draw_v nigh_o when_o thou_o shall_v say_v i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o they_o to_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o delay_a conversion_n till_o the_o evil_a day_n of_o old_a age_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o devote_v one_o self_n to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o youth_n which_o we_o have_v already_o insist_v on_o we_o have_v this_o one_o far_a consideration_n to_o add_v viz._n that_o 4._o our_o eternal_a interest_n be_v extreme_o hazard_v by_o defer_v conversion_n to_o old_a age_n and_o best_a secure_v by_o a_o early_a change_n for_o 1._o we_o be_v always_o uncertain_a of_o future_a time_n for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o this_o important_a work_n our_o time_n be_v at_o the_o disposal_n of_o our_o maker_n and_o he_o have_v not_o entrust_v our_o lavish_a hand_n with_o the_o whole_a stock_n of_o this_o precious_a treasure_n but_o only_o suffer_v it_o to_o run_v through_o they_o by_o moment_n so_o that_o we_o can_v recall_v no_o past_a nor_o can_v we_o command_v any_o future_a time_n it_o be_v therefore_o our_o business_n to_o improve_v the_o present_a be_v ignorant_a how_o long_o the_o divine_a bounty_n will_v continue_v our_o time_n in_o this_o world_n upon_o this_o account_n the_o wise_a man_n instruct_v we_o well_o not_o to_o boast_v ourselves_o of_o to_o morrow_n 1_o see_v we_o know_v not_o what_o a_o day_n may_v bring_v forth_o and_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n reprehend_v the_o folly_n of_o those_o that_o encourage_v one_o another_o to_o go_v on_o in_o sinful_a excess_n by_o profane_o promise_v themselves_o 12._o that_o to_o morrow_n shall_v be_v as_o the_o present_a day_n and_o much_o more_o abundant_a the_o apostle_n james_n also_o show_v the_o vanity_n of_o such_o foolish_a presumption_n go_v to_o now_o say_v he_o you_o that_o say_v 15._o to_o day_n or_o to_o morrow_n we_o will_v go_v into_o such_o a_o city_n and_o continue_v there_o a_o year_n and_o buy_v and_o sell_v and_o get_v gain_n whereas_o you_o know_v not_o what_o shall_v be_v on_o the_o morrow_n for_o what_o be_v your_o life_n it_o be_v even_o a_o vapour_n that_o appear_v for_o a_o little_a time_n and_o then_o vanish_v away_o for_o that_o you_o ought_v to_o say_v if_o the_o lord_n will_v we_o shall_v live_v and_o do_v this_o or_o that_o and_o experience_n as_o well_o as_o scripture_n assure_v we_o 6._o that_o every_o man_n walk_v in_o a_o vain_a show_n and_o that_o man_n in_o this_o respect_n even_o at_o his_o best_a estate_n be_v altogether_o vanity_n 5._o that_o some_o die_v in_o their_o full_a strength_n 25._o be_v whole_o at_o ease_n and_o quiet_a their_o breast_n be_v full_a of_o milk_n and_o their_o bone_n moisten_v with_o marrow_n as_o other_o die_v in_o the_o bitterness_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o never_o eat_v with_o pleasure_n that_o they_o lie_v down_o alike_o in_o the_o dust_n and_o the_o worm_n cover_v '_o they_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o every_o one_o observation_n that_o youth_n do_v not_o exempt_v we_o from_o death_n nor_o ensure_v to_o we_o any_o far_a portion_n of_o time_n than_o what_o we_o at_o present_a enjoy_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o far_o great_a number_n of_o mankind_n go_v early_o to_o the_o grave_a and_o for_o one_o that_o reach_v to_o old_a age_n a_o multitude_n fall_v short_a of_o it_o nor_o be_v it_o a_o uncommon_a thing_n for_o person_n of_o the_o most_o vigorous_a and_o hardy_a constitution_n of_o body_n to_o be_v sudden_o snatch_v away_o into_o the_o other_o world_n by_o some_o violent_a disease_n or_o otherwise_o for_o so_o many_o fatal_a stroke_n be_v we_o obnoxious_a to_o and_o so_o frail_a be_v the_o texture_n of_o our_o earthly_a tabernacle_n that_o some_o of_o the_o least_o and_o most_o contemptible_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v capable_a of_o give_v it_o a_o mortal_a shock_n and_o the_o very_a pore_n of_o the_o skin_n sometime_o prove_v breach_n wide_a enough_o for_o the_o king_n of_o terror_n to_o enter_v in_o at_o 14._o this_o be_v well_o enough_o know_v and_o often_o enough_o think_v upon_o by_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n to_o engage_v they_o to_o use_v precaution_n to_o secure_v themselves_o or_o their_o posterity_n as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v from_o the_o prejudice_n their_o temporal_a affair_n may_v otherwise_o receive_v from_o sudden_a death_n and_o the_o rate_v a_o estate_n for_o life_n be_v usual_o value_v at_o sufficient_o show_v that_o to_o such_o purpose_n as_o these_o man_n need_v not_o be_v teach_v to_o know_v their_o end_n 4._o and_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o day_n what_o it_o be_v that_o they_o may_v know_v how_o frail_a they_o be_v and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o comparison_n between_o earth_n and_o heaven_n between_o the_o uncertain_a wealth_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o durable_a riches_n of_o the_o other_o between_o this_o life_n and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v then_o it_o be_v infinite_o more_o imprudent_a for_o a_o man_n to_o neglect_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n 10._o to_o make_v his_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a whatever_o future_a time_n here_o his_o youth_n and_o strength_n may_v seem_v to_o promise_v than_o for_o he_o careless_o to_o suffer_v the_o security_n of_o his_o temporal_a estate_n to_o depend_v mere_o on_o the_o uncertain_a life_n of_o another_o man_n when_o he_o need_v not_o put_v it_o to_o that_o hazard_n or_o to_o expose_v his_o posterity_n to_o poverty_n and_o misery_n by_o omit_v to_o make_v due_a provision_n for_o they_o against_o his_o own_o mortality_n when_o he_o have_v a_o fair_a opportunity_n of_o do_v it_o it_o be_v folly_n and_o madness_n to_o leave_v that_o undo_v to_o day_n which_o must_v be_v do_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o or_o else_o we_o be_v ruin_v for_o ever_o and_o which_o may_v for_o aught_o we_o know_v be_v impossible_a to_o be_v perform_v to_o morrow_n to_o neglect_v to_o improve_v the_o present_a time_n in_o do_v that_o on_o which_o our_o eternal_a bliss_n depend_v when_o the_o precious_a opportunity_n of_o do_v it_o may_v the_o next_o moment_n by_o sudden_a death_n or_o some_o stupify_a disease_n become_v irreparable_a even_o the_o impious_a atheist_n and_o the_o profane_a epicure_n make_v speedy_a provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o 14._o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o shortness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o their_o time_n in_o this_o world_n and_o seek_v to_o gratify_v and_o indulge_v their_o sense_n to_o day_n because_o they_o be_v not_o sure_a of_o do_v it_o to_o morrow_n 13._o let_v we_o eat_v and_o drink_v say_v they_o for_o to_o morrow_n we_o shall_v