jerusalem_n be_v threaten_v with_o 23-28_a till_o the_o expiration_n of_o his_o religious_a reign_n god_n be_v please_v to_o honour_v his_o early_a zeal_n with_o a_o peculiar_a protection_n give_v for_o a_o time_n to_o the_o nation_n under_o his_o conduct_n for_o his_o sake_n and_o will_v not_o fill_v his_o reign_n that_o be_v so_o famous_a for_o his_o piety_n with_o those_o scene_n of_o horror_n and_o misery_n which_o darken_v the_o time_n of_o his_o unhappy_a successor_n the_o divine_a compassion_n will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o see_v that_o city_n stain_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o its_o inhabitant_n which_o he_o have_v be_v so_o industrious_a to_o purge_v from_o superstition_n and_o from_o the_o worship_n of_o idol_n and_o as_o his_o life_n be_v honourable_a to_o himself_o and_o of_o the_o great_a advantage_n to_o his_o subject_n 27._o so_o his_o death_n be_v attend_v with_o their_o solemn_a and_o universal_a mourning_n a_o honour_n which_o be_v refuse_v to_o his_o profane_a 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the_o gentile_n and_o with_o a_o eminent_a station_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n wherein_o his_o prudent_a and_o religious_a deportment_n secure_v his_o youth_n from_o contempt_n 12._o and_o make_v the_o apostle_n give_v he_o that_o singular_a character_n to_o the_o philippian_n when_o he_o assure_v they_o that_o he_o have_v no_o man_n likeminded_a 20._o who_o will_v natural_o care_v for_o their_o state_n the_o belove_a disciple_n be_v report_v to_o have_v be_v very_o young_a 23._o when_o proselyte_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o perhaps_o this_o be_v not_o the_o least_o occasion_n of_o his_o be_v make_v the_o bosom-friend_n of_o his_o divine_a master_n nay_o most_o of_o those_o who_o be_v dignify_v with_o the_o sacred_a office_n of_o apostleship_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v convert_v in_o the_o flower_n of_o their_o time_n by_o several_a circumstance_n of_o their_o history_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o the_o many_o year_n some_o of_o they_o spend_v in_o travel_n and_o 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your_o time_n but_o the_o example_n which_o of_o all_o other_o shine_v with_o the_o great_a glory_n and_o communicate_v the_o sweet_a influence_n that_o be_v most_o capable_a both_o of_o raise_v your_o wonder_n and_o of_o exciting_a your_o imitation_n be_v that_o of_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n who_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o teach_v we_o by_o his_o life_n as_o well_o as_o to_o save_v we_o by_o his_o death_n he_o be_v please_v to_o honour_v the_o youthful_a state_n of_o life_n by_o pass_v through_o it_o 7._o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o flesh_n while_o he_o dwell_v with_o man_n and_o do_v not_o defer_v his_o father_n work_n to_o old_a age_n a_o stage_n of_o life_n which_o he_o never_o vouchsafe_v to_o enter_v on_o in_o his_o very_a childhood_n he_o wax_v strong_a in_o spirit_n 40._o be_v fill_v with_o wisdom_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o he_o his_o soul_n advance_v in_o divine_a knowledge_n as_o his_o body_n do_v in_o stature_n and_o so_o he_o grow_v in_o favour_n 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or_o indevotion_n towards_o god_n nay_o a_o life_n spend_v in_o the_o great_a act_n of_o charity_n to_o mankind_n and_o in_o the_o high_a elevation_n of_o piety_n to_o his_o father_n a_o life_n that_o consume_v itself_o in_o the_o zeal_n of_o his_o house_n 17._o that_o expire_v in_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n so_o that_o you_o have_v not_o only_o the_o precept_n but_o the_o prescription_n too_o of_o your_o creator_n to_o engage_v you_o in_o your_o duty_n he_o by_o who_o you_o be_v make_v by_o who_o you_o be_v preserve_v by_o who_o alone_o you_o can_v be_v restore_v from_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o by_o who_o you_o must_v be_v final_o judge_v be_v