o_o bless_a and_o treble_a bless_a be_v that_o soul_n that_o be_v early_o marry_v to_o its_o saviour_n betimes_o espouse_v to_o christ_n as_o its_o husband_n head_n and_o lord_n now_o therefore_o be_v the_o time_n to_o gain_v and_o flourish_v in_o grace_n which_o be_v the_o earnest_a of_o glory_n to_o set_v up_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n 21._o luk._n 17._o 21._o within_o you_o as_o ever_o you_o hope_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o his_o kingdom_n above_o you_o §_o 3._o a_o early_a practice_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n will_v bring_v you_o the_o great_a comfort_n a_o pious_a youth_n make_v a_o joyous_a old_a age._n age_n be_v a_o time_n wherein_o we_o be_v to_o solace_v ourselves_o with_o the_o remembrance_n of_o our_o forepast_a life_n to_o feed_v upon_o the_o spiritual_a store_n upon_o the_o grace_n comfort_n and_o experience_n which_o your_o former_a godly_a and_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n have_v gain_v you_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o solomon_n send_v the_o young_a sluggard_n to_o the_o ant_n or_o pismire_n to_o learn_v prudence_n which_o gather_v her_o food_n in_o the_o summer_n 8._o prov._n 16._o 6_o 7_o 8._o and_o lay_v up_o her_o store_n in_o the_o harvest_n if_o you_o sleep_v in_o harvest_n sloth_n sin_n away_o the_o summer_n season_n what_o will_v you_o live_v upon_o in_o winter_n will_v not_o spiritual_a want_n and_o poverty_n pinch_v you_o in_o old_a age_n but_o if_o thou_o be_v religious_a in_o thy_o youth_n diligent_o careful_a to_o lay_v up_o a_o stock_n of_o grace_n and_o virtue_n a_o store_n of_o prayer_n and_o good_a work_n in_o thy_o youth_n than_o thy_o old_a age_n can_v but_o be_v attend_v with_o joy_n and_o comfort_n peace_n and_o plenty_n you_o say_v usual_o you_o must_v work_v when_o you_o be_v young_a to_o keep_v you_o when_o you_o be_v old_a it_o be_v true_a here_o you_o must_v work_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o of_o religion_n while_o you_o be_v young_a to_o support_v you_o comfort_v you_o and_o keep_v you_o from_o despair_n when_o you_o be_v old_a do_v but_o think_v what_o peace_n what_o comfort_n a_o old_a man_n can_v have_v who_o be_v about_o to_o leave_v the_o world_n and_o have_v all_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o youth_n fly_v in_o his_o face_n follow_v at_o his_o heel_n and_o wait_v when_o death_n shall_v give_v they_o a_o opportunity_n to_o accompany_v he_o to_o judgement_n when_o he_o shall_v remember_v that_o in_o his_o youth_n he_o forget_v god_n and_o spend_v the_o prime_n of_o his_o year_n in_o the_o devil_n service_n in_o riot_v and_o drunkenness_n chamber_v and_o wantonness_n in_o strife_n and_o envy_n i_o say_v what_o peace_n what_o comfort_n can_v he_o now_o reap_v of_o those_o thing_n where_o of_o he_o be_v ashamed_a where_o with_o his_o conscience_n be_v terrify_v and_o soul_n wound_v how_o loath_a be_v he_o to_o leave_v the_o world_n how_o unwilling_a and_o afraid_a to_o die_v how_o do_v his_o age_a heart_n ache_v his_o shrink_v flesh_n tremble_v to_o think_v of_o death_n and_o judgement_n who_o can_v express_v the_o horror_n and_o disturbance_n of_o his_o mind_n when_o his_o reason_n tell_v he_o he_o be_v too_o weak_a to_o live_v and_o his_o conscience_n that_o he_o be_v too_o wicked_a to_o die_v whereas_o when_o a_o man_n can_v true_o say_v and_o his_o conscience_n bear_v he_o witness_v when_o he_o be_v old_a that_o he_o have_v lay_v out_o his_o youth_n and_o strength_n for_o god_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n and_o service_n of_o his_o saviour_n when_o he_o can_v now_o say_v he_o have_v make_v religion_n his_o business_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o his_o own_o salvation_n his_o main_a work_n and_o design_n in_o his_o youth_n when_o in_o a_o word_n he_o can_v say_v with_o old_a hezekiah_n lord_n 3._o isa_n 38._o 3._o remember_v that_o i_o have_v walk_v before_o thou_o in_o truth_n and_o with_o a_o upright_a heart_n what_o a_o heart_n full_a of_o comfort_n what_o a_o mind_n full_a of_o peace_n what_o a_o soul_n full_a of_o joy_n shall_v that_o man_n have_v in_o old_a age_n even_o in_o death_n itself_o how_o cheerful_a may_v such_o a_o old_a simeon_n sing_v his_o nunc_fw-la dimittis_fw-la lord_n now_o let_v thy_o servant_n depart_v in_o peace_n for_o i_o have_v seek_v and_o the_o eye_n of_o my_o faith_n have_v see_v thy_o salvation_n which_o thou_o have_v prepare_v for_o i_o therefore_o if_o you_o will_v be_v joyous_a when_o you_o be_v old_a be_v religious_a while_o you_o be_v young_a qualis_fw-la vita_fw-la finis_fw-la ita_fw-la as_o be_v your_o life_n such_o shall_v your_o end_n be_v to_o i_o to_o live_v be_v christ_n to_o die_v be_v gain_v say_v the_o great_a 21._o phil._n 1._o 21._o apostle_n and_o it_o be_v the_o righteous_a have_v hope_n in_o his_o death_n say_v solomon_n and_o you_o deceive_v yourselves_o if_o you_o think_v you_o may_v live_v vicious_o and_o yet_o die_v happy_o holiness_n in_o youth_n be_v the_o tree_n upon_o which_o the_o choice_n fruit_n of_o comfort_n in_o old_a age_n alone_o grow_v §_o 4._o as_o it_o will_v bring_v the_o most_o comfort_n so_o it_o deserve_v the_o great_a honour_n to_o see_v young_a person_n follow_v christ_n by_o a_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a life_n it_o be_v honourable_a and_o deserve_v the_o gteat_a commendation_n it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o when_o christ_n hear_v a_o young_a man_n say_v he_o have_v keep_v the_o commandment_n from_o his_o youth_n he_o love_v he_o to_o show_v how_o god_n love_v the_o early_a obedience_n and_o devotion_n of_o young_a one_o to_o himself_o to_o speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n language_n god_n honour_v such_o for_o they_o great_o honour_v god_n and_o they_o that_o honour_v i_o will_v i_o honour_v say_v the_o lord_n yea_o and_o god_n make_v 30._o 1_o sam._n 2._o 30._o more_o account_n and_o take_v more_o notice_n of_o a_o little_a goodness_n a_o little_a holiness_n and_o obedience_n in_o a_o young_a person_n than_o of_o a_o great_a measure_n in_o he_o that_o be_v elder_a when_o jeroboam'_v child_n be_v sick_a god_n send_v he_o word_n by_o 14._o 1_o king_n 14._o his_o prophet_n that_o his_o child_n shall_v die_v and_o that_o he_o only_o shall_v go_v to_o the_o grave_n in_o peace_n of_o all_o jeroboam'_v family_n because_o in_o he_o be_v find_v some_o good_a thing_n towards_o the_o lord_n there_o can_v not_o be_v much_o good_a in_o he_o be_v but_o a_o child_n and_o breed_v up_o in_o idolatry_n too_o yet_o because_o some_o good_a be_v find_v in_o he_o be_v so_o young_a god_n take_v a_o like_n to_o he_o and_o show_v his_o acceptation_n of_o he_o by_o confer_v that_o favour_n and_o honour_n upon_o he_o above_o all_o the_o family_n that_o he_o shall_v go_v to_o his_o grave_n in_o peace_n and_o solomon_n