die_v 32._o and_o they_o have_v so_o far_o reason_n on_o their_o side_n in_o that_o they_o act_n in_o conformity_n to_o their_o principle_n because_o their_o hope_n be_v only_o in_o this_o life_n and_o they_o profess_v not_o to_o expect_v another_o how_o unaccountable_o stupid_a then_o be_v they_o who_o though_o they_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o future_a state_n after_o this_o life_n 5._o and_o though_o they_o know_v that_o they_o shall_v die_v and_o that_o they_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o yet_o in_o their_o vain_a imagination_n put_v the_o evil_a day_n of_o death_n afar_o off_o 3._o and_o defer_v from_o time_n to_o time_n the_o great_a work_n of_o lay_v up_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n 27._o till_o the_o season_n of_o do_v it_o be_v irretrievable_o lose_v 21._o and_o in_o vain_a be_v so_o precious_a a_o talon_n as_o time_n put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o such_o fool_n 16._o who_o have_v no_o heart_n to_o improve_v it_o if_o the_o wise_a man_n argue_v right_o when_o he_o excite_v to_o diligence_n even_o in_o the_o ordinary_a affair_n of_o this_o life_n because_o of_o the_o speedy_a approach_n of_o death_n this_o reason_n infinite_o multiply_v its_o force_n when_o apply_v to_o our_o present_a purpose_n and_o may_v therefore_o most_o fit_o be_v use_v to_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o a_o early_a and_o diligent_a improvement_n of_o the_o time_n of_o youth_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n â—0_n whatsoever_o thy_o hand_n find_v to_o do_v say_v he_o do_v it_o with_o thy_o may_v for_o there_o be_v no_o work_n nor_o device_n nor_o knowledge_n nor_o wisdom_n in_o the_o grave_a whither_o thou_o go_v for_o man_n also_o know_v not_o his_o time_n 12._o as_o the_o fish_n that_o be_v take_v in_o a_o evil_a net_n and_o as_o the_o bird_n that_o be_v catch_v in_o the_o snare_n so_o be_v the_o son_n of_o man_n snare_v in_o a_o evil_a time_n when_o it_o fall_v sudden_o upon_o they_o it_o be_v therefore_o our_o prudence_n and_o interest_n 4._o to_o work_v while_o it_o be_v day_n see_v we_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o the_o night_n may_v come_v upon_o we_o wherein_o no_o man_n can_v work_v but_o further_a 2._o if_o our_o time_n be_v in_o our_o own_o hand_n 15._o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n
advice_n to_o the_o young_a or_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o advantage_n of_o a_o early_a conversion_n to_o god_n demonstrate_v in_o three_o discourse_n on_o ecclesiastes_n twelve_o 1._o by_o joseph_n stennett_n micah_n seven_o 1._o my_o soul_n desire_v the_o first-ripe_a fruit._n london_n print_v by_o i._n d._n and_o to_o be_v sell_v by_o andrew_n bell_n at_o the_o cross-keys_n in_o the_o poultry_n mdcxcv_o to_o the_o reader_n the_o follow_a sermon_n be_v preach_v above_o a_o year_n ago_o to_o a_o congregation_n in_o london_n and_o since_o transcribe_v partly_o from_o some_o brief_a note_n i_o have_v reserve_v in_o my_o study_n and_o partly_o from_o the_o print_n of_o some_o remain_a idea_n not_o quite_o wear_v off_o my_o memory_n while_o new_a occur_v meditation_n here_o and_o there_o intersperse_v supply_v the_o place_n of_o those_o which_o time_n and_o other_o thought_n have_v efface_v this_o be_v do_v to_o gratify_v a_o worthy_a friend_n who_o as_o he_o be_v not_o displease_v in_o hear_v they_o so_o be_v desirous_a to_o read_v they_o too_o and_o after_o that_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v the_o liberty_n of_o make_v they_o public_a i_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o be_v think_v that_o i_o have_v treat_v on_o god_n relation_n to_o man_n as_o his_o creator_n in_o the_o first_o sermon_n after_o a_o manner_n too_o abstract_v and_o philosophical_a for_o a_o practical_a discourse_n when_o it_o be_v consider_v that_o we_o live_v in_o a_o age_n wherein_o some_o man_n will_v hearken_v to_o no_o other_o kind_n of_o argument_n and_o wherein_o the_o mind_n of_o other_o can_v be_v too_o well_o fortify_v against_o the_o contagion_n of_o atheism_n especial_o see_v i_o have_v take_v up_o but_o a_o few_o page_n in_o pursue_v that_o vein_n of_o reason_v the_o great_a part_n of_o which_o have_v be_v add_v in_o transcribe_v what_o be_v advance_v in_o these_o discourse_n i_o have_v labour_v to_o sustain_v both_o by_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o endeavour_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o understanding_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o affection_n of_o my_o auditor_n and_o now_o of_o my_o reader_n those_o who_o apply_v themselves_o with_o seriousness_n and_o attention_n to_o the_o read_n of_o they_o i_o hope_v will_v not_o think_v their_o time_n and_o labour_n entire_o lose_v i_o be_o sure_a i_o shall_v not_o repent_v i_o in_o compose_v they_o if_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o make_v they_o the_o mean_n of_o convert_v one_o sinner_n from_o the_o error_n of_o his_o way_n 20._o and_o so_o of_o save_v a_o soul_n from_o death_n and_o of_o hide_v a_o multitude_n of_o sin_n to_o which_o great_a end_n that_o they_o may_v succeed_v i_o humble_o commit_v they_o to_o the_o guidance_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o spirit_n with_o my_o earnest_a wish_n and_o prayer_n j._n s._n errata_fw-la p._n 32._o l._n 1._o f._n the_o r._n that_o p._n 67._o marg_n r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 113._o marg_n f._n write_v r._n write_v p._n 126._o l._n 8._o r._n tabernacle_n l._n 10._o f._n it_o r._n they_o the_o reasonableness_n &_o advantage_n of_o a_o early_a conversion_n to_o god_n demonstrate_v sermon_n i._n eccles_n twelve_o 1._o remember_v now_o thy_o creator_n in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o youth_n while_o the_o evil_a day_n come_v not_o nor_o the_o year_n draw_v nigh_o when_o thou_o shall_v say_v i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o they_o how_o much_o soever_o the_o thought_n of_o youth_n be_v busy_v with_o the_o amuse_a entertainment_n of_o the_o many_o sensible_a object_n that_o accost_v they_o and_o thereby_o render_v unapt_a for_o serious_a reflection_n on_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o on_o the_o excellency_n and_o happiness_n of_o a_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a conversation_n yet_o one_o will_v think_v when_o reason_n experience_n and_o religion_n all_o conspire_v to_o bespeak_v their_o attention_n as_o they_o do_v in_o our_o text_n and_o indeed_o in_o this_o whole_a book_n it_o may_v reasonable_o be_v expect_v that_o many_o will_v have_v the_o justice_n or_o prudence_n or_o at_o least_o the_o curiosity_n to_o give_v three_o such_o monitor_n a_o hear_n when_o a_o prince_n excel_v all_o other_o man_n in_o wisdom_n and_o other_o monarch_n in_o wealth_n and_o splendour_n have_v so_o much_o charity_n for_o mankind_n as_o to_o turn_v a_o preacher_n 