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 go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o mourning_n than_o to_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o feast_v for_o that_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o man_n and_o the_o live_a will_v lay_v it_o to_o his_o heart_n eccl._n 7._o 2._o it_o be_v more_o pleasant_a indeed_o to_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o feast_v how_o glad_o do_v people_n go_v that_o way_n but_o it_o be_v better_a to_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o mourning_n for_o there_o we_o see_v what_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o man_n and_o so_o the_o live_a will_v lay_v something_o that_o be_v useful_a to_o his_o heart_n these_o thought_n will_v quicken_v any_o rational_a man_n to_o do_v and_o get_v all_o the_o good_a he_o can_v while_o he_o be_v on_o this_o side_n the_o line_n of_o eternity_n the_o less_o a_o poor_a old_a creature_n can_v do_v about_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n the_o more_o he_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o do_v about_o that_o better_a life_n these_o presentiate_a thought_n of_o death_n will_v make_v we_o careful_a and_o 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 detestation_n of_o the_o sweet_a sin_n in_o short_a the_o thought_n of_o eternity_n will_v effectual_o disgrace_v the_o trifle_n of_o time_n and_o prepare_v the_o age_a for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o how_o come_v it_o then_o to_o pass_v that_o we_o be_v so_o backward_o to_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n and_o the_o world_n to_o come_v the_o truth_n be_v it_o be_v not_o grateful_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood._n hence_o when_o thousand_o die_v in_o the_o wilderness_n which_o shall_v probable_o of_o itself_o have_v make_v impression_n on_o the_o rest_n yet_o than_o moses_n find_v it_o needful_a to_o beg_v of_o god_n psal._n 90._o 12._o so_o teach_v we_o to_o number_v our_o day_n that_o we_o may_v apply_v our_o heart_n to_o wisdom_n alas_o we_o find_v that_o we_o can_v think_v on_o any_o person_n in_o the_o world_n rather_o than_o of_o god_n and_o of_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n rather_o than_o of_o our_o soul_n and_o of_o any_o part_n of_o our_o life_n rather_o than_o of_o death_n 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
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
sect_n vii_o the_o seven_o work_n of_o old-age_n be_v world._n mortification_n and_o the_o object_n hereof_o be_v double_a 1._o that_o which_o be_v evil_a in_o itself_o 2._o that_o which_o be_v lawful_a in_o itself_o the_o religious_a old_a person_n have_v work_v in_o both_o these_o 1._o one_o great_a work_n of_o old-age_n be_v die_v to_o sin_n to_o all_o sin_n the_o time_n pass_v of_o our_o life_n may_v suffice_v we_o to_o have_v walk_v in_o lasciviousness_n lust_n excess_n of_o wine_n revel_n banquet_n etc._n etc._n 1_o pet._n 4._o 3._o we_o have_v sin_v enough_o already_o yea_o much_o more_o than_o enough_o it_o be_v high_a time_n to_o undo_v that_o which_o have_v almost_o undo_v we_o we_o be_v die_v it_o be_v necessary_a that_o our_o sin_n die_v before_o we_o 27._o and_o that_o by_o faith_n in_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n for_o want_v of_o which_o course_n our_o evidence_n prove_v litigious_a and_o snarl_a with_o inextricable_a doubt_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o we_o want_v strength_n or_o opportunity_n to_o sin_n but_o our_o will_n and_o desire_n towards_o it_o must_v be_v dead_a also_o sin_n be_v only_o asleep_a or_o benumb_v in_o we_o if_o we_o have_v not_o use_v god_n mean_n to_o crucify_v it_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a that_o we_o leave_v it_o except_o we_o loathe_v it_o go_v throughstitch_n therefore_o with_o this_o work_n do_v it_o quick_o do_v it_o sincere_o it_o be_v kill_v or_o be_v kill_v and_o necessity_n make_v the_o coward_n resolute_a dread_v not_o any_o scriptural_a severity_n necessary_a in_o mortification_n some_o devil_n be_v not_o cast_v out_o without_o prayer_n and_o fast_v and_o hypocrates_n 13._o observe_v that_o old-age_n be_v the_o fit_a for_o the_o use_n of_o fast_v the_o wound_n that_o sin_n have_v make_v must_v be_v search_v to_o the_o bottom_n and_o doubtless_o it_o be_v never_o crucify_v no_o more_o than_o christ_n be_v without_o pain_n how_o just_o do_v the_o scripture_n still_o stigmatize_v sin_n with_o the_o name_n of_o folly_n to_o weave_v a_o webb_n that_o must_v be_v unrav'led_a and_o to_o make_v we_o spend_v our_o life_n between_o sinful_a joy_n and_o painful_a sorrow_n and_o though_o old-age_n do_v not_o mortify_v sin_n by_o itself_o yet_o cool_v our_o lust_n and_o passion_n it_o prove_v helpful_a in_o that_o work_n cicer._n and_o provide_v we_o be_v true_o thankful_a unto_o god_n for_o that_o advantage_n and_o that_o we_o use_v other_o necessary_a mean_n to_o that_o end_n we_o may_v comfortable_o acquiesce_v in_o that_o bless_a effect_n and_o rejoice_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v displease_v to_o god_n be_v become_v unpleasant_a to_o we_o but_o we_o must_v not_o be_v content_a to_o be_v only_o passive_a in_o the_o decay_n of_o sin_n we_o must_v be_v active_a in_o that_o work_n if_o you_o through_o the_o spirit_n mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n you_o shall_v live_v rom._n 8._o 13._o and_o as_o all_o sin_n must_v be_v the_o object_n of_o mortification_n so_o especial_o all_o youthful_a sin_n 16._o for_o as_o chrysostom_n say_v a_o old_a man_n act_v juvenile_a sin_n be_v far_o more_o ridiculous_a than_o young_a person_n that_o commit_v those_o sin_n to_o have_v our_o heart_n burn_v with_o lust_n or_o revenge_n when_o our_o vein_n be_v freeze_a with_o age_n the_o soul_n rampant_a and_o the_o body_n die_v be_v monstrous_a sen._n and_o yet_o we_o know_v how_o s._n hierom_n himself_o complain_v of_o scald_a motion_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o invade_v his_o wither_a body_n and_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o a_o sad_a instance_n hereof_o even_o of_o solomon_n the_o best_a and_o wise_a of_o man_n alive_a that_o have_v do_v more_o for_o god_n and_o god_n for_o he_o than_o any_o man_n in_o the_o age_n he_o live_v in_o that_o he_o when_o he_o be_v between_o fifty_o and_o sixty_o year_n of_o age_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o enslave_v to_o his_o strange_a wife_n as_o to_o be_v carry_v by_o they_o to_o worship_v strange_a god_n for_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v when_o soloman_n be_v old_a that_o his_o wife_n turn_v away_o his_o heart_n etc._n etc._n 1_o kin._n 11._o 4._o whereby_o he_o set_v in_o such_o a_o cloud_n as_o have_v draw_v his_o very_a salvation_n into_o question_n let_v it_o be_v a_o warning_n to_o all_o age_a people_n to_o see_v that_o their_o corruption_n be_v not_o asleep_a but_o dead_a as_o far_o as_o be_v attainable_a in_o this_o life_n that_o the_o old_a man_n as_o well_o as_o the_o outward_a man_n perish_v and_o which_o will_v be_v a_o good_a proof_n thereof_o that_o the_o inward_a man_n be_v renew_v day_n by_o day_n that_o our_o thought_n our_o word_n our_o very_a behaviour_n and_o attire_n proclaim_v that_o sin_n and_o we_o be_v part_v never_o to_o meet_v again_o it_o be_v a_o good_a answer_n of_o a_o lacedaemonian_a to_o one_o that_o ask_v he_o why_o he_o wear_v his_o beard_n so_o long_o answ._n it_o be_v to_o mind_v i_o that_o i_o do_v nothing_o unbeseeming_a my_o hoary_a hair_n a_o light_a behaviour_n in_o a_o grave_a person_n be_v foolish_a and_o loathsome_a for_o as_o dead_a fly_v cause_v the_o ointment_n of_o the_o apothecary_n to_o send_v forth_o a_o stink_a saviour_n so_o do_v a_o little_a folly_n he_o that_o be_v in_o