please_v to_o assume_v humane_a nature_n 17._o to_o be_v make_v man_n in_o all_o thing_n sin_n only_o except_v on_o purpose_n to_o exemplify_v the_o duty_n in_o our_o text_n by_o his_o life_n as_o well_o as_o to_o conquer_v sin_n and_o hell_n by_o his_o death_n 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recollect_v how_o fit_a a_o object_n of_o trust_n and_o praise_v and_o of_o all_o worship_n he_o be_v so_o as_o to_o engage_v our_o soul_n to_o confide_v in_o he_o to_o offer_v he_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o praise_n and_o all_o the_o adoration_n and_o service_n that_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o render_v in_o a_o word_n to_o remember_v our_o creator_n be_v to_o remember_v his_o omniscience_n power_n and_o justice_n so_o as_o to_o reverence_n and_o fear_v he_o to_o remember_v his_o goodness_n mercy_n and_o veracity_n so_o as_o to_o love_v and_o praise_v he_o and_o to_o remember_v his_o holiness_n and_o purity_n so_o as_o to_o imitate_v and_o obey_v he_o it_o be_v so_o attentive_o and_o serious_o to_o meditate_v on_o his_o nature_n and_o on_o his_o work_n 3._o that_o while_o we_o be_v muse_v the_o fire_n may_v burn_v as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v that_o our_o thought_n may_v kindle_v a_o holy_a flame_n of_o love_n in_o our_o heart_n towards_o he_o which_o will_v break_v out_o in_o become_a 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these_o evil_a day_n etc._n etc._n be_v oppose_v to_o the_o day_n of_o youth_n and_o in_o that_o many_o elegant_a character_n be_v use_v to_o decipher_v the_o infirmity_n and_o misery_n of_o old_a age_n in_o the_o sequel_n of_o this_o chapter_n immediate_o after_o the_o text._n and_o in_o this_o description_n of_o old_a age_n we_o have_v 1._o the_o time_n itself_o express_v by_o day_n and_o year_n 2._o the_o character_n of_o that_o time_n of_o life_n those_o day_n be_v evil_n and_o those_o year_n such_o as_o we_o shall_v confess_v that_o we_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o they_o 1._o for_o the_o time_n itself_o it_o may_v be_v call_v days_n and_o year_n 1._o either_o emphatical_o to_o signify_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n it_o be_v a_o usual_a elegancy_n in_o the_o hebrew_n dialect_n to_o express_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o various_a synonymous_a term_n in_o two_o sentence_n immediate_o succeed_v one_o another_o which_o serve_v partly_o for_o illustration_n and_o partly_o to_o 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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 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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 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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
delay_v a_o work_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o of_o this_o consequence_n till_o now_o but_o if_o god_n have_v give_v you_o deep_a and_o serious_a repentance_n he_o design_v you_o favour_n and_o your_o contrition_n give_v hope_n of_o a_o pardon_n let_v the_o wicked_a forsake_v his_o way_n 7._o and_o the_o unrighteous_a man_n his_o thought_n and_o let_v he_o return_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n on_o he_o and_o to_o our_o god_n for_o he_o will_v abundant_o pardon_v but_o 2._o if_o you_o be_v true_o convert_v it_o be_v your_o happiness_n and_o honour_n 31._o the_o hoary_a head_n be_v a_o crown_n of_o glory_n if_o it_o be_v find_v in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n but_o do_v you_o consecrate_v to_o your_o creator_n the_o flower_n of_o your_o youth_n or_o have_v you_o only_o offer_v he_o your_o late_a year_n it_o may_v be_v 6._o you_o begin_v to_o work_v in_o his_o vineyard_n but_o at_o the_o ten_o or_o eleven_o hour_n or_o at_o least_o since_o your_o sun_n have_v 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have_v forget_v he_o day_n without_o number_n 32._o 2._o let_v the_o sincerity_n of_o your_o thankfulness_n and_o of_o your_o repentance_n too_o