fourscore_o and_o four_o year_n yet_o depart_v not_o from_o the_o temple_n but_o serve_v god_n with_o fasting_n and_o prayer_n night_n and_o day_n luk._n 2._o 37._o so_o that_o all_o age_a person_n be_v not_o preclude_v from_o spiritual_a exercise_n and_o though_o they_o shall_v become_v unable_a to_o frequent_v the_o public_a ordinance_n of_o god_n yet_o they_o may_v pray_v and_o sigh_v and_o meditate_v in_o their_o chamber_n and_o these_o proceed_v from_o a_o sincere_a and_o sensible_a soul_n be_v most_o acceptable_a unto_o god._n as_o for_o the_o external_a act_n of_o religion_n they_o avail_v nothing_o without_o faith_n and_o love_n which_o lodge_v in_o the_o heart_n the_o immanent_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v to_o understand_v to_o meditate_v to_o will_v and_o to_o desire_v do_v most_o perfect_a the_o same_o and_o where_o the_o deed_n can_v be_v do_v god_n do_v accept_v the_o will_n for_o the_o deed._n the_o weak_a and_o poor_a old_a man_n or_o woman_n may_v have_v 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they_o see_v a_o tempt_a troublesome_a world_n so_o look_v forward_o they_o see_v by_o faith_n a_o state_n of_o perfect_a holiness_n and_o happiness_n prepare_v for_o they_o this_o faith_n assure_v they_o that_o the_o end_n of_o their_o fight_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o their_o victory_n and_o as_o they_o part_v from_o their_o labour_n they_o take_v possession_n of_o their_o honour_n senbon_fw-fr and_o do_v not_o any_o apprentice_n rejoice_v when_o the_o time_n of_o his_o service_n be_v near_o its_o expiration_n i_o know_v nature_n recoil_v at_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n in_o the_o best_a but_o faith_n be_v then_o of_o great_a need_n and_o use_v and_o the_o just_a may_v be_v say_v to_o die_v as_o well_o as_o to_o live_v by_o his_o faith_n thereby_o he_o see_v life_n and_o immortality_n just_a before_o he_o and_o one_o only_o miry_a step_n to_o pass_v and_o then_o he_o be_v well_o indeed_o the_o idle_a man_n desire_v not_o to_o go_v to_o bed_n but_o to_o all_o that_o take_v or_o 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believe_v everlasting_a life_n for_o this_o it_o be_v which_o enable_v the_o apostle_n to_o make_v this_o expression_n phil._n 1._o 23._o have_v a_o desire_n to_o depart_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n which_o be_v far_o better_a for_o where_o shall_v the_o spouse_n desire_v to_o be_v but_o with_o her_o husband_n or_o where_o the_o member_n but_o with_o the_o head_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n that_o good_a lady_n falkland_n will_v usual_o say_v when_o she_o be_v go_v to_o bed_n now_o be_o i_o near_a heaven_n by_o one_o day_n than_o ever_o i_o be_v the_o age_a person_n see_v a_o woeful_a wilderness_n behind_o he_o and_o the_o bless_a land_n of_o promise_n before_o he_o and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n that_o with_o moses_n he_o belong_v to_o be_v in_o it_o and_o the_o near_a the_o holy_a soul_n approach_v its_o perfection_n the_o more_o earnest_a and_o almost_o impatient_a it_o be_v to_o attain_v it_o and_o one_o great_a advantage_n of_o the_o age_a lie_n in_o this_o that_o the_o meditation_n of_o death_n which_o be_v then_o in_o view_n be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o compose_v the_o mind_n to_o keep_v we_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n all_o the_o day_n long_o and_o our_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n to_o work_v in_o we_o a_o great_a contempt_n of_o the_o world_n and_o a_o singular_a freedom_n of_o spirit_n and_o of_o speech_n it_o will_v make_v we_o neither_o much_o to_o fear_v nor_o much_o to_o hope_v or_o desire_v any_o thing_n that_o the_o world_n can_v do_v for_o we_o or_o against_o we_o paul._n and_o final_o do_v great_o conduce_v to_o keep_v we_o steady_a and_o constant_a in_o faith_n and_o holiness_n and_o if_o some_o ancient_a people_n do_v not_o make_v this_o use_n of_o their_o approach_a dissolution_n what_o will_v they_o or_o other_o do_v if_o they_o do_v not_o grow_v old_a at_o all_o what_o a_o careless_a worldly_a and_o vain_a life_n will_v man_n live_v if_o they_o have_v no_o certain_a indication_n of_o their_o die_a sure_o the_o near_a to_o heaven_n the_o more_o heavenly_a we_o shall_v be_v as_o any_o man_n when_o he_o be_v come_v to_o the_o confine_n of_o another_o country_n will_v frame_v himself_o to_o the_o guise_n thereof_o so_o he_o that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o do_v purify_v himself_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a and_o will_v begin_v the_o life_n below_o which_o he_o expect_v to_o live_v above_o and_o the_o other_o privilege_n herein_o contain_v be_v this_o that_o be_v weary_a they_o be_v near_o to_o their_o journey_n end_v they_o have_v be_v long_o toss_v upon_o the_o sea_n and_o now_o they_o see_v the_o haven_n and_o rejoice_v that_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o put_v into_o it_o this_o can_v make_v cato_n in_o tully_n to_o say_v my_o old-age_n be_v herein_o pleasant_a to_o i_o that_o by_o how_o much_o i_o approach_v near_o to_o death_n so_o much_o soon_o do_v i_o as_o it_o be_v descry_v land_n and_o after_o long_o sail_v be_o ready_a to_o enter_v the_o port._n not_o that_o a_o good_a man_n shall_v desire_v to_o die_v for_o ease_n only_o to_o be_v free_v from_o the_o trouble_n of_o life_n all_o the_o tribulation_n of_o that_o bless_a apostle_n paul_n never_o make_v he_o cry_v out_o o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o but_o his_o body_n of_o death_n force_v he_o to_o it_o but_o while_o we_o carry_v these_o earthly_a tabernacle_n about_o we_o even_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a time_n will_v make_v we_o rejoice_v in_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god._n especial_o when_o we_o behold_v that_o innumerable_a company_n of_o angel_n the_o general_a assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a yea_o god_n the_o judge_n of_o all_o and_o jesus_n the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n among_o who_o we_o be_v go_v to_o reside_v in_o perfect_a bliss_n then_o will_v our_o heart_n and_o our_o flesh_n cry_v out_o o_o when_o shall_v we_o come_v and_o appear_v before_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o 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it_o that_o death_n be_v never_o to_o be_v dread_v say_v a_o heathen_a poet_n ennius_n which_o be_v follow_v with_o immortality_n all_o your_o riches_n reputation_n or_o friend_n will_v then_o nothing_o comfort_v you_o like_o a_o lively_a sense_n of_o christ_n in_o you_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n he_o that_o have_v live_v to_o god_n will_v cheerful_o go_v to_o he_o and_o they_o who_o have_v run_v with_o difficulty_n will_v die_v with_o ease_n 61._o and_o thus_o you_o have_v a_o account_n of_o some_o of_o the_o many_o privilege_n of_o old-age_n for_o beside_o all_o these_o it_o be_v a_o privilege_n to_o attain_v to_o such_o a_o age_n as_o that_o we_o may_v ourselves_o see_v to_o the_o education_n and_o disposal_n of_o our_o child_n and_o also_o to_o have_v the_o comfort_n of_o their_o piety_n and_o prosperity_n thou_o shall_v see_v thy_o child_n child_n and_o peace_n upon_o israel_n psal._n last_o hereupon_o it_o be_v record_v among_o and_o as_o the_o crown_n of_o the_o blessing_n 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of_o temperance_n and_o sobriety_n and_o that_o both_o for_o other_o sake_n and_o for_o your_o own._n you_o shall_v be_v example_n o_o be_v not_o stumble_v block_n to_o young_a people_n your_o vice_n may_v propagate_v when_o your_o person_n be_v pass_v it_o and_o those_o that_o be_v