6._o god_n who_o command_v the_o light_n to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n have_v shine_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ._n the_o sunbeam_n do_v as_o it_o be_v guild_v thing_n whereon_o it_o shine_v and_o make_v they_o look_v bright_a and_o pleasant_a whereas_o they_o look_v dull_a before_o without_o any_o such_o lustre_n or_o comeliness_n this_o heavenly_a knowledge_n be_v a_o shine_a knowledge_n it_o bright_a ens_fw-la and_o beautify_v the_o mind_n and_o soul_n and_o the_o more_o fresh_a and_o nimble_a the_o wit_n and_o understanding_n be_v the_o more_o it_o be_v adorn_v by_o it_o no_o skill_n no_o knowledge_n no_o learning_n be_v so_o comely_a for_o a_o young_a man_n as_o this_o true_a save_a knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o christ._n ii_o have_v the_o young_a man_n some_o strength_n of_o memory_n what_o can_v become_v this_o treasury_n or_o storehouse_n so_o well_o as_o gold_n silver_n pretious-stone_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v holy_a truth_n what_o shall_v hay_n and_o stubble_n trash_n and_o dirt_n do_v in_o so_o precious_a a_o cabinet_n what_o be_v more_o unseemly_a than_o to_o have_v it_o fill_v with_o wanton_a idle_a song_n with_o scurrilous_a jest_n with_o airy_a vain_a conceit_n foolish_a ballaâ—s_n legendary_a tale_n or_o the_o like_a that_o which_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o dunghill_n be_v not_o seemly_a for_o a_o cabinet_n iii_o be_v youth_n full_a of_o lively_a and_o stir_a affection_n what_o be_v more_o seemly_a than_o for_o the_o quick_a affection_n and_o for_o the_o most_o lively_a motion_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o spirit_n to_o be_v exercise_v about_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n the_o world_n be_v say_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o of_o its_o comeliness_n which_o god_n give_v it_o in_o the_o creation_n now_o god_n have_v thus_o order_v the_o world_n in_o its_o several_a part_n that_o the_o quick_a and_o nimble_a shall_v be_v high_a in_o their_o rank_n and_o the_o slow_a and_o dull_a shall_v be_v low_a so_o the_o heaven_n which_o be_v of_o a_o most_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a swiftness_n be_v high_a and_o of_o other_o thing_n the_o quick_a in_o motion_n be_v near_a heaven_n so_o the_o air_n and_o in_o the_o air_n the_o bird_n whereas_o the_o earth_n be_v slow_a and_o without_o motion_n lie_v below_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o be_v far_a from_o heaven_n so_o what_o be_v more_o seemly_a than_o for_o those_o wing_a affection_n of_o young_a man_n and_o woman_n to_o mount_v up_o to_o heaven_n and_o the_o quick_a and_o swift_a they_o be_v in_o their_o motion_n the_o high_a it_o become_v they_o to_o fly_v what_o shall_v they_o do_v creep_v on_o the_o earth_n like_o snail_n or_o earthing_n themselves_o in_o the_o earth_n like_o mole_n or_o mud_v these_o lively_a affection_n in_o sinful_a fleshly_a pleasure_n why_o rather_o shall_v they_o not_o in_o their_o day_n of_o youth_n cast_v their_o soul_n upon_o the_o wing_n earnest_o desire_v god_n to_o draw_v they_o that_o they_o may_v run_v after_o he_o be_v it_o a_o seemly_a thing_n to_o see_v a_o lark_n or_o a_o eagle_n to_o make_v herself_o a_o burrow_n or_o nest_n under_o ground_n or_o to_o plunge_v herself_o in_o the_o mud_n no_o it_o become_v she_o to_o be_v aloft_o so_o it_o become_v not_o the_o wing_a affection_n of_o the_o young_a sort_n to_o bemudd_n themselves_o with_o sinful_a pleasure_n but_o to_o be_v lift_v up_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o to_o converse_v with_o he_o who_o be_v invisible_a the_o dullness_n of_o age_n have_v more_o affinity_n with_o earth_n than_o the_o vigour_n of_o youth_n which_o yet_o must_v not_o persuade_v old_a man_n to_o follow_v the_o inclination_n of_o age_n and_o because_o their_o back_n be_v bow_v with_o year_n to_o think_v themselves_o warrant_v to_o debase_v their_o soul_n to_o earthly_a affection_n but_o rather_o to_o conceive_v themselves_o direct_v to_o look_v themselves_o out_o a_o bury_a place_n enter_v into_o a_o serious_a meditation_n of_o the_o grave_a while_o their_o body_n by_o the_o decay_v of_o age_n be_v daily_o prepare_v for_o their_o last_o dissolution_n into_o those_o first_o earthly_a principle_n of_o which_o they_o be_v compound_v iu._n and_o as_o the_o quickness_n of_o young_a man_n affection_n shall_v thus_o set_v they_o in_o a_o course_n of_o holiness_n so_o the_o quickness_n of_o their_o spirit_n which_o be_v