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unhappy_a that_o they_o be_v full_a of_o trouble_n that_o man_n come_v forth_o indeed_o like_o a_o flower_n but_o be_v cut_v down_o 2._o job_n 14.1_o 2._o that_o he_o flee_v also_o as_o a_o shadow_n and_o continue_v not_o and_o the_o same_o sense_n have_v the_o wise_a part_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n have_v of_o the_o condition_n of_o mankind_n that_o his_o life_n be_v very_o short_a too_o short_a in_o their_o opinion_n for_o so_o noble_a and_o so_o wise_a a_o creature_n they_o have_v compare_v it_o to_o a_o mere_a point_n and_o indeed_o what_o be_v the_o long_a life_n more_o to_o the_o day_n of_o eternity_n they_o have_v laugh_v at_o the_o divide_v this_o little_a point_n into_o so_o many_o part_n but_o most_o of_o all_o at_o mankind_n for_o misemploy_v any_o part_n thereof_o and_o do_v it_o not_o appear_v the_o same_o to_o we_o all_o as_o for_o the_o time_n past_a for_o all_o the_o year_n we_o have_v live_v hitherto_o how_o wonderful_o short_a and_o inconsiderable_a do_v it_o 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scene_n their_o generation_n be_v hasten_v off_o to_o make_v room_n for_o the_o next_o that_o be_v to_o come_v and_o so_o the_o world_n do_v very_o quick_o change_v all_o its_o inhabitant_n and_o in_o a_o short_a space_n of_o year_n show_v a_o perfect_o new_a set_a of_o face_n there_o be_v all_o thing_n then_o in_o such_o a_o change_a condition_n be_v it_o so_o diminutive_a a_o part_n of_o time_n that_o we_o be_v suffer_v to_o stay_v here_o before_o our_o great_a change_n and_o be_v our_o life_n itself_o so_o much_o short_a in_o comparison_n and_o so_o uncertain_a that_o when_o we_o be_v go_v to_o sleep_n the_o cunning_a man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v assure_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v wake_v in_o this_o life_n any_o more_o that_o after_o we_o be_v rise_v we_o shall_v ever_o come_v into_o a_o bed_n to_o take_v our_o rest_n again_o be_v all_o thing_n i_o say_v in_o such_o a_o condition_n with_o we_o and_o can_v we_o forgive_v ourselves_o the_o mispending_a all_o our_o pretions_a time_n or_o too_o great_a a_o share_n of_o it_o may_v we_o be_v beckon_v out_o or_o justle_v off_o our_o present_a station_n so_o very_o soon_o and_o can_v we_o find_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o have_v do_v nothing_o that_o become_v we_o either_o as_o man_n or_o christian_n have_v we_o but_o one_o day_n of_o life_n to_o do_v all_o our_o mighty_a business_n in_o and_o can_v we_o afford_v to_o stand_v it_o all_o out_o idle_a and_o gaze_v this_o be_v folly_n indeed_o and_o what_o god_n will_v never_o forgive_v we_o though_o we_o be_v so_o overkind_a to_o ourselves_o our_o life_n spend_v as_o fast_o and_o our_o hour_n run_v off_o as_o swift_o while_o we_o be_v loiter_v and_o gaze_v about_o we_o as_o when_o we_o be_v diligent_a at_o our_o proper_a work_n let_v we_o therefore_o since_o we_o be_v certain_a to_o have_v but_o little_a of_o time_n allot_v to_o our_o share_n be_v careful_a to_o spend_v all_o that_o little_a well_o let_v not_o business_n or_o diversion_n or_o friend_n rob_v we_o too_o much_o or_o spend_v too_o much_o of_o our_o small_a stock_n but_o let_v we_o rather_o borrow_v from_o each_o of_o they_o all_o the_o time_n we_o can_v to_o dedicate_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o great_a god_n and_o to_o the_o save_v of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n but_o above_o all_o let_v we_o not_o suffer_v sinful_a pleasure_n to_o rob_v we_o also_o if_o we_o do_v not_o keep_v direct_o on_o in_o our_o way_n without_o faint_v towards_o our_o journey_n be_v end_n let_v we_o not_o for_o god_n sake_n lose_v ourselves_o so_o far_o as_o to_o turn_v quite_o back_o and_o go_v direct_o from_o it_o if_o we_o scarce_o have_v time_n or_o strength_n to_o perform_v this_o our_o course_n once_o let_v we_o not_o think_v of_o run_v it_o all_o twice_o over_o without_o strength_n or_o