material_n that_o compose_v it_o or_o that_o the_o most_o curious_a watch_n be_v frame_v after_o this_o odd_a manner_n that_o a_o elegant_a picture_n may_v have_v result_v from_o the_o accidental_a and_o unheeded_a mixture_n of_o colour_n or_o a_o elaborate_v oration_n or_o poem_n as_o many_o have_v observe_v from_o a_o confuse_a shuffle_n of_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o alphabet_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o harmonious_a combination_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o curious_a frame_n of_o each_o species_n in_o it_o and_o particular_o of_o mankind_n that_o all_o have_v be_v dispose_v in_o number_n weight_n and_o measure_n by_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o that_o god_n 29._o who_o be_v wonderful_a in_o counsel_n and_o excellent_a in_o work_v and_o this_o truth_n be_v so_o very_o clear_a that_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o have_v be_v penetrate_v with_o the_o light_n of_o it_o 28._o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n paul_n cite_v to_o the_o athenian_n one_o of_o their_o celebrate_a author_n 〈◊〉_d to_o prove_v what_o other_o of_o they_o general_o confess_v that_o god_n be_v the_o original_a author_n of_o mankind_n aratus_n so_o that_o it_o be_v manifest_a from_o reason_n that_o god_n have_v form_v we_o and_o this_o the_o sacred_a historian_n of_o the_o creation_n express_o assert_n god_n say_v 27._o let_v we_o make_v man_n in_o our_o image_n after_o our_o likeness_n so_o god_n create_v man_n in_o his_o own_o image_n in_o the_o image_n of_o god_n create_v he_o he_o male_a and_o female_a create_v he_o they_o and_o again_o the_o lord_n god_n form_v man_n of_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o ground_n 7._o and_o breathe_v into_o his_o nostril_n the_o breath_n of_o life_n 16._o and_o man_n become_v a_o live_a soul_n 3._o it_o be_v god_n who_o be_v the_o former_a of_o all_o thing_n that_o have_v make_v we_o and_o not_o we_o ourselves_o he_o both_o make_v the_o matter_n of_o which_o we_o consist_v and_o mould_v it_o into_o that_o form_n which_o we_o bear_v and_o by_o which_o our_o species_n be_v distinguish_v from_o those_o of_o other_o creature_n 3._o god_n be_v our_o creator_n or_o the_o author_n of_o our_o be_v in_o that_o as_o he_o have_v frame_v the_o species_n of_o mankind_n in_o general_n so_o he_o be_v the_o former_a of_o every_o individual_a humane_a creature_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n the_o multiplication_n of_o creature_n according_a to_o their_o kind_n by_o natural_a propagation_n be_v a_o blessing_n of_o god_n pronounce_v on_o they_o at_o their_o creation_n 1._o but_o this_o way_n ordain_v by_o god_n for_o the_o conservation_n and_o increase_n of_o each_o species_n be_v very_o mysterious_a and_o wonderful_a and_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n term_v creation_n and_o attribute_v to_o god_n as_o such_o the_o psalmist_n call_v the_o generation_n to_o come_v the_o people_n that_o shall_v be_v create_v 18._o and_o speak_v of_o the_o successive_a dissolution_n and_o propagation_n of_o animal_n 30._o he_o say_v thou_o take_v away_o their_o breath_n they_o die_v and_o return_v to_o their_o dust._n thou_o send_v forth_o thy_o spirit_n they_o be_v create_v and_o thou_o renewe_v the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n here_o the_o term_n of_o creation_n be_v use_v to_o signify_v the_o conservation_n and_o multiplication_n of_o animal_n in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n and_o that_o as_o well_o as_o the_o first_o formation_n of_o each_o species_n be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 2._o and_o god_n threaten_v the_o ammonite_n by_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n 30._o to_o judge_v they_o in_o the_o place_n where_o they_o be_v create_v that_o be_v as_o he_o explain_v it_o in_o the_o next_o word_n in_o the_o land_n of_o their_o nativity_n and_o god_n be_v the_o creator_n in_o this_o respect_n in_o a_o sense_n beyond_o what_o be_v ordinary_o imagine_v for_o it_o have_v in_o vain_a be_v attempt_v by_o man_n to_o explain_v the_o formation_n of_o plant_n and_o animal_n by_o the_o natural_a law_n of_o motion_n and_o so_o many_o insuperable_a difficulty_n meet_v they_o when_o they_o will_v show_v how_o their_o organ_n be_v mechanical_o form_v in_o natural_a generation_n that_o they_o appear_v impossible_a to_o be_v solve_v without_o attribute_v to_o a_o almighty_a power_n the_o formation_n of_o every_o individual_a creature_n as_o well_o as_o of_o every_o species_n and_o that_o in_o a_o way_n more_o immediate_a at_o least_o more_o mysterious_a than_o be_v common_o suppose_v nor_o do_v the_o conjecture_n of_o the_o equivocal_a generation_n of_o some_o plant_n and_o infect_v though_o it_o have_v general_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n as_o a_o undoubted_a truth_n seem_v well_o found_v since_o that_o supposition_n have_v be_v of_o late_a year_n great_o discredit_v by_o many_o experiment_n epistol_n which_o render_v it_o very_o improbable_a that_o any_o plant_n be_v raise_v without_o seed_n by_o a_o formative_a power_n in_o the_o earth_n as_o many_o have_v pretend_v or_o any_o animal_n spontaneous_o produce_v without_o parent_n and_o these_o god_n use_v only_o as_o instrumental_a or_o occasional_a cause_n himself_o be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o all_o generation_n who_o in_o this_o respect_n as_o the_o apostle_n fay_v in_o another_o work_v all_o in_o all_o 6._o and_o though_o he_o finish_v the_o creation_n in_o six_o day_n 17._o yet_o may_v be_v say_v to_o create_v still_o or_o as_o our_o saviour_n speak_v to_o work_v hitherto_o so_o that_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o work_n proper_a to_o the_o creator_n of_o man_n to_o form_v he_o in_o the_o womb_n and_o that_o after_o a_o method_n too_o mysterious_a to_o be_v trace_v by_o a_o humane_a understanding_n since_o the_o natural_a law_n of_o motion_n at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o know_v by_o man_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o produce_v so_o curious_a a_o piece_n as_o a_o humane_a body_n and_o as_o it_o be_v general_o suppose_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v individual_o form_v and_o infuse_v into_o their_o body_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n since_o no_o tolerable_a account_n can_v be_v otherwise_o give_v of_o their_o production_n so_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o form_n of_o each_o individual_a humane_a body_n be_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o same_o divine_a power_n which_o operate_v after_o so_o unsearchable_a a_o manner_n that_o every_o man_n may_v well_o say_v not_o only_o as_o to_o the_o origin_n of_o mankind_n in_o general_n but_o as_o to_o the_o formation_n of_o himself_o in_o particular_a as_o job_n do_v 12._o thy_o hand_n have_v make_v i_o and_o fashion_v i_o round_o about_o thou_o have_v make_v i_o as_o the_o clay_n have_v thou_o not_o pour_v i_o out_o as_o milk_n and_o curdle_a i_o