reputation_n for_o wisdom_n and_o honour_n eccl._n 10._o 1._o 2._o the_o other_o object_n of_o mortification_n proper_a for_o old-age_n be_v the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o innocent_a but_o charm_a vanity_n thereof_o not_o that_o they_o be_v bind_v actual_o to_o forsake_v the_o world_n either_o the_o needful_a care_n or_o the_o lawful_a comfort_n of_o it_o but_o to_o wean_v and_o abate_v their_o desire_n of_o it_o their_o delight_n in_o it_o their_o care_n about_o it_o vixit_fw-la this_o shall_v be_v every_o christian_n work_n but_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o age_a person_n care_n in_o a_o more_o eminent_a measure_n for_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o leave_v this_o world_n and_o ascend_v into_o another_o and_o every_o one_o take_v off_o their_o mind_n from_o a_o house_n they_o be_v leave_v the_o world_n also_o be_v forsake_v they_o the_o pleasure_n they_o have_v former_o take_v in_o meat_n apparel_n building_n be_v much_o decay_v the_o thing_n which_o do_v former_o ravish_v be_v now_o grow_v insipid_a and_o do_v not_o this_o call_v aloud_o to_o they_o to_o real_a mortification_n you_o shall_v most_o ready_o consent_v to_o part_v with_o they_o and_o say_v farewell_n my_o gold_n and_o all_o my_o gaiety_n i_o mean_v not_o to_o enjoy_v but_o use_v you_o i_o can_v be_v happy_a without_o you_o it_o be_v the_o absurde_a sight_n in_o the_o world_n to_o see_v one_o gape_a and_o grasp_a after_o this_o world_n when_o he_o be_v go_v into_o another_o let_v your_o moderation_n be_v know_v unto_o all_o man_n the_o lord_n be_v at_o hand_n phil._n 4._o 5._o your_o loin_n shall_v be_v always_o gird_v about_o and_o your_o light_n burn_v and_o you_o yourselves_o like_v unto_o man_n that_o wait_v for_o your_o lord_n luk._n 12._o 35._o i_o write_v unto_o you_o father_n love_v not_o the_o world_n neither_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n 1_o joh._n 2._o 14_o 15._o abate_v your_o love_n to_o thing_n below_o and_o increase_v your_o love_n to_o thing_n above_o nothing_o can_v overcome_v love_n but_o love_n love_v of_o earthly_a thing_n but_o the_o love_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n as_o nothing_o can_v fetch_v out_o fire_n like_o fire_n o_o when_o we_o do_v love_v all_o these_o thing_n for_o god_n we_o will_v willing_o leave_v they_o all_o to_o go_v to_o god_n for_o who_o sake_n only_o we_o value_v they_o otherwise_o you_o will_v find_v it_o a_o hard_o pluck_v to_o leave_v they_o even_o like_o the_o pluck_n the_o skin_n off_o your_o hand_n whereas_o the_o heart_n that_o be_v mortify_v to_o they_o can_v part_v with_o they_o as_o easy_o as_o you_o can_v draw_v the_o glove_n off_o your_o hand_n how_o readiâ—…_n do_v 〈◊〉_d gâ—…_n up_o into_o the_o mount_n and_o die_v what_o little_a noise_n or_o dispute_n do_v jacob_n or_o david_n or_o paul_n make_v about_o leave_v â—…he_a world_n they_o be_v dead_a to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o that_o say_v i_o be_o ready_a to_o be_v offerâ—…_n have_v say_v before_o the_o world_n be_v crucify_v to_o i_o and_o i_o unto_o â—…he_a world_n so_o that_o the_o age_a person_n shall_v be_v mortify_v to_o life_n itself_o he_o shall_v be_v very_o well_o content_a to_o die_v it_o be_v a_o sad_a confession_n of_o caesar_n borgia_n that_o ambitious_a grandee_n when_o he_o be_v near_o his_o end_n that_o he_o be_v prepare_v for_o every_o occurrent_a but_o death_n which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o he_o shall_v have_v be_v most_o ready_a for_o but_o it_o be_v grace_n not_o year_n that_o make_v we_o dead_a to_o
the_o world_n and_o to_o the_o desire_n of_o life_n 61._o when_o the_o age_a man_n have_v make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o honour_n god_n to_o save_v his_o own_o soul_n and_o to_o serve_v his_o own_o generation_n he_o may_v with_o unconceivable_a comfort_n say_v with_o old_a simeon_n lord_n now_o let_v thou_o thy_o servant_n depart_v in_o peace_n i_o have_v do_v with_o this_o life_n welcome_v be_v the_o grave_n welcome_o everlasting_a life_n sect_n viii_o the_o eight_o work_n of_o old-age_n be_v heaven_n lay_v up_o a_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n where_o by_o heaven_n i_o understand_v not_o only_o the_o place_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o treasure_n heavenly_a treasure_n some_o of_o these_o the_o age_a will_v have_v need_n of_o before_o death_n of_o some_o at_o death_n of_o some_o after_o death_n 1._o you_o shall_v lay_v up_o for_o yourselves_o a_o treasure_n of_o prayer_n and_o promise_v to_o support_v you_o before_o death_n come_v of_o prayer_n i_o have_v speak_v before_o but_o there_o be_v promise_n that_o be_v very_o comfortable_a and_o very_a necessary_a for_o old_a people_n which_o they_o who_o be_v assure_v of_o god_n veracity_n and_o their_o own_o integrity_n may_v apply_v to_o themselves_o as_o if_o individual_o direct_v unto_o they_o the_o apostle_n make_v that_o inference_n from_o that_o excellent_a promise_n which_o have_v more_o value_n in_o it_o than_o all_o the_o old_a man_n bag_n and_o bond_n heb._n 13._o 5._o i_o will_v never_o leave_v thou_o nor_o forsake_v thou_o whence_o he_o infer_v vers_fw-la 6._o so_o that_o we_o even_o we_o may_v bold_o say_v the_o lord_n be_v my_o helper_n another_o promise_n there_o be_v most_o comfortable_a for_o ancient_a people_n isa._n 46._o 4._o even_o to_o your_o old-age_n i_o be_o he_o and_o even_o to_o hoar_a hair_n will_v i_o carry_v you_o i_o have_v make_v and_o i_o will_v bear_v even_o i_o will_v carry_v and_o will_v deliver_v you_o when_o our_o feeble_a leg_n will_v not_o carry_v we_o when_o the_o pillar_n of_o the_o house_n tremble_v and_o in_o effect_n cry_v out_o we_o can_v bear_v you_o no_o long_o then_o will_v the_o power_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n carry_v we_o up_o and_o deliver_v we_o yea_o when_o we_o approach_v to_o death_n and_o fear_n present_v it_o and_o the_o grave_n most_o formidable_o we_o may_v then_o apply_v what_o the_o lord_n speak_v to_o old_a jacob_n concern_v his_o go_n down_o into_o egypt_n gen._n 46._o 3._o i_o be_o god_n the_o god_n of_o thy_o father_n fear_v not_o to_o go_v down_o into_o egypt_n for_o i_o will_v go_v down_o with_o thou_o and_o will_v also_o sure_o bring_v thou_o up_o again_o so_o assure_o will_v the_o lord_n go_v down_o with_o we_o to_o the_o grave_n and_o as_o sure_o bring_v we_o up_o again_o and_o how_o can_v we_o be_v afraid_a with_o such_o company_n and_o with_o such_o a_o promise_n hoard_v on_o still_o there_o be_v another_o gracious_a promise_n psal._n 23._o 4._o yea_o though_o i_o walk_v through_o the_o valley_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n i_o will_v fear_v no_o evil_n for_o thou_o be_v with_o i_o thy_o rod_n and_o thy_o staff_n they_o comfort_v i_o more_o yet_o psal._n 48._o last_o for_o this_o god_n be_v our_o god_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o he_o will_v be_v our_o guide_n even_o unto_o death_n these_o and_o such_o like_a promise_n leave_v by_o he_o that_o can_v lie_v will_v support_v the_o sink_a spirit_n of_o a_o poor_a christian_n more_o than_o all_o the_o friend_n the_o cordial_n the_o extrinsic_a comfort_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n 2._o at_o death_n you_o will_v need_v a_o treasure_n of_o faith_n and_o patience_n the_o reign_n of_o sense_n be_v expire_v somewhat_o be_v necessary_a to_o support_v a_o die_a man_n more_o than_o a_o live_a healthy_a man._n what_o be_v it_o that_o make_v death_n terrible_a to_o a_o poor_a creature_n the_o withdraw_n of_o all_o a_o man_n outward_a comfort_n and_o the_o appearance_n of_o all_o his_o sin_n when_o one_o be_v die_v they_o must_v leave_v husband_n wife_n child_n parent_n friend_n house_n all_z now_o faith_n will_v give_v we_o a_o real_a sight_n of_o the_o other_o