one_o cause_n of_o the_o quickness_n of_o their_o affection_n do_v exceed_v well_o suit_n with_o true_a grace_n and_o holiness_n the_o activity_n and_o as_o the_o country-word_n be_v the_o mettle_n that_o be_v in_o the_o young_a sort_n be_v very_o suitable_a to_o a_o holy_a conversation_n this_o be_v one_o thing_n which_o make_v many_o man_n false_o to_o think_v that_o religion_n be_v not_o seemly_a for_o youth_n but_o these_o be_v such_o as_o know_v not_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o therefore_o think_v it_o to_o be_v a_o lumpish_a dull_v thing_n but_o what_o blindness_n be_v this_o to_o imagine_v that_o the_o bless_a spirit_n of_o god_n be_v a_o dull_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n when_o he_o work_v upon_o it_o by_o his_o sanctify_a power_n and_o virtue_n no_o it_o be_v enough_o indeed_o to_o put_v life_n into_o a_o dead_a heart_n when_o the_o bless_a spirit_n afford_v his_o gracious_a influence_n unto_o it_o if_o the_o sun_n do_v dull_a and_o dead_a the_o earth_n the_o tree_n the_o herb_n in_o the_o springtime_n then_o may_v you_o imagine_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v dull_a the_o spirit_n of_o man_n by_o sanctify_v and_o quicken_a they_o it_o take_v away_o indeed_o their_o wildness_n and_o madness_n that_o be_v to_o say_v their_o untowardness_n unseemliness_n and_o uncomeliness_n but_o it_o rather_o increase_v and_o purify_v their_o kindly_a vigour_n and_o give_v they_o yet_o a_o great_a and_o a_o high_a life_n and_o make_v they_o more_o lively_a than_o before_o but_o with_o a_o sweet_a spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a kind_n of_o life_n it_o be_v true_a that_o in_o the_o beginning_n of_o grace_n there_o be_v some_o droop_a and_o dejectedness_n but_o that_o be_v but_o in_o the_o turn_n when_o they_o be_v come_v out_o of_o their_o natural_a estate_n from_o under_o the_o curse_n and_o wrath_n of_o god_n but_o if_o once_o they_o be_v indeed_o set_v in_o a_o course_n of_o holiness_n and_o find_v the_o comfort_n of_o god_n love_n in_o christ_n they_o shall_v find_v themselves_o more_o enliven_v and_o quicken_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n than_o they_o can_v be_v by_o nature_n only_o where_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v there_o be_v liberty_n say_v the_o apostle_n the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n enlarge_v the_o heart_n strike_v off_o the_o fetter_n of_o corruption_n and_o make_v it_o more_o free_a and_o full_a of_o life_n therefore_o david_n often_o call_v upon_o god_n to_o quicken_v he_o he_o be_v a_o man_n natural_o of_o a_o quick_a temper_n of_o a_o fresh_a lively_a spirit_n as_o appear_v by_o that_o description_n give_v of_o he_o 1_o sam._n 16._o 12._o he_o be_v ruddy_a and_o withal_o of_o a_o beautiful_a countenance_n and_o goodly_a to_o look_v to_o but_o he_o know_v that_o grace_n will_v quicken_v he_o more_o and_o give_v he_o a_o heavenly_a activity_n of_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o desire_v to_o be_v more_o and_o more_o quicken_v by_o it_o and_o how_o can_v the_o vigour_n and_o quickness_n of_o youth_n be_v better_o employ_v than_o in_o the_o work_n and_o service_n of_o god_n be_v not_o the_o service_n of_o god_n a_o race_n and_o who_o be_v so_o fit_a to_o run_v as_o those_o who_o be_v young_a and_o of_o nimble_a spirit_n let_v we_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o and_o elsewhere_o so_o run_v that_o you_o may_v obtain_v which_o as_o it_o imply_v a_o wing_a swiftness_n and_o quickness_n of_o stir_a affection_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n so_o also_o a_o ready_a diligence_n and_o active_a cheerfulness_n in_o any_o work_n of_o he_o to_o which_o the_o heaviness_n of_o old_a age_n be_v a_o clog_a hindrance_n and_o which_o do_v exceed_o well_o become_v the_o liveliness_n of_o youthful_a spirit_n v._o be_v young_a man_n strong_a and_o of_o able_a body_n what_o be_v more_o comely_a for_o they_o than_o to_o serve_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o their_o strength_n the_o weakness_n of_o the_o body_n do_v even_o make_v the_o spirit_n fail_v and_o faint_v and_o hinder_v it_o many_o time_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n strength_n be_v a_o help_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o spirit_n in_o a_o strong_a body_n be_v like_o a_o workman_n stand_v upon_o firm_a ground_n which_o be_v a_o help_n and_o furtherance_n in_o the_o work_n vi_o
