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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
spirit_n body_n call_v soul_n 13,519 5 5.4839 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A61390 A discourse concerning old-age tending to the instruction, caution and comfort of aged persons / by Richard Steele ... Steele, Richard, 1629-1692. 1688 (1688) Wing S5386; ESTC R34600 148,176 338

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holy_a course_n do_v contribute_v to_o this_o end_n 1._o in_o a_o natural_a way_n and_o that_o 1._o by_o mortify_v and_o discard_n those_o sin_n which_o do_v more_o direct_o hurt_v the_o body_n such_o be_v those_o passion_n and_o excess_n abovenamed_a such_o be_v anger_n envy_n covetousness_n ambition_n and_o many_o such_o like_a which_o like_o wind_n in_o the_o entrail_n of_o the_o earth_n do_v rend_v and_o shatter_v it_o i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o sin_n whatsoever_o but_o it_o have_v a_o malignant_a influence_n upon_o the_o body_n either_o to_o disorder_n and_o inflame_v it_o or_o to_o macerate_v and_o dispirit_v it_o now_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n oblige_v a_o man_n not_o only_o to_o restrain_v but_o to_o pluck_v up_o all_o such_o by_o the_o root_n those_o be_v the_o weed_n which_o both_o rob_v the_o sweet_a flower_n of_o their_o nourishment_n and_o also_o depauperate_v the_o soil_n where_o they_o grow_v which_o be_v cast_v out_o the_o whole_a man_n fare_v the_o better_a after_o they_o and_o 2._o true_a piety_n refresh_v the_o body_n with_o the_o comfort_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n that_o peace_n that_o hope_n that_o joy_n which_o result_n from_o a_o conscience_n that_o be_v pacify_v by_o the_o blood_n and_o purify_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n do_v most_o efficacious_o cherish_v the_o whole_a man_n they_o daily_o feast_v he_o this_o be_v that_o merry_a heart_n that_o be_v call_v a_o continual_a feast_n prov._n 15._o 15._o and_o that_o do_v good_a like_o a_o medicine_n prov._n 17._o 22._o there_o be_v that_o intimacy_n between_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o body_n that_o whatsoever_o refresh_v the_o one_o do_v also_o cheer_v the_o other_o whereupon_o the_o learned_a have_v judge_v that_o hope_n love_n and_o joy_n be_v great_a prolonger_n of_o life_n by_o the_o influence_n which_o these_o have_v upon_o the_o humour_n and_o spirit_n in_o the_o body_n much_o more_o when_o these_o affection_n have_v heavenly_a and_o eternal_a thing_n for_o their_o object_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n speak_v that_o way_n when_o it_o say_v prov._n 19_o 23._o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n tend_v to_o life_n and_o he_o that_o have_v it_o shall_v abide_v satisfy_v 3._o true_a piety_n be_v the_o best_a preservative_n against_o old-age_n in_o a_o spiritual_a way_n to_o wit_n by_o procure_v the_o blessing_n of_o god._n for_o when_o the_o body_n be_v consecrate_v to_o he_o and_o employ_v for_o he_o we_o may_v expect_v it_o to_o be_v bless_v by_o he_o it_o be_v under_o his_o peculiar_a care_n and_o providence_n when_o it_o be_v unite_v to_o jesus_n christ_n it_o will_v receive_v influence_n from_o he_o for_o its_o good_a so_o that_o true_a religiousness_n though_o it_o more_o immediate_o tend_v to_o the_o recovery_n and_o felicity_n of_o the_o soul_n yet_o it_o be_v real_o most_o friendly_a also_o to_o the_o body_n he_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n shall_v see_v his_o child_n child_n psal._n 128._o last_o and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n all_o those_o destroy_n and_o life-shortning_a disease_n mention_v deut._n 28._o 27._o 61._o even_o every_o sickness_n and_o every_o plague_n be_v denounce_v to_o the_o ungodly_a and_o full_o eccl._n 8._o 12_o 13._o though_o a_o sinner_n do_v evil_a a_o hundred_o time_n and_o his_o day_n be_v prolong_v yet_o sure_o i_o know_v it_o shall_v be_v well_o with_o they_o that_o fear_v god_n which_o fear_v before_o he_o but_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v well_o with_o the_o wicked_a neither_o shall_v he_o prolong_v his_o day_n which_o be_v as_o a_o shadow_n because_o he_o fear_v not_o before_o god._n therefore_o you_o that_o will_v protract_v the_o time_n of_o your_o flourish_a strength_n learn_v to_o love_n and_o fear_n god_n devote_v yourselves_o to_o he_o bestow_v your_o heart_n upon_o he_o employ_v your_o time_n and_o strength_n to_o please_v and_o honour_v he_o abide_v not_o in_o a_o state_n of_o ungodliness_n rest_v not_o with_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o resolve_v upon_o that_o real_a holiness_n which_o will_v produce_v a_o long_a and_o happy_a life_n in_o this_o world_n and_o a_o long_o and_o happy_a life_n in_o a_o better_a 2._o the_o second_o preservative_n against_o old-age_n which_o indeed_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o former_a be_v temperance_n and_o sobriety_n se●…ct_n i_o mean_v that_o gracious_a virtue_n which_o retain_v the_o sensitive_a appetite_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n whereby_o we_o keep_v a_o mediocrity_n in_o the_o use_n of_o meat_n both_o in_o respect_n to_o their_o quantity_n neither_o load_v nor_o pine_v the_o stomach_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o quality_n neither_o debauch_v it_o by_o too_o much_o variety_n nor_o injure_v it_o by_o thing_n noxious_a the_o same_o care_n in_o drink_n lest_o the_o quality_n of_o they_o be_v pernicious_a or_o the_o quantity_n of_o they_o prejudicial_a that_o the_o marriagebed_n be_v moderate_o use_v so_o that_o the_o vital_a spirit_n be_v not_o exhaust_v now_o man_n sinful_a nature_n above_o all_o other_o creature_n incline_v to_o excess_n in_o all_o these_o and_o it_o be_v pleasant_a to_o the_o flesh_n but_o it_o be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o poison_n at_o last_o they_o bite_v like_o a_o serpent_n and_o sting_v like_o a_o adder_n prov._n 23._o 32._o not_o the_o soul_n only_o but_o the_o body_n they_o do_v insensible_o but_o infallible_o weaken_v nature_n disorder_n the_o harmony_n of_o the_o part_n breed_v the_o most_o fatal_a distemper_n and_o render_v he_o as_o we_o may_v daily_o observe_v old_a in_o infirmity_n that_o be_v but_o young_a in_o year_n so_o that_o if_o they_o who_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o gluttony_n drunkenness_n or_o lasciviousness_n do_v true_o love_v their_o own_o soul_n or_o yet_o their_o own_o body_n they_o will_v bridle_v their_o unruly_a appetite_n for_o their_o own_o sake_n and_o not_o pay_v so_o dear_a for_o that_o which_o must_v be_v repent_v of_o and_o as_o a_o plain_a and_o even_a way_n be_v much_o more_o delectable_a than_o always_o to_o be_v go_v up_o hill_n and_o down_o so_o certain_o there_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o ease_n and_o sweetness_n in_o a_o even_a and_o temperate_a course_n than_o in_o the_o perpetual_a unevenness_n of_o intemperance_n how_o shall_v that_o body_n hold_v out_o that_o be_v daily_o clog_v and_o inflame_v with_o preternatural_a excess_n the_o intemperate_a man_n be_v constant_o feed_v a_o enemy_n who_o it_o be_v charity_n to_o starve_v and_o deal_v with_o his_o body_n as_o the_o ape_n who_o be_v say_v to_o hug_v her_o young_a to_o death_n whereas_o a_o wise_a sobriety_n be_v health_n to_o the_o navel_n and_o marrow_n to_o the_o bone_n by_o it_o the_o humour_n the_o blood_n the_o spirit_n be_v all_o maintain_v in_o order_n and_o in_o vigour_n his_o meal_n be_v pleasant_a and_o his_o sleep_n be_v sweet_a and_o he_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o those_o crudity_n and_o consequent_a distemper_n which_o pester_v other_o thus_o plato_n by_o his_o careful_a temperance_n spin_v out_o his_o life_n though_o a_o great_a student_n till_o he_o attain_v above_o fourscore_o and_o galen_n to_o above_o sevenscore_n year_n and_o seneca_n 58_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o retard_v old-age_n like_o a_o frugal_a sobriety_n let_v i_o then_o persuade_v all_o such_o as_o be_v lover_n of_o pleasure_n more_o than_o lover_n of_o god_n or_o of_o their_o own_o soul_n to_o have_v some_o pity_n on_o their_o poor_a body_n o_o break_v off_o your_o destructive_a course_n sow_v not_o the_o seed_n of_o consume_a malady_n in_o your_o own_o flesh._n be_v not_o among_o winebibbers_a among_o riotous_a eater_n of_o flesh._n put_v a_o knife_n to_o thy_o throat_n if_o thou_o be_v a_o man_n give_v to_o appetite_n prov._n 23._o 1._o 20._o give_v not_o your_o strength_n unto_o woman_n nor_o your_o way_n to_o that_o which_o destroy_v king_n prov._n 31._o 3._o let_v not_o the_o beast_n captivate_v the_o man_n nor_o your_o reason_n be_v enslave_v by_o sense_n but_o recover_v a_o just_a dominion_n over_o your_o blind_a and_o brutish_a affection_n that_o your_o day_n may_v be_v long_o and_o lively_a in_o the_o land_n which_o the_o lord_n give_v you_o if_o it_o be_v here_o object_v that_o the_o most_o religious_a and_o temperate_a person_n grow_v old_a as_o soon_o as_o other_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o though_o in_o these_o external_a thing_n all_o thing_n come_v alike_o to_o all_o there_o be_v one_o event_n to_o the_o righteous_a and_o to_o the_o wicked_a yet_o every_o wise_a man_n will_v take_v the_o likely_a course_n for_o the_o blessing_n he_o desire_v though_o some_o child_n that_o have_v have_v no_o good_a education_n nor_o good_a example_n have_v afterward_o prove_v eminent_a man_n yet_o who_o but_o a_o desperate_a man_n will_v hereupon_o resolve_v i_o will_v take_v no_o care_n about_o the_o
up_o riches_n as_o some_o plutarch_n of_o they_o have_v ingenuous_o acknowledge_v they_o also_o know_v that_o their_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n do_v expose_v they_o to_o contempt_n and_o therefore_o endeavour_v to_o obviate_v that_o by_o their_o wealth_n and_o so_o make_v themselves_o considerable_a by_o their_o estate_n these_o be_v the_o ●…rutches_n which_o when_o weakness_n overtake_v they_o they_o lean_a upon_o and_o support_v their_o faint_a spirit_n withal_o and_o they_o want_v not_o variety_n of_o pretence_n whereby_o to_o justify_v their_o course_n as_o that_o they_o be_v only_o provide_v for_o a_o rainy_a day_n for_o trouble_n and_o casualty_n that_o may_v besall_n they_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o lay_v up_o for_o their_o child_n and_o posterity_n or_o else_o they_o be_v worse_o than_o infidel_n yea_o that_o they_o be_v gather_v only_o to_o bestow_v it_o at_o their_o death_n on_o some_o pious_a or_o charitable_a use_n and_o satan_n be_v not_o want_v to_o nurse_v this_o humour_n in_o they_o by_o suggest_v to_o they_o expectation_n of_o a_o long_a life_n a_o distrust_n in_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o continual_a fear_n of_o want_n which_o be_v nurse_v by_o the_o coldness_n of_o their_o temper_n and_o by_o their_o consciousness_n of_o their_o inability_n to_o get_v much_o by_o their_o labour_n and_o these_o meeting_n with_o that_o inveterate_a self-love_n which_o be_v inherent_a in_o they_o and_o consequent_o a_o uncharitable_a frame_n of_o mind_n towards_o other_o harden_v they_o in_o their_o tenacious_a temper_n so_o that_o as_o they_o grow_v weak_a this_o lust_n grow_v strong_a eremo_fw-la until_o divine_a grace_n do_v open_v their_o eye_n or_o else_o the_o earth_n at_o last_o stop_v their_o mouth_n this_o bitter_a root_n spoil_v their_o devotion_n interrupt_v their_o prayer_n render_v the_o word_n of_o god_n tasteless_a becramp_v they_o to_o all_o god_n work_v this_o disturb_v their_o rest_n the_o thought_n and_o care_n about_o these_o thing_n do_v visit_v they_o last_o at_o night_n and_o meet_v they_o first_o in_o the_o morning_n and_o disquiet_v they_o the_o day_n throughout_o for_o where_o the_o treasure_n be_v there_o will_v the_o heart_n be_v also_o oh_o the_o care_n the_o fear_n the_o vexation_n that_o possess_v a_o covetous_a heart_n but_o only_o that_o we_o can_v digest_v any_o thing_n that_o we_o delight_v in_o though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o bitter_a else_o no_o man_n can_v endure_v the_o life_n of_o a_o covetous_a miser_n but_o it_o be_v the_o old-man_n recreation_n the_o best_a of_o his_o time_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o spirit_n be_v consume_v either_o about_o the_o keep_n of_o what_o he_o have_v or_o about_o get_v more_o for_o as_o he_o have_v no_o vent_n for_o his_o abundance_n so_o he_o observe_v no_o limit_n for_o his_o desire_n as_o the_o bladder_n the_o more_o it_o be_v fill_v with_o wind_n it_o stretch_v the_o more_o so_o the_o more_o his_o riches_n increase_v the_o more_o his_o heart_n be_v set_v upon_o they_o so_o that_o he_o see_v more_o beauty_n in_o his_o money_n than_o in_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o firmament_n ambros_n no_o thought_n no_o discourse_n no_o design_n please_v they_o except_o it_o end_v in_o gain_n but_o when_o there_o be_v a_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a the_o heart_n be_v cold_a and_o the_o hand_n be_v lame_a nay_o some_o of_o they_o will_v not_o afford_v convenience_n scarce_o necessary_n to_o their_o family_n or_o to_o themselves_o but_o run_v in_o debt_n to_o their_o own_o back_n and_o belly_n to_o their_o child_n and_o servant_n and_o foolish_o choose_v to_o live_v poor_a that_o they_o may_v die_v rich_a now_o this_o vice_n in_o itself_o it_o be_v plain_a idolatry_n and_o the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a lead_v man_n into_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n into_o many_o foolish_a and_o hurtful_a lust_n which_o at_o last_o drown_v man_n in_o destruction_n and_o perdition_n 1_o tim._n 6._o 9_o 10._o for_o the_o worldly_a man_n get_v and_o keep_v his_o estate_n with_o travel_n to_o his_o body_n vexation_n to_o his_o spirit_n scruple_n to_o his_o conscience_n with_o danger_n to_o his_o soul_n with_o envy_n of_o his_o neighbour_n with_o suit_n to_o his_o child_n and_o with_o a_o curse_n to_o his_o posterity_n do_v but_o turn_v to_o job_n 20._o 15._o and_o read_v that_o