world_n and_o one_o sight_n of_o that_o quite_o disgrace_n and_o annihilate_v all_o the_o comfort_n of_o this_o world_n adieu_n poor_a house_n i_o see_v a_o far_o better_a ready_a for_o i_o adieu_n my_o dear_a friend_n and_o relation_n i_o see_v those_o enjoyment_n before_o i_o that_o utter_o eclipse_v you_o all_o and_o then_o when_o your_o sin_n be_v muster_v up_o before_o you_o their_o heinous_a nature_n and_o deserve_a punishment_n and_o that_o satan_n bestir_v he_o to_o represent_v they_o with_o the_o great_a terror_n to_o the_o age_a die_a person_n if_o faith_n be_v dormant_a the_o poor_a soul_n be_v drive_v into_o the_o pit_n of_o despair_n but_o a_o lively_a faith_n fly_v to_o jesus_n christ_n run_v into_o his_o wound_n lay_v hold_v on_o his_o everlasting_a righteousness_n and_o so_o bid_v defiance_n to_o satan_n yea_o even_o to_o the_o law_n and_o all_o his_o sin_n with_o who_o be_v he_o that_o condemn_v it_o be_v christ_n that_o die_v it_o be_v relate_v in_o a_o epistle_n prefix_v to_o brentius_n work_n that_o when_o a_o certain_a senator_n in_o suevia_n lie_v die_v one_o like_o a_o scribe_n come_v into_o his_o chamber_n with_o pen_n and_o paper_n call_v to_o he_o to_o reckon_v up_o his_o sin_n for_o say_v he_o i_o be_o send_v from_o god_n to_o bring_v a_o account_n of_o they_o to_o his_o tribunal_n well_o say_v the_o sick_a man_n raise_v up_o himself_o as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v and_o perceive_v that_o he_o have_v to_o do_v with_o his_o great_a enemy_n the_o devil_n write_v this_o down_n first_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n and_o thou_o may_v write_v all_o my_o sin_n under_o it_o whereupon_o the_o accuser_n of_o the_o brethren_n present_o vanish_v and_o leave_v the_o weak_a man_n in_o peace_n and_o you_o will_v have_v need_n of_o patience_n also_o that_o after_o you_o have_v do_v and_o suffer_v the_o will_n of_o god_n you_o may_v receive_v the_o promise_n heb._n 10._o 36._o so_o acute_a or_o else_o tedious_a be_v some_o distemper_n that_o they_o will_v strain_v all_o the_o nerve_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o wrestle_v with_o they_o lay_v up_o therefore_o by_o diligent_a read_n hear_v meditation_n and_o prayer_n a_o stock_n of_o these_o grace_n before_o the_o evil_a day_n come_v these_o be_v the_o true_a riches_n and_o which_o neither_o the_o fire_n can_v burn_v nor_o the_o plague_n infect_v nor_o time_n waste_v nor_o thief_n purloyn_n 3._o and_o last_o it_o behoove_v the_o aged_a to_o lay_v up_o a_o treasure_n which_o they_o may_v meet_v with_o after_o death_n to_o wit_n of_o good_a work_n in_o this_o life_n be_v your_o seed_n time_n for_o these_o and_o they_o that_o scatter_v this_o precious_a seed_n shall_v doubtless_o mark_v doubtless_o they_o shall_v come_v again_o with_o rejoice_v bring_v their_o sheaf_n with_o they_o psal._n 126._o 6._o faith_n and_o good_a work_n may_v well_o agree_v in_o a_o christian_a and_o though_o they_o can_v cooperate_v to_o a_o man_n justification_n for_o though_o both_o of_o they_o be_v act_n of_o a_o creature_n yet_o faith_n derive_v not_o this_o influence_n from_o the_o subject_a but_o from_o the_o object_n it_o justify_v as_o it_o apprehend_v and_o embrace_v christ_n notwithstanding_o both_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n luk._n 12._o 33._o sell_v that_o you_o have_v and_o give_v alm_n provide_v yourselves_o bag_n which_o wax_v not_o old_a a_o treasure_n in_o the_o heaven_n that_o fail_v not_o where_o no_o thief_n approach_v neither_o moth_n corrupt_v i._n e._n this_o treasure_n be_v neither_o liable_a to_o intrinsic_a decay_n nor_o to_o extrinsic_a casualty_n what_o other_o treasure_n have_v escape_v danger_n but_o who_o can_v scale_v the_o empyrean_a heaven_n these_o the_o apostle_n call_v a_o good_a foundation_n 1_o tim._n 6._o 19_o charge_v the_o rich_a that_o they_o do_v good_a that_o they_o be_v rich_a in_o good_a work_n ready_a to_o distribute_v willing_a to_o communicate_v lay_v up_o in_o store_n for_o themselves_o a_o good_a foundation_n against_o the_o time_n to_o come_v that_o they_o may_v lay_v hold_n on_o eternal_a life_n other_o riches_n you_o lay_v up_o for_o other_o yea_o perhaps_o for_o such_o as_o you_o know_v not_o but_o by_o do_v all_o the_o good_a you_o can_v you_o lay_v up_o something_o in_o store_n for_o yourselves_o what_o if_o the_o advantage_n be_v not_o at_o present_a visible_a man_n will_v lay_v out_o money_n upon_o a_o good_a reversion_n though_o they_o never_o live_v to_o enjoy_v it_o here_o be_v a_o reversion_n worth_a the_o have_v eternal_a life_n many_o useful_a thing_n may_v be_v do_v in_o this_o life_n which_o can_v be_v do_v by_o
in_o their_o stead_n his_o hoary_a hair_n return_v by_o degree_n to_o black_a again_o there_o have_v be_v also_o in_o our_o age_n and_o country_n many_o instance_n of_o such_o as_o have_v attain_v to_o a_o extraordinary_a age._n in_o northumberland_n a_o old_a minister_n of_o god_n word_n call_v mr._n michael_n vivon_n who_o in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 1657._o be_v then_o one_o hundred_o and_o ten_o year_n of_o age_n have_v within_o two_o year_n time_n before_o three_o young_a tooth_n spring_v up_o and_o though_o for_o the_o space_n of_o forty_o year_n before_o he_o can_v not_o read_v the_o large_a print_n without_o spectacle_n yet_o afterward_o he_o can_v read_v the_o small_a without_o they_o have_v also_o new_a hair_n comeâ—…_n upon_o his_o head_n and_o have_v five_o child_n after_o that_o he_o be_v fourscore_o year_n old_a and_o it_o be_v but_o ao_o 1635._o that_o thomas_n parr_n die_v in_o london_n who_o have_v live_v in_o the_o country_n above_o one_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o year_n in_o all_o 152._o year_n and_o nine_o month_n yea_o there_o be_v two_o brother_n and_o a_o sister_n richard_n green_n philip_z green_z and_o alice_n who_o live_v but_o a_o while_n ago_o not_o far_o from_o marlborough_n that_o be_v alive_a together_o and_o each_o of_o they_o above_o a_o hundred_o year_n old_a the_o last_o of_o they_o which_o be_v richard_n die_v about_o ao_o 1685._o at_o a_o hundred_o and_o fifteen_o year_n of_o age_n and_o a_o modern_a historian_n 8._o of_o our_o own_o tell_v we_o that_o ao._n 1588._o one_o james_n sand_n of_o harbourn_n in_o staffordshire_n die_v age_v one_o hundred_o and_o forty_o his_o wife_n also_o be_v 120._o and_o produce_v several_a other_o that_o live_v to_o see_v their_o grandchild_n grandchild_n yea_o even_o woman_n though_o the_o weak_a sex_n yet_o have_v sometime_o survive_v unto_o a_o great_a age._n the_o scripture_n relate_v that_o sarah_n abraham_n wife_n live_v 127._o year_n genes_n 23._o 1._o the_o only_a woman_n who_o age_n be_v record_v in_o the_o book_n of_o god._n pliny_n note_n of_o terentia_n cicero_n wife_n that_o live_v a_o hundred_o and_o three_o year_n or_o of_o clodia_n that_o live_v a_o hundred_o and_o fifteen_o be_v render_v inconsiderable_a by_o example_n of_o our_o own_o for_o it_o be_v record_v of_o dame_n hester_n temple_n of_o stow_n in_o buck_v hamshire_n who_o have_v four_a son_n and_o nine_o daughter_n live_v to_o see_v seven_o hundred_o extract_v from_o her_o own_o body_n and_o the_o instance_n of_o holy_a mistress_n honywood_n of_o kent_n be_v well_o know_v who_o live_v to_o see_v three_o hundred_o of_o her_o offspring_n alive_a together_o and_o both_o these_o must_v needs_o be_v full_a of_o day_n yea_o it_o be_v but_o about_o ao_o 1670._o that_o one_o mrs._n pyfield_n die_v in_o ireland_n who_o have_v live_v one_o hundred_o thirty_o and_o six_o year_n but_o the_o r._n h._n the_o late_a countess_n of_o desmond_n exceed_v all_o late_a example_n in_o these_o country_n who_o when_o she_o be_v a_o hundred_o and_o forty_o year_n old_a have_v a_o set_v of_o young_a tooth_n and_o be_v able_a to_o walk_v many_o mile_n who_o die_v within_o our_o