for_o god_n with_o another_o day_n wherein_o thou_o have_v be_v cold_a and_o dead_a and_o formal_a and_o careless_a of_o thy_o heart_n and_o forgetful_a of_o god_n and_o weigh_v the_o fruit_n of_o these_o two_o day_n walk_v together_o and_o see_v whether_o there_o be_v not_o a_o vast_a difference_n betwixt_o these_o what_o joy_n and_o rejoice_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o thy_o thought_n those_o day_n and_o hour_n be_v sweet_a than_o these_o which_o have_v be_v spend_v in_o vanity_n will_v thou_o not_o conclude_v i_o have_v more_o peace_n with_o my_o spirit_n and_o spiritual_a joy_n and_o rejoice_v after_o every_o day_n so_o spend_v yea_o the_o very_a remembrance_n of_o those_o hour_n do_v yield_v some_o sweetness_n to_o i_o now_o when_o i_o think_v of_o they_o but_o these_o hour_n which_o have_v be_v spend_v without_o god_n oh_o they_o be_v burdensome_a to_o my_o soul_n when_o i_o remember_v they_o i_o will_v therefore_o return_v and_o study_v to_o keep_v close_o with_o god_n in_o who_o be_v all_o my_o strength_n and_o comfort_n for_o it_o be_v better_a with_o i_o then_o then_o now_o have_v now_o finish_v these_o three_o query_n i_o come_v to_o the_o four_o and_o last_o four_o to_o inquire_v why_o the_o wiseman_n direct_v this_o to_o the_o young_a man_n rather_o than_o any_o other_o methinks_v i_o hear_v the_o young_a one_o say_v this_o be_v not_o counsel_v fit_a for_o we_o it_o be_v a_o yoke_n not_o suitable_a to_o our_o neck_n we_o be_v tender_a and_o not_o fit_a for_o the_o yoke_n as_o yet_o he_o may_v well_o have_v spare_v we_o and_o give_v we_o the_o liberty_n of_o our_o youth_n before_o he_o have_v put_v we_o upon_o such_o hard_a and_o difficult_a service_n as_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v now_o to_o answer_v such_o secret_a objection_n and_o to_o show_v the_o equity_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o preacher_n exhortation_n and_o i_o shall_v be_v the_o large_a in_o this_o thing_n from_o these_o three_o move_a consideration_n which_o have_v put_v i_o on_o this_o discourse_n first_o because_o of_o that_o common_a plea_n which_o be_v find_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o young_a one_o they_o say_v as_o those_o do_v by_o the_o prophet_n it_o be_v not_o yet_o time_n second_o because_o the_o lord_n have_v cast_v i_o into_o a_o place_n where_o there_o be_v abundance_n of_o young_a one_o and_o i_o fear_v but_o a_o small_a company_n of_o so_o many_o that_o be_v serious_o engage_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o his_o way_n three_o because_o i_o find_v very_o little_a encouragement_n from_o old_a one_o i_o see_v every_o where_o that_o god_n bring_v in_o few_o of_o they_o they_o be_v so_o settle_v on_o their_o lees_n that_o there_o be_v no_o shake_n of_o they_o it_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o all_o man_n almost_o in_o these_o day_n that_o where_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v the_o success_n and_o encouragement_n be_v chief_o if_o not_o only_o on_o the_o heart_n of_o young_a one_o we_o see_v that_o god_n put_v but_o little_a of_o the_o new_a wine_n of_o the_o gospel_n into_o old_a bottle_n they_o be_v so_o taint_v with_o their_o superstition_n their_o carnal_a compliance_n formality_n and_o luke_o warmness_n that_o god_n do_v general_o cast_v they_o aside_o as_o unuseful_a the_o time_n be_v now_o come_v when_o the_o lord_n be_v make_v good_a that_o word_n rev._n 22.11_o let_v he_o that_o be_v filthy_a be_v filthy_a still_o let_v they_o that_o have_v cleaved_a to_o their_o superstition_n and_o will-worship_n do_v so_o still_o let_v those_o who_o have_v profane_v sabbath_n and_o ordinance_n do_v so_o still_o and_o let_v those_o who_o have_v sit_v sermon_n proof_n and_o judgement-proof_n and_o mercy_n proof_n sit_v so_o still_o i_o think_v the_o lord_n be_v say_v so_o to_o abundance_n in_o this_o place_n who_o have_v not_o be_v move_v nor_o wrought_v upon_o nor_o change_v by_o all_o the_o gracious_a plead_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o he_o be_v now_o call_v in_o to_o himself_o a_o generation_n of_o young_a one_o to_o hear_v his_o name_n in_o this_o place_n and_o therefore_o my_o speech_n shall_v be_v principal_o to_o you_o the_o youth_n of_o this_o place_n to_o persuade_v you_o to_o set_v serious_o about_o this_o work_n of_o god_n and_o your_o poor_a soul_n it_o be_v to_o you_o that_o the_o lord_n call_v at_o this_o time_n quest_n why_o shall_v the_o youth_n be_v set_v a_o part_n especial_o for_o god_n answ_n for_o these_o reason_n 1._o because_o god_n have_v make_v choice_n of_o this_o time_n typical_o in_o the_o law_n in_o the_o first_o bear_v exod._n 13.2_o sanctify_v unto_o i_o the_o first_o bear_v whosoever_o open_v the_o womb_n among_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n both_o of_o man_n and_o of_o beast_n it_o be_v i_o god_n have_v command_v this_o for_o himself_o because_o it_o be_v the_o best_a of_o our_o time_n as_o the_o first_o bear_v be_v the_o prime_n of_o the_o strength_n gen._n 19.3_o reuben_n thou_o be_v my_o first-born_a my_o might_n and_o the_o beginning_n of_o my_o strength_n the_o excellency_n of_o dignity_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o power_n now_o in_o regard_n of_o this_o it_o be_v account_v a_o great_a loss_n to_o lose_v the_o first-born_a god_n put_v this_o as_o a_o ingredient_n into_o that_o plague_n in_o egypt_n exod._n 4.23_o and_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o let_v my_o son_n go_v that_o he_o may_v serve_v i_o and_o if_o thou_o refuse_v to_o let_v he_o go_v behold_v i_o will_v slay_v thy_o son_n even_o thy_o first-born_a oh_o how_o do_v man_n bring_v this_o plague_n upon_o themselves_o who_o destroy_v their_o first-born_a their_o youth_n the_o beginning_n of_o their_o strength_n it_o be_v as_o bad_a as_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o israelite_n who_o offer_v their_o son_n and_o daughter_n to_o devil_n second_o the_o lord_n typifi_v this_o in_o their_o first_o fruit_n exod._n 34.26_o the_o first_o of_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o thy_o land_n thou_o shall_v bring_v into_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n exod._n 22.29_o thou_o shall_v not_o delay_v to_o offer_v the_o first_o of_o the_o ripe_a fruit_n and_o of_o thy_o liquor_n the_o first-born_a of_o thy_o son_n shall_v thou_o give_v unto_o i_o nay_o the_o lord_n be_v so_o exact_a and_o punctual_a in_o this_o that_o he_o will_v have_v no_o exchange_n make_v ezek._n 48.14_o and_o they_o shall_v not_o sell_v of_o it_o neither_o exchange_n nor_o alienate_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o land_n for_o it_o be_v holy_a unto_o the_o lord_n here_o may_v be_v a_o query_n raise_v why_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o sell_v