time_n we_o have_v no_o continue_a city_n here_o below_o we_o belong_v to_o another_o which_o we_o must_v make_v all_o our_o way_n to_o get_v to_o with_o what_o speed_n we_o can_v since_o we_o have_v but_o one_o day_n to_o do_v it_o in_o and_o when_o the_o night_n come_v we_o be_v sure_a to_o be_v wildr_v and_o lose_v and_o quite_o exclude_v but_o further_a we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o consider_v how_o great_a our_o work_n be_v how_o many_o the_o impediment_n be_v and_o how_o short_a our_o time_n to_o do_v all_o in_o must_v be_v but_o this_o also_o shall_v add_v very_o much_o to_o our_o care_n to_o reflect_v 4_o lie_n how_o much_o short_a the_o mispending_a of_o our_o time_n do_v general_o make_v it_o in_o their_o worldly_a affair_n man_n do_v always_o conclude_v that_o the_o not_o employ_v that_o time_n to_o their_o chief_a business_n for_o which_o it_o be_v allot_v be_v general_o a_o direct_a mispending_a of_o it_o though_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v quite_o lose_v but_o employ_v about_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o less_o concern_v this_o be_v their_o judgement_n about_o the_o matter_n that_o concern_v this_o world_n that_o concern_v their_o health_n or_o estate_n here_o but_o it_o be_v not_o in_o those_o spiritual_a affair_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o soul_n and_o another_o state_n they_o can_v with_o patience_n enough_o suffer_v the_o time_n allot_v to_o these_o best_a thing_n to_o be_v ravish_v from_o they_o without_o noise_n or_o any_o of_o the_o passion_n with_o which_o they_o be_v so_o loud_a when_o they_o be_v interrupt_v in_o their_o other_o affair_n it_o too_o often_o prove_v a_o grateful_a diversion_n to_o be_v disturb_v in_o their_o care_n of_o these_o and_o they_o can_v be_v so_o good-natured_a as_o not_o only_o to_o forgive_v other_o their_o take_n from_o they_o that_o their_o set_a time_n for_o religious_a duty_n but_o to_o forgive_v themselves_o as_o easy_o when_o they_o neglect_v they_o even_o upon_o the_o most_o frivolous_a pretence_n but_o these_o man_n real_o be_v too_o too_o much_o good-natured_a and_o it_o be_v happy_a for_o they_o if_o they_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n less_o of_o this_o which_o they_o call_v good_a nature_n and_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o of_o that_o which_o the_o world_n will_v call_v morose_n incivility_n it_o will_v real_o be_v much_o better_a and_o much_o more_o happy_a for_o they_o by_o a_o little_a of_o this_o to_o secure_v and_o rescue_v that_o time_n wherein_o they_o may_v make_v themselves_o everlasting_o bless_v than_o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o other_o to_o lose_v their_o time_n and_o their_o soul_n together_o this_o be_v a_o concern_v wherein_o the_o least_o loss_n be_v very_o dangerous_a since_o the_o stake_n be_v so_o very_o great_a and_o therefore_o no_o care_n of_o we_o can_v be_v too_o great_a for_o it_o we_o do_v not_o only_o lose_v all_o that_o our_o time_n that_o be_v misspend_v on_o other_o thing_n than_o that_o of_o our_o great_a concern_v in_o this_o life_n but_o our_o mispend_v do_v too_o often_o prey_n upon_o our_o time_n itself_o and_o cut_v that_o short_a the_o time_n we_o squander_v away_o in_o idle_a speculation_n or_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o direct_o sinful_a will_n whenever_o we_o come_v to_o ourselves_o be_v a_o grief_n of_o heart_n unto_o we_o since_o we_o shall_v then_o find_v and_o know_v that_o we_o have_v a_o far_o better_a use_v to_o have_v employ_v it_o to_o but_o with_o what_o heart_n shall_v we_o behold_v ourselves_o when_o we_o find_v that_o all_o the_o time_n we_o have_v spend_v in_o sin_n do_v direct_o tend_v to_o the_o shorten_n of_o our_o day_n as_o it_o ever_o most_o certain_o do_v there_o be_v none_o of_o those_o sinful_a pleasure_n and_o drunken_a bout_n there_o be_v no_o revel_v nor_o wantonness_n but_o cost_v the_o man_n that_o be_v employ_v therein_o too_o