to_o i_o chap._n ii_o wherefore_o that_o this_o may_v be_v make_v more_o clear_a unto_o we_o let_v we_o consider_v how_o and_o in_o what_o respect_v the_o day_n of_o youth_n be_v call_v good_a day_n they_o be_v good_a day_n 1._o because_o they_o be_v the_o first_o day_n of_o a_o man_n life_n childhood_n be_v but_o as_o it_o be_v a_o preparative_n to_o the_o life_n of_o man_n child_n while_o they_o be_v child_n have_v but_o some_o imperfect_a beginning_n of_o the_o life_n of_o reason_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a life_n of_o man_n therefore_o we_o may_v reckon_v the_o day_n of_o youth_n as_o the_o first_o day_n of_o man_n life_n when_o he_o first_o begin_v to_o live_v as_o a_o man_n and_o to_o live_v the_o life_n of_o reason_n in_o some_o degree_n of_o perfection_n now_o you_o know_v that_o the_o first_o in_o every_o kind_n have_v the_o pre-eminence_n the_o first-born_a of_o man_n the_o firstling_n of_o beast_n the_o first-fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o morning_n of_o the_o day_n the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o spring_n of_o the_o year_n so_o there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o preeminency_n in_o the_o first_o day_n of_o man_n life_n which_o be_v the_o day_n of_o youth_n they_o be_v a_o man_n prime_n and_o his_o good_a day_n 2._o the_o day_n of_o youth_n be_v good_a day_n because_o ordinary_o they_o be_v the_o day_n of_o best_a health_n and_o strength_n day_n wherein_o we_o be_v of_o able_a body_n for_o any_o special_a service_n for_o although_o it_o be_v true_a that_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n bodily_a exercise_n profit_v but_o little_a in_o comparison_n of_o the_o inward_a power_n of_o godliness_n yet_o strength_n and_o health_n when_o they_o be_v make_v serviceable_a to_o a_o sanctify_a upright_a heart_n be_v of_o special_a use_n both_o in_o the_o immediate_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o many_o office_n of_o love_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v towards_o our_o brethren_n in_o the_o lord_n mens_fw-la sana_fw-la in_o corpore_fw-la sano_fw-la as_o they_o say_v a_o sound_a mind_n and_o a_o heavenly_a spirit_n further_v in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n by_o a_o strong_a healthy_a well-tempered_a body_n have_v a_o great_a advantage_n in_o its_o work_n and_o in_o that_o case_n the_o day_n of_o health_n and_o strength_n be_v good_a day_n in_o prayer_n although_o the_o strength_n and_o force_n of_o prayer_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o side_n or_o loudness_n of_o the_o voice_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o small_a advantage_n to_o the_o spirit_n when_o in_o its_o fervour_n and_o strength_n of_o affection_n it_o gather_v up_o and_o put_v forth_o all_o its_o power_n in_o earnest_a supplication_n before_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n if_o then_o it_o have_v a_o sound_a healthy_a body_n able_a to_o bear_v the_o intention_n of_o a_o fervent_a spirit_n without_o faint_v or_o distraction_n you_o know_v that_o if_o the_o arrow_n be_v long_o and_o draw_v to_o the_o head_n it_o be_v needful_a that_o the_o bow_n and_o the_o string_n shall_v be_v of_o sufficient_a strength_n to_o hold_v draw_v and_o a_o christian_n that_o will_v not_o content_v himself_o to_o shoot_v those_o fool_n bolt_n mention_v eccles._n 5._o 1._o but_o desire_v to_o send_v forth_o wing_a shaft_n of_o fervent_a prayer_n that_o shall_v pierce_v the_o cloud_n and_o enter_v the_o heaven_n find_v it_o a_o help_v not_o to_o be_v despise_v when_o the_o strength_n and_o health_n of_o his_o body_n be_v suitable_a to_o the_o vigour_n of_o his_o spirit_n this_o hold_v as_o you_o may_v easy_o conceive_v in_o those_o exercise_n of_o hear_v read_v meditation_n etc._n etc._n 3._o day_n of_o youth_n be_v time_n wherein_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v also_o quick_a lively_a and_o able_a by_o the_o communion_n with_o the_o body_n the_o soul_n by_o reason_n of_o its_o near_a conjunction_n of_o the_o body_n have_v its_o childhood_n youth_n and_o decay_a time_n in_o young_a year_n it_o have_v those_o golden_a day_n wherein_o the_o understanding_n be_v quick_a in_o apprehension_n teachable_a and_o apt_a to_o receive_v impression_n the_o memory_n faithful_a the_o judgement_n good_a and_o sound_a the_o affection_n strong_a and_o stir_a therefore_o these_o be_v the_o good_a day_n wherein_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o work_n and_o service_n of_o god_n and_o as_o in_o the_o spring_n all_o these_o concur_v together_o the_o tree_n in_o