those_o and_o yet_o will_v suffer_v nay_o command_v that_o their_o son_n shall_v be_v redeem_v exod._n 34.20_o all_o the_o first-born_a of_o thy_o son_n shall_v be_v redeem_v and_o none_o shall_v appear_v before_o i_o empty_a ans_fw-fr 1._o to_o show_v how_o much_o equity_n and_o reason_n there_o be_v for_o that_o law_n that_o it_o be_v make_v here_o with_o a_o proviso_n against_o any_o charge_n 2_o there_o be_v mercy_n in_o redeem_v the_o one_o and_o the_o not_o redeem_v the_o other_o 3_o the_o lord_n by_o suffer_v the_o son_n to_o be_v redeem_v do_v enjoy_v the_o end_n of_o that_o law_n for_o they_o be_v only_o redeem_v from_o death_n they_o be_v still_o he_o now_o i_o say_v as_o god_n will_v not_o have_v a_o exchange_n in_o this_o case_n so_o it_o be_v vanity_n in_o any_o of_o we_o to_o think_v of_o compound_v the_o business_n with_o he_o he_o will_v have_v the_o beginning_n of_o thy_o strength_n do_v not_o thou_o say_v i_o will_v give_v he_o the_o dregs_o of_o it_o say_v not_o the_o latter_a day_n be_v good_a enough_o for_o he_o have_v choose_v the_o first_o and_o if_o thou_o will_v be_v accept_v with_o he_o observe_v his_o choice_n observe_v the_o first_o offer_v that_o we_o read_v of_o gen._n 4.3_o 4._o cain_n bring_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o ground_n a_o offering_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o abel_n bring_v of_o the_o firstling_n of_o his_o flock_n and_o the_o lord_n respect_v he_o and_o his_o offering_n one_o bring_v fruit_n the_o other_o the_o first_o fruit_n and_o he_o respect_v the_o one_o and_o not_o the_o other_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v before_o the_o special_a law_n of_o first_o bear_v and_o first-fruit_n which_o show_v that_o it_o be_v not_o ceremonial_a but_o moral_n and_o so_o continue_v for_o ever_o as_o a_o stand_a rule_n for_o a_o creature_n to_o offer_v up_o the_o first_o and_o choice_a of_o everything_o to_o god_n reason_n 2._o this_o be_v the_o choice_a of_o thy_o time_n therefore_o fit_a for_o such_o designation_n most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o great_a work_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o will_v appear_v if_o you_o consider_v these_o follow_a particular_n first_o thy_o affection_n be_v ripe_a
be_v choose_v and_o when_o reason_n and_o judgement_n be_v quick_a and_o least_o engage_v lest_o the_o engage_v of_o these_o blind_v thou_o that_o thou_o will_v not_o see_v the_o scale_n when_o it_o turn_v we_o have_v a_o scripture_n which_o will_v give_v much_o light_n to_o this_o heb._n 11.24_o 25._o moses_n when_o he_o come_v to_o year_n refuse_v to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o pharaoh_n daughter_n and_o choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n then_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n when_o he_o come_v to_o weigh_v and_o consider_v thing_n and_o to_o make_v his_o choice_n than_o he_o refuse_v to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o pharaoh_n daughter_n than_o he_o throw_v away_o the_o court_n honour_n and_o pleasure_n but_o it_o be_v in_o judgement_n he_o choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n he_o see_v something_o of_o great_a importance_n to_o he_o before_o this_o time_n he_o be_v please_v well_o enough_o with_o egyptian_a toy_n and_o trifle_n of_o the_o court_n but_o now_o come_v his_o choose_n time_n he_o must_v be_v sete_v in_o his_o spirit_n and_o he_o weigh_v all_o and_o upon_o a_o serious_a survey_n of_o both_o side_n he_o throw_v away_o the_o rattle_n which_o he_o have_v play_v withal_o before_o and_o he_o make_v another_o choice_n he_o choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v thus_o we_o have_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o choice_n here_o be_v a_o second_o word_n to_o make_v it_o more_o full_a in_o thy_o choice_a day_n in_o the_o day_n that_o thou_o be_v fit_a for_o meditation_n or_o action_n than_o set_v the_o lord_n before_o thou_o do_v not_o put_v off_o the_o thought_n of_o god_n till_o a_o time_n when_o thou_o shall_v be_v altogether_o unfit_a for_o he_o and_o his_o service_n till_o a_o time_n wherein_o thou_o will_v be_v fit_a for_o nothing_o these_o be_v the_o choice_a day_n and_o thy_o youth_n be_v the_o choose_n time_n we_o have_v the_o same_o word_n which_o in_o my_o text_n be_v render_v youth_n read_v choose_v man_n 2_o sam._n 6.1_o david_n gather_v together_o the_o choose_a man_n of_o israel_n the_o choice_a and_o fit_a man_n for_o action_n now_o thou_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o this_o sense_n seem_v to_o correspond_v much_o with_o the_o text_n for_o it_o agree_v much_o with_o that_o which_o be_v but_o a_o paraphrase_n upon_o these_o word_n before_o the_o evil_a day_n come_v when_o thou_o shall_v say_v i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o they_o do_v not_o say_v in_o thy_o heart_n i_o will_v try_v what_o the_o world_n will_v afford_v i_o now_o and_o when_o i_o have_v suck_v the_o breast_n of_o her_o consolation_n dry_a and_o there_o no_o more_o to_o be_v have_v there_o than_o i_o will_v try_v what_o be_v to_o be_v have_v in_o religion_n what_o the_o way_n of_o god_n will_v yield_v this_o religion_n be_v a_o thing_n only_o fit_a for_o old_a man_n and_o woman_n that_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v who_o palate_n be_v grow_v old_a and_o can_v relish_v or_o taste_v the_o delight_n which_o youth_n afford_v or_o who_o memory_n be_v grow_v weak_a and_o have_v forget_v the_o pleasure_n of_o their_o past_a day_n these_o may_v begin_v to_o think_v of_o heaven_n now_o their_o blood_n be_v grow_v cold_a and_o their_o sense_n fail_v they_o that_o they_o can_v hardly_o distinguish_v between_o sweet_a and_o bitter_a when_o we_o have_v wear_v out_o ourselves_o in_o the_o world_n and_o cripple_v our_o body_n and_o wear_v out_o our_o sense_n in_o turn_v every_o stone_n and_o suck_v every_o flower_n which_o will_v afford_v we_o any_o comfort_n then_o will_v we_o creep_v to_o our_o closet_n and_o cloister_n up_o ourselves_o there_o too_o and_o spend_v the_o remainder_n of_o our_o day_n in_o pray_v and_o sigh_v but_o for_o our_o youth_n you_o must_v excuse_v we_o we_o will_v take_v this_o time_n to_o ourselves_o to_o eat_v drink_v and_o be_v merry_a and_o put_v death_n and_o judgement_n and_o every_o troublesome_a thought_n from_o we_o o_o say_v not_o thus_o in_o your_o heart_n but_o in_o your_o choice_n day_n begin_v thus_o work_v for_o no_o day_n nor_o time_n be_v too_o precious_a for_o the_o lord_n i_o have_v now_o brief_o open_v the_o word_n i_o shall_v propound_v such_o observation_n as_o will_v natural_o flow_v from_o they_o 1._o that_o every_o man_n have_v a_o choice_n or_o choose_v time_n 2_o god_n expect_v that_o at_o that_o time_n we_o shall_v choose_v he_o 3_o it_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o