like_o cheese_n thou_o have_v clothe_v i_o with_o skin_n and_o flesh_n and_o have_v fence_v i_o with_o bone_n and_o sinew_n thou_o have_v grant_v i_o life_n etc._n etc._n and_o with_o the_o psalmist_n 16._o thou_o have_v cover_v i_o in_o my_o mother_n be_v womb._n i_o will_v praise_v thou_o for_o i_o be_o fearful_o and_o wonderful_o make_v marvellous_a be_v thy_o work_n and_o that_o my_o soul_n know_v right_a well_o my_o substance_n be_v not_o hide_v from_o thou_o when_o i_o be_v make_v in_o secret_n and_o curious_o wrought_v in_o the_o low_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n thy_o eye_n do_v see_v my_o substance_n yet_o be_v imperfect_a and_o in_o thy_o book_n all_o my_o member_n be_v write_v which_o in_o continuance_n be_v fashion_v when_o as_o yet_o there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o 2._o it_o hence_o follow_v that_o god_n be_v the_o upholder_n and_o preserver_n of_o our_o be_v for_o this_o be_v include_v in_o the_o term_n creator_n when_o god_n by_o the_o prophet_n address_v himself_o to_o the_o israelite_n to_o encourage_v they_o to_o trust_v in_o he_o for_o their_o preservation_n and_o to_o dissipate_v their_o fear_n of_o danger_n he_o speak_v to_o they_o under_o this_o title_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n 1._o that_o create_v thou_o o_o jacob_n and_o he_o that_o form_v thou_o o_o israel_n fear_v not_o etc._n etc._n and_o to_o this_o exhortation_n he_o add_v a_o promise_n to_o preserve_v they_o when_o surround_v with_o the_o great_a difficulty_n to_o be_v with_o they_o in_o pass_v through_o the_o water_n and_o through_o the_o fire_n and_o the_o psalmist_n make_v the_o relation_n he_o stand_v in_o to_o god_n as_o his_o creature_n a_o plea_n for_o his_o preservation_n when_o he_o say_v in_o his_o prayer_n o_o lord_n forsake_v not_o the_o work_n of_o thy_o own_o hand_n 8._o and_o the_o apostle_n peter_n exhort_v those_o that_o be_v persecute_v 19_o to_o commit_v the_o keep_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o god_n in_o well_o do_v as_o to_o a_o faithful_a creator_n so_o that_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o relation_n
the_o burden_n and_o heat_n of_o the_o day_n in_o labour_v and_o suffer_v for_o he_o may_v not_o i_o who_o have_v spend_v my_o day_n in_o vanity_n and_o sin_n 13._o in_o riot_v and_o drunkenness_n in_o chamber_v and_o wantonness_n and_o who_o now_o be_o incapacitate_v either_o to_o do_v or_o suffer_v much_o for_o god_n just_a at_o the_o period_n of_o my_o day_n just_o fear_v be_v exclude_v from_o the_o participation_n of_o this_o bliss_n be_v it_o likely_a that_o these_o joy_n that_o be_v so_o spiritual_a and_o refine_a will_v be_v pour_v into_o such_o a_o soul_n as_o i_o when_o part_v from_o this_o languish_a body_n which_o have_v be_v debauch_v and_o corrupt_v for_o so_o many_o year_n with_o the_o base_a and_o sordid_a delight_n of_o sin_n or_o may_v i_o presume_v to_o deposit_v this_o vile_a and_o moulder_a carcase_n in_o the_o grave_a in_o hope_n of_o have_v it_o render_v a_o glorious_a body_n at_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a 14._o when_o i_o have_v through_o the_o best_a of_o my_o time_n abuse_v it_o to_o the_o vile_a purpose_n of_o sensuality_n and_o vice_n shall_v these_o eye_n that_o have_v so_o often_o be_v full_a of_o adultery_n be_v admit_v to_o see_v the_o lord_n in_o glory_n 14._o and_o this_o tongue_n be_v tune_v to_o praise_v he_o with_o sacred_a anthem_n in_o heaven_n which_o have_v thus_o long_o lodge_v in_o it_o a_o world_n of_o iniquity_n 6._o and_o desecrate_v his_o holy_a name_n by_o profane_a oath_n and_o blasphemy_n on_o earth_n that_o these_o foot_n that_o have_v be_v swift_a to_o attend_v the_o place_n of_o debauchery_n and_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o ungodly_a 1._o shall_v stand_v within_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n 2._o and_o find_v a_o welcome_a place_n in_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o church_n of_o the_o first-born_a 23._o which_o be_v write_v in_o heaven_n or_o that_o these_o hand_n that_o have_v so_o long_o be_v execute_v act_n of_o unrighteousness_n here_o shall_v be_v eternal_o lift_v up_o with_o praise_n and_o employ_v in_o applaud_v the_o name_n and_o work_n of_o god_n there_o may_v not_o i_o more_o reasonable_o be_v afraid_a 31._o that_o my_o soul_n shall_v fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n 19_o than_o cheerful_o commit_v it_o to_o he_o now_o my_o day_n be_v near_o expire_a and_o just_o apprehend_v that_o the_o expense_n of_o my_o time_n in_o wickedness_n will_v be_v punish_v with_o a_o eternity_n of_o misery_n and_o that_o after_o i_o have_v so_o long_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n 11._o i_o must_v now_o at_o last_o lie_v down_o in_o the_o grave_a in_o sorrow_n and_o o_o how_o pungent_a be_v that_o sorrow_n while_o my_o tremble_a soul_n look_v into_o the_o consequence_n of_o such_o a_o death_n for_o if_o i_o die_v in_o my_o sin_n not_o only_a be_o i_o deprive_v of_o all_o this_o happiness_n which_o i_o have_v be_v view_v at_o a_o distance_n but_o must_v sink_v into_o that_o abyss_n of_o misery_n 44._o where_o a_o never-dying_a worm_n 15._o and_o a_o unquenchable_a lake_n of_o fire_n be_v the_o just_a and_o dreadful_a reward_n of_o a_o sinful_a life_n these_o and_o such_o like_a jealousy_n and_o fear_n carry_v so_o specious_a a_o appearance_n of_o reason_n with_o they_o that_o without_o a_o more_o than_o common_a measure_n of_o faith_n they_o must_v needs_o give_v the_o soul_n a_o great_a deal_n of_o disquiet_n and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o the_o righteous_a and_o holy_a god_n suffer_v the_o mind_n often_o to_o labour_v under_o these_o troublesome_a thought_n as_o a_o proper_a method_n both_o to_o embitter_v sin_n to_o one_o that_o have_v be_v long_o accustom_v to_o indulge_v it_o and_o to_o testify_v for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o holiness_n that_o he_o reserve_v some_o peculiar_a reward_n even_o in_o this_o life_n for_o they_o that_o have_v serve_v he_o with_o a_o peculiar_a zeal_n and_o constancy_n 22._o and_o that_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n and_o hope_n 11._o and_o a_o clear_a prospect_n of_o those_o invisible_a thing_n which_o he_o have_v lay_v up_o for_o those_o that_o love_v he_o 1._o be_v a_o blessing_n wherewith_o he_o seldom_o crown_v any_o but_o those_o who_o have_v be_v for_o some_o considerable_a part_n of_o their_o life_n gradual_o raise_v their_o affection_n 2._o and_o fix_v they_o on_o thing_n above_o habituate_n themselves_o to_o converse_v in_o heaven_n 12._o and_o fight_v the_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n that_o they_o may_v lay_v hold_n on_o eternal_a life_n for_o since_o god_n be_v please_v to_o propose_v reward_n as_o motive_n to_o his_o service_n it_o be_v natural_a to_o conclude_v that_o the_o consolate_v hope_n of_o these_o reward_n which_o be_v also_o a_o reward_n itself_o do_v ordinary_o bear_v proportion_n to_o the_o time_n and_o degree_n of_o our_o