before_o old_a age_n seize_v on_o thou_o which_o will_v be_v full_a of_o pain_n and_o sorrow_n so_o that_o thou_o can_v take_v no_o delight_n in_o any_o thing_n neither_o can_v thou_o find_v any_o desire_n or_o strength_n for_o service_n here_o the_o day_n of_o old_a age_n be_v call_v evil_a because_o man_n be_v then_o subject_a to_o manifold_a infirmity_n and_o affliction_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v see_v the_o elder_a day_n be_v like_a to_o be_v evil_a day_n full_a of_o pain_n and_o grief_n be_v sure_a thou_o do_v not_o add_v thereunto_o the_o bitterness_n of_o thy_o youthful_a lust_n and_o pleasure_n and_o the_o butthen_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o shall_v have_v be_v the_o business_n of_o thy_o youth_n shall_v the_o sin_n and_o the_o work_n of_o a_o whole_a age_n be_v lay_v upon_o thiâ—…e_a age_a shoulder_n what_o a_o intolerable_a burden_n will_v that_o be_v to_o thou_o who_o will_v find_v it_o hard_o enough_o for_o thou_o to_o bear_v up_o under_o thy_o disease_n and_o infirmity_n be_v do_v rather_o now_o in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o youth_n lay_v up_o against_o the_o time_n to_o come_v be_v aforehand_o with_o thy_o necessary_a work_n get_v to_o be_v rich_a in_o grease_n abundant_a in_o good_a work_n serve_v the_o lord_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n all_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o life_n which_o may_v comfort_v thy_o heart_n against_o the_o evil_n of_o thy_o old_a age_n that_o so_o it_o may_v not_o be_v unto_o thou_o a_o evil_n but_o as_o it_o be_v to_o abraham_n a_o good_a old_a age_n gen._n 25._o 8._o the_o drift_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n in_o these_o word_n be_v to_o stir_v up_o young_a man_n to_o consecrate_v their_o youth_n and_o young_a year_n especial_o to_o the_o remember_v and_o serve_v of_o god_n because_o old_a age_n be_v full_a of_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n be_v very_o unfit_a then_o to_o begin_v to_o serve_v god_n or_o to_o mind_v the_o great_a work_n of_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n chap._n ii_o contain_v the_o grand_a proposition_n with_o the_o reason_n thereof_o from_o the_o drift_n and_o scope_n of_o solomon_n in_o these_o word_n may_v be_v raise_v this_o point_n of_o doctrine_n doct._n it_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n upon_o all_o young_a man_n to_o consecrate_v the_o prime_n and_o strength_n of_o their_o day_n to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n so_o to_o remember_v god_n as_o to_o devote_v themselves_o to_o he_o this_o be_v typify_v under_o the_o law_n where_o the_o lord_n require_v the_o first-fruit_n to_o be_v dedicate_v unto_o he_o the_o first-born_a to_o be_v sanctify_v unto_o he_o and_o the_o young_a bullock_n and_o lamb_n to_o be_v offer_v in_o sacrifice_n unto_o he_o which_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v we_o to_o offer_v unto_o god_n the_o service_n of_o our_o youth_n as_o well_o as_o of_o our_o old_a age_n and_o be_v it_o not_o most_o equal_a that_o as_o the_o first-fruit_n of_o other_o thing_n so_o the_o first-fruit_n of_o man_n of_o his_o ripen_a understanding_n and_o affection_n shall_v be_v give_v unto_o god_n be_v the_o lord_n great_o offend_v when_o as_o man_n reserve_v the_o best_a of_o the_o flock_n to_o themselves_o and_o offer_v the_o old_a the_o blind_a and_o the_o lame_a unto_o he_o and_o will_v he_o be_v well-pleased_n that_o we_o devote_v our_o youth_n and_o young_a year_n to_o the_o service_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o satisfy_a our_o own_o lust_n and_o reserve_v for_o he_o only_o our_o decrepit_a old_a age_n this_o be_v likewise_o commend_v to_o we_o in_o the_o example_n of_o divers_a young_a man_n record_v in_o scripture_n we_o read_v of_o isaac_n that_o while_o he_o be_v young_a he_o accustom_v himself_o to_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n gen._n 24._o 63._o of_o josiah_n that_o when_o he_o be_v eight_o year_n old_a he_o do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o eight_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n while_o he_o be_v yet_o young_a he_o begin_v to_o seek_v after_o the_o god_n of_o david_n his_o father_n 2_o chron._n 34._o 1_o 3._o of_o obadiah_n that_o he_o fear_v the_o lord_n from_o his_o youth_n 1_o king_n 18._o 12._o and_o of_o timothy_n