begin_v with_o the_o loâ—d_n before_o we_o be_v too_o far_o engage_v in_o other_o choyce_n 4._o remember_v and_o consider_v or_o set_v god_n before_o our_o eye_n be_v a_o great_a duty_n and_o a_o great_a help_n towards_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n 5._o no_o time_n so_o fit_a for_o this_o great_a work_n as_o the_o youth_n i_o shall_v not_o handle_v all_o these_o distinct_o but_o shall_v draw_v they_o into_o one_o grand_a conclusion_n and_o in_o handle_v that_o i_o shall_v touch_v and_o clear_v up_o all_o these_o as_o branch_n of_o that_o great_a truth_n which_o lie_v in_o the_o word_n which_o be_v this_o doctrine_n that_o nothing_o conduce_v more_o to_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o a_o mean_n on_o our_o part_n than_o a_o sea_n able_a and_o timely_a set_v he_o before_o our_o eye_n a_o serious_a and_o a_o solemn_a call_n forth_o of_o the_o attribute_n of_o the_o glorious_a god_n and_o compare_v and_o weigh_v they_o with_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o creature_n do_v wonderful_o conduce_v to_o the_o balance_a our_o spirit_n and_o to_o the_o set_n and_o fix_v they_o upon_o god_n as_o our_o and_o chief_a good_a and_o at_o least_o to_o over-awe_n our_o spirit_n with_o a_o fear_n of_o he_o if_o not_o to_o draw_v forth_o the_o heart_n unto_o a_o love_n of_o he_o for_o it_o be_v very_o clear_a that_o all_o the_o wickedness_n among_o man_n do_v arise_v from_o a_o forgetfulness_n of_o god_n david_n render_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o wickedness_n of_o his_o enemy_n psal_n 54.3_o they_o do_v not_o set_v god_n before_o they_o for_o stranger_n be_v rise_v up_o against_o i_o and_o oppressor_n seek_v after_o my_o soul_n they_o have_v not_o set_v god_n before_o they_o and_o in_o that_o forementioned_a place_n deut._n 8.11_o 12._o the_o lord_n clear_o expound_v disobedience_n and_o forgetfulness_n of_o himself_o one_o by_o the_o other_o i_o shall_v not_o spend_v time_n in_o prove_v this_o truth_n general_o but_o shall_v divide_v my_o discourse_n into_o these_o four_o part_n 1._o to_o inquire_v how_o and_o what_o of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v set_v before_o our_o eye_n to_o help_v forward_o this_o work_n 2._o how_o the_o set_n of_o the_o lord_n before_o we_o do_v further_o this_o fear_n in_o our_o heart_n 3._o how_o to_o keep_v the_o lord_n in_o our_o eye_n when_o we_o have_v he_o there_o 4._o why_o the_o young_a man_n especial_o must_v set_v upon_o this_o duty_n for_o the_o first_o how_o and_o what_o of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v set_v before_o our_o eye_n to_o help_v forward_o this_o work_n answ_n i_o will_v begin_v with_o that_o in_o the_o text_n consider_v he_o as_o thy_o creator_n this_o do_v sure_o reach_v thou_o this_o reach_n angel_n and_o man_n and_o devil_n in_o in_o ipsa_fw-la voce_fw-la creatoris_fw-la occultum_fw-la habetur_fw-la argumentum_fw-la look_v to_o thy_o very_a be_v or_o to_o the_o being_n of_o thy_o creature-enjoyment_n and_o nature_n will_v tell_v thou_o by_o these_o that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o thou_o do_v owe_v he_o homage_n and_o service_n think_v what_o god_n may_v challenge_v from_o thou_o as_o thou_o be_v his_o creature_n the_o apostle_n condemn_v the_o heathen_a that_o they_o do_v not_o walk_v up_o to_o this_o light_n rom._n 1.21_o because_o that_o when_o they_o know_v god_n they_o glorify_v he_o not_o as_o god_n god_n complain_v from_o hence_o of_o unjust_a measure_n from_o his_o people_n ezek._n 16.18_o 19_o thou_o have_v set_v my_o oil_n and_o my_o incense_n before_o they_o my_o meat_n also_o which_o i_o give_v thou_o fine_a flower_n and_o oil_n and_o honey_n wherewith_o i_o feed_v thou_o thou_o have_v even_o set_v it_o before_o they_o for_o a_o sweet_a savour_n hosea_n 2.8_o for_o she_o do_v not_o know_v that_o i_o give_v her_o wine_n and_o oil_n and_o multiply_v her_o silver_n and_o gold_n which_o they_o prepare_v for_o baalim_fw-la and_o may_v not_o the_o same_o complaint_n be_v make_v against_o we_o that_o we_o offer_v up_o our_o time_n and_o strength_n and_o part_n to_o the_o world_n and_o sin_n and_o lust_n and_o satan_n do_v they_o give_v you_o these_o thing_n be_v these_o your_o creator_n do_v â—hey_n give_v you_o your_o be_v
and_o flourish_a and_o if_o thou_o do_v now_o give_v up_o thyself_o to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n thou_o may_v in_o all_o probability_n be_v serviceable_a to_o he_o but_o in_o thy_o old_a age_n all_o thy_o affection_n will_v be_v weaken_v especial_o those_o which_o shall_v most_v of_o all_o render_v thou_o serviceable_a to_o god_n 2_o thy_o affection_n of_o love_n and_o joy_n and_o zeal_n desire_n and_o hope_n which_o do_v most_o of_o all_o quicken_v soul_n and_o honour_v the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o their_o hand_n these_o will_v be_v all_o fall_v and_o there_o will_v be_v nothing_o leave_v but_o weakness_n and_o faintness_n and_o fear_v and_o passion_n and_o peevishness_n and_o how_o will_v these_o thing_n honour_v the_o lord_n o_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o eye_n to_o our_o affection_n in_o the_o great_a work_n of_o god_n for_o if_o these_o be_v lose_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o work_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n for_o the_o affection_n be_v the_o very_a hand_n that_o lay_v hold_v on_o christ_n and_o the_o foot_n that_o run_v after_o he_o and_o the_o instrument_n with_o which_o we_o work_v for_o he_o lose_v not_o this_o time_n if_o ever_o thou_o will_v take_v a_o time_n wherein_o god_n may_v be_v glorify_v by_o thou_o second_o now_o all_o thy_o sense_n be_v fresh_a and_o quick_a and_o thy_o soul_n most_o active_a and_o thou_o be_v best_a able_a to_o taste_v of_o that_o sweetness_n which_o be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o although_o the_o sweetness_n of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o satisfy_v the_o sense_n external_a neither_o be_v godliness_n as_o the_o familist_n make_v it_o a_o sensual_a life_n yet_o when_o the_o body_n be_v decay_v and_o the_o soul_n weaken_v as_o to_o all_o its_o exercise_n the_o soul_n be_v not_o deprive_v only_o of_o the_o relish_n which_o it_o have_v of_o carnal_a thing_n but_o even_o of_o spiritual_a one_o also_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v enjoy_v so_o much_o more_o of_o god_n in_o heaven_n than_o we_o do_v or_o can_v do_v here_o be_v because_o our_o body_n shall_v be_v fit_v to_o our_o soul_n we_o shall_v have_v none_o of_o the_o encumbrance_n of_o flesh_n and_o weakness_n and_o indisposition_n through_o sickness_n and_o old_a age_n which_o now_o do_v hinder_v we_o and_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o the_o better_a the_o soul_n be_v organise_v