tell_v you_o that_o religion_n carry_v length_n of_o 16._o pro._n 3._o 16._o day_n in_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o honour_n and_o dignity_n in_o the_o other_o and_o she_o will_v confer_v it_o 8._o pro._n 4._o 8._o upon_o thou_o she_o will_v bring_v thou_o to_o honour_n and_o the_o lord_n honour_v they_o that_o fear_v he_o say_v david_n where_o fear_n be_v put_v for_o all_o religion_n 4._o ps_n 15._o 4._o and_o worship_n towards_o god_n and_o those_o that_o devote_v themselves_o to_o he_o by_o a_o holy_a fear_n will_v god_n honour_v and_o the_o soon_o you_o do_v this_o the_o great_a love_n and_o honour_n the_o great_a favour_n and_o esteem_n will_v god_n have_v for_o you_o yea_o as_o it_o will_v procure_v you_o honour_n from_o god_n so_o from_o all_o good_a man_n religion_n and_o piety_n be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o man_n and_o wherever_o a_o good_a man_n see_v this_o he_o can_v but_o honour_v it_o and_o those_o that_o bear_v it_o st._n paul_n write_v to_o his_o roman_n to_o show_v singular_a respect_n to_o andronicus_n and_o junia_n as_o person_n of_o note_n upon_o this_o 7._o rom._n 16._o 7._o consideration_n because_o they_o have_v the_o happiness_n and_o honour_n to_o be_v in_o christ_n before_o he_o and_o sure_o it_o be_v the_o great_a honour_n and_o happiness_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v early_o in_o christ_n early_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v thy_o servant_n in_o christ_n be_v he_o religious_a and_o devote_a to_o god_n he_o be_v more_o honourable_a than_o thou_o his_o lord_n and_o master_n who_o be_v irreligious_a and_o out_o of_o christ_n and_o shall_v be_v prefer_v before_o thou_o in_o the_o favour_n and_o esteem_v of_o god_n both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o that_o to_o come_v nay_o religion_n will_v make_v you_o honourable_a even_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o wicked_a jehoram_fw-la a_o wicked_a king_n honour_v and_o wait_v upon_o a_o religious_a elisha_n proud_a herod_n reverence_v the_o holy_a baptist_n piety_n be_v a_o silent_a
grace_n in_o your_o heart_n and_o your_o hope_n of_o glory_n in_o heaven_n none_o can_v take_v from_o you_o and_o therefore_o whatever_o you_o lose_v of_o worldly_a wealth_n for_o religion_n shall_v be_v abundant_o recompense_v in_o thing_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n else_o that_o divine_a promise_n must_v fail_v jesus_n answer_v 30._o mark_v 10._o 29_o 30._o and_o say_v very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o there_o be_v no_o man_n have_v leave_v house_n etc._n etc._n for_o my_o sake_n and_o the_o gospel_n but_o he_o shall_v receive_v a_o hundred_o fold_v now_o in_o this_o time_n and_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v eternal_a life_n whence_o you_o may_v make_v this_o orthodox_n parodox_n no_o man_n ever_o lose_v by_o christ_n who_o be_v a_o loser_n for_o christ_n then_o for_o your_o liberty_n though_o man_n shall_v cast_v your_o body_n into_o a_o prison_n on_o earth_n yet_o they_o can_v cast_v your_o soul_n into_o the_o prison_n of_o hell_n if_o they_o shall_v throw_v you_o into_o a_o dungeon_n they_o can_v shut_v christ_n out_o of_o that_o dungeon_n or_o hinder_v the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n from_o shine_v there_o if_o they_o take_v away_o your_o civil_a liberty_n they_o can_v take_v away_o your_o spiritual_a liberty_n they_o may_v exclude_v you_o god_n house_n and_o public_a ordinance_n but_o they_o can_v debar_v you_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n keep_v friend_n from_o you_o they_o may_v but_o can_v hinder_v god_n from_o visit_v of_o you_o with_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o love_n and_o pledge_n of_o his_o divine_a favour_n which_o will_v make_v the_o close_a prison_n a_o delightful_a palace_n and_o as_o to_o life_n itself_o know_v that_o though_o man_n may_v kill_v the_o body_n 28._o math._n 10._o 28._o yet_o they_o can_v kill_v the_o soul_n the_o argument_n our_o saviour_n use_v to_o persuade_v you_o to_o fear_n god_n more_o than_o man_n so_o that_o suppose_v the_o worst_a that_o can_v come_v that_o man_n do_v go_v to_o the_o uttermost_a link_n of_o their_o power_n which_o be_v to_o kill_v the_o body_n why_o die_v you_o must_v and_o die_v you_o may_v while_o you_o be_v young_a and_o can_v you_o die_v upon_o a_o better_a account_n than_o for_o christ_n and_o for_o religion_n certain_o none_o in_o the_o world_n die_v with_o more_o peace_n and_o comfort_n with_o great_a joy_n and_o triumph_v over_o death_n than_o they_o that_o die_v martyr_n for_o christ_n die_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n so_o that_o all_o the_o wrong_a the_o enemy_n of_o god_n and_o his_o truth_n can_v do_v you_o be_v with_o john_n baptist_n and_o st._n steven_n to_o give_v you_o a_o quick_a passage_n to_o glory_n and_o send_v you_o with_o the_o more_o speed_n to_o heaven_n to_o christ_n jesus_n which_o be_v far_o better_a i_o beseech_v you_o therefore_o resolve_v upon_o it_o to_o follow_v 23._o phil._n 1._o 23._o christ_n and_o secure_v the_o salvation_n of_o your_o immortal_a soul_n whatever_o it_o cost_v you_o harken_v to_o none_o of_o these_o objection_n of_o satan_n against_o religion_n for_o if_o once_o he_o can_v prejudice_v you_o against_o what_o be_v good_a he_o will_v soon_o by_o another_o assault_n draw_v you_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o what_o be_v evil_a chap._n iu._n several_a temptation_n of_o satan_n whereby_o he_o seek_v to_o draw_v young_a person_n to_o his_o own_o service_n the_o service_n of_o sin_n §_o 1._o satan_n have_v bid_v fair_a to_o bar_v you_o off_o from_o what_o be_v good_a his_o next_o attempt_n be_v to_o allure_v you_o to_o evil_n be_v prejudice_v against_o god_n service_n he_o prompt_v you_o next_o to_o his_o own_o in_o which_o method_n as_o he_o be_v very_o subtle_a so_o ofttimes_o very_o successful_a as_o he_o that_o will_v gain_v another_o man_n servant_n to_o himself_o decry_v the_o service_n he_o be_v in_o as_o laborious_a slavish_a and_o unprofitable_a and_o withal_o commend_v his_o own_o as_o full_a of_o and_o attend_v with_o all_o good_a property_n so_o do_v satan_n to_o gain_v soul_n not_o only_a reproach_n and_o discommend_v the_o service_n of_o christ_n but_o cry_v up_o and_o applaud_v his_o own_o five_o objection_n he_o have_v make_v against_o religion_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o he_o have_v as_o many_o temptation_n draw_v to_o the_o way_n and_o practice_n of_o sin_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v this_o §_o 2._o 1._o the_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n of_o it_o nothing_o so_o delightful_a and_o pleasant_a as_o sin_n none_o enjoy_v so_o much_o pleasure_n and_o content_a as_o his_o servant_n will_v you_o take_v it_o say_v satan_n upon_o the_o word_n of_o