eye_n or_o ear-witness_n of_o your_o folly_n may_v derive_v the_o practice_n of_o they_o to_o the_o child_n that_o be_v yet_o unborn_a and_o although_o you_o may_v recover_v by_o true_a repentance_n yet_o they_o may_v stumble_v upon_o you_o and_o fall_v and_o never_o rise_v again_o entail_v not_o a_o curse_n upon_o your_o posterity_n do_v not_o nourish_v in_o they_o that_o natural_a depravation_n which_o in_o equity_n you_o ought_v rather_o to_o cure_v and_o for_o your_o own_o sake_n be_v sober_a be_v vigilant_a for_o you_o be_v upon_o the_o confine_n of_o the_o everlasting_a world_n a_o world_n wherein_o all_o sensual_a enjoyment_n will_v be_v for_o ever_o out_o of_o date_n endeavour_v to_o go_v off_o 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neither_o do_v it_o rest_n there_o but_o show_v itself_o in_o endeavour_n and_o that_o both_o by_o word_n and_o deed_n speak_v to_o they_o of_o they_o for_o they_o to_o god_n and_o man_n what_o may_v conduce_v thereunto_o in_o their_o lip_n be_v the_o law_n of_o kindness_n charity_n vaunt_v not_o itself_o be_v not_o puff_v up_o do_v not_o behave_v itself_o unseemly_a be_v not_o easy_o provoke_v 1_o cor._n 13._o 5._o neither_o will_v word_n satisfy_v it_o but_o do_v actual_o help_v and_o cheerful_o succour_v every_o body_n as_o their_o occasion_n require_v and_o his_o own_o ability_n extend_v and_o in_o this_o grace_n do_v every_o good_a old_a man_n and_o woman_n excel_v this_o be_v the_o eminent_a grace_n of_o the_o evangelist_n john_n in_o his_o old-age_n for_o he_o live_v long_o than_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o his_o swan-like_o song_n still_o be_v love_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o all_o his_o epistle_n yea_o some_o church_n historian_n affirm_v that_o when_o he_o can_v go_v 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will_v the_o keeper_n of_o the_o house_n tremble_v that_o be_v the_o arm_n and_o hand_n which_o defend_v the_o body_n will_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o cold_a and_o dry_a temper_n shake_v and_o quiver_n and_o the_o strong_a man_n will_v bow_v themselves_o that_o be_v the_o thigh_n and_o leg_n which_o have_v strong_o bear_v up_o the_o structure_n of_o the_o body_n will_v be_v weak_a and_o need_v the_o support_n of_o a_o staff_n to_o assist_v they_o and_o the_o grinder_n will_v cease_v because_o they_o be_v few_o that_o be_v the_o tooth_n which_o chew_v and_o grind_v our_o meat_n will_v break_v rot_v and_o fall_v out_o so_o that_o be_v reduce_v to_o a_o few_o they_o will_v be_v unable_a to_o do_v their_o office_n and_o those_o that_o look_v out_o of_o the_o window_n will_v be_v darken_v that_o be_v the_o eyesight_n will_v fail_v the_o organ_n of_o the_o eye_n through_o which_o as_o through_o a_o window_n the_o soul_n look_v out_o be_v dry_v up_o and_o weaken_v and_o the_o door_n shall_v 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of_o all_o this_o confess_v by_o a_o old_a man_n himself_o namely_o barzillai_n 2_o sam._n 19_o 35._o i_o be_o this_o day_n fourscore_o year_n old_a and_o can_v thy_o servant_n taste_v what_o i_o eat_v or_o what_o i_o drink_v can_v i_o hear_v any_o more_o the_o voice_n of_o sing_v man_n and_o sing_a woman_n q._n d._n these_o thing_n will_v signify_v nothing_o to_o i_o they_o have_v forsake_v i_o and_o i_o value_v they_o as_o little_a here_o you_o have_v the_o verdict_n which_o barzillai_n bring_v in_o the_o case_n yea_o instead_o of_o pleasure_n a_o constant_a sadness_n take_v place_n in_o their_o countenance_n without_o and_o as_o may_v be_v judge_v in_o their_o heart_n within_o sob_n and_o sigh_n be_v the_o accent_n of_o their_o language_n and_o their_o complaint_n be_v frequent_o mix_v with_o tear_n their_o condition_n then_o must_v needs_o be_v miserable_a when_o they_o have_v such_o constant_a heaviness_n within_o and_o no_o recreation_n without_o to_o alleviate_v it_o company_n 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comfort_n be_v not_o worth_a the_o keep_n nevertheless_o old-age_n may_v support_v itself_o very_o well_o under_o this_o inconvenience_n inasmuch_o as_o the_o pleasure_n they_o be_v deprive_v of_o be_v in_o themselves_o and_o to_o their_o experience_n dangerous_a enjoyment_n for_o nothing_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o disorder_n and_o full_o the_o soul_n than_o carnal_a pleasure_n those_o very_a recreation_n which_o may_v be_v harmless_a in_o themselves_o yet_o too_o common_o lead_v to_o intemperance_n to_o lasciviousness_n to_o quarrel_n and_o other_o mischief_n now_o if_o a_o dish_n be_v never_o so_o palatable_a yet_o if_o there_o be_v but_o danger_n of_o poison_n in_o it_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v meddle_v with_o it_o therefore_o tully_n bring_v in_o cato_n congratulate_v with_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o slavery_n of_o pleasure_n and_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v a_o singular_a privilege_n of_o old-age_n that_o it_o free_v we_o from_o that_o which_o be_v most_o pernicious_a in_o youth_n cicer._n and_o whatever_o regard_v weak_a man_n may_v have_v to_o these_o vanity_n the_o wise_a among_o the_o very_a heathen_n have_v conclude_v that_o there_o be_v no_o plague_n so_o deadly_a to_o man_n as_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o body_n tarent_n and_o that_o come_v to_o pass_v through_o the_o depravation_n of_o our_o nature_n whereby_o we_o can_v hardly_o enjoy_v they_o but_o we_o run_v mad_a upon_o they_o we_o exceed_v the_o limit_n and_o miss_v the_o end_n which_o shall_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o wherefore_o cicero_n tell_v of_o sophocles_n who_o be_v askâ—…d_v whether_o he_o do_v still_o converse_v with_o womankind_n answer_v the_o god_n have_v do_v better_a for_o i_o i_o have_v willing_o leave_v that_o furious_a master_n senect_n indeed_o the_o great_a
soul._n when_o it_o be_v lodge_v in_o a_o ruinous_a body_n it_o be_v stifle_v within_o itself_o for_o want_n of_o motion_n and_o move_v it_o can_v or_o but_o lame_o for_o want_v of_o organ_n recovery_n it_o be_v like_o a_o traveller_n with_o a_o tire_a horse_n he_o spur_v and_o strain_n but_o his_o horse_n be_v founder_v so_o here_o the_o soul_n will_v pray_v and_o meditate_v and_o fly_v upward_o but_o the_o dead_a weight_n of_o a_o crazy_a body_n hinder_v so_o that_o both_o his_o flesh_n upon_o he_o have_v pain_n and_o his_o soul_n within_o he_o do_v mourn_v job_n 14._o 22._o but_o yet_o this_o burden_n be_v not_o to_o be_v appropriate_v to_o old-age_n as_o if_o they_o and_o they_o only_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o distemper_n and_o of_o pain_n for_o if_o we_o observe_v it_o we_o shall_v find_v disease_n more_o common_a yea_o and_o more_o dangerous_a among_o young_a people_n than_o among_o old_a cicer_n in_o the_o sacred_a story_n you_o will_v meet_v with_o more_o young_a people_n bring_v to_o our_o saviour_n for_o cure_n than_o old._n there_o be_v jairus_n daughter_n there_o be_v the_o nobleman_n son_n there_o be_v the_o syrophenician_o daughter_n and_o then_o the_o centurion_n servant_n with_o many_o other_o in_o contagious_a disease_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o be_v soon_o infect_v and_o every_o register_n will_v inform_v we_o that_o a_o far_o great_a number_n of_o infant_n and_o young_a people_n be_v yearly_o carry_v to_o their_o long_a home_n than_o of_o age_a person_n and_o then_o for_o casualty_n there_o be_v far_o more_o of_o young_a and_o middle-aged_a person_n that_o be_v slay_v and_o take_v captive_n than_o of_o the_o old._n neither_o be_v all_o age_a people_n so_o lade_v with_o these_o pain_n and_o distemper_n many_o of_o they_o have_v a_o very_a convenient_a measure_n