that_o from_o a_o child_n he_o have_v know_v the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v able_a to_o make_v he_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n 2._o tim._n 3._o 15._o if_o any_o shall_v ask_v wherewithal_o shall_v a_o young_a man_n cleanse_v his_o way_n sure_o by_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o such_o rare_a young_a man_n as_o these_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n reas._o 1_o youth_n be_v the_o fit_a time_n that_o can_v he_o give_v unto_o god_n as_o be_v the_o spring_n time_n and_o excellent_a part_n of_o thy_o life_n in_o the_o grave_n there_o be_v no_o serve_v god_n in_o thy_o old_a age_n it_o be_v bad_a serve_v he_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o manifold_a weakness_n and_o infirmity_n which_o do_v accompany_v the_o same_o therefore_o thy_o youth_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o fit_a time_n for_o his_o service_n for_o 1._o youth_n be_v most_o active_a and_o vigorous_a quick_a and_o lively_a be_v not_o at_o all_o clog_v with_o the_o infirmity_n of_o age_n then_o be_v thy_o body_n strong_a thy_o wit_n sharp_a and_o thy_o memory_n most_o capable_a and_o retentive_a how_o unworthy_a then_o be_v it_o for_o thou_o to_o sacrifice_v thy_o youth_n to_o bacchus_n and_o venus_n to_o ungodly_a sensuality_n and_o luxury_n and_o at_o last_o to_o lay_v thy_o old_a bone_n upon_o god_n altar_n o_o what_o pity_n be_v it_o that_o the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n shall_v have_v thy_o cream_n and_o flour_n and_o how_o shameful_a that_o god_n to_o who_o thy_o whole_a life_n be_v due_a shall_v have_v only_o thy_o bran_n and_o dregs_n 2._o youth_n be_v the_o time_n of_o strength_n and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v no_o easy_a work_n call_v for_o thy_o utmost_a strength_n the_o strength_n of_o thy_o body_n as_o well_o as_o the_o strength_n of_o thy_o mind_n our_o saviour_n require_v strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n the_o word_n in_o the_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v a_o strive_n with_o our_o utmost_a skill_n strength_n and_o activity_n as_o wrestler_n do_v for_o mastery_n and_o say_v the_o apostle_n work_v out_o your_o salvation_n where_o the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v to_o work_v with_o the_o great_a industry_n old_a man_n who_o strength_n be_v waste_v be_v like_a to_o make_v but_o poor_a wrestler_n and_o as_o poor_a worker_n and_o therefore_o what_o fit_a time_n can_v there_o be_v in_o earnest_a to_o set_v upon_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n and_o godliness_n and_o the_o mighty_a and_o weighty_a work_n thereof_o than_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o day_n reas._n 2._o the_o service_n of_o thy_o youth_n be_v the_o most_o acceptable_a service_n unto_o god_n when_o abraham_n manifest_v his_o willingness_n to_o sacrifice_v his_o young_a son_n isaac_n upon_o the_o command_n of_o god_n oh_o how_o kind_o do_v the_o lord_n take_v it_o and_o thereupon_o promise_v yea_o swear_v unto_o he_o say_v because_o thou_o have_v do_v this_o thing_n that_o in_o blessing_n i_o will_v bless_v thou_o gen._n 22._o 16._o in_o like_a manner_n if_o thou_o shall_v consecrate_v thy_o young_a year_n unto_o god_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v to_o sacrifice_v thy_o isaac_n he_o will_v take_v it_o kind_o at_o thy_o hand_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v remember_v with_o a_o blessing_n in_o thy_o age_n for_o with_o such_o sacrifice_n god_n be_v well_o please_v when_o our_o saviour_n hear_v the_o rich_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n say_v all_z these_o commandment_n have_v i_o keep_v from_o my_o youth_n the_o evangelist_n noâ—…eth_v that_o behold_v he_o he_o love_v he_o to_o show_v possible_o how_o he_o love_v the_o service_n of_o young_a man_n how_o please_a and_o acceptable_a it_o be_v to_o he_o and_o it_o be_v questionable_a whether_o god_n who_o call_v for_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o thy_o life_n if_o thou_o deny_v he_o that_o will_v accept_v the_o glean_n of_o thy_o age_n reas._o 3_o another_o reason_n may_v be_v take_v from_o the_o momentary_a shortness_n and_o muâ—…able_a uncertainty_n of_o thy_o life_n so_o short_a it_o be_v that_o the_o whole_a of_o it_o from_o first_o to_o last_o be_v little_a enough_o for_o thy_o necessary_a work_n to_o get_v a_o interest_n in_o christ_n to_o mortify_v thy_o lust_n to_o furnish_v thyself_o with_o grace_n to_o fill_v up_o thy_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n and_o thereby_o to_o make_v sure_a to_o thyself_o a_o bet-t_a life_n believe_v it_o these_o be_v not_o the_o work_n of_o a_o few_o day_n or_o hour_n and_o so_o uncertain_a be_v thy_o life_n that_o thou_o have_v no_o