memory_n be_v as_o it_o be_v credible_o affirm_v a_o 184._o year_n old_a in_o all_o which_o instance_n as_o the_o strength_n of_o nature_n be_v great_a so_o the_o power_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o god_n of_o nature_n be_v great_a to_o the_o honour_n whereof_o i_o have_v collect_v and_o mention_v they_o not_o that_o any_o of_o we_o shall_v defer_v our_o repentance_n or_o any_o good_a work_n upon_o a_o expectation_n of_o arrive_v at_o the_o like_a term_n of_o life_n since_o a_o hundred_o thousand_o be_v dead_a and_o rot_a for_o one_o that_o reach_v such_o longevity_n chap._n ii_o the_o cause_n of_o old-age_n and_o preservative_n sect_n i._o have_v thus_o describe_v old-age_n and_o age_n select_v some_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a example_n thereof_o i_o come_v now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o it_o and_o preservative_n against_o it_o for_o the_o cause_n thereof_o first_o the_o original_a meritorious_a cause_n old-age_n be_v man_n sin_n and_o defection_n from_o god._n the_o truth_n be_v it_o may_v seem_v somewhat_o strange_a that_o man_n be_v create_v at_o the_o first_o in_o the_o image_n of_o the_o immortal_a god_n place_v but_o little_o low_a than_o the_o angel_n crown_v with_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o make_v ruler_n over_o all_o other_o creature_n shall_v have_v his_o life_n burden_v with_o so_o many_o sorrow_n and_o then_o so_o soon_o arrive_v at_o old-age_n and_o death_n and_o some_o of_o the_o heathen_n do_v foolish_o charge_v nature_n with_o envy_n and_o cruelty_n towards_o man_n in_o cause_v so_o noble_a a_o creature_n to_o tarry_v so_o short_a a_o time_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o grow_v old_a as_o soon_o as_o he_o begin_v to_o grow_v ripe_a and_o other_o as_o wise_o conclude_v that_o man_n be_v send_v into_o this_o world_n only_o for_o their_o punishment_n for_o crime_n commit_v in_o other_o body_n before_o and_o indeed_o if_o you_o set_v the_o scripture_n aside_o which_o resolve_v the_o case_n it_o be_v somewhat_o unaccountable_a to_o have_v so_o short_a a_o history_n of_o so_o noble_a a_o creature_n if_o a_o curious_a architect_n shall_v frame_v and_o rear_v up_o a_o firm_a and_o stately_a pile_n of_o building_n and_o be_v complete_o furnish_v the_o same_o shall_v present_o shrink_v and_o in_o a_o short_a time_n decay_n and_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n passenger_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o sidelity_n or_o skill_n of_o he_o that_o make_v it_o or_o exceed_o wonder_v by_o what_o mean_v it_o come_v to_o ruin_v till_o they_o come_v to_o know_v that_o the_o inhabitant_n himself_o undermine_v pluck_v down_o or_o fire_v his_o own_o house_n so_o in_o the_o case_n before_o we_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o grief_n and_o astonishment_n to_o see_v the_o most_o exquisite_a piece_n of_o god_n workmanship_n upon_o earth_n to_o become_v decrepit_a in_o so_o short_a a_o space_n and_o to_o be_v reduce_v so_o soon_o into_o dust_n and_o ash_n we_o must_v know_v therefore_o that_o man_n at_o his_o first_o creation_n be_v make_v up_o of_o a_o body_n and_o a_o soul_n be_v neither_o in_o his_o own_o nature_n so_o unchangeable_a and_o immortal_a as_o the_o angel_n nor_o so_o frail_a and_o weak_a as_o other_o creature_n below_o not_o so_o unchangeable_a i_o say_v in_o his_o own_o nature_n for_o have_v a_o body_n that_o be_v to_o be_v continual_o supply_v with_o food_n that_o be_v repair_v it_o follow_v that_o that_o which_o need_v repair_v be_v liable_a to_o decay_v but_o yet_o while_o the_o sweet_a harmony_n wherein_o it_o be_v first_o form_v be_v not_o disturb_v the_o frame_n may_v well_o have_v endure_v for_o a_o long_a time_n especial_o if_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n in_o eden_n be_v intend_v as_o some_o of_o the_o learned_a 26._o thought_n to_o support_v strengthen_v and_o perpetuate_v life_n but_o the_o dismal_a fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n do_v so_o crush_v the_o body_n and_o wound_v the_o soul_n that_o neither_o of_o they_o can_v be_v recover_v in_o this_o life_n for_o immediate_o that_o death_n which_o be_v threaten_v to_o he_o by_o degree_n seize_v upon_o his_o body_n and_o fear_v shame_n and_o sorrow_n enter_v into_o his_o soul._n and_o though_o the_o divine_a providence_n permit_v he_o and_o divers_a of_o his_o posterity_n to_o live_v many_o hundred_o of_o year_n that_o the_o naked_a world_n may_v be_v people_v and_o that_o religion_n with_o all_o other_o useful_a knowledge_n may_v be_v procure_v preserve_v and_o propagate_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o we_o date_n his_o decay_a and_o die_a state_n from_o that_o word_n gen._n 3._o 19_o for_o dust_n thou_o be_v and_o unto_o dust_n shall_v thou_o return_v that_o righteous_a sentence_n bring_v our_o hoary_a hair_n upon_o we_o thou_o turn_v man_n to_o destruction_n and_o say_v return_v you_o child_n of_o man_n in_o the_o morning_n they_o be_v like_o grass_n which_o grow_v up_o in_o the_o morning_n it_o flourish_v and_o grow_v up_o in_o the_o evening_n it_o be_v cut_v down_o and_o wither_v psal._n 90._o 3_o 6._o if_o you_o inquire_v therefore_o into_o the_o ruin_n of_o humane_a nature_n the_o answer_n will_v be_v that_o sin_n be_v the_o moth_n which_o be_v breed_v therein_o have_v fret_v the_o garment_n wither_v the_o man_n and_o lay_v his_o honour_n in_o the_o dust_n every_o decay_n therefore_o of_o our_o strength_n shall_v mind_v we_o of_o our_o apostasy_n from_o god_n by_o the_o fall_n and_o shall_v renew_v our_o grief_n for_o the_o same_o whether_o adam_n weep_v as_o oft_o as_o he_o look_v towards_o paradise_n be_v uncertain_a but_o sure_o when_o we_o find_v our_o eyesight_n
part_n of_o the_o pleasure_n aforesaid_a do_v belong_v only_o to_o the_o brutal_a part_n of_o man_n and_o consequent_o the_o defect_n of_o they_o little_o concern_v the_o rational_a creature_n for_o as_o a_o late_a worthy_a author_n call_v say_v none_o can_v think_v god_n so_o unkind_a to_o his_o own_o image_n in_o humane_a nature_n as_o in_o dispense_n felicity_n to_o assign_v the_o large_a share_n to_o the_o beast_n no_o all_o these_o sensual_a pleasure_n be_v so_o distract_n or_o so_o fulsome_a or_o so_o transient_a that_o the_o utmost_a fruition_n of_o they_o can_v make_v a_o man_n happy_a nor_o the_o want_n of_o they_o miserable_a and_o this_o be_v the_o more_o evident_a in_o that_o the_o wise_a man_n have_v find_v the_o great_a pleasure_n in_o refuse_v those_o pleasure_n and_o as_o a_o epicure_n have_v eat_v for_o his_o pleasure_n so_o many_o a_o abstemious_a man_n have_v profess_v that_o he_o have_v forbear_v for_o his_o pleasure_n also_o again_o as_o the_o age_a person_n be_v deprive_v of_o these_o pleasure_n so_o he_o be_v free_v from_o any_o desire_n after_o they_o as_o his_o sensual_a delight_n fail_v so_o his_o desire_n to_o they_o fail_v also_o as_o he_o have_v not_o the_o pleasure_n of_o scratch_v so_o he_o be_v free_a from_o the_o trouble_n of_o itch_a and_o what_o man_n ever_o complain_v of_o such_o a_o want_n we_o be_v never_o molest_v by_o the_o want_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v not_o desire_v cicer._n neither_o be_v old-age_n without_o its_o particular_a pleasure_n tully_n tell_v we_o of_o divers_a old-man_n that_o divert_v themselves_o with_o great_a delight_n in_o their_o study_n and_o for_o those_o that_o have_v any_o smattering_n of_o learning_n there_o be_v no_o earthly_a pleasure_n comparable_a to_o that_o of_o penetrate_v into_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n of_o observe_v the_o nature_n cause_n and_o effect_n of_o those_o thing_n the_o surface_n whereof_o only_o be_v know_v to_o young_a people_n furthermore_o the_o religious_a old_a person_n have_v a_o unexpressible_a pleasure_n in_o