and_o fit_v for_o action_n through_o the_o strength_n and_o vigour_n of_o all_o the_o faculty_n the_o more_o capable_a it_o be_v of_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o of_o taste_v the_o sweetness_n that_o be_v in_o his_o way_n bring_v a_o man_n that_o be_v sick_a and_o weak_a never_o such_o precious_a and_o please_a meat_n and_o drink_n he_o affect_v they_o not_o because_o his_o palate_n be_v weak_a and_o he_o can_v taste_v the_o sweetness_n that_o be_v in_o they_o old_a age_n be_v the_o sickness_n of_o nature_n then_o she_o begin_v to_o be_v feeble_a and_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o the_o soul_n can_v act_v at_o the_o same_o rate_n either_o in_o natural_n or_o spiritual_n which_o it_o do_v when_o it_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o its_o strength_n a_o man_n can_v do_v so_o much_o work_v when_o his_o assistant_n and_o servant_n be_v all_o go_v from_o he_o as_o he_o can_v when_o he_o have_v they_o all_o at_o command_n the_o soul_n want_v many_o of_o her_o attendant_n they_o be_v dead_a or_o drowsy_a and_o very_o useless_a every_o member_n of_o the_o body_n and_o every_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v very_o weak_a and_o lame_a and_o there_o be_v little_o expect_v from_o they_o if_o ever_o thou_o will_v high_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n and_o thou_o will_v relish_v the_o sweetness_n that_o be_v in_o follow_v the_o lord_n jesus_n make_v trial_n in_o thy_o youth_n whilst_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o prime_n of_o thy_o strength_n for_o the_o breast_n of_o his_o consolation_n be_v full_a and_o require_v much_o strength_n to_o draw_v they_o they_o be_v of_o so_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a a_o nature_n if_o thy_o sense_n be_v so_o quick_a and_o comprehensive_a as_o adam_n be_v in_o innocency_n yet_o there_o be_v more_o then_o enough_o in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o in_o his_o way_n to_o exercise_v they_o and_o to_o satisfy_v they_o david_n speak_v large_o of_o his_o experience_n in_o this_o thing_n ps_n 19_o they_o be_v sweet_a than_o the_o honey_n and_o the_o honeycomb_n and_o in_o psalm_n one_o hundred_o and_o nineteen_o he_o commend_v they_o beyond_o all_o other_o good_a thing_n and_o speak_v elsewhere_o of_o this_o he_o set_v out_o the_o fullness_n and_o variety_n of_o sweetness_n which_o the_o way_n of_o god_n afford_v by_o this_o expression_n river_n of_o pleasure_n psalm_n 36.8_o they_o shall_v be_v abundant_o satisfy_v with_o the_o fatness_n of_o thy_o house_n and_o thou_o shall_v make_v they_o drink_v of_o the_o river_n of_o thy_o pleasure_n we_o may_v have_v another_o much_o like_a to_o this_o psalm_n 16.11_o in_o thy_o presence_n be_v fullness_n of_o joy_n at_o thy_o right_a hand_n there_o be_v pleasure_n for_o evermore_o o_o what_o a_o great_a mistake_n be_v there_o among_o many_o who_o refuse_v to_o give_v their_o youth_n to_o the_o lord_n because_o they_o can_v spare_v that_o from_o their_o pleasure_n they_o think_v that_o the_o devote_v that_o unto_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v the_o spoil_n of_o it_o let_v not_o saten_v delude_v any_o of_o your_o poor_a soul_n thus_o any_o more_o there_o be_v pleasure_n at_o god_n right_a hand_n and_o river_n of_o pleasure_n for_o soul_n to_o drink_v of_o who_o follow_v jesus_n christ_n when_o the_o summer_n brook_v which_o satan_n lead_v you_o to_o will_v all_o be_v dry_v up_o le_fw-fr he_o not_o draw_v you_o off_o from_o god_n with_o a_o pretence_n that_o there_o be_v no_o pleasure_n to_o be_v have_v in_o he_o but_o whenever_o he_o draw_v you_o after_o pleasure_n tell_v he_o how_o that_o you_o have_v hear_v that_o the_o wâ—y_n of_o god_n be_v sweet_a and_o that_o you_o will_v make_v trial_n of_o they_o whether_o they_o be_v so_o or_o not_o whilst_o you_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o your_o strength_n and_o best_a able_a to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o sweet_a and_o bitter_a good_a and_o evil_a and_o when_o thou_o have_v get_v but_o a_o taste_n of_o the_o sweetness_n of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n thou_o will_v have_v a_o answer_n at_o hand_n for_o he_o when_o he_o come_v and_o tell_v thou_o thy_o youth_n be_v fit_a for_o pleasure_n tell_v he_o then_o it_o be_v fit_a for_o god_n at_o who_o right_a hand_n be_v pleasure_n everlasting_a which_o thou_o will_v never_o more_o exchange_v for_o his_o deceivable_a lust_n three_o now_o thou_o have_v a_o opportunity_n to_o deny_v thyself_o for_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o commend_v the_o way_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o world_n and_o to_o set_v a_o high_a price_n upon_o they_o for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o when_o thou_o do_v deny_v the_o vain_a pleasure_n of_o sin_n when_o thou_o may_v enjoy_v they_o what_o a_o low_a value_n do_v thou_o set_v upon_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o thou_o will_v follow_v he_o at_o no_o other_o time_n but_o in_o that_o which_o in_o thy_o own_o judgement_n be_v fit_a for_o nothing_o else_o although_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v most_o unfit_a for_o that_o this_o can_v bean_n act_v of_o selfdenial_n when_o we_o will_v never_o come_v to_o god_n till_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o deny_v or_o part_v withal_o for_o he_o thou_o can_v not_o then_o say_v that_o thou_o forsake_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v unto_o christ_n when_o it_o have_v already_o forsake_v thou_o what_o pleasure_n will_v thou_o deny_v to_o follow_v god_n in_o thy_o old_a age_n in_o that_o day_n when_o thou_o shall_v say_v i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o it_o here_o will_v be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o self_n denial_n in_o many_o thing_n but_o now_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o way_n evident_o to_o make_v out_o thy_o self-denial_n for_o now_o whilst_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o strength_n of_o thy_o day_n and_o many_o temptation_n to_o enjoy_v the_o world_n and_o many_o way_n to_o enjoy_v it_o also_o now_o to_o renounce_v all_o and_o come_v into_o christ_n will_v be_v a_o eminent_a act_n of_o self-deniall_n all_o man_n will_v say_v lo_o here_o be_v one_o who_o have_v leave_v all_o to_o follow_v the_o lord_n and_o will_v not_o this_o beget_v a_o high_a esteem_n in_o man_n of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n when_o they_o shall_v fee_v thou_o prize_v it_o above_o all_o profit_n and_o pleasure_n and_o preferment_n and_o friend_n and_o companion_n when_o they_o see_v thou_o