chapter_n out_o but_o in_o no_o sort_n of_o man_n be_v covetousness_n so_o unaccountable_a so_o very_o foolish_a as_o in_o old_a people_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a say_v a_o heathen_a sen._n than_o to_o be_v so_o much_o concern_v for_o travel_a expense_n when_o we_o have_v so_o small_a a_o part_n of_o our_o way_n to_o travel_v or_o as_o st._n augustine_n 247._o express_v it_o to_o load_v ourselves_o with_o the_o great_a burden_n when_o we_o be_v near_a the_o end_n of_o our_o journey_n it_o be_v no_o doubt_n a_o plain_a infatuation_n and_o a_o instance_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n on_o man_n mind_n and_o of_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o effect_v this_o that_o those_o who_o have_v see_v the_o vanity_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n the_o uncertainty_n the_o unsatisfactoriness_n the_o vexatiousness_n of_o they_o shall_v so_o dote_v upon_o they_o that_o they_o who_o not_o only_o know_v but_o even_o feel_v in_o themselves_o that_o they_o must_v short_o and_o may_v sudden_o leave_v they_o all_o and_o perhaps_o have_v no_o thanks_o at_o all_o from_o they_o that_o enjoy_v they_o that_o yet_o these_o person_n wise_a in_o other_o thing_n shall_v set_v their_o heart_n upon_o they_o and_o hunt_v after_o a_o world_n that_o be_v fly_v from_o they_o how_o much_o mundum_fw-la more_o comfortable_a be_v it_o to_o do_v all_o the_o good_a they_o can_v to_o feed_v the_o hungry_a clothe_v the_o naked_a to_o procure_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o distress_a while_o they_o have_v opportunity_n to_o make_v friend_n of_o the_o mammon_n of_o unrighteousness_n to_o be_v esteem_v of_o man_n to_o be_v love_v and_o honour_v of_o god_n a_o good_a man_n show_v favour_n and_o dare_v he_o will_v guide_v his_o affair_n with_o discretion_n sure_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v move_v for_o ever_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v in_o everlasting_a remembrance_n psal._n 112._o 5_o 6._o the_o plea_n which_o they_o produce_v for_o their_o justification_n or_o excuse_n be_v all_o insufficient_a have_v you_o no_o other_o recreation_n sure_o there_o be_v more_o and_o better_a diversion_n natural_a artificial_a and_o spiritual_a than_o heap_v up_o riches_n instance_n but_o in_o the_o last_o of_o these_o psal._n 119._o 14._o 72._o i_o have_v rejoice_v in_o the_o way_n of_o thy_o testimony_n as_o much_o as_o in_o all_o riches_n yea_o the_o law_n of_o thy_o mouth_n be_v better_a unto_o i_o than_o thousand_o of_o gold_n and_o silver_n again_o do_v you_o think_v that_o these_o will_v defend_v you_o from_o contempt_n true_a piety_n and_o charity_n be_v a_o far_o better_a way_n psal._n 112._o 9_o he_o have_v desperse_v he_o have_v give_v to_o the_o poor_a his_o righteousness_n endure_v for_o ever_o his_o horn_n shall_v be_v exalt_v with_o honour_n think_v you_o that_o in_o your_o decay_n of_o nature_n there_o be_v no_o better_a support_n than_o your_o riches_n yes_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n the_o love_n of_o christ_n the_o comfort_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o feast_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o the_o joyful_a hope_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n be_v as_o much_o beyond_o they_o as_o the_o sun_n i●…_n bright_a than●…_n glow-worm_n will_v provide_v for_o contingency_n excuse_v you_o alas_o your_o riches_n will_v be_v no_o certain_a refuge_n for_o you_o prov._n 18._o 10_o 11._o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o strong_a tower_n the_o righteous_a run_v into_o it_o and_o be_v safe_a the_o rich_a man_n wealth_n be_v his_o strong_a city_n and_o as_o a_o high_a wall_n but_o it_o be_v only_a in_o his_o own_o conceit_n that_o bond_n heb._n 13._o 5._o seal_v to_o we_o be_v worth_a all_o your_o specialty_n and_o all_o your_o estate_n he_o have_v say_v i_o will_v never_o leave_v thou_o nor_o forsake_v thou_o can_v you_o justify_v your_o immoderate_a scrape_n by_o a_o just_a provision_n for_o your_o child_n and_o relation_n no_o no_o that_o be_v but_o a_o excuse_n for_o they_o that_o have_v no_o child_n be_v as_o sick_a of_o this_o disease_n as_o other_o but_o if_o you_o have_v child_n this_o course_n of_o you_o be_v the_o way_n to_o undo_v they_o a_o moderate_a care_n for_o posterity_n be_v a_o duty_n wherein_o we_o may_v expect_v a_o blessing_n but_o the_o covetousness_n of_o the_o parent_n do_v but_o provide_v for_o the_o luxury_n of_o the_o child_n and_o so_o the_o parent_n soul_n be_v ruin_v in_o the_o get_n and_o the_o child_n be_v in_o the_o spend_n of_o what_o be_v so_o get_v if_o your_o
serve_v their_o generation_n some_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n inflict_v such_o distemper_n on_o their_o mind_n or_o body_n as_o have_v make_v they_o useless_a in_o their_o place_n some_o by_o the_o procurement_n of_o man_n by_o who_o many_o in_o the_o prime_n of_o their_o time_n have_v be_v lay_v aside_o sometime_o just_o sometime_o unjust_o and_o all_o opportunity_n take_v from_o they_o of_o do_v good_a in_o the_o world._n neither_o be_v all_o age_a person_n render_v useless_a for_o many_o there_o be_v of_o both_o sex_n that_o persevere_v in_o well-doing_n to_o the_o last_o cato_n plead_v cause_n when_o he_o be_v pass_v fourscore_o year_n and_o isocrates_n write_v excellent_a thing_n at_o fourscore_o and_o fourteen_o year_n of_o age_n and_o not_o only_o the_o tongue_n but_o the_o hand_n of_o very_a many_o old_a people_n be_v find_v as_o nimble_a to_o good_a work_n as_o of_o young_a person_n they_o that_o have_v be_v useful_a in_o their_o strength_n will_v scarce_o ever_o become_v 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their_o age_n be_v whole_o unserviceable_a yet_o their_o example_n be_v useful_a to_o see_v a_o man_n or_o woman_n deprive_v of_o all_o outward_a comfort_n and_o respect_n and_o lade_v with_o heavy_a distemper_n yet_o patient_a and_o thankful_a serious_a and_o devout_a it_o be_v a_o powerful_a lecture_n to_o all_o the_o spectator_n and_o may_v teach_v they_o to_o be_v do_v their_o own_o great_a work_n with_o all_o their_o might_n to_o be_v thankful_a to_o god_n for_o their_o present_a strength_n and_o ease_n to_o beware_v of_o slothfulness_n and_o selfishness_n that_o when_o they_o arrive_v at_o that_o decrepit_a estate_n they_o may_v have_v the_o pleasant_a prospect_n of_o a_o fruitful_a life_n behind_o they_o and_o the_o joyful_a prospect_n of_o a_o bless_a life_n before_o they_o sect_n ix_o the_o nine_o disadvantage_n of_o old-age_n exercise_n be_v that_o it_o be_v unfit_a for_o religious_a exercise_n when_o we_o be_v in_o year_n we_o be_v indispose_v to_o prayer_n and_o fast_v to_o hear_v or_o read_v and_o in_o general_a to_o all_o such_o spiritual_a employment_n wherein_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n must_v concur_v they_o need_v these_o help_n as_o much_o as_o other_o and_o perhaps_o desire_v they_o as_o much_o as_o other_o but_o the_o dead_a weight_n of_o a_o crazy_a body_n sink_v down_o the_o tower_a of_o their_o precious_a soul_n to_o will_n be_v present_a with_o they_o but_o how_o to_o perform_v the_o same_o they_o find_v not_o and_o no_o wonder_n have_v not_o only_o a_o law_n of_o sin_n within_o they_o but_o a_o body_n of_o death_n without_o they_o their_o sense_n be_v grow_v weak_a their_o faculty_n weak_a their_o spirit_n weak_a how_o then_o shall_v they_o wrestle_v with_o god_n in_o prayer_n or_o continue_v instant_a therein_o let_v the_o rider_n be_v never_o so_o good_a a_o horsman_n yet_o he_o must_v travel_v as_o his_o horse_n will_v give_v he_o leave_v so_o let_v the_o soul_n be_v never_o so_o active_a it_o can_v operate_v only_o as_o the_o organ_n of_o the_o body_n will_v permit_v it_o instead_o of_o take_v pain_n about_o their_o soul_n they_o be_v force_v to_o prop_v up_o their_o decrepit_a body_n their_o weakness_n keep_v they_o in_o bed_n while_o the_o holy_a zeal_n of_o other_o be_v burn_v in_o devotion_n and_o as_o the_o old_a woman_n in_o plautus_n be_v ask_v why_o she_o go_v no_o fast_o answer_v because_o she_o carry_v so_o great_a a_o load_n to_o wit_n of_o eighty_o four_o year_n on_o her_o back_n so_o the_o load_n on_o old_a people_n back_n either_o hinder_v they_o from_o come_v to_o holy_a assembly_n or_o else_o cause_v they_o to_o travel_v thither_o very_o slow_o so_o that_o they_o be_v constrain_v to_o live_v in_o a_o manner_n without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n now_o this_o affliction_n to_o a_o holy_a heart_n be_v a_o very_a heavy_a burden_n when_o a_o poor_a man_n be_v cut_v short_a in_o all_o his_o other_o comfort_n and_o as_o it_o be_v besiege_v with_o all_o the_o calamity_n of_o this_o life_n yet_o while_o he_o have_v this_o river_n of_o god_n ordinance_n free_a and_o open_a thereby_o he_o receive_v continual_a supply_n from_o heaven_n the_o stream_n thereof_o make_v glad_a the_o city_n of_o god_n but_o when_o this_o be_v stop_v the_o soul_n grow_v sad_a and_o dry_a and_o barren_a hence_o holy_a david_n in_o his_o exile_n never_o mention_v his_o temporal_a loss_n yet_o cry_v out_o psal._n 42._o 4._o when_o i_o remember_v these_o thing_n i_o pour_v out_o my_o soul_n in_o i_o for_o i_o have_v go_v with_o the_o multitude_n to_o the_o house_n of_o god._n this_o go_v near_o to_o his_o heart_n for_o when_o a_o man_n be_v harrass_v with_o care_n and_o trouble_v all_o the_o week_n long_o yet_o he_o be_v relieve_v and_o refresh_v in_o his_o approach_n unto_o god_n upon_o his_o own_o day_n but_o with_o the_o decrepit_a old_a man_n every_o day_n be_v alike_o and_o his_o soul_n be_v leave_v destitute_a of_o spiritual_a supply_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n and_o this_o affliction_n be_v sad_a of_o all_o when_o by_o disuse_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n the_o soul_n grow_v stupid_a and_o unconcern_v in_o the_o matter_n as_o without_o special_a grace_n we_o shall_v be_v apt_a to_o be_v so_o that_o the_o misery_n be_v great_a in_o the_o want_n and_o great_a when_o insensible_a of_o the_o want_n no_o great_a wonder_n therefore_o that_o when_o all_o these_o misery_n meet_v together_o a_o man_n cry_v out_o with_o job_n i_o will_v not_o live_v always_o so_o that_o tiberius_n caesar_n have_v a_o say_n as_o plutarch_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v a_o shameful_a thing_n for_o a_o man_n that_o be_v pass_v sixty_o to_o stretch_v out_o his_o hand_n to_o a_o physician_n reckon_v that_o it_o be_v fit_a he_o shall_v then_o be_v content_a to_o die_v but_o yet_o if_o we_o weigh_v the_o matter_n well_o the_o case_n of_o ancient_a people_n be_v not_o so_o desperate_a as_o it_o seem_v for_o to_o proceed_v in_o our_o former_a method_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o many_o other_o beside_o the_o age_a be_v cut_v short_a in_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n some_o willing_o in_o factory_n beyond_o the_o sea_n some_o wilful_o by_o their_o own_o atheism_n and_o ungodliness_n some_o unwilling_o by_o distemper_n and_o other_o hindrance_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n divers_a ancient_a people_n have_v be_v capable_a to_o attend_v the_o service_n of_o god_n even_o to_o their_o die_a day_n thus_o ahijah_n though_o his_o eye_n be_v set_v for_o age_n yet_o be_v enable_v to_o prophesy_v to_o ieroboam_n wife_n and_o jacob_n can_v worship_v god_n lean_v on_o the_o top_n of_o his_o staff._n and_o st._n john_n be_v a_o evangelist_n when_o he_o be_v a_o hundred_o year_n old_a and_o there_o be_v anna_n a_o widow_n of_o about_o
fail_v we_o our_o skin_n to_o wrinkle_n and_o the_o pillar_n of_o the_o house_n to_o tremble_v we_o shall_v mourn_v for_o that_o woeful_a disobedience_n and_o ingratitude_n which_o be_v the_o original_a cause_n of_o the_o decay_n of_o nature_n when_o your_o eye_n can_v do_v you_o service_n in_o see_v let_v they_o do_v it_o in_o weep_v for_o this_o root_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n say_v not_o that_o you_o be_v unconcern_v in_o what_o be_v do_v by_o another_o time_n out_o of_o mind_n for_o certain_o we_o shall_v never_o feel_v the_o effect_n which_o we_o daily_o find_v to_o cur_n smart_n if_o we_o have_v no_o hand_n in_o the_o procure_a cause_n of_o they_o they_o who_o will_v persuade_v you_o that_o no_o sin_n be_v inherent_a in_o you_o but_o that_o its_o only_o contract_v by_o imi●…ation_n and_o custom_n must_v needs_o yield_v that_o the_o decay_n the_o ●…eebleness_n and_o the_o dyscrasy_a even_o of_o the_o temperate_v man_n in_o the_o world_n must_v proceed_v from_o some_o wound_n upon_o humane_a nature_n which_o the_o creator_n will_v never_o have_v inflict_v without_o a_o fault_n o_o therefore_o let_v we_o not_o only_o lament_v our_o actual_a and_o daily_a offence_n but_o let_v we_o go_v up_o to_o the_o spring_n and_o bewail_v that_o first_o rebellion_n which_o be_v the_o root_n of_o evil_a both_o of_o sin_n and_o punishment_n i_o say_v again_o when_o thy_o bone_n ache_v and_o when_o thy_o hand_n shake_v let_v thy_o heart_n mourn_v for_o the_o sin_n that_o have_v poison_v thy_o nature_n and_o make_v thou_o miserable_a the_o body_n which_o be_v the_o instrument_n in_o the_o crime_n be_v just_o the_o subject_a in_o the_o punishment_n sect_n ii_o the_o second_o which_o be_v the_o immediate_a old-age_n and_o natural_a cause_n of_o old-age_n be_v the_o dryness_n and_o coldness_n of_o the_o temperament_n of_o the_o body_n there_o be_v according_a to_o the_o old_a philosophy_n a_o certain_a native_a heat_n and_o radical_a moisture_n ingenerate_v in_o all_o mankind_n at_o their_o conception_n whereby_o life_n be_v preserve_v the_o one_o be_v like_o the_o flame_n the_o other_o like_o the_o orl_n that_o feed_v it_o disease_n and_o disaster_n be_v like_o a_o thief_n in_o the_o candle_n that_o make_v it_o waste_v the_o soon_o but_o if_o no_o such_o thing_n happen_v yet_o the_o lamp_n will_v consume_v and_o at_o last_o extinguish_v all_o the_o supply_n of_o food_n and_o physic_n be_v not_o able_a to_o maintain_v nor_o repair_v that_o heat_n nor_o that_o moisture_n but_o a_o cold_a and_o