of_o health_n to_o their_o life_n end_v thus_o tully_n bring_v in_o cato_n at_o eighty_o four_o year_n of_o age_n declare_v that_o notwithstanding_o these_o year_n he_o be_v well_o enough_o to_o appear_v in_o the_o senate_n to_o defend_v his_o client_n and_o to_o entertain_v his_o friend_n and_o masinissa_n king_n of_o mauritania_n that_o at_o fourscore_o and_o ten_o year_n old_a he_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o ride_v in_o his_o journey_n or_o to_o be_v cover_v on_o his_o head_n in_o the_o hard_a frost_n or_o sharp_a storm_n and_o one_o of_o the_o old_a man_n mention_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n make_v nothing_o of_o walk_v twenty_o mile_n to_o dine_v with_o a_o relation_n when_o he_o be_v above_o a_o hundred_o year_n old_a neither_o be_v these_o disease_n always_o the_o fruit_n of_o old-age_n but_o rather_o of_o a_o heedless_a and_o intemperate_a youth_n this_o lay_v up_o such_o crudity_n surfeit_n and_o noxious_a humour_n which_o lurk_v in_o we_o till_o old-age_n and_o then_o seize_v upon_o we_o and_o then_o we_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o choler_n in_o our_o stomach_n but_o forget_v the_o sweet_a meat_n which_o have_v cause_v it_o so_o that_o this_o inconvenience_n do_v neither_o befall_v all_o old_a people_n nor_o only_o they_o nor_o only_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o old-age_n the_o best_a support_v however_o for_o the_o age_a under_o their_o malady_n be_v a_o deep_a study_n on_o the_o wisdom_n power_n goodness_n and_o promise_v of_o god._n his_o wisdom_n whereby_o he_o know_v what_o condition_n be_v best_a for_o we_o his_o power_n whereby_o he_o have_v all_o disease_n at_o his_o command_n as_o the_o centurion_n have_v his_o servant_n his_o goodness_n whereby_o he_o pity_v we_o more_o than_o the_o tender_a parent_n do_v his_o weak_a child_n who_o also_o know_v our_o frame_n and_o remember_v that_o we_o be_v but_o dust_n psal._n 103._o 13_o 14._o his_o promise_n that_o he_o will_v not_o afflict_v without_o need_n lam._n 3._o 33._o that_o he_o will_v correct_v in_o measure_n jer._n 30._o 11._o that_o he_o will_v not_o leave_v we_o psal._n 23._o 4._o that_o all_o shall_v work_v for_o the_o best_a rom._n 8._o 28._o that_o he_o will_v cease_v when_o his_o good_a end_n be_v accomplish_v lam._n 3._o 22._o and_o then_o we_o shall_v revolve_v the_o great_a benefit_n and_o use_n of_o they_o for_o by_o our_o distemper_n the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o show_v we_o more_o effectual_o the_o frailty_n of_o our_o condition_n the_o evil_a of_o sin_n the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o many_o other_o lesson_n that_o be_v not_o common_o learn_v otherwise_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o these_o be_v fair_a warning_n to_o we_o to_o provide_v a_o better_a house_n for_o the_o soul_n that_o will_v endure_v in_o this_o disease_n say_v old_a olevian_n i_o have_v learned_a to_o know_v aright_o what_o sin_n be_v and_o what_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n be_v nay_o say_v that_o learned_a rivet_n near_o his_o death_n i_o have_v learn_v more_o divinity_n in_o these_o ten_o day_n of_o my_o sickness_n than_o in_o fifty_o year_n before_o it_o have_v send_v i_o home_o into_o myself_o and_o now_o who_o will_v not_o be_v content_a with_o such_o useful_a discipline_n to_o conclude_v try_v it_o who_o will_v there_o be_v no_o condition_n of_o life_n without_o some_o inconvenience_n marriage_n be_v desire_v they_o be_v s._n basil_n word_n hex_z but_o how_o many_o trouble_n in_o it_o child_n be_v long_v for_o but_o how_o many_o grief_n with_o they_o rich_a people_n be_v count_v happy_a but_o how_o many_o thorn_n be_v find_v there_o these_o be_v the_o tribute_n of_o life_n which_o if_o a_o man_n know_v how_o to_o bear_v patient_o his_o soul_n will_v be_v better_v and_o his_o virtue_n adorn_v our_o business_n be_v to_o prepare_v for_o they_o beforehand_o to_o lay_v up_o a_o stock_n of_o prayer_n of_o patience_n of_o promise_n of_o faith_n of_o evidence_n and_o when_o they_o come_v to_o possess_v our_o soul_n in_o patience_n to_o resign_v up_o ourselves_o to_o the_o holy_a will_n of_o god_n and_o if_o we_o can_v turn_v off_o this_o our_o burden_n to_o carry_v it_o with_o all_o the_o ease_n and_o satisfaction_n we_o can_v and_o to_o keep_v a_o sound_a mind_n if_o we_o can_v have_v a_o sound_a body_n sect_n vi_o a_o six_o inconvenience_n in_o old-age_n be_v cross_n that_o it_o be_v break_v with_o cross_n and_o outward_a trouble_n these_o though_o they_o meet_v we_o in_o every_o stage_n of_o our_o life_n yet_o a_o whole_a troop_n of_o they_o common_o fall_v upon_o we_o in_o old-age_n then_o do_v poverty_n often_o come_v as_o a_o arm_a man_n his_o get_a day_n be_v go_v now_o his_o spend_a time_n be_v come_v and_o if_o he_o have_v need_n of_o much_o and_o yet_o have_v little_a in_o store_n he_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o a_o miserable_a condition_n the_o cynic_n philosopher_n when_o he_o be_v ask_v what_o be_v the_o most_o calamitous_a creature_n in_o the_o world_n confident_o answer_v it_o be_v a_o indigent_a old_a person_n likewise_o every_o body_n be_v ready_a to_o injure_v and_o run_v down_o the_o age_a reckon_v that_o they_o be_v least_o able_a to_o defend_v themselves_o for_o as_o to_o the_o weak_a part_n of_o the_o body_n there_o be_v a_o confluence_n of_o all_o humour_n which_o settle_v there_o so_o very_o often_o it_o fall_v out_o that_o a_o combination_n of_o trouble_n seize_v upon_o age_a people_n joh._n 21._o 18._o very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o when_o thou_o be_v young_a thou_o gird_v thyself_o and_o walkedst_a whither_o thou_o will_v but_o when_o thou_o shall_v be_v old_a thou_o shall_v stretch_v forth_o thy_o hand_n and_o another_o shall_v gird_v thou_o and_o carry_v thou_o whither_o thou_o will_v not_o and_o of_o these_o trouble_n the_o sharp_a be_v from_o their_o relation_n the_o disobedience_n of_o some_o or_o the_o death_n of_o other_o how_o do_v the_o pride_n prodigality_n or_o wilfulness_n of_o child_n or_o grandchild_n provoke_v and_o grieve_v the_o hoary_a head_n and_o how_o many_o age_a person_n see_v husband_n wife_n child_n and_o other_o dear_a friend_n and_o relation_n post_v to_o the_o grave_n before_o they_o which_o do_v each_o of_o they_o as_o it_o be_v tear_v away_o a_o piece_n of_o he_o and_o leave_v he_o as_o a_o sparrow_n alone_o upon_o the_o housetop_n in_o short_a old-age_n be_v record_v as_o the_o sink_v of_o man_n life_n into_o which_o run_v all_o the_o misery_n incident_a to_o humane_a nature_n and_o that_o which_o make_v this_o burden_n more_o grievous_a be_v that_o these_o seize_v upon_o the_o person_n when_o their_o strength_n be_v spend_v their_o spirit_n low_a and_o their_o bodily_a infirmity_n many_o they_o be_v within_o sight_n of_o the_o shore_n and_o yet_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v sink_v and_o wrack_v with_o the_o storm_n which_o beat_v upon_o they_o when_o they_o have_v think_v all_o their_o trouble_n have_v be_v blow_v over_o it_o fret_v they_o sore_o to_o meet_v they_o
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