mr._n gee_n sermon_n before_o the_o queen_n at_o whitehall_n august_n 7._o 1692._o of_o the_o improvement_n of_o time_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o queen_n at_o whitehall_n august_n 7._o 1692._o by_o edward_n gee_o rector_n of_o st._n benedict_n by_o paul's-wharff_a and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o their_o majesty_n by_o her_o majesty_n special_a command_n london_n print_v for_o brab_n aylmer_n in_o cornhill_n and_o sam._n smith_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1692._o a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o queen_n ephesian_n v._o verse_n 16._o redeem_v the_o time_n because_o the_o day_n be_v evil._n st_n paul_n in_o this_o epistle_n have_v show_v they_o to_o who_o it_o be_v send_v the_o great_a excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o mighty_a advantage_n and_o privilege_n that_o may_v be_v receive_v from_o the_o hearty_a belief_n of_o it_o proceed_v to_o show_v what_o a_o wonderful_a change_n have_v be_v make_v in_o their_o condition_n by_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o whereas_o before_o their_o know_v and_o believe_v that_o christian_a doctrine_n they_o be_v cover_v with_o darkness_n and_o altogether_o lose_v in_o vanity_n and_o error_n and_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v even_o dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n 2.1_o ephes_n 2.1_o they_o be_v now_o become_v child_n of_o light_n by_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n their_o mind_n be_v enlighten_v and_o themselves_o quicken_v 5._o 5._o and_o raise_v as_o it_o be_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o sit_v together_o in_o heavenly_a place_n in_o christ_n jesus_n 6._o 6._o have_v thus_o lay_v down_o the_o mighty_a thing_n which_o have_v be_v do_v for_o they_o our_o apostle_n do_v very_o easy_o and_o very_o regular_o too_o pass_v on_o to_o inform_v they_o what_o they_o also_o be_v to_o do_v and_o what_o return_v they_o be_v to_o make_v to_o god_n for_o such_o his_o abundant_a mercy_n to_o they_o upon_o this_o he_o give_v they_o a_o great_a many_o direction_n and_o rule_n for_o the_o management_n of_o themselves_o so_o as_o to_o please_v god_n in_o every_o condition_n and_o state_n of_o life_n whatsoever_o whether_o of_o marry_a or_o free_a whether_o of_o public_a or_o private_a of_o son_n or_o of_o servant_n but_o above_o all_o he_o take_v heed_n to_o mind_v they_o of_o their_o care_n of_o that_o in_o which_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v do_v all_o the_o duty_n he_o mention_v be_v to_o be_v perform_v and_o that_o be_v the_o good_a improvement_n of_o their_o time_n that_o they_o will_v lose_v none_o of_o that_o since_o they_o have_v such_o occasion_n for_o it_o all_o and_o yet_o be_v in_o such_o apparent_a danger_n of_o lose_v too_o much_o of_o it_o through_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o world_n they_o must_v converse_v with_o redeem_v the_o time_n because_o the_o day_n be_v evil_a which_o word_n afford_v we_o these_o thing_n for_o our_o consideration_n 1_o st_z what_o great_a reason_n we_o have_v all_o to_o improve_v and_o to_o make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o our_o time_n 2_o lie_n how_o much_o more_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o redeem_v it_o and_o to_o double_v our_o diligence_n when_o we_o have_v lose_v any_o great_a share_n of_o it_o 3_o lie_n to_o inquire_v what_o can_v be_v the_o hindrance_n of_o our_o care_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o much_o moment_n 4_o lie_n to_o give_v some_o rule_n herein_o and_o to_o exhort_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o 1_o st_o what_o great_a reason_n we_o all_o have_v to_o improve_v and_o to_o make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o our_o time_n one_o will_v think_v it_o the_o most_o easy_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o convince_v mankind_n of_o the_o truth_n hereof_o but_o i_o know_v