the_o reflection_n of_o a_o well-spent_a life_n and_o upon_o the_o various_a preservation_n and_o deliverance_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v vouchsafe_v he_o out_o of_o many_o temptation_n and_o affliction_n they_o have_v also_o the_o solid_a comfort_n of_o see_v their_o posterity_n grow_v up_o in_o the_o endowment_n of_o mind_n body_n or_o estate_n and_o so_o of_o a_o generation_n after_o they_o to_o serve_v and_o honour_n god_n while_o the_o world_n stand_v there_o be_v also_o several_a honest_a recreation_n in_o which_o their_o year_n do_v not_o hinder_v they_o and_o however_o it_o can_v be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o they_o if_o they_o can_v take_v as_o much_o pleasure_n in_o reading_n and_o meditate_v upon_o god_n word_n as_o ever_o they_o do_v in_o any_o other_o divertisement_n whatsoever_o plato_n this_o be_v certain_a that_o their_o pleasure_n be_v more_o pure_a more_o sound_a more_o strong_a and_o more_o last_a than_o the_o frothy_a and_o unsatisfactory_a pleasure_n of_o sense_n and_o sin_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o season_n final_o sickness_n of_o body_n or_o trouble_v of_o mind_n to_o both_o which_o the_o young_a be_v equal_o obnoxious_a as_o the_o old_a be_v able_a to_o divorce_v the_o young_a person_n from_o all_o sensible_a pleasure_n and_o to_o clothe_v their_o face_n with_o sadness_n so_o that_o this_o inconvenience_n must_v not_o be_v so_o appropriate_v to_o old-age_n but_o that_o any_o age_n may_v partake_v thereof_o even_o st._n augustine_n tell_v we_o that_o in_o his_o young_a year_n he_o have_v contract_v such_o sadness_n upon_o his_o spirit_n upon_o occasion_n of_o his_o good_a mother_n death_n that_o nothing_o can_v comfort_v he_o he_o go_v into_o the_o bath_n hope_v for_o some_o refreshment_n thereby_o but_o his_o sorrow_n meet_v he_o when_o he_o come_v out_o again_o a_o thousand_o accident_n may_v fix_v such_o sorrow_n even_o upon_o young_a people_n which_o all_o the_o pleasure_n in_o the_o world_n can_v remove_v and_o though_o the_o consideration_n of_o their_o own_o and_o other_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o effect_n of_o they_o do_v make_v they_o often_o sad_a yet_o there_o be_v both_o a_o secret_a comfort_n at_o the_o bottom_n of_o it_o and_o a_o certain_a joy_n at_o the_o end_n of_o it_o they_o know_v what_o belong_v to_o the_o laughter_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o have_v frequent_a taste_n of_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v unspeakable_a sect_n ii_o a_o second_o inconvenience_n which_o attend_v decrease_v old-age_n be_v this_o that_o their_o strength_n and_o beauty_n be_v decrease_v miâ—…_n those_o arm_n and_o hand_n which_o once_o be_v able_a and_o useful_a for_o any_o employment_n be_v now_o scarce_o strong_a and_o steady_a enough_o to_o feed_v themselves_o the_o leg_n and_o thigh_n that_o have_v carry_v they_o many_o a_o pleasant_a journey_n yea_o to_o many_o a_o holy_a exercise_n be_v grow_v stiff_a and_o weak_a and_o grudge_v to_o carry_v they_o up_o stair_n to_o bed._n yea_o that_o back_o which_o be_v the_o support_n of_o the_o whole_a building_n and_o many_o a_o load_n that_o be_v pile_v upon_o it_o begin_v to_o bow_v and_o bend_v and_o can_v scarce_o carry_v itself_o erect_v their_o part_n and_o member_n in_o general_n be_v quite_o enervate_v and_o spend_v as_o if_o they_o be_v weary_a of_o their_o employment_n so_o that_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v leave_v little_a of_o a_o man_n but_o his_o shape_n according_a to_o the_o proverb_n senex_fw-la est_fw-la &_o non_fw-la est_fw-la he_o be_v old_a and_o so_o be_v nobody_o like_o some_o ruinate_a palace_n here_o be_v the_o stately_a porch_n there_o the_o fair_a staircase_n the_o shape_n of_o a_o fair_a parlour_n below_o and_o the_o shadow_n of_o a_o handsome_a chamber_n above_o so_o here_o the_o carcase_n of_o the_o man_n remain_v but_o the_o beauty_n be_v change_v into_o wrinkle_n and_o the_o strength_n into_o weakness_n they_o have_v a_o pleasant_a prospect_n in_o their_o glass_n but_o their_o flesh_n have_v bid_v they_o farewell_n their_o rose_n and_o lily_n be_v wither_v and_o a_o wan_a duskishness_n have_v take_v possession_n their_o strength_n and_o beauty_n be_v bury_v both_o together_o so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o say_v among_o the_o roman_n sexagenarius_fw-la de_fw-la ponte_fw-la dejiciendus_fw-la he_o be_v sixty_o make_v away_o with_o he_o for_o when_o a_o man_n strength_n be_v go_v he_o seem_v to_o be_v useless_a he_o can_v neither_o defend_v himself_o nor_o help_v other_o he_o can_v neither_o fight_v in_o war_n nor_o labour_n in_o peace_n whether_o he_o be_v in_o the_o temple_n or_o in_o the_o campaign_n whether_o he_o be_v in_o the_o shop_n or_o in_o the_o field_n he_o be_v quick_o weary_a he_o that_o can_v run_v to_o sin_n can_v hardly_o creep_v to_o church_n he_o that_o have_v strength_n to_o vanquish_v his_o adversary_n have_v now_o scarce_o strength_n to_o wrestle_v with_o his_o cough_n and_o the_o burden_n of_o his_o discourse_n be_v i_o have_v know_v the_o time_n that_o i_o can_v have_v do_v this_o and_o that_o thus_o milo_n that_o prodigious_a man_n of_o strength_n when_o come_v in_o his_o old-age_n to_o see_v they_o exercise_v in_o the_o olympic_a game_n be_v say_v to_o look_v down_o with_o tear_n on_o his_o own_o arm_n and_o to_o cry_v alas_o these_o now_o be_v dead_a yet_o this_o loss_n some_o age_a person_n can_v better_o bear_v than_o other_o can_v digest_v the_o decay_n of_o their_o beauty_n o_o to_o be_v lean_a wither_a and_o deform_v vex_v they_o at_o the_o heart_n they_o can_v look_v upon_o themselves_o with_o patience_n and_o they_o conclude_v that_o when_o they_o be_v so_o unwelcome_a to_o themselves_o they_o must_v be_v unacceptable_a to_o every_o body_n else_o job_n 14._o 20._o thou_o change_v their_o countenance_n and_o send_v they_o away_o but_o yet_o neither_o of_o these_o inconvenience_n be_v chargeable_a upon_o old-age_n itself_o for_o as_o tully_n well_o observe_v cicer._n the_o defect_n of_o strength_n whereof_o we_o be_v sensible_a do_v rather_o proceed_v from_o the_o vice_n of_o our_o youth_n than_o from_o the_o fault_n of_o old-age_n a_o intemperate_a youth_n transmits_n a_o weak_a body_n unto_o the_o time_n of_o old-age_n id._n and_o then_o we_o lay_v all_o the_o blame_n on_o age._n galen_n in_o one_o place_n tell_v we_o about_o the_o 28_o year_n of_o my_o age_n when_o i_o know_v there_o be_v a_o certain_a way_n to_o preserve_v health_n i_o follow_v the_o same_o all_o my_o life_n after_o so_o that_o i_o be_v never_o sick_a but_o of_o a_o ague_n for_o a_o day_n and_o that_o seldom_o and_o thereby_o he_o be_v vegete_a and_o brisk_a at_o sevenscore_n year_n of_o age._n and_o m._n valerius_n corvinus_n be_v strong_a enough_o to_o be_v the_o six_o time_n consul_n when_o he_o be_v a_o hundred_o year_n old_a whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o luxurious_a