chap._n iii_o contain_v a_o sharp_a reproof_n of_o those_o who_o devote_v their_o flower_n and_o prime_n to_o the_o service_n of_o satan_n and_o their_o sinful_a lust_n and_o reserve_v their_o decay_a strength_n for_o god_n use_v 1_o be_v it_o a_o duty_n incumbent_n upon_o all_o young_a man_n to_o consecrate_v themselves_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n then_o such_o be_v to_o be_v reprove_v who_o devote_v their_o flower_n and_o prime_n to_o the_o service_n of_o satan_n and_o their_o sinful_a lust_n and_o reserve_v their_o decay_a strength_n for_o god_n and_o his_o service_n account_v the_o very_a dregs_o and_o refuse_v of_o all_o to_o be_v good_a enough_o for_o he_o for_o who_o the_o best_a and_o principal_n be_v not_o worthy_a under_o the_o law_n they_o be_v forbid_v to_o offer_v any_o thing_n unto_o the_o lord_n that_o have_v a_o blemish_n or_o that_o be_v lame_a and_o blind_a leu._n 3._o 1._o 22._o 18_o 19_o 20._o and_o deut._n 15._o 21._o and_o for_o transgress_v this_o law_n the_o lord_n reprehend_v his_o people_n by_o the_o prophet_n malachy_n 1._o 8._o if_o you_o offer_v the_o blind_a for_o sacrifice_n be_v it_o not_o evil_a and_o if_o you_o offer_v the_o lame_a and_o sick_a be_v it_o not_o evil_a offer_v it_o now_o to_o thy_o governor_n will_v he_o be_v please_v with_o thou_o or_o accept_v thy_o person_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n be_v the_o lord_n great_o offend_v when_o as_o man_n reserve_v the_o best_a of_o the_o flock_n to_o themselves_o and_o offer_v the_o old_a the_o blind_a and_o the_o lame_a unto_o he_o and_o will_v he_o be_v well_o please_v that_o thou_o shall_v dedicate_v thy_o best_a unto_o satan_n and_o reserve_v for_o he_o only_o thy_o decrepit_a lame_a and_o wither_a age_n when_o as_o thy_o body_n be_v full_a of_o disease_n and_o thy_o mind_n of_o infirmity_n will_v god_n accept_v the_o devil_n leave_n shall_v sin_n have_v thy_o blood_n and_o thy_o spirit_n and_o thy_o marrow_n and_o thy_o god_n be_v put_v off_o with_o skin_n and_o bone_n he_o that_o have_v have_v the_o best_a may_v even_o take_v all_o god_n will_v laugh_v at_o thou_o in_o thy_o evening_n who_o laugh_v at_o he_o in_o the_o morning_n of_o thy_o day_n be_v it_o not_o extreme_a folly_n while_o the_o ship_n be_v sound_a the_o tackle_n good_a the_o mariner_n hail_n and_o strong_a to_o lie_v play_v and_o sport_v at_o road_n and_o when_o the_o ship_n be_v crazy_a the_o tackle_n weak_a and_o rot_a the_o mariner_n sick_a then_o to_o hoist_v up_o sail_n for_o a_o voyage_n into_o a_o far_a country_n and_o how_o wise_a a_o man_n be_v thou_o who_o will_v delay_v the_o voyage_n for_o heaven_n till_o thy_o vessel_n be_v break_v and_o those_o worm_n thy_o lust_n that_o have_v be_v breed_v in_o it_o have_v eat_v it_o through_o and_o make_v it_o utter_o useless_a we_o general_o confess_v that_o our_o sin_n must_v be_v leave_v and_o that_o god_n must_v be_v seek_v and_o serve_v but_o we_o can_v accord_v of_o the_o time_n when_o to_o begin_v one_o say_v he_o will_v begin_v when_o he_o have_v serve_v his_o apprenticeship_n and_o be_v out_o of_o his_o time_n another_o when_o he_o be_v make_v free_a and_o set_v up_o for_o himself_o another_o when_o he_o be_v marry_v another_o when_o he_o be_v old_a thus_o every_o one_o be_v apt_a to_o procrastinate_v the_o whole_a world_n almost_o be_v man_n for_o hereafter_o when_o must_v god_n be_v mind_v hereafter_o when_o must_v these_o soul_n be_v look_v to_o hereafter_o when_o must_v these_o sin_n be_v send_v pack_v hereafter_o when_o we_o have_v serve_v ourselves_o of_o this_o world_n then_o we_o will_v be_v for_o the_o other_o world_n and_o when_o we_o have_v satisfy_v our_o lust_n than_o we_o will_v satisfy_v our_o conscience_n and_o when_o we_o be_v unfit_a and_o unable_a for_o any_o thing_n else_o than_o we_o will_v follow_v god_n when_o we_o be_v scarce_o able_a to_o turn_v our_o weary_a bone_n in_o our_o bed_n then_o will_v we_o think_v of_o turn_v to_o he_o can_v thou_o