not_o well_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o this_o which_o may_v challenge_v our_o assent_n upon_o the_o very_a name_n of_o it_o that_o every_o man_n ought_v to_o make_v the_o best_a use_n of_o time_n shall_v be_v so_o little_o regard_v by_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o strange_a than_o this_o that_o while_o all_o the_o world_n the_o wise_a and_o the_o foolish_a be_v agree_v in_o their_o value_v so_o much_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o love_v and_o take_v delight_n in_o they_o shall_v 〈…〉_o in_o have_v little_a or_o no_o regard_n 〈…〉_o which_o only_o they_o can_v obtain_v any_o of_o those_o thing_n they_o so_o much_o prize_n and_o long_o after_o however_o every_o man_n must_v acknowledge_v the_o very_a great_a reason_n there_o be_v for_o we_o all_o to_o improve_v and_o to_o make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o time_n whenever_o he_o be_v serious_a or_o will_v but_o consider_v these_o thing_n with_o i_o 1_o st_z how_o great_a a_o work_n every_o christian_n have_v upon_o his_o hand_n to_o perform_v 2_o lie_n how_o many_o impediment_n he_o will_v meet_v with_o in_o his_o discharge_n of_o it_o 3_o lie_n how_o short_a the_o time_n of_o our_o sojourn_v here_o in_o this_o world_n must_v be_v and_o 4_o lie_n how_o much_o short_a the_o mispending_a of_o 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the_o second_o in_o eat_v the_o three_o and_o great_a in_o drink_v to_o see_v they_o mind_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v extravagant_a and_o unmanly_a love_v no_o pleasure_n but_o what_o be_v unlawful_a give_v their_o strength_n to_o strange_a woman_n their_o ear_n their_o eye_n and_o all_o their_o sense_n up_o to_o those_o charm_n which_o be_v often_o bitterness_n in_o the_o taste_n itself_o but_o most_o certain_o shame_n and_o destruction_n at_o the_o last_o to_o see_v some_o from_o who_o one_o may_v expect_v a_o better_a sense_n of_o religion_n restless_a and_o turn_v every_o stone_n try_v every_o way_n to_o be_v rich_a and_o mind_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o leave_v a_o great_a estate_n and_o resolve_v to_o do_v it_o though_o at_o the_o expense_n of_o religion_n and_o conscience_n of_o honour_n and_o of_o justice_n though_o they_o must_v disregard_n the_o tear_n as_o well_o as_o the_o right_n of_o widow_n and_o orphan_n and_o trample_v upon_o the_o helpless_a and_o afflict_a to_o 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heaven_n and_o they_o may_v do_v whatever_o be_v right_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n as_o the_o israelite_n do_v when_o they_o have_v no_o king_n on_o earth_n or_o that_o they_o be_v for_o such_o their_o behaviour_n inexcusable_a madman_n and_o madman_n they_o be_v since_o how_o busy_a soever_o they_o be_v about_o all_o these_o thing_n this_o be_v not_o their_o business_n into_o this_o world_n and_o how_o much_o soever_o they_o may_v have_v please_v themselves_o in_o their_o several_a action_n yet_o god_n can_v never_o be_v please_v with_o they_o since_o it_o be_v for_o another_o a_o more_o noble_a purpose_n that_o he_o create_v man_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o this_o earth_n he_o plant_v we_o here_o as_o in_o a_o place_n of_o trial_n he_o
appoint_v we_o a_o work_n which_o be_v no_o less_o than_o to_o purchase_v a_o bless_a immortality_n for_o our_o body_n as_o well_o as_o our_o soul_n in_o his_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n by_o our_o lead_a life_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n here_o this_o be_v our_o chief_a business_n into_o this_o world_n and_o the_o care_n of_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v constant_o in_o our_o eye_n not_o only_o for_o the_o worth_n but_o also_o for_o the_o difficulty_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o difficult_a work_n indeed_o but_o be_v it_o ten_o thousand_o time_n more_o difficult_a than_o it_o be_v there_o be_v a_o reward_n that_o