appear_v by_o the_o improvement_n of_o that_o little_a portion_n of_o time_n which_o you_o have_v yet_o remain_v redeem_v your_o time_n 16._o now_o at_o least_o because_o the_o day_n be_v evil_a improve_v the_o evil_a day_n of_o old_a age_n with_o the_o utmost_a diligence_n since_o the_o better_a day_n of_o youth_n be_v past_o recall_v evidence_n both_o to_o yourselves_o and_o to_o other_o that_o your_o late_a repentance_n be_v true_a by_o such_o a_o industrious_a management_n of_o your_o remain_a day_n as_o may_v convince_v the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v no_o small_a grief_n of_o heart_n to_o you_o that_o your_o repentance_n be_v so_o late_o recover_v your_o lose_a time_n as_o much_o as_o possible_a by_o your_o present_a diligence_n and_o let_v none_o of_o your_o precious_a moment_n for_o the_o future_a be_v heedless_o expend_v 12._o but_o husband_n they_o well_o in_o work_v out_o your_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a let_v your_o frequent_a hour_n and_o act_n of_o devotion_n make_v up_o the_o long_a want_n yourselves_o have_v have_v of_o those_o sacred_a privilege_n that_o attend_v the_o exercise_n of_o holy_a worship_n and_o thereby_o make_v restitution_n as_o much_o as_o in_o you_o lie_v to_o your_o creator_n for_o the_o sacrilege_n you_o have_v often_o commit_v in_o rob_v he_o of_o those_o pious_a offering_n those_o continual_a sacrifice_n with_o which_o you_o shall_v daily_o have_v furnish_v his_o altar_n let_v your_o example_n be_v as_o beneficial_a to_o mankind_n as_o it_o have_v be_v injurious_a and_o as_o you_o have_v tempt_v other_o to_o sin_n strive_v now_o to_o incite_v they_o to_o piety_n if_o you_o bear_v the_o character_n of_o parent_n or_o master_n labour_v to_o convince_v those_o young_a person_n who_o be_v under_o the_o influence_n of_o your_o counsel_n or_o the_o awe_n of_o your_o authority_n of_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o a_o early_a conversion_n and_o let_v they_o know_v you_o now_o serious_o lament_v the_o past_a folly_n of_o your_o youth_n that_o as_o your_o ill_a counsel_n and_o vicious_a pattern_n have_v long_o make_v you_o partaker_n of_o other_o man_n sin_n 22._o so_o your_o religious_a exhortation_n and_o good_a example_n may_v obtain_v on_o your_o acquaintance_n and_o those_o that_o be_v under_o your_o conduct_n so_o as_o to_o entitle_v you_o in_o some_o sort_n to_o other_o man_n virtue_n in_o a_o word_n remember_v that_o you_o be_v under_o a_o special_a obligation_n that_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v you_o shall_v no_o long_o live_v the_o rest_n of_o your_o time_n in_o the_o flesh_n to_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n 3._o but_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o the_o time_n pass_v of_o your_o life_n may_v suffice_v to_o have_v wrought_v the_o will_n of_o the_o gentile_n when_o you_o walk_v in_o lasciviousness_n lust_n excess_n of_o wine_n revel_v banquet_n and_o abominable_a idolatry_n if_o your_o case_n be_v otherwise_o and_o you_o begin_v early_o to_o give_v yourselves_o up_o to_o the_o service_n of_o your_o creator_n 1._o bless_v and_o magnify_v that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o guide_n of_o your_o youth_n 4._o who_o wrought_v that_o happy_a change_n on_o your_o soul_n who_o be_v child_n of_o wrath_n by_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o other_o 3._o what_o copious_a subject_n of_o praise_n will_v your_o experience_n furnish_v you_o withal_o when_o you_o reflect_v on_o the_o long_a series_n of_o divine_a favour_n that_o have_v attend_v you_o through_o the_o various_a part_n and_o change_n of_o life_n and_o what_o a_o pleasant_a review_n may_v you_o take_v of_o a_o well-spent_a life_n direct_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o conduct_v by_o his_o grace_n what_o matter_n of_o thanksgiving_n may_v you_o find_v in_o the_o many_o assurance_n of_o his_o love_n and_o in_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o work_n of_o his_o grace_n upon_o your_o soul_n and_o in_o