be_v afraid_a go_v to_o receive_v your_o just_a punishment_n but_o hope_v for_o my_o reward_n in_o the_o other_o life_n i_o be_o not_o amaze_v with_o this_o at_o all_o but_o now_o when_o a_o man_n have_v set_v his_o house_n and_o heart_n in_o order_n and_o finish_v his_o work_n he_o may_v sing_v his_o nunc_fw-la dimittis_fw-la with_o comfort_n and_o say_v as_o that_o holy_a woman_n x_o i_o be_o one_o that_o neither_o wish_v death_n nor_o fear_v his_o might_n but_o as_o merry_a as_o one_o that_o be_v bind_v for_o heaven_n aiscough_n 4._o there_o be_v much_o folly_n in_o this_o slavish_a fear_n of_o death_n a_o holy_a care_n to_o prepare_v for_o it_o be_v far_o better_a than_o a_o unprofitable_a fear_n for_o the_o passion_n of_o fear_n be_v plant_v in_o we_o for_o the_o avoid_n of_o thing_n hurtful_a but_o there_o be_v no_o avoid_v of_o this_o fate_n 30._o there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o have_v power_n over_o the_o spirit_n to_o retain_v the_o spirit_n and_o there_o be_v no_o discharge_n in_o that_o war_n eccles._n 8._o 8._o that_o disquiet_n be_v therefore_o foolish_a that_o torment_v but_o profit_v not_o how_o can_v the_o mind_n be_v quiet_a at_o any_o time_n which_o be_v afraid_a of_o what_o be_v impendent_a at_o all_o time_n id._n it_o be_v observe_v by_o seneca_n that_o neither_o child_n nor_o idiot_n be_v afraid_a of_o death_n and_o he_o infer_v that_o it_o be_v a_o base_a thing_n that_o reason_n i_o add_v the_o scripture_n shall_v not_o work_v as_o much_o security_n in_o we_o as_o folly_n do_v in_o they_o shall_v learned_a old_a man_n fear_v that_o which_o foolish_a young_a man_n do_v not_o o_o wretched_a old_a man_n say_v tully_n that_o in_o so_o long_a life_n have_v not_o learn_v to_o despise_v death_n i_o end_v this_o with_o the_o observation_n of_o judicious_a mr._n calvin_n he_o that_o can_v quiet_v his_o heart_n in_o the_o holy_a contempt_n of_o death_n have_v profit_v but_o little_a in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ._n let_v it_o therefore_o be_v the_o business_n of_o each_o age_a person_n to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o death_n to_o be_v die_v daily_o by_o mortify_v your_o affection_n to_o all_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o life_n and_o by_o meditate_v on_o the_o life_n to_o come_v never_o fret_v at_o that_o death_n which_o lead_v you_o to_o immortality_n rather_o rejoice_v that_o you_o be_v take_v leave_n of_o a_o world_n of_o sin_n and_o take_v flight_n into_o a_o land_n of_o uprightness_n o_o father_n say_v a_o officer_n to_o a_o noble_a ancient_a persian_a minister_n that_o tremble_v at_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n shut_v your_o eye_n but_o a_o little_a and_o you_o shall_v see_v god_n in_o glory_n and_o thus_o i_o conclude_v this_o particular_a that_o too_o many_o old_a people_n never_o fear_v death_n for_o they_o never_o spend_v thought_n about_o it_o that_o the_o young_a have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o apprehend_v it_o as_o the_o old_a that_o a_o slavish_a fear_n of_o it_o be_v folly_n in_o any_o and_o that_o no_o good_a man_n need_v to_o be_v affright_v but_o rather_o comfort_v with_o it_o so_o that_o upon_o a_o just_a survey_n of_o all_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o old-age_n all_o age_a person_n may_v answer_v as_o tully_n tell_v of_o one_o gorgias_n who_o be_v 107_o year_n old_a be_v ask_v why_o he_o be_v content_v to_o live_v so_o long_o why_o say_v he_o i_o have_v nothing_o whereof_o to_o accuse_v old-age_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v it_o seem_v perverse_a and_o unreasonable_a that_o all_o people_n shall_v desire_v to_o attain_v unto_o it_o and_o then_o when_o they_o have_v attain_v it_o to_o dislike_v it_o menecrates_n difficulty_n and_o disadvantage_n there_o be_v with_o it_o whereof_o no_o age_n or_o condition_n be_v free_a but_o they_o be_v tolerable_a and_o ordinable_a to_o the_o good_a cicer_n of_o all_o that_o fear_v god._n and_o so_o much_o may_v suffice_v for_o this_o five_o point_n to_o be_v handle_v chap._n vi_o the_o privilege_n of_o old-age_n sect_n i._o i_o proceed_v now_o in_o the_o six_o place_n to_o old-age_n discourse_v the_o privilege_n and_o comfort_n of_o old-age_n that_o there_o be_v some_o peculiar_a blessing_n and_o dignity_n in_o old-age_n be_v evident_a both_o by_o the_o light_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o first_o commandment_n with_o promise_n be_v honour_v thy_o father_n and_o thy_o mother_n that_o thy_o day_n may_v be_v long_o in_o the_o land_n which_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n give_v thou_o the_o like_a promise_v you_o will_v find_v psal._n 91._o last_o with_o long_a life_n will_v i_o satisfy_v he_o and_o show_v he_o my_o salvation_n which_o show_v that_o old-age_n whatever_o inconvenience_n it_o be_v attend_v withal_o be_v in_o its_o self_n a_o special_a blessing_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v threaten_v as_o a_o heavy_a judgement_n unto_o eli_n that_o god_n will_v cut_v off_o his_o arm_n and_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o father_n house_n that_o be_v he_o will_v take_v away_o his_o might_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o family_n in_o that_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o old_a man_n in_o his_o house_n 1_o sam._n 2._o 31._o and_o in_o general_a that_o bloody_a and_o deceitful_a man_n shall_v not_o live_v out_o half_a their_o day_n psal._n 55._o last_o whereupon_o holy_a david_n pray_v psal._n 102._o 24._o o_o my_o god_n take_v i_o not_o away_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o my_o day_n final_o the_o holy_a ghost_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o beauty_n of_o old_a man_n be_v the_o grey_a head_n psal._n 20._o 29._o by_o all_o which_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o old-age_n be_v a_o desirable_a mercy_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n himself_o agreeable_a hereunto_o be_v the_o ancient_n hebrew_n proverb_n in_o ben_n syra_n to_o this_o effect_n senex_n in_o domo_fw-la bonum_fw-la signum_fw-la in_o domo_fw-la and_o if_o that_o be_v a_o real_a good_a thing_n which_o all_o man_n desire_v then_o certain_o there_o be_v some_o peculiar_a goodness_n in_o old-age_n for_o that_o all_o man_n desire_v to_o attain_v it_o so_o also_o we_o mingle_v among_o our_o good_a wish_n to_o other_o this_o of_o a_o long_a life_n when_o king_n and_o grandee_n be_v salute_v this_o be_v the_o common_a acclamation_n that_o they_o may_v live_v long_o annos_fw-la and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a live_v for_o ever_o and_o antiquity_n be_v so_o valuable_a a_o thing_n that_o not_o only_a family_n and_o city_n but_o nation_n have_v have_v long_o and_o sharp_a dispute_n about_o the_o antiquity_n of_o their_o respective_a people_n as_o the_o egyptian_n phoenician_n scythian_n and_o the_o athenian_n have_v this_o character_n affix_v upon_o they_o that_o they_o can_v discourse_v well_o but_o the_o lacedaemonian_n can_v do_v well_o because_o a_o age_a person_n come_v upon_o a_o time_n into_o a_o great_a assembly_n at_o athens_n have_v no_o respect_n give_v he_o but_o at_o sparta_n in_o the_o like_a convention_n they_o all_o rise_v up_o to_o seat_v he_o so_o that_o it_o grow_v proverbial_a that_o old-age_n dwell_v most_o like_o its_o self_n at_o sparta_n proverb_n so_o then_o as_o there_o be_v some_o inconvenience_n in_o old-age_n which_o yet_o as_o you_o have_v see_v have_v divers_a thing_n to_o mitigate_v they_o so_o it_o have_v many_o privilege_n and_o comfort_n cicero_n which_o do_v overbalance_n they_o god_n have_v set_v the_o one_o over_o against_o the_o other_o to_o the_o end_n that_o man_n shall_v find_v nothing_o after_o he_o there_o be_v only_o this_o difference_n that_o all_o our_o trouble_n spring_v from_o below_o but_o all_o our_o mercy_n drop_v from_o above_o the_o particular_a privilege_n and_o comfort_n of_o old-age_n be_v these_o follow_v first_o old-age_n be_v great_a in_o authority_n authority_n than_o any_o other_o age._n there_o be_v a_o authory_n result_v from_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o that_o which_o be_v confer_v by_o civil_a law_n the_o former_a be_v that_o wherewith_o old-age_n be_v invest_v god_n himself_o who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o honour_n have_v give_v they_o a_o patent_n for_o it_o so_o that_o their_o authority_n have_v something_o in_o it_o divine_a and_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v a_o kind_n of_o natural_a government_n over_o other_o hereby_o the_o sentence_n or_o opinion_n of_o the_o age_a may_v well_o conclude_v as_o much_o as_o the_o argument_n of_o the_o young_a and_o he_o must_v have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o wisdom_n or_o of_o confidence_n that_o shall_v contradict_v what_o a_o wise_a age_a person_n have_v assert_v that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a authority_n in_o old-age_n be_v plain_a from_o divers_a scripture_n as_o isa._n 9_o 15._o the_o ancient_n and_o the_o honourable_a he_o be_v the_o head._n now_o we_o know_v that_o the_o head_n be_v the_o seat_n of_o rule_n when_o moses_n have_v occasion_n for_o some_o coadjutor_n with_o