david_n who_o be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v this_o and_o to_o leave_v it_o upon_o record_n in_o divine_a writ_n that_o my_o servant_n be_v prosperous_a there_o be_v no_o band_n in_o their_o 7._o psal_n 73._o 1._o to_o 7._o death_n but_o their_o strength_n be_v firm_a they_o be_v not_o in_o trouble_n as_o other_o man_n neither_o be_v they_o plague_v like_o other_o man_n their_o eye_n stand_v out_o with_o fatness_n they_o have_v more_o than_o heart_n can_v wish_v where_o do_v you_o find_v such_o a_o commendation_n of_o religion_n or_o the_o service_n of_o god_n as_o david_n here_o give_v of_o my_o service_n say_v the_o tempter_n and_o huge_a cunning_n he_o be_v in_o the_o management_n of_o this_o temptation_n that_o it_o may_v take_v effect_n for_o he_o labour_v what_o he_o can_v to_o conceal_v from_o your_o eye_n those_o more_o excellent_a pure_a spiritual_a delight_n and_o pleasure_n which_o religion_n procure_v to_o the_o soul_n both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o and_o withal_o hide_v from_o you_o the_o sting_n and_o bitterness_n of_o sin_n cover_v the_o hook_n guild_v the_o pill_n that_o the_o sorrow_n the_o vexation_n and_o torment_n which_o sin_n will_v procure_v to_o you_o in_o the_o conclusion_n may_v not_o be_v discern_v nor_o so_o much_o as_o once_o serious_o think_v of_o he_o will_v not_o for_o a_o world_n can_v he_o prevent_v it_o you_o shall_v read_v and_o believe_v that_o of_o job_n thou_o 11._o job_n 13._o 26._o eccl._n 9_o 11._o write_v bitter_a thing_n against_o i_o and_o make_v i_o to_o possess_v the_o iniquity_n of_o my_o youth_n or_o that_o caveat_n of_o solomon_n rejoice_v o_o young_a man_n in_o thy_o youth_n walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o thy_o heart_n and_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o thy_o eye_n but_o know_v thou_o that_o for_o all_o these_o thing_n god_n will_v bring_v thou_o into_o judgement_n lest_o you_o shall_v know_v and_o consider_v how_o dear_a you_o must_v pay_v at_o last_o for_o sin_n and_o so_o be_v discourage_v from_o his_o service_n and_o still_o to_o give_v his_o temptation_n the_o great_a force_n he_o represent_v the_o delight_n of_o his_o service_n the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n as_o present_v that_o they_o may_v be_v have_v daily_o and_o without_o difficulty_n and_o so_o secret_a too_o as_o no_o mortal_a eye_n shall_v take_v notice_n of_o you_o such_o sin_n and_o sinful_a delight_n may_v you_o enjoy_v and_o indulge_v yourselves_o in_o and_o no_o body_n ere_o the_o wise_a you_o may_v be_v frequent_a and_o bold_a in_o they_o none_o can_v know_v it_o or_o call_v you_o to_o a_o account_n for_o it_o all_o which_o be_v marvellous_a take_n huge_o tempt_v what_o present_a pleasure_n and_o private_a too_o sweet_a delight_n and_o secret_a too_o who_o will_v refuse_v they_o and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v sure_a not_o to_o fail_v of_o his_o end_n he_o have_v yet_o a_o far_a stratagem_n that_o be_v to_o plough_v with_o your_o own_o heifer_n to_o join_v with_o the_o lust_n of_o your_o own_o heart_n with_o which_o he_o hold_v a_o secret_a correspondence_n to_o propose_v such_o object_n and_o way_n of_o sin_n as_o be_v desirable_a and_o suitable_a to_o your_o natural_a temper_n and_o inclination_n he_o know_v it_o be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n you_o be_v bewitch_v with_o as_o eve_n of_o old_a be_v captivate_v with_o the_o pleasantness_n of_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n so_o her_o child_n 6._o gen._n 3._o 6._o and_o posterity_n be_v natural_o take_v with_o the_o same_o bait_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o first_o commendation_n of_o his_o service_n and_o first_o temptation_n to_o sin_n the_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n of_o it_o 2._o now_o to_o resist_v and_o overcome_v this_o temptation_n be_v prevail_v with_o to_o take_v into_o your_o serious_a thought_n and_o remembrance_n what_o follow_v that_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n how_o full_a and_o fair_a soever_o satan_n represent_v they_o be_v real_o low_a mean_a empty_a thin_a and_o unsatisfy_a solomon_n give_v you_o the_o sum_n and_o full_a of_o they_o in_o few_o word_n and_o that_o upon_o experience_n childhood_n and_o youth_n 10._o eccles_n 11._o 10._o be_v vanity_n that_o be_v the_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n of_o that_o age_n
then_o choose_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n for_o a_o few_o day_n and_o refuse_v the_o pleasure_n at_o god_n right_a hand_n for_o evermore_o suppose_v i_o be_v now_o tumble_v and_o tremble_v upon_o my_o die_a bed_n under_o a_o cold_a sweat_n my_o eye_n set_v my_o heart_n faint_v and_o my_o breath_n depart_v as_o it_o must_v and_o will_v be_v with_o i_o a_o few_o day_n hence_o shall_v i_o then_o choose_v hell_n before_o heaven_n shall_v i_o say_v then_o god_n damn_v i_o lord_n reject_v my_o soul_n for_o evermore_o or_o this_o rather_o lord_n jesus_n receive_v my_o spirit_n lord_n take_v i_o to_o thyself_o in_o glory_n will_v i_o then_o say_v lord_n never_o let_v i_o share_v in_o thy_o mercy_n or_o lord_n have_v mercy_n upon_o i_o lord_n let_v i_o be_v a_o companion_n for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n in_o region_n of_o darkness_n and_o devour_a burn_n to_o all_o eternity_n or_o lord_n let_v i_o enter_v into_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n the_o city_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o church_n of_o the_o first-born_a to_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a which_o of_o these_o state_n will_v you_o then_o choose_v §_o 3._o why_o sinner_n the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v that_o which_o you_o choose_v now_o who_o choose_v the_o way_n of_o sin_n and_o service_n of_o satan_n you_o choose_v wrath_n and_o damnation_n the_o company_n of_o devil_n exclusion_n from_o heaven_n the_o place_n of_o bliss_n and_o the_o full_a the_o further_a separation_n and_o distance_n from_o god_n the_o chief_a good_a and_o centre_n of_o all_o happiness_n and_o be_v this_o the_o choice_n you_o will_v make_v in_o the_o end_n when_o you_o come_v to_o die_v no_o god_n forbid_v then_o reflect_v and_o consider_v a_o little_a and_o be_v not_o rash_a but_o serious_a i_o beseech_v you_o in_o these_o great_a thing_n if_o heaven_n be_v better_o than_o hell_n life_n sweet_a than_o death_n if_o glory_n be_v more_o desirable_a upon_o a_o die_a bed_n than_o misery_n and_o mercy_n than_o wrath_n why_o shall_v not_o the_o way_n to_o mercy_n and_o glory_n be_v better_o than_o the_o way_n to_o destruction_n the_o way_n to_o life_n more_o pleasant_a to_o you_o than_o the_o way_n to_o death_n why_o shall_v you_o not_o choose_v the_o way_n of_o religion_n and_o holiness_n now_o and_o enter_v upon_o it_o present_o this_o day_n before_o the_o next_o