dry_a temper_n grow_v upon_o the_o body_n till_o it_o be_v quite_o exhaust_v and_o waste_v it_o be_v true_a some_o there_o be_v who_o have_v derive_v to_o they_o from_o their_o progenitor_n a_o great_a measure_n of_o radical_a heat_n and_o moisture_n and_o therewith_o more_o lively_a and_o vigorous_a spirit_n and_o these_o meet_v with_o no_o external_a inconvenience_n do_v continue_v long_o in_o their_o strength_n as_o may_v be_v observe_v in_o some_o family_n every_o where_o as_o some_o generous_a wine_n will_v preserve_v themselves_o from_o decay_n much_o long_o than_o other_o but_o at_o length_n they_o grow_v acid_a and_o spiritless_a so_o in_o tract_n of_o time_n that_o moth_n of_o mortality_n which_o lurk_v in_o all_o our_o body_n will_v fret_v that_o garment_n into_o rag_n thing_n which_o be_v compound_v must_v dissolve_v contrary_a quality_n in_o the_o same_o subject_a though_o never_o so_o equal_o temper_v will_v work_v out_o one_o another_o no_o care_n or_o art_n can_v preserve_v these_o house_n of_o clay_n for_o as_o much_o as_o their_o foundation_n be_v in_o the_o dust_n job_n 4._o 19_o sect_n iii_o the_o three_o sort_n of_o cause_n which_o old-age_n may_v be_v term_v preternatural_a and_o adventitious_a that_o do_v accelerate_v or_o hasten_v old-age_n some_o of_o they_o be_v such_o as_o these_o 1._o unwholesome_a air._n for_o the_o air_n be_v the_o constant_a food_n of_o the_o vital_a part_n must_v needs_o contribute_v much_o to_o the_o repair_n or_o decay_n of_o the_o body_n and_o the_o more_o impure_a it_o be_v must_v consequent_o impair_v and_o weaken_v it_o hence_o and_o from_o the_o corruption_n of_o food_n it_o be_v not_o improbable_a that_o the_o age_n of_o man_n after_o the_o deluge_n become_v so_o much_o diminish_v insomuch_o as_o arphaxad_v who_o be_v the_o first-born_a in_o the_o new_a world_n live_v scarce_o half_a so_o long_o as_o those_o before_o the_o flood_n as_o appear_v by_o compare_v gen._n 5._o 27._o with_o gen._n 11._o 13._o the_o air_n be_v now_o become_v more_o impure_a and_o unwholesome_a than_o it_o be_v before_o however_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o people_n do_v common_o at_o this_o day_n grow_v weak_a crazy_a and_o impotent_a who_o live_v in_o those_o place_n which_o mourn_v under_o a_o malignant_a air_n and_o other_o be_v fresh_a and_o lusty_a at_o the_o same_o year_n that_o enjoy_v the_o blessing_n of_o a_o pure_a breathe_n 2._o second_o disease_n be_v another_o cause_n that_o bring_v on_o old-age_n for_o these_o must_v needs_o weaken_v that_o strength_n of_o nature_n whereby_o our_o life_n be_v support_v psal._n 39_o 11._o when_o thou_o with_o rebuke_n do_v correct_v man_n for_o iniquity_n thou_o make_v his_o beauty_n to_o consume_v away_o like_o a_o moth_n and_o not_o only_o his_o beauty_n but_o his_o strength_n and_o spirit_n for_o the_o hebrew_n run_v there_o thou_o make_v that_o which_o be_v desirable_a in_o he_o to_o melt_v away_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o holy_a job._n thou_o have_v fill_v i_o with_o wrinkle_n which_o be_v a_o witness_n against_o i_o job_n 16._o 8._o his_o grievous_a distemper_n have_v make_v he_o old_a before_o his_o time_n thus_o we_o daily_o see_v divers_a person_n who_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o number_n of_o thei●…_n year_n have_v not_o pass_v the_o meridian_n of_o their_o age_n yet_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o sickness_n and_o especial_o the_o dregs_o which_o some_o kind_n of_o they_o do_v leave_v behind_o they_o be_v old_a in_o their_o very_a youth_n these_o be_v like_a storm_n without_o which_o batter_v the_o best_a build_v house_n will_v the_o soon_o bring_v it_o unto_o ruin_n holy_a david_n say_v of_o himself_o psal._n 119._o 83._o i_o be_o become_v like_o a_o b●…tle_a in_o the_o smoke_n that_o be_v my_o natural_a moisture_n be_v dry_v burn_v up_o and_o wither_a and_o hezekiah_n by_o reason_n of_o sickness_n complain_v my_o age_n be_v depart_v and_o be_v remove_v from_o i_o as_o a_o shepherd_n tent_n isa._n 38._o 12._o thus_o the_o lord_n do_v sometime_o weaken_v a_o man_n strength_n in_o the_o way_n and_o shorten_v his_o day_n psal._n 102._o 23._o imply_v that_o a_o man_n life_n be_v like_o a_o journey_n through_o this_o into_o a_o another_o world_n now_o by_o disease_n he_o weaken_v we_o in_o the_o way_n as_o we_o be_v travel_v through_o the_o world_n cause_v we_o to_o commence_v old_a per_fw-la saltum_fw-la and_o shorten_v our_o day_n so_o that_o by_o this_o mean_n some_o have_v but_o a_o winter_n day_n of_o life_n while_o other_o enjoy_v a_o long_o 3._o three_o another_o cause_n which_o hasten_v old_a age_n be_v immoderate_a care_n or_o labour_n each_o of_o these_o when_o they_o exceed_v a_o due_a proportion_n do_v exhaust_v the_o spirit_n and_o produce_v early_a wrinkle_n whenas_o be_v moderate_o use_v they_o do_v we_o no_o hurt_n but_o good_a it_o be_v indeed_o a_o part_n of_o the_o curse_v pronounce_v at_o the_o fall_n on_o adam_n and_o all_o his_o posterity_n gen._n 3._o 19_o in_o the_o sweat_n of_o thy_o face_n shall_v thou_o eat_v bread_n till_o thou_o return_v unto_o the_o ground_n and_o the_o cark_n heart_n and_o sweat_a face_n hasten_v man_n to_o the_o ground_n one_o of_o these_o alone_a immoderate_a care_n or_o immoderate_a labour_n will_v do_v the_o work_n but_o when_o the_o mind_n within_o be_v eat_v up_o by_o continual_a thoughtfulness_n and_o the_o body_n without_o be_v harass_v with_o extreme_a labour_n no_o wonder_n that_o weakness_n languishment_n and_o old-age_n hasten_v on_o a_o pace_n x._o then_o do_v our_o strength_n give_v place_n to_o labour_n and_o sorrow_n for_o it_o be_v soon_o cut_v off_o and_o we_o fly_v away_o psal_n 90._o 10._o great_a indeed_o be_v man_n folly_n thus_o to_o ruin_v themselves_o since_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o neither_o our_o immoderate_a care_n nor_o our_o immoderate_a labour_n do_v we_o any_o good_a at_o all_o less_o care_n and_o more_o prayer_n will_v avail_v we_o much_o more_o yea_o and_o they_o do_v we_o much_o hurt_n they_o disquiet_v the_o mind_n they_o disturb_v the_o body_n they_o provoke_v god_n to_o leave_v we_o to_o ourselves_o and_o then_o we_o shall_v soon_o find_v that_o it_o be_v vain_a to_o rise_v early_o to_o sit_v up_o late_o and_o to_o eat_v the_o bread_n of_o sorrow_n whereas_o the_o blessing_n of_o
the_o lord_n it_o make_v rich_a and_o he_o add_v no_o sorrow_n with_o it_o prov._n 10._o 22._o assure_v yourselves_o if_o moderate_a care_n and_o labour_n will_v not_o bring_v in_o riches_n than_o they_o be_v not_o good_a for_o you_o and_o whatsoever_o be_v gain_v otherwise_o have_v a_o curse_n in_o it_o and_o will_v bring_v misery_n on_o the_o body_n or_o on_o the_o soul_n here_o or_o hereafter_o 4._o a_o four_o cause_n which_o hasten_v old-age_n be_v intemperance_n that_o be_v excess_n in_o eat_v or_o in_o drink_v or_o in_o lustful_a embrace_n any_o of_o these_o especial_o the_o last_o do_v bring_v old-age_n into_o youthful_a year_n sad_a it_o be_v that_o our_o life_n be_v in_o its_o utmost_a extent_n so_o short_a and_o our_o body_n by_o nature_n so_o frail_a we_o that_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o live_v and_o who_o for_o that_o end_n will_v be_v content_a to_o use_v the_o most_o irksome_a remedy_n shall_v yet_o so_o common_o invite_v distemper_n by_o our_o luxury_n and_o so_o shameful_o dig_v our_o grave_n with_o our_o tooth_n and_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o the_o residue_n of_o our_o year_n in_o so_o much_o that_o although_o in_o st._n hieroms_n time_n he_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v reckon_v five_o thousand_o martyr_n for_o every_o day_n in_o the_o year_n save_o one_o yet_o we_o may_v sad_o conclude_v that_o bacchus_n and_o venus_n have_v have_v daily_o more_o martyr_n if_o we_o may_v so_o call_v they_o in_o one_o place_n or_o other_o of_o the_o world_n than_o jesus_n christ._n in_o this_o sense_n do_v seneca_n 1._o true_o say_v non_fw-la accepimus_fw-la brevem_fw-la vitam_fw-la sed_fw-la fecimus_fw-la from_o whence_o come_v for_o the_o most_o part_n those_o pain_n of_o the_o gout_n stone_n dropsy_n convulsion_n and_o apoplexy_n with_o such_o other_o distemper_n but_o from_o intemperance_n in_o some_o of_o the_o foresay_a object_n a_o moderate_a use_n of_o meat_n drink_v and_o conjugal_a right_n as_o it_o do_v tend_v much_o to_o the_o alacrity_n of_o the_o mind_n so_o do_v it_o no_o less_o to_o the_o health_n of_o the_o body_n but_o excess_n in_o any_o of_o they_o do_v either_o suffocate_v nature_n or_o else_o impoverish_v and_o exhaust_v it_o as_o it_o be_v observe_v of_o the_o more_o lecherous_a creature_n that_o they_o be_v short-lived_a in_o comparison_n of_o other_o if_o therefore_o you_o will_v arrive_v at_o a_o good_a old-age_n good_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o body_n oppose_v and_o check_v your_o unruly_a appetite_n manus_fw-la resolve_v with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n hitherto_o thou_o shall_v come_v and_o no_o further_o conclude_v i_o be_o a_o man_n yea_o a_o christian_a and_o not_o a_o brute_n and_o consequent_o be_o not_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o sense_n but_o by_o reason_n and_o religion_n which_o teach_v i_o to_o use_v all_o these_o outward_a comfort_n so_o far_o as_o they_o will_v promote_v the_o glory_n of_o my_o maker_n and_o the_o present_a and_o future_a good_a of_o my_o body_n and_o soul._n 5._o five_o inordinate_a passion_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v another_o mean_n to_o bring_v on_o old-age_n such_o as_o anger_n especial_o sorrow_n for_o these_o do_v manifest_o prey_v upon_o the_o spirit_n and_o also_o produce_v such_o bodily_a distemper_n as_o do_v hurry_n people_n into_o old-age_n before_o their_o time_n cass._n hence_o it_o be_v that_o valentinian_n the_o emperor_n by_o a_o excessive_a strain_n of_o his_o voice_n in_o a_o angry_a reply_n against_o some_o offender_n fall_v into_o a_o grievous_a fever_n which_o at_o length_n bring_v he_o to_o his_o end._n and_o for_o sorrow_n the_o wise_a of_o man_n tell_v we_o prov._n 15._o 13._o a_o merry_a heart_n make_v a_o cheerful_a countenance_n but_o by_o sorrow_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o spirit_n be_v break_v food_n and_o when_o the_o spirit_n be_v break_v the_o body_n must_v sensible_o waste_v and_o decay_v for_o these_o passion_n like_o a_o torrent_n or_o land_n flood_n break_v down_o and_o overthrow_n all_o before_o they_o you_o know_v a_o river_n while_o it_o proceed_v with_o its_o usual_a stream_n pass_v harmless_o yea_o profitable_o through_o all_o the_o field_n and_o meadow_n and_o make_v no_o breach_n on_o the_o bank_n on_o either_o side_n but_o when_o a_o sudden_a and_o excessive_a rain_n swell_v it_o up_o than_o it_o lay_v about_o it_o without_o mercy_n and_o tear_n up_o the_o ground_n the_o fence_n and_o tree_n on_o every_o side_n and_o even_o so_o our_o passion_n be_v moderate_a be_v innocent_a and_o useful_a but_o he_o that_o have_v no_o rule_n over_o his_o own_o spirit_n be_v like_o a_o flood_n of_o water_n break_v loose_a or_o like_o a_o city_n that_o be_v break_v down_o and_o without_o wall_n yea_o there_o have_v be_v instance_n of_o such_o as_o by_o sudden_a grief_n have_v grow_v grey_a in_o a_o few_o day_n time_n and_o there_o be_v hundred_o that_o carry_v the_o badge_n of_o their_o great_a sorrow_n on_o their_o head_n long_o before_o a_o due_a course_n of_o year_n will_v have_v bring_v they_o let_v we_o not_o therefore_o suffer_v these_o vulture_n to_o feed_v upon_o our_o heart_n nor_o yield_v ourselves_o slave_n to_o these_o unruly_a passion_n which_o war_n not_o only_o against_o the_o soul_n but_o even_o against_o the_o body_n and_o will_v ruin_v both_o except_o they_o be_v restrain_v and_o mortify_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god._n philosophy_n have_v go_v far_o in_o this_o work_n god_n forbid_v but_o that_o christianity_n shall_v go_v much_o further_o there_o be_v also_o other_o both_o moral_a and_o natural_a cause_n of_o old-age_n but_o these_o may_v suffice_v the_o curious_a may_v satisfy_v themselves_o elsewhere_o note_n and_o by_o these_o cause_n you_o may_v easy_o discern_v what_o be_v the_o best_a preservative_n against_o old-age_n for_o though_o no_o art_n or_o care_n can_v prevent_v the_o unavoidable_a access_n thereof_o yet_o effectual_a mean_n may_v be_v use_v to_o defer_v it_o it_o be_v true_a galen_n tell_v 2_o we_o of_o a_o philosopher_n who_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v a_o way_n to_o prevent_v it_o and_o write_v a_o book_n of_o it_o when_o he_o be_v forty_o year_n old_a but_o the_o say_a author_n take_v notice_n that_o when_o he_o be_v arrive_v to_o eighty_o he_o be_v waste_v to_o skin_n and_o bone_n and_o can_v not_o any_o way_n cure_v himself_o but_o the_o most_o effectual_a preservative_n be_v 1._o piety_n and_o 2._o sobriety_n sect_n iv._o first_o serious_a piety_n by_o which_o i_o old-age_n mean_v a_o course_n of_o life_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o fear_v of_o god_n and_o in_o holy_a obedience_n unto_o he_o this_o be_v that_o godliness_n which_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v as_o well_o as_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v 1_o tim._n 4._o 8._o this_o be_v the_o best_a antidote_n against_o that_o poison_n which_o have_v original_o infect_v our_o nature_n and_o which_o make_v it_o swarm_v with_o distemper_n that_o hurry_v we_o to_o old-age_n and_o death_n at_o last_o this_o be_v certain_o the_o best_a mean_n whereby_o to_o avoid_v that_o fatal_a curse_n so_o early_o pronounce_v or_o else_o to_o turn_v it_o into_o a_o blessing_n if_o thou_o will_v walk_v in_o my_o way_n to_o keep_v my_o satute_n and_o commandment_n than_o i_o will_v lengthen_v thy_o day_n 1_o king._n 3._o 14._o what_o man_n be_v he_o that_o desire_v life_n and_o love_v many_o day_n that_o he_o may_v see_v good_a depart_v from_o evil_a and_o do_v good_a etc._n etc._n psal._n 34._o 12_o 14._o it_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o hierom_n ascribi_fw-la and_o of_o origen_n 18._o before_o he_o that_o abraham_n be_v the_o first_o person_n call_v old_a in_o the_o scripture_n though_o adam_n and_o methuselah_n and_o many_o other_o be_v rich_a than_o he_o in_o year_n but_o not_o in_o faith_n and_o obedience_n i_o know_v that_o some_o of_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n have_v without_o this_o flourish_v long_o and_o some_o that_o have_v be_v most_o religious_a have_v wither_v quick_o and_o therefore_o do_v conclude_v that_o all_o such_o outward_a blessing_n and_o affliction_n be_v conditional_o promise_v and_o threaten_v and_o yet_o it_o abide_v certain_a that_o the_o ordinary_a way_n to_o a_o vigorous_a age_n and_o a_o long_a life_n be_v the_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n and_o that_o which_o make_v it_o short_a and_o miserable_a be_v ungodliness_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v express_v herein_o prov._n 10._o 27._o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n prolong_v day_n but_o the_o year_n of_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v shorten_v for_o doubtless_o our_o lord_n god_n who_o be_v the_o giver_n of_o life_n be_v also_o the_o conserver_n of_o it_o and_o who_o word_n we_o may_v rely_v upon_o as_o the_o best_a prescription_n and_o preservative_n in_o this_o case_n this_o