will_v deserve_v it_o all_o but_o god_n have_v be_v infinite_o gracious_a to_o we_o in_o this_o respect_n have_v be_v far_o from_o make_v the_o difficulty_n equal_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o this_o bless_a reward_n this_o however_o ought_v always_o to_o affect_v we_o that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a and_o large_a work_n and_o this_o every_o one_o do_v know_v that_o have_v make_v never_o so_o little_a progress_n in_o it_o how_o much_o study_n and_o diligence_n be_v necessary_a to_o obtain_v and_o to_o preserve_v a_o just_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o attribute_n and_o of_o that_o wonderful_a dispensation_n towards_o the_o son_n of_o man_n by_o his_o own_o ever_o bless_a son_n to_o preserve_v our_o faith_n pure_a and_o undefiled_a from_o the_o art_n of_o heretic_n and_o other_o that_o be_v still_o lay_v wait_n to_o deceive_v with_o their_o entice_a word_n to_o have_v our_o judgement_n right_o inform_v and_o firm_o settle_v as_o to_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n and_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o our_o christian_a duty_n how_o difficult_a a_o task_n do_v it_o prove_v to_o incline_v the_o will_n and_o subdue_v it_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n to_o keep_v it_o even_o and_o constant_a to_o the_o choice_n of_o real_a good_a and_o our_o christian_a duty_n what_o a_o severe_a and_o last_a conflict_n must_v we_o have_v with_o those_o corrupt_a affection_n those_o unruly_a desire_n and_o inordinate_a passion_n that_o be_v always_o hang_v about_o we_o and_o ready_a to_o betray_v we_o upon_o every_o occasion_n upon_o the_o least_o temptation_n that_o present_v itself_o these_o must_v all_o in_o order_n to_o that_o life_n which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o be_v mortify_v and_o restrain_v and_o if_o we_o can_v perfect_o subdue_v we_o have_v not_o only_o a_o great_a many_o virtue_n to_o learn_v and_o practice_v but_o a_o great_a many_o vice_n to_o unlearn_v which_o we_o must_v thank_v our_o own_o folly_n for_o we_o have_v not_o only_a vice_n that_o must_v be_v part_v with_o but_o too_o many_o among_o we_o great_a habit_n of_o they_o and_o what_o time_n and_o pain_n and_o diligence_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o cure_v ourselves_o of_o any_o one_o habit_n of_o wickedness_n it_o be_v with_o some_o care_n and_o regret_n that_o we_o do_v bring_v ourselves_o to_o venture_v on_o such_o or_o such_o a_o waste_v sin_n it_o be_v with_o more_o pain_n and_o diligence_n that_o we_o bring_v ourselves_o to_o commit_v it_o with_o greediness_n and_o a_o particular_a pleasure_n in_o it_o and_o can_v all_o this_o be_v undo_v and_o change_v in_o a_o moment_n and_o when_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n it_o must_v be_v with_o far_o more_o pain_n and_o care_n and_o diligence_n that_o we_o can_v tear_v it_o from_o our_o breast_n abandon_v and_o quite_o forsake_v it_o and_o not_o only_o forsake_v it_o but_o frame_v our_o mind_n our_o will_n and_o our_o temper_n to_o that_o virtue_n which_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o it_o one_o brisk_a onset_n can_v do_v our_o business_n herein_o we_o may_v with_o courage_n and_o resolution_n set_v upon_o these_o homebred_a enemy_n and_o overcome_v they_o but_o how_o long_o must_v it_o be_v before_o we_o can_v reckon_v ourselves_o true_o conqueror_n over_o our_o fleshly_a lust_n what_o a_o large_a field_n than_o be_v that_o of_o the_o knowledge_n which_o be_v necessary_a as_o we_o be_v christian_n how_o many_o be_v the_o snare_n and_o the_o sin_n that_o we_o must_v upon_o our_o great_a peril_n avoid_v and_o preserve_v ourselves_o unspotted_a from_o have_v we_o then_o all_o of_o we_o so_o great_a and_o so_o very_o large_a a_o work_n as_o this_o be_v to_o perform_v what_o time_n can_v be_v enough_o for_o it_o bless_a god_n what_o knowledge_n and_o skill_n and_o diligence_n and_o application_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o