since_o you_o be_v convince_v you_o must_v come_v into_o this_o way_n before_o you_o die_v or_o you_o can_v never_o be_v save_v and_o since_o you_o purpose_v it_o hereafter_o and_o talk_v of_o repentance_n and_o holiness_n hereafter_o why_o have_v you_o any_o such_o thought_n or_o purpose_n at_o all_o but_o that_o you_o be_v convince_v it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o that_o you_o shall_v choose_v the_o end_n of_o this_o way_n when_o death_n come_v and_o why_o shall_v you_o not_o refuse_v shun_v hate_v and_o avoid_v the_o way_n of_o sin_n now_o when_o you_o be_v convince_v in_o your_o conscience_n you_o shall_v be_v loath_a to_o receive_v the_o fruit_n and_o end_n of_o that_o way_n when_o you_o come_v to_o leave_v the_o world_n certain_o wicked_a man_n have_v no_o reason_n on_o their_o side_n the_o apostle_n say_v great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n true_o i_o may_v invert_v his_o word_n and_o say_v great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o wickedness_n for_o i_o can_v see_v no_o reason_n nor_o do_v i_o think_v any_o man_n upon_o serious_a thought_n can_v render_v any_o good_a or_o solid_a reason_n why_o he_o shall_v choose_v the_o way_n of_o the_o wicked_a rather_o than_o the_o way_n of_o the_o upright_a to_o follow_v the_o devil_n rather_o than_o christ_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o path_n of_o sin_n rather_o than_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n only_o man_n will_v do_v it_o so_o they_o be_v sinful_a and_o wicked_a and_o will_v be_v for_o ever_o miserable_a and_o wretched_a because_o they_o will_v fulfil_v that_o of_o the_o prophet_n their_o destruction_n be_v of_o themselves_o it_o be_v wilful_a destruction_n it_o be_v choose_v damnation_n §_o 4._o therefore_o young_a man_n for_o who_o sake_n principal_o i_o undertake_v this_o little_a work_n take_v for_o a_o close_a that_o of_o the_o prophet_n say_v unto_o the_o righteous_a it_o shall_v be_v well_o with_o he_o for_o they_o shall_v eat_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o do_n 11_o isa_n 3._o 10_o 11_o woe_n unto_o the_o wicked_a it_o shall_v be_v ill_a with_o he_o for_o the_o reward_n of_o his_o hand_n shall_v be_v give_v he_o and_o sit_v down_o and_o consider_v it_o till_o you_o have_v bring_v your_o heart_n to_o a_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n wherein_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v travel_v the_o way_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n but_o two_o leader_n who_o they_o all_o follow_v christ_n or_o the_o devil_n but_o two_o place_n whither_o they_o all_o tend_v heaven_n or_o hell_n and_o know_v this_o direction_n and_o exhortation_n be_v from_o the_o lord_n though_o hand_v to_o you_o by_o his_o unworthy_a servant_n and_o if_o you_o deny_v i_o you_o therein_o deny_v he_o and_o if_o so_o the_o time_n be_v come_v and_o will_v come_v when_o he_o will_v deny_v you_o and_o dare_v any_o of_o you_o deny_v the_o lord_n and_o say_v as_o those_o wicked_a one_o to_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n 17._o jer._n 44._o 16_o 17._o as_o for_o the_o word_n which_o thou_o have_v speak_v to_o we_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o will_v not_o hearken_v to_o it_o we_o will_v not_o forsake_v our_o sin_n we_o will_v not_o follow_v christ_n nor_o be_v tie_v and_o bind_v to_o such_o circumspection_n and_o holiness_n as_o his_o follower_n be_v and_o as_o his_o word_n require_v but_o we_o will_v do_v whatsoever_o proceed_v 12._o jer._n 18._o 12._o cee_v out_o of_o our_o own_o mouth_n do_v our_o own_o device_n and_o walk_v every_o one_o after_o the_o imagination_n of_o his_o own_o evil_a heart_n and_o be_v you_o content_a and_o willing_a god_n shall_v take_v you_o at_o your_o word_n and_o for_o ever_o give_v you_o over_o to_o your_o own_o heart_n lust_n to_o walk_v in_o your_o own_o way_n and_o after_o your_o own_o counsel_n be_v you_o willing_a from_o henceforth_o to_o give_v up_o all_o your_o hope_n in_o christ_n your_o hope_n of_o heaven_n your_o hope_n of_o life_n salvation_n and_o eternal_a glory_n and_o to_o be_v damn_v for_o ever_o in_o another_o world_n why_o this_o be_v the_o choice_n you_o be_v put_v to_o either_o to_o live_v a_o holy_a life_n or_o to_o be_v for_o ever_o miserable_a after_o death_n either_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n or_o never_o to_o receive_v benefit_n by_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n to_o kiss_v the_o sceptre_n of_o his_o mercy_n or_o fall_v by_o the_o sword_n of_o his_o justice_n either_o to_o follow_v he_o in_o his_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n or_o to_o be_v eternal_o exclude_v his_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n but_o these_o two_o one_o of_o these_o you_o must_v choose_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v you_o must_v repent_v or_o perish_v and_o follow_v after_o holiness_n or_o never_o see_v the_o lord_n religion_n be_v the_o only_a way_n god_n have_v make_v to_o heaven_n and_o if_o you_o never_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n you_o can_v never_o come_v thither_o and_o assure_v yourselves_o i_o can_v have_v no_o other_o end_n or_o interest_n to_o aim_v at_o in_o take_v any_o pain_n to_o persuade_v you_o to_o be_v good_a and_o to_o be_v sincere_a follower_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o this_o his_o glory_n and_o your_o salvation_n which_o to_o aim_v at_o be_v doubtless_o your_o interest_n as_o much_o as_o i_o and_o if_o all_o that_o i_o have_v write_v can_v convince_v you_o it_o be_v so_o it_o be_v but_o a_o few_o day_n more_o and_o death_n and_o judgement_n shall_v gloria_fw-la trinuni_fw-la deo_fw-la sine_fw-la fine_a the_o young_a man_n monitor_n or_o a_o poetical_a paraphrase_n upon_o the_o xiith_z chapter_n of_o ecclesiastes_n the_o preface_n eccles_n xii_o i._o remember_v now_o thy_o creator_n in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o youth_n while_o the_o evil_a day_n come_v not_o nor_o the_o year_n draw_v nigh_o when_o thou_o shall_v say_v i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o they_o young_a man_n remember_v in_o thy_o youthful_a age_n thy_o great_a creator_n and_o betimes_o engage_v thy_o soul_n and_o body_n both_o with_o all_o thy_o might_n to_o do_v he_o service_n ere_o the_o sable_a night_n of_o frightful_a death_n approach_v or_o evil_a day_n of_o old_a decrepit_a age_n wherein_o you_o will_v say_v there_o be_v no_o pleasure_n nor_o a_o will_v to_o work_v youth_n be_v
