lust_n be_v fit_a for_o a_o die_a body_n and_o a_o holy_a heart_n for_o a_o hoary_a head._n and_o this_o be_v a_o great_a privilege_n for_o as_o much_o as_o sin_n be_v the_o disease_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o great_a evil_n in_o the_o world_n so_o that_o that_o state_n of_o life_n which_o be_v free_a from_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o happy_a for_o it_o be_v this_o that_o help_n to_o complete_a our_o
felicity_n in_o heaven_n that_o no_o sin_n lodge_v there_o and_o the_o age_a person_n be_v hasten_v thither_o and_o consequent_o strive_v to_o break_v this_o yoke_n and_o fit_v himself_o for_o that_o estate_n as_o the_o pleasure_n he_o have_v have_v in_o these_o be_v go_v so_o his_o desire_n after_o they_o be_v go_v also_o he_o now_o find_v that_o there_o be_v more_o satisfaction_n in_o not_o desire_v they_o than_o there_o be_v in_o enjoy_v of_o they_o and_o so_o be_v far_o from_o be_v grieve_v at_o his_o releasement_n from_o those_o shackle_n cicer._n he_o will_v not_o live_v over_o again_o his_o sinful_a life_n for_o all_o the_o world_n and_o he_o be_v concern_v not_o because_o they_o be_v pass_v but_o because_o at_o any_o time_n they_o have_v dominion_n yea_o he_o find_v more_o real_a content_n in_o his_o penitential_a tear_n than_o ever_o he_o have_v in_o his_o youthful_a frolic_v with_o what_o contempt_n do_v he_o behold_v the_o debauchery_n the_o duel_n and_o the_o frothy_a folly_n of_o the_o roar_a spark_n which_o they_o triumph_v in_o as_o in_o a_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n but_o he_o have_v fathom_v they_o and_o find_v they_o empty_a as_o vanity_n and_o filthy_a as_o the_o mire_n he_o now_o believe_v what_o he_o have_v often_o hear_v that_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n be_v but_o like_o a_o golden_a dream_n which_o leave_v nothing_o but_o pensiveness_n behind_o they_o till_o god_n upon_o his_o repentance_n restore_v unto_o he_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o salvation_n now_o the_o varnish_n of_o his_o sin_n be_v wear_v off_o he_o see_v the_o filthy_a and_o ugly_a nature_n of_o it_o and_o wonder_n that_o any_o rational_a person_n shall_v ever_o love_v it_o he_o be_v now_o fright_v at_o the_o remembrance_n of_o those_o prank_n that_o he_o former_o commit_v without_o remorse_n and_o in_o short_a he_o be_v well_o please_v that_o he_o have_v a_o weak_a body_n instead_o of_o his_o strong_a corruption_n and_o be_v ready_a with_o that_o excellent_a philosopher_n 26._o to_o count_v his_o old-age_n his_o flourish_a age_n because_o he_o only_o find_v his_o vice_n and_o the_o fuel_n of_o they_o wither_a and_o that_o his_o mind_n begin_v now_o to_o be_v free_v from_o the_o snare_n wherein_o it_o be_v hold_v by_o the_o body_n etc._n etc._n let_v every_o age_a person_n labour_n to_o find_v these_o bless_a effect_n and_o so_o be_v content_a with_o the_o fall_n of_o that_o house_n which_o be_v continual_o haunt_v with_o such_o fury_n caryll_o but_o take_v heed_n of_o be_v only_o passive_a in_o this_o part_n these_o fire_n shall_v not_o only_o go_v out_o of_o themselves_o but_o shall_v be_v quench_v by_o true_a mortification_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a that_o sin_n be_v dead_a in_o you_o but_o you_o must_v be_v dead_a to_o it_o you_o must_v be_v active_a in_o the_o crucifixion_n of_o it_o or_o else_o the_o corruption_n of_o one_o vice_n will_v be_v the_o generation_n of_o another_o if_o you_o through_o the_o spirit_n mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n you_o shall_v live_v rom._n 8._o 13._o sect_n iv._o the_o four_o privilege_n of_o old-age_n piety_n be_v that_o it_o be_v proner_n to_o piety_n true_a and_o solid_a piety_n be_v the_o dominion_n of_o god_n fear_n and_o love_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o exert_v its_o self_n in_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n in_o a_o conscientious_a manner_n for_o in_o religion_n there_o be_v a_o body_n and_o a_o soul._n the_o body_n of_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n the_o soul_n of_o it_o be_v that_o which_o animate_v all_o the_o outward_a act_n and_o be_v fit_o call_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n for_o that_o the_o activity_n and_o force_n of_o any_o thing_n proceed_v from_o the_o soul_n or_o inward_a principle_n now_o the_o separate_n this_o form_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n like_v as_o that_o of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v the_o death_n of_o godliness_n and_o therefore_o though_o we_o prefer_v the_o soul_n or_o inside_n of_o religion_n yet_o we_o divorce_v it_o not_o from_o the_o body_n but_o do_v take_v piety_n in_o its_o just_a latitude_n comprehend_v the_o act_n of_o