know_v and_o perform_v this_o our_o duty_n what_o time_n can_v be_v too_o much_o for_o such_o business_n and_o yet_o mankind_n must_v certain_o think_v its_o far_a from_o require_v all_o our_o time_n since_o they_o common_o do_v spend_v so_o much_o of_o it_o on_o quite_o other_o matter_n it_o be_v that_o great_a father_n of_o the_o physician_n advice_n or_o complaint_n that_o life_n be_v short_a but_o be_v long_o that_o man_n have_v a_o great_a deal_n to_o learn_v but_o too_o little_a time_n to_o acquire_v it_o in_o how_o much_o more_o reason_n have_v the_o christian_n to_o cry_v out_o that_o his_o work_n be_v great_a but_o his_o life_n too_o short_a for_o it_o and_o yet_o how_o many_o of_o we_o do_v squander_v away_o even_o that_o which_o we_o have_v there_o be_v too_o much_o of_o our_o precious_a time_n force_v away_o from_o we_o by_o the_o necessity_n of_o our_o nature_n or_o our_o relation_n and_o care_n of_o other_o how_o can_v we_o then_o find_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o throw_v the_o rest_n away_o after_o it_o be_v not_o the_o race_n mark_v out_o for_o we_o be_v not_o our_o task_n allot_v and_o the_o time_n it_o must_v be_v do_v in_o while_o it_o be_v light_a let_v we_o then_o but_o inquire_v at_o home_n and_o see_v how_o we_o have_v manage_v ourselves_o or_o our_o time_n if_o our_o life_n be_v so_o short_a and_o our_o work_n so_o great_a have_v we_o employ_v it_o all_o therein_o be_v so_o much_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o law_n necessary_a to_o our_o ever_o be_v happy_a and_o have_v we_o make_v it_o our_o constant_a care_n to_o study_v god_n word_n to_o consult_v those_o lip_n that_o shall_v preserve_v knowledge_n and_o use_v all_o the_o help_n that_o may_v direct_v we_o in_o this_o be_v there_o so_o many_o virtue_n that_o god_n will_v have_v we_o adorn_v ourselves_o with_o and_o so_o many_o error_n that_o we_o must_v abandon_v and_o guard_v our_o heart_n and_o our_o life_n against_o with_o all_o diligence_n how_o much_o time_n then_o have_v we_o employ_v to_o gain_v the_o one_o or_o banish_v the_o other_o let_v we_o ask_v our_o own_o heart_n what_o one_o virtue_n it_o be_v we_o be_v entire_o in_o possession_n of_o what_o one_o vice_n it_o be_v that_o we_o have_v perfect_o rid_v ourselves_o of_o have_v all_o the_o time_n we_o have_v employ_v as_o we_o ought_v not_o make_v we_o master_n of_o any_o one_o virtue_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o conqueror_n over_o any_o one_o vice_n and_o can_v we_o think_v we_o have_v enough_o of_o time_n and_o to_o spare_v which_o we_o may_v employ_v as_o ourselves_o please_v if_o all_o the_o time_n that_o some_o of_o we_o have_v be_v in_o this_o world_n and_o how_o much_o have_v that_o be_v have_v not_o yet_o teach_v they_o one_o line_n as_o i_o may_v say_v of_o this_o large_a lesson_n what_o time_n how_o many_o hundred_o of_o year_n will_v be_v necessary_a to_o teach_v such_o their_o whole_a duty_n in_o this_o consideration_n therefore_o shall_v awaken_v we_o all_o shall_v prompt_v we_o to_o diligence_n and_o industry_n in_o our_o christian_a duty_n since_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o our_o time_n be_v too_o long_o for_o the_o learning_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o duty_n but_o too_o much_o reason_n to_o fear_v that_o it_o may_v prove_v too_o short_a especial_o if_o we_o remember_v the_o second_o reason_n for_o this_o our_o care_n viz._n 2_o lie_n how_o many_o impediment_n he_o will_v meet_v with_o in_o his_o discharge_n of_o it_o if_o our_o task_n be_v large_a enough_o for_o our_o whole_a time_n as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v what_o apprehension_n shall_v it_o cause_v in_o we_o to_o consider_v how_o much_o of_o that_o time_n which_o be_v all_o but_o necessary_a and_o little_a enough_o be_v ravish_v from_o we_o by_o our_o necessary_a occasion_n how_o much_o more_o be_v steal_v from_o it_o by_o our_o sin_n and_o our_o folly_n our_o life_n be_v very_o fit_o call_v in_o scripture_n a_o warfare_n since_o if_o we_o look_v about_o we_o and_o consider_v how_o much_o we_o have_v to_o do_v and_o what_o great_a difficulty_n we_o have_v to_o struggle_v through_o it_o will_v make_v the_o stout_a heart_n to_o despond_v but_o for_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o will_v strengthen_v and_o assist_v we_o but_o for_o the_o reward_n that_o will_v so_o glorious_o crown_v