1._o who_o will_v not_o be_v ambition_n to_o become_v his_o auditor_n the_o news_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o grandeur_n draw_v the_o queen_n of_o sheba_n from_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n 10._o to_o become_v a_o immediate_a and_o admire_a witness_n of_o what_o she_o have_v before_o at_o a_o distance_n and_o but_o imperfect_o hear_v fame_n itself_o which_o use_v so_o mighty_o to_o enhance_v the_o glory_n of_o other_o prince_n have_v it_o seem_v detract_v from_o he_o which_o so_o far_o exceed_v the_o common_a standard_n that_o its_o lustre_n be_v lessen_v by_o those_o encomium_n which_o may_v have_v be_v just_o count_v strain_a hyperbole_n when_o apply_v to_o other_o who_o will_v not_o then_o at_o least_o so_o far_o imitate_v that_o generous_a princess_n as_o to_o recollect_v his_o rove_a thought_n from_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n whither_o they_o be_v prone_a to_o wander_v to_o fix_v they_o on_o a_o subject_a which_o the_o great_a and_o wise_a solomon_n recommend_v to_o youth_n with_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o reason_n and_o strength_n of_o argument_n curiosity_n if_o no_o other_o consideration_n shall_v will_v undoubted_o prompt_v many_o to_o desire_v with_o the_o queen_n of_o the_o south_n to_o hear_v his_o wise_a speech_n if_o he_o be_v now_o alive_a and_o to_o undergo_v the_o charge_n and_o fatigue_n of_o a_o long_a journey_n to_o that_o end_n ought_v we_o not_o then_o to_o put_v a_o high_a value_n on_o his_o write_n wherein_o we_o have_v that_o very_a sense_n which_o so_o much_o astonish_v his_o hearer_n when_o he_o speak_v to_o they_o and_o by_o which_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o abel_n be_v dead_a 4._o he_o yet_o speak_v to_o we_o nor_o have_v we_o need_v to_o traverse_v the_o mighty_a water_n to_o hear_v he_o or_o to_o say_v as_o moses_n speak_v concern_v the_o law_n who_o shall_v go_v over_o the_o sea_n for_o we_o 14._o and_o bring_v his_o word_n to_o we_o that_o we_o may_v hear_v they_o and_o do_v they_o see_v they_o be_v so_o very_a near_o we_o in_o the_o divine_a treatise_n he_o have_v write_v and_o as_o his_o extraordinary_a knowledge_n promise_v we_o much_o so_o his_o large_a experience_n may_v just_o raise_v our_o expectation_n still_o high_o this_o make_v a_o man_n speak_v both_o more_o feel_o and_o with_o more_o demonstration_n beside_o it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o experience_n of_o a_o man_n endow_v with_o a_o vast_a stock_n of_o wisdom_n and_o good_a sense_n who_o consequent_o be_v able_a to_o make_v very_o curious_a and_o exact_a remark_n on_o the_o event_n of_o thing_n but_o of_o one_o who_o by_o the_o advantage_n of_o his_o elevate_a station_n in_o the_o world_n and_o of_o his_o immense_a riches_n be_v also_o capable_a of_o furnish_v himself_o with_o whatever_o the_o world_n can_v yield_v 4-10_a or_o his_o large_a curiosity_n desire_n and_o though_o it_o be_v his_o great_a unhappiness_n and_o sin_n to_o give_v his_o heart_n to_o know_v madness_n and_o folly_n 17._o after_o that_o criminal_a manner_n he_o confess_v he_o do_v etc._n yet_o even_o this_o may_v make_v way_n for_o his_o advice_n since_o he_o that_o here_o decry_v a_o loose_a and_o sensual_a and_o commend_v a_o strict_a and_o virtuous_a course_n of_o life_n be_v one_o who_o have_v thorough_o try_v what_o pleasure_n the_o world_n can_v afford_v and_o upon_o a_o just_a estimate_n pronounce_v they_o all_o not_o only_a vanity_n but_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o book_n and_o at_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o it_o 13._o from_o his_o happy_a experience_n of_o the_o worth_n and_o sweetness_n of_o a_o religious_a life_n recommend_v it_o as_o the_o only_a way_n to_o happiness_n so_o that_o since_o these_o thought_n be_v the_o result_n not_o only_o of_o his_o speculation_n but_o of_o his_o experience_n too_o and_o that_o a_o experience_n so_o dear_o buy_v at_o the_o expense_n of_o so_o much_o thought_n and_o invention_n unhappy_o employ_v in_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o of_o so_o much_o time_n and_o treasure_n 14._o and_o which_o be_v infinite_o more_o at_o the_o expense_n of_o his_o innocency_n and_o peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o this_o with_o the_o great_a and_o apparent_a hazard_n of_o his_o soul_n how_o much_o do_v it_o behoove_v those_o that_o be_v young_a to_o become_v wise_a at_o his_o cost_n and_o to_o attend_v to_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o experience_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o evidence_n
see_v such_o a_o one_o weep_v at_o a_o transient_a glance_n on_o death_n and_o judgement_n in_o a_o sermon_n or_o at_o a_o general_a reflection_n on_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n for_o sinner_n while_o the_o cered_a conscience_n of_o those_o that_o have_v be_v long_o harden_v in_o sin_n hold_v proof_n against_o the_o most_o pathetic_a and_o awaken_n discourse_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o death_n the_o dismal_a circumstance_n that_o attend_v a_o sinner_n at_o the_o approach_n of_o it_o and_o the_o great_a consequence_n that_o depend_v on_o that_o amaze_a change_n or_o against_o the_o most_o lively_a description_n of_o the_o most_o cruel_a and_o unexampled_a suffering_n wherewith_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v torment_v for_o our_o redemption_n that_o make_v no_o impression_n on_o the_o adamantine_a heart_n of_o the_o latter_a which_o be_v often_o find_v to_o effect_v a_o deep_a compunction_n of_o mind_n in_o the_o former_a and_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o one_o can_v hardly_o be_v keep_v open_a by_o a_o discourse_n that_o dissolve_v those_o of_o the_o other_o into_o tear_n the_o affection_n of_o fear_n and_o hope_n joy_n sorrow_n compassion_n and_o the_o like_a more_o easy_o move_v the_o tender_a mind_n of_o youth_n and_o consequent_o make_v way_n for_o last_a impression_n of_o piety_n to_o the_o purpose_n of_o which_o these_o affection_n when_o guide_v and_o regulate_v by_o a_o enlighten_v mind_n do_v mighty_o conduce_v 4._o the_o zeal_n and_o resolution_n which_o the_o warm_a temper_n of_o youth_n enage_n they_o in_o for_o what_o they_o embrace_v render_v a_o thorough_a conversion_n to_o god_n more_o easy_a to_o they_o than_o to_o the_o old_a who_o by_o have_v either_o taste_v much_o of_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o world_n themselves_o or_o by_o have_v be_v witness_n to_o the_o misery_n of_o many_o other_o often_o retain_v so_o terrible_a a_o idea_n of_o worldly_a trouble_n that_o the_o mortification_n and_o self-denial_n prescribe_v to_o the_o follower_n of_o christ_n give_v they_o a_o strange_a disgust_n for_o a_o strict_o religious_a life_n beside_o the_o abatement_n of_o their_o natural_a heat_n and_o vigour_n a_o good_a degree_n of_o which_o be_v useful_a to_o