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 high_a meditation_n under_o a_o low_a roof_n and_o a_o large_a heart_n within_o narrow_a wall_n no_o age_a person_n therefore_o shall_v be_v discourage_v by_o their_o inability_n for_o god_n service_n since_o he_o know_v their_o frame_n he_o remember_v that_o they_o be_v but_o dust_n the_o lord_n have_v say_v when_o the_o poor_a and_o needy_a seek_v water_n and_o there_o be_v none_o and_o their_o tongue_n fail_v for_o thirst_n i_o the_o lord_n will_v hear_v they_o i_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n will_v not_o forsake_v they_o i_o will_v open_v river_n in_o high_a place_n and_o fountain_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o valley_n i_o will_v make_v the_o wilderness_n a_o pool_n of_o water_n and_o the_o dry_a land_n spring_v of_o water_n isa._n 41._o 17_o 18._o in_o the_o want_n of_o ordinary_a supply_n i_o will_v provide_v they_o with_o extraordinary_a support_n the_o wilderness_n shall_v produce_v a_o pool_n of_o water_n rather_o than_o any_o child_n of_o god_n shall_v die_v for_o thirst_n when_o they_o can_v wait_v upon_o god_n as_o before_o he_o will_v wait_v to_o be_v gracious_a to_o they_o he_o will_v come_v to_o they_o and_o teach_v and_o comfort_v they_o if_o indeed_o a_o man_n be_v inward_o please_v that_o his_o weakness_n excuse_v he_o from_o his_o devotion_n he_o have_v cause_n to_o blame_v himself_o but_o if_o he_o have_v the_o same_o desire_n and_o holy_a affection_n with_o other_o the_o old_a law_n shall_v stand_v to_o wit_n he_o that_o stay_v by_o the_o stuff_n shall_v part_v the_o spoil_n with_o he_o that_o go_v out_o to_o battle_n you_o have_v a_o trade_n go_v in_o every_o ship_n a_o interest_n in_o every_o holy_a assembly_n in_o the_o world._n sect_n x._o the_o ten_o and_o last_o inconvenience_n in_o death_n old-age_n be_v that_o they_o be_v terrify_v with_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n for_o death_n be_v a_o word_n hard_a of_o digestion_n to_o any_o man._n the_o philosopher_n count_v it_o of_o all_o dreadful_a thing_n the_o most_o terrible_a and_o mr._n latimer_n observe_v of_o hezekiah_n that_o he_o be_v more_o afraid_a of_o death_n than_o of_o all_o senacherib_n army_n now_o old-age_n be_v a_o near_a neighbour_n to_o it_o and_o the_o aspect_n of_o it_o always_o before_o they_o be_v not_o very_o pleasant_a most_o man_n say_v seneca_n be_v miserable_o toss_v between_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o the_o misery_n of_o life_n be_v unwilling_a either_o to_o live_v or_o die_v 4._o especial_o they_o who_o have_v have_v their_o portion_n in_o this_o life_n and_o have_v make_v no_o provision_n for_o a_o better_a this_o make_v lewis_n 11_o the_o of_o france_n to_o charge_v all_o about_o he_o to_o forbear_v the_o mention_n of_o death_n the_o strict_a account_n which_o follow_v it_o and_o the_o long_a eternity_n which_o follow_v that_o make_v death_n a_o most_o serious_a matter_n no_o wonder_n if_o the_o hand_n tremble_v when_o it_o be_v go_v to_o take_v that_o cup_n which_o will_v mend_v or_o end_v they_o now_o the_o old_a man_n be_v at_o the_o door_n of_o this_o fatal_a place_n though_o a_o casualty_n may_v bring_v death_n sudden_o though_o a_o sickness_n may_v bring_v it_o probable_o yet_o old-age_n bring_v it_o certain_o anim_fw-la peradventure_o there_o be_v fifty_o week_n or_o day_n remain_v in_o their_o life_n peradventure_o but_o forry_a five_o perhaps_o but_o forty_o but_o thirty_o yea_o but_o twenty_o as_o abraham_n say_v of_o sodom_n nay_o since_o it_o be_v dubious_a every_o moment_n and_o no_o mortal_a man_n know_v at_o what_o watâ—…_n of_o the_o night_n he_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o 〈◊〉_d person_n that_o be_v but_o a_o step_n from_o death_n must_v be_v through_o fear_n of_o death_n in_o continual_a bondage_n but_o the_o lion_n be_v not_o so_o terrible_a as_o he_o be_v paint_v neither_o be_v death_n so_o formidable_a as_o it_o be_v by_o many_o represent_v though_o it_o be_v against_o the_o desire_n of_o nature_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o against_o the_o series_n of_o nature_n die_v for_o if_o we_o consult_v this_o we_o find_v autumn_n kind_o after_o summer_n and_o winter_n after_o autumn_n and_o death_n be_v as_o natural_a after_o old-age_n and_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n teach_v some_o of_o the_o heathen_n to_o reckon_v the_o worthy_a man_n especial_o that_o be_v dead_a to_o be_v most_o true_o alive_a in_o that_o while_o we_o live_v in_o this_o world_n the_o soul_n be_v imprison_v in_o the_o body_n and_o be_v set_v at_o liberty_n by_o death_n thus_o xenophon_n bring_v in_o cyrus_n discourse_v to_o his_o child_n on_o his_o deathbed_n think_v not_o o_o my_o son_n that_o i_o leave_v you_o quite_o and_o be_o lose_v when_o i_o die_v perhaps_o you_o will_v not_o see_v i_o neither_o do_v you_o now_o see_v the_o most_o essential_a part_n of_o i_o nor_o never_o do_v only_o by_o my_o action_n you_o believe_v it_o be_v in_o this_o body_n and_o that_o will_v live_v out_o of_o this_o body_n as_o well_o as_o in_o it_o prov._n and_o if_o pagan_n set_v so_o light_a by_o death_n what_o notion_n shall_v we_o christian_n have_v of_o it_o that_o can_v look_v more_o clear_o beyond_o it_o it_o be_v style_v a_o fall_a asleep_a and_o what_o be_v more_o welcome_a to_o a_o age_a person_n than_o a_o sound_a sleep_n and_o from_o that_o expression_n 1_o thess._n 4._o a_o old_a toletan_n council_n ordain_v that_o the_o dead_a shall_v be_v follow_v with_o psalm_n of_o praise_n to_o their_o grave_n in_o short_a 1._o all_o age_a people_n be_v not_o oppress_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n too_o few_o there_o be_v that_o think_v at_o all_o of_o it_o man_n general_o put_v far_o from_o they_o the_o evil_a day_n and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o evil_a day_n to_o such_o as_o put_v it_o far_o from_o they_o most_o people_n can_v think_v of_o any_o place_n in_o the_o parish_n rather_o than_o the_o churchyard_n yea_o i_o doubt_v it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o fault_n of_o the_o aged_a to_o think_v seldom_o of_o death_n and_o they_o who_o think_v little_a of_o it_o be_v in_o no_o danger_n of_o be_v fright_v with_o its_o thought_n 2._o the_o young_a have_v the_o same_o reason_n to_o be_v concern_v about_o die_v as_o the_o old._n for_o youth_n have_v more_o way_n to_o death_n than_o age_n have_v and_o far_o more_o die_v in_o their_o youth_n than_o that_o die_v for_o age._n it_o be_v true_a they_o hope_v to_o live_v long_o but_o their_o hope_n have_v no_o good_a ground_n at_o all_o they_o have_v neither_o promise_v nor_o experience_n to_o build_v their_o hope_n upon_o and_o in_o young_a people_n death_n they_o be_v in_o their_o strength_n nature_n receive_v a_o more_o violent_a shock_n whereas_o the_o age_a be_v more_o quiet_o extinguish_v like_o a_o candle_n in_o the_o socket_n 3._o no_o good_a man_n need_v be_v affright_v at_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n for_o the_o power_n and_o sting_v of_o death_n be_v utter_o take_v away_o by_o our_o saviour_n death_n and_o so_o it_o can_v do_v we_o no_o hurt_n bern._n a_o child_n of_o god_n do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o taste_v death_n the_o true_a believer_n now_o have_v not_o to_o do_v with_o death_n but_o with_o its_o shadow_n with_o a_o toothless_a dog_n with_o a_o dead_a lion_n with_o a_o wasp_n without_o a_o sting_n with_o a_o conquer_a enemy_n what_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n be_v afraid_a after_o a_o tempestuous_a voyage_n that_o he_o be_v draw_v nigh_o his_o haven_n it_o be_v a_o sweet_a say_n of_o s._n ambrose_n near_o his_o end_n i_o have_v not_o so_o live_v that_o i_o be_o ashamed_a to_o live_v among_o you_o neither_o do_v i_o fear_v to_o die_v go_v to_o so_o good_a a_o master_n the_o unprepared_a and_o the_o ungodly_a may_v dread_v death_n as_o aristippus_n tell_v the_o wicked_a mariner_n tremble_v in_o a_o storm_n you_o may_v well_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