their_o fresh_a clothing_n the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n renew_v the_o beauty_n of_o herb_n and_o flower_n together_o with_o the_o sun_n be_v shine_v bright_o in_o his_o strength_n and_o glory_n make_v up_o good_a day_n whereas_o in_o the_o winter_n the_o brightness_n of_o the_o sun_n make_v but_o a_o imperfect_a good_a day_n while_o the_o tree_n and_o field_n be_v strip_v dead_a and_o wither_a the_o ground_n cover_v with_o mire_n and_o dirt_n so_o the_o meeting_n of_o these_o together_o the_o birthright_n of_o youth_n the_o strength_n and_o health_n of_o the_o body_n the_o quickness_n of_o the_o sense_n the_o activeness_n and_o abundance_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o perfection_n of_o the_o soul_n etc._n etc._n make_v the_o day_n of_o youth_n good_a day_n whereas_o although_o in_o the_o winter_n of_o old_a age_n the_o sun_n may_v shine_v the_o principle_n of_o wisdom_n store_v up_o in_o youth_n may_v be_v preserve_v yet_o there_o be_v those_o defect_n natural_o clog_a that_o die_a age_n which_o do_v eclipse_v the_o brightness_n and_o lessen_v the_o goodness_n of_o those_o day_n chap._n iii_o use_v â—_o this_o may_v serve_v to_o reprove_v those_o who_o do_v allow_v some_o fleshly_a liberty_n to_o the_o day_n of_o youth_n many_o who_o themselves_o be_v age_v out_o of_o a_o kind_n of_o fatherly_a experience_a gravity_n as_o they_o will_v have_v man_n think_v and_o out_o of_o a_o kind_n of_o moderation_n to_o which_o their_o year_n have_v bring_v they_o as_o they_o will_v have_v we_o believe_v do_v give_v liberty_n to_o a_o kind_n of_o latitude_n in_o the_o way_n of_o youth_n and_o young_a man_n must_v be_v bear_v with_o who_o doubt_v but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o christian_a moderation_n and_o compassion_n to_o be_v exercise_v towards_o such_o infirmity_n of_o the_o flesh_n which_o the_o spirit_n wrestle_v and_o labour_v against_o either_o in_o young_a or_o old_a when_o the_o heart_n be_v give_v up_o to_o christ_n and_o bring_v under_o the_o sovereign_a command_n of_o his_o glorious_a gospel_n and_o bless_a spirit_n can_v yet_o whole_o free_v itself_o from_o the_o law_n of_o rebellion_n nor_o utter_o shake_v off_o the_o body_n of_o death_n but_o out_o of_o a_o pretence_n of_o levity_n to_o flatter_v the_o enormity_n of_o youth_n and_o to_o excuse_v those_o vicious_a unbridled_a course_n which_o stain_v the_o glory_n of_o those_o best_a day_n what_o be_v it_o but_o to_o say_v that_o hard_a frost_n deep_a snow_n inundation_n thick_a mire_n and_o dirt_n be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v strange_a in_o may_n nor_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o in_o the_o prime_n and_o spring_n of_o the_o year_n be_v it_o to_o be_v endure_v when_o the_o best_a day_n of_o a_o man_n life_n be_v waste_v away_o in_o such_o course_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o a_o man_n live_v most_o contrary_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o that_o great_a god_n who_o have_v give_v they_o these_o choice_a day_n of_o youth_n to_o speak_v plain_o when_o be_v you_o more_o careful_a to_o fence_v your_o copse_n pasture_n meadow_n than_o in_o the_o spring_n and_o will_v you_o say_v the_o spring_n of_o our_o life_n which_o be_v the_o time_n of_o youth_n may_v be_v lay_v open_a to_o the_o invasion_n of_o lust_n to_o the_o assault_n of_o satan_n to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n let_v other_o man_n applaud_v their_o own_o gravity_n and_o condemn_v the_o rashness_n of_o other_o i_o can_v believe_v that_o solomon_n want_v either_o year_n gravity_n wisdom_n or_o due_a moderation_n when_o he_o check_v the_o folly_n of_o youth_n in_o a_o holy_a irony_n eccles._n 11._o and_o set_v before_o all_o vain_a young_a man_n the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n show_v that_o for_o all_o these_o thing_n even_o these_o excess_n of_o youth_n they_o shall_v be_v make_v to_o give_v account_n nor_o when_o he_o do_v put_v down_o this_o serious_a admonition_n in_o the_o word_n of_o this_o text_n back_v with_o so_o many_o press_a motive_n 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 etc._n etc._n and_o have_v there_o be_v any_o defect_n in_o the_o penman_n yet_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o hold_v his_o hand_n will_v not_o have_v suffer_v he_o to_o write_v one_o syllable_n amiss_o neither_o