cast_v these_o under_o foot_n when_o they_o be_v to_o be_v enjoy_v will_v they_o not_o say_v sure_o there_o be_v much_o sweetness_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n that_o this_o man_n deny_v himself_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n to_o follow_v they_o if_o ever_o thou_o will_v honour_v the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o set_v they_o up_o high_a in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o be_v eminent_a in_o this_o act_n of_o self-denial_n lose_v not_o thy_o youthful_a day_n but_o begin_v to_o follow_v the_o lord_n jesus_n whilst_o the_o world_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o be_v follow_v thou_o so_o shall_v thou_o be_v a_o true_a disciple_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n four_o the_o work_n be_v great_a which_o thou_o be_v call_v to_o and_o therefore_o fit_a for_o thy_o youth_n we_o know_v that_o we_o use_v to_o single_a out_o the_o morning_n for_o the_o choice_a employment_n which_o require_v greatness_n of_o strength_n and_o part_n and_o true_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v in_o this_o sense_n a_o morning_n work_n for_o it_o will_v call_v for_o the_o vigour_n and_o strength_n of_o thy_o affection_n strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n luk._n 13.24_o philip._n 3.14_o i_o press_v towards_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o price_n of_o the_o high_a call_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n man_n do_v wonderful_o mistake_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o they_o think_v that_o the_o sleep_a dote_a age_n be_v good_a enough_o for_o he_o true_o this_o be_v according_a to_o those_o conceit_n and_o fancy_n which_o they_o have_v of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o their_o thought_n be_v so_o low_a because_o they_o be_v so_o much_o stranger_n to_o it_o but_o if_o such_o soul_n be_v set_v true_o about_o the_o work_n they_o will_v find_v it_o so_o much_o above_o the_o strength_n they_o have_v when_o strong_a that_o they_o will_v easy_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o make_v delay_n and_o put_v it_o off_o till_o a_o time_n when_o they_o must_v expect_v less_o oh_o what_o folly_n be_v there_o in_o man_n heart_n and_o how_o little_a reason_n will_v those_o delayer_n have_v to_o stand_v by_o they_o at_o the_o last_o day_n when_o they_o delay_v the_o workbecause_fw-mi it_o seem_v hard_a and_o difficult_a and_o yet_o they_o put_v it_o off_o to_o a_o time_n wherein_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v much_o hard_a than_o now_o it_o be_v friend_n take_v heed_n of_o this_o folly_n it_o be_v too_o common_a among_o we_o it_o be_v against_o reason_n and_o against_o our_o practice_n in_o all_o other_o thing_n and_o if_o the_o devil_n have_v not_o a_o great_a power_n over_o man_n this_o deceit_n of_o the_o heart_n will_v be_v discern_v we_o see_v man_n will_v not_o do_v so_o in_o other_o thing_n they_o will_v study_v the_o season_n proper_a to_o every_o work_n but_o this_o of_o their_o soul_n the_o husbandman_n will_v not_o put_v off_o his_o summer_n work_v till_o winter_n nor_o his_o winter_n work_n till_o summer_n he_o will_v choose_v to_o do_v the_o work_n that_o be_v most_o painful_a and_o laborious_a before_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o day_n if_o a_o man_n walk_v by_o the_o sea_n wall_n &_o find_v a_o small_a breach_n that_o be_v make_v in_o upon_o the_o land_n he_o will_v not_o pass_v it_o by_o and_o say_v let_v it_o alone_o until_o the_o next_o week_n or_o year_n for_o say_v he_o it_o will_v grow_v much_o big_a by_o that_o time_n he_o will_v not_o make_v delay_n when_o he_o be_v sure_a that_o delay_n will_v make_v more_o work_n let_v we_o but_o study_v the_o season_n for_o our_o soul_n as_o they_o do_v let_v we_o do_v every_o thing_n to_o the_o best_a advantage_n the_o work_n be_v great_a begin_v when_o thou_o will_v but_o the_o long_a it_o be_v before_o thou_o begin_v it_o the_o more_o difficult_a thou_o will_v find_v it_o and_o the_o less_o strength_n thou_o will_v have_v to_o go_v through_o with_o it_o therefore_o begin_v in_o thy_o youth_n five_o it_o be_v a_o long_a work_n and_o therefore_o call_v for_o the_o morning_n of_o thy_o age_n he_o that_o will_v run_v this_o race_n shall_v set_v out_o early_o we_o know_v if_o a_o man_n have_v a_o long_a journey_n to_o go_v or_o a_o race_n to_o run_v upon_o some_o forfeiture_n he_o will_v covet_v for_o as_o much_o of_o the_o day_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o he_o to_o enjoy_v he_o will_v set_v out_o very_o early_o by_o the_o first_o appearance_n of_o day_n if_o we_o do_v but_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n we_o shall_v not_o think_v our_o day_n too_o long_o to_o spare_v any_o of_o it_o from_o our_o work_n especial_o of_o our_o choice_a hour_n three_o thing_n make_v this_o work_n long_o 1_o want_n of_o knowledge_n we_o have_v many_o thing_n to_o seek_v after_o 2_o want_n of_o experience_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v in_o notion_n 3_o much_o employment_n first_o in_o regard_n of_o knowledge_n we_o shall_v begin_v betimes_o how_o many_o thing_n be_v we_o ignorant_a of_o the_o gospel_n be_v full_a of_o mystery_n &_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v a_o mystery_n and_o we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n when_o we_o know_v most_o and_o yet_o may_v always_o know_v more_o than_o we_o do_v if_o we_o consider_v our_o natural_a estate_n we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o every_o truth_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n we_o know_v nothing_o aright_o 1_o cor_fw-la 2.14_o the_o natural_a man_n can_v perceive_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n therefore_o see_v there_o be_v no_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o spiritual_a thing_n till_o we_o set_v our_o face_n and_o heart_n heavenward_n we_o have_v need_n begin_v betimes_o if_o we_o look_v to_o our_o after-knowledge_n which_o be_v a_o fruit_n of_o conversion_n it_o be_v so_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a and_o there_o be_v so_o much_o ignorance_n in_o so_o many_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n that_o then_o we_o shall_v say_v o_o that_o we_o have_v begin_v soon_o with_o god_n then_o may_v we_o have_v be_v teacher_n of_o other_o whereas_o now_o we_o have_v need_v to_o be_v teach_v the_o very_a principle_n of_o christ_n if_o we_o begin_v at_o the_o first_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n yet_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o work_n so_o long_o in_o this_o regard_n that_o when_o the_o night_n come_v we_o shall_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o day_n have_v not_o be_v large_a enough_o or_o we_o have_v not_o be_v active_a enough_o to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o every_o