why_o shall_v you_o grudge_v at_o those_o that_o do_v but_o come_v after_o you_o it_o be_v like_a as_o if_o the_o southern_a husbandman_n who_o have_v in_v his_o harvest_n in_o july_n shall_v repine_v at_o they_o that_o live_v more_o northerly_a who_o harvest_n be_v in_o september_n why_o the_o former_a have_v his_o harvest_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o and_o have_v reason_n rather_o to_o be_v thankful_a to_o god_n than_o to_o envy_v they_o that_o follow_v he_o beside_o will_v you_o have_v two_o harvest_n what_o answer_n can_v you_o give_v to_o our_o saviour_n question_n matth._n 20._o 15._o be_v it_o not_o lawful_a for_o i_o to_o do_v what_o i_o will_v with_o my_o own_o be_v thy_o eye_n evil_a because_o i_o be_o good_a he_o that_o grudge_v at_o god_n gift_n will_v make_v a_o miserable_a distribution_n of_o they_o among_o man_n if_o they_o be_v at_o his_o disposal_n no_o no_o young_a people_n have_v their_o proportion_n of_o comeliness_n strength_n estate_n honour_n and_o part_n and_o you_o have_v you_o and_o they_o be_v distribute_v by_o a_o wise_a hand_n who_o be_v ever_o righteous_a in_o all_o his_o way_n and_o holy_a all_o in_o his_o work_n and_o therefore_o labour_n with_o all_o your_o might_n to_o extinguish_v this_o curse_a flame_n remember_v that_o wrath_n kill_v the_o foolish_a man_n and_o that_o envy_n slay_v the_o silly_a one_o job_n 5._o 2._o you_o envy_v other_o but_o you_o hurt_v your_o self_n few_o sin_n have_v a_o more_o malignant_a influence_n upon_o mind_n and_o body_n than_o this_o sin_n of_o envy_n on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o you_o bless_v the_o lord_n for_o other_o mercy_n you_o have_v the_o comfort_n of_o they_o aug._n if_o you_o repine_v at_o they_o you_o lose_v the_o comfort_n of_o your_o own_o i_o know_v that_o the_o spirit_n that_o dwell_v in_o we_o lust_v to_o envy_v jam._n 4._o 5._o but_o to_o they_o that_o seek_v it_o god_n give_v more_o grace_n be_v content_v with_o such_o thing_n as_o you_o have_v it_o be_v not_o say_v with_o such_o thing_n as_o 1._o you_o have_v have_v or_o such_o thing_n as_o 2._o other_o have_v or_o such_o thing_n as_o 3._o you_o will_v have_v but_o with_o such_o thing_n as_o you_o have_v because_o he_o have_v say_v i_o will_v never_o leave_v thou_o nor_o forsake_v thou_o if_o you_o have_v he_o you_o have_v enough_o if_o you_o have_v he_o not_o you_o have_v too_o much_o let_v he_o who_o be_v infinite_o wise_a have_v liberty_n to_o dispose_v his_o gift_n as_o he_o please_v and_o instead_o of_o grudge_v at_o the_o excellency_n of_o other_o labour_v you_o for_o something_o in_o yourselves_o to_o balance_v they_o your_o gravity_n will_v be_v as_o valuable_a as_o their_o beauty_n your_o wisdom_n as_o their_o strength_n your_o grace_n as_o their_o wealth_n they_o do_v but_o surpass_v you_o in_o thing_n that_o will_v fade_v as_o you_o have_v do_v but_o you_o may_v excel_v they_o in_o thing_n which_o be_v everlasting_a beside_o you_o shall_v consider_v that_o we_o be_v all_o fellow-member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n and_o so_o we_o shall_v rejoice_v in_o their_o welfare_n and_o in_o their_o comfort_n that_o be_v the_o way_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o sympathize_v with_o we_o in_o our_o defect_n and_o they_o that_o pay_v respect_n to_o those_o above_o they_o shall_v most_o usual_o receive_v it_o from_o they_o below_o they_o whereas_o the_o envious_a man_n take_v pleasure_n only_o in_o punish_v of_o himself_o sect_n iv._o the_o four_o vice_n too_o common_a to_o arrogance_n old-age_n be_v arrogancy_n and_o conceitedness_n a_o humour_n whereby_o they_o assume_v so_o much_o to_o themselves_o as_o if_o they_o have_v a_o monopoly_n of_o wisdom_n to_o themselves_o and_o that_o their_o word_n must_v be_v a_o law_n in_o all_o case_n so_o that_o they_o can_v endure_v no_o contradiction_n it_o be_v likely_a enough_o that_o job_n friend_n have_v a_o spice_n of_o this_o distemper_n for_o they_o be_v very_o age_v job_n 32._o 6._o and_o we_o find_v they_o very_o wise_a in_o their_o own_o conceit_n and_o it_o be_v most_o true_a as_o before_o that_o day_n shall_v speak_v and_o that_o they_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o be_v in_o the_o right_n happy_a have_v rehoboam_n be_v if_o he_o have_v acquiesce_v in_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o old_a man_n for_o which_o be_v able_a to_o advise_v they_o who_o be_v only_o help_v by_o some_o natural_a part_n a_o work_a fancy_n and_o a_o fluent_a tongue_n or_o they_o who_o have_v read_v many_o man_n as_o well_o as_o many_o book_n and_o have_v weigh_v thing_n as_o well_o as_o word_n and_o by_o experience_n be_v grow_v wise_a these_o person_n may_v certain_o expect_v that_o a_o great_a regard_n be_v give_v to_o their_o opinion_n but_o yet_o as_o job_n c._n 32._o 9_o great_a man_n be_v not_o always_o wise_a neither_o do_v the_o age_a understand_v judgement_n all_o age_a people_n have_v not_o a_o patent_n for_o infallibility_n nor_o any_o at_o all_o time_n if_o old_a nicodemus_n his_o notion_n of_o regeneration_n must_v have_v pass_v for_o orthodox_n what_o kind_n of_o divinity_n shall_v we_o have_v have_v he_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v bear_v again_o though_o he_o be_v a_o teacher_n in_o israel_n and_o i_o great_o fear_v he_o have_v his_o fellow_n in_o all_o age_n and_o place_n sometime_o old_a man_n dream_v dream_n and_o young_a man_n see_v vision_n as_o joel_n 2._o 28._o the_o almighty_a will_v not_o confine_v his_o gift_n no_o more_o than_o he_o do_v his_o grace_n to_o any_o order_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o no_o man_n shall_v think_v of_o himself_o more_o high_o than_o he_o ought_v to_o think_v but_o to_o think_v sober_o as_o god_n have_v deal_v to_o every_o man_n rom._n 12._o 3._o and_o according_o the_o age_a be_v exhort_v tit._n 2._o 2._o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o be_v sober_a it_o become_v no_o man_n to_o abound_v always_o in_o his_o own_o sense_n or_o to_o dictate_v in_o every_o company_n but_o rather_o according_a to_o that_o levite_n method_n judg._n 19_o last_o consider_v the_o matter_n take_v advice_n and_o then_o speak_v your_o mind_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v not_o in_o a_o proud_a heart_n pride_n and_o arrogancy_n and_o the_o evil_a way_n and_o the_o froward_a mouth_n he_o hate_v prov._n 8._o 13._o check_v therefore_o and_o mortify_v this_o sinful_a temper_n mind_v the_o apostle_n counsel_n rom._n 12._o 16._o be_v not_o wise_a in_o your_o own_o conceit_n let_v not_o your_o determination_n beg_v respect_n by_o the_o number_n of_o your_o year_n but_o command_v it_o by_o the_o weight_n of_o your_o reason_n so_o there_o will_v be_v more_o of_o god_n than_o of_o man_n in_o your_o counsel_n believe_v it_o neither_o great_a age_n nor_o great_a honour_n nor_o both_o together_o do_v infuse_v wisdom_n for_o solomon_n have_v say_v better_a be_v a_o poor_a and_o a_o wise_a child_n than_o a_o old_a and_o foolish_a king_n who_o will_v no_o more_o be_v admonish_v eccl._n 4._o 13._o why_o shall_v you_o therefore_o imagine_v that_o wisdom_n must_v needs_o live_v and_o die_v with_o you_o that_o your_o word_n must_v be_v always_o oracle_n o_o labour_n for_o more_o humility_n and_o be_v content_a with_o your_o proper_a measure_n know_v for_o certain_a that_o all_o conceitedness_n come_v from_o pride_n which_o sin_n cleave_v to_o a_o man_n even_o to_o the_o grave_n consider_v how_o the_o scripture_n disgrace_v this_o humour_n of_o you_o prov._n 26._o 12._o see_v thou_o a_o man_n wise_a in_o his_o own_o conceit_n there_o be_v more_o hope_n of_o a_o fool_n than_o of_o he_o reflect_v sometime_o how_o often_o you_o have_v be_v mistake_v even_o wherein_o you_o have_v be_v extreme_o confident_a he_o must_v be_v omniscient_a that_o be_v always_o infallible_a let_v god_n be_v true_a but_o every_o man_n a_o liar_n young_a elihu_n may_v sometime_o outstrip_v job_n and_o his_o three_o friend_n and_o no_o mere_a man_n be_v wise_a at_o all_o time_n sect_n v._o the_o five_o and_o most_o epidemic_a covetousness_n sin_n of_o old-age_n be_v covetousness_n or_o worldly-mindedness_a that_o be_v a_o inordinate_a love_n of_o riches_n which_o be_v show_v in_o a_o insatiable_a endeavour_n to_o procure_v they_o and_o in_o a_o unreasonable_a lothness_n to_o part_v with_o they_o though_o this_o vice_n be_v frequent_o find_v in_o young_a people_n as_o in_o that_o young_a man_n matth._n 19_o 22._o who_o be_v free_a from_o other_o gross_a sin_n but_o infect_v with_o this_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o disease_n more_o peculiar_a to_o old-age_n they_o feel_v the_o decay_n of_o nature_n and_o think_v to_o support_v themselves_o by_o their_o abundance_n they_o must_v have_v some_o recreation_n and_o be_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o age_n incapable_a of_o other_o pleasure_n and_o so_o do_v place_n their_o delight_n in_o heap_v
have_v so_o often_o see_v these_o property_n of_o his_o exemplify_v to_o other_o and_o to_o yourselves_o so_o many_o wonder_n of_o providence_n do_v in_o your_o remembrance_n that_o you_o yourselves_o must_v be_v the_o great_a wonder_n in_o case_n you_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o trust_v he_o when_o your_o soul_n be_v cast_v down_o you_o may_v do_v as_o david_n do_v remember_v god_n from_o the_o land_n of_o jordan_n and_o of_o the_o hermonite_n from_o the_o hill_n mizar_n that_o be_v you_o may_v review_v the_o help_n and_o comfort_n which_o you_o have_v have_v in_o this_o and_o the_o other_o place_n of_o your_o pilgrimage_n and_o so_o hope_v still_o in_o god_n that_o the_o help_v of_o his_o countenance_n will_v be_v the_o health_n of_o you_o psal._n 42._o 5_o 6_o 11._o learn_v therefore_o this_o life_n of_o faith_n and_o endeavour_v as_o you_o grow_v weak_a in_o body_n to_o grow_v strong_a in_o faith._n 1._o for_o temporal_a mercy_n you_o may_v be_v tempt_v to_o fear_v want_n in_o your_o old-age_n here_o be_v now_o occasion_n for_o faith_n whereby_o you_o be_v firm_o to_o believe_v either_o that_o you_o shall_v want_v nothing_o or_o else_o no_o good_a thing_n psal._n 34._o 9_o 10._o that_o the_o lord_n will_v either_o supply_v your_o want_n or_o enrich_v you_o by_o your_o want_n it_o be_v a_o memorable_a say_n of_o a_o ancient_a pious_a woman_n i_o have_v make_v many_o a_o meal_n upon_o the_o promise_n when_o i_o have_v want_v bread_n and_o christ_n have_v say_v it_o that_o man_n live_v not_o by_o bread_n only_o but_o by_o every_o word_n that_o come_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n matth._n 4._o 4._o so_o that_o a_o child_n of_o god_n shall_v never_o want_v a_o livelihood_n so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v a_o promise_n in_o the_o book_n of_o god._n but_o then_o he_o have_v need_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o strong_a the_o faith_n the_o chearfull_a life_n he_o live_v for_o as_o by_o it_o he_o enjoy_v god_n in_o all_o thing_n in_o case_n of_o plenty_n so_o by_o it_o he_o enjoy_v all_o thing_n in_o god_n in_o case_n of_o want_n 2._o for_o spiritual_a blessing_n it_o concern_v you_o to_o live_v by_o faith_n old-age_n to_o wit_n for_o pardon_n grace_n and_o comfort_n you_o have_v be_v long_o conversant_a with_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n for_o these_o mercy_n and_o have_v have_v often_o experience_n of_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n unto_o you_o and_o so_o may_v conclude_v with_o the_o psalmist_n the_o lord_n have_v be_v mindful_a of_o we_o be_v will_v bless_v we_o psal._n 115._o 12._o he_o that_o forgive_v you_o ten_o thousand_o talent_n upon_o your_o first_o repentance_n will_v ready_o forgive_v a_o hundred_o penny_n upon_o your_o second_o and_o he_o that_o give_v you_o good_a desire_n when_o you_o be_v not_o worth_a a_o good_a thought_n will_v sure_o give_v you_o your_o desire_n of_o more_o grace_n when_o your_o heart_n be_v now_o full_o set_v upon_o it_o and_o he_o that_o speak_v peace_n to_o your_o conscience_n when_o you_o be_v young_a will_v restore_v unto_o you_o the_o joy_n of_o his_o salvation_n as_o soon_o and_o as_o far_o as_o be_v good_a for_o you_o now_o you_o be_v old_a though_o at_o present_v you_o walk_v in_o darkness_n and_o see_v no_o light_n for_o a_o old_a servant_n he_o never_o utter_o cast_v off_o cast_v not_o you_o away_o therefore_o your_o confidence_n which_o have_v great_a recompense_n of_o reward_n the_o dimmer_n the_o eye_n of_o your_o sense_n grow_v the_o clear_a let_v the_o eye_n of_o your_o faith_n become_v by_o which_o you_o may_v see_v as_o moses_n do_v on_o mount_n pisgah_n into_o the_o promise_a land_n and_o may_v comfort_v your_o heart_n with_o the_o foreta_v of_o glory_n by_o this_o faith_n it_o be_v that_o isaac_n when_o he_o be_v