think_v god_n will_v accept_v thereof_o believe_v it_o if_o thou_o can_v mark_v what_o the_o prophet_n malachy_n speak_v chap._n 1._o 14._o curse_a be_v the_o deceiver_n that_o have_v in_o his_o flock_n a_o male_a and_o vow_v and_o consecrate_v unto_o the_o lord_n a_o corrupt_a thing_n who_o have_v the_o male_a of_o thy_o flock_n who_o be_v the_o first-born_a of_o thy_o strength_n do_v the_o devil_n carry_v away_o that_o and_o must_v this_o corrupt_a thing_n this_o weak_a and_o weary_a and_o sickly_a time_n of_o thy_o age_n be_v the_o offering_n for_o god_n what_o think_v thou_o will_v he_o say_v to_o thou_o but_o curse_v be_v the_o deceiver_n that_o have_v in_o his_o flock_n a_o male_a and_o consecrate_v unto_o the_o lord_n a_o corrupt_a thing_n chap._n iu._n contain_v a_o use_n of_o exhortation_n unto_o all_o young_a man_n to_o offer_v unto_o god_n the_o first-fruit_n of_o their_o life_n use_v 2._o of_o exhortation_n unto_o all_o young_a man_n to_o offer_v unto_o god_n the_o first-fruit_n of_o their_o life_n to_o give_v themselves_o to_o he_o betimes_o and_o forthwith_o to_o have_v do_v with_o the_o service_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o in_o earnest_a to_o betake_v themselves_o to_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n of_o life_n though_o the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n have_v be_v aforehand_o with_o christ_n and_o have_v get_v possession_n of_o thy_o heart_n yet_o now_o without_o further_a delay_n give_v a_o bill_n of_o divorce_n to_o they_o all_o cast_v out_o the_o bondwoman_n and_o her_o child_n and_o open_a unto_o jesus_n christ_n who_o stand_v knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o thy_o heart_n for_o entrance_n who_o by_o the_o admonition_n of_o his_o minister_n the_o motion_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o check_n of_o thy_o own_o conscience_n do_v call_v out_o unto_o thou_o open_v to_o i_o i_o pray_v thou_o let_v i_o come_v in_o oh_o let_v not_o thy_o love_n to_o thy_o lust_n so_o far_o prevail_v with_o thou_o as_o to_o put_v off_o christ_n to_o another_o time_n but_o this_o day_n open_a to_o he_o embrace_v he_o for_o thy_o prince_n and_o saviour_n resign_v up_o thyself_o unto_o he_o to_o serve_v and_o obey_v he_o before_o thou_o be_v too_o far_o engage_v in_o the_o service_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n say_v with_o david_n that_o god_n shall_v be_v thy_o god_n and_o thou_o will_v seek_v he_o early_o psal._n 63._o 1._o even_o now_o in_o the_o spring_n of_o thy_o life_n while_o the_o day_n of_o health_n and_o the_o day_n of_o grace_n have_v dawn_v upon_o thou_o consider_v o_o young_a man_n how_o unfit_a old_a age_n be_v either_o to_o grapple_v with_o thy_o lust_n or_o thy_o duty_n to_o resist_v the_o tyranny_n of_o sin_n or_o to_o bear_v the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o the_o soul_n act_v by_o and_o through_o the_o body_n act_n according_a to_o the_o disposition_n thereof_o when_o the_o body_n be_v dull_a and_o heavy_a through_o age_n or_o infirmity_n the_o soul_n act_v thereafter_o be_v thy_o dulness_n and_o coldness_n all_o that_o thou_o will_v spare_v to_o the_o god_n of_o thy_o spirit_n how_o will_v he_o take_v it_o at_o thy_o hand_n when_o the_o devil_n have_v ride_v thou_o off_o thy_o leg_n and_o so_o lame_v and_o cripple_v thou_o that_o now_o thou_o can_v do_v no_o more_o than_o thou_o will_v be_v for_o god_n think_v how_o well_o this_o will_v please_v thy_o maker_n you_o shall_v not_o see_v my_o face_n say_v joseph_n to_o his_o brethren_n except_o you_o bring_v your_o young_a brother_n with_o you_o gen._n 43._o 2._o and_o how_o can_v thou_o look_v to_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n with_o comfort_n if_o thou_o bring_v not_o unto_o he_o thy_o youth_n and_o strength_n now_o therefore_o o_o young_a man_n in_o the_o morning_n of_o thy_o life_n while_o the_o faculty_n of_o thy_o soul_n and_o part_n of_o thy_o body_n be_v fresh_a and_o quick_a set_v thy_o face_n heaven-ward_n especial_o consider_v how_o great_a thy_o work_n as_o a_o christian_a be_v like_a to_o be_v even_o great_a than_o thou_o can_v dispatch_v in_o a_o age._n those_o evil_a custom_n and_o habit_n which_o have_v be_v long_o grow_v can_v easy_o be_v cut_v off_o those_o strong_a corruption_n which_o have_v take_v root_n in_o thy_o heart_n can_v ready_o be_v remove_v that_o knowledge_n grace_n peace_n comfort_n and_o assurance_n which_o thou_o need_v can_v be_v attain_v without_o great_a labour_n and_o industry_n the_o work_n of_o religion_n require_v time_n it_o concern_v thou_o to_o set_v upon_o it_o present_o and_o not_o to_o be_v so_o very_a a_o fool_n as_o to_o say_v it_o be_v time_n enough_o yet_o though_o thou_o have_v foolish_o mis-spend_v so_o much_o of_o thy_o oil_n already_o in_o