mystery_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o we_o must_v leave_v some_o thing_n to_o learn_v when_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n second_o in_o respect_n of_o experience_n how_o many_o thing_n be_v there_o which_o we_o get_v in_o notion_n which_o we_o be_v content_a withal_o and_o seek_v not_o for_o the_o experience_n of_o it_o this_o require_v much_o time_n to_o seek_v after_o the_o experience_n and_o power_n and_o conformity_n to_o those_o truth_n of_o which_o we_o be_v convict_v in_o our_o judgement_n thou_o may_v learn_v many_o thing_n in_o a_o notional_a way_n in_o a_o short_a time_n but_o experience_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o so_o soon_o obtain_v the_o physician_n read_v many_o thing_n and_o they_o seem_v rational_a to_o he_o but_o this_o seem_v not_o enough_o to_o he_o until_o he_o get_v some_o experience_n of_o these_o thing_n till_o he_o have_v make_v trial_n of_o they_o it_o will_v require_v much_o time_n for_o thou_o to_o put_v every_o truth_n so_o to_o the_o touchstone_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o speak_v to_o it_o from_o thy_o own_o experimental_a knowledge_n and_o this_o will_v advise_v thou_o to_o begin_v betimes_o with_o the_o lord_n three_o in_o regard_n of_o employment_n o_o when_o thou_o come_v into_o christ_n thou_o will_v find_v abundance_n of_o work_n to_o do_v too_o much_o for_o the_o little_a time_n that_o be_v allot_v thou_o if_o thou_o look_v upon_o those_o without_o to_o labour_v to_o bring_v they_o in_o to_o christ_n thy_o bowel_n will_v sound_v towards_o they_o and_o thou_o will_v say_v in_o thy_o heart_n o_o that_o i_o have_v come_v in_o soon_o that_o i_o may_v have_v pity_v those_o poor_a soul_n soon_o in_o regard_n of_o those_o who_o be_v within_o there_o be_v some_o weak_a and_o they_o call_v for_o thou_o when_o thou_o be_v convert_v then_o strengthen_v thy_o brethren_n some_o be_v doubt_v and_o call_v for_o thou_o to_o comfort_v they_o some_o be_v fall_v and_o call_v for_o thou_o to_o restore_v they_o yea_o the_o strong_a as_o well_o as_o the_o weak_a have_v need_n of_o thou_o o_o there_o be_v work_n enough_o for_o thou_o to_o do_v among_o the_o saint_n if_o there_o be_v none_o in_o the_o world_n if_o thou_o have_v methusalem_n age_n to_o spend_v and_o see_v jesus_n christ_n have_v so_o much_o
to_o morrow_n he_o bid_v thou_o remember_v he_o in_o thy_o youth_n and_o thou_o say_v old_a age_n shall_v serve_v the_o turn_n what_o folly_n be_v this_o to_o set_v a_o time_n that_o thou_o have_v no_o assurance_n of_o god_n have_v make_v thou_o no_o promise_n that_o thou_o shall_v enjoy_v to_o morrow_n neither_o have_v he_o make_v thou_o any_o promise_n of_o acceptance_n to_o morrow_n but_o what_o say_v the_o scripture_n 2_o cor._n 6.2_o to_o day_n be_v the_o accept_a time_n reason_n 6._o delay_n be_v full_a of_o deceit_n a_o delay_a heart_n be_v very_o deceitful_a it_o be_v a_o very_a gull_n a_o cheat_n it_o speak_v one_o thing_n and_o intend_v another_o all_o the_o while_n its_o excuse_n and_o delay_n be_v always_o deceitful_a it_o will_v appear_v thus_o 1_o it_o deceive_v thou_o in_o tell_v thou_o that_o the_o work_n be_v easy_a and_o thou_o may_v do_v it_o as_o well_o in_o old_a age_n and_o therefore_o why_o need_v thou_o trouble_v thyself_o so_o early_o and_o lay_v out_o the_o prime_n of_o thy_o day_n in_o it_o when_o the_o dregs_o of_o it_o will_v serve_v as_o well_o here_o it_o lie_v for_o if_o thou_o set_v about_o this_o work_n thou_o will_v find_v it_o a_o hard_a work_n which_o as_o i_o have_v show_v will_v call_v for_o all_o thy_o strength_n 2_o it_o deceive_v thou_o whilst_o it_o tell_v thou_o that_o thou_o be_v willing_a to_o the_o thing_n but_o not_o to_o the_o time_n as_o if_o the_o difference_n be_v not_o so_o great_a betwixt_o god_n and_o thy_o soul_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v thy_o heart_n tell_v thou_o that_o thou_o be_v willing_a to_o come_v to_o christ_n and_o thou_o approve_v of_o and_o love_v the_o way_n of_o god_n only_o thou_o can_v not_o yet_o close_o with_o they_o when_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n as_o well_o as_o the_o time_n which_o thou_o do_v disrellish_a and_o the_o enmity_n against_o god_n and_o his_o way_n be_v discover_v by_o thy_o delay_n as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o by_o a_o gross_a denial_n be_v not_o they_o who_o stay_v behind_o upon_o pretend_a occasion_n as_o well_o judge_v enemy_n luke_n 14.16_o as_o they_o who_o say_v plain_o that_o they_o will_v not_o have_v christ_n to_o reign_v over_o they_o and_o if_o ever_o thy_o heart_n be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o way_n of_o god_n thou_o will_v make_v no_o delay_n the_o thing_n be_v once_o resolve_v in_o good_a earnest_n thou_o will_v not_o at_o all_o stick_n at_o the_o time_n 3_o it_o deceive_v thou_o by_o conceal_v thy_o inability_n from_o thou_o which_o be_v daily_o increase_v by_o thy_o delay_n the_o long_o thou_o deferre_v thy_o come_n in_o to_o christ_n the_o weak_a thou_o grow_v in_o soul_n and_o in_o body_n qui_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la hodie_fw-la etc._n etc._n 4_o there_o will_v be_v no_o end_n of_o delay_n the_o same_o reason_n thou_o have_v to_o put_v off_o seriousness_n from_o thy_o soul_n to_o day_n thou_o will_v have_v to_o morrow_n thou_o say_v to_o morrow_n will_v be_v time_n enough_o and_o thou_o will_v say_v so_o again_o to_o morrow_n if_o thou_o have_v a_o eternity_n to_o spend_v here_o thou_o will_v spend_v it_o in_o delay_n modo_fw-la &_o modo_fw-la non_fw-la habent_fw-la modum_fw-la reason_n 7._o thou_o will_v have_v one_o temptation_n the_o less_o to_o answer_v if_o thou_o come_v in_o now_o to_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v ordinary_o one_o it_o be_v now_o too_o late_o he_o that_o say_v always_o before_o it_o be_v too_o soon_o will_v as_o soon_o as_o thou_o be_v in_o good_a earnest_n tell_v thou_o that_o it_o be_v too_o late_o therefore_o labour_v to_o prevent_v he_o in_o this_o let_v he_o not_o have_v any_o room_n for_o such_o a_o objection_n against_o thy_o soul_n some_o soul_n have_v smart_v bitter_o under_o it_o make_v no_o more_o delay_n nor_o put-offs_a for_o the_o few_o of_o these_o thou_o make_v the_o less_o have_v he_o to_o build_v upon_o when_o ever_o he_o come_v to_o persuade_v thou_o to_o defer_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n a_o little_a long_o consider_v his_o design_n if_o thou_o yield_v to_o this_o temptation_n he_o will_v build_v a_o battery_n upon_o it_o against_o thy_o soul_n if_o ever_o it_o look_v real_o towards_o christ_n and_o he_o will_v terrify_v thou_o most_o with_o those_o delay_n which_o he_o have_v tempt_v thou_o to_o it_o have_v be_v a_o hard_a block_n to_o some_o poor_a soul_n to_o get_v over_o oh_o it_o be_v now_o too_o