particular_a prediction_n of_o any_o of_o the_o prophet_n but_o a_o historical_a relation_n of_o what_o befall_v this_o young_a man_n and_o consequent_o may_v befall_v any_o who_o will_v be_v faithful_a follower_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o day_n of_o trouble_n which_o history_n st._n mark_v record_n for_o two_o reason_n first_o to_o show_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n saying_n that_o the_o servant_n be_v not_o great_a than_o his_o 20._o john_n 15._o 20._o lord_n and_o if_o they_o persecute_v i_o they_o will_v persecute_v you_o which_o say_v he_o bid_v they_o remember_v second_o to_o discover_v the_o malice_n of_o christ_n enemy_n who_o rage_n and_o malice_n against_o he_o be_v such_o that_o a_o bare_a suspicion_n to_o be_v of_o his_o party_n to_o be_v one_o of_o his_o follower_n be_v enough_o to_o bring_v a_o man_n into_o eminent_a danger_n of_o his_o life_n so_o that_o it_o have_v be_v impossible_a for_o the_o apostle_n to_o have_v escape_v their_o violence_n have_v not_o the_o divine_a power_n of_o christ_n preserve_v they_o for_o that_o great_a work_n to_o which_o he_o have_v assign_v they_o for_o see_v this_o young_a man_n follow_v of_o christ_n they_o lay_v hand_n on_o he_o and_o it_o be_v a_o narrow_a escape_n he_o make_v from_o they_o i_o shall_v not_o inquire_v who_o this_o young_a man_n be_v concern_v who_o there_o be_v different_a opinion_n but_o only_a note_n his_o action_n bespeak_v his_o affection_n to_o christ_n for_o he_o follow_v he_o follow_v he_o in_o bond_n leave_v all_o to_o follow_v he_o and_o that_o when_o his_o own_o disciple_n 50._o v._o 49._o 50._o the_o great_a preacher_n and_o first_o professor_n of_o his_o name_n flee_v away_o and_o forsake_v he_o all_o which_o circumstance_n due_o weigh_v and_o put_v together_o may_v make_v up_o a_o demonstration_n of_o love_n and_o affection_n and_o what_o this_o young_a man_n do_v be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o young_a one_o to_o do_v viz._n to_o follow_v christ_n that_o be_v to_o be_v true_o religious_a according_a to_o their_o baptismal_a vow_n and_o the_o gospel_n which_o they_o prosess_v and_o own_v to_o govern_v themselves_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o righteousness_n endeavour_v to_o answer_v the_o hope_n they_o have_v through_o christ_n of_o future_a glory_n and_o the_o many_o and_o great_a obligation_n christ_n have_v lay_v upon_o they_o to_o duty_n and_o obedience_n and_o to_o convince_v you_o young_a man_n that_o this_o be_v your_o duty_n and_o to_o draw_v you_o to_o the_o speedy_a and_o sincere_a practice_n of_o the_o same_o be_v the_o end_n of_o this_o small_a essay_n and_o undertake_n since_o i_o be_o equal_o concern_v for_o the_o good_a of_o your_o soul_n with_o those_o that_o be_v elder_a the_o soul_n of_o the_o child_n be_v as_o precious_a as_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o servant_n the_o soul_n of_o the_o servant_n of_o as_o much_o value_n as_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o great_a lord_n or_o master_n and_o when_o i_o consider_v the_o general_a corruption_n and_o looseness_n of_o this_o age_n and_o think_v how_o many_o lie_n in_o weight_n to_o seduce_v young_a one_o some_o to_o popery_n other_o to_o open_a profaneness_n and_o debauchery_n the_o high_a way_n to_o direct_v irreligion_n and_o atheism_n i_o judge_v it_o great_o needful_a in_o my_o place_n and_o capacity_n to_o give_v warning_n to_o discover_v and_o show_v you_o your_o danger_n and_o to_o prevent_v it_o by_o exciting_a you_o to_o your_o duty_n if_o possible_o i_o may_v save_v some_o of_o your_o soul_n or_o at_o least_o clear_a my_o own_o 19_o ezek._n 3._o 8_o 19_o for_o when_o i_o read_v and_o meditate_v on_o those_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o his_o prophet_n when_o i_o say_v unto_o the_o wicked_a thou_o shall_v sure_o die_v and_o thou_o give_v he_o not_o warning_n nor_o speak_v to_o warn_v the_o wicked_a from_o his_o wicked_a way_n to_o save_v his_o life_n the_o same_o wicked_a man_n shall_v die_v in_o his_o iniquity_n but_o his_o blood_n will_v i_o require_v at_o thy_o hand_n yet_o if_o thou_o warn_v the_o wicked_a and_o he_o turn_v not_o from_o his_o wickedness_n nor_o from_o his_o wicked_a way_n he_o shall_v die_v in_o his_o iniquity_n but_o thou_o have_v deliver_v thy_o soul_n i_o tremble_v as_o well_o to_o think_v what_o will_v become_v of_o those_o watchman_n that_o warn_v not_o as_o of_o those_o people_n who_o be_v warn_v and_o regard_v it_o not_o now_o though_o this_o essay_n speak_v more_o direct_o to_o you_o that_o be_v young_a yet_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o may_v be_v suitable_a and_o profitable_a to_o all_o both_o old_a and_o young_a for_o when_o elder_a person_n hear_v how_o much_o it_o behoove_v young_a one_o to_o be_v religious_a they_o may_v rational_o conclude_v it_o high_o concern_v they_o to_o be_v so_o much_o more_o who_o according_a to_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n have_v less_o time_n to_o spend_v and_o be_v so_o many_o year_n near_o to_o death_n judgement_n and_o eternity_n than_o the_o former_a i_o shall_v therefore_o entreat_v your_o regard_n to_o what_o you_o read_v in_o the_o psalmist_n compellation_n young_a man_n and_o maiden_n old_a man_n and_o child_n mind_n the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o like_o the_o rain_n fall_v upon_o the_o earth_n shall_v accomplish_v the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v send_v either_o to_o soften_v or_o harden_v to_o be_v either_o a_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o life_n or_o a_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n to_o every_o soul_n that_o read_v it_o and_o that_o my_o word_n may_v make_v the_o better_a and_o deep_a impression_n i_o shall_v press_v your_o duty_n in_o this_o method_n 1._o show_v you_o that_o it_o be_v your_o duty_n to_o be_v religious_a in_o your_o youth_n 2._o urge_v the_o utility_n and_o safety_n of_o it_o 3._o answer_v the_o many_o cavil_n or_o discouragement_n that_o satan_n wicked_a man_n or_o your_o own_o corrupt_a heart_n do_v or_o can_v make_v against_o it_o 4._o show_v the_o reasonableness_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o 1._o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o young_a person_n to_o follow_v christ_n to_o put_v on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o make_v no_o provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o to_o be_v religious_a mindful_a of_o god_n and_o the_o well-being_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n both_o in_o this_o and_o another_o world_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o wise_a man_n so_o frequent_o call_v upon_o young_a man_n to_o hear_v instruction_n to_o learn_v wisdom_n and_o the_o 12._o eccles_n 12._o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o remember_v their_o creator_n in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o youth_n that_o be_v know_v love_n fear_v and_o serve_v he_o for_o word_n of_o knowledge_n in_o scripture_n imply_v affection_n and_o practice_n love_n and_o obedience_n beware_v that_o thou_o forget_v not_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n in_o not_o keep_v