abhor_v himself_o by_o reason_n of_o it_o it_o meet_v he_o in_o every_o employment_n in_o every_o prayer_n and_o vex_v he_o at_o the_o heart_n he_o be_v like_o a_o man_n who_o live_v by_o a_o bad_a neighbour_n or_o that_o be_v yoke_v to_o a_o froward_a wife_n that_o can_v live_v comfortable_o with_o they_o and_o can_v live_v possible_o without_o they_o hence_o he_o cry_v out_o o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o the_o body_n of_o this_o death_n now_o the_o young_a person_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o these_o philistine_n the_o corruption_n of_o his_o nature_n meeting_n as_o be_v say_v before_o with_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v as_o tinder_n to_o the_o spark_n too_o easy_o set_v on_o fire_n with_o lust_n anger_n gluttony_n and_o such_o like_a wherewith_o he_o must_v be_v either_o in_o continual_a and_o sharp_a conflict_n or_o else_o miserable_o ruin_v now_o the_o age_a person_n have_v get_v many_o victory_n in_o this_o spiritual_a warfare_n whereby_o his_o enemy_n be_v grow_v weak_a and_o he_o bold_a and_o strong_a he_o know_v this_o bicker_n will_v not_o last_v long_o and_o see_v the_o reward_n of_o his_o victory_n and_o so_o please_v himself_o with_o his_o condition_n this_o make_v the_o apostle_n when_o aged_a to_o say_v 2_o tim._n 4._o 7_o 8._o i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n and_o henceforth_o there_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o i_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o privilege_n will_v he_o accept_v a_o new_a lease_n to_o live_v over_o his_o life_n again_o not_o for_o the_o whole_a world_n seneca_n can_v say_v if_o some_o god_n will_v indulge_v i_o so_o far_o as_o that_o i_o may_v return_v into_o my_o cradle_n again_o i_o will_v earnest_o refuse_v it_o i_o will_v never_o yield_v when_o i_o have_v almost_o run_v my_o whole_a race_n to_o return_v quite_o back_o again_o seneca_n and_o for_o the_o suffering_n in_o the_o world_n man_n whether_o he_o be_v bear_v to_o a_o estate_n or_o not_o yet_o be_v bear_v unto_o trouble_n as_o the_o spark_n fly_v upward_o we_o meet_v they_o in_o every_o stage_n of_o our_o life_n we_o come_v into_o the_o world_n with_o cry_n and_o go_v out_o with_o groan_n and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o space_n between_o be_v replenish_v with_o sigh_n and_o care_n and_o trouble_n some_o inflict_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o some_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o man._n one_o while_o pain_n or_o sickness_n upon_o the_o body_n another_o while_n want_v or_o loss_n in_o our_o estate_n sometime_o wound_v in_o our_o name_n and_o sometime_o in_o the_o unhappy_a life_n or_o untimely_a death_n of_o our_o relation_n yea_o if_o we_o escape_v these_o and_o have_v a_o perpetual_a sunshine_n yet_o the_o care_n and_o trouble_n that_o attend_v prosperity_n be_v not_o few_o nor_o small_a so_o that_o when_o god_n survey_v the_o world_n at_o first_o he_o pronounce_v all_o be_v good_a but_o when_o the_o wise_a of_o man_n have_v make_v his_o survey_n of_o it_o since_o the_o fall_n he_o pronounce_v all_o thing_n in_o it_o to_o be_v vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n and_o the_o age_a man_n can_v conclude_v it_o by_o his_o own_o experience_n to_o be_v a_o sea_n of_o storm_n a_o sink_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o very_a prison_n to_o the_o soul._n indeed_o it_o be_v a_o stage_n whereon_o we_o have_v opportunity_n to_o honour_n god_n and_o do_v some_o service_n to_o our_o fellow-creature_n but_o otherwise_o the_o best_a notion_n of_o it_o be_v only_o a_o convenient_a inn_n for_o pilgrim_n in_o their_o journey_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v content_a while_o we_o be_v in_o it_o and_o and_o very_o well_o content_a to_o be_v release_v out_o of_o it_o for_o what_o wise_a man_n but_o be_v glad_a to_o part_v with_o the_o most_o convenient_a inn_n to_o be_v go_v towards_o his_o own_o home_n senec._n alas_o they_o who_o be_v old_a have_v see_v so_o much_o of_o the_o falseness_n of_o the_o world_n of_o the_o deceit_n of_o man_n of_o the_o division_n of_o the_o church_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o good_a man_n and_o of_o the_o wickedness_n of_o evil_a man_n that_o they_o be_v sick_a of_o this_o world_n and_o can_v not_o be_v hire_v with_o all_o it_o can_v give_v to_o abide_v in_o it_o one_o day_n after_o their_o work_n be_v do_v when_o a_o man_n have_v find_v something_o above_o beyond_o and_o after_o this_o world_n he_o be_v weary_a of_o it_o tertul._n so_o that_o the_o privilege_n of_o age_a person_n who_o be_v even_o past_a the_o world_n be_v real_o great_a they_o have_v escape_v those_o rock_n and_o gulf_n of_o which_o young_a person_n be_v yet_o in_o danger_n they_o may_v look_v back_o with_o pity_n on_o young_a person_n who_o be_v to_o grapple_v with_o the_o difficulty_n which_o they_o have_v overcome_v they_o have_v also_o attain_v that_o which_o all_o young_a man_n desire_v for_o these_o will_v live_v long_o and_o the_o age_a have_v live_v long_o cicero_n they_o have_v see_v a_o end_n of_o all_o perfection_n and_o that_o be_v a_o poor_a perfection_n that_o have_v a_o end_n and_o after_o all_o they_o find_v that_o this_o be_v not_o their_o rest_n because_o it_o be_v pollute_v although_o they_o have_v be_v crucify_a the_o world_n a_o long_a time_n yet_o they_o can_v make_v it_o wholesome_a enough_o to_o feed_v on_o without_o much_o caution_n and_o jealousy_n and_o find_v it_o so_o dangerous_a a_o master_n and_o so_o troublesome_a a_o servant_n they_o be_v glad_a to_o be_v rid_v of_o it_o and_o glad_a that_o they_o be_v near_o part_v so_o that_o he_o who_o have_v try_v the_o world_n and_o yet_o love_v it_o be_v bewitch_v by_o it_o as_o a_o man_n that_o have_v surfeit_v on_o any_o thing_n his_o stomach_n rise_v against_o it_o so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o age_a they_o have_v too_o long_o surfeit_v on_o it_o and_o now_o their_o heart_n rise_v against_o it_o trident._n the_o world_n and_o they_o be_v easy_o part_v for_o it_o care_v little_a for_o they_o and_o they_o care_v less_o for_o it_o farewell_n think_v they_o thou_o false_a and_o flatter_a world_n that_o promise_v i_o content_a and_o never_o perform_v it_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v my_o good_a friend_n and_o have_v prove_v my_o constant_a snare_n my_o deadly_a enemy_n i_o be_o now_o go_v to_o a_o peaceable_a holy_a and_o endless_a world._n hence_o it_o be_v that_o when_o the_o physician_n once_o tell_v holy_a mr._n dod_n in_o a_o dangerous_a sickness_n in_o his_o old-age_n that_o they_o have_v good_a hope_n of_o his_o recovery_n he_o answer_v they_o that_o the_o news_n please_v