late_o oh_o if_o i_o have_v come_v in_o to_o christ_n at_o such_o a_o time_n when_o i_o be_v under_o such_o and_o such_o conviction_n at_o such_o a_o sermon_n or_o such_o a_o providence_n if_o then_o i_o have_v hearken_v to_o christ_n i_o have_v be_v accept_v but_o now_o i_o fear_v it_o be_v too_o late_o o_o take_v heed_n that_o thou_o do_v not_o administer_v occasion_n to_o satan_n to_o lay_v such_o a_o block_n in_o thy_o way_n begin_v betimes_o and_o the_o soon_o thou_o do_v begin_v the_o less_o advantage_n will_v he_o have_v in_o this_o point_n against_o thy_o soul_n reason_n 8._o because_o we_o find_v that_o those_o who_o have_v begin_v with_o god_n in_o their_o youth_n have_v attain_v to_o a_o great_a eminency_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o to_o begin_v with_o moses_n he_o begin_v with_o god_n in_o his_o youth_n in_o the_o prime_n of_o his_o age_n heb._n 11.24_o by_o faith_n moses_n when_o he_o come_v to_o year_n refuse_v to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o pharaoh_n daughter_n and_o to_o what_o height_n do_v he_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n and_o experience_n of_o the_o lord_n how_o do_v god_n honour_v he_o in_o give_v he_o such_o a_o wonderful_a discovery_n of_o himself_o in_o those_o day_n exod._n 33.11_o 19_o and_o the_o lord_n speak_v to_o moses_n face_n to_o face_n as_o a_o man_n speak_v to_o his_o friend_n ver_fw-la 19_o and_o he_o say_v i_o will_v make_v all_o my_o goodness_n pass_v before_o thou_o and_o i_o will_v proclaim_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n before_o thou_o god_n seem_v to_o grant_v he_o as_o much_o as_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o on_o this_o side_n glory_n as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v bear_v if_o god_n shall_v have_v let_v out_o more_o of_o his_o glory_n upon_o he_o it_o will_v have_v consume_v he_o second_o see_v how_o samuel_n prove_v in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o what_o repute_n and_o honour_n he_o live_v and_o dye_v among_o the_o people_n of_o god_n and_o he_o be_v one_o of_o these_o early_a beginner_n with_o god_n we_o find_v that_o the_o lord_n call_v he_o betimes_o and_o establish_v he_o for_o a_o prophet_n in_o his_o very_a childhood_n as_o you_o may_v see_v at_o large_a in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o samuel_n chap._n 3._o now_o how_o eminent_a this_o man_n prove_v with_o god_n in_o regard_n of_o his_o long_a acquaintance_n with_o god_n he_o prove_v great_a in_o prayer_n he_o be_v a_o prevailer_n with_o god_n and_o therefore_o david_n name_v he_o as_o the_o great_a artist_n this_o way_n psal_n 99.6_o samuel_n among_o those_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o and_o the_o lord_n honour_v his_o memory_n for_o this_o when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o grave_a jerm_n 15.1_o though_o moses_n and_o samuel_n stand_v before_o i_o the_o lord_n bring_v in_o these_o two_o early_a beginner_n together_o and_o say_v if_o any_o be_v like_a to_o prevail_v with_o i_o it_o be_v these_o my_o two_o old_a friend_n who_o take_v up_o acquaintance_n with_o i_o from_o their_o youth_n we_o know_v friendship_n be_v dear_a and_o most_o engage_v when_o it_o be_v begin_v in_o childhood_n and_o continue_v to_o a_o old_a friend_n time_n will_v fail_v to_o tell_v you_o of_o david_n how_o eminent_a he_o be_v for_o god_n who_o grow_v wise_a than_o his_o teacher_n and_o how_o soon_o he_o begin_v with_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o jeremiah_n and_o john_n who_o be_v sanctify_v in_o the_o womb_n and_o what_o measure_v of_o knowledge_n and_o grace_n they_o have_v and_o of_o timothy_n who_o be_v instruct_v from_o a_o child_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o how_o serviceable_a he_o prove_v to_o the_o church_n sure_o it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a that_o the_o scripture_n take_v so_o much_o notice_n of_o the_o come_n in_o of_o so_o many_o saint_n and_o that_o we_o find_v the_o most_o eminent_a of_o they_o be_v mention_v and_o to_o have_v give_v up_o their_o youth_n to_o god_n and_o if_o we_o will_v go_v by_o circumstance_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o many_o other_o of_o the_o patriarch_n prophet_n and_o apostle_n if_o not_o all_o be_v call_v in_o to_o give_v up_o their_o name_n to_o god_n very_o early_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v enough_o to_o engage_v we_o to_o begin_v with_o he_o in_o the_o morning_n if_o we_o will_v attain_v to_o that_o height_n they_o do_v
reason_n 9_o there_o be_v a_o promise_n to_o those_o that_o seek_v the_o lord_n early_o but_o there_o be_v none_o to_o those_o that_o seek_v he_o late_o mistake_v i_o not_o i_o will_v not_o weaken_v the_o hand_n of_o any_o if_o god_n move_v any_o old_a sinner_n to_o look_v after_o christ_n i_o do_v not_o say_v but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o promise_n for_o they_o that_o return_v at_o whatsoever_o time_n it_o be_v a_o promise_n to_o he_o as_o a_o seeker_n but_o not_o a_o particular_a promise_n to_o he_o as_o a_o late_o seeker_n but_o there_o be_v a_o promise_n particular_o to_o the_o early_o seeker_n prov._n 8.7_o they_o that_o seek_v i_o early_o shall_v find_v i_o and_o from_o hence_o the_o apostle_n press_v man_n to_o take_v hold_n of_o the_o opportunity_n heb._n 3.7.13_o and_o to_o day_n if_o you_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n but_o exhort_v one_o another_o daily_a while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n lest_o any_o of_o you_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfullnesse_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o prophet_n press_v the_o very_a same_o isa_n 55.6_o seek_v you_o the_o lord_n while_o he_o may_v be_v find_v call_v upon_o he_o while_o he_o be_v near_o the_o lord_n be_v near_o thou_o in_o the_o promise_n and_o especial_o to_o you_o young_a one_o because_o he_o be_v near_o you_o in_o the_o particular_a promise_n whereas_o he_o be_v near_o other_o but_o in_o the_o general_a promise_n o_o therefore_o be_v persuade_v to_o seek_v he_o whilst_o he_o be_v thus_o near_o to_o you_o use_v of_o caution_n to_o young_a one_o not_o to_o lose_v this_o time_n for_o we_o may_v say_v of_o youth_n as_o david_n say_v of_o the_o soul_n what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o it_o there_o be_v no_o price_n or_o ransom_n sufficient_a to_o redeem_v it_o from_o god_n the_o follow_a day_n if_o thou_o be_v sure_a to_o enjoy_v they_o and_o give_v they_o up_o to_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o a_o valuable_a consideration_n for_o thy_o youth_n nor_o will_v any_o time_n be_v so_o acceptable_a to_o god_n as_o this_o see_v how_o the_o lord_n prize_v youthful_a affection_n jer_n 2_o 2.3_o go_v and_o cry_v in_o the_o ear_n