his_o commandment_n 11._o deut._n 8._o 11._o and_o his_o judgement_n which_o i_o command_v thou_o this_o day_n so_o that_o not_o to_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v to_o forget_v he_o and_o to_o do_v they_o be_v right_o to_o remember_v he_o thus_o solomon_n require_v thou_o to_o remember_v thy_o creator_n in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o youth_n while_o thou_o be_v strong_a vigorous_a and_o best_a able_a in_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o thy_o soul_n and_o part_n of_o thy_o body_n to_o do_v good_a service_n so_o that_o question_n of_o david_n wherewith_o shall_v a_o young_a man_n 9_o psal_n 119._o 9_o cleanse_v his_o way_n have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o command_n to_o cleanse_v and_o free_v your_o way_n from_o all_o uncleanness_n unrighteousness_n perverseness_n and_o crookedness_n and_o to_o make_v they_o direct_v upright_a straight_o and_o holy_a according_a to_o the_o word_n and_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o jeremiah_n this_o be_v the_o proper_a season_n for_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n it_o be_v good_a for_o a_o man_n to_o bear_v the_o 27._o lam._n 3._o 27._o yoke_n in_o his_o youth_n whether_o you_o will_v understand_v it_o of_o jugum_n crucis_fw-la the_o yoke_n of_o divine_a chastisement_n or_o jugum_n precepti_fw-la the_o yoke_n of_o divine_a precept_n which_o be_v so_o heavy_a and_o irksome_a to_o the_o generality_n of_o youth_n who_o can_v bear_v restraint_n or_o limitation_n no_o not_o from_o god_n himself_o liberty_n liberty_n they_o be_v all_o for_o this_o not_o consider_v that_o deteriores_fw-la omnes_fw-la sumus_fw-la licentia_fw-la we_o be_v all_o the_o worse_o for_o take_v more_o liberty_n than_o god_n allow_v and_o man_n never_o meet_v a_o more_o certain_a and_o speedy_a ruin_n than_o when_o they_o follow_v their_o own_o wi_n so_o true_a be_v that_o proverb_n of_o we_o wilful_a person_n never_o want_v woe_n yet_o as_o heavy_a a_o yoke_n as_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v young_a man_n you_o must_v take_v it_o up_o soon_o
your_o corrupt_a heart_n be_v to_o receive_v it_o which_o make_v st._n james_n 14._o jam._n 1._o 13_o 14._o say_v then_o man_n when_o they_o be_v tempt_v be_v draw_v aside_o by_o their_o own_o lust_n his_o meaning_n be_v satan_n may_v tempt_v and_o wicked_a man_n may_v entice_v but_o neither_o can_v compel_v or_o force_v man_n to_o sin_n but_o as_o they_o be_v draw_v away_o by_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n and_o voluntary_o yield_v to_o the_o temptation_n and_o therefore_o if_o you_o will_v conquer_v the_o last_o and_o great_a enemy_n to_o religion_n and_o your_o own_o salvation_n harken_v not_o to_o the_o exception_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o your_o own_o evil_a and_o corrupt_a heart_n against_o a_o holy_a and_o religious_a life_n sometime_o your_o heart_n will_v tell_v you_o religion_n be_v only_o a_o fit_a of_o melancholy_n sometime_o that_o the_o law_n and_o command_n of_o god_n be_v too_o strict_a too_o hard_a and_o difficult_a and_o that_o the_o pattern_n propound_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o your_o imitation_n the_o holy_a jesus_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o you_o to_o imitate_v or_o follow_v and_o why_o shall_v you_o ever_o think_v of_o impossibility_n now_o if_o you_o suffer_v these_o or_o any_o other_o prejudices_fw-la to_o prevail_v you_o quash_n all_o purpose_n and_o endeavour_n to_o be_v holy_a at_o once_o to_o prevent_v this_o therefore_o search_v your_o heart_n frequent_o and_o watch_v they_o narrow_o often_o look_v home_o to_o thy_o heart_n and_o examine_v its_o sincerity_n or_o hypocrisy_n ask_v where_o its_o affection_n be_v and_o if_o you_o find_v these_o attendant_n on_o the_o soul_n rove_a recall_v they_o or_o that_o your_o heart_n harbour_v any_o evil_a guest_n as_o sinful_a thought_n strange_a notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o god_n religion_n or_o a_o future_a state_n expel_v they_o suffer_v they_o not_o to_o lodge_v there_o and_o do_v this_o daily_a watch_n or_o keep_v your_o heart_n with_o all_o 23._o pro._n 14._o 23._o diligence_n for_o from_o they_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o life_n or_o death_n these_o be_v they_o that_o will_v make_v you_o friend_n or_o enemy_n to_o religion_n therefore_o watch_v they_o careful_o and_o thus_o discharge_v your_o part_n earnest_o beg_v of_o god_n to_o do_v he_o to_o change_v and_o renew_v your_o heart_n to_o take_v the_o stony_a heart_n out_o of_o your_o flesh_n and_o to_o give_v you_o heart_n of_o flesh_n 19_o ezek._n 11._o 19_o crave_v of_o he_o humble_a pure_a understand_v heart_n heart_n inflame_v with_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o establish_v in_o this_o resolution_n to_o follow_v he_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o your_o power_n in_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o so_o to_o continue_v steadfast_a to_o the_o death_n whatever_o the_o issue_n be_v so_o shall_v you_o be_v religious_a in_o good_a earnest_n account_n god_n service_n perfect_a freedom_n follow_v christ_n with_o great_a delight_n and_o final_o enjoy_v he_o for_o ever_o in_o his_o heavenly_a kingdom_n chap._n vii_o show_v that_o religion_n be_v rational_a and_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n take_v they_o at_o the_o worst_a be_v better_o than_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n take_v they_o at_o the_o best_a that_o be_v consider_v with_o their_o present_a concomitant_n and_o future_a consequent_n or_o present_a delight_n and_o future_a reward_n that_o this_o essay_n may_v not_o swell_v to_o too_o great_a a_o bulk_n i_o shall_v offer_v but_o two_o thing_n more_o to_o your_o thought_n which_o may_v prove_v as_o strong_a shield_n against_o all_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n and_o as_o powerful_a motive_n to_o a_o holy_a and_o religious_a life_n as_o any_o before_o mention_v namely_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o god_n service_n or_o of_o religion_n and_o its_o excellency_n above_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n §_o 1._o that_o religion_n be_v rational_a or_o the_o service_n god_n require_v of_o we_o be_v high_o reasonable_a this_o st._n paul_n affirm_v i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n that_o you_o 1._o rom._n 12._o 1._o present_v your_o body_n a_o live_a sacrifice_n holy_a acceptable_a unto_o god_n which_o be_v your_o reasonable_a service_n where_o he_o exhort_v his_o roman_n to_o a_o religious_a life_n become_v the_o gospel_n or_o to_o consecrate_v and_o devote_v themselves_o to_o god_n service_n in_o translate_v and_o borrow_a speech_n or_o word_n from_o the_o offering_n of_o sacrifice_n and_o tell_v they_o he_o will_v not_o have_v it_o seem_v to_o