the_o frequent_a and_o familiar_a prospect_n he_o have_v give_v your_o faith_n of_o that_o invisible_a and_o ineffable_a glory_n you_o have_v be_v so_o long_o aspire_v after_o and_o be_v now_o so_o near_o enjoy_v you_o have_v reason_n to_o bless_v your_o creator_n as_o well_o for_o prevent_v your_o commission_n of_o the_o many_o sin_n you_o have_v escape_v as_o for_o forgive_a of_o those_o you_o have_v commit_v for_o preserve_v your_o innocence_n on_o many_o occasion_n as_o well_o as_o for_o pardon_v your_o gild_n on_o other_o for_o make_v you_o happy_a so_o soon_o by_o a_o early_a conversion_n and_o for_o give_v you_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o distinguish_a crown_n of_o glory_n for_o honour_v the_o best_a of_o your_o time_n by_o accept_v it_o in_o his_o service_n and_o for_o sweeten_v the_o worst_a of_o it_o the_o evil_a day_n of_o old_a age_n with_o all_o the_o comfort_n which_o the_o reflection_n on_o a_o life_n of_o grace_n and_o all_o the_o joy_n which_o the_o prospect_n of_o a_o life_n of_o glory_n can_v inspire_v 6._o sure_o the_o high_a praise_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v in_o your_o mouth_n for_o to_o use_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n on_o that_o solemn_a occasion_n when_o his_o disciple_n cry_v hosanna_n to_o he_o i_o tell_v you_o 40_o if_o you_o shall_v hold_v your_o peace_n the_o stone_n will_v immediate_o cry_v out_o 2._o you_o ought_v to_o manifest_v the_o truth_n of_o your_o early_a conversion_n by_o the_o extent_n of_o your_o knowledge_n in_o divine_a thing_n and_o by_o the_o warmth_n of_o your_o affection_n to_o they_o i_o write_v unto_o you_o father_n 14._o say_v the_o apostle_n john_n because_o you_o have_v know_v he_o that_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n both_o god_n and_o man_n expect_v that_o your_o growth_n both_o in_o knowledge_n and_o in_o grace_n shall_v bear_v some_o proportion_n to_o the_o time_n you_o have_v spend_v in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n that_o you_o shall_v be_v the_o tall_a cedar_n in_o lebanon_n that_o have_v be_v so_o long_o plant_v there_o and_o the_o most_o fruitful_a vine_n that_o have_v be_v so_o often_o water_v with_o the_o river_n of_o god_n see_v you_o be_v not_o babe_n 9_o either_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o time_n you_o have_v live_v in_o the_o world_n or_o of_o that_o you_o have_v spend_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o person_n of_o full_a age_n 14._o who_o by_o reason_n of_o use_n ought_v to_o have_v your_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v both_o good_a and_o evil_n let_v it_o not_o be_v say_v of_o you_o 12._o that_o when_o for_o the_o time_n you_o ought_v to_o be_v teacher_n you_o have_v need_v that_o one_o teach_v you_o again_o which_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o that_o you_o be_v again_o become_v such_o
a_o man_n to_o suffer_v the_o fit_a season_n to_o escape_v he_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o work_n which_o be_v the_o most_o difficult_a of_o all_o other_o to_o be_v well_o do_v and_o upon_o the_o due_a accomplishment_n of_o which_o both_o his_o present_a and_o future_a happiness_n depend_v for_o 1._o youth_n be_v the_o best_a time_n for_o our_o conversion_n because_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o then_o so_o much_o vitiate_v by_o evil_a habit_n as_o when_o she_o have_v run_v through_o the_o several_a stage_n of_o life_n in_o a_o continue_a course_n of_o wickedness_n though_o sin_n be_v deep_o enough_o root_v in_o our_o nature_n which_o be_v all_o defile_v with_o the_o original_a stain_n yet_o we_o very_o much_o fortify_v our_o corrupt_a inclination_n by_o produce_v they_o into_o act_n and_o by_o multiply_v those_o sinful_a act_n till_o they_o become_v familiar_a and_o customary_a to_o we_o and_o till_o we_o drink_v down_o iniquity_n like_o water_n 16._o so_o that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o turn_v from_o sin_n increase_v together_o with_o the_o time_n of_o our_o