of_o jerusalem_n say_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n i_o remember_v thou_o the_o kindness_n of_o thy_o youth_n the_o love_n of_o thy_o espousal_n when_o thou_o wente_v after_o i_o in_o a_o wilderness_n in_o a_o land_n that_o be_v not_o sow_v vers_fw-la 3._o israel_n be_v holiness_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o his_o increase_n all_o that_o devour_v he_o shall_v offend_v evil_a shall_v come_v upon_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n time_n which_o may_v follow_v be_v either_o uncertain_a or_o not_o acceptable_a with_o god_n or_o not_o so_o advantageous_a to_o this_o work_n joh._n 9.4_o i_o must_v work_v the_o work_n of_o he_o that_o send_v i_o while_o it_o be_v day_n the_o night_n come_v when_o no_o man_n can_v work_v night_n will_v come_v and_o then_o there_o will_v be_v no_o work_n evening_n will_v come_v and_o it_o will_v be_v bad_a work_n but_o it_o be_v good_a work_n whilst_o it_o be_v day_n whilst_o it_o be_v noonday_n when_o thou_o have_v light_a upon_o light_n a_o double_a light_n the_o hebrew_n express_v noon_n by_o such_o a_o word_n that_o signify_v two_o light_n all_o these_o consideration_n lay_v together_o may_v help_v we_o to_o draw_v this_o conclusion_n lament_v 2.27_o it_o be_v good_a for_o a_o man_n to_o bear_v his_o yoke_n in_o his_o youth_n 2_o to_o old_a one_o who_o have_v neglect_v and_o lose_v this_o precious_a time_n of_o their_o youth_n o_o go_v home_o and_o mourn_v over_o this_o great_a loss_n the_o loss_n of_o your_o precious_a and_o choice_a time_n of_o your_o youth_n go_v to_o your_o closet_n and_o weep_v over_o your_o deceitful_a delay_a heart_n which_o have_v cheat_v you_o so_o often_o and_o put_v so_o many_o stumbling-block_n in_o your_o way_n that_o you_o have_v not_o find_v a_o time_n to_o be_v serious_a for_o god_n to_o this_o veryday_n you_o have_v need_n go_v and_o shut_v your_o door_n upon_o you_o and_o beg_v earnest_o of_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o will_v accept_v of_o you_o at_o last_o and_o be_v very_o serious_a and_o never_o give_v the_o lord_n over_o until_o he_o have_v give_v you_o some_o evidence_n of_o own_v those_o dregs_o and_o relic_n of_o the_o time_n and_o strength_n which_o sin_n and_o satan_n have_v leave_v you_o you_o have_v need_n of_o abundance_n of_o grace_n to_o bring_v you_o over_o and_o to_o accept_v of_o you_o when_o god_n must_v go_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n of_o grace_n towards_o your_o soul_n second_o redeem_v the_o time_n that_o be_v lest_o let_v none_o of_o that_o be_v throw_v away_o after_o the_o rest_n 1_o pet._n 4.3_o for_o the_o time_n pass_v of_o our_o life_n may_v suffice_v we_o to_o have_v wrought_v the_o will_n of_o the_o gentile_n when_o we_o walk_v in_o lasciviousness_n lust_n excess_n of_o wine_n revel_n banquet_n and_o abominable_a idolatry_n the_o end_n of_o the_o first_o part._n now_o if_o ever_o or_o a_o appendix_n to_o the_o youngman_n memento_n deliver_v by_o jo._n chishull_n at_o tiverton_n in_o devon_n heb._n 3.13_o exhort_v one_o another_o daily_a while_n it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n lefâ—_n any_o of_o you_o be_v harden_v through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n isa_n 55.6_o seek_v you_o the_o lord_n while_o he_o may_v be_v find_v call_v you_o upon_o he_o while_o he_o be_v nea_fw-la print_v at_o london_n by_o a._n n._n for_o f._n eglessield_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o his_o shop_n at_o the_o marigold_n in_o paul_n churchyard_n 1657._o to_o the_o right_n worshipful_a sir_n coplestone_n bampfield_n baronet_n sir_n i_o have_v present_v these_o few_o sermon_n to_o you_o not_o for_o their_o shelter_n for_o a_o patron_n name_n can_v defend_v the_o author_n from_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o reader_n but_o for_o your_o advice_n although_o you_o can_v want_v my_o counsel_n have_v enjoy_v many_o advantage_n above_o other_o in_o education_n of_o godly_a counsel_n and_o good_a example_n yet_o your_o age_n do_v see_v you_o be_v now_o in_o the_o day_n of_o your_o choice_n and_o if_o you_o need_v none_o yet_o i_o owe_v to_o yourself_o and_o family_n whatever_o may_v be_v conducible_a to_o your_o or_o to_o their_o good_a the_o engagement_n which_o former_a day_n have_v lay_v upon_o i_o to_o serve_v the_o family_n of_o poltimore_n be_v as_o fresh_a upon_o i_o as_o ever_o and_o i_o shall_v glad_o embrace_v any_o opportunity_n of_o manifest_v this_o the_o stock_n of_o prayer_n which_o your_o dear_a father_n who_o memory_n be_v precious_a among_o the_o lord_n people_n have_v put_v up_o for_o you_o the_o many_o counsel_n which_o you_o have_v receive_v from_o your_o governor_n and_o tutor_n in_o former_a and_o latter_a year_n with_o the_o continue_a prayer_n exhortation_n and_o example_n of_o some_o very_a near_o you_o give_v great_a hope_n that_o you_o may_v stand_v up_o in_o your_o honour_a father_n place_n and_o with_o his_o title_n and_o estate_n inherit_v that_o interest_n which_o he_o have_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o they_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n if_o what_o i_o have_v tender_v to_o you_o further_a or_o quicken_v you_o unto_o this_o i_o have_v my_o end_n and_o my_o joy_n above_o all_o thing_n beware_v of_o delay_n the_o danger_n of_o those_o you_o shall_v easy_o find_v by_o peruse_v of_o what_o follow_v vouchsafe_v to_o read_v it_o serious_o and_o accept_v kind_o as_o it_o be_v offer_v out_o of_o faithfulness_n and_o affection_n by_o he_o who_o be_v sir_n tiverton_n aug._n 24._o 1654._o your_o oblige_a servant_n jo._n chishull_n now_o if_o ever_o luke_n 19.42_o say_v if_o thou_o have_v know_v even_o thou_o at_o least_o in_o this_o thy_o day_n the_o thing_n which_o belong_v unto_o thy_o peace_n but_o now_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o thy_o eye_n these_o word_n be_v some_o of_o those_o which_o the_o lord_n christ_n sigh_v out_o when_o he_o behold_v and_o consider_v the_o sad_a and_o lamentable_a condition_n of_o careless_a jerusalem_n his_o speech_n be_v break_v as_o if_o he_o have_v speak_v out_o one_o and_o weep_v out_o another_o part_n of_o his_o mind_n but_o such_o imperfect_a language_n serve_v to_o express_v sorrow_n to_o the_o life_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o see_v the_o heart_n of_o christ_n through_o these_o line_n and_o you_o can_v but_o see_v he_o here_o to_o be_v a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n neither_o be_v the_o stream_n more_o visibe_n than_o the_o fountain_n from_o whence_o they_o do_v arise_v you_o need_v not_o go_v far_o to_o search_v for_o the_o head_n and_o rise_v of_o this_o river_n look_v but_o upon_o the_o eye_n of_o christ_n see_v where_o it_o be_v fix_v and_o you_o shall_v not_o more_o easy_o see_v that_o he_o