any_o great_a enterprise_n make_v they_o with_o the_o sluggard_n continual_o complain_v of_o a_o lion_n in_o the_o way_n 13._o but_o the_o young_a who_o have_v not_o be_v so_o balk_v with_o disappointment_n nor_o feel_v or_o see_v so_o many_o misery_n and_o who_o have_v also_o a_o great_a sense_n of_o honour_n and_o be_v common_o ambitious_a of_o high_a achievement_n and_o disdain_n to_o have_v their_o attempt_n defeat_v be_v hereby_o dispose_v more_o ready_o to_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o 12._o fight_v the_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n that_o they_o may_v lay_v hold_n on_o eternal_a life_n add_v to_o this_o that_o that_o disease_n of_o covetousness_n that_o so_o often_o attend_v the_o age_a who_o from_o experience_n either_o in_o themselves_o or_o other_o of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o get_v and_o keep_v and_o the_o danger_n of_o lose_v and_o the_o inconveniency_n of_o want_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n become_v more_o tenacious_a of_o they_o then_o when_o they_o be_v near_a the_o unavoidable_a necessity_n of_o part_v with_o they_o that_o this_o disease_n i_o say_v which_o be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a 10._o which_o be_v idolatry_n 5._o and_o therefore_o opposite_a to_o the_o true_a service_n of_o god_n and_o which_o render_v it_o almost_o impossible_a for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n 26._o do_v not_o so_o usual_o reign_v among_o the_o young_a who_o be_v rather_o apt_a to_o run_v into_o the_o contrary_a extreme_a so_o that_o their_o motion_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n be_v not_o clog_v with_o this_o dead_a weight_n which_o so_o mighty_o incumber_n those_o who_o heart_n have_v take_v deep_a root_n in_o the_o earth_n thus_o we_o see_v how_o much_o more_o easy_a the_o work_n of_o conversion_n be_v likely_a to_o be_v when_o we_o engage_v in_o it_o in_o our_o tender_a year_n than_o if_o we_o defer_v it_o to_o old_a age._n but_o all_o this_o while_n i_o will_v not_o be_v think_v to_o make_v the_o work_n of_o conversion_n consider_v as_o the_o act_n of_o god_n who_o alone_o can_v turn_v a_o soul_n from_o darkness_n to_o light_n 18._o and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n to_o himself_o to_o be_v more_o difficult_a in_o one_o subject_a than_o another_o for_o all_o thing_n be_v equal_o possible_a to_o he_o but_o i_o have_v hereby_o make_v a_o essay_n to_o show_v that_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o old_a sinner_n be_v a_o subject_a much_o more_o untractable_a and_o obstinate_a in_o itself_o than_o that_o of_o one_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o youth_n be_v yet_o but_o a_o novice_n in_o vice_n that_o the_o work_n of_o mortification_n and_o sanctification_n be_v common_o begin_v with_o less_o difficulty_n and_o carry_v on_o with_o more_o ease_n and_o speed_n on_o the_o young_a than_o on_o the_o old_a and_o that_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o grace_n be_v necessary_a to_o reform_v the_o latter_a than_o the_o former_a and_o whether_o the_o almighty_a will_v grant_v such_o a_o extraordinary_a measure_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o one_o that_o be_v grow_v old_a in_o wickedness_n may_v well_o be_v doubt_v as_o we_o shall_v show_v hereafter_o since_o then_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n be_v of_o the_o great_a consequence_n as_o it_o be_v for_o our_o true_a interest_n both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o that_o to_o come_v certain_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v perform_v in_o youth_n see_v that_o be_v the_o most_o seasonable_a time_n as_o will_v further_o appear_v 2._o in_o that_o much_o good_a be_v lose_v and_o much_o evil_n contract_v by_o defer_v our_o conversion_n to_o old_a age_n but_o much_o evil_n on_o the_o contrary_a be_v prevent_v and_o much_o good_a obtain_v through_o the_o course_n of_o our_o day_n by_o a_o early_a turn_n to_o god_n 1._o much_o sin_n be_v prevent_v and_o consequent_o much_o spiritual_a good_a obtain_v by_o a_o early_a conversion_n which_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v no_o small_a advantage_n for_o see_v sin_n as_o it_o be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o pure_a nature_n of_o god_n be_v the_o worst_a of_o evil_n and_o see_v the_o excellency_n or_o vileness_n of_o a_o creature_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v by_o its_o likeness_n or_o contrariety_n to_o god_n who_o possess_v absolute_a perfection_n in_o himself_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o nothing_o can_v so_o deform_v a_o creature_n nothing_o can_v so_o defile_v it_o nothing_o can_v debase_v it_o so_o much_o and_o set_v it_o at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n as_o sin_n do_v it_o must_v then_o certain_o be_v our_o interest_n to_o break_v off_o our_o sin_n by_o a_o early_a repentance_n since_o every_o sinful_a act_n and_o much_o more_o a_o continuance_n in_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n do_v so_o much_o corrupt_v debase_v and_o deform_v the_o soul_n and_o if_o we_o desire_v the_o meliorate_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o will_v become_v more_o excellent_a creature_n than_o we_o be_v instead_o of_o degenerate_v and_o become_v worse_o it_o high_o concern_v we_o to_o begin_v early_o to_o extirpate_v that_o which_o have_v stripe_v the_o soul_n of_o much_o of_o her_o intellectual_a and_o which_o be_v worse_o of_o her_o moral_a excellency_n and_o will_v render_v she_o by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o vile_a by_o how_o much_o the_o long_o we_o indulge_v it_o and_o to_o devote_v ourselves_o betimes_o to_o religion_n and_o holiness_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a beauty_n and_o glory_n of_o a_o rational_a soul_n and_o that_o which_o chief_o make_v a_o man_n resemble_v his_o creator_n 2._o much_o sorrow_n and_o trouble_n be_v hereby_o prevent_v and_o much_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n obtain_v and_o secure_v for_o though_o some_o example_n may_v be_v find_v of_o wicked_a man_n who_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o temporal_a prosperity_n for_o a_o little_a time_n may_v be_v say_v to_o spread_v themselves_o like_o a_o green_a bay-tree_n 35._o not_o to_o be_v in_o trouble_n like_o other_o man_n etc._n and_o to_o have_v more_o than_o heart_n can_v wish_v yet_o god_n do_v not_o leave_v himself_o without_o witness_n of_o his_o displeasure_n against_o sin_n in_o that_o he_o often_o wound_v the_o head_n of_o his_o enemy_n and_o the_o hairy_a scalp_n of_o they_o that_o go_v on_o still_o in_o their_o trespass_n 21._o by_o signal_n judgement_n in_o this_o world_n as_o all_o place_n and_o age_n can_v testify_v nor_o have_v the_o divine_a providence_n be_v want_v to_o signalise_v the_o righteous_a by_o frequent_a instance_n of_o peculiar_a temporal_a blessing_n which_o it_o have_v confer_v on_o they_o however_o the_o anguish_n of_o a_o guilty_a and_o self-accusing_a conscience_n which_o the_o wicked_a