obedience_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o have_v long_o devote_v himself_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n as_o he_o have_v common_o a_o clear_a prospect_n of_o future_a bliss_n and_o of_o the_o security_n of_o his_o interest_n in_o it_o so_o to_o advance_v his_o joy_n still_o to_o a_o high_a point_n he_o have_v reason_n to_o expect_v a_o distinguish_a reward_n in_o the_o celestial_a glory_n that_o if_o he_o have_v serve_v his_o lord_n much_o in_o his_o church_n which_o be_v his_o kingdom_n on_o earth_n he_o shall_v not_o be_v the_o least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n 19_o for_o though_o he_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o hope_v to_o be_v reward_v for_o his_o work_n on_o the_o account_n of_o debt_n because_o when_o he_o have_v do_v his_o best_a he_o be_v but_o a_o unprofitable_a servant_n 10._o yet_o since_o god_n himself_o have_v promise_v it_o he_o may_v believe_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v reward_v according_a to_o his_o work_n 27._o on_o the_o account_n of_o grace_n thus_o as_o the_o early_a convert_n look_v back_o upon_o all_o the_o suffering_n he_o have_v endure_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o divine_a master_n with_o comfort_n 16._o as_o on_o water_n that_o be_v pass_v away_o so_o the_o thought_n of_o these_o raise_v both_o his_o desire_n and_o expectation_n earnest_o to_o look_v for_o a_o distinguish_a recompense_n of_o future_a glory_n and_o how_o unexpressible_a be_v that_o joy_n which_o a_o holy_a man_n feel_v when_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n can_v with_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o strength_n penetrate_v and_o with_o equal_a steadiness_n contemplate_v the_o unseen_a glory_n of_o the_o heavenly_a state_n as_o firm_o interest_v therein_o what_o joy_n do_v the_o early_a convert_n often_o taste_v especial_o towards_o the_o close_a of_o his_o day_n when_o he_o approach_v the_o mark_n of_o his_o long_a desire_n and_o hope_n 14._o when_o he_o consider_v that_o as_o he_o have_v be_v long_o labour_v to_o increase_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n he_o shall_v sudden_o see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v and_o that_o as_o he_o have_v be_v long_o endeavour_v after_o a_o conformity_n to_o he_o 2_o he_o shall_v not_o only_o see_v he_o but_o be_v like_o he_o too_o that_o as_o all_o the_o power_n of_o his_o soul_n have_v be_v dedicate_v to_o his_o service_n so_o they_o shall_v be_v in_o a_o little_a time_n entire_o fill_v with_o his_o glory_n and_o incessant_o employ_v in_o his_o praise_n 13_o and_o as_o the_o member_n of_o his_o body_n have_v be_v fellow-servant_n of_o righteousness_n with_o the_o faculty_n of_o his_o soul_n 44._o so_o their_o refine_a matter_n and_o elegant_a form_n at_o the_o resurrection_n shall_v render_v they_o fit_a to_o become_v their_o partner_n in_o glory_n thus_o have_v we_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o the_o time_n of_o our_o youth_n be_v in_o many_o respect_v the_o best_a and_o fit_a for_o the_o great_a work_n of_o remember_v our_o maker_n and_o of_o engage_v in_o his_o service_n and_o this_o even_o upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o our_o be_v sure_a of_o obtain_v a_o opportunity_n of_o repent_v in_o old_a age_n though_o we_o shall_v not_o reform_v before_o but_o we_o have_v further_a to_o show_v that_o as_o the_o time_n of_o youth_n be_v the_o best_a so_o it_o may_v be_v and_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o be_v the_o only_a season_n wherein_o it_o will_v be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o devote_v ourselves_o to_o our_o creator_n or_o wherein_o our_o service_n will_v be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o which_o give_v we_o the_o clear_a proof_n of_o all_o of_o the_o danger_n and_o folly_n of_o neglect_v to_o consecrate_v to_o he_o the_o morning_n of_o our_o day_n but_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o we_o shall_v refer_v to_o another_o discourse_n the_o reasonableness_n &_o advantage_n of_o a_o early_a conversion_n to_o god_n demonstrate_v sermon_n iii_o eccles_n twelve_o 1._o remember_v now_o thy_o creator_n in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o youth_n while_o the_o evil_a day_n come_v not_o nor_o the_o year_n
to_o be_v a_o continuation_n of_o the_o irony_n and_o if_o take_v in_o a_o proper_a sense_n to_o speak_v the_o language_n of_o those_o libertine_n who_o notwithstanding_o what_o he_o have_v before_o say_v will_v still_o devote_v themselves_o to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v cast_v away_o as_o you_o resolve_v to_o do_v all_o serious_a thought_n fly_v the_o occasion_n of_o trouble_n and_o sorrow_n as_o much_o as_o possible_a avoid_v whatever_o be_v ungrateful_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n for_o time_n be_v fleet_v childhood_n and_o youth_n those_o opportunity_n of_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n will_v soon_o vanish_v therefore_o the_o sweet_n they_o afford_v must_v be_v reap_v in_o their_o season_n for_o thus_o do_v some_o sensualist_n argue_v for_o the_o present_a and_o earnest_a pursuit_n of_o worldly_a pleasure_n from_o their_o vanity_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o shortness_n of_o their_o continuance_n which_o ought_v rather_o when_o their_o eternal_a ill_a consequence_n be_v consider_v to_o take_v off_o the_o edge_n of_o the_o appetite_n towards_o '_o they_o so_o the_o prophet_n 32._o and_o after_o he_o the_o apostle_n introduce_v they_o argue_v let_v we_o eat_v and_o drink_v for_o to_o morrow_n we_o shall_v die_v but_o it_o seem_v not_o so_o likely_a that_o the_o irony_n shall_v be_v reiterated_a after_o so_o express_v and_o serious_a a_o warn_n of_o judgement_n as_o that_o in_o the_o former_a verse_n especial_o see_v this_o be_v join_v to_o it_o by_o a_o therefore_o as_o a_o conclusion_n found_v thereupon_o therefore_o remove_v sorrow_n from_o thy_o heart_n etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v rather_o therefore_o give_v the_o word_n such_o a_o turn_v as_o this_o viz._n see_v god_n will_v bring_v thou_o to_o judgement_n therefore_o remove_v sorrow_n etc._n etc._n q._n d._n mix_v innocency_n with_o thy_o joy_n be_v merry_a and_o wise_a reform_v thy_o life_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n shall_v be_v to_o thou_o a_o continual_a feast_n 〈◊〉_d the_o evil_a of_o sorrow_n need_v not_o possess_v thy_o heart_n if_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n be_v extirpate_v from_o thy_o flesh_n govern_v thy_o body_n with_o temperance_n and_o chastity_n and_o joy_n shall_v reign_v in_o thy_o soul_n or_o as_o other_o will_v have_v it_o remove_v anger_n from_o thy_o heart_n for_o so_o the_o word_n here_o translate_v sorrow_n 〈◊〉_d proper_o signify_v q._n d._n be_v not_o angry_a with_o they_o that_o advise_v thou_o well_o or_o be_v not_o displease_v with_o god_n for_o the_o strictness_n of_o his_o precept_n which_o i_o recommend_v to_o thou_o or_o for_o the_o severity_n of_o his_o judgement_n