do_v the_o psalmist_n return_v a_o answer_n suitable_a to_o these_o man_n conceit_n when_o the_o question_n be_v move_v wherewithal_o shall_v a_o young_a man_n cleanse_v his_o way_n but_o quite_o contrary_a by_o take_v heed_n thereto_o according_a to_o thy_o word_n where_o you_o see_v both_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o and_o the_o manner_n how_o they_o be_v to_o frame_v their_o course_n require_v a_o special_a strictness_n the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n that_o pure_a and_o holy_a rule_n of_o righteousness_n and_o not_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o time_n nor_o the_o ordinary_a practice_n nor_o lust_n of_o youth_n must_v guide_v they_o and_o this_o rule_n they_o must_v heed_n with_o much_o attention_n and_o watchfulness_n have_v one_o eye_n upon_o their_o way_n another_o upon_o the_o word_n take_v heed_n thereto_o according_a to_o the_o word_n ever_o mark_v the_o step_n they_o tread_v and_o observe_v how_o it_o suit_v with_o the_o precious_a truth_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o ancient_n of_o day_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o gray_a hair_n can_v exempt_v from_o folly_n chap._n iu._n sect_n i._o ii_o this_o shall_v persuade_v the_o young_a sort_n not_o to_o make_v those_o day_n evil_a which_o god_n have_v make_v good_a oh_o do_v not_o abuse_v your_o choice_a day_n to_o the_o base_a employment_n think_v the_o spring_n of_o your_o age_n too_o good_a for_o satan_n too_o precious_a for_o lust_n for_o drunkenness_n for_o vanity_n too_o good_a to_o be_v so_o spend_v that_o in_o old_a age_n you_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o remember_v it_o without_o shame_n without_o a_o sting_n you_o know_v what_o the_o lord_n speak_v long_o since_o to_o israel_n if_o you_o walk_v contrary_a unto_o i_o i_o also_o will_v walk_v contrary_a unto_o you_o how_o can_v you_o walk_v more_o contrary_a unto_o god_n than_o to_o make_v those_o the_o worst_a day_n which_o he_o have_v make_v the_o best_a to_o have_v abuse_v any_o of_o god_n good_a creature_n under_o the_o law_n have_v be_v sin_n to_o have_v profane_v the_o first_o fruit_n a_o double_a sin_n to_o give_v any_o of_o our_o time_n to_o the_o service_n of_o sin_n be_v unworthy_a of_o a_o christian_a but_o to_o abase_v the_o prime_n of_o youth_n and_o the_o crown_n of_o our_o year_n the_o choice_a of_o our_o day_n to_o this_o slavery_n what_o be_v it_o but_o to_o set_v ourselves_o to_o cross_v the_o lord_n in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o way_n and_o to_o make_v these_o day_n evil_a because_o he_o have_v make_v they_o good_a regard_v not_o those_o who_o scoff_n in_o their_o carnal_a folly_n at_o the_o unite_n of_o these_o two_o together_o youth_n and_o holiness_n as_o at_o a_o unequal_a match_n as_o if_o a_o young_a man_n and_o a_o old_a woman_n be_v join_v together_o in_o marriage_n assure_v thyself_o that_o nothing_o can_v so_o well_o become_v the_o best_a day_n as_o the_o best_a affection_n and_o the_o best_a conversation_n that_o nothing_o be_v more_o seemly_a for_o a_o vessel_n of_o honour_n than_o to_o be_v season_v with_o true_a grace_n and_o sanctification_n even_o while_o it_o be_v now_o in_o the_o day_n of_o youth_n 1_o joh._n 2._o 13_o 14._o i_o write_v unto_o you_o young_a man_n because_o you_o have_v overcome_v the_o wicked_a one_o again_o i_o have_v write_v unto_o you_o young_a man_n because_o you_o be_v strong_a and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n abide_v in_o you_o and_o you_o have_v overcome_v the_o wicked_a one_o here_o be_v the_o excellency_n of_o young_a man_n not_o that_o they_o have_v so_o much_o strength_n oâ—_n body_n or_o dare_a spirit_n to_o challenge_v or_o lay_v other_o on_o the_o ground_n as_o that_o they_o have_v strength_n of_o grace_n and_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o wrestle_v with_o satan_n in_o all_o his_o temptation_n and_o tread_v they_o under_o their_o foot_n when_o theâ—_n have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n abide_v in_o they_o anâ—_n powerful_o enable_v they_o to_o wrestle_v witâ—_n principality_n and_o power_n and_o so_o to_o wrestle_v as_o to_o overcome_v these_o be_v young_a man_n to_o who_o the_o belove_a apostle_n of_o christ_n vouchsafe_v to_o write_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n aâ—_n indeed_o such_o be_v young_a man_n who_o youthâ—_n man_n ought_v to_o despise_v sect_n ii_o take_v heed_n then_o of_o make_v these_o goâ—â—_n day_n of_o youth_n to_o be_v evil_a day_n whiâ—â—_n god_n have_v make_v good_a day_n quest._n but_o some_o will_v say_v perhaps_o hoâ—_n be_v they_o make_v evil_a day_n sol._n i._n i_o