it_o be_v for_o a_o weak_a mind_n and_o a_o languish_a body_n to_o bear_v up_o under_o those_o press_a misery_n that_o will_v then_o attend_v they_o and_o it_o will_v be_v no_o small_a affliction_n to_o a_o late_a penitent_n even_o after_o his_o conversion_n to_o think_v on_o his_o imprudent_a neglect_n of_o early_o lay_v up_o this_o spiritual_a provision_n against_o those_o evil_a day_n of_o age_n and_o weakness_n when_o the_o soul_n stand_v in_o so_o much_o need_n of_o it_o 2._o a_o early_a conversion_n have_v great_a character_n of_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n than_o a_o late_a one_o thereby_o administer_v great_a ease_n and_o comfort_n amid_o the_o infirmity_n of_o age._n for_o as_o the_o true_a peace_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o soul_n result_v from_o the_o good_a and_o safe_a posture_n wherein_o she_o find_v herself_o so_o according_a to_o the_o evidence_n or_o obscurity_n of_o the_o proof_n a_o man_n find_v in_o himself_o of_o the_o reality_n of_o his_o conversion_n to_o god_n the_o more_o stable_n or_o waver_a be_v his_o hope_n and_o comfort_n now_o those_o that_o have_v be_v convert_v in_o their_o youth_n have_v usual_o much_o clear_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o conversion_n than_o they_o who_o have_v be_v reclaim_v from_o sin_n by_o a_o late_a repentance_n and_o therefore_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o former_a common_o far_o surpass_v that_o of_o the_o latter_a how_o often_o do_v the_o disturb_a and_o doubtful_a mind_n of_o a_o late_a penitent_n thus_o common_a with_o herself_o i_o find_v indeed_o a_o unwonted_a sorrow_n in_o myself_o on_o the_o account_n of_o sin_n but_o how_o shall_v i_o be_v assure_v that_o it_o be_v a_o godly_a sorrow_n â—â—_o that_o work_v a_o repentance_n to_o salvation_n not_o to_o be_v repent_v of_o be_v it_o not_o whole_o from_o a_o fear_n of_o evil_a of_o punishment_n and_o not_o at_o all_o from_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n not_o because_o i_o have_v violate_v the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o only_o because_o i_o have_v render_v myself_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o curse_n of_o it_o be_v it_o not_o rather_o because_o i_o have_v weaken_a my_o body_n and_o hasten_v old_a age_n by_o my_o vice_n than_o because_o i_o have_v defile_v my_o soul_n and_o enfeeble_v her_o power_n by_o they_o i_o feel_v in_o myself_o some_o abhorrence_n and_o aversion_n from_o the_o sin_n i_o former_o take_v pleasure_n in_o but_o be_v this_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o sickness_n of_o my_o soul_n or_o of_o the_o distemper_n of_o my_o body_n 9_o do_v i_o real_o loathe_v my_o former_a disorder_n and_o be_v temperance_n my_o choice_n be_v it_o not_o rather_o the_o weakness_n of_o my_o appetite_n and_o the_o decay_n of_o my_o palate_n that_o make_v i_o abstemious_a i_o delight_v not_o in_o sensual_a mirth_n and_o jollity_n as_o former_o but_o may_v i_o not_o just_o question_v whether_o this_o do_v not_o more_o proceed_v from_o the_o weakness_n of_o my_o fancy_n than_o from_o the_o tenderness_n of_o my_o conscience_n and_o the_o rectitude_n of_o my_o will_n i_o seem_v somewhat_o mortify_v to_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n but_o be_v not_o this_o rather_o a_o kind_n of_o natural_a than_o a_o moral_a death_n a_o die_a to_o the_o world_n of_o necessity_n and_o not_o of_o choice_n do_v i_o forsake_v it_o because_o it_o be_v unworthy_a of_o my_o love_n and_o not_o rather_o because_o it_o have_v first_o forsake_v i_o and_o be_v uncapable_a of_o afford_v i_o its_o former_a pleasure_n now_o the_o evil_a day_n of_o old_a age_n have_v overtake_v i_o i_o find_v in_o my_o soul_n a_o earnest_a desire_n after_o holiness_n be_v it_o because_o i_o take_v delight_n in_o please_a god_n or_o only_o because_o i_o fear_v to_o suffer_v the_o weight_n of_o his_o displeasure_n be_v it_o because_o i_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o live_v a_o holy_a life_n now_o when_o the_o best_a and_o almost_o the_o whole_a of_o my_o time_n be_v spend_v 10._o or_o only_o that_o i_o may_v die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o that_o my_o last_o end_n may_v be_v like_o he_o i_o be_o now_o willing_a to_o devote_v myself_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n but_o why_o have_v i_o not_o do_v it_o long_o before_o when_o i_o have_v time_n and_o strength_n and_o other_o advantage_n to_o serve_v he_o with_o be_v it_o not_o rather_o to_o serve_v a_o turn_n of_o my_o own_o than_o to_o serve_v he_o that_o i_o offer_v myself_o so_o late_o to_o his_o service_n have_v i_o not_o reason_n to_o doubt_v whether_o i_o be_o sincere_o willing_a to_o choose_v my_o bless_a lord_n as_o my_o head_n and_o ruler_n as_o well_o as_o my_o sanctuary_n and_o saviour_n and_o whether_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o be_v purify_v as_o well_o as_o redeem_v to_o be_v sanctify_v by_o his_o grace_n as_o well_o as_o justify_v by_o his_o righteousness_n the_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n 9_o and_o how_o shall_v i_o be_v assure_v that_o i_o do_v not_o deceive_v myself_o about_o the_o safety_n of_o my_o soul_n these_o and_o such_o like_a thought_n often_o occasion_v great_a hesitation_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o age_a convert_n and_o make_v he_o doubt_v of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o of_o the_o security_n of_o his_o state_n whereas_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n he_o who_o after_o a_o initiation_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o youth_n and_o a_o proficiency_n therein_o through_o the_o time_n of_o his_o strength_n be_v at_o last_o arrive_v to_o a_o good_a old_a age_n may_v great_o solace_v himself_o in_o scan_v over_o the_o mark_n and_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o his_o conversion_n which_o be_v great_a and_o numerous_n he_o deep_o mourn_v for_o sin_n at_o a_o age_n when_o sorrow_n and_o pensiveness_n seem_v most_o unseasonable_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o world_n and_o when_o the_o warmth_n of_o the_o imagination_n and_o the_o briskness_n of_o the_o sense_n dispose_v most_o to_o carnal_a mirth_n he_o loathe_v sin_n when_o it_o seem_v most_o charm_a and_o deny_v himself_o its_o sensual_a pleasure_n at_o a_o age_n when_o they_o have_v the_o high_a gust_n and_o when_o their_o evil_a consequence_n almost_o quite_o disappear_v through_o their_o great_a suppose_a distance_n he_o forsake_v the_o world_n when_o it_o be_v just_a spread_v its_o charm_n before_o he_o and_o make_v its_o court_n to_o he_o after_o the_o most_o oblige_a manner_n 6._o he_o hunger_v and_o thirst_v after_o righteousness_n at_o a_o