of_o which_o i_o warn_v thou_o or_o else_o the_o passion_n of_o anger_n because_o it_o so_o violent_o agitate_v the_o soul_n may_v be_v put_v for_o all_o the_o vicious_a affection_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o then_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n be_v remove_v all_o sinful_a passion_n from_o thy_o mind_n and_o put_v away_o evil_a from_o thy_o flesh_n 19_o q._n d._n give_v not_o the_o member_n of_o thy_o body_n to_o the_o service_n of_o sin_n which_o exhortation_n be_v urge_v by_o this_o reason_n for_o childhood_n and_o youth_n be_v vanity_n q._n d._n these_o pleasure_n thou_o be_v so_o hot_o in_o chase_n of_o now_o will_v vanish_v and_o disappear_v together_o with_o thy_o youth_n which_o be_v a_o flower_n that_o soon_o fade_v and_o why_o shall_v thou_o for_o short-lived_a joy_n expose_v thy_o soul_n to_o the_o hazard_n of_o eternal_a misery_n or_o else_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o wife_n man_n may_v be_v to_o this_o purpose_n i_o have_v reason_n to_o admonish_v those_o that_o be_v young_a of_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o a_o sensual_a life_n because_o none_o be_v so_o prone_a to_o be_v ensnare_v by_o its_o charm_n as_o they_o who_o imagination_n word_n and_o action_n be_v general_o so_o vain_a that_o they_o may_v be_v fit_o term_v vanity_n itself_o vanity_n in_o the_o abstract_n for_o childhood_n and_o youth_n be_v vanity_n upon_o which_o he_o add_v a_o suitable_a exhortation_n to_o such_o in_o the_o word_n of_o our_o text_n which_o be_v connect_v to_o those_o above_o with_o a_o particle_n which_o in_o our_o translation_n be_v render_v now_o but_o be_v no_o adverb_n of_o time_n 〈◊〉_d but_o common_o signify_v and_o and_o so_o may_v be_v join_v to_o what_o he_o have_v advise_v before_o viz_o put_v away_o evil_a from_o thy_o flesh_n and_o remember_v thy_o creator_n put_v this_o sentence_n for_o childhood_n and_o youth_n be_v vanity_n in_o a_o parenthesis_n between_o those_o two_o instruction_n or_o else_o it_o may_v be_v render_v then_o or_o therefore_o and_o so_o be_v a_o inference_n from_o the_o premise_n q._n d._n if_o there_o be_v a_o time_n of_o judgement_n to_o be_v expect_v and_o childhood_n and_o youth_n be_v vanity_n than_o it_o concern_v such_o to_o remember_v their_o creator_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o word_n we_o have_v three_o thing_n to_o consider_v first_o a_o duty_n enjoin_v or_o exhort_v to_o second_o the_o special_a time_n of_o engage_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n prescribe_v three_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o intimate_v i._o the_o duty_n exhort_v to_o be_v remember_v thy_o creator_n ii_o the_o special_a time_n of_o engage_v in_o this_o duty_n be_v signify_v 1._o in_o express_v term_n in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o youth_n 2._o by_o a_o opposite_a periphrasis_n which_o contain_v a_o description_n of_o old_a age_n while_n the_o evil_a day_n come_v not_o not_o the_o year_n draw_v nigh_o when_o thou_o shall_v say_v i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o they_o i._n e._n before_o the_o approach_n of_o old_a age._n iii_o the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v couched_a and_o insinuate_v 1._o in_o the_o term_n of_o the_o duty_n set_v before_o we_o where_o the_o relation_n we_o stand_v in_o to_o god_n as_o he_o be_v our_o creator_n imply_v the_o obligation_n we_o be_v under_o to_o remember_v he_o and_o that_o in_o our_o youth_n 2._o in_o the_o term_n use_v to_o signify_v the_o proper_a time_n of_o this_o duty_n where_o the_o fitness_n of_o the_o season_n of_o youth_n for_o enter_v one_o self_n into_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o defer_v it_o to_o old_a age_n be_v suggest_v of_o these_o we_o shall_v treat_v several_o in_o their_o order_n i._o to_o explain_v the_o duty_n to_o which_o we_o be_v exhort_v we_o shall_v consider_v first_o the_o object_n of_o it_o namely_o our_o creator_n and_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v what_o be_v include_v in_o that_o title_n here_o attribute_v to_o god_n second_o the_o act_n itself_o of_o remember_v what_o it_o import_v first_o we_o be_v first_o to_o inquire_v what_o be_v include_v in_o this_o title_n of_o creator_n here_o attribute_v to_o god_n 1._o it_o plain_o and_o express_o declare_v that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n and_o original_a of_o the_o be_v of_o man._n and_o may_v also_o include_v 2._o that_o he_o be_v the_o upholder_n and_o preserver_n of_o our_o be_v 3._o that_o he_o be_v the_o restorer_n and_o reformer_n of_o man._n 4._o that_o he_o be_v the_o sovereign_a arbiter_n and_o disposer_n of_o our_o be_v 1._o god_n be_v our_o creator_n as_o he_o be_v the_o original_a and_o author_n of_o our_o be_v for_o 1._o he_o create_v the_o matter_n of_o which_o we_o be_v compose_v as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o all_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o universe_n all_o being_n of_o which_o the_o world_n consist_v all_o that_o we_o have_v any_o notice_n of_o either_o from_o reason_n or_o scripture_n be_v either_o spiritual_a or_o corporeal_a and_o all_o these_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n now_o man_n be_v a_o creature_n compound_v of_o both_o these_o kind_n of_o be_v his_o soul_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o his_o body_n be_v a_o material_a substance_n and_o both_o these_o constituent_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v create_v by_o god_n the_o author_n of_o the_o whole_a universe_n and_o here_o we_o consider_v the_o term_n create_v in_o its_o strict_a sense_n namely_o the_o give_v a_o be_v to_o that_o which_o have_v none_o before_o the_o produce_v of_o something_o out_o of_o nothing_o i._n e._n without_o any_o preexistent_a matter_n to_o work_v upon_o now_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o man_n either_o be_v from_o eternity_n or_o else_o have_v a_o beginning_n in_o time_n and_o if_o they_o have_v a_o beginning_n that_o it_o must_v be_v either_o from_o themselves_o or_o from_o some_o other_o be_v inferior_a to_o god_n or_o from_o god_n himself_o i_o shall_v therefore_o brief_o prove_v both_o from_o reason_n and_o scripture_n that_o they_o be_v not_o eternal_a but_o have_v a_o beginning_n and_o this_o not_o of_o themselves_o nor_o of_o any_o other_o be_v but_o god_n himself_o as_o our_o text_n do_v import_v by_o still_v he_o our_o creator_n one_a