he_o no_o better_o than_o if_o one_o shall_v tell_v the_o weather-beaten_a mariner_n that_o be_v put_v into_o the_o haven_n that_o he_o must_v turn_v back_o to_o conflict_n with_o the_o storm_n again_o no_o certain_o they_o who_o be_v almost_o get_v safe_o through_o this_o dangerous_a world_n will_v be_v loath_a to_o venture_v into_o it_o again_o indeed_o if_o a_o man_n have_v no_o portion_n but_o in_o this_o life_n if_o he_o have_v no_o house_n but_o hell_n to_o go_v to_o when_o he_o leave_v the_o world_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o he_o be_v loath_a to_o part_v with_o it_o but_o they_o who_o be_v dead_a to_o this_o world_n and_o ripe_a for_o a_o better_a will_v not_o live_v here_o always_o but_o rejoice_v exceed_o and_o be_v glad_a when_o they_o can_v find_v the_o grave_n job_n 3._o 22._o and_o this_o lead_v i_o to_o sect_n viii_o the_o eight_o privilege_n of_o old-age_n eternity_n which_o be_v that_o it_o be_v near_o to_o death_n than_o in_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n young_a person_n be_v and_o consequent_o if_o they_o be_v in_o christ_n near_a to_o the_o everlasting_a life_n for_o though_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o the_o young_a to_o die_v soon_o yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o aged_a to_o live_v long_o any_o their_o manifest_a decay_n be_v a_o certain_a presage_n of_o their_o approach_a dissolution_n and_o no_o medicine_n have_v yet_o be_v find_v to_o cure_v old-age_n the_o grave_n be_v ready_a for_o they_o and_o the_o worm_n wait_v for_o their_o last_o repast_n upon_o they_o the_o moth_n of_o mortality_n which_o be_v breed_v in_o our_o nature_n will_v still_o be_v fret_v the_o garment_n of_o our_o body_n till_o they_o be_v consume_v death_n be_v already_o get_v into_o the_o age_a person_n eye_n and_o ear_n and_o in_o a_o short_a time_n will_v bring_v he_o unto_o the_o dust_n now_o though_o this_o be_v a_o unwelcome_a messenger_n to_o those_o that_o live_v at_o ease_n yet_o to_o a_o holy_a old_a man_n and_o woman_n it_o be_v a_o bless_a privilege_n for_o as_o look_v backward_o
give_v of_o your_o repentance_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o your_o youth_n be_v a_o watchful_a care_n against_o the_o sin_n of_o your_o old-age_n otherwise_o your_o sin_n be_v not_o forsake_v but_o change_v withal_o if_o your_o repentance_n be_v sound_a it_o be_v attend_v with_o a_o will_n and_o endeavour_v to_o make_v restitution_n wherein_o you_o have_v injure_v any_o in_o their_o soul_n body_n name_n or_o estate_n this_o will_v be_v as_o letter_n testimonial_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o your_o repentance_n you_o must_v not_o nay_o you_o can_v be_v quiet_a if_o your_o repentance_n be_v sound_a until_o you_o have_v serious_o endeavour_v as_o far_o as_o in_o you_o lie_v to_o recover_v the_o soul_n to_o restore_v the_o body_n to_o heal_v the_o reputation_n and_o to_o repair_v the_o estate_n which_o you_o have_v injure_v without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a repentance_n on_o earth_n and_o without_o which_o there_o will_v be_v no_o remission_n in_o heaven_n 10._o sect_n ii_o another_o work_n of_o old-age_n be_v obtain_v assurance_n assurance_n of_o salvation_n i_o mean_v hereby_o not_o only_o a_o general_n certainty_n that_o some_o good_a people_n shall_v be_v save_v for_o the_o devil_n believe_v this_o and_o rage_n at_o it_o which_o i_o think_v be_v the_o same_o with_o objective_a certainty_n nor_o that_o assurance_n which_o may_v come_v by_o special_a and_o extraordinary_a revelation_n since_o we_o find_v few_o or_o no_o example_n in_o scripture_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n but_o rather_o that_o the_o apostle_n paul_n himself_n ground_n his_o assurance_n of_o the_o crown_n upon_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n which_o he_o extend_v to_o all_o they_o that_o love_n christ_n appear_v 2_o tim._n 4._o 8._o neither_o do_v i_o mean_v a_o conjectural_a hope_n of_o salvation_n which_o admit_v both_o of_o anxiety_n and_o of_o slavish_a fear_n fith_o the_o scripture_n represent_v it_o by_o faith_n and_o full_a assurance_n and_o produce_v earnest_n and_o seal_n for_o confirmation_n nor_o last_o be_v this_o assurance_n confine_v to_o grace_n at_o present_a but_o extend_v to_o final_a salvation_n thus_o the_o apostle_n 2_o tim._n 1._o 12._o i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v believe_v there_o be_v assurance_n of_o his_o present_a state_n but_o be_v he_o certain_a of_o his_o perseverance_n yes_o that_o follow_v and_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v that_o which_o i_o have_v commit_v unto_o he_o against_o that_o day_n that_o such_o assurance_n have_v be_v attain_v be_v clear_a enough_o from_o the_o instance_n of_o job_n 19_o 25_o 26._o of_o david_n psal._n 16._o 9_o 10._o of_o paul_n 2_o tim._n 4._o 7_o 8._o and_o many_o other_o that_o it_o may_v be_v attain_v be_v as_o clear_v since_o there_o be_v no_o intimation_n that_o these_o or_o the_o rest_n have_v any_o extraordinary_a discovery_n thereof_o unto_o they_o but_o arrive_v thereat_o in_o the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n and_o by_o the_o consignation_n of_o that_o spirit_n unto_o which_o we_o have_v access_n as_o well_o as_o they_o and_o the_o apostle_n do_v express_o comprehend_v the_o generality_n of_o believer_n in_o this_o privilege_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 1._o for_o we_o know_v that_o if_o our_o earthly_a house_n of_o this_o tabernacle_n be_v dissolve_v we_o have_v a_o build_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v endeavour_v by_o all_o true_a christian_n be_v most_o evident_a from_o the_o plain_a command_n to_o that_o purpose_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 10._o wherefore_o the_o rather_o brethren_n give_v diligence_n to_o make_v your_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a etc._n etc._n that_o few_o do_v labour_n to_o attain_v it_o think_v it_o to_o be_v impossible_a or_o unnecessary_a be_v to_o be_v bewail_v that_o many_o deceive_v themselves_o with_o a_o false_a persuasion_n of_o present_a grace_n and_o future_a glory_n be_v manifest_a by_o scripture_n and_o daily_a experience_n and_o that_o it_o be_v most_o proper_a and_o needful_a for_o old_a people_n the_o thing_n itself_o speak_v for_o you_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o you_o have_v soul_n immortal_a soul_n which_o be_v spirit_n can_v die_v but_o must_v return_v to_o god_n that_o give_v they_o and_o be_v these_o soul_n of_o so_o small_a value_n to_o be_v leave_v to_o a_o hazard_n to_o a_o everlasting_a venture_n and_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a that_o this_o life_n be_v uncertain_a we_o may_v say_v as_o isaac_n gen._n 27._o 2._o behold_v now_o i_o be_o old_a i_o know_v not_o the_o day_n of_o my_o death_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v time_n for_o we_o to_o go_v about_o this_o work_n without_o delay_n child_n desire_v the_o time_n of_o youth_n and_o youth_n belong_v to_o be_v at_o man_n age_n and_o they_o then_o will_v live_v to_o be_v old_a but_o old-age_n have_v no_o further_a age_n to_o desire_v 110._o it_o have_v none_o other_o to_o succeed_v it_o here_o and_o they_o be_v whole_o uncertain_a how_o long_o it_o will_v last_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v on_o sure_a ground_n for_o eternity_n and_o then_o the_o day_n of_o death_n will_v be_v better_o than_o the_o day_n of_o their_o birth_n you_o know_v how_o much_o of_o your_o life_n be_v already_o spend_v you_o can_v see_v the_o sand_n that_o be_v run_v into_o the_o nether_a end_n of_o the_o glass_n but_o the_o upper_a part_n be_v cover_v with_o a_o mantle_n