time_n when_o it_o have_v the_o most_o affliction_n and_o bitterness_n attend_v it_o and_o dedicate_v himself_o to_o god_n then_o when_o he_o have_v a_o large_a prospect_n of_o hard_a service_n and_o suffering_n to_o undergo_v for_o his_o sake_n and_o according_o his_o life_n since_o his_o conversion_n yield_v a_o multitude_n of_o instance_n that_o prove_v the_o sincerity_n of_o it_o the_o proof_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o of_o his_o love_n to_o he_o have_v be_v like_o that_o of_o gold_n and_o silver_n in_o the_o melt_a furnace_n amid_o various_a temptation_n he_o have_v have_v occasion_n to_o give_v ample_a proof_n of_o his_o fidelity_n to_o the_o captain_n of_o his_o salvation_n 10_o by_o have_v long_o war_v under_o his_o banner_n and_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v himself_o to_o have_v be_v true_o convert_v in_o his_o youth_n since_o all_o the_o flatter_a sweet_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n can_v never_o seduce_v he_o nor_o all_o the_o threaten_a frown_n and_o trouble_v of_o it_o terrify_v he_o into_o a_o change_n of_o his_o resolution_n for_o the_o service_n of_o his_o god_n and_o his_o have_v hold_v out_o so_o long_o give_v he_o hope_v that_o he_o shall_v hold_v out_o to_o the_o end_n 4._o and_o since_o he_o find_v his_o faith_n have_v on_o it_o the_o character_n of_o unseigned_a 5._o his_o joy_n must_v needs_o abound_v when_o he_o consider_v that_o he_o that_o be_v the_o author_n of_o that_o faith_n 2._o be_v the_o finisher_n of_o it_o too_o that_o he_o that_o long_o ago_o begin_v and_o have_v long_o cherish_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n in_o his_o soul_n 6._o will_v carry_v it_o on_o until_o the_o day_n of_o juesus_fw-la christ_n and_o that_o as_o he_o have_v the_o evident_a sign_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o sanctification_n of_o his_o heart_n 9_o so_o he_o shall_v have_v the_o end_n of_o it_o too_o in_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o it_o hence_o follow_v 3._o that_o a_o early_a conversion_n furnish_v old_a age_n with_o comfortable_a reflection_n on_o time_n past_a and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o thought_n of_o a_o ill-spent_a life_n be_v then_o most_o grievous_a when_o we_o be_v near_o the_o close_a of_o it_o what_o a_o dreadful_a thing_n must_v it_o be_v for_o a_o old_a man_n 11._o who_o bone_n be_v full_a of_o
the_o burden_n and_o heat_n of_o the_o day_n in_o labour_v and_o suffer_v for_o he_o may_v not_o i_o who_o have_v spend_v my_o day_n in_o vanity_n and_o sin_n 13._o in_o riot_v and_o drunkenness_n in_o chamber_v and_o wantonness_n and_o who_o now_o be_o incapacitate_v either_o to_o do_v or_o suffer_v much_o for_o god_n just_a at_o the_o period_n of_o my_o day_n just_o fear_v be_v exclude_v from_o the_o participation_n of_o this_o bliss_n be_v it_o likely_a that_o these_o joy_n that_o be_v so_o spiritual_a and_o refine_a will_v be_v pour_v into_o such_o a_o soul_n as_o i_o when_o part_v from_o this_o languish_a body_n which_o have_v be_v debauch_v and_o corrupt_v for_o so_o many_o year_n with_o the_o base_a and_o sordid_a delight_n of_o sin_n or_o may_v i_o presume_v to_o deposit_v this_o vile_a and_o moulder_a carcase_n in_o the_o grave_a in_o hope_n of_o have_v it_o render_v a_o glorious_a body_n at_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a 14._o when_o i_o have_v through_o the_o best_a of_o my_o time_n abuse_v it_o to_o the_o vile_a purpose_n of_o sensuality_n and_o vice_n shall_v these_o eye_n that_o have_v so_o often_o be_v full_a of_o adultery_n be_v admit_v to_o see_v the_o lord_n in_o glory_n 14._o and_o this_o tongue_n be_v tune_v to_o praise_v he_o with_o sacred_a anthem_n in_o heaven_n which_o have_v thus_o long_o lodge_v in_o it_o a_o world_n of_o iniquity_n 6._o and_o desecrate_v his_o holy_a name_n by_o profane_a oath_n and_o blasphemy_n on_o earth_n that_o these_o foot_n that_o have_v be_v swift_a to_o attend_v the_o place_n of_o debauchery_n and_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o ungodly_a 1._o shall_v stand_v within_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n 2._o and_o find_v a_o welcome_a place_n in_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first-born_a 23._o which_o be_v write_v in_o heaven_n or_o that_o these_o hand_n that_o have_v so_o long_o be_v execute_v act_n of_o unrighteousness_n here_o shall_v be_v eternal_o lift_v up_o with_o praise_n and_o employ_v in_o applaud_v the_o name_n and_o work_n of_o god_n there_o may_v not_o i_o more_o reasonable_o be_v afraid_a 31._o that_o my_o soul_n shall_v fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n 19_o than_o cheerful_o commit_v it_o to_o he_o now_o my_o day_n be_v near_o expire_a and_o just_o apprehend_v that_o the_o expense_n of_o my_o time_n in_o wickedness_n will_v be_v punish_v with_o a_o eternity_n of_o misery_n and_o that_o after_o i_o have_v so_o long_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n 11._o i_o must_v now_o at_o last_o lie_v down_o in_o the_o grave_a in_o sorrow_n and_o o_o how_o pungent_a be_v that_o sorrow_n while_o my_o tremble_a soul_n look_v into_o the_o consequence_n of_o such_o a_o death_n for_o if_o i_o die_v in_o my_o sin_n not_o only_a be_o i_o deprive_v of_o all_o this_o happiness_n which_o i_o have_v be_v view_v at_o a_o distance_n but_o must_v sink_v into_o that_o abyss_n of_o misery_n 44._o where_o a_o never-dying_a worm_n 15._o and_o a_o unquenchable_a lake_n of_o fire_n be_v the_o just_a and_o dreadful_a reward_n of_o a_o sinful_a life_n these_o and_o such_o like_a jealousy_n and_o fear_n carry_v so_o specious_a a_o appearance_n of_o reason_n with_o they_o that_o without_o a_o more_o than_o common_a measure_n of_o faith_n they_o must_v needs_o give_v the_o soul_n a_o great_a deal_n of_o disquiet_n and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o the_o righteous_a and_o holy_a god_n suffer_v the_o mind_n often_o to_o labour_v under_o these_o troublesome_a thought_n as_o a_o proper_a method_n both_o to_o embitter_v sin_n to_o one_o that_o have_v be_v long_o accustom_v to_o indulge_v it_o and_o to_o testify_v for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o holiness_n that_o he_o reserve_v some_o peculiar_a reward_n even_o in_o this_o life_n for_o they_o that_o have_v serve_v he_o with_o a_o peculiar_a zeal_n and_o constancy_n 22._o and_o that_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n and_o hope_n 11._o and_o a_o clear_a prospect_n of_o those_o invisible_a thing_n which_o he_o have_v lay_v up_o for_o those_o that_o love_v he_o 1._o be_v a_o blessing_n wherewith_o he_o seldom_o crown_v any_o but_o those_o who_o have_v be_v for_o some_o considerable_a part_n of_o their_o life_n gradual_o raise_v their_o affection_n 2._o and_o fix_v they_o on_o thing_n above_o habituate_n themselves_o to_o converse_v in_o heaven_n 12._o and_o fight_v the_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n