and_o by_o tumble_v down_o and_o the_o wheel_n run_v over_o he_o how_o often_o do_v rich_a man_n break_v and_o poor_a man_n get_v up_o in_o their_o room_n and_o then_o tumble_v down_o after_o they_o and_o give_v place_n to_o he_o that_o come_v next_o to_o day_n thou_o have_v a_o estate_n but_o who_o can_v tell_v what_o thou_o may_v have_v to_o morrow_n such_o a_o uncertain_a world_n this_o be_v and_o at_o such_o uncertainty_n be_v the_o thing_n thereof_o and_o there_o be_v no_o prevent_v it_o it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v sure_a of_o something_o since_o earth_n can_v never_o be_v make_v sure_a thou_o be_v the_o more_o concern_v to_o make_v sure_a of_o heaven_n to_o have_v all_o at_o uncertainty_n both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o this_o be_v such_o a_o misery_n as_o every_o one_o that_o be_v wise_a will_v do_v what_o he_o can_v to_o prevent_v 2._o if_o thing_n eternal_a be_v make_v sure_a it_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n though_o thing_n temporal_a be_v at_o the_o great_a uncertainty_n this_o world_n be_v uncertain_a a_o world_n of_o change_n of_o disappointment_n vexation_n and_o all_o kind_n of_o trouble_n why_o let_v it_o be_v so_o so_o heaven_n be_v sure_a no_o matter_n for_o all_o these_o low_a uncertainty_n young_a man_n thou_o be_v go_v forth_o into_o the_o world_n how_o thou_o may_v prosper_v in_o it_o notwithstanding_o all_o thy_o skill_n and_o care_n god_n only_o know_v who_o can_v tell_v what_o cross_n thou_o may_v meet_v with_o in_o thy_o very_a entrance_n that_o may_v dash_v all_o thy_o hope_n and_o if_o thou_o have_v never_o so_o fair_a and_o hopeful_a a_o beginning_n yet_o who_o know_v what_o may_v be_v thy_o lot_n before_o the_o end_n of_o thy_o day_n why_o now_o will_v thou_o get_v above_o all_o casualty_n and_o cross_n and_o at_o once_o be_v a_o conqueror_n of_o all_o the_o world_n will_v thou_o have_v thy_o quiet_a and_o contentment_n out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o wind_n and_o storm_n and_o be_v able_a to_o live_v cheerful_o in_o every_o condition_n make_v heaven_n sure_a and_o it_o be_v do_v thou_o may_v then_o hoist_v up_o thy_o sail_n commit_v thyself_o to_o the_o wind_n and_o sea_n make_v on_o thy_o voyage_n and_o never_o be_v appal_v at_o the_o storm_n on_o the_o way_n while_o thou_o have_v this_o assurance_n thou_o shall_v come_v safe_a to_o harbour_v and_o not_o a_o hair_n of_o thy_o head_n perish_v thus_o have_v you_o dear_a youth_n the_o desire_n and_o breathe_n of_o my_o soul_n after_o your_o happiness_n here_o and_o blessedness_n hereafter_o express_v in_o some_o useful_a direction_n suitable_a to_o your_o present_a state_n and_o condition_n show_v you_o how_o to_o deport_v and_o carry_v yourselves_o both_o in_o your_o general_n and_o particular_a call_v so_o that_o you_o may_v please_v god_n in_o all_o thing_n here_o and_o live_v with_o he_o in_o everlasting_a blessedness_n now_o my_o hearty_a request_n to_o you_o be_v that_o you_o will_v not_o content_v yourselves_o with_o a_o bare_a read_n of_o they_o but_o resolve_v with_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o enter_v upon_o the_o real_a practice_n of_o they_o and_o oh_o that_o the_o lord_n who_o alone_o teach_v to_o profit_n will_v please_v so_o to_o set_v they_o home_o upon_o your_o heart_n that_o they_o may_v tend_v to_o your_o spiritual_a good_a here_o and_o eternal_a salvation_n hereafter_o o_o young_a man_n you_o be_v now_o flower_n in_o the_o bloom_n you_o be_v those_o first-fruit_n which_o shall_v be_v offer_v to_o the_o lord_n oh_o that_o now_o you_o will_v consecrate_v yourselves_o unto_o god_n and_o his_o service_n oh_o that_o while_o you_o be_v young_a you_o will_v with_o isaac_n give_v yourselves_o to_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n and_o with_o samuel_n serve_v the_o lord_n from_o your_o youth_n and_o with_o young_a solomon_n study_v to_o know_v and_o serve_v the_o god_n of_o your_o father_n and_o with_o obadiah_n fear_v the_o