continuance_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o can_v the_o ethiopian_a change_n his_o skin_n or_o the_o leopard_n his_o spot_n 23._o then_o may_v you_o also_o do_v good_a that_o be_v accustom_v to_o do_v evil_a say_v the_o prophet_n be_v it_o to_o be_v think_v that_o conversion_n to_o god_n be_v so_o slight_a and_o easy_a a_o matter_n that_o any_o time_n may_v serve_v for_o its_o accomplishment_n be_v not_o the_o difficulty_n that_o a_o long_a habit_n of_o sin_v will_v lay_v in_o the_o way_n of_o that_o great_a and_o important_a work_n to_o be_v fear_v be_v it_o not_o much_o more_o easy_a to_o bend_v a_o young_a twig_n than_o a_o age_a oak_n and_o to_o prevent_v evil_a habit_n than_o to_o rectify_v '_o they_o a_o little_a observation_n of_o the_o world_n may_v suffice_v to_o inform_v we_o that_o long_a custom_n or_o habit_n be_v so_o bewitch_a a_o thing_n that_o scarce_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v imagine_v more_o ridiculous_a absurd_a and_o inconvenient_a than_o many_o thing_n which_o the_o long_a usage_n of_o some_o person_n nay_o of_o some_o whole_a nation_n have_v authorise_a and_o if_o man_n be_v so_o tenacious_a of_o any_o silly_a and_o troublesome_a thing_n which_o they_o have_v be_v much_o addict_v to_o and_o sacrifice_v their_o reason_n their_o honour_n and_o their_o ease_n to_o the_o tyranny_n of_o custom_n how_o much_o more_o prevalent_a must_v a_o long_a habit_n and_o course_n of_o sin_n be_v which_o beside_o its_o deep_a root_n in_o our_o nature_n and_o beside_o the_o ordinary_a force_n of_o mere_a habit_n have_v both_o its_o flatter_a promise_n and_o pleasure_n to_o tempt_v we_o to_o its_o embrace_n and_o its_o threat_n and_o terror_n too_o in_o suggest_v all_o the_o mortify_a circumstance_n of_o a_o virtuous_a course_n of_o life_n to_o raise_v in_o our_o mind_n the_o most_o frightful_a idea_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n so_o that_o if_o custom_n and_o habit_n in_o general_n be_v proverbial_o style_v a_o second_o nature_n 〈◊〉_d the_o habit_n of_o sin_n may_v of_o all_o other_o most_o fit_o be_v so_o term_v and_o the_o force_n of_o its_o dominion_n over_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o difficulty_n of_o its_o extirpation_n out_o of_o they_o must_v needs_o have_v a_o increase_n proportionate_a to_o the_o time_n of_o its_o duration_n in_o they_o can_v any_o thing_n then_o be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o youth_n when_o sin_n have_v not_o yet_o so_o deep_o root_v itself_o in_o our_o heart_n by_o evil_a habit_n as_o in_o old_a age_n after_o a_o long_a course_n of_o vice_n in_o a_o multitude_n of_o repeat_v act_n our_o conversion_n must_v needs_o have_v the_o most_o easy_a and_o kind_o accomplishment_n 2._o this_o further_a appear_v in_o that_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o young_a be_v ordinary_o the_o most_o capable_a of_o instruction_n it_o be_v a_o say_n of_o a_o philosopher_n 6._o that_o to_o cure_v a_o dead_a man_n and_o teach_v a_o old_a man_n be_v thing_n equal_o difficult_a for_o though_o in_o some_o respect_v youth_n be_v sufficient_o addict_v to_o pride_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o natural_a modesty_n and_o become_a humility_n often_o discernible_a in_o the_o young_a arise_v from_o a_o consciousness_n of_o their_o ignorance_n and_o unexperience_n of_o thing_n which_o dispose_v they_o to_o a_o more_o docible_a frame_n of_o mind_n than_o be_v usual_o to_o be_v find_v in_o elder_a person_n who_o maturity_n of_o age_n often_o make_v they_o unwilling_a to_o be_v inform_v especial_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n either_o because_o they_o imagine_v they_o already_o know_v what_o other_o may_v pretend_v to_o teach_v they_o or_o because_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o undergo_v the_o shame_n of_o be_v account_v so_o long_o ignorant_a of_o religion_n and_o their_o concern_n therein_o which_o every_o body_n ought_v to_o be_v early_o acquaint_v with_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v