a_o man_n to_o suffer_v the_o fit_a season_n to_o escape_v he_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o work_n which_o be_v the_o most_o difficult_a of_o all_o other_o to_o be_v well_o do_v and_o upon_o the_o due_a accomplishment_n of_o which_o both_o his_o present_a and_o future_a happiness_n depend_v for_o 1._o youth_n be_v the_o best_a time_n for_o our_o conversion_n because_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o then_o so_o much_o vitiate_v by_o evil_a habit_n as_o when_o she_o have_v run_v through_o the_o several_a stage_n of_o life_n in_o a_o continue_a course_n of_o wickedness_n though_o sin_n be_v deep_o enough_o root_v in_o our_o nature_n which_o be_v all_o defile_v with_o the_o original_a stain_n yet_o we_o very_o much_o fortify_v our_o corrupt_a inclination_n by_o produce_v they_o into_o act_n and_o by_o multiply_v those_o sinful_a act_n till_o they_o become_v familiar_a and_o customary_a to_o we_o and_o till_o we_o drink_v down_o iniquity_n like_o water_n 16._o so_o that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o turn_v from_o sin_n increase_v together_o with_o the_o time_n of_o our_o continuance_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o can_v the_o ethiopian_a change_n his_o skin_n or_o the_o leopard_n his_o spot_n 23._o then_o may_v you_o also_o do_v good_a that_o be_v accustom_v to_o do_v evil_a say_v the_o prophet_n be_v it_o to_o be_v think_v that_o conversion_n to_o god_n be_v so_o slight_a and_o easy_a a_o matter_n that_o any_o time_n may_v serve_v for_o its_o accomplishment_n be_v not_o the_o difficulty_n that_o a_o long_a habit_n of_o sin_v will_v lay_v in_o the_o way_n of_o that_o great_a and_o important_a work_n to_o be_v fear_v be_v it_o not_o much_o more_o easy_a to_o bend_v a_o young_a twig_n than_o a_o age_a oak_n and_o to_o prevent_v evil_a habit_n than_o to_o rectify_v '_o they_o a_o little_a observation_n of_o the_o world_n may_v suffice_v to_o inform_v we_o that_o long_a custom_n or_o habit_n be_v so_o bewitch_a a_o thing_n that_o scarce_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v imagine_v more_o ridiculous_a absurd_a and_o inconvenient_a than_o many_o thing_n which_o the_o long_a usage_n of_o some_o person_n nay_o of_o some_o whole_a nation_n have_v authorise_a and_o if_o man_n be_v so_o tenacious_a of_o any_o silly_a and_o troublesome_a thing_n which_o they_o have_v be_v much_o addict_v to_o and_o sacrifice_v their_o reason_n their_o honour_n and_o their_o ease_n to_o the_o tyranny_n of_o custom_n how_o much_o more_o prevalent_a must_v a_o long_a habit_n and_o course_n of_o sin_n be_v which_o beside_o its_o deep_a root_n in_o our_o nature_n and_o beside_o the_o ordinary_a force_n of_o mere_a habit_n have_v both_o its_o flatter_a promise_n and_o pleasure_n to_o tempt_v we_o to_o its_o embrace_n and_o its_o threat_n and_o terror_n too_o in_o suggest_v all_o the_o mortify_a circumstance_n of_o a_o virtuous_a course_n of_o life_n to_o raise_v in_o our_o mind_n the_o most_o frightful_a idea_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n so_o that_o if_o custom_n and_o habit_n in_o general_n be_v proverbial_o style_v a_o second_o nature_n 〈◊〉_d the_o habit_n of_o sin_n may_v of_o all_o other_o most_o fit_o be_v so_o term_v and_o the_o force_n of_o its_o dominion_n over_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o difficulty_n of_o its_o extirpation_n out_o of_o they_o must_v needs_o have_v a_o increase_n proportionate_a to_o the_o time_n of_o its_o duration_n in_o they_o can_v any_o thing_n then_o be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o youth_n when_o sin_n have_v not_o yet_o so_o deep_o root_v itself_o in_o our_o heart_n by_o evil_a habit_n as_o in_o old_a age_n after_o a_o long_a course_n of_o vice_n in_o a_o multitude_n of_o repeat_v act_n our_o conversion_n must_v needs_o have_v the_o most_o easy_a and_o kind_o accomplishment_n 2._o this_o further_a appear_v in_o that_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o young_a be_v ordinary_o the_o most_o capable_a of_o instruction_n it_o be_v a_o say_n of_o a_o philosopher_n 6._o that_o to_o cure_v a_o dead_a man_n and_o teach_v a_o old_a man_n be_v thing_n equal_o difficult_a for_o though_o in_o some_o respect_v youth_n be_v sufficient_o addict_v to_o pride_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o natural_a modesty_n and_o become_a humility_n often_o discernible_a in_o the_o young_a arise_v from_o a_o consciousness_n of_o their_o ignorance_n and_o unexperience_n of_o thing_n which_o dispose_v they_o to_o a_o more_o docible_a frame_n of_o mind_n than_o be_v usual_o to_o be_v find_v in_o elder_a person_n who_o maturity_n of_o age_n often_o make_v they_o unwilling_a to_o be_v inform_v especial_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n either_o because_o they_o imagine_v they_o already_o know_v what_o other_o may_v pretend_v to_o teach_v they_o or_o because_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o undergo_v the_o shame_n of_o be_v account_v so_o long_o ignorant_a of_o religion_n and_o their_o concern_n therein_o which_o every_o body_n ought_v to_o be_v early_o acquaint_v with_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v likely_a our_o saviour_n tell_v his_o disciple_n that_o except_o they_o shall_v humble_v themselves_o and_o become_v as_o little_a child_n 4._o they_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n i._n e._n unless_o they_o shall_v imitate_v child_n in_o modesty_n and_o lowliness_n of_o mind_n that_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o ignorance_n may_v make_v they_o teachable_a beside_o the_o mind_n of_o youth_n be_v general_o a_o much_o fit_a soil_n for_o truth_n than_o those_o of_o the_o age_a because_o not_o usual_o so_o overrun_v with_o the_o briar_n and_o thorn_n of_o strong_a and_o deep_o root_v prejudices_fw-la the_o soul_n of_o man_n will_v not_o long_o remain_v empty_a if_o it_o be_v not_o early_o store_v with_o truth_n it_o will_v be_v gradual_o stuff_v with_o error_n and_o as_o it_o be_v much_o more_o troublesome_a to_o alter_v and_o correct_v a_o write_v full_a of_o nonsense_n and_o confusion_n by_o much_o raze_n out_o and_o interline_v than_o to_o write_v a_o handsome_a piece_n of_o good_a sense_n on_o a_o blank_a paper_n so_o it_o be_v abundant_o hard_a to_o instruct_v or_o rectify_v a_o mind_n long_o prepossess_v with_o falshood_n than_o to_o make_v deep_a impression_n of_o truth_n on_o a_o soul_n more_o simple_a and_o unprejudiced_a which_o if_o empty_a of_o knowledge_n yet_o be_v not_o fill_v with_o error_n which_o as_o it_o have_v not_o yet_o learn_v to_o judge_n right_a of_o thing_n so_o neither_o have_v be_v much_o use_v to_o judge_n wrong_v and_o if_o not_o happy_a enough_o to_o be_v well_o stock_v with_o good_a notion_n yet_o be_v not_o so_o unhappy_a as_o to_o be_v crowd_v with_o bad_a one_o now_o see_v to_o capacitate_v we_o to_o serve_v god_n 24._o who_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o will_v be_v serve_v with_o our_o spirit_n without_o which_o bodily_a exercise_n profit_v little_a there_o be_v many_o great_a truth_n to_o be_v learn_v 8._o and_o though_o he_o have_v promise_v the_o help_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o reveal_v these_o to_o the_o simple_a yet_o see_v he_o require_v we_o to_o be_v diligent_a in_o the_o investigation_n of_o truth_n â—â—_o and_o very_o attentive_a to_o the_o voice_n of_o reason_n and_o scripture_n to_o that_o end_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o see_v by_o reflect_v on_o what_o have_v be_v just_a now_o say_v that_o the_o young_a who_o mind_n be_v yet_o unformed_a have_v a_o mighty_a advantage_n above_o the_o age_a for_o