answer_v in_o general_a the_o day_n of_o youth_n good_a in_o themselves_o be_v make_v evil_a when_o they_o be_v spend_v in_o unregeneration_n spend_v in_o a_o state_n of_o impenitency_n without_o sound_a conversion_n to_o god_n without_o holy_a communion_n with_o he_o every_o young_a man_n who_o be_v not_o bring_v home_o to_o god_n by_o unfeigned_a repentance_n in_o his_o youth_n make_v the_o day_n of_o his_o youth_n to_o be_v evil_a day_n rom._n 6._o 20_o 21._o when_o you_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o sin_n you_o be_v free_a from_o righteousness_n what_o fruit_n have_v you_o then_o in_o those_o thing_n whereof_o you_o be_v now_o ashamed_a for_o the_o end_n of_o those_o thing_n be_v death_n while_o a_o man_n be_v a_o unregenerate_a person_n he_o be_v a_o servant_n of_o sin_n and_o all_o that_o while_o he_o make_v his_o day_n evil_a day_n his_o life_n a_o evil_a life_n for_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o show_v any_o fruit_n that_o he_o have_v reap_v of_o all_o his_o work_n and_o way_n no_o true_a benefit_n no_o sound_a comfort_n arise_v out_o of_o all_o his_o course_n so_o it_o be_v with_o old_a man_n that_o live_v in_o the_o service_n of_o sin_n without_o true_a regeneration_n in_o like_a manner_n it_o be_v in_o young_a man_n that_o be_v unregenerate_a let_v they_o do_v what_o they_o will_v or_o can_v let_v they_o fill_v themselves_o with_o all_o manner_n of_o earthly_a pleasure_n let_v they_o please_v themselves_o every_o way_n and_o do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o enjoy_v these_o day_n of_o youth_n walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o their_o eye_n please_v their_o sense_n of_o all_o sort_n etc._n etc._n nay_o let_v they_o spend_v their_o day_n of_o youth_n better_o than_o so_o even_o in_o war_n in_o study_n and_o learning_n in_o get_v some_o useful_a &_o commendable_a trade_n yet_o so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v unregenerate_a and_o do_v not_o serious_o remember_v &_o turn_v to_o their_o creator_n now_o in_o these_o day_n of_o their_o youth_n they_o have_v no_o true_a fruit_n worth_n the_o have_v of_o all_o their_o endeavour_n of_o all_o their_o day_n of_o youth_n now_o do_v not_o a_o man_n make_v his_o day_n evil_a day_n when_o he_o spend_v they_o so_o that_o no_o true_a good_a come_v of_o they_o when_o they_o bring_v forth_o more_o evil_a than_o good_a so_o much_o evil_n as_o that_o the_o good_a that_o may_v come_v of_o they_o be_v not_o good_a unto_o they_o for_o the_o end_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v death_n when_o a_o man_n be_v still_o hasten_v to_o his_o destruction_n run_v oâ—_n towards_o his_o death_n as_o every_o one_o unconverted_a be_v what_o fruit_n can_v there_o come_v of_o any_o thing_n he_o go_v about_o all_o you_o that_o be_v young_a who_o put_v off_o repentance_n and_o be_v not_o regenerate_v nor_o labour_n to_o be_v so_o you_o make_v the_o day_n of_o your_o youth_n which_o you_o so_o rejoice_v in_o evil_a day_n curse_a day_n you_o walk_v under_o the_o wrath_n and_o curse_n of_o god_n and_o be_v not_o free_v from_o the_o sentence_n of_o condemnation_n while_o you_o be_v merry_a and_o jocund_a while_o your_o heart_n cheer_v you_o you_o do_v but_o sport_v yourselves_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o your_o own_o misery_n and_o danger_n can_v thou_o enjoy_v one_o good_a day_n while_o thou_o have_v no_o assurance_n for_o a_o hour_n to_o be_v free_a from_o the_o fire_n that_o never_o go_v out_o while_o thou_o stand_v accurse_v and_o have_v the_o sentence_n of_o condemnation_n write_v upon_o thy_o conscience_n and_o not_o wash_v off_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n spinkle_v by_o faith_n oh_o these_o be_v evil_a bitter_a day_n if_o thou_o can_v discern_v they_o right_o wherein_o heaven_n frown_v upon_o thou_o god_n be_v angry_a with_o thou_o and_o all_o thy_o sin_n remain_v unpardoned_a therefore_o repent_v and_o make_v thy_o peace_n with_o god_n that_o so_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o youth_n may_v be_v good_a day_n day_n wherein_o thou_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o god_n be_v appease_v with_o thou_o day_n wherein_o thou_o may_v walk_v in_o the_o bright_a sunshine_n and_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n day_n wherein_o thou_o may_v have_v thy_o fruit_n in_o holiness_n for_o the_o present_a and_o be_v