you_o know_v not_o how_o few_o sand_n be_v leave_v there_o to_o run_v nay_o you_o can_v but_o perceive_v that_o death_n be_v approach_v very_o near_o you_o you_o be_v fill_v with_o wrinkle_n which_o be_v a_o witness_n against_o you_o and_o your_o leanness_n rise_v up_o in_o you_o bear_v witness_n to_o your_o face_n as_o it_o be_v job_n 16._o 8._o for_o as_o it_o be_v observe_v of_o all_o man_n that_o they_o be_v mortales_fw-la apt_a to_o die_v and_o of_o all_o good_a man_n that_o they_o be_v mortificati_fw-la die_v to_o sin_n so_o it_o be_v of_o all_o old_a man_n that_o they_o be_v morituri_fw-la about_o to_o die_v and_o for_o such_o to_o have_v oil_n to_o seek_v when_o they_o shall_v have_v it_o to_o use_v evidence_n to_o procure_v when_o they_o shall_v have_v they_o to_o produce_v be_v a_o unexcusable_a neglect_n especial_o know_v that_o your_o last_o breath_n waft_v you_o into_o a_o unalterable_a estate_n what_o journey_n and_o present_n be_v heretofore_o make_v to_o the_o oracle_n to_o assure_v the_o votary_n concern_v the_o event_n of_o some_o temporal_a affair_n and_o how_o many_o do_v now_o hazard_v their_o soul_n by_o seek_v to_o necromancer_n to_o know_v the_o success_n of_o their_o marriage_n voyage_n and_o such_o like_a and_o yet_o a_o miscarriage_n in_o these_o thing_n be_v remediable_a there_o may_v be_v some_o alleviation_n in_o they_o there_o may_v be_v some_o end_n of_o they_o but_o you_o be_v launch_v into_o the_o ocean_n of_o eternity_n and_o be_v at_o no_o certainty_n whether_o it_o be_v eternal_a happiness_n or_o eternal_a misery_n what_o a_o anxious_a and_o uncomfortable_a state_n must_v this_o be_v if_o you_o be_v not_o loose_v in_o your_o belief_n of_o future_a thing_n you_o will_v be_v restless_a in_o this_o condition_n you_o owe_v your_o ease_n to_o your_o letâ—…argy_n if_o you_o be_v not_o half_a infidel_n you_o will_v be_v more_o than_o half_o distract_v which_o bring_v to_o mind_v the_o course_n which_o some_o eminent_a person_n among_o the_o heathen_n chesilaâ—…s_n take_v they_o dare_v not_o die_v sober_a but_o drink_v great_a draught_n oâ—…_n wine_n say_v that_o no_o voluptuous_a person_n can_v go_v in_o his_o wit_n into_o a_o invisible_a estate_n with_o what_o poor_a comfort_n must_v that_o man_n die_v that_o must_v cry_v out_o with_o that_o old_a philosopher_n i_o die_v in_o great_a doubt_n and_o know_v not_o whither_o i_o be_o go_v yet_o out_o the_o soul_n must_v go_v ready_a or_o unready_a then_o will_v the_o careless_a sinner_n gnash_v his_o tooth_n for_o rage_n at_o his_o slothful_a and_o sinful_a life_n which_o he_o have_v spend_v as_o a_o tale_n that_o be_v tell_v then_o will_v he_o have_v time_n enough_o to_o curse_v all_o the_o worldly_a business_n or_o wicked_a company_n that_o have_v devour_v his_o precious_a time_n and_o leave_v his_o soul_n to_o shift_v for_o itself_o for_o ever_o do_v not_o we_o in_o all_o other_o case_n strive_v to_o be_v at_o a_o point_n will_v maybe's_a and_o peradventure_n satisfy_v we_o in_o any_o material_a humane_a affair_n the_o tenant_n who_o be_v warn_v out_o of_o one_o house_n can_v enjoy_v himself_o until_o he_o be_v sure_a of_o another_o the_o steward_n that_o be_v discharge_v of_o his_o office_n luk._n 16._o take_v present_a course_n to_o be_v provide_v of_o some_o other_o subsistence_n the_o poor_a man_n be_v uneasy_a when_o his_o old_a suit_n of_o clothes_n be_v wear_v out_o till_o he_o have_v a_o
occasion_n of_o this_o groundless_a expectation_n in_o that_o rich_a man_n luk._n 12_o our_o saviour_n plain_o call_v he_o thou_o fool_n for_o it_o be_v the_o rank_a folly_n to_o expect_v when_o winter_n be_v come_v that_o it_o will_v relent_v and_o retire_v again_o because_o we_o distaste_n it_o no_o more_o will_v death_n forbear_v we_o but_o when_o our_o name_n be_v call_v we_o must_v go_v but_o this_o vain_a expectation_n of_o a_o long_a life_n unfit_v we_o for_o death_n it_o keep_v the_o soul_n secure_a and_o careless_a we_o defer_v that_o till_o to_o morrow_n which_o shall_v be_v do_v to_o day_n we_o lose_v the_o present_a time_n and_o dispose_v of_o the_o future_a which_o be_v not_o in_o our_o hand_n but_o in_o god_n 9_o this_o cause_n man_n to_o procrastinate_v their_o repentance_n to_o defer_v the_o good_a work_n which_o they_o have_v purpose_v to_o do_v yea_o the_o very_a make_n of_o their_o last_o will_n have_v be_v protract_v hereupon_o by_o many_o until_o they_o have_v be_v uncapable_a to_o do_v it_o let_v all_o age_a person_n therefore_o be_v advise_v to_o set_v death_n each_o morning_n between_o themselves_o and_o the_o ensue_a night_n and_o every_o night_n make_v that_o reasonable_a supposition_n that_o it_o may_v arrest_v you_o before_o morning_n the_o messenger_n that_o you_o have_v so_o long_o look_v for_o will_v not_o amaze_v you_o when_o he_o come_v as_o the_o meeting_n of_o a_o stroke_n break_v the_o force_n of_o it_o so_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n lose_v when_o we_o be_v first_o ware_n of_o it_o he_o that_o in_o this_o respect_n die_v daily_o will_v easy_o and_o happy_o die_v at_o last_o sect_n vi_o the_o six_o work_n of_o old-age_n be_v providence_n posterity_n for_o posterity_n too_o many_o when_o they_o be_v go_v out_o of_o this_o world_n care_v not_o what_o become_v either_o temporal_o or_o eternal_o of_o those_o that_o shall_v come_v after_o they_o and_o according_o will_v neither_o plant'a_fw-mi tree_n nor_o repair_v a_o house_n nor_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o posterity_n they_o cry_v it_o will_v serve_v our_o time_n and_o so_o suffer_v all_o thing_n to_o go_v to_o ruin_v because_o they_o be_v remove_v into_o another_o world_n themselves_o yea_o and_o commit_v or_o permit_v wilful_a waist_n divers_a way_n for_o somepresent_v small_a advantage_n leave_v great_a inconvenience_n to_o their_o successor_n whereas_o the_o very_a heatheus_n have_v better_a principle_n and_o enjoin_v their_o old_a man_n to_o plant_v tree_n etc._n etc._n which_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o another_o generation_n statio_fw-la thus_o a_o man_n may_v be_v benefit_v other_o still_o after_o he_o be_v dead_a and_o go_v and_o god_n may_v be_v praise_v for_o your_o care_n and_o kindness_n by_o they_o which_o succeed_v you_o and_o another_o sort_n there_o be_v that_o in_o stead_n of_o leave_v any_o blessing_n or_o benefit_n do_v lay_v up_o a_o curse_n for_o their_o posterity_n by_o leave_v they_o estate_n which_o they_o have_v get_v by_o fraud_n and_o injustice_n or_o some_o unconscionable_a course_n which_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o melt_v away_o the_o rest_n how_o just_o soever_o obtain_v you_o can_v invent_v a_o more_o compendious_a and_o infallible_a mean_n to_o undo_v all_o your_o posterity_n than_o by_o transfer_v to_o they_o good_n or_o estate_n indirect_o get_v for_o god_n be_v righteous_a and_o will_v not_o prosper_v unrighteous_a deal_n those_o riches_n will_v perish_v by_o evil_a travel_n and_o he_o beget_v a_o son_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o his_o hand_n eccl._n 5._o 14._o but_o if_o you_o have_v any_o care_n or_o concern_v for_o your_o posterity_n lay_v up_o a_o stock_n of_o prayer_n for_o they_o and_o leave_v they_o as_o be_v aforementioned_a wholesome_a and_o good_a rule_n concern_v piety_n equity_n and_o charity_n leave_v they_o a_o account_n of_o your_o own_o experience_n in_o all_o thing_n material_a that_o so_o if_o they_o have_v any_o brain_n 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not_o imagine_v that_o the_o expedition_n of_o this_o will_v hasten_v your_o death_n for_o what_o influence_n or_o efficacy_n can_v this_o have_v to_o procure_v any_o such_o effect_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o produce_v those_o that_o have_v never_o be_v without_o a_o will_n write_v and_o seal_v for_o thirty_o or_o forty_o year_n together_o it_o afford_v a_o man_n great_a satisfaction_n in_o case_n any_o sudden_a sickness_n seize_v upon_o he_o that_o he_o have_v nothing_o of_o any_o earthly_a affair_n to_o trouble_v he_o nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o bear_v or_o to_o be_v relieve_v of_o his_o distemper_n for_o when_o our_o inward_a state_n be_v fix_v and_o our_o outward_a state_n be_v settle_v yet_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o work_v enough_o to_o grapple_v with_o the_o disquiet_v of_o a_o disease_n and_o with_o the_o pang_n of_o death_n