learn_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o for_o obtain_v a_o more_o copious_a and_o solid_a understanding_n of_o truth_n so_o that_o we_o may_v well_o say_v with_o the_o prophet_n though_o perhaps_o he_o speak_v in_o another_o sense_n who_o shall_v he_o teach_v knowledge_n 9_o and_o who_o shall_v he_o make_v to_o understand_v doctrine_n they_o that_o be_v wean_a from_o the_o milk_n and_o draw_v from_o the_o breast_n 3._o again_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a tenderness_n of_o spirit_n attend_v our_o first_o year_n and_o not_o ordinary_o to_o be_v find_v afterward_o which_o render_v conversion_n more_o feasible_a the_o heart_n be_v more_o malleable_a and_o more_o easy_o receive_v impression_n from_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n record_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o mercy_n and_o judgement_n distribute_v in_o the_o world_n by_o his_o providence_n therefore_o we_o find_v few_o person_n who_o education_n have_v give_v they_o any_o tolerable_a mean_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n who_o do_v not_o remember_v themselves_o to_o have_v be_v much_o affect_v in_o their_o youth_n in_o attend_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o in_o observe_v some_o remarkable_a passage_n of_o his_o providence_n if_o deep_a conviction_n be_v a_o great_a step_n towards_o conversion_n experience_n show_v this_o be_v most_o easy_o wrought_v on_o one_o that_o be_v young_a how_o often_o do_v we_o
see_v such_o a_o one_o weep_v at_o a_o transient_a glance_n on_o death_n and_o judgement_n in_o a_o sermon_n or_o at_o a_o general_a reflection_n on_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n for_o sinner_n while_o the_o cered_a conscience_n of_o those_o that_o have_v be_v long_o harden_v in_o sin_n hold_v proof_n against_o the_o most_o pathetic_a and_o awaken_n discourse_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o death_n the_o dismal_a circumstance_n that_o attend_v a_o sinner_n at_o the_o approach_n of_o it_o and_o the_o great_a consequence_n that_o depend_v on_o that_o amaze_a change_n or_o against_o the_o most_o lively_a description_n of_o the_o most_o cruel_a and_o unexampled_a suffering_n wherewith_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v torment_v for_o our_o redemption_n that_o make_v no_o impression_n on_o the_o adamantine_a heart_n of_o the_o latter_a which_o be_v often_o find_v to_o effect_v a_o deep_a compunction_n of_o mind_n in_o the_o former_a and_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o one_o can_v hardly_o be_v keep_v open_a by_o a_o discourse_n that_o dissolve_v those_o of_o the_o other_o into_o tear_n the_o affection_n of_o fear_n and_o hope_n joy_n sorrow_n compassion_n and_o the_o like_a more_o easy_o move_v the_o tender_a mind_n of_o youth_n and_o consequent_o make_v way_n for_o last_a impression_n of_o piety_n to_o the_o purpose_n of_o which_o these_o affection_n when_o guide_v and_o regulate_v by_o a_o enlighten_v mind_n do_v mighty_o conduce_v 4._o the_o zeal_n and_o resolution_n which_o the_o warm_a temper_n of_o youth_n enage_n they_o in_o for_o what_o they_o embrace_v render_v a_o thorough_a conversion_n to_o god_n more_o easy_a to_o they_o than_o to_o the_o old_a who_o by_o have_v either_o taste_v much_o of_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o world_n themselves_o or_o by_o have_v be_v witness_n to_o the_o misery_n of_o many_o other_o often_o retain_v so_o terrible_a a_o idea_n of_o worldly_a trouble_n that_o the_o mortification_n and_o self-denial_n prescribe_v to_o the_o follower_n of_o christ_n give_v they_o a_o strange_a disgust_n for_o a_o strict_o religious_a life_n beside_o the_o abatement_n of_o their_o natural_a heat_n and_o vigour_n a_o good_a degree_n of_o which_o be_v useful_a to_o any_o great_a enterprise_n make_v they_o with_o the_o sluggard_n continual_o complain_v of_o a_o lion_n in_o the_o way_n 13._o but_o the_o young_a who_o have_v not_o be_v so_o balk_v with_o disappointment_n nor_o feel_v or_o see_v so_o many_o misery_n and_o who_o have_v also_o a_o great_a sense_n of_o honour_n and_o be_v common_o ambitious_a of_o high_a achievement_n and_o disdain_n to_o have_v their_o attempt_n defeat_v be_v hereby_o dispose_v more_o ready_o to_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o 12._o fight_v the_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n that_o they_o may_v lay_v hold_n on_o eternal_a life_n add_v to_o this_o that_o that_o disease_n of_o covetousness_n that_o so_o often_o attend_v the_o age_a who_o from_o experience_n either_o in_o themselves_o or_o other_o of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o get_v and_o keep_v and_o the_o danger_n of_o lose_v and_o the_o inconveniency_n of_o want_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n become_v more_o tenacious_a of_o they_o then_o when_o they_o be_v near_a the_o unavoidable_a necessity_n of_o part_v with_o they_o that_o this_o disease_n i_o say_v which_o be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a 10._o which_o be_v idolatry_n 5._o and_o therefore_o opposite_a to_o the_o true_a service_n of_o god_n and_o which_o render_v it_o almost_o impossible_a for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n 26._o do_v not_o so_o usual_o reign_v among_o the_o young_a who_o be_v rather_o apt_a to_o run_v into_o the_o contrary_a extreme_a so_o that_o their_o motion_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n be_v not_o clog_v with_o this_o dead_a weight_n which_o so_o mighty_o incumber_n those_o who_o heart_n have_v take_v deep_a root_n in_o the_o earth_n thus_o we_o see_v how_o much_o more_o easy_a the_o work_n of_o conversion_n be_v likely_a to_o be_v when_o we_o engage_v in_o it_o in_o our_o tender_a year_n than_o if_o we_o defer_v it_o to_o old_a age._n but_o all_o this_o while_n i_o will_v not_o be_v think_v to_o make_v the_o work_n of_o conversion_n consider_v as_o the_o act_n of_o god_n who_o alone_o can_v turn_v a_o soul_n from_o darkness_n to_o light_n 18._o and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n to_o himself_o to_o be_v more_o difficult_a in_o one_o subject_a than_o another_o for_o all_o thing_n be_v equal_o possible_a to_o he_o but_o i_o have_v hereby_o make_v a_o essay_n to_o show_v that_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o old_a sinner_n be_v a_o subject_a much_o more_o untractable_a and_o obstinate_a in_o itself_o than_o that_o of_o one_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o youth_n be_v yet_o but_o a_o novice_n in_o vice_n that_o the_o work_n of_o mortification_n and_o sanctification_n be_v common_o begin_v with_o less_o difficulty_n and_o carry_v on_o with_o more_o ease_n and_o speed_n on_o the_o young_a than_o on_o the_o old_a and_o that_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o grace_n be_v necessary_a to_o reform_v the_o latter_a than_o the_o former_a and_o whether_o the_o almighty_a will_v grant_v such_o a_o extraordinary_a measure_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o one_o that_o be_v grow_v old_a in_o wickedness_n