they_o a_o hard_a say_n or_o a_o unreasonable_a request_n that_o he_o enjoin_v they_o to_o be_v thus_o holy_a and_o to_o serve_v god_n with_o all_o the_o power_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o body_n for_o whatever_o they_o may_v think_v or_o satan_n may_v be_v ready_a to_o suggest_v to_o the_o contrary_a yet_o be_v you_o assure_v the_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n this_o willing_a live_a and_o holy_a sacrifice_n be_v but_o what_o be_v just_a and_o right_a and_o what_o in_o reason_n you_o ought_v to_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v but_o your_o reasonable_a service_n now_o if_o you_o will_v show_v yourselves_o man_n this_o argument_n must_v needs_o prevail_v with_o you_o that_o religion_n be_v rational_a though_o some_o thing_n in_o it_o be_v above_o reason_n yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v in_o it_o but_o what_o be_v high_o reasonable_a be_v not_o my_o way_n equal_a 25._o ezek._n 18._o 25._o say_v the_o lord_n why_o what_o be_v just_a and_o equal_a must_v needs_o be_v reasonable_a if_o ever_o man_n do_v thing_n rational_a and_o become_a themselves_o it_o be_v upon_o serious_a thought_n and_o due_a consideration_n upon_o which_o david_n tell_v 59_o psal_n 119._o 59_o you_o he_o betake_v himself_o to_o god_n service_n and_o turn_v his_o foot_n unto_o god_n testimony_n and_o be_v it_o not_o say_v of_o the_o prodigal_n that_o when_o he_o come_v to_o himself_o he_o return_v to_o his_o father_n while_o he_o be_v hairbrained_a mad_a and_o inconsiderate_a 17_o luk._n 15._o 17_o beside_o himself_o as_o it_o be_v he_o go_v on_o in_o his_o riotous_a course_n after_o his_o harlot_n but_o when_o he_o come_v to_o reflect_v to_o consult_v his_o reason_n he_o quick_o come_v to_o this_o resolution_n i_o will_v return_v to_o my_o father_n hence_o religion_n in_o scripture_n be_v call_v wisdom_n and_o the_o religious_a man_n the_o wise_a the_o know_v and_o the_o prudent_a man_n and_o sin_n be_v style_v folly_n and_o foolishness_n and_o wicked_a man_n fool_n and_o unreasonable_a now_o to_o make_v this_o more_o apparent_a we_o shall_v consider_v 2._o 2_o thes_n 3._o 2._o the_o several_a part_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o credenda_fw-la agenda_fw-la and_o speranda_fw-la those_o thing_n which_o religion_n require_v we_o to_o believe_v do_v and_o hope_v for_o all_o which_o be_v high_o rational_a or_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n §_o 2._o to_o begin_v with_o the_o credenda_fw-la or_o credenda_fw-la credenda_fw-la what_o religion_n require_v we_o to_o believe_v 1._o as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n this_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n in_o religion_n the_o first_o thing_n religion_n require_v our_o belief_n of_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v say_v 6._o heb._n 11._o 6._o the_o apostle_n and_o be_v not_o this_o high_o rational_a to_o believe_v a_o god_n a_o first_o be_v who_o give_v be_v to_o all_o other_o thing_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n why_o do_v david_n style_v he_o a_o fool_n who_o say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n if_o it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n to_o believe_v there_o be_v one_o if_o you_o consider_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o can_v any_o man_n in_o reason_n think_v they_o come_v together_o by_o chance_n if_o you_o cast_v your_o eye_n up_o towards_o the_o heaven_n and_o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o compass_n of_o those_o vast_a body_n consider_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o sun_n the_o light_n of_o the_o moon_n and_o star_n the_o beauty_n order_n and_o exact_a motion_n of_o they_o all_o continue_v some_o thousand_o of_o year_n without_o error_n diminution_n or_o interruption_n or_o if_o you_o look_v downward_o upon_o the_o earth_n and_o consider_v how_o it_o be_v found_v and_o fasten_v without_o prop_n or_o pillar_n and_o make_v to_o hang_v in_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o air_n how_o it_o be_v compass_v with_o water_n which_o swell_v above_o it_o be_v interveined_a with_o river_n cover_v with_o grass_n and_o herb_n enrich_v with_o sundry_a choice_n and_o virtuous_a mineral_n beautify_v with_o flower_n and_o furnish_v with_o all_o manner_n of_o fruit_n necessary_a for_o man_n and_o beast_n be_v it_o ratonial_a to_o think_v that_o all_o this_o be_v by_o chance_n be_v it_o by_o chance_n that_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n most_o contrary_a as_o hot_a and_o cold_a moist_a and_o
of_o your_o own_o conscience_n be_v you_o convince_v that_o god_n in_o all_o respect_n be_v the_o best_a master_n and_o that_o religion_n will_v bring_v you_o the_o great_a profit_n and_o sure_a gain_n in_o the_o end_n have_v the_o promise_n both_o of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v why_o then_o will_v you_o not_o serve_v god_n and_o become_v religious_a do_v you_o not_o know_v that_o sin_n against_o conscience_n will_v bring_v upon_o you_o the_o great_a vengeance_n be_v you_o not_o also_o convince_v of_o this_o that_o man_n when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v wish_v they_o have_v mind_v religion_n more_o and_o serve_v god_n better_a and_o do_v you_o not_o think_v that_o when_o death_n seize_v you_o you_o shall_v be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o say_v o_o that_o i_o have_v more_o regard_v holiness_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o dedicate_v and_o devote_a myself_o to_o god_n by_o a_o holy_a life_n who_o make_v i_o heap_v many_o mercy_n upon_o i_o and_o promise_v infinite_a and_o eternal_a reward_n to_o i_o and_o will_v not_o the_o thought_n and_o remembrance_n of_o your_o neglect_n of_o religion_n and_o service_n of_o god_n now_o at_o death_n be_v more_o bitter_a than_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o can_v have_v be_v burdensome_a in_o your_o life_n without_o doubt_v it_o will_v and_o must_v therefore_o if_o you_o will_v not_o be_v self-condemned_n at_o death_n and_o judgement_n resolve_v to_o become_v speedy_o and_o serious_o religious_a to_o redeem_v your_o time_n to_o serve_v the_o true_a and_o live_a god_n with_o the_o deep_a humility_n the_o great_a fear_n the_o hot_a love_n and_o high_a faith_n and_o the_o remainder_n of_o your_o day_n to_o have_v your_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n that_o the_o end_n may_v be_v everlasting_a life_n chap._n viii_o wherein_o be_v brief_o set_v forth_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n above_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n §_o 1._o as_o a_o far_a persuasive_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n consider_v that_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n the_o way_n to_o heaven_n take_v it_o at_o the_o very_o worst_a with_o