blind_a through_o age_n bless_a jacob_n and_o esau_n concern_v thing_n to_o come_v by_o this_o faith_n jacob_n when_o he_o be_v die_v for_o age_n bless_v both_o the_o son_n of_o joseph_n and_o worship_v lean_v upon_o the_o top_n of_o his_o staff_n heb._n 11._o 20_o 21._o in_o short_a nothing_o be_v more_o needful_a for_o the_o old_a person_n who_o limb_n be_v weak_a eyesight_n weak_a memory_n all_o weak_a than_o a_o strong_a and_o lively_a faith._n and_o this_o you_o must_v labour_v for_o by_o earnest_n and_o frequent_a prayer_n for_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v receive_v and_o he_o that_o seek_v sind_v cry_v out_o therefore_o with_o the_o apostle_n luk._n 17._o 5._o lord_n increase_v our_o faith_n and_o when_o you_o find_v it_o waver_v then_o cry_v again_o with_o the_o man_n mark_v 9_o 24._o lord_n i_o believe_v help_v my_o unbelief_n we_o will_v relieve_v a_o poor_a old_a man_n when_o we_o pass_v by_o the_o young_a and_o he_o that_o have_v plant_v that_o compassion_n in_o we_o have_v much_o more_o in_o himself_o and_o then_o consider_v often_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n who_o word_n be_v as_o sure_a as_o deed._n for_o all_o his_o promise_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_o in_o christ._n which_o promise_v you_o ought_v to_o store_v up_o and_o study_v instead_o of_o count_v over_o your_o coin_n or_o survey_v your_o bond_n review_v the_o rich_a and_o precious_a promise_n of_o god_n and_o clear_v your_o interest_n in_o they_o and_o they_o will_v beget_v new_a blood_n and_o spirit_n in_o your_o soul_n so_o that_o your_o youth_n will_v be_v renew_v as_o the_o eagle_n and_o as_o long_o as_o you_o be_v able_a attend_v upon_o the_o preach_a of_o god_n word_n for_o as_o faith_n come_v so_o it_o come_v on_o by_o hear_v the_o same_o text_n the_o same_o truth_n the_o same_o promise_n which_o you_o have_v often_o read_v and_o hear_v will_v still_o afford_v new_a strength_n to_o your_o faith_n and_o hope_n as_o long_o as_o you_o live_v sect_n iii_o the_o three_o grace_n proper_a for_o old-age_n wisdom_n be_v wisdom_n which_o we_o take_v here_o in_o the_o large_a an_o yet_o true_a sense_n not_o once_o regard_v that_o mere_a worldly_a wisdom_n which_o be_v not_o only_o earthly_a and_o selfish_a but_o wicked_a and_o devilish_a that_o be_v only_o skill_a in_o get_v a_o estate_n by_o hook_n or_o crook_n and_o in_o keep_v it_o without_o respect_n to_o god_n or_o our_o neighbour_n no_o this_o can_v in_o any_o tolerable_a sense_n be_v call_v wisdom_n it_o be_v absolute_a folly_n to_o lose_v yea_o to_o venture_v a_o soul_n for_o what_o may_v be_v utter_o lose_v to_o morrow_n but_o i_o speak_v here_o of_o true_a wisdom_n in_o its_o latitude_n teach_v man_n to_o live_v safe_o and_o comfortable_o here_o and_o happy_o hereafter_o as_o it_o fix_v upon_o a_o right_a end_n and_o choose_v and_o use_v the_o proper_a mean_n to_o attain_v it_o this_o grace_n direct_v a_o man_n to_o make_v choice_n of_o god_n for_o his_o happiness_n and_o then_o diligent_o to_o apply_v himself_o to_o know_v love_n serve_v and_o enjoy_v he_o this_o also_o guide_v he_o in_o all_o his_o employment_n in_o this_o world_n to_o attempt_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v possible_a honest_a and_o useful_a to_o choose_v the_o fit_a mean_n for_o the_o attainment_n of_o his_o just_a end_n to_o place_v his_o word_n and_o action_n in_o their_o proper_a circumstance_n not_o always_o to_o take_v the_o next_o but_o the_o safe_a way_n to_o his_o desire_n and_o in_o short_a to_o order_v his_o affair_n with_o discretion_n and_o this_o be_v the_o crown_n of_o old-age_n aquavitae_fw-la every_o age_a person_n be_v or_o shall_v be_v true_o wise_a multitude_n of_o year_n shall_v teach_v wisdom_n job_n 32._o 7._o the_o crown_n of_o youth_n be_v their_o strength_n but_o the_o glory_n of_o old-age_n be_v their_o wisdom_n and_o wisdom_n be_v better_a than_o strength_n eccl._n 9_o 16._o wisdom_n strengthen_v the_o wise_a more_o than_o ten_o mighty_a man_n in_o a_o city_n eccl._n 7._o 19_o by_o this_o the_o age_a be_v better_o enable_v to_o discharge_v their_o duty_n to_o husband_n wife_n child_n servant_n and_o neighbour_n than_o ordinary_o young_a people_n be_v to_o dispose_v spiritual_a and_o secular_a duty_n in_o their_o right_a place_n to_o temper_n and_o guide_v that_o zeal_n and_o affection_n which_o without_o it_o be_v foolish_a and_o dangerous_a the_o rashness_n of_o young_a counsel_n be_v evident_a in_o the_o case_n of_o rehoboam_n 1_o king._n 12._o who_o follow_v the_o heady_a and_o fierce_a advice_n of_o his_o young_a courtier_n lose_v ten_o tribe_n in_o one_o day_n which_o the_o sage_a counsel_n of_o his_o old_a counselor_n have_v certain_o preserve_v and_o it_o be_v know_v how_o often_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o athens_n and_o rome_n be_v endanger_v by_o the_o folly_n and_o rashness_n of_o young_a head_n have_v they_o not_o be_v ballast_v by_o the_o sober_a and_o wary_a interposition_n of_o grave_a person_n young_a people_n
some_o of_o the_o philosopher_n under_o pain_n or_o loss_n but_o can_v never_o do_v it_o under_o disgrace_n but_o that_o patience_n which_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o strengthen_v by_o the_o grace_n and_o spirit_n of_o christ_n keep_v the_o soul_n from_o secret_a repine_n or_o open_a murmur_a at_o any_o event_n save_v from_o distraction_n at_o present_a and_o from_o ruin_n hereafter_o and_o herein_o old-age_n do_v or_o shall_v excel_v 15._o they_o have_v meet_v with_o many_o trouble_n in_o their_o pilgrimage_n and_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o tribulation_n work_v patience_n rom._n 5._o 3._o consequent_o the_o more_o trouble_n the_o great_a patience_n they_o have_v be_v teach_v to_o wait_v for_o some_o mercy_n which_o they_o have_v desire_v for_o many_o year_n and_o so_o have_v be_v teach_v patience_n which_o when_o they_o have_v well_o learned_a than_o the_o mercy_n have_v be_v confer_v they_o have_v be_v try_v with_o many_o affliction_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n either_o upon_o their_o body_n as_o sickness_n pain_n etc._n etc._n sometime_o by_o acute_a sometime_o by_o chronical_a distemper_n and_o these_o have_v exercise_v and_o teach_v they_o patience_n or_o upon_o their_o soul_n as_o desertion_n or_o other_o impression_n of_o divine_a displeasure_n and_o thereby_o have_v learn_v quiet_o to_o wait_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o god_n or_o by_o the_o death_n of_o their_o dear_a consort_n or_o child_n all_o which_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n concur_v therewith_o have_v like_o continual_a burden_n on_o the_o shoulder_n inure_v and_o strengthen_v they_o in_o this_o excellent_a grace_n the_o age_a person_n have_v also_o have_v many_o provocation_n loss_n and_o injury_n from_o man_n which_o have_v both_o try_v and_o tame_v his_o mettle_n he_o have_v be_v either_o uncomfortable_o match_v whereby_o his_o patience_n have_v be_v put_v to_o it_o every_o day_n or_o cross_v in_o his_o child_n or_o fix_v near_o some_o unquiet_a neighbour_n or_o harass_v by_o a_o costly_a and_o tedious_a suit_n of_o law_n any_o of_o which_o have_v force_v he_o to_o exercise_v this_o grace_n or_o else_o he_o have_v be_v smite_v in_o his_o reputation_n or_o maim_v by_o some_o great_a loss_n or_o disappointment_n in_o his_o estate_n where_o he_o have_v have_v no_o remedy_n but_o patience_n i_o know_v these_o thing_n do_v too_o often_o work_v the_o wrong_a way_n that_o be_v they_o produce_v fretfulness_n rage_n melancholy_a and_o other_o dismal_a effect_n but_o in_o the_o upright_a man_n they_o sortifie_v his_o spirit_n they_o break_v the_o pride_n security_n and_o stubbornness_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o make_v he_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n seek_v for_o glory_n honour_n and_o immortality_n and_o so_o fit_v he_o for_o eternal_a life_n and_o the_o age_a do_v or_o shall_v exceed_v those_o that_o be_v young_a herein_o for_o the_o tender_a shoulder_n of_o these_o can_v well_o bear_v these_o burden_n as_o ephraim_n once_o so_o they_o be_v like_o bullock_n unaccustomed_a to_o the_o yoke_n which_o fret_v and_o fume_n and_o be_v gall_v under_o the_o aforesaid_a trial_n tho'_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v good_a for_o a_o man_n to_o bear_v the_o yoke_n in_o his_o youth_n but_o common_o it_o be_v some_o tract_n of_o time_n before_o this_o yoke_n be_v quiet_o and_o even_o carry_v old_a age_n do_v most_o perfect_o teach_v this_o lesson_n he_o that_o in_o his_o youth_n will_v quick_o have_v answer_v the_o lie_n with_o his_o sword_n will_v then_o answer_v it_o with_o a_o smile_n the_o tear_n which_o in_o our_o youth_n we_o spend_v upon_o any_o trivial_a occasion_n we_o then_o reserve_v for_o better_a purpose_n and_o we_o come_v to_o learn_v manner_n to_o wait_v god_n time_n for_o the_o mercy_n we_o desire_v time_n and_o trial_n have_v teach_v the_o old-man_n to_o digest_v hard_a word_n and_o hard_a thing_n rather_o than_o to_o fight_v it_o out_o good_a david_n can_v better_o bear_v shimei_n curse_n when_o he_o be_v grow_v into_o year_n than_o nabal_n uncharitableness_n when_o he_o be_v young_a now_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o kill_v and_o slay_v at_o least_o every_o male_a in_o nabal_n house_n but_o afterward_o so_o let_v he_o curse_n because_o the_o lord_n have_v say_v unto_o he_o curse_n david_n who_o shall_v then_o say_v wherefore_o have_v thou_o do_v this_o 2_o sam._n 16._o 10._o and_o those_o disciple_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o in_o their_o young_a year_n will_v have_v have_v fire_n send_v from_o heaven_n to_o revenge_v the_o incivility_n of_o the_o samaritan_n they_o in_o their_o ripe_a year_n have_v learn_v when_o revile_v to_o bless_v when_o persecute_v to_o suffer_v it_o and_o to_o bear_v all_o indignity_n not_o only_o with_o much_o patience_n 2_o cor._n 6._o 4._o but_o with_o all_o patience_n 2_o cor._n 12._o 12._o such_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o year_n and_o experience_n by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god._n and_o you_o that_o be_v in_o year_n must_v be_v inexcusable_a if_o you_o be_v defective_a in_o this_o grace_n because_o you_o have_v be_v for_o a_o long_a time_n scholar_n under_o a_o patient_a master_n who_o have_v jest_v we_o a_o example_n that_o we_o shall_v follow_v his_o step_n who_o when_o he_o be_v revile_v revile_v not_o again_o when_o he_o suffer_v he_o threaten_v not_o 1_o pet._n 2._o 21_o 23._o you_o have_v also_o read_v and_o hear_v many_o convince_a discourse_n upon_o this_o subject_a you_o have_v see_v the_o folly_n and_o madness_n of_o impatience_n and_o of_o revenge_n in_o other_o and_o you_o have_v have_v so_o many_o cross_n of_o your_o own_o that_o it_o be_v the_o absurde_a thing_n imaginable_a for_o you_o to_o be_v destitute_a hereof_o no_o great_a wonder_n to_o see_v a_o unbacked_a colt_n to_o winch_v and_o curvet_v at_o the_o spur_n or_o whip_v but_o if_o the_o old_a try_a beast_n do_v so_o he_o be_v better_a feed_v than_o teach_v no_o you_o shall_v be_v pattern_n of_o patience_n to_o other_o we_o may_v well_o feel_v thing_n as_o mortal_a man_n say_v mr._n hooper_n yet_o overcome_v they_o as_o christian_a man_n outward_a affliction_n may_v prick_v we_o but_o yet_o they_o shall_v not_o pierce_v we_o the_o old_a soldier_n will_v not_o fret_v at_o hard_a march_n hard_a wether_n hard_a usage_n for_o he_o have_v be_v beat_v to_o they_o the_o old_a mariner_n repine_v not_o at_o the_o boisterous_a wind_n or_o the_o threaten_a wave_n you_o be_v too_o nice_a my_o brother_n say_v hierom_n if_o you_o grudge_v to_o be_v try_v below_o yet_o expect_v to_o be_v crown_v above_o labour_v therefore_o to_o get_v and_o increase_v your_o stock_n of_o patience_n let_v patience_n have_v her_o perfect_a work_n that_o you_o may_v be_v perfect_a and_o entire_a want_v nothing_o jam._n 1._o 4._o this_o grace_n you_o will_v daily_o need_v and_o daily_o use_v for_o we_o have_v need_n of_o patience_n that_o after_o we_o have_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n we_o may_v receive_v the_o promise_n heb._n 10._o 36._o it_o will_v be_v like_o a_o buckler_n to_o save_v you_o harmless_a from_o the_o evil_n of_o affliction_n though_o you_o have_v faith_n virtue_n knowledge_n temperance_n yet_o you_o must_v add_v unto_o these_o patience_n that_o you_o may_v never_o fall_v 2_o pet._n 1._o 6._o this_o will_v not_o only_o bridle_v your_o tongue_n but_o quiet_a your_o mind_n and_o keep_v you_o when_o dispossess_v of_o all_o other_o thing_n in_o possession_n of_o your_o own_o soul_n cyprian_a for_o a_o impatient_a man_n whilst_o he_o be_v afflict_v by_o another_o even_o than_o punish_v himself_o and_o so_o be_v his_o own_o great_a tormenter_n alas_o you_o must_v still_o expect_v a_o succession_n of_o trouble_n and_o unexpected_a cross_n until_o your_o course_n be_v finish_v and_o if_o you_o escape_v these_o from_o abroad_o yet_o you_o may_v find_v occasion_n enough_o for_o your_o patience_n with_o your_o own_o child_n and_o servant_n and_o perhaps_o with_o near_a relation_n and_o though_o you_o shall_v miss_v of_o these_o yet_o your_o own_o distemper_n will_v try_v your_o patience_n when_o you_o can_v neither_o eat_v your_o meat_n nor_o live_v without_o it_o neither_o sleep_n with_o refreshment_n nor_o lie_v awake_a with_o ease_n neither_o endure_v company_n nor_o be_v content_v alone_o when_o you_o will_v be_v weary_a of_o every_o place_n of_o every_o posture_n and_o without_o patience_n weary_a of_o yourself_o and_o therefore_o it_o great_o concern_v you_o to_o store_n yourselves_o with_o this_o needful_a this_o useful_a grace_n and_o to_o that_o end_n inure_v yourselves_o unto_o it_o by_o degree_n strive_v to_o digest_v lesser_a wrong_n provocation_n and_o loss_n which_o will_v prepare_v you_o to_o be_v quiet_a under_o great_a whilst_o other_o be_v endeavour_v to_o outwit_n or_o out-power_n their_o adversary_n be_v you_o labour_v to_o overcome_v