which_o threaten_n take_v effect_v according_o the_o philistine_n and_o arabian_n break_v into_o his_o kingdom_n enter_v his_o place_n take_v away_o his_o good_n his_o wife_n his_o son_n all_o save_o 〈◊〉_d young_a ver._n 16_o 17._o then_o also_o the_o lord_n smite_v he_o with_o a_o incurable_a disease_n in_o his_o bowel_n and_o after_o two_o year_n torment_n as_o it_o seem_v his_o body_n rot_v and_o his_o bowel_n fall_v out_o so_o that_o he_o die_v of_o sore_a disease_n and_o have_v not_o that_o honour_n at_o his_o funeral_n which_o be_v usual_o do_v unto_o king_n see_v how_o his_o life_n out-lasted_n the_o comfort_n of_o his_o life_n and_o yet_o his_o life_n be_v short_a he_o die_v when_o he_o be_v about_o forty_o year_n old_a and_o reign_v eight_o year_n now_o you_o may_v see_v by_o these_o example_n that_o there_o be_v two_o way_n in_o general_a by_o which_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o comfort_n of_o this_o life_n be_v short_a than_o life_n itself_o and_o that_o this_o life_n out-lasteth_a they_o all_o and_o that_o be_v 1._o by_o reason_n of_o old_a age_n 2._o by_o reason_n of_o cross_n &_o affliction_n 1._o in_o respect_n of_o old_a age_n so_o it_o be_v with_o david_n and_o barzillai_n so_o it_o be_v express_v at_o large_a in_o this_o last_o chapter_n of_o ecclesiaste_n where_o he_o show_v how_o the_o day_n of_o old_a age_n be_v such_o many_o time_n that_o a_o man_n have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o they_o and_o show_v at_o large_a how_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o body_n decay_n and_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n fail_v the_o grasshopper_n shall_v be_v a_o burden_n that_o be_v every_o little_a thing_n shall_v trouble_v they_o and_o desire_n shall_v fail_v they_o shall_v have_v no_o mind_n to_o any_o thing_n therefore_o also_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o delight_n shall_v fail_v they_o shall_v joy_v in_o nothing_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o youth_n and_o the_o delight_n of_o life_n be_v go_v moses_n say_v psal._n 90._o 10._o the_o day_n of_o our_o year_n be_v threescore_o year_n and_o ten_o and_o if_o by_o reason_n of_o strength_n they_o be_v fourscore_o yet_o be_v their_o strength_n but_o labour_n and_o sorrow_n yea_o and_o some_o ere_o they_o be_v threescore_o do_v feel_v the_o burden_n of_o old_a age_n as_o much_o as_o other_o do_v at_o fourscore_o 2._o in_o respect_n of_o suffering_n and_o affliction_n some_o do_v outlive_v the_o comfort_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n so_o do_v job_n but_o that_o afterward_o the_o lord_n restore_v his_o prosperity_n to_o he_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n so_o saul_n it_o seem_v in_o respect_n of_o age_n may_v have_v enjoy_v many_o a_o fair_a year_n but_o all_o be_v blast_v and_o his_o kingdom_n do_v he_o little_a good_a the_o lord_n declare_v himself_o against_o he_o so_o you_o see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o jehoram_n the_o lord_n may_v take_v away_o those_o comfort_n from_o a_o man_n that_o the_o loss_n of_o they_o may_v drown_v all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n embitter_v all_o those_o sweet_n that_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v to_o we_o chap._n ii_o the_o reason_n in_o general_n be_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n that_o have_v shorten_v life_n &_o make_v it_o mortal_a which_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o sin_n shall_v have_v be_v imortal_a that_o have_v make_v the_o comfort_n of_o life_n short_a than_o life_n itself_o which_o shall_v have_v be_v everlasting_a as_o life_n itself_o shall_v have_v be_v immortal_a have_v not_o sin_v give_v a_o deadly_a wound_n both_o to_o the_o life_n of_o man_n and_o to_o the_o comfort_n of_o this_o life_n man_n shall_v have_v have_v no_o thorn_n nor_o thistle_n to_o have_v vex_v he_o in_o paradise_n if_o he_o have_v not_o let_v sin_n into_o the_o garden_n but_o sin_n be_v let_v in_o cast_v he_o out_o into_o a_o thorny_a world_n full_a of_o misery_n whereby_o his_o short_a life_n be_v make_v bitter_a to_o he_o and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o life_n not_o so_o long-lived_a as_o life_n itself_o many_o time_n the_o special_a sin_n of_o man_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o and_o that_o both_o of_o god_n child_n and_o of_o the_o wicked_a the_o special_a sin_n of_o the_o godly_a as_o in_o david_n his_o sin_n into_o which_o he_o fall_v make_v the_o latter_a part_n of_o his_o life_n full_a of_o bitterness_n and_o have_v not_o he_o be_v able_a to_o comfort_v himself_o in_o god_n and_o to_o have_v