all_o the_o misery_n and_o affliction_n that_o may_v attend_v it_o be_v better_a than_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n the_o way_n to_o hell_n take_v it_o at_o the_o very_o best_a with_o all_o the_o sensual_a delight_n and_o pleasure_n that_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o it_o the_o poor_a bitter_a most_o despise_a way_n to_o rest_n and_o felicity_n be_v infinite_o more_o choosable_a than_o the_o rich_a sweet_a full_a and_o fair_a way_n to_o torment_n and_o misery_n it_o be_v better_a to_o go_v to_o christ_n through_o a_o dungeon_n in_o chain_n of_o iron_n than_o to_o satan_n through_o a_o paradise_n in_o chain_n of_o gold_n look_v upon_o these_o two_o with_o a_o proper_a real_a and_o sound_a estimation_n and_o there_o be_v no_o comparison_n between_o the_o worst_a of_o piety_n and_o the_o best_a of_o iniquity_n one_o be_v call_v the_o way_n of_o darkness_n the_o other_o the_o way_n of_o light_n the_o one_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n the_o other_o the_o way_n of_o error_n the_o way_n of_o holiness_n be_v call_v the_o way_n of_o life_n the_o way_n of_o sin_n the_o way_n of_o death_n the_o one_o end_n in_o the_o high_a communion_n with_o god_n the_o other_o in_o the_o full_a separation_n from_o god_n the_o former_a lead_n to_o the_o great_a supernatural_a blessedness_n the_o other_o to_o the_o low_a and_o most_o inconceivable_a destruction_n now_o that_o i_o may_v full_o convince_v your_o judgement_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v hint_n some_o scripture_n argument_n to_o confirm_v it_o and_o such_o as_o carry_v with_o they_o the_o great_a force_n of_o reason_n to_o persuade_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o believe_v it_o they_o be_v such_o as_o these_o §_o 2._o though_o there_o be_v more_o miserable_a evil_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o godly_a yet_o there_o be_v more_o sinful_a evil_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o wicked_a divine_n distinguish_v of_o evil_n sinful_a and_o sorrowful_a evil_n sorrowful_a or_o penal_a evil_n which_o be_v these_o outward_a loss_n abridgement_n want_n disquietness_n pain_n sickness_n reproach_n and_o such_o like_a there_o be_v indeed_o many_o of_o these_o evil_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o there_o be_v sinful_a evil_n as_o wickedness_n of_o heart_n profaneness_n of_o life_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o ungodly_a now_o consider_v all_o the_o sorrowful_a miserable_a evil_n of_o this_o life_n and_o they_o be_v but_o minimum_n in_o genere_fw-la malorum_fw-la the_o least_o kind_n of_o evil_n as_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n be_v the_o least_o kind_n of_o good_a thing_n therefore_o so_o often_o heap_v upon_o the_o wicked_a and_o as_o i_o say_v these_o outward_a evil_n which_o be_v opposite_a to_o these_o outward_a good_a thing_n be_v but_o the_o least_o kind_n of_o evil_n as_o poverty_n be_v opposite_a to_o riches_n imprisonment_n to_o liberty_n sickness_n to_o health_n and_o want_v to_o fullness_n but_o what_o be_v a_o sinful_a evil_a opposite_a to_o it_o be_v opposite_a to_o the_o best_a to_o the_o great_a good_a that_o be_v god_n opposite_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o the_o nature_n glory_n presence_n and_o fruition_n of_o god_n some_o good_a may_v come_v by_o sorrowful_a evil_n a_o man_n may_v climb_v to_o heaven_n by_o the_o cross_n as_o the_o good_a thief_n do_v but_o no_o good_a can_v come_v to_o a_o man_n by_o sinful_a evil_n for_o they_o be_v all_o kill_a and_o damn_v now_o what_o be_v a_o light_a affliction_n for_o a_o moment_n to_o a_o destruction_n endless_a and_o intolerable_a §_o 3._o there_o be_v some_o cross_n in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o religion_n but_o there_o be_v many_o curse_n in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n our_o saviour_n have_v say_v indeed_o if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o such_o must_v expect_v trouble_n but_o the_o advantage_n be_v as_o the_o christian_a be_v not_o exempt_v from_o the_o cross_n so_o neither_o be_v the_o cross_n divide_v from_o the_o comfort_n but_o as_o their_o suffering_n abound_v so_o their_o consolation_n 5._o cor._n 2._o 1._o 5._o abound_v much_o more_o by_o christ_n and_o a_o sweeten_v cross_n be_v better_a than_o a_o imbitter_v crown_n it_o be_v better_a that_o the_o meat_n lie_v in_o the_o preserve_a brine_n than_o rot_v in_o the_o sweet_a honey_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n there_o be_v it_o may_v be_v not_o so_o many_o cross_n but_o more_o curse_n as_o the_o way_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v fill_v up_o with_o sin_n so_o it_o be_v fill_v up_o all_o along_o with_o curse_n the_o 33._o pro._n 3._o 33._o curse_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o he_o bless_v the_o habitation_n of_o the_o just_a and_o in_o the_o 28_o of_o deuteronomy_n see_v how_o cap._n deut._n 28._o ad_fw-la finem_fw-la cap._n thick_a curse_n be_v sow_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o wicked_a curse_v shall_v he_o be_v in_o the_o field_n curse_a shall_v he_o be_v in_o the_o city_n curse_v in_o his_o basket_n in_o his_o store_n etc._n etc._n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o miserable_a way_n that_o a_o man_n can_v set_v a_o step_n in_o it_o but_o a_o curse_n attend_v he_o be_v not_o a_o prison_n where_o the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n shine_v better_a than_o a_o palace_n where_o the_o cloud_n of_o god_n wrath_n set_v be_v it_o not_o better_a to_o meet_v with_o unpleasant_a physic_n than_o to_o drink_v a_o delightful_a cup_n of_o poison_n be_v not_o a_o cross_n in_o the_o way_n and_o happiness_n in_o the_o end_n better_a than_o pleasure_n in_o the_o way_n and_o cursedness_n in_o the_o end_n then_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n be_v better_a than_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n §_o 4._o though_o in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n you_o may_v enjoy_v more_o of_o the_o creature_n yet_o in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n you_o shall_v enjoy_v more_o of_o god_n wicked_a man_n in_o scripture_n be_v call_v child_n of_o the_o night_n good_a man_n child_n of_o the_o day_n now_o though_o in_o the_o night_n there_o be_v more_o star_n yet_o in_o the_o day_n there_o be_v more_o sun_n and_o the_o sunlight_n be_v better_a than_o starlight_n the_o ungodly_a possess_v more_o of_o this_o world_n therefore_o call_v the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n who_o belly_n god_n be_v say_v to_o fill_v with_o this_o world_n as_o he_o do_v dives_n he_o but_o he_o have_v better_a be_v without_o it_o and_o david_n speak_v of_o the_o wicked_a say_v they_o 21._o psa_fw-la 73._o job_n 21._o have_v more_o than_o heart_n can_v wish_v and_o job_n