lord_n from_o your_o youth_n and_o with_o young_a josiah_n do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o these_o end_n with_o timothy_n from_o your_o youth_n addict_v yourselves_o to_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v able_a to_o make_v you_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n oh_o that_o you_o will_v set_v these_o man_n life_n as_o copy_n for_o your_o imitation_n give_v up_o yourselves_o entire_o and_o unfeigned_o to_o the_o lord_n in_o a_o true_o gracious_a life_n o_o young_a man_n you_o be_v now_o in_o your_o preparation_n for_o eternity_n and_o therefore_o have_v need_n to_o be_v very_o watchful_a over_o yourselves_o to_o see_v that_o you_o walk_v circumspect_o not_o as_o fool_n but_o as_o wise_a redeem_v the_o time_n because_o the_o day_n be_v evil_a ephes._n 5._o 15._o little_o do_v you_o consider_v how_o much_o depend_v upon_o this_o moment_n of_o time_n which_o god_n for_o the_o present_a be_v please_v to_o vouchsafe_v unto_o you_o even_o no_o less_o than_o the_o whole_a weight_n of_o eternity_n upon_o your_o well_n or_o ill_a improve_n of_o your_o time_n and_o talent_n here_o depend_v your_o everlasting_a condition_n that_o estate_n which_o be_v to_o be_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o oh_o what_o folly_n and_o madness_n than_o must_v it_o need_v be_v in_o you_o to_o suffer_v your_o lust_n or_o wicked_a companion_n to_o steal_v away_o this_o jewel_n your_o precious_a time_n which_o be_v more_o worth_a than_o all_o the_o world_n oh_o that_o for_o the_o future_a you_o will_v so_o live_v every_o day_n as_o those_o that_o live_v for_o eternity_n it_o be_v sad_o evident_a that_o too_o too_o many_o lose_v their_o first_o and_o tender_a year_n in_o conclusion_n lose_v their_o soul_n also_o o_o dear_a youth_n behold_v the_o arm_n of_o free_a grace_n be_v yet_o open_a to_o embrace_v you_o if_o now_o you_o will_v abandon_v your_o youthful_a lust_n and_o cordial_o turn_v unto_o god_n who_o be_v willing_a to_o forgive_v yea_o willing_a to_o forget_v all_o former_a misâ—…arriages_n upon_o the_o reform_v your_o life_n turn_v you_o turn_v you_o therefore_o from_o your_o evil_a way_n for_o why_o will_v you_o die_v ezek._n 33._o 11._o in_o this_o small_a treatise_n i_o have_v set_v before_o you_o life_n and_o death_n heaven_n and_o hell_n happiness_n and_o misery_n know_v assure_o that_o as_o you_o choose_v now_o so_o shall_v you_o speed_v hereafter_o oh_o then_o for_o the_o lord_n christ_n sake_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o your_o poor_a soul_n choose_v that_o good_a part_n which_o shall_v never_o be_v take_v from_o you_o walk_v in_o the_o path_n which_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o happiness_n that_o you_o may_v not_o perish_v and_o be_v torment_v with_o the_o devil_n in_o hell_n fire_n to_o all_o eternity_n and_o now_o my_o friend_n i_o bid_v thou_o farewell_n take_v these_o word_n along_o with_o thou_o let_v they_o ever_o be_v before_o thy_o eye_n and_o upon_o thy_o heart_n and_o then_o go_v on_o thy_o way_n good_a counsel_n be_v with_o thou_o that_o thou_o may_v guide_v thy_o affair_n with_o discretion_n and_o good_a success_n be_v upon_o thou_o that_o thou_o may_v eat_v the_o fruit_n of_o thy_o good_a do_n i_o wish_v first_o that_o thy_o soul_n may_v prosper_v and_o then_o i_o also_o wish_v that_o thy_o body_n may_v prosper_v and_o thy_o family_n may_v prosper_v and_o thy_o estate_n may_v prosper_v as_o thy_o soul_n prosper_v the_o lord_n be_v with_o thou_o in_o all_o that_o thou_o set_v thy_o hand_n unto_o the_o almighty_a bless_v thou_o let_v his_o blessing_n be_v upon_o thy_o labour_n let_v his_o blessing_n be_v upon_o all_o thy_o substance_n let_v he_o help_v thou_o in_o thy_o work_n and_o increase_v thy_o store_n let_v his_o sun_n shine_v upon_o thy_o tabernacle_n and_o let_v the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n make_v glad_a thy_o heart_n let_v he_o guide_v thou_o with_o his_o eye_n hold_v thou_o in_o his_o hand_n carry_v thou_o in_o his_o bosom_n till_o he_o have_v lodge_v thou_o safe_a in_o the_o everlasting_a rest._n amen_n finis_fw-la