or_o be_v hurt_v by_o it_o 30._o we_o must_v drink_v this_o cup_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n that_o we_o shall_v take_v some_o foreta_v of_o it_o especial_o consider_v the_o sequel_n of_o it_o that_o it_o set_v we_o on_o a_o everlasting_a shore_n it_o be_v time_n for_o old_a people_n to_o bethink_v they_o well_o since_o a_o crown_n or_o flame_n be_v just_a before_o they_o when_o you_o sit_v trim_v the_o fire_n ponder_v this_o whether_o you_o can_v endure_v the_o fire_n that_o be_v unquenchable_a when_o you_o lift_v up_o those_o dazzle_a eye_n towards_o heaven_n consider_v what_o title_n you_o have_v to_o the_o bless_a mansion_n there_o what_o have_v you_o to_o do_v below_o your_o traffic_v now_o shall_v be_v in_o invisibles_fw-fr you_o have_v study_v long_o enough_o how_o to_o live_v at_o length_n you_o shall_v study_v how_o to_o die_v these_o meditation_n be_v certain_o of_o great_a excellence_n and_o of_o great_a use._n better_a it_o be_v to_o 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conscionable_a in_o all_o our_o way_n as_o see_v that_o change_n always_o at_o hand_n i_o write_v this_o letter_n say_v seneca_n 61._o with_o such_o a_o mind_n as_o if_o death_n be_v to_o call_v i_o away_o before_o i_o have_v do_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o go_v the_o less_o i_o value_v life_n the_o more_o comfortable_o i_o enjoy_v it_o for_o as_o the_o same_o author_n 15._o say_v in_o another_o place_n they_o be_v the_o most_o anxious_a life_n that_o forget_v what_o be_v past_a neglect_v what_o be_v present_a and_o be_v afraid_a of_o what_o be_v to_o come_v for_o certain_o they_o that_o forget_v their_o past_a sin_n and_o neglect_v their_o present_a duty_n have_v cause_n to_o fear_v their_o reckon_n to_o come_v as_o on_o the_o the_o other_o side_n he_o that_o have_v a_o enlighten_v and_o sensible_a conscience_n can_v think_v of_o death_n without_o disturbance_n have_v make_v a_o good_a progress_n in_o religion_n and_o yet_o if_o death_n be_v only_o the_o finish_n of_o life_n these_o thought_n about_o it_o be_v not_o so_o necessary_a or_o considerable_a but_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o a_o everlasting_a life_n immediate_o follow_v that_o the_o extreme_a happiness_n or_o misery_n commence_v thereupon_o which_o also_o never_o end_v now_o what_o thought_n or_o care_n can_v be_v so_o momentous_a as_o those_o about_o our_o endless_a glory_n or_o torment_n sit_v down_o then_o compose_v yourselves_o to_o this_o meditation_n draw_v a_o curtain_n over_o all_o this_o present_a world_n and_o your_o concern_v therein_o and_o open_v a_o window_n into_o eternity_n and_o by_o faith_n look_v steady_o into_o it_o look_v upward_o first_o and_o survey_v those_o bless_a mansion_n that_o glorious_a company_n the_o sweet_a employment_n the_o unconceivable_a enjoyment_n the_o transcendent_a bliss_n of_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o the_o full_a fruition_n of_o god_n to_o all_o eternity_n and_o will_v not_o these_o meditation_n nullify_v all_o the_o faint_a and_o fade_a comfort_n of_o this_o life_n will_v they_o not_o cause_v you_o to_o trample_v under_o foot_n the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v but_o for_o a_o season_n will_v they_o not_o easy_o wean_v you_o from_o your_o dear_a relation_n upon_o earth_n will_v they_o not_o carry_v you_o with_o long_a desire_n to_o enjoy_v the_o beatifical_a vision_n will_v you_o not_o cry_v out_o with_o augustine_n can_v no_o man_n see_v thy_o face_n and_o live_v o_o let_v i_o die_v then_o to_o see_v thy_o face_n again_o look_v downward_o into_o that_o bottomless_a pit_n and_o by_o faith_n behold_v the_o desperate_a condition_n of_o the_o damn_a lay_v your_o ear_n to_o the_o keyhole_n of_o hell_n and_o hearken_v a_o while_n to_o the_o weep_a wail_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n there_o consider_v the_o torment_n of_o a_o roar_a conscience_n the_o fury_n of_o exasperate_v devil_n the_o unspeakable_a rack_n and_o torture_n of_o woeful_a body_n which_o must_v be_v as_o much_o beyond_o what_o the_o most_o cruel_a malice_n can_v invent_v or_o act_v as_o the_o almighty_a and_o just_a indignation_n of_o god_n exceed_v the_o weak_a and_o finite_a wrath_n of_o man_n and_o these_o to_o continue_v during_o the_o innumerable_a space_n of_o a_o unconceivable_a eternity_n and_o the_o age_a man_n must_v conclude_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n for_o he_o to_o take_v at_o death_n but_o into_o one_o of_o these_o receptacle_n and_o that_o he_o may_v just_o expect_v by_o reason_n of_o his_o age_n very_o short_o to_o determine_v this_o point_n that_o he_o be_v even_o at_o the_o door_n that_o he_o hang_v over_o this_o etenity_n by_o a_o slender_a twist_n which_o be_v now_o almost_o fret_v through_o and_o that_o before_o a_o few_o week_n or_o day_n be_v come_v he_o must_v go_v the_o way_n whence_o he_o shall_v not_o return_v what_o agitation_n of_o heart_n will_v these_o meditation_n produce_v in_o we_o what_o diligence_n in_o make_v our_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a what_o contempt_n of_o all_o the_o world_n what_o 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and_o of_o any_o place_n in_o the_o world_n rather_o than_o of_o heaven_n but_o shall_v flesh_n and_o blood_n be_v gratify_v rather_o than_o our_o maker_n our_o redeemer_n our_o comforter_n our_o own_o soul_n god_n forbid_v how_o many_o unpleasant_a dose_n do_v we_o take_v to_o preserve_v or_o recover_v the_o health_n of_o the_o body_n but_o here_o the_o health_n and_o happiness_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n be_v concern_v i_o may_v bold_o say_v that_o death_n will_v prove_v a_o bitter_a cup_n to_o those_o that_o live_v at_o ease_n and_o that_o will_v make_v no_o acquaintance_n with_o it_o before_o it_o seize_v upon_o they_o we_o be_v surprise_v with_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v altogether_o new_a but_o frequent_a converse_n make_v the_o most_o fearful_a object_n familiar_a walk_v then_o into_o the_o place_n of_o skull_n make_v room_n for_o your_o coffin_n in_o your_o chamber_n or_o in_o your_o mind_n and_o call_v before_o you_o all_o the_o solemn_a circumstance_n of_o your_o own_o funeral_n and_o step_v now_o and_o then_o into_o the_o other_o world_n by_o holy_a meditation_n your_o natural_a eye_n grow_v dim_a open_v then_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n and_o penetrate_v into_o thing_n unseen_a you_o can_v work_v but_o you_o can_v think_v your_o sleep_n be_v break_v but_o than_o you_o may_v have_v golden_a hour_n when_o you_o have_v various_a discomfort_n below_o you_o may_v have_v hereby_o unspeakable_a comfort_n above_o yea_o this_o will_v inure_v you_o unto_o and_o begin_v that_o bless_a life_n which_o you_o hope_v to_o live_v for_o ever_o he_o that_o thus_o travel_v often_o to_o heaven_n while_o he_o live_v will_v more_o certain_o and_o comfortable_o be_v lodge_v there_o for_o ever_o when_o he_o die_v sect_n x._o the_o ten_o and_o last_o work_n of_o old-age_n