much_o of_o his_o life_n and_o often_o all_o that_o be_v remain_v of_o it_o without_o be_v physician_n every_o one_o can_v see_v how_o often_o dropsy_n and_o gout_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o drunkenness_n consumption_n and_o palsy_n and_o disease_n not_o fit_a to_o be_v name_v be_v the_o certain_a effect_n of_o unlawful_a and_o unchaste_a pleasure_n need_v any_o man_n be_v tell_v that_o these_o cut_v short_a the_o life_n of_o man_n the_o sinner_n himself_o need_v it_o least_o of_o all_o who_o feel_v to_o his_o too_o great_a cost_n and_o by_o dear_a experience_n the_o dismal_a truth_n of_o it_o the_o life_n that_o be_v cark_v with_o anxious_a care_n for_o the_o get_a wealth_n that_o will_v see_v no_o end_n nor_o dare_v to_o taste_v the_o fruit_n of_o all_o its_o care_n but_o venture_v health_n and_o friend_n and_o life_n itself_o and_o which_o be_v more_o all_o his_o future_a hope_n for_o another_o bag_n be_v far_o from_o escape_v free_a on_o this_o account_n and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o vice_n that_o man_n allow_v themselves_o in_o which_o have_v not_o this_o skill_n and_o never_o fail_v to_o shorten_v the_o life_n of_o those_o that_o be_v so_o blind_o fond_a of_o it_o but_o if_o these_o sinner_n shall_v be_v so_o discreet_a in_o their_o folly_n and_o temperate_a as_o it_o be_v in_o these_o their_o extravagancy_n as_o not_o to_o hasten_v too_o soon_o their_o end_n by_o they_o yet_o this_o can_v give_v they_o but_o small_a comfort_n since_o god_n may_v be_v provoke_v by_o their_o sin_n so_o far_o as_o to_o cut_v off_o their_o day_n and_o shorten_v as_o he_o often_o have_v do_v the_o life_n of_o all_o such_o careless_a and_o bold_a sinner_n and_o this_o consideration_n ought_v to_o be_v well_o weigh_v by_o they_o all_o who_o be_v so_o dare_v against_o god_n for_o whatever_o care_n may_v do_v for_o they_o against_o their_o own_o or_o other_o man_n vice_n it_o can_v do_v nothing_o for_o they_o against_o the_o vengeance_n of_o a_o offend_a god_n which_o can_v never_o miss_v its_o aim_n or_o return_v again_o empty_a without_o accomplish_v that_o judgement_n upon_o careless_a and_o wicked_a man_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v it_o and_o how_o often_o have_v he_o appoint_v and_o declare_v that_o they_o who_o make_v the_o worst_a use_n of_o time_n shall_v have_v the_o least_o share_n of_o it_o to_o misspend_v that_o he_o will_v cut_v off_o half_a the_o day_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o hasten_v they_o off_o the_o stage_n of_o this_o world_n to_o judgement_n who_o of_o all_o man_n live_v be_v the_o least_o prepare_v for_o it_o it_o be_v employ_v our_o time_n well_o and_o the_o fear_n of_o our_o god_n that_o will_v prolong_v our_o day_n but_o for_o the_o year_n of_o the_o wicked_a 10.27_o prov._n 10.27_o he_o have_v declare_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v shorten_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v often_o soon_o put_v out_o 21.17_o job_n 21.17_o and_o when_o man_n begin_v too_o soon_o when_o they_o set_v up_o for_o atheistical_a debauchee_n in_o the_o bloom_n of_o their_o year_n god_n judgement_n can_v be_v as_o quick_a with_o they_o and_o not_o only_o shorten_v the_o day_n of_o their_o youth_n itself_o but_o cover_v they_o and_o their_o memory_n also_o with_o shame_n and_o disgrace_n have_v now_o go_v through_o all_o the_o reason_n i_o do_v believe_v sufficient_a in_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v time_n to_o take_v a_o short_a view_n of_o they_o altogether_o and_o to_o see_v what_o