likely_a our_o saviour_n tell_v his_o disciple_n that_o except_o they_o shall_v humble_v themselves_o and_o become_v as_o little_a child_n 4._o they_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n i._n e._n unless_o they_o shall_v imitate_v child_n in_o modesty_n and_o lowliness_n of_o mind_n that_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o ignorance_n may_v make_v they_o teachable_a beside_o the_o mind_n of_o youth_n be_v general_o a_o much_o fit_a soil_n for_o truth_n than_o those_o of_o the_o age_a because_o not_o usual_o so_o overrun_v with_o the_o briar_n and_o thorn_n of_o strong_a and_o deep_o root_v prejudices_fw-la the_o soul_n of_o man_n will_v not_o long_o remain_v empty_a if_o it_o be_v not_o early_o store_v with_o truth_n it_o will_v be_v gradual_o stuff_v with_o error_n and_o as_o it_o be_v much_o more_o troublesome_a to_o alter_v and_o correct_v a_o write_v full_a of_o nonsense_n and_o confusion_n by_o much_o raze_n out_o and_o interline_v than_o to_o write_v a_o handsome_a piece_n of_o good_a sense_n on_o a_o blank_a paper_n so_o it_o be_v abundant_o hard_a to_o instruct_v or_o rectify_v a_o mind_n long_o prepossess_v with_o falshood_n than_o to_o make_v deep_a impression_n of_o truth_n on_o a_o soul_n more_o simple_a and_o unprejudiced_a which_o if_o empty_a of_o knowledge_n yet_o be_v not_o fill_v with_o error_n which_o as_o it_o have_v not_o yet_o learn_v to_o judge_n right_a of_o thing_n so_o neither_o have_v be_v much_o use_v to_o judge_n wrong_v and_o if_o not_o happy_a enough_o to_o be_v well_o stock_v with_o good_a notion_n yet_o be_v not_o so_o unhappy_a as_o to_o be_v crowd_v with_o bad_a one_o now_o see_v to_o capacitate_v we_o to_o serve_v god_n 24._o who_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o will_v be_v serve_v with_o our_o spirit_n without_o which_o bodily_a exercise_n profit_v little_a there_o be_v many_o great_a truth_n to_o be_v learn_v 8._o and_o though_o he_o have_v promise_v the_o help_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o reveal_v these_o to_o the_o simple_a yet_o see_v he_o require_v we_o to_o be_v diligent_a in_o the_o investigation_n of_o truth_n â—â—_o and_o very_o attentive_a to_o the_o voice_n of_o reason_n and_o scripture_n to_o that_o end_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o see_v by_o reflect_v on_o what_o have_v be_v just_a now_o say_v that_o the_o young_a who_o mind_n be_v yet_o unformed_a have_v a_o mighty_a advantage_n above_o the_o age_a for_o learn_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o for_o obtain_v a_o more_o copious_a and_o solid_a understanding_n of_o truth_n so_o that_o we_o may_v well_o say_v with_o the_o prophet_n though_o perhaps_o he_o speak_v in_o another_o sense_n who_o shall_v he_o teach_v knowledge_n 9_o and_o who_o shall_v he_o make_v to_o understand_v doctrine_n they_o that_o be_v wean_a from_o the_o milk_n and_o draw_v from_o the_o breast_n 3._o again_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a tenderness_n of_o spirit_n attend_v our_o first_o year_n and_o not_o ordinary_o to_o be_v find_v afterward_o which_o render_v conversion_n more_o feasible_a the_o heart_n be_v more_o malleable_a and_o more_o easy_o receive_v impression_n from_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n record_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o mercy_n and_o judgement_n distribute_v in_o the_o world_n by_o his_o providence_n therefore_o we_o find_v few_o person_n who_o education_n have_v give_v they_o any_o tolerable_a mean_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n who_o do_v not_o remember_v themselves_o to_o have_v be_v much_o affect_v in_o their_o youth_n in_o attend_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o in_o observe_v some_o remarkable_a passage_n of_o his_o providence_n if_o deep_a conviction_n be_v a_o great_a step_n towards_o conversion_n experience_n show_v this_o be_v most_o easy_o wrought_v on_o one_o that_o be_v young_a how_o often_o do_v we_o
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