devotion_n from_o a_o right_a principle_n in_o a_o right_a manner_n and_o to_o a_o right_a end_n and_o express_v itself_o in_o a_o sober_a righteous_a and_o godly_a life_n and_o however_o the_o profane_a atheist_n may_v wicked_o deride_v it_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n or_o the_o rot_a hypocrite_n false_o pretend_v it_o on_o the_o other_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o wonderful_a excellency_n in_o it_o and_o a_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o it_o even_o the_o conscience_n of_o its_o great_a enemy_n first_o or_o last_o be_v judge_n to_o this_o serious_a piety_n old-age_n be_v more_o propense_a than_o any_o other_o age_n of_o man._n insomuch_o as_o we_o find_v divers_a in_o scripture_n and_o other_o story_n bend_v for_o heaven_n in_o their_o decline_a year_n who_o in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o their_o life_n mind_v nothing_o but_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh._n they_o who_o no_o persuasion_n no_o ordinance_n no_o affliction_n can_v full_o reduce_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n yet_o the_o lively_a sense_n and_o feel_n of_o their_o own_o decay_n and_o of_o their_o approach_n to_o the_o eternal_a judgement_n oblige_v they_o to_o true_a repentance_n and_o to_o make_v their_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a so_o that_o it_o have_v pass_v for_o a_o observation_n that_o they_o who_o be_v not_o fair_a at_o twenty_o strong_a at_o thirty_o wise_a at_o forty_o rich_a at_o fifty_o pious_a at_o sixty_o be_v never_o like_a to_o be_v fair_a or_o strong_a or_o wise_a or_o rich_a or_o religious_a when_o any_o man_n be_v warn_v out_o of_o the_o house_n he_o live_v in_o lay_v aside_o all_o other_o unnecessary_a business_n he_o set_v himself_o to_o provide_v another_o habitation_n now_o every_o decay_n of_o strength_n of_o sense_n every_o gray_a hair_n or_o wrinkle_n be_v a_o sensible_a warning_n out_o of_o the_o earthly_a house_n of_o his_o tabernacle_n and_o he_o must_v be_v strange_o stupid_a cyprian_a that_o buckle_v not_o in_o good_a earnest_n to_o provide_v for_o his_o soul_n when_o not_o only_o it_o may_v sudden_o but_o must_v short_o go_v either_o to_o heaven_n or_o hell._n these_o kind_n of_o sentiment_n cause_v that_o learned_a grotius_n to_o profess_v when_o he_o approach_v death_n that_o he_o will_v glad_o exchange_v all_o his_o learning_n and_o honour_n for_o the_o plain_a integrity_n of_o one_o jean_n urick_n who_o be_v a_o devout_a poor_a man_n that_o spend_v eight_o hour_n of_o his_o time_n in_o devotion_n eight_o in_o labour_n and_o but_o eight_o in_o sleep_n and_o all_o other_o refreshment_n so_o also_o that_o great_a statesman_n s_o t_o tho._n smith_n secretary_n of_o state_n to_o q._n elizabeth_n some_o time_n before_o he_o fall_v sick_a send_v for_o direction_n to_o two_o bishop_n how_o he_o may_v live_v most_o pious_o and_o make_v his_o peace_n with_o god_n 162._o beside_o all_o the_o unruly_a passion_n be_v now_o cool_v by_o time_n and_o year_n reason_n obtain_v a_o fair_a hear_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n get_v a_o complete_a victory_n over_o the_o heart_n that_o have_v resist_v so_o long_o even_o as_o a_o city_n which_o have_v be_v long_o besiege_v and_o often_o summon_v to_o surrender_v yet_o stand_v it_o out_o till_o provision_n begin_v to_o fail_v and_o that_o the_o defender_n of_o it_o see_v the_o wall_n terrible_o shake_v and_o then_o he_o find_v it_o high_a time_n to_o capitulate_v and_o deliver_v it_o so_o almighty_a god_n call_v and_o cry_n and_o knock_v time_n after_o time_n at_o the_o sinner_n heart_n but_o it_o be_v heedless_a of_o these_o call_v it_o be_v feast_v and_o fill_v with_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o present_a life_n but_o when_o it_o find_v all_o the_o fabric_n ready_a to_o fall_v upon_o its_o head_n and_o no_o provision_n make_v for_o a_o future_a and_o eternal_a state_n it_o be_v high_a time_n to_o be_v get_v oil_n and_o lay_v up_o a_o good_a foundation_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o for_o those_o who_o have_v be_v well_o dispose_v before_o yet_o old-age_n be_v a_o great_a incentive_a to_o great_a holiness_n as_o a_o man_n in_o sail_v say_v mr._n bradford_n the_o near_o he_o come_v to_o the_o shore_n the_o near_o he_o will_v be_v so_o the_o near_o i_o be_o to_o god_n the_o near_a still_o i_o will_v be_v a_o person_n of_o year_n must_v needs_o have_v a_o more_o clear_a and_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o duty_n of_o christianity_n of_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n of_o mortification_n of_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o have_v more_o leisure_n and_o be_v somewhat_o retire_v out_o of_o