that_o be_v the_o happy_a man_n either_o young_a or_o old_a who_o be_v like_o athanasius_n magnes_n &_o adamas_n of_o a_o temper_n and_o converse_v to_o attract_v love_n and_o respect_n and_o yet_o of_o principle_n and_o resolution_n to_o withstand_v in_o a_o good_a cause_n all_o opposition_n the_o weakness_n of_o your_o limb_n and_o sense_n shall_v be_v compensated_a with_o stability_n and_o strength_n in_o your_o spirit_n the_o age_a mind_n alone_o grow_v young_a plutarch_n we_o faint_v not_o say_v the_o apostle_n but_o as_o the_o outward_a man_n perish_v so_o shall_v your_o inward_a man_n be_v renew_v day_n by_o day_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 16._o for_o this_o purpose_n you_o shall_v weigh_v and_o examine_v your_o principle_n well_o those_o of_o religion_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n those_o of_o humane_a life_n in_o the_o scale_n of_o reason_n and_o have_v once_o well_o fix_v they_o alter_v they_o not_o upon_o every_o suggestion_n the_o manifest_a cause_n of_o most_o man_n unstedfastness_n both_o in_o judgement_n and_o practice_n be_v their_o rash_a embrace_v of_o those_o point_n that_o shall_v have_v be_v well_o weigh_v at_o the_o first_o for_o what_o they_o have_v swallow_v down_o by_o wholesale_n they_o will_v vomit_v up_o again_o by_o retail_n in_o time_n of_o trial_n my_o lord_n verulam_n observation_n be_v very_o true_a he_o that_o begin_v in_o doubt_n will_v end_v in_o certainty_n and_o he_o that_o begin_v in_o certainty_n will_v end_v in_o doubt_n add_v to_o this_o a_o conscionable_a practice_n of_o your_o sound_n and_o honest_a principle_n nazian_n this_o will_v acquaint_v you_o with_o that_o comfort_n and_o sweetness_n which_o will_v establish_v your_o mind_n in_o they_o more_o and_o more_o a_o rot_a heart_n be_v apt_a to_o produce_v a_o giddy_a head_n whereas_o righteousness_n both_o direct_v and_o keep_v he_o that_o be_v upright_o in_o the_o way_n prov._n 11._o 5._o with_o chap._n 13._o 6._o all_o the_o part_n and_o learning_n in_o the_o world_n will_v not_o fix_v the_o head_n and_o heart_n like_o sincerity_n it_o be_v good_a that_o the_o heart_n be_v establish_v with_o grace_n heb._n 13._o 9_o experience_n in_o religion_n will_v make_v you_o steadfast_a in_o religion_n and_o last_o pray_v earnest_o unto_o god_n to_o make_v you_o steadfast_a see_v how_o emphatical_o the_o apostle_n paul_n mention_n this_o 2_o thes._n 2._o 17._o now_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o and_o god_n even_o our_o father_n establish_v you_o for_o we_o be_v weak_a creature_n yea_o knowledge_n and_o grace_n be_v but_o creature_n but_o earnest_a prayer_n will_v engage_v the_o help_n and_o support_v of_o almighty_a god_n who_o can_v and_o will_v establish_v strengthen_v settle_v you_o 1_o pet._n 5._o 10._o sect_n vi_o the_o six_o grace_n wherein_o old-age_n temperance_n do_v or_o snould_v excel_v be_v temperance_n and_o sobriety_n rivet_n that_o be_v the_o injunction_n of_o the_o apostle_n tit._n 2._o 2._o that_o the_o age_a man_n be_v sober_a grave_a temperate_a by_o this_o temperance_n i_o understand_v that_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o bridle_v our_o inordinate_a affection_n in_o all_o outward_a mercy_n or_o more_o strict_o which_o observe_v a_o right_a mean_a in_o desire_v and_o use_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o sense_n and_o so_o in_o respect_n of_o meat_n it_o be_v abstinence_n in_o respect_n of_o drink_v sobriety_n in_o respect_n of_o other_o carnal_a pleasure_n chastity_n all_o these_o the_o temperate_a man_n curb_v by_o holy_a reason_n and_o by_o holy_a force_n hereby_o he_o sti●…es_v the_o inordinate_a desire_n and_o restrain_v the_o use_n within_o its_o due_a bound_n he_o mortify_v the_o unlawful_a and_o moderate_v the_o lawful_a pleasure_n and_o recreation_n of_o the_o body_n he_o neither_o absolute_o refuse_v they_o nor_o inordinate_o desire_v or_o use_v they_o now_o this_o grace_n be_v very_o proper_a though_o not_o peculiar_a to_o old-age_n they_o especial_o do_v or_o aught_o to_o excel_v herein_o there_o be_v indeed_o a_o proverbial_a say_n that_o wine_n be_v the_o senum_fw-la milk_n of_o old-man_n some_o intemperate_a man_n there_o may_v be_v of_o every_o age_n but_o god_n forbid_v that_o this_o proverb_n shall_v be_v adequate_a to_o old-age_n true_a it_o be_v that_o where_o there_o be_v the_o decay_v of_o nature_n there_o be_v more_o need_n of_o reparation_n and_o that_o the_o most_o revive_a mean_n be_v expedient_a for_o that_o end_n whereupon_o plato_n permit_v ancient_a 2._o person_n to_o drink_v more_o liberal_o to_o alleviate_v their_o trouble_n and_o to_o soften_v their_o spirit_n as_o iron_n be_v soften_v by_o the_o fire_n but_o common_o the_o age_a be_v by_o god_n grace_n wean_v from_o the_o excess_n of_o youth_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n have_v too_o usual_o their_o distinct_a season_n of_o rule_n or_o at_o least_o molestation_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man._n and_o the_o first_o have_v have_v its_o course_n in_o the_o time_n of_o youth_n its_o reign_n be_v expire_v and_o the_o age_a must_v now_o combat_v th●…_n other_o two_o as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v the_o decay_n of_o natural_a strength_n be_v great_a help_n to_o the_o old-man_n temperance_n he_o can_v if_o he_o will_v eat_v and_o drink_v and_o act_v his_o lust_n as_o heretofore_o and_o although_o this_o inability_n do_v not_o make_v he_o a_o temperate_a man_n yet_o hereby_o the_o discontinuance_n of_o the_o act_n weaken_v the_o habit_n and_o his_o contentedness_n therewith_o and_o his_o hearty_a thankfulness_n for_o this_o reformation_n may_v be_v account_v real_a temperance_n cicerone_n especial_o when_o he_o can_v reflect_v upon_o his_o former_a disorder_n with_o grief_n hatred_n and_o shame_n now_o they_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o a_o man_n may_v live_v more_o comfortable_o and_o healthful_o with_o less_o meat_n less_o drink_a and_o less_o sleep_n than_o young_a people_n indulge_v themselves_o withal_o and_o other_o carnal_a pleasure_n be_v indifferent_a to_o they_o because_o desire_n do_v fail_v and_o it_o be_v much_o better_a and_o easy_a to_o want_v desire_n than_o to_o fulfil_v they_o as_o it_o be_v far_o better_a not_o to_o itch_n than_o to_o have_v the_o pleasure_n of_o scratch_v where_o it_o itch_v but_o now_o the_o pious_a old_a person_n have_v real_o crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o the_o affection_n and_o lust_n his_o sin_n do_v not_o leave_v he_o but_o he_o have_v leave_v they_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v and_o read_v the_o scripture_n so_o long_o in_o vain_a which_o every_o where_o disgrace_v and_o condemn_v all_o excess_n and_o riot_n all_o chamber_a and_o wantonness_n and_o oblige_v all_o christian_n to_o deny_v themselves_o and_o to_o pluck_v out_o the_o right_a eye_n that_o do_v offend_v they_o they_o have_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o as_o true_a virtue_n so_o true_a satisfaction_n be_v only_o find_v in_o a_o mediocrity_n and_o that_o all_o extreme_n and_o inordinacy_n be_v offensive_a both_o to_o the_o mind_n and_o body_n i_o say_v of_o laughter_n it_o be_v mad_a and_o of_o mirth_n what_o do_v it_o eccles._n 2._o 2._o this_o be_v the_o verdict_n which_o wise_a solomon_n bring_v in_o his_o old-age_n when_o he_o have_v not_o withhold_v his_o heart_n from_o any_o joy_n etc._n etc._n yet_o then_o he_o conclude_v all_o be_v vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n and_o there_o be_v no_o profit_n under_o the_o sun_n eccles._n 2._o 10._o beside_o they_o who_o have_v live_v long_o have_v see_v the_o woeful_a effect_n of_o drunkenness_n uncleanness_n and_o luxury_n how_o many_o body_n they_o have_v destroy_v how_o many_o estate_n and_o family_n they_o have_v ruin_v and_o what_o small_a pity_n the_o miserable_a spendthrift_n meet_v with_o in_o those_o person_n and_o place_n where_o he_o have_v consume_v his_o substance_n these_o and_o such_o like_a observation_n have_v contribute_v to_o the_o age_a man_n sobriety_n they_o have_v be_v pillar_n of_o salt_n to_o he_o so_o that_o any_o licentiousness_n in_o a_o person_n of_o year_n as_o it_o be_v most_o pernicious_a to_o he_o so_o it_o be_v intolerable_a to_o he_o it_o make_v they_o the_o object_n both_o of_o laughter_n scorn_n and_o detestation_n every_o excess_n in_o they_o debilitates_fw-la their_o nature_n sully_n their_o reputation_n and_o shake_v their_o grace_n exceed_o when_o old_a people_n fall_v they_o fall_v with_o a_o great_a weight_n and_o be_v crush_v more_o than_o young_a people_n and_o perhaps_o they_o have_v more_o difficulty_n to_o rise_v again_o far_o more_o excuse_n be_v find_v for_o the_o lapse_n of_o young_a people_n than_o can_v be_v pretend_v by_o the_o age_a their_o fault_n be_v crime_n and_o their_o crime_n be_v prodigy_n epictet_n as_o their_o disease_n so_o their_o exorbitance_n be_v far_o more_o dangerous_a let_v it_o therefore_o be_v your_o constant_a care_n to_o keep_v yourselves_o within_o the_o bound_n
of_o temperance_n and_o sobriety_n and_o that_o both_o for_o other_o sake_n and_o for_o your_o own._n you_o shall_v be_v example_n o_o be_v not_o stumble_v block_n to_o young_a people_n your_o vice_n may_v propagate_v when_o your_o person_n be_v pass_v it_o and_o those_o that_o be_v eye_n or_o ear-witness_n of_o your_o folly_n may_v derive_v the_o practice_n of_o they_o to_o the_o child_n that_o be_v yet_o unborn_a and_o although_o you_o may_v recover_v by_o true_a repentance_n yet_o they_o may_v stumble_v upon_o you_o and_o fall_v and_o never_o rise_v again_o entail_v not_o a_o curse_n upon_o your_o posterity_n do_v not_o nourish_v in_o they_o that_o natural_a depravation_n which_o in_o equity_n you_o ought_v rather_o to_o cure_v and_o for_o your_o own_o sake_n be_v sober_a be_v vigilant_a for_o you_o be_v upon_o the_o confine_n of_o the_o everlasting_a world_n a_o world_n wherein_o all_o sensual_a enjoyment_n will_v be_v for_o ever_o out_o of_o date_n endeavour_v to_o go_v off_o the_o stage_n without_o a_o blemish_n when_o some_o courtier_n be_v send_v to_o s_o r_o fr._n walsingham_n be_v sick_a and_o sad_a to_o make_v he_o merry_a god_n say_v he_o be_v serious_a in_o his_o law_n jesus_n christ_n be_v serious_a in_o his_o death_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v serious_a in_o his_o deal_n with_o our_o soul_n all_o in_o heaven_n and_o hell_n be_v serious_a and_o shall_v a_o man_n that_o have_v one_o foot_n in_o the_o grave_a laugh_v and_o jest_n take_v warning_n by_o poor_a noah_n one_o hour_n drunkenness_n discover_v that_o which_o six_o hundred_o year_n sobriety_n have_v conceal_v if_o his_o inexperience_n do_v in_o any_o degree_n excuse_v he_o you_o can_v make_v no_o such_o pretence_n if_o you_o have_v any_o regard_n to_o the_o health_n and_o vigour_n of_o your_o body_n to_o the_o quiet_a and_o welfare_n of_o your_o soul_n to_o the_o please_a and_o honour_v of_o god_n bridle_v your_o appetite_n and_o check_v the_o pleasure_n of_o your_o sense_n in_o short_a there_o be_v as_o we_o observe_v before_o no_o better_a way_n to_o spin_v out_o your_o life_n to_o make_v old-age_n pleasant_a and_o death_n easy_a than_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o virtue_n the_o instance_n of_o cornaro_n a_o learned_a and_o rich_a venetian_a be_v common_a that_o with_o a_o spare_v and_o orderly_a diet_n live_v to_o a_o great_a age_n with_o little_a inconvenience_n to_o deny_v a_o man_n self_n be_v the_o way_n to_o please_v himself_o at_o length_n and_o by_o oppose_v the_o preternatural_a desire_n of_o the_o body_n we_o contribute_v to_o the_o true_a happiness_n even_o of_o the_o body_n itself_o and_o here_o come_v in_o the_o use_n and_o exercise_v of_o mortification_n wherein_o though_o a_o wise_a man_n may_v make_v some_o step_n yet_o the_o work_n can_v be_v do_v without_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n if_o you_o through_o the_o spirit_n mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n you_o shall_v live_v rom._n 8._o 13._o implore_v therefore_o the_o aid_n of_o this_o good_a spirit_n who_o can_v make_v you_o mortal_o to_o hate_v that_o which_o you_o now_o do_v ardent_o love_v and_o will_v pluck_v up_o the_o root_n of_o that_o whereof_o morality_n do_v only_o shave_v the_o hair._n set_v the_o spectacle_n of_o death_n oft_o before_o you_o and_o of_o that_o endless_a estate_n to_o which_o you_o be_v such_o near_a neighbour_n and_o think_v how_o unsuitable_a a_o vain_a life_n be_v to_o a_o serious_a death_n be_v much_o in_o prayer_n and_o if_o need_v be_v add_v fast_v thereunto_o that_o your_o moderation_n may_v be_v know_v unto_o all_o man_n see_v undoubted_o to_o old_a people_n the_o lord_n be_v at_o hand_n sect_n vii_o the_o seven_o grace_n proper_a for_o old-age_n love._n be_v charity_n or_o love._n not_o that_o sensual_a or_o carnal_a love_n which_o be_v proper_a or_o rather_o common_a to_o youth_n and_o which_o have_v long_o since_o drop_v off_o like_a leave_n in_o the_o autumn_n of_o their_o age_n but_o that_o grace_n which_o 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command_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o though_o you_o have_v knowledge_n faith_n wisdom_n riches_n etc._n etc._n yet_o if_o you_o have_v not_o charity_n you_o be_v nothing_o you_o be_v go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n now_o be_v your_o time_n to_o exercise_v this_o grace_n in_o the_o world_n where_o you_o be_v go_v there_o will_v be_v no_o infirmity_n to_o cover_v no_o poor_a to_o relieve_v no_o injury_n to_o forgive_v no_o ignorant_a person_n to_o instruct_v no_o miserable_a creature_n to_o pray_v for_o and_o you_o have_v but_o a_o short_a time_n for_o these_o employment_n yea_o perhaps_o you_o be_v reprieve_v all_o this_o while_n for_o these_o service_n and_o to_o be_v useful_a in_o these_o and_o such_o like_a way_n be_v the_o great_a happiness_n on_o earth_n it_o be_v the_o next_o step_n to_o eternal_a glory_n yea_o nothing_o shall_v hire_v a_o old_a person_n or_o make_v he_o content_a to_o live_v out_o of_o heaven_n with_o such_o a_o body_n of_o sin_n about_o he_o but_o only_o