be_v please_v unto_o god_n 3._o there_o be_v that_o delight_n in_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n as_o uphold_v the_o heart_n of_o a_o christian_a under_o all_o the_o loss_n cross_n and_o 〈◊〉_d he_o meet_v withal_o in_o this_o world_n and_o which_o will_v yield_v he_o abundance_n of_o comfort_n upon_o his_o deathbed_n what_o be_v that_o which_o comfort_v king_n hezekiah_n when_o he_o lie_v under_o the_o apprehension_n of_o death_n but_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o conscience_n that_o he_o have_v walk_v with_o much_o sincerity_n in_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n isa._n 38._o 3._o by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o godliness_n do_v not_o deprive_v man_n of_o all_o joy_n and_o delight_n but_o rather_o the_o more_o godly_a any_o be_v the_o more_o joyful_a at_o least_o the_o better_a right_n and_o title_n they_o have_v thereunto_o whereupon_o say_v one_o will_v thou_o live_v cheerful_o then_o live_v godly_a the_o which_o shall_v be_v a_o encouragement_n unto_o all_o young_a man_n who_o be_v yet_o unresolved_a speedy_o without_o any_o further_a delay_n to_o consecrate_v their_o youth_n and_o young_a year_n unto_o god_n and_o his_o service_n betimes_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n that_o so_o their_o life_n may_v be_v the_o more_o comfortable_a and_o joyful_a if_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o incline_v any_o of_o your_o heart_n thereunto_o you_o will_v have_v cause_n to_o bless_v god_n for_o it_o not_o only_o so_o long_o as_o you_o live_v here_o but_o even_o to_o all_o eternity_n in_o the_o high_a heaven_n for_o by_o devote_v yourselves_o to_o god_n and_o his_o service_n betimes_o even_o from_o your_o youth_n many_o sin_n will_v be_v prevent_v which_o otherwise_o will_v be_v commit_v by_o you_o much_o more_o good_a will_v be_v do_v by_o you_o and_o much_o great_a will_v be_v your_o glory_n hereafter_o 5._o obj._n i_o have_v time_n enough_o before_o i_o and_o therefore_o may_v for_o a_o while_n long_o allow_v myself_o my_o liberty_n hereafter_o may_v be_v time_n enough_o to_o turn_v from_o my_o sin_n unto_o god_n and_o to_o mind_v the_o eternal_a welfare_n of_o my_o soul_n a._n 1._o consider_v as_o the_o shortness_n so_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o thy_o life_n how_o many_o have_v we_o know_v in_o our_o own_o experience_n who_o when_o they_o have_v promise_v themselves_o life_n for_o many_o year_n have_v then_o be_v sudden_o take_v away_o thou_o who_o say_v thou_o have_v time_n enough_o before_o thou_o can_v thou_o upon_o good_a ground_n assure_v thyself_o of_o another_o day_n if_o not_o what_o folly_n yea_o what_o madness_n must_v it_o need_v be_v to_o live_v one_o day_n long_o in_o such_o a_o condition_n in_o which_o if_o thou_o shall_v die_v thou_o be_v miserable_o undo_v to_o all_o eternity_n true_a it_o be_v god_n have_v promise_v pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n to_o such_o as_o in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n turn_v from_o their_o sin_n unto_o he_o but_o he_o have_v not_o promise_v the_o morrow_n to_o he_o that_o defer_v if_o thou_o say_v though_o i_o be_o not_o sure_a to_o live_v another_o day_n yet_o i_o be_o likely_a be_v in_o good_a health_n and_o strength_n i_o answer_v peradventure_o thou_o may_v live_v another_o day_n but_o what_o man_n in_o his_o right_a sense_n will_v put_v his_o everlasting_a salvation_n upon_o a_o peradventure_o peradvenâ—…_n thou_o may_v die_v the_o next_o day_n even_o whilst_o thou_o be_v 〈◊〉_d in_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n and_o then_o 〈◊〉_d sad_a be_v thy_o case_n like_a to_o be_v to_o all_o eternity_n the_o possiâ—…_n of_o a_o sudden_a and_o unexpected_a death_n shall_v meâ—…_n be_v a_o effectual_a argument_n to_o persuade_v every_o man_n speedy_o without_o far_a delay_n to_o reform_v and_o amend_v his_o life_n the_o merchant_n have_v a_o fair_a wind_n will_v not_o defer_v to_o hoist_v up_o sail_n say_v we_o have_v time_n enough_o because_o it_o be_v possible_a the_o wind_n may_v turn_v and_o he_o lose_v his_o opportunity_n the_o husbandman_n have_v a_o fair_a day_n will_v not_o defer_v the_o carry_v home_o his_o corn_n when_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o take_v it_o in_o because_o it_o be_v possible_a the_o next_o day_n may_v prove_v 〈◊〉_d in_o all_o case_n about_o our_o worldly_a affair_n a_o possibility_n of_o danger_n have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o argument_n for_o present_a care_n and_o why_o shall_v it_o not_o as_o well_o awaken_v our_o soul_n to_o a_o speedy_a amendment_n of_o our_o way_n 2._o