may_v well_o be_v doubt_v as_o we_o shall_v show_v hereafter_o since_o then_o the_o work_n of_o conversion_n be_v of_o the_o great_a consequence_n as_o it_o be_v for_o our_o true_a interest_n both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o that_o to_o come_v certain_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v perform_v in_o youth_n see_v that_o be_v the_o most_o seasonable_a time_n as_o will_v further_o appear_v 2._o in_o that_o much_o good_a be_v lose_v and_o much_o evil_n contract_v by_o defer_v our_o conversion_n to_o old_a age_n but_o much_o evil_n on_o the_o contrary_a be_v prevent_v and_o much_o good_a obtain_v through_o the_o course_n of_o our_o day_n by_o a_o early_a turn_n to_o god_n 1._o much_o sin_n be_v prevent_v and_o consequent_o much_o spiritual_a good_a obtain_v by_o a_o early_a conversion_n which_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v no_o small_a advantage_n for_o see_v sin_n as_o it_o be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o pure_a nature_n of_o god_n be_v the_o worst_a of_o evil_n and_o see_v the_o excellency_n or_o vileness_n of_o a_o creature_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v by_o its_o likeness_n or_o contrariety_n to_o god_n who_o possess_v absolute_a perfection_n in_o himself_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o nothing_o can_v so_o deform_v a_o creature_n nothing_o can_v so_o defile_v it_o nothing_o can_v debase_v it_o so_o much_o and_o set_v it_o at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n as_o sin_n do_v it_o must_v then_o certain_o be_v our_o interest_n to_o break_v off_o our_o sin_n by_o a_o early_a repentance_n since_o every_o sinful_a act_n and_o much_o more_o a_o continuance_n in_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n do_v so_o much_o corrupt_v debase_v and_o deform_v the_o soul_n and_o if_o we_o desire_v the_o meliorate_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o will_v become_v more_o excellent_a creature_n than_o we_o be_v instead_o of_o degenerate_v and_o become_v worse_o it_o high_o concern_v we_o to_o begin_v early_o to_o extirpate_v that_o which_o have_v stripe_v the_o soul_n of_o much_o of_o her_o intellectual_a and_o which_o be_v worse_o of_o her_o moral_a excellency_n and_o will_v render_v she_o by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o vile_a by_o how_o much_o the_o long_o we_o indulge_v it_o and_o to_o devote_v ourselves_o betimes_o to_o religion_n and_o holiness_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a beauty_n and_o glory_n of_o a_o rational_a soul_n and_o that_o which_o chief_o make_v a_o man_n resemble_v his_o creator_n 2._o much_o sorrow_n and_o trouble_n be_v hereby_o prevent_v and_o much_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n obtain_v and_o secure_v for_o though_o some_o example_n may_v be_v find_v of_o wicked_a man_n who_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o temporal_a prosperity_n for_o a_o little_a time_n may_v be_v say_v to_o spread_v themselves_o like_o a_o green_a bay-tree_n 35._o not_o to_o be_v in_o trouble_n like_o other_o man_n etc._n and_o to_o have_v more_o than_o heart_n can_v wish_v yet_o god_n do_v not_o leave_v himself_o without_o witness_n of_o his_o displeasure_n against_o sin_n in_o that_o he_o often_o wound_v the_o head_n of_o his_o enemy_n and_o the_o hairy_a scalp_n of_o they_o that_o go_v on_o still_o in_o their_o trespass_n 21._o by_o signal_n judgement_n in_o this_o world_n as_o all_o place_n and_o age_n can_v testify_v nor_o have_v the_o divine_a providence_n be_v want_v to_o signalise_v the_o righteous_a by_o frequent_a instance_n of_o peculiar_a temporal_a blessing_n which_o it_o have_v confer_v on_o they_o however_o the_o anguish_n of_o a_o guilty_a and_o self-accusing_a conscience_n which_o the_o wicked_a
it_o be_v for_o a_o weak_a mind_n and_o a_o languish_a body_n to_o bear_v up_o under_o those_o press_a misery_n that_o will_v then_o attend_v they_o and_o it_o will_v be_v no_o small_a affliction_n to_o a_o late_a penitent_n even_o after_o his_o conversion_n to_o think_v on_o his_o imprudent_a neglect_n of_o early_o lay_v up_o this_o spiritual_a provision_n against_o those_o evil_a day_n of_o age_n and_o weakness_n when_o the_o soul_n stand_v in_o so_o much_o need_n of_o it_o 2._o a_o early_a conversion_n have_v great_a character_n of_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n than_o a_o late_a one_o thereby_o administer_v great_a ease_n and_o comfort_n amid_o the_o infirmity_n of_o age._n for_o as_o the_o true_a peace_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o soul_n result_v from_o the_o good_a and_o safe_a posture_n wherein_o she_o find_v herself_o so_o according_a to_o the_o evidence_n or_o obscurity_n of_o the_o proof_n a_o man_n find_v in_o himself_o of_o the_o reality_n of_o his_o conversion_n to_o god_n the_o more_o stable_n or_o waver_a be_v his_o hope_n and_o comfort_n now_o those_o that_o have_v be_v convert_v in_o their_o youth_n have_v usual_o much_o clear_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o conversion_n than_o they_o who_o have_v be_v reclaim_v from_o sin_n by_o a_o late_a repentance_n and_o therefore_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o former_a common_o far_o surpass_v that_o of_o the_o latter_a how_o often_o do_v the_o disturb_a and_o doubtful_a mind_n of_o a_o late_a penitent_n thus_o common_a with_o herself_o i_o find_v indeed_o a_o unwonted_a sorrow_n in_o myself_o on_o the_o account_n of_o sin_n but_o how_o shall_v i_o be_v assure_v that_o it_o be_v a_o godly_a sorrow_n â—â—_o that_o work_v a_o repentance_n to_o salvation_n not_o to_o be_v repent_v of_o be_v it_o not_o whole_o from_o a_o fear_n of_o evil_a of_o punishment_n and_o not_o at_o all_o from_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n not_o because_o i_o have_v violate_v the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o only_o because_o i_o have_v render_v myself_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o curse_n of_o it_o be_v it_o not_o rather_o because_o i_o have_v weaken_a my_o body_n and_o hasten_v old_a age_n by_o my_o vice_n than_o because_o i_o have_v defile_v my_o soul_n and_o enfeeble_v her_o power_n by_o they_o i_o feel_v in_o myself_o some_o abhorrence_n and_o aversion_n from_o the_o sin_n i_o former_o take_v pleasure_n in_o but_o be_v this_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o sickness_n of_o my_o soul_n or_o of_o the_o distemper_n of_o my_o body_n 9_o do_v i_o real_o loathe_v my_o former_a disorder_n and_o be_v temperance_n my_o choice_n be_v it_o not_o rather_o the_o weakness_n of_o my_o appetite_n and_o the_o decay_n of_o my_o palate_n that_o make_v i_o abstemious_a i_o delight_v not_o in_o sensual_a mirth_n and_o jollity_n as_o former_o but_o may_v i_o not_o just_o question_v whether_o this_o do_v not_o more_o proceed_v from_o the_o weakness_n of_o my_o fancy_n than_o from_o the_o tenderness_n of_o my_o conscience_n and_o the_o rectitude_n of_o my_o will_n i_o seem_v somewhat_o mortify_v to_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n