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 suffer_v pain_n say_v s._n chrysostome_n matth._n a_o end_n of_o it_o be_v sweet_a the_o traveller_n glad_o behold_v his_o inn_n the_o hireling_n often_o compute_v when_o his_o year_n be_v out_o the_o husbandman_n greedy_o expect_v harvest_n the_o pregnant_a woman_n wait_v for_o her_o expect_a deliverance_n and_o the_o age_a person_n for_o his_o writ_n of_o ease_n one_o will_v wonder_v what_o shift_n even_o the_o heathen_a make_v to_o render_v death_n desirable_a who_o have_v such_o weak_a glimmering_n of_o any_o other_o life_n and_o yet_o even_o they_o will_v thus_o argue_v death_n either_o it_o annihilate_v we_o or_o else_o translate_v we_o annihilation_n will_v but_o reduce_v i_o into_o the_o state_n wherein_o i_o be_v and_o if_o it_o translate_v i_o it_o will_v put_v i_o into_o better_a lodging_n my_o soul_n can_v be_v no_o where_o so_o pen_v up_o as_o here_o it_o be_v in_o the_o body_n 65._o what_o boast_n will_v they_o have_v make_v of_o death_n have_v they_o but_o firm_o 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 privilege_n of_o old-age_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o feeble_a life_n between_o they_o and_o a_o crown_n and_o you_o know_v that_o he_o who_o be_v short_o to_o be_v invest_v in_o some_o dignity_n feast_v himself_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o it_o cicero_n yea_o this_o be_v the_o constant_a relief_n of_o the_o age_a man_n under_o all_o his_o bodily_a and_o other_o temporal_a affliction_n that_o they_o will_v last_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n hold_v out_o faith_n and_o patience_n the_o jubilee_n be_v at_o hand_n therefore_o it_o behoove_v all_o that_o be_v in_o year_n to_o lay_v up_o for_o themselves_o a_o good_a foundation_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v that_o they_o may_v lay_v hold_n on_o eternal_a life_n to_o get_v some_o unquestionable_a evidence_n of_o their_o right_n to_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n of_o their_o part_n in_o paradise_n and_o then_o their_o thought_n of_o what_o be_v beyond_o death_n will_v support_v they_o against_o all_o event_n on_o this_o side_n it_o or_o in_o 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 bestow_v upon_o job_n after_o his_o restoration_n that_o he_o live_v a_o hundred_o and_o forty_o year_n and_o see_v his_o son_n and_o his_o son_n son_n even_o four_o generation_n job_n 42._o 16._o from_o all_o which_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o although_o every_o age_n of_o man_n life_n have_v its_o peculiar_a bitterness_n and_o sweetness_n yet_o all_o thing_n well_o weigh_v a_o quiet_a and_o honest_a old-age_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o any_o other_o age_n it_o be_v the_o assertion_n of_o the_o learned_a petrarch_n 2._o who_o thereupon_o break_v forth_o into_o the_o praise_n of_o it_o conclude_v they_o unworthy_a to_o arrive_v at_o it_o that_o be_v afraid_a of_o it_o and_o they_o unworthy_a to_o possess_v it_o that_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 they_o may_v cheap_o learn_v what_o you_o have_v dear_o buy_v and_o especial_o leave_v they_o a_o copy_n of_o your_o own_o good_a example_n which_o will_v be_v a_o constant_a monitor_n and_o check_v to_o they_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o conversation_n but_o these_o have_v be_v touch_v before_o that_o which_o remain_v for_o the_o peace_n comfort_n and_o good_a of_o posterity_n be_v a_o prudent_a and_o seasonable_a settle_v of_o your_o outward_a estate_n it_o be_v strange_a to_o see_v the_o great_a backwardness_n of_o many_o age_a person_n to_o this_o work_n as_o if_o make_v their_o will_n will_v either_o lessen_v their_o estate_n or_o shorten_v their_o life_n a_o gross_a and_o groundless_a opinion_n whereas_o the_o neglect_v of_o this_o affair_n have_v a_o train_n of_o very_o ill_a consequence_n particular_o many_o of_o the_o most_o tedious_a suit_n of_o law_n be_v occasion_v thereby_o mutual_a love_n among_o relation_n spoil_v the_o poor_a overcome_v by_o the_o rich_a the_o simple_a by_o the_o cunning_a the_o orphan_n by_o the_o guardian_n and_o very_o often_o the_o whole_a estate_n squander_v away_o in_o try_v for_o it_o what_o a_o folly_n be_v this_o to_o neglect_v that_o which_o will_v both_o quiet_a your_o own_o mind_n and_o preserve_v quiet_a among_o they_o that_o come_v after_o ten_o line_n discreet_o write_v will_v prevent_v ten_o thousand_o line_n when_o you_o be_v dead_a when_o the_o lord_n therefore_o send_v a_o message_n of_o death_n by_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n to_o king_n hezekiah_n he_o command_v he_o to_o set_v his_o house_n in_o order_n isa._n 38._o 1._o as_o if_o that_o work_n must_v of_o right_o go_v before_o his_o death_n the_o age_a person_n than_o ought_v to_o present_v this_o message_n daily_o to_o his_o soul_n man_n woman_n set_v thy_o house_n in_o order_n for_o since_o it_o be_v uncertain_a in_o what_o place_n or_o in_o what_o moment_n death_n wait_v for_o we_o it_o behoove_v we_o to_o wait_v for_o it_o in_o every_o place_n and_o every_o moment_n and_o consequent_o to_o set_v not_o only_o the_o heart_n but_o the_o house_n in_o order_n and_o in_o the_o do_n of_o this_o work_n let_v reason_n and_o judgement_n over-rule_v passion_n and_o affection_n if_o need_n be_v advise_v in_o law_n the_o neglect_n whereof_o render_v the_o testament_n of_o many_o person_n nothing_o but_o bone_n of_o contention_n and_o so_o the_o spare_v of_o a_o small_a fee_n at_o present_a prove_v the_o spend_v of_o many_o in_o a_o short_a time_n but_o however_o weigh_v your_o purpose_n in_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o remember_v that_o you_o be_v only_a deputy_n under_o god_n who_o you_o be_v and_o your_o whole_a estate_n that_o it_o be_v so_o devise_v as_o may_v agree_v with_o his_o reveal_v will_n think_v with_o yourselves_o what_o judgement_n wise_a and_o impartial_a person_n will_v pass_v upon_o your_o disposal_n when_o you_o be_v in_o the_o grave_n pray_v therefore_o unto_o god_n on_o this_o occasion_n that_o he_o will_v first_o direct_v and_o then_o establish_v your_o purpose_n which_o be_v the_o likely_a way_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o pass_v and_o dispatch_v this_o affair_n timcus_o while_o you_o be_v in_o health_n and_o strength_n for_o you_o can_v never_o do_v it_o as_o you_o will_v nor_o perhaps_o as_o you_o shall_v when_o you_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o those_o that_o stand_v wait_v for_o your_o estate_n berâ—…_n they_o who_o be_v so_o weak_a that_o they_o must_v be_v behold_v to_o their_o relation_n for_o every_o refreshment_n they_o have_v need_n of_o can_v have_v the_o liberty_n or_o opportunity_n to_o order_v their_o affair_n in_o a_o impartial_a manner_n what_o if_o upon_o the_o alteration_n of_o your_o circumstance_n you_o revise_v your_o will_n and_o alter_v it_o every_o year_n be_v it_o not_o much_o better_a to_o be_v at_o that_o trouble_n than_o either_o to_o defer_v it_o till_o you_o can_v make_v none_o at_o all_o or_o such_o as_o must_v savour_v great_o of_o your_o present_a weakness_n do_v 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
you_o will_v be_v follow_v with_o great_a distress_n and_o of_o long_a continuance_n and_o sore_a sickness_n and_o of_o long_a continuance_n as_o be_v threaten_v deut._n 28._o 59_o you_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v but_o that_o at_o least_o some_o bodily_a distemper_n will_v last_v as_o long_o as_o your_o life_n yea_o peradventure_o such_o painful_a disease_n as_o will_v put_v all_o your_o patience_n to_o the_o rout_n if_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o your_o helper_n but_o yet_o you_o must_v not_o murmur_v nay_o you_o must_v not_o grudge_v nor_o make_v haste_n but_o endure_v the_o lord_n pleasure_n and_o wait_v the_o lord_n leisure_n i_o be_v dumb_a i_o open_v not_o my_o mouth_n because_o thou_o do_v it_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o haven_n animate_v the_o weather-beaten_a mariner_n hitherto_o the_o lord_n have_v help_v you_o and_o as_o a_o father_n pity_v his_o child_n so_o the_o lord_n pity_v they_o that_o fear_v he_o he_o that_o have_v put_v that_o compassion_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o father_n have_v a_o surpass_a infinite_a ocean_n of_o it_o in_o himself_o 8._o and_o withal_o he_o know_v our_o frame_n he_o remember_v that_o we_o be_v