urgent_a and_o unavoidable_a necessity_n they_o lie_v upon_o we_o to_o be_v very_o strict_a in_o the_o improvement_n of_o our_o time_n since_o it_o be_v by_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o alone_a that_o we_o can_v do_v any_o part_n of_o our_o great_a work_n in_o this_o world_n can_v we_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v rust_v with_o idleness_n or_o wear_v out_o in_o the_o service_n of_o sin_n and_o lust_n who_o have_v no_o less_o a_o work_n on_o our_o hand_n than_o the_o gain_n heaven_n let_v we_o up_o and_o be_v do_v since_o if_o we_o faint_v we_o shall_v get_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o shall_v for_o ever_o after_o wish_v we_o have_v escape_v but_o if_o we_o faint_v not_o we_o shall_v be_v secure_a of_o a_o exceed_a great_a reward_n which_o will_v infinite_o surpass_v all_o the_o pain_n that_o we_o can_v ever_o take_v to_o obtain_v it_o we_o know_v that_o our_o work_n be_v great_a we_o see_v that_o our_o hindrance_n and_o impediment_n be_v too_o many_o and_o we_o can_v but_o feel_v that_o the_o time_n of_o our_o sojourn_v here_o must_v not_o be_v long_o what_o time_n can_v we_o have_v for_o the_o service_n of_o sin_n who_o have_v not_o enough_o for_o our_o lawful_a concern_v but_o especial_o for_o our_o great_a work_n and_o yet_o we_o can_v rob_v from_o these_o to_o spend_v upon_o our_o lust_n which_o do_v not_o only_o misspend_v but_o shorten_v our_o time_n which_o do_v not_o only_o give_v we_o nothing_o for_o it_o but_o do_v most_o wicked_o rob_v we_o also_o of_o that_o wherein_o we_o may_v have_v make_v some_o amends_o to_o god_n for_o our_o past_a folly_n but_o above_o all_o let_v we_o look_v up_o to_o the_o judgement_n which_o be_v so_o like_a to_o overtake_v we_o in_o our_o sin_n and_o cut_v off_o our_o life_n for_o our_o wickedness_n and_o oftentimes_o in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o it_o awake_v then_o o_o thou_o who_o sleep_v awake_v to_o righteousness_n and_o give_v thy_o strength_n and_o thy_o time_n to_o god_n let_v he_o only_o have_v the_o continual_a service_n of_o it_o who_o will_v so_o abundant_o reward_v it_o i_o can_v enter_v upon_o the_o next_o particular_a which_o be_v to_o show_v how_o much_o more_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o redeem_v our_o time_n and_o to_o double_v our_o diligence_n when_o we_o have_v lose_v any_o great_a share_n of_o it_o i_o have_v already_o trespass_v on_o your_o patience_n too_o far_o and_o i_o hope_v i_o need_v add_v no_o more_o to_o convince_v we_o how_o great_a a_o concern_v we_o all_o ought_v to_o have_v for_o our_o precious_a time_n if_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v do_v not_o i_o despair_v of_o be_v able_a to_o urge_v any_o thing_n further_o that_o can_v teach_v we_o this_o wise_a lesson_n let_v we_o reflect_v then_o with_o care_n on_o all_o these_o reason_n and_o since_o so_o much_o of_o time_n slip_v from_o we_o useless_a let_v we_o be_v careful_a of_o the_o rest_n that_o while_o it_o be_v call_v day_n and_o we_o have_v time_n we_o may_v be_v employ_v about_o our_o master_n business_n and_o when_o he_o call_v we_o hence_o we_o may_v be_v find_v at_o it_o but_o for_o all_o that_o time_n which_o we_o have_v lose_v and_o be_v irrecoverable_o go_v let_v we_o go_v to_o the_o bless_a jesus_n that_o most_o merciful_a saviour_n let_v we_o cast_v ourselves_o at_o his_o foot_n and_o with_o contrite_a heart_n bewail_v the_o loss_n and_o the_o abuse_n of_o our_o past_a time_n and_o beg_v of_o he_o that_o he_o will_v pass_v over_o the_o folly_n of_o our_o childhood_n that_o he_o will_v not_o remember_v the_o sin_n of_o our_o youth_n nor_o the_o more_o grievous_a transgression_n of_o our_o riper_n year_n but_o will_v forgive_v we_o all_o that_o be_v past_a and_o grant_v we_o his_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v all_o of_o we_o henceforth_o serve_v and_o please_v he_o in_o newness_n of_o life_n to_o his_o glory_n and_o our_o salvation_n amen_n finis_fw-la