but_o be_v not_o this_o rather_o a_o kind_n of_o natural_a than_o a_o moral_a death_n a_o die_a to_o the_o world_n of_o necessity_n and_o not_o of_o choice_n do_v i_o forsake_v it_o because_o it_o be_v unworthy_a of_o my_o love_n and_o not_o rather_o because_o it_o have_v first_o forsake_v i_o and_o be_v uncapable_a of_o afford_v i_o its_o former_a pleasure_n now_o the_o evil_a day_n of_o old_a age_n have_v overtake_v i_o i_o find_v in_o my_o soul_n a_o earnest_a desire_n after_o holiness_n be_v it_o because_o i_o take_v delight_n in_o please_a god_n or_o only_o because_o i_o fear_v to_o suffer_v the_o weight_n of_o his_o displeasure_n be_v it_o because_o i_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o live_v a_o holy_a life_n now_o when_o the_o best_a and_o almost_o the_o whole_a of_o my_o time_n be_v spend_v 10._o or_o only_o that_o i_o may_v die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o that_o my_o last_o end_n may_v be_v like_o he_o i_o be_o now_o willing_a to_o devote_v myself_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n but_o why_o have_v i_o not_o do_v it_o long_o before_o when_o i_o have_v time_n and_o strength_n and_o other_o advantage_n to_o serve_v he_o with_o be_v it_o not_o rather_o to_o serve_v a_o turn_n of_o my_o own_o than_o to_o serve_v he_o that_o i_o offer_v myself_o so_o late_o to_o his_o service_n have_v i_o not_o reason_n to_o doubt_v whether_o i_o be_o sincere_o willing_a to_o choose_v my_o bless_a lord_n as_o my_o head_n and_o ruler_n as_o well_o as_o my_o sanctuary_n and_o saviour_n and_o whether_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o be_v purify_v as_o well_o as_o redeem_v to_o be_v sanctify_v by_o his_o grace_n as_o well_o as_o justify_v by_o his_o righteousness_n the_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n 9_o and_o how_o shall_v i_o be_v assure_v that_o i_o do_v not_o deceive_v myself_o about_o the_o safety_n of_o my_o soul_n these_o and_o such_o like_a thought_n often_o occasion_v great_a hesitation_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o age_a convert_n and_o make_v he_o doubt_v of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o of_o the_o security_n of_o his_o state_n whereas_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n he_o who_o after_o a_o initiation_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o youth_n and_o a_o proficiency_n therein_o through_o the_o time_n of_o his_o strength_n be_v at_o last_o arrive_v to_o a_o good_a old_a age_n may_v great_o solace_v himself_o in_o scan_v over_o the_o mark_n and_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o his_o conversion_n which_o be_v great_a and_o numerous_n he_o deep_o mourn_v for_o sin_n at_o a_o age_n when_o sorrow_n and_o pensiveness_n seem_v most_o unseasonable_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o world_n and_o when_o the_o warmth_n of_o the_o imagination_n and_o the_o briskness_n of_o the_o sense_n dispose_v most_o to_o carnal_a mirth_n he_o loathe_v sin_n when_o it_o seem_v most_o charm_a and_o deny_v himself_o its_o sensual_a pleasure_n at_o a_o age_n when_o they_o have_v the_o high_a gust_n and_o when_o their_o evil_a consequence_n almost_o quite_o disappear_v through_o their_o great_a suppose_a distance_n he_o forsake_v the_o world_n when_o it_o be_v just_a spread_v its_o charm_n before_o he_o and_o make_v its_o court_n to_o he_o after_o the_o most_o oblige_a manner_n 6._o he_o hunger_v and_o thirst_v after_o righteousness_n at_o a_o time_n when_o it_o have_v the_o most_o affliction_n and_o bitterness_n attend_v it_o and_o dedicate_v himself_o to_o god_n then_o when_o he_o have_v a_o large_a prospect_n of_o hard_a service_n and_o suffering_n to_o undergo_v for_o his_o sake_n and_o according_o his_o life_n since_o his_o conversion_n yield_v a_o multitude_n of_o instance_n that_o prove_v the_o sincerity_n of_o it_o the_o proof_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o of_o his_o love_n to_o he_o have_v be_v like_o that_o of_o gold_n and_o silver_n in_o the_o melt_a furnace_n amid_o various_a temptation_n he_o have_v have_v occasion_n to_o give_v ample_a proof_n of_o his_o fidelity_n to_o the_o captain_n of_o his_o salvation_n 10_o by_o have_v long_o war_v under_o his_o banner_n and_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v himself_o to_o have_v be_v true_o convert_v in_o his_o youth_n since_o all_o the_o flatter_a sweet_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n can_v never_o seduce_v he_o nor_o all_o the_o threaten_a frown_n and_o trouble_v of_o it_o terrify_v he_o into_o a_o change_n of_o his_o resolution_n for_o the_o service_n of_o his_o god_n and_o his_o have_v hold_v out_o so_o long_o give_v he_o hope_v that_o he_o shall_v hold_v out_o to_o the_o end_n 4._o and_o since_o he_o find_v his_o faith_n have_v on_o it_o the_o character_n of_o unseigned_a 5._o his_o joy_n must_v needs_o abound_v when_o he_o consider_v that_o he_o that_o be_v the_o author_n of_o that_o faith_n 2._o be_v the_o finisher_n of_o it_o too_o that_o he_o that_o long_o ago_o begin_v and_o have_v long_o cherish_v 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with_o god_n and_o man._n 52._o at_o twelve_o year_n of_o age_n he_o be_v find_v reason_v with_o the_o jewish_a doctor_n in_o the_o temple_n 47._o with_o that_o sense_n and_o understanding_n that_o amaze_v all_o the_o auditor_n and_o with_o that_o zeal_n that_o become_v he_o who_o make_v it_o his_o delight_n to_o be_v about_o his_o father_n business_n 49._o all_o the_o time_n he_o live_v among_o man_n may_v be_v proper_o enough_o call_v the_o time_n of_o youth_n for_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o conclude_v from_o his_o history_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o he_o accomplish_v the_o whole_a of_o his_o work_n before_o he_o be_v advance_v much_o beyond_o thirty_o year_n and_o what_o a_o glorious_a example_n do_v his_o short_a life_n present_v we_o a_o life_n without_o spot_n or_o blemish_n without_o the_o least_o sign_n of_o any_o inclination_n to_o sin_n without_o the_o least_o show_n of_o injustice_n or_o uncharitableness_n towards_o man_n or_o the_o least_o appearance_n of_o disobedience_n 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engage_v you_o in_o and_o sleep_v together_o with_o the_o other_o reparation_n of_o nature_n that_o be_v requisite_a to_o make_v those_o frail_a tabernacle_n tenantable_a divide_v between_o they_o so_o great_a a_o share_n of_o the_o time_n of_o life_n that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o little_a portion_n of_o it_o that_o can_v be_v allot_v to_o pious_a exercise_n how_o soon_o soever_o you_o apply_v yourselves_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o will_v you_o grudge_n your_o maker_n this_o small_a share_n of_o your_o time_n for_o the_o whole_a of_o which_o you_o entire_o depend_v on_o he_o can_v you_o think_v much_o to_o allow_v a_o part_n of_o every_o day_n to_o devotion_n to_o the_o immediate_a service_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o welfare_n of_o your_o soul_n when_o he_o allow_v you_o