that_o they_o may_v lay_v hold_n on_o eternal_a life_n for_o since_o god_n be_v please_v to_o propose_v reward_n as_o motive_n to_o his_o service_n it_o be_v natural_a to_o conclude_v that_o the_o consolate_v hope_n of_o these_o reward_n which_o be_v also_o a_o reward_n itself_o do_v ordinary_o bear_v proportion_n to_o the_o time_n and_o degree_n of_o our_o obedience_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o have_v long_o devote_v himself_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n as_o he_o have_v common_o a_o clear_a prospect_n of_o future_a bliss_n and_o of_o the_o security_n of_o his_o interest_n in_o it_o so_o to_o advance_v his_o joy_n still_o to_o a_o high_a point_n he_o have_v reason_n to_o expect_v a_o distinguish_a reward_n in_o the_o celestial_a glory_n that_o if_o he_o have_v serve_v his_o lord_n much_o in_o his_o church_n which_o be_v his_o kingdom_n on_o earth_n he_o shall_v not_o be_v the_o least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n 19_o for_o though_o he_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o hope_v to_o be_v reward_v for_o his_o work_n on_o the_o account_n of_o debt_n because_o when_o he_o have_v do_v his_o best_a he_o be_v but_o a_o unprofitable_a servant_n 10._o yet_o since_o god_n himself_o have_v promise_v it_o he_o may_v believe_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v reward_v according_a to_o his_o work_n 27._o on_o the_o account_n of_o grace_n thus_o as_o the_o early_a convert_n look_v back_o upon_o all_o the_o suffering_n he_o have_v endure_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o divine_a master_n with_o comfort_n 16._o as_o on_o water_n that_o be_v pass_v away_o so_o the_o thought_n of_o these_o raise_v both_o his_o desire_n and_o expectation_n earnest_o to_o look_v for_o a_o distinguish_a recompense_n of_o future_a glory_n and_o how_o unexpressible_a be_v that_o joy_n which_o a_o holy_a man_n feel_v when_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n can_v with_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o strength_n penetrate_v and_o with_o equal_a steadiness_n contemplate_v the_o unseen_a glory_n of_o the_o heavenly_a state_n as_o firm_o interest_v therein_o what_o joy_n do_v the_o early_a convert_n often_o taste_v especial_o towards_o the_o close_a of_o his_o day_n when_o he_o approach_v the_o mark_n of_o his_o long_a desire_n and_o hope_n 14._o when_o he_o consider_v that_o as_o he_o have_v be_v long_o labour_v to_o increase_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n he_o shall_v sudden_o see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v and_o that_o as_o he_o have_v be_v long_o endeavour_v after_o a_o conformity_n to_o he_o 2_o he_o shall_v not_o only_o see_v he_o but_o be_v like_o he_o too_o that_o as_o all_o the_o power_n of_o his_o soul_n have_v be_v dedicate_v to_o his_o service_n so_o they_o shall_v be_v in_o a_o little_a time_n entire_o fill_v with_o his_o glory_n and_o incessant_o employ_v in_o his_o praise_n 13_o and_o as_o the_o member_n of_o his_o body_n have_v be_v fellow-servant_n of_o righteousness_n with_o the_o faculty_n of_o his_o soul_n 44._o so_o their_o refine_a matter_n and_o elegant_a form_n at_o the_o resurrection_n shall_v render_v they_o fit_a to_o become_v their_o partner_n in_o glory_n thus_o have_v we_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o the_o time_n of_o our_o youth_n be_v in_o many_o respect_v the_o best_a and_o fit_a for_o the_o great_a work_n of_o remember_v our_o maker_n and_o of_o engage_v in_o his_o service_n and_o this_o even_o upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o our_o be_v sure_a of_o obtain_v a_o opportunity_n of_o repent_v in_o old_a age_n though_o we_o shall_v not_o reform_v before_o but_o we_o have_v further_a to_o show_v that_o as_o the_o time_n of_o youth_n be_v the_o best_a so_o it_o may_v be_v and_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o be_v the_o only_a season_n wherein_o it_o will_v be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o devote_v ourselves_o to_o our_o creator_n or_o wherein_o our_o service_n will_v be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o which_o give_v we_o the_o clear_a proof_n of_o all_o of_o the_o danger_n and_o folly_n of_o neglect_v to_o consecrate_v to_o he_o the_o morning_n of_o our_o day_n but_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o we_o shall_v refer_v to_o another_o discourse_n the_o reasonableness_n &_o advantage_n of_o a_o early_a conversion_n to_o god_n demonstrate_v sermon_n iii_o eccles_n twelve_o 1._o remember_v now_o thy_o creator_n in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o youth_n while_o the_o evil_a day_n come_v not_o nor_o the_o year_n
counsel_n and_o will_v none_o of_o my_o reproof_n i_o also_o will_v laugh_v at_o your_o calamity_n i_o will_v mock_v when_o your_o fear_n come_v when_o your_o fear_n come_v as_o desolation_n and_o your_o destruction_n come_v as_o a_o whirlwind_n when_o distress_n and_o anguish_n come_v upon_o you_o then_o shall_v they_o call_v upon_o i_o but_o i_o will_v not_o answer_v they_o shall_v seek_v i_o early_o but_o they_o shall_v not_o find_v i_o for_o that_o they_o hate_v knowledge_n and_o do_v not_o choose_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n they_o will_v none_o of_o my_o counsel_n they_o despise_v all_o my_o reproof_n therefore_o shall_v they_o eat_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o way_n and_o be_v fill_v with_o their_o own_o device_n for_o the_o turn_n away_o of_o the_o simple_a shall_v slay_v they_o and_o the_o prosperity_n of_o fool_n shall_v destroy_v they_o how_o will_v you_o bear_v such_o a_o dismal_a sentence_n as_o this_o o_o with_o what_o terror_n will_v it_o strike_v your_o guilty_a soul_n especial_o when_o you_o be_v under_o the_o apprehension_n of_o approach_a death_n or_o bow_v down_o under_o the_o burden_n of_o age_n what_o will_v you_o do_v in_o those_o day_n of_o evil_a 5._o when_o the_o iniquity_n of_o your_o heel_n shall_v compass_v you_o about_o 11_o when_o your_o bone_n will_v be_v full_a of_o the_o sin_n of_o your_o youth_n which_o shall_v lie_v down_o with_o you_o in_o the_o dust_n when_o the_o terror_n of_o god_n shall_v strike_v your_o conscience_n and_o all_o your_o past_a life_n shall_v accuse_v and_o condemn_v you_o when_o the_o heaven_n shall_v reveal_v your_o iniquity_n 27_o and_o the_o earth_n shall_v rise_v up_o against_o you_o when_o your_o flesh_n upon_o you_o shall_v have_v pain_n 22._o and_o your_o soul_n within_o you_o shall_v mourn_v though_o wickedness_n be_v now_o sweet_a in_o your_o mouth_n 14._o and_o you_o therefore_o hide_v it_o under_o your_o tongue_n though_o you_o spare_v it_o and_o forsake_v it_o not_o but_o keep_v it_o still_o within_o your_o mouth_n yet_o it_o be_v luscious_a taste_n shall_v be_v turn_v into_o bitterness_n in_o your_o bowel_n and_o into_o the_o gall_n of_o asp_n within_o you_o be_v it_o not_o