thou_o who_o still_o delay_v to_o hearken_v unto_o the_o call_v of_o god_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n woo_v and_o beseech_v thou_o speedy_o to_o abandon_v thy_o sin_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n know_v assure_o that_o he_o will_v not_o always_o wait_v on_o thou_o his_o patience_n will_v not_o ever_o attend_v thou_o as_o there_o be_v a_o time_n of_o grace_n in_o which_o the_o gate_n of_o mercy_n stand_v open_a so_o there_o be_v a_o time_n of_o judgement_n in_o which_o this_o gate_n will_v be_v shut_v and_o aâ—…l_a possibility_n of_o entry_n take_v away_o psal._n 32._o 6._o david_n speak_v of_o a_o time_n in_o which_o god_n may_v be_v find_v which_o imply_v that_o there_o be_v a_o time_n in_o which_o god_n will_v not_o be_v find_v though_o thou_o cry_v out_o against_o thy_o sin_n and_o cry_v unto_o god_n for_o mercy_n yet_o will_v he_o not_o hear_v thou_o but_o turn_v a_o deaf_a ear_n to_o all_o thy_o prayer_n so_o the_o lord_n threaten_v prov._n 1._o 24_o 25._o because_o i_o have_v call_v you_o to_o amendment_n and_o reformation_n and_o you_o refuse_v to_o hearken_v unto_o i_o but_o have_v set_v at_o nought_o all_o my_o counsel_n and_o will_v none_o of_o my_o reproof_n i_o will_v also_o laugh_v at_o your_o calamity_n i_o will_v mock_v when_o your_o fear_n come_v then_o shall_v they_o call_v upon_o i_o but_o i_o will_v not_o answer_v they_o shall_v seek_v i_o but_o they_o shall_v not_o find_v i_o for_o the_o lord_n usual_o punish_v the_o slight_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o our_o young_a year_n with_o the_o deny_v of_o it_o in_o our_o elder_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n s_o paul_n so_o much_o press_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o very_a now_o behold_v say_v he_o now_o be_v the_o accept_a time_n now_o be_v the_o day_n of_o salvation_n 2_o cor._n 6._o 2._o the_o time_n present_a be_v the_o only_a time_n the_o time_n to_o come_v be_v no_o time_n but_o a_o matter_n of_o mere_a uncertainty_n and_o therefore_o say_v he_o heb._n 3._o 7._o to_o day_n if_o you_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n harden_v not_o your_o heart_n where_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o day_n signify_v the_o time_n present_a and_o imply_v that_o the_o present_a opportunity_n of_o god_n offer_v grace_n ought_v to_o be_v embrace_v thou_o must_v hearken_v unto_o he_o now_o that_o he_o call_v upon_o thou_o in_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n and_o motion_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o give_v over_o thy_o sin_v trade_n and_o give_v up_o thyself_o unto_o he_o and_o his_o service_n now_o that_o god_n hang_v forth_o the_o white_a flag_n of_o mercy_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v gracious_a to_o thou_o now_o that_o christ_n be_v woo_v and_o beseech_v thou_o to_o cast_v away_o thy_o sin_n and_o to_o cast_v thyself_o upon_o he_o to_o own_v he_o for_o thy_o lord_n and_o saviour_n now_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v strive_v with_o thou_o sure_o it_o will_v be_v thy_o wisdom_n speedy_o to_o turn_v from_o thy_o sin_n unto_o he_o if_o thou_o put_v he_o off_o till_o hereafter_o and_o thereby_o quench_v the_o motion_n of_o his_o spirit_n how_o just_o may_v he_o for_o ever_o reject_v thou_o 3._o thou_o who_o upon_o a_o pretence_n of_o have_v time_n enough_o before_o thou_o do_v procrastinate_v and_o delay_v to_o look_v after_o god_n and_o heaven_n consider_v as_o the_o weightiness_n so_o the_o multitude_n of_o work_n to_o be_v do_v by_o thou_o in_o order_n to_o thy_o salvation_n have_v thou_o not_o a_o dead_a soul_n to_o be_v quicken_v a_o dark_a understanding_n to_o be_v enlighten_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n a_o hard_a heart_n to_o be_v soften_v a_o proud_a heart_n to_o be_v humble_v a_o unclean_a heart_n to_o be_v purify_v and_o cleanse_v a_o multitude_n of_o headstrong_a lust_n to_o be_v mortify_v and_o subdue_v manifold_a temptation_n to_o be_v resist_v and_o conquer_v have_v thou_o all_o these_o and_o many_o more_o thing_n to_o do_v in_o reference_n to_o thy_o future_a happiness_n and_o yet_o will_v thou_o trifle_v away_o thy_o precious_a time_n in_o vanity_n and_o pleasure_n yea_o in_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n say_v thou_o have_v time_n enough_o before_o thou_o know_v that_o the_o foremention_v