that_o 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all_o the_o while_n so_o a_o holy_a soul_n may_v prosper_v very_o well_o though_o the_o body_n be_v lame_a and_o crazy_a and_o this_o decrease_v of_o strength_n and_o beauty_n be_v very_o useful_a to_o awaken_v the_o soul_n from_o that_o lethargy_n which_o be_v natural_a to_o it_o they_o deprive_v we_o only_o of_o that_o which_o be_v the_o fuel_n of_o our_o lust_n and_o of_o our_o security_n our_o strength_n have_v not_o wean_v we_o from_o the_o world_n god_n will_v try_v what_o feebleness_n will_v do_v briskness_n and_o beauty_n have_v be_v a_o snare_n these_o be_v remove_v perhaps_o he_o may_v now_o speak_v with_o you_o and_o be_v hear_v when_o you_o have_v see_v a_o end_n of_o all_o perfection_n then_o he_o will_v show_v you_o that_o his_o commandment_n be_v exceed_o broad_a psal._n 119._o 96._o sect_n iii_o a_o three_o inconvenience_n upon_o old_a people_n weaken_v be_v that_o they_o be_v weaken_v in_o their_o faculty_n their_o apprehension_n dull_a their_o phantasy_n barren_a their_o memory_n break_v and_o their_o affection_n dry_a former_o they_o can_v have_v penetrate_v into_o thing_n they_o can_v have_v learn_v any_o thing_n now_o they_o be_v so_o cloud_v that_o they_o fumble_v at_o the_o plain_a thing_n they_o can_v have_v soar_v by_o their_o fancy_n and_o coin_a variety_n of_o notion_n which_o they_o find_v to_o be_v a_o great_a help_n to_o their_o devotion_n and_o otherwise_o but_o their_o invention_n now_o be_v grow_v poor_a and_o their_o notion_n flat_a but_o the_o most_o sensible_a loss_n be_v of_o their_o memory_n whereby_o former_o they_o can_v have_v produce_v thing_n both_o new_a and_o old_a but_o now_o their_o memory_n be_v so_o woeful_o shatter_v that_o this_o day_n forget_v what_o yesterday_o say_v and_o do_v o_o the_o excellent_a thing_n that_o they_o have_v hear_v and_o read_v and_o now_o they_o be_v like_o water_n spill_v on_o the_o ground_n no_o notice_n leave_v that_o ever_o such_o thing_n have_v be_v within_o time_n be_v their_o love_n and_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o their_o hatred_n to_o sin_n be_v strong_a as_o death_n and_o ardent_a as_o the_o coal_n of_o fire_n which_o have_v a_o most_o vehement_a flame_n many_o water_n can_v not_o quench_v it_o their_o holy_a joy_n and_o sorrow_n be_v transcendent_a penitential_a tear_n be_v frequent_a with_o they_o but_o now_o their_o heart_n be_v cold_a and_o their_o eye_n be_v dry_a these_o wheel_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v go_v and_o thereby_o their_o motion_n be_v sad_o interrupt_v now_o this_o manifest_a stroke_n upon_o their_o faculty_n be_v a_o very_a sensible_a inconvenience_n the_o decay_n of_o the_o outward_a man_n may_v be_v someway_o tolerable_a but_o this_o inward_a decay_n sink_v their_o spirit_n when_o holy_a david_n say_v psal._n 6._o 2._o my_o bone_n be_v vex_v his_o distress_n be_v great_a but_o when_o he_o add_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n my_o soul_n also_o be_v sore_o vex_v his_o case_n be_v more_o lamentable_a what_o comfort_n can_v a_o man_n have_v when_o his_o apprehension_n be_v grow_v blunt_a what_o be_v a_o knife_n good_a for_o when_o the_o mettle_n be_v go_v when_o a_o man_n can_v attain_v little_a and_o retain_v nothing_o the_o deficiency_n of_o these_o be_v a_o great_a impediment_n in_o all_o humane_a affair_n but_o of_o great_a consequence_n in_o religious_a matter_n the_o communion_n which_o the_o soul_n have_v with_o god_n be_v in_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n how_o disconsolate_a must_v the_o heart_n be_v when_o one_o can_v remember_v almost_o nothing_o of_o what_o he_o read_v or_o hear_v when_o his_o affection_n flag_n and_o his_o word_n freeze_v in_o prayer_n why_o he_o think_v he_o have_v live_v long_o enough_o he_o feel_v himself_o more_o than_o half_a dead_a already_o the_o house_n be_v leave_v stand_v but_o all_o the_o rich_a furniture_n be_v go_v and_o what_o can_v be_v say_v to_o mitigate_v this_o misery_n or_o to_o reconcile_v any_o body_n to_o old-age_n to_o stop_v any_o further_a impatience_n consider_v 1._o that_o this_o great_a decay_n in_o the_o faculty_n do_v not_o befall_v every_o age_a person_n divers_a there_o be_v and_o have_v be_v that_o retain_v the_o free_a use_n of_o their_o faculty_n till_o they_o die_v how_o many_o do_v tully_n name_n as_o simonides_z stesichorus_n isocrates_n hesiod_n homer_n pythagoras_n democritus_n socrates_n plato_n etc._n etc._n who_o live_v long_o and_o yet_o continue_v a_o course_n of_o study_n as_o long_o as_o their_o life_n cicer._n and_o he_o tell_v we_o there_o particular_o of_o sophocles_n who_o son_n accuse_v he_o for_o a_o dotard_n in_o his_o old-age_n till_o he_o before_o the_o judge_n repeat_v the_o tragedy_n of_o oedipus_n which_o he_o have_v new_o write_v and_o so_o be_v by_o they_o acquit_v and_o seneca_n tell_v of_o himself_o
give_v of_o your_o repentance_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o your_o youth_n be_v a_o watchful_a care_n against_o the_o sin_n of_o your_o old-age_n otherwise_o your_o sin_n be_v not_o forsake_v but_o change_v withal_o if_o your_o repentance_n be_v sound_a it_o be_v attend_v with_o a_o will_n and_o endeavour_v to_o make_v restitution_n wherein_o you_o have_v injure_v any_o in_o their_o soul_n body_n name_n or_o estate_n this_o will_v be_v as_o letter_n testimonial_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o your_o repentance_n you_o must_v not_o nay_o you_o can_v be_v quiet_a if_o your_o repentance_n be_v sound_a until_o you_o have_v serious_o endeavour_v as_o far_o as_o in_o you_o lie_v to_o recover_v the_o soul_n to_o restore_v the_o body_n to_o heal_v the_o reputation_n and_o to_o repair_v the_o estate_n which_o you_o have_v injure_v without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a repentance_n on_o earth_n and_o without_o which_o there_o will_v be_v no_o remission_n in_o heaven_n 10._o sect_n ii_o another_o work_n of_o old-age_n be_v obtain_v assurance_n assurance_n of_o salvation_n i_o mean_v hereby_o not_o only_o a_o general_n certainty_n that_o some_o good_a people_n shall_v be_v save_v for_o the_o devil_n believe_v this_o and_o rage_n at_o it_o which_o i_o think_v be_v the_o same_o with_o objective_a certainty_n nor_o that_o assurance_n which_o may_v come_v by_o special_a and_o extraordinary_a revelation_n since_o we_o find_v few_o or_o no_o example_n in_o scripture_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n but_o rather_o that_o the_o apostle_n paul_n himself_n ground_n his_o assurance_n of_o the_o crown_n upon_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n which_o he_o extend_v to_o all_o they_o that_o love_n christ_n appear_v 2_o tim._n 4._o 8._o neither_o do_v i_o mean_v a_o conjectural_a hope_n of_o salvation_n which_o admit_v both_o of_o anxiety_n and_o of_o slavish_a fear_n fith_o the_o scripture_n represent_v it_o by_o faith_n and_o full_a assurance_n and_o produce_v earnest_n and_o seal_n for_o 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which_o we_o have_v access_n as_o well_o as_o they_o and_o the_o apostle_n do_v express_o comprehend_v the_o generality_n of_o believer_n in_o this_o privilege_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 1._o for_o we_o know_v that_o if_o our_o earthly_a house_n of_o this_o tabernacle_n be_v dissolve_v we_o have_v a_o build_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v endeavour_v by_o all_o true_a christian_n be_v most_o evident_a from_o the_o plain_a command_n to_o that_o purpose_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 10._o wherefore_o the_o rather_o brethren_n give_v diligence_n to_o make_v your_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a etc._n etc._n that_o few_o do_v labour_n to_o attain_v it_o think_v it_o to_o be_v impossible_a or_o unnecessary_a be_v to_o be_v bewail_v that_o many_o deceive_v themselves_o with_o a_o false_a persuasion_n of_o present_a grace_n and_o future_a glory_n be_v manifest_a by_o scripture_n and_o daily_a experience_n and_o that_o it_o be_v most_o proper_a and_o needful_a for_o old_a people_n the_o thing_n itself_o speak_v for_o you_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o you_o have_v soul_n immortal_a soul_n which_o be_v spirit_n can_v die_v but_o must_v return_v to_o god_n that_o give_v they_o and_o be_v these_o soul_n of_o so_o small_a value_n to_o be_v leave_v to_o a_o hazard_n to_o a_o everlasting_a venture_n and_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a that_o this_o life_n be_v uncertain_a we_o may_v say_v as_o isaac_n gen._n 27._o 2._o behold_v now_o i_o be_o old_a i_o know_v not_o the_o day_n of_o my_o death_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v time_n for_o we_o to_o go_v about_o this_o work_n without_o delay_n child_n desire_v the_o time_n of_o youth_n and_o youth_n belong_v to_o be_v at_o man_n age_n and_o they_o then_o will_v live_v to_o be_v old_a but_o old-age_n have_v no_o further_a age_n to_o desire_v 110._o it_o have_v none_o other_o to_o succeed_v it_o here_o and_o they_o be_v whole_o uncertain_a how_o long_o it_o will_v last_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o they_o 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and_o for_o such_o to_o have_v oil_n to_o seek_v when_o they_o shall_v have_v it_o to_o use_v evidence_n to_o procure_v when_o they_o shall_v have_v they_o to_o produce_v be_v a_o unexcusable_a neglect_n especial_o know_v that_o your_o last_o breath_n waft_v you_o into_o a_o unalterable_a estate_n what_o journey_n and_o present_n be_v heretofore_o make_v to_o the_o oracle_n to_o assure_v the_o votary_n concern_v the_o event_n of_o some_o temporal_a affair_n and_o how_o many_o do_v now_o hazard_v their_o soul_n by_o seek_v to_o necromancer_n to_o know_v the_o success_n of_o their_o marriage_n voyage_n and_o such_o like_a and_o yet_o a_o miscarriage_n in_o these_o thing_n be_v remediable_a there_o may_v be_v some_o alleviation_n in_o they_o there_o may_v be_v some_o end_n of_o they_o but_o you_o be_v launch_v into_o the_o ocean_n of_o eternity_n and_o be_v at_o no_o certainty_n whether_o it_o be_v eternal_a happiness_n or_o eternal_a misery_n what_o a_o anxious_a and_o uncomfortable_a 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tale_n that_o be_v tell_v then_o will_v he_o have_v time_n enough_o to_o curse_v all_o the_o worldly_a business_n or_o wicked_a company_n that_o have_v devour_v his_o precious_a time_n and_o leave_v his_o soul_n to_o shift_v for_o itself_o for_o ever_o do_v not_o we_o in_o all_o other_o case_n strive_v to_o be_v at_o a_o point_n will_v maybe's_a and_o peradventure_n satisfy_v we_o in_o any_o material_a humane_a affair_n the_o tenant_n who_o be_v warn_v out_o of_o one_o house_n can_v enjoy_v himself_o until_o he_o be_v sure_a of_o another_o the_o steward_n that_o be_v discharge_v of_o his_o office_n luk._n 16._o take_v present_a course_n to_o be_v provide_v of_o some_o other_o subsistence_n the_o poor_a man_n be_v uneasy_a when_o his_o old_a suit_n of_o clothes_n be_v wear_v out_o till_o he_o have_v a_o
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in_o this_o world_n he_o will_v therefore_o crown_v you_o in_o another_o or_o because_o you_o have_v live_v long_o here_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o patience_n that_o you_o must_v live_v always_o with_o he_o in_o heaven_n no_o no_o job_n 21._o 7._o 20._o even_o the_o wicked_a live_v become_v old_a yea_o and_o be_v mighty_a in_o power_n yet_o his_o eye_n shall_v see_v his_o destruction_n and_o he_o shall_v drink_v of_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o almighty_a many_o a_o man_n have_v be_v strange_o save_v from_o death_n that_o will_v not_o be_v save_v at_o last_o from_o hell_n and_o man_n do_v hold_v temporal_a mercy_n by_o one_o tenure_n and_o eternal_a by_o another_o be_v advise_v therefore_o to_o set_v about_o this_o ●…eedful_a work_n with_o all_o possible_a speed●…nd_n ●…nd_z care_n and_o to_o that_o end_n choose_v out_o ●…wo_a or_o three_o scripture_n which_o do_v most_o ●…vidently_o describe_v a_o sanctify_a heart_n ●…ch_v as_o mat._n 5._o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o or_o ●…om_o 8._o 1._o 5._o 9_o and_o endeavour_v by_o the_o best_a h●…lps_v you_o have_v to_o know_v the_o true_a gen●…ine_a meaning_n thereof_o then_o compare_v your_o own_o heart_n with_o they_o and_o whatsoever_o doubt_v you_o have_v of_o your_o conformity_n thereunto_o examine_v it_o to_o the_o bottom_n and_o in_o case_n of_o any_o insuperable_a difficulty_n consult_v with_o some_o discreet_a messenger_n of_o god._n and_o when_o you_o have_v thorough_o sift_v one_o scripture_n go_v to_o another_o and_o another_o that_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n your_o assurance_n may_v be_v establish_v and_o this_o do_v betake_v you_o to_o your_o knee_n and_o spread_v these_o try_a evidence_n before_o god_n humble_o beg_v the_o help_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n both_o to_o clear_v your_o understanding_n to_o guide_v your_o conscience_n and_o to_o seal_v you_o up_o to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n and_o then_o you_o must_v patient_o wait_v in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n sermon_n prayer_n and_o sacrament_n until_o his_o spirit_n witness_v with_o your_o spirit_n that_o you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god._n sect_n iii_o the_o three_o work_n of_o old-age_n be_v prayer_n praise_n and_o praise_n 1._o for_o prayer_n i_o do_v not_o here_o mean_v only_o the_o ordinary_a devotion_n which_o i_o presume_v every_o good_a christian_n use_v both_o old_a and_o young_a and_o whereby_o indeed_o the_o soul_n breathe_v for_o a_o true_a believer_n live_v by_o faith_n and_o breath_n by_o prayer_n whereof_o that_o excellent_a bishop_n hall_n thus_o conclude_v i_o may_v true_o say_v that_o man_n have_v no_o grace_n nor_o goodness_n in_o he_o that_o pray_v not_o by_o himself_o and_o with_o his_o family_n but_o also_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v frequent_a in_o prayer_n it_o be_v say_v of_o