better_a to_o repent_v early_o than_o to_o be_v reduce_v to_o mourn_v despair_o when_o it_o be_v too_o late_a when_o the_o almighty_a shut_v out_o your_o prayer_n and_o when_o a_o fire_n be_v kindle_v in_o his_o anger_n 22._o that_o will_v burn_v to_o the_o low_a hell_n when_o he_o that_o make_v you_o will_v not_o have_v mercy_n on_o you_o 11._o and_o he_o that_o form_v you_o will_v show_v you_o no_o favour_n if_o once_o that_o dreadful_a day_n overtake_v you_o each_o of_o you_o will_v then_o lament_v his_o folly_n with_o the_o sad_a accent_n of_o sorrow_n and_o anguish_n and_o turn_v upon_o himself_o with_o indignation_n and_o fury_n say_v 13._o how_o have_v i_o hate_a instruction_n and_o my_o heart_n despise_v reproof_n and_o have_v not_o obey_v the_o voice_n of_o my_o teacher_n nor_o incline_v my_o ear_n to_o they_o that_o instruct_v i_o and_o bewail_v himself_o as_o our_o bless_a lord_n do_v jerusalem_n when_o he_o weep_v over_o that_o unhappy_a city_n cry_v o_o that_o i_o have_v know_v even_o i_o 42._o in_o that_o my_o day_n the_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o my_o peace_n but_o now_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o my_o eye_n now_o consider_v this_o you_o that_o forget_v god_n 22._o lest_o he_o tear_v you_o in_o piece_n and_o there_o be_v none_o to_o deliver_v if_o you_o now_o begin_v to_o entertain_v serious_a thought_n of_o religion_n to_o stir_v you_o up_o further_o to_o this_o great_a though_o miserable_o neglect_v duty_n of_o remember_v your_o creator_n in_o the_o day_n of_o your_o youth_n let_v i_o entreat_v you_o to_o consider_v two_o or_o three_o thing_n 1._o that_o god_n have_v be_v often_o please_v to_o dignify_v they_o with_o special_a mark_n of_o honour_n in_o his_o church_n who_o have_v honour_v he_o by_o the_o early_a dedication_n of_o their_o youth_n to_o his_o service_n and_o have_v render_v their_o service_n as_o eminent_a in_o the_o world_n as_o their_o piety_n have_v be_v early_o and_o exemplary_a as_o the_o forward_a piety_n of_o joseph_n keep_v he_o uncorrupt_a in_o his_o tender_a year_n amid_o the_o evil_a example_n of_o his_o envious_a brethren_n 4._o so_o he_o be_v bless_v with_o the_o large_a share_n in_o the_o affection_n of_o his_o age_a father_n and_o though_o his_o zeal_n for_o their_o reformation_n render_v he_o the_o object_n of_o their_o hatred_n as_o well_o as_o of_o his_o father_n love_n yet_o the_o divine_a providence_n wonderful_o prosper_v he_o 6._o and_o give_v he_o favour_n in_o that_o strange_a country_n whither_o their_o unnatural_a malice_n have_v exile_v he_o and_o as_o he_o there_o preserve_v his_o chastity_n when_o it_o be_v try_v after_o so_o extraordinary_a a_o manner_n 7-20_a that_o it_o be_v become_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o keep_v himself_o innocent_a without_o incur_v the_o odium_n of_o be_v repute_v guilty_a as_o well_o as_o endure_v other_o severe_a punishment_n so_o the_o purity_n of_o his_o untainted_a soul_n who_o rather_o choose_v to_o be_v account_v vile_a than_o to_o be_v so_o be_v afterward_o strange_o clear_v up_o by_o the_o wise_a and_o gracious_a providence_n of_o the_o almighty_a and_o his_o injure_a name_n celebrate_v with_o the_o high_a honour_n of_o the_o court_n of_o egypt_n 41._o the_o just_a and_o holy_a god_n who_o he_o serve_v have_v endow_v he_o with_o a_o prophetic_a gift_n of_o interpret_n dream_n and_o by_o that_o divine_a skill_n open_v a_o way_n for_o his_o advancement_n from_o prison_n to_o ride_v in_o the_o second_o chariot_n of_o the_o kingdom_n so_o that_o he_o become_v a_o prince_n and_o a_o father_n to_o that_o nation_n whither_o he_o be_v bring_v a_o stranger_n and_o a_o slave_n and_o prove_v the_o happy_a instrument_n not_o only_o of_o preserve_v multitude_n of_o people_n from_o the_o rage_n of_o a_o tedious_a famine_n of_o seven_o year_n continuance_n but_o also_o of_o nourish_v his_o father_n family_n in_o that_o time_n of_o common_a calamity_n 44._o and_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o have_v the_o honour_n of_o the_o most_o obsequious_a address_n of_o those_o very_a brethren_n of_o his_o that_o have_v be_v his_o persecutor_n 45._o and_o at_o last_o have_v the_o godlike_a pleasure_n of_o melt_v they_o into_o a_o deep_a conviction_n of_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o their_o enmity_n against_o he_o by_o the_o most_o endear_n caress_n and_o sweet_a expression_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o tenderness_n and_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o that_o true_o generous_a and_o innocent_a kind_n of_o revenge_n of_o overcome_v evil_a with_o good_n 21._o thus_o god_n be_v please_v to_o reward_v the_o eminent_a piety_n of_o his_o youth_n by_o make_v he_o the_o darling_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o to_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o his_o glory_n in_o those_o suffering_n which_o be_v the_o proof_n of_o his_o virtue_n samuel_n a_o young_a votary_n to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o his_o tabernacle_n as_o he_o grow_v up_o â—6_n become_v the_o favourite_n both_o of_o god_n and_o man_n so_o eminent_o be_v he_o anoint_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n and_o that_o in_o a_o time_n 1._o when_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v very_o precious_a that_o all_o israel_n from_o dan_n 20._o even_o to_o beersheba_n know_v that_o he_o be_v establish_v a_o prophet_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o piety_n which_o season_v the_o tender_a year_n of_o david_n dilectus_fw-la render_v he_o according_a to_o his_o name_n so_o belove_v both_o of_o god_n and_o man_n that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o fill_v he_o with_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n 56._o and_o both_o god_n and_o man_n think_v good_a to_o choose_v he_o to_o wear_v a_o regal_a diadem_n the_o supreme_a ruler_n and_o arbiter_n of_o the_o world_n be_v please_v to_o reward_v his_o forward_a zeal_n for_o he_o by_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o fold_n to_o the_o throne_n and_o by_o make_v he_o exchange_v his_o shepherd_n crook_n for_o a_o royal_a sceptre_n so_o that_o from_o a_o feeder_n of_o sheep_n he_o become_v both_o the_o prophet_n and_o king_n of_o a_o mighty_a nation_n 1._o the_o sweet_a psalmist_n and_o most_o valiant_a prince_n of_o israel_n religious_a josiah_n who_o begin_v to_o reform_v himself_o at_o eight_o year_n old_a 3._o and_o to_o reform_v the_o people_n under_o his_o government_n before_o he_o have_v exceed_v twelve_o be_v honour_v of_o god_n with_o the_o happy_a accomplishment_n of_o that_o glorious_a reformation_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n 8._o when_o he_o can_v scarce_o write_v himself_o man_n have_v see_v the_o light_n but_o eighteen_o year_n and_o have_v the_o earliness_n of_o his_o piety_n signalise_v by_o the_o delay_n of_o those_o judgement_n that_o