but_o dust_n psal._n 103._o 13_o 14._o he_o that_o have_v the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o a_o god_n and_o the_o pity_n of_o a_o father_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o lay_v no_o more_o upon_o you_o than_o he_o will_v enable_v you_o to_o bear_v and_o to_o overcome_v and_o therefore_o the_o age_a must_v beware_v of_o the_o other_o extreme_a namely_o the_o gulf_n of_o despondence_n and_o dejection_n of_o spirit_n their_o sin_n be_v muster_v up_o against_o they_o their_o outward_a strength_n be_v decay_v their_o spirit_n break_v with_o a_o succession_n of_o care_n and_o trouble_n their_o distemper_n and_o pain_n be_v heavy_a upon_o they_o their_o friend_n and_o relation_n seem_v to_o be_v weary_a of_o they_o and_o a_o unperswadable_a enemy_n death_n stand_v just_a before_o they_o and_o what_o flesh_n alive_a can_v bear_v up_o under_o such_o and_o so_o many_o weight_n together_o but_o beside_o what_o have_v be_v offer_v before_o i_o add_v that_o as_o all_o these_o mortification_n be_v needful_a to_o wean_v we_o from_o this_o world_n from_o the_o love_n whereof_o even_o these_o can_v hardly_o divorce_v we_o so_o all_o such_o discomsort_n shall_v drive_v the_o age_a person_n no_o low_a than_o his_o knee_n even_o unto_o god_n who_o have_v say_v be_v not_o dismay_v for_o i_o be_o thy_o god_n i_o will_v strengthen_v thou_o yea_o i_o will_v help_v thou_o yea_o i_o will_v uphold_v thou_o with_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o my_o righteousness_n isa._n 41._o 10._o have_v not_o all_o the_o saint_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n that_o have_v live_v to_o old-age_n pass_v these_o pike_n before_o you_o have_v they_o not_o bear_v these_o burden_n that_o you_o sink_v under_o there_o be_v no_o temptation_n befall_v you_o but_o what_o be_v common_a to_o man_n where_o be_v the_o faith_n where_o be_v the_o prayer_n that_o you_o have_v be_v lay_v up_o for_o such_o a_o time_n o_o miserable_a old-man_n say_v the_o heathen_a orator_n that_o in_o so_o long_a a_o life_n have_v not_o yet_o learned_a to_o despise_v death_n which_o be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v fear_v if_o it_o extinguish_v the_o soul_n and_o great_o to_o be_v desire_v if_o it_o convey_v the_o soul_n into_o a_o everlasting_a good_a condition_n cicero_n and_o then_o for_o the_o pain_n in_o death_n the_o same_o author_n tell_v we_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o sense_n of_o pain_n in_o die_v it_o be_v but_o very_o short_a especial_o to_o old_a people_n that_o have_v prevent_v it_o and_o taste_v it_o by_o degree_n and_o therefore_o never_o render_v your_o life_n or_o death_n unquiet_a as_o many_o do_v that_o even_o die_v for_o fear_n of_o die_v that_o create_v by_o their_o melancholy_a fancy_n great_a torment_n to_o themselves_o than_o death_n bring_v with_o it_o behold_v it_o through_o the_o glass_n of_o god_n word_n which_o represent_v it_o only_o as_o a_o dissolution_n to_o wit_n out_o of_o a_o prison_n to_o go_v to_o christ_n phil._n 1._o 23._o go_v to_o rest_n isa._n 57_o 2._o finish_v our_o course_n 2_o tim._n 4._o 8._o fall_v asleep_o in_o jesus_n 1_o thes._n 4._o 14._o and_o a_o step_v out_o of_o this_o world_n unto_o our_o father_n joh._n 13._o 1._o and_o why_o shall_v the_o prospect_n hereof_o at_o all_o deject_v we_o yea_o in_o case_n you_o shall_v have_v the_o honour_n to_o be_v call_v to_o suffer_v death_n for_o christ_n and_o his_o truth_n yet_o fear_v it_o not_o under_o its_o most_o terrible_a aspect_n for_o the_o support_v and_o comfort_n of_o that_o trial_n will_v balance_v yea_o surmount_v the_o fear_n and_o pain_n thereof_o as_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n abound_v in_o we_o so_o our_o consolation_n also_o abound_v by_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 5._o strive_v therefore_o rather_o to_o adorn_v than_o to_o avoid_v the_o cross_n consider_v that_o as_o it_o be_v a_o great_a honour_n for_o you_o in_o your_o old-age_n to_o suffer_v for_o the_o truth_n 10._o so_o it_o be_v a_o great_a shame_n that_o the_o truth_n shall_v suffer_v by_o you_o it_o be_v the_o worthy_a resolution_n of_o old_a eleazar_n when_o he_o be_v urge_v to_o counterfeit_v the_o eat_n of_o swine_n flesh_n to_o save_v his_o life_n no_o say_v he_o it_o become_v not_o our_o age_n in_o any_o wise_a to_o dissemble_v whereby_o many_o young_a person_n may_v think_v that_o eleazar_n be_v fourscore_o and_o ten_o be_v now_o go_v to_o a_o strange_a religion_n and_o so_o they_o through_o my_o hypocrisy_n and_o desire_n to_o live_v a_o little_a time_n shall_v be_v deceive_v by_o i_o and_o i_o get_v a_o stain_n to_o my_o old-age_n and_o make_v it_o abominable_a wherefore_o now_o manful_o change_v this_o life_n i_o will_v show_v myself_o such_o a_o one_o as_o my_o age_n require_v so_o polycarp_n when_o he_o be_v tempt_v to_o deny_v christ_n and_o to_o swear_v by_o the_o fortune_n of_o caesar_n answer_v fourscore_o and_o six_o year_n have_v i_o serve_v christ_n and_o have_v find_v he_o a_o good_a master_n and_o shall_v i_o now_o deny_v he_o i_o have_v live_v by_o he_o and_o i_o will_v live_v and_o die_v to_o he_o let_v we_o resolve_v by_o god_n grace_n to_o write_v after_o these_o copy_n doubtless_o if_o there_o be_v any_o go_n to_o heaven_n on_o horseback_n as_o mr._n bradford_n style_v it_o that_o be_v in_o honour_n and_o state_n it_o be_v by_o martyrdom_n nay_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o we_o be_v content_a and_o quiet_a under_o these_o discouragement_n that_o we_o who_o have_v receive_v good_a at_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v content_a with_o evil_n also_o but_o we_o shall_v triumph_v over_o they_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o shall_v be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n through_o he_o that_o love_v we_o our_o root_a faith_n our_o fix_a hope_n our_o long_a experience_n shall_v lift_v we_o up_o to_o surmount_v all_o these_o fear_n and_o trouble_n the_o veterane_n soldier_n must_v not_o be_v scare_v with_o such_o hydra_n we_o be_v near_o the_o promise_a land_n the_o news_n of_o these_o anakim_v in_o our_o way_n shall_v not_o affright_v we_o they_o be_v bread_n for_o we_o as_o joshua_n say_v when_o these_o thing_n come_v upon_o you_o then_o look_v up_o and_o lift_v up_o your_o head_n for_o your_o redemption_n draw_v nigh_o cypr._n be_v faithful_a unto_o death_n and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o a_o crown_n of_o life_n rev._n 2._o 10._o and_o thus_o we_o be_v at_o length_n arrive_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o age_a person_n work_v which_o be_v the_o seven_o and_o last_o thing_n to_o be_v treat_v of_o in_o this_o subject_a the_o practice_n of_o these_o thing_n now_o only_o remain_v that_o we_o study_v to_o correct_v the_o cause_n avoid_v the_o sin_n obtain_v the_o grace_n sustain_v the_o inconvenience_n improve_v the_o privilege_n and_o dispatch_v the_o work_n describe_v before_o we_o wherein_o we_o must_v earnest_o implore_v the_o gracious_a assistance_n of_o god_n who_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n and_o who_o will_v not_o fail_v we_o therein_o unless_o we_o be_v want_v to_o ourselves_o and_o o_o that_o all_o young_a people_n will_v learn_v knowledge_n temperance_n and_o industry_n old-age_n in_o their_o youth_n which_o will_v be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o attain_v to_o a_o healthy_a wealthy_a and_o holy_a old-age_n finis_fw-la book_n print_v for_o and_o sell_v by_o thomas_n parkhurst_n at_o the_o bible_n and_o three_o crown_n at_o the_o low_a end_n of_o cheapside_n near_o mercer_n chapel_n a_o present_a for_o teem_v woman_n to_o be_v give_v to_o they_o by_o their_o husband_n or_o friend_n by_o john_n oliver_n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o octavo_n a_o