refresh_v his_o heart_n with_o his_o save_a love_n and_o mercy_n how_o can_v he_o have_v be_v able_a to_o bear_v up_o his_o spirit_n under_o such_o grievous_a burden_n so_o the_o lord_n do_v many_o time_n change_v the_o outward_a condition_n of_o his_o child_n and_o cause_v they_o in_o stead_n of_o many_o outward_a comfort_n former_o enjoy_v to_o eat_v the_o bread_n and_o drink_v the_o water_n of_o affliction_n and_o cause_v sad_a time_n to_o pass_v over_o they_o insomuch_o that_o all_o the_o comfort_n of_o this_o life_n do_v no_o way_n yield_v they_o so_o much_o content_v as_o their_o outward_a affliction_n do_v bring_v bitterness_n upon_o they_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o special_a sin_n of_o the_o wicked_a do_v sometime_o move_v the_o lord_n to_o turn_v their_o laughter_n into_o mourning_n and_o to_o bring_v a_o a_o dark_a cloud_n on_o all_o the_o sunshine_n of_o their_o outward_a comfort_n so_o that_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v look_v sad_a upon_o they_o and_o this_o he_o seem_v to_o do_v for_o two_o cause_n 1._o to_o bring_v they_o home_o to_o himself_o that_o be_v take_v off_o from_o carnal_a contentment_n in_o outward_a delight_n and_o bring_v to_o deal_v serious_o with_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o to_o consider_v their_o way_n and_o find_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n for_o their_o heart_n to_o rest_v upon_o they_o may_v be_v make_v to_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o seek_v peace_n with_o he_o and_o comfort_n in_o his_o love_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o manasseh_n while_o he_o flourish_v in_o his_o kingly_a dignity_n and_o have_v what_o his_o heart_n can_v wish_v how_o do_v he_o exceed_v in_o wickedness_n but_o when_o the_o lord_n give_v he_o that_o blow_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o king_n of_o babylon_n which_o strike_v he_o down_o from_o his_o throne_n and_o â—aid_v he_o in_o fetter_n then_o in_o his_o affliction_n he_o beseech_v the_o lord_n his_o god_n and_o humble_v himself_o great_o before_o the_o god_n of_o his_o father_n and_o pray_v unto_o he_o and_o he_o be_v entreat_v of_o he_o etc._n etc._n 2_o chron._n 33_o 11_o 12_o 13._o 2._o the_o lord_n seem_v to_o do_v this_o many_o time_n to_o manifest_v his_o justice_n and_o to_o let_v the_o wicked_a know_v what_o they_o be_v to_o look_v for_o in_o another_o world_n thus_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v deal_v with_o pharaoh_n saul_n and_o many_o other_o this_o i_o be_o persuade_v the_o lord_n do_v often_o aim_v at_o even_o in_o those_o change_n which_o be_v bring_v with_o old_a age._n many_o which_o have_v be_v flourish_v in_o their_o day_n and_o abuse_v their_o prosperity_n their_o body_n decay_v with_o old_a age_n and_o their_o outward_a mean_n wither_v together_o with_o they_o and_o they_o be_v set_v before_o the_o world_n for_o spectacle_n wherein_o man_n may_v read_v the_o vanity_n of_o all_o thing_n under_o the_o sun_n together_o with_o the_o fade_a and_o uncertain_a condition_n of_o all_o the_o comfort_n of_o this_o life_n i_o mean_v of_o such_o who_o after_o youth_n and_o ripe_a year_n spend_v in_o sin_n and_o impenitency_n do_v afterward_o go_v creep_v under_o the_o burden_n of_o old_a age_n and_o have_v no_o heart_n to_o seek_v the_o lord_n in_o sincerity_n but_o their_o heart_n die_v within_o they_o and_o become_v like_o nabal_n have_v lose_v the_o content_n which_o they_o take_v before_o in_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n and_o want_v grace_n to_o raise_v their_o heart_n to_o the_o lord_n that_o they_o may_v delight_v their_o soul_n in_o he_o many_o such_o example_n may_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o world_n 3._o sometime_o the_o lord_n do_v this_o to_o exercise_v the_o grace_n of_o his_o child_n and_o to_o make_v they_o example_n unto_o other_o of_o patience_n and_o steadfastness_n in_o his_o way_n as_o it_o be_v with_o job_n who_o continue_v in_o his_o integrity_n after_o that_o those_o great_a change_n be_v bring_v upon_o he_o chap._n iii_o use._n i._o hence_o we_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o consideration_n of_o the_o shortness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o all_o the_o contentment_n of_o this_o present_a life_n how_o short_a be_v life_n itself_o and_o yet_o the_o pleasure_n of_o life_n be_v short_a than_o life_n psal._n 39_o 5._o behold_v thou_o have_v make_v my_o day_n as_o a_o hand-breadth_n say_v david_n there_o be_v the_o life_n of_o