luther_n that_o he_o spend_v daily_o at_o least_o three_o hour_n in_o prayer_n and_o holy_a david_n say_v psal._n 55._o 17._o evening_n and_o morning_n and_o at_o noon_n will_v i_o pray_v and_o cry_v aloud_o yea_o in_o his_o old-age_n we_o may_v conclude_v that_o he_o die_v with_o a_o prayer_n in_o his_o mouth_n from_o psal._n 72._o last_o the_o prayer_n and_o belike_o the_o life_n of_o david_n the_o son_n of_o jesse_n be_v end_v together_o and_o therefore_o the_o egyptian_a hieroglyphic_n of_o a_o age_a person_n be_v a_o swan_n who_o they_o imagine_v to_o die_v sing_v for_o there_o be_v no_o music_n so_o sweet_a in_o the_o ear_n of_o god_n as_o hearty_a prayer_n and_o praise_n and_o if_o you_o find_v yourselves_o unable_a to_o hold_v out_o in_o the_o more_o state_v and_o solemn_a prayer_n you_o shall_v be_v more_o frequent_a and_o fervent_a in_o short_a address_n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o length_n but_o the_o strength_n of_o a_o prayer_n that_o carry_v it_o with_o god._n and_o in_o case_n of_o the_o want_n of_o ability_n or_o opportunity_n for_o this_o frequency_n for_o every_o poor_a crazy_a old_a man_n or_o woman_n have_v they_o not_o you_o may_v and_o shall_v abound_v in_o holy_a ejaculation_n or_o short_a elevation_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n sometime_o by_o way_n of_o confession_n sometime_o by_o way_n of_o admiration_n sometime_o by_o way_n of_o petition_n and_o sometime_o by_o way_n of_o thanksgiving_n of_o all_o which_o there_o be_v various_a instance_n in_o scripture_n and_o these_o you_o may_v dart_v upward_o as_o you_o sit_v by_o the_o fire_n as_o you_o lie_v in_o your_o bed_n as_o you_o put_v on_o and_o off_o your_o clothes_n thus_o you_o may_v pray_v without_o cease_v as_o it_o be_v 1_o thes._n 5._o 17._o and_o the_o lord_n will_v accept_v of_o these_o come_v from_o a_o sincere_a and_o holy_a heart_n and_o which_o in_o its_o present_a circumstance_n can_v do_v no_o better_o but_o still_o prayer_n be_v the_o proper_a province_n of_o the_o age_a person_n and_o both_o you_o and_o your_o picture_n will_v look_v best_a when_o they_o be_v as_o paul_n the_o hermit_n carcase_n be_v find_v in_o a_o pray_a posture_n for_o as_o be_v note_v before_o your_o labour_a and_o travel_v day_n be_v do_v your_o hand_n and_o foot_n have_v do_v their_o work_n the_o best_a service_n you_o can_v now_o do_v be_v upon_o your_o knee_n there_o you_o may_v do_v much_o therein_o you_o may_v engage_v he_o who_o can_v do_v all_o nothing_o can_v stand_v before_o the_o prayer_n of_o faith._n and_o therefore_o when_o you_o reflect_v upon_o the_o slip_n and_o fall_v in_o the_o course_n of_o your_o life_n so_o that_o your_o heart_n begin_v to_o ache_v and_o faint_v for_o fear_n then_o enter_v into_o your_o closet_n and_o pour_v out_o your_o heart_n before_o god_n and_o that_o will_v revive_v you_o when_o that_o coward_n satan_n set_v upon_o a_o age_a man_n or_o woman_n with_o his_o assault_n and_o battery_n either_o to_o weaken_v their_o faith_n or_o to_o unravel_v their_o repentance_n or_o to_o cloud_v their_o comfort_n their_o only_a course_n be_v to_o run_v to_o god_n by_o prayer_n god_n be_v a_o refuge_n for_o we_o when_o we_o feel_v the_o decay_n of_o nature_n and_o be_v almost_o overwhelm_v with_o distemper_n or_o trouble_n then_o let_v we_o by_o prayer_n cast_v our_o burden_n upon_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o will_v sustain_v we_o thus_o that_o learned_a and_o holy_a rivet_n senectute_fw-la do_v every_o day_n in_o his_o old-age_n repeat_v the_o seventeen_o and_o eighteen_o verse_n of_o the_o seventy_o first_o psalm_n o_o god_n thou_o have_v teach_v i_o from_o my_o youth_n and_o hitherto_o have_v i_o declare_v thy_o wondrous_a work_n now_o also_o when_o i_o be_o old_a and_o gray-headed_a o_o god_n forsake_v i_o not_o until_o i_o have_v show_v thy_o strength_n to_o this_o generation_n and_o thy_o power_n to_o every_o one_o that_o be_v to_o come_v and_o here_o the_o age_a shall_v do_v well_o not_o only_o to_o plead_v their_o own_o cause_n with_o god_n but_o to_o lay_v up_o a_o stock_n for_o posterity_n that_o the_o generation_n yet_o unborn_a may_v be_v the_o better_a for_o they_o thus_o david_n in_o that_o psal._n 72._o 1._o give_v thy_o judgement_n to_o the_o king_n o_o god_n and_o thy_o righteousness_n to_o the_o king_n son_n etc._n etc._n what_o you_o be_v now_o sow_v may_v be_v reap_v by_o your_o posterity_n hundred_o of_o year_n afterward_o and_o perhaps_o this_o will_v be_v the_o best_a entail_n which_o you_o can_v make_v of_o your_o estate_n for_o hitherto_o whatever_o settlement_n the_o will_n of_o man_n have_v devise_v the_o wit_n of_o man_n have_v defeat_v but_o by_o faithful_a prayer_n god_n himself_o be_v make_v trustee_n who_o only_o can_v establish_v your_o purpose_n so_o also_o you_o shall_v be_v instant_a with_o the_o lord_n for_o his_o church_n truth_n and_o gospel_n so_o be_v david_n psal._n 122._o so_o be_v paul_n always_o in_o every_o prayer_n of_o
have_v live_v too_o long_o o_o that_o i_o be_v in_o my_o grave_n but_o this_o distemper_n argue_v great_a weakness_n of_o grace_n yea_o a_o great_a weakness_n of_o spirit_n hence_o that_o philosopher_n that_o sometime_o resolve_v that_o a_o wise_a and_o courageous_a man_n shall_v not_o flee_v from_o life_n how_o discommodious_a soever_o but_o fair_o depart_v from_o it_o 24._o yet_o at_o other_o time_n advise_v to_o let_v the_o weary_a soul_n out_o of_o the_o useless_a body_n before_o its_o time_n 58._o a_o crime_n of_o the_o deep_a tincture_n to_o snatch_v the_o prerogative_n of_o our_o sovereign_a creator_n out_o of_o his_o hand_n who_o rightful_a privilege_n alone_o it_o be_v to_o give_v life_n to_o man_n and_o to_o take_v it_o away_o and_o why_o shall_v you_o be_v so_o uneasy_a under_o these_o momentany_a trial_n be_v it_o not_o the_o lot_n which_o your_o heavenly_a father_n have_v in_o great_a wisdom_n set_v out_o for_o you_o it_o be_v better_a to_o be_v old_a and_o crazy_a on_o earth_n than_o to_o have_v be_v send_v young_a to_o hell_n you_o have_v your_o ailment_n and_o if_o you_o be_v privy_a to_o other_o man_n you_o will_v be_v reconcile_v to_o your_o own_o it_o be_v socrates_n his_o observation_n that_o if_o every_o man_n burden_n be_v lay_v on_o a_o common_a heap_n each_o man_n will_v be_v glad_a to_o take_v up_o his_o own_o again_o you_o shall_v rather_o be_v thankful_a to_o god_n for_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o former_a part_n of_o your_o life_n than_o murmur_n at_o the_o trouble_n of_o the_o present_a you_o think_v it_o the_o only_a happiness_n to_o have_v all_o the_o comfort_n of_o this_o world_n but_o other_o have_v think_v it_o a_o great_a to_o have_v a_o mind_n above_o they_o you_o have_v or_o else_o the_o fault_n be_v your_o own_o the_o company_n of_o a_o gracious_a god_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n cicero_n when_o you_o be_v uncapable_a of_o other_o company_n you_o shall_v imitate_v the_o grasshopper_n grasshopper_n to_o who_o the_o old_a man_n by_o some_o be_v liken_v who_o be_v make_v the_o emblem_n of_o contentation_n because_o she_o only_o suck_v the_o dew_n and_o sing_v and_o be_v content_a with_o that_o hope_v for_o better_a one_o crown_n will_v swallow_v up_o all_o your_o cross_n whereas_o discontent_n make_v your_o condition_n most_o uneasy_a here_o and_o most_o unfit_a for_o heaven_n hereafter_o 2._o another_o temptation_n which_o you_o that_o be_v old_a be_v in_o danger_n of_o be_v hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o security_n you_o ha●…_n sin_v often_o and_o perhaps_o repent_v bu●…_n seldom_o you_o have_v hear_v and_o read_v many_o convince_a sermon_n and_o make_v but_o slender_a application_n of_o they_o you_o have_v see_v many_o sweep_v away_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o you_o have_v escape_v yea_o some_o of_o you_o peradventure_o have_v live_v long_o in_o some_o sinful_a course_n be_v grow_v old_a in_o adultery_n ezek._n 23._o 43._o or_o in_o oppression_n or_o in_o some_o other_o sin._n these_o thing_n you_o have_v do_v and_o the_o lord_n have_v keep_v silence_n and_o now_o you_o be_v ready_a to_o think_v that_o he_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o yourselves_o and_o to_o bless_v yourselves_o in_o your_o woeful_a way_n till_o your_o iniquity_n be_v find_v to_o be_v hateful_a the_o age_a person_n sure_o must_v have_v either_o a_o very_a tender_a heart_n or_o a_o very_a hard_a one_o if_o god_n ordinance_n and_o providence_n that_o be_v mercy_n and_o affliction_n have_v make_v a_o due_a impression_n upon_o you_o your_o heart_n must_v be_v very_o soft_a but_o otherwise_o you_o be_v in_o the_o great_a danger_n of_o a_o hard_a heart_n and_o a_o spirit_n of_o slumber_n watch_z and_o pray_v therefore_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n against_o this_o dangerous_a temptation_n they_o be_v most_o guilty_a of_o this_o distemper_n that_o be_v never_o afraid_a of_o it_o bern._n preserve_v a_o due_a tenderness_n in_o your_o conscience_n suffer_v not_o any_o sin_n to_o lie_v upon_o they_o unrepented_a endeavour_v to_o have_v daily_o a_o clear_a sight_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o it_o let_v the_o exemplary_a judgement_n upon_o other_o startle_v you_o know_v that_o if_o you_o sleep_v in_o sin_n your_o preservation_n will_v be_v but_o a_o reservation_n to_o some_o fearful_a issue_n remember_v that_o though_o a_o sinner_n do_v evil_a a_o hundred_o time_n and_o his_o day_n be_v prolong_v yet_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v well_o with_o the_o wicked_a eccl._n 8._o 12_o 13._o the_o great_a judgement_n that_o can_v befall_v a_o man_n upon_o earth_n be_v to_o prosper_v in_o any_o sinful_a way_n there_o be_v a_o natural_a hardness_n in_o all_o man_n there_o be_v a_o habitual_a hardness_n in_o some_o man_n but_o there_o be_v a_o judicial_a hardness_n only_o in_o such_o as_o be_v ripe_a for_o hell_n and_o the_o first_o if_o it_o be_v not_o cure_v by_o god_n grace_n lead_v to_o the_o second_o and_o the_o second_o prepare_v for_o the_o three_o of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n you_o that_o be_v old_a have_v least_o cause_n to_o be_v secure_a that_o have_v one_o foot_n already_o in_o the_o grave_n the_o green_a apple_n may_v be_v pluck_v off_o but_o the_o ripe_a one_o be_v fall_v off_o already_o but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n without_o the_o effectual_a influence_n of_o god_n spirit_n that_o will_v soften_v a_o harden_a sinner_n as_o be_v too_o evident_a in_o the_o malefactor_n in_o newgate_n that_o will_v be_v drink_v and_o swear_v at_o a_o dreadful_a rate_n when_o they_o know_v that_o the_o execution-day_n be_v certain_o at_o hand_n be_v instant_a therefore_o with_o the_o lord_n to_o deliver_v you_o from_o hardness_n of_o heart_n from_o a_o spirit_n of_o slumber_n and_o from_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n 3._o a_o three_o temptation_n which_o old-age_n must_v watch_v against_o be_v slothfulness_n of_o spirit_n the_o decay_n of_o natural_a spirit_n dispose_v they_o hereunto_o and_o corrupt_a nature_n join_v with_o the_o temptation_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o be_v idle_a and_o flesh_n and_o blood_n be_v glad_a enough_o of_o excuse_n from_o pain_n and_o trouble_n indeed_o where_o natural_a part_n or_o natural_a strength_n be_v waste_v much_o can_v be_v expect_v job_n 30._o 2._o yea_o whereto_o may_v the_o strength_n of_o their_o hand_n profit_v i_o in_o who_o old_a age_n be_v perish_v yet_o that_o which_o will_v release_v they_o in_o part_n will_v not_o do_v it_o altogether_o time_n be_v so_o short_a so_o precious_a so_o irrevocable_a that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v sleep_v or_o trif●…ed_v away_o if_o we_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o end_n of_o life_n the_o age_a person_n must_v consider_v how_o much_o waste_a ground_n there_o have_v be_v in_o the_o field_n of_o his_o life_n vit_fw-mi how_o many_o year_n be_v lose_v in_o infancy_n and_o childhood_n how_o much_o time_n at_o ripe_a year_n in_o unnecessary_a sleep_n and_o recreation_n how_o much_o have_v be_v consume_v in_o do_v nothing_o and_o how_o much_o in_o do_v worse_o than_o nothing_o and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o lose_v time_n that_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a thing_n to_o redeem_v time_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o impossible_a thing_n to_o recall_v time_n and_o therefore_o they_o who_o have_v lose_v so_o much_o time_n and_o can_v recall_v none_o of_o it_o have_v need_n to_o redeem_v and_o make_v the_o best_a of_o that_o which_o be_v leave_v few_o man_n will_v throw_v away_o their_o money_n but_o most_o man_n squander_v away_o their_o life_n be_v most_o prodigal_a of_o that_o wherein_o we_o may_v most_o just_o be_v covetous_a as_o the_o same_o philosopher_n discourse_v let_v no_o age_a person_n imagine_v that_o they_o be_v to_o live_v to_o no_o purpose_n the_o levite_n though_o at_o fifty_o year_n of_o age_n they_o be_v discharge_v from_o the_o most_o laborious_a service_n of_o the_o temple_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o leave_v to_o be_v idle_a but_o to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o some_o more_o easy_a employment_n tully_n bring_v in_o cato_n tell_v how_o he_o learned_a greek_a in_o his_o old-age_n and_o that_o even_o at_o those_o year_n no_o body_n come_v to_o see_v he_o but_o they_o find_v he_o employ_v humbertus_fw-la and_o he_o report_v of_o leontius_n gorgias_n who_o be_v a_o hundred_o and_o seven_o year_n old_a and_o yet_o never_o be_v weary_a of_o his_o study_n and_o labour_n the_o truth_n be_v sloth_n be_v a_o vice_n that_o accelerate_v old-age_n as_o you_o hear_v before_o and_o abett_n that_o languishment_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o further_v it_o we_o shall_v not_o feel_v it_o so_o sensible_o while_o we_o be_v continual_o employ_v cicero_n how_o much_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n have_v we_o neglect_v which_o we_o may_v have_v obtain_v if_o our_o sloth_n