Practical discourses upon the consideration of our latter end, and the danger and mischief of delaying repentance by Isaac Barrow ...
         Barrow, Isaac, 1630-1677.
      
       
         
           1694
        
      
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             Practical discourses upon the consideration of our latter end, and the danger and mischief of delaying repentance by Isaac Barrow ...
             Barrow, Isaac, 1630-1677.
          
           [4], 176 p. : port.
           
             Printed by J.H. for B. Aylmer ...,
             London :
             1694.
          
           
             "Formerly published by His Grace, John, Lord Arch-Bishop of Canterbury"
             Advertisement: p. [4].
             Reproduction of original in Yale University Library.
             Imperfect: portrait lacking on film.
          
        
      
    
     
       
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         eng
      
       
         
           Death -- Sermons.
           Repentance -- Sermons.
        
      
    
     
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             Practical
             Discourses
          
           UPON
           THE
           CONSIDERATION
           OF
           Our
           Latter
           End
           ;
           AND
           THE
           Danger
           and
           Mischief
           OF
           Delaying
           Repentance
           .
        
         
           By
           
             ISAAC
             BARROW
          
           ,
           D.
           D.
           Late
           Master
           of
           Trinity
           College
           in
           Cambridge
           .
        
         
           Formerly
           Published
           by
           his
           Grace
           ,
           JOHN
           Lord
           Arch-Bishop
           of
           Canterbury
           .
        
         
           LONDON
           ,
           Printed
           by
           
             J.
             H.
          
           for
           
             B.
             Aylmer
          
           ,
           at
           the
           
             Three
             Pigeons
          
           ,
           against
           the
           Royal-Exchange
           ,
           in
           Cornhil
           ,
           1694.
           
        
      
       
         
         
         
           THE
           Bookseller's
           Advertisement
           .
        
         
           THE
           usefulness
           of
           short
           Practical
           Discourses
           ,
           which
           are
           of
           small
           Price
           ,
           and
           the
           good
           Reception
           which
           the
           late
           small
           Volume
           of
           Discourses
           concerning
           Industry
           ,
           By
           the
           Learned
           Authour
           of
           these
           has
           found
           ;
           have
           induced
           me
           to
           Re-print
           these
           in
           the
           like
           manner
           ,
           from
           the
           Third
           Volume
           of
           his
           Works
           in
           Folio
           ;
           for
           the
           Use
           of
           those
           who
           have
           not
           that
           ,
           and
           cannot
           so
           well
           reach
           the
           Price
           of
           it
           .
           I
           wish
           the
           Authour
           's
           Pious
           Design
           in
           these
           Writings
           may
           be
           promoted
           hereby
           ,
        
         
           
             B.
             A.
             
          
        
      
       
         
         
           ADVERTISEMENT
           .
        
         
           NEwly
           Printed
           ,
           the
           
             Holy
             Bible
          
           ,
           containing
           the
           
             Old
             Testament
          
           and
           the
           New
           ;
           with
           Annotations
           and
           Parallel
           Sciptures
           .
           To
           which
           is
           annexed
           ,
           the
           Harmony
           of
           the
           Gospels
           :
           As
           also
           the
           Reduction
           of
           the
           
             Jewish
             Weights
             ,
             Coins
          
           and
           Measures
           ,
           to
           our
           English
           Standards
           ;
           And
           a
           Table
           of
           the
           Promises
           in
           Scripture
           ;
           by
           
             Samuel
             Clark
          
           ,
           Minister
           of
           the
           Gospel
           .
           Printed
           in
           Folio
           of
           a
           very
           fair
           Letter
           ,
           the
           like
           never
           before
           in
           One
           Volume
           .
        
         
           
             Printed
             for
          
           B.
           Aylmer
           in
           Cornhill
           .
        
      
    
     
       
         
         
           SERMON
           I.
           The
           Consideration
           of
           our
           latter
           End.
           
        
         
           
             PSALM
             XC
             .
             12.
             
          
           
             So
             teach
             us
             to
             number
             our
             days
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             apply
             our
             hearts
             unto
             wisdom
             .
          
        
         
           THIS
           Psalm
           is
           upon
           several
           peculiar
           accompts
           very
           remarkable
           ;
           for
           its
           antiquity
           ,
           in
           which
           it
           perhaps
           doth
           not
           yeild
           to
           any
           parcel
           of
           Scripture
           ;
           for
           the
           eminency
           of
           its
           Authour
           ,
           Moses
           the
           Man
           of
           God
           ;
           the
           greatest
           of
           the
           ancient
           Prophets
           (
           most
           in
           favour
           ,
           and
           (
           as
           it
           were
           )
           
           most
           intimate
           with
           God
           :
           )
           'T
           is
           also
           remarkable
           for
           the
           form
           and
           matter
           thereof
           ,
           both
           affording
           much
           usefull
           instruction
           .
           In
           it
           we
           have
           a
           great
           Prince
           ,
           the
           Governour
           of
           a
           numerous
           People
           sequestring
           his
           Mind
           from
           the
           management
           of
           publick
           Affairs
           to
           private
           Meditations
           ;
           from
           beholding
           the
           present
           outward
           appearances
           ,
           to
           considering
           the
           real
           nature
           and
           secret
           causes
           of
           things
           ;
           In
           the
           midst
           of
           all
           the
           Splendour
           and
           Pomp
           of
           all
           the
           stir
           and
           tumult
           about
           him
           he
           observes
           the
           frailty
           of
           humane
           condition
           ,
           he
           discerns
           the
           Providence
           of
           God
           justly
           ordering
           all
           ;
           this
           he
           does
           not
           onely
           in
           way
           of
           wise
           consideration
           ,
           but
           of
           serious
           devotion
           ,
           moulding
           his
           observations
           into
           pious
           acknowledgments
           ,
           and
           earnest
           Prayers
           to
           God
           ;
           thus
           while
           he
           casts
           one
           eye
           upon
           Earth
           viewing
           the
           occurrences
           there
           ,
           lifting
           〈◊〉
           the
           other
           to
           Heaven
           ;
           there
           seeing
           God
           's
           all
           governing
           Hand
           ,
           thence
           seeking
           his
           gracious
           Favour
           and
           〈◊〉
           .
           Thus
           doth
           here
           that
           great
           and
           
           good
           Man
           teach
           us
           all
           ,
           (
           more
           particularly
           men
           of
           high
           Estate
           ,
           and
           much
           Business
           )
           to
           find
           opportunities
           of
           withdrawing
           their
           thoughts
           from
           those
           things
           ,
           which
           commonly
           amuse
           them
           (
           the
           Cares
           ,
           the
           Glories
           ,
           the
           Pleasures
           of
           this
           World
           )
           and
           fixing
           them
           upon
           matters
           more
           improvable
           to
           devotion
           ;
           the
           transitoriness
           of
           their
           Condition
           ,
           and
           their
           subjection
           to
           God's
           just
           Providence
           ;
           joining
           also
           to
           these
           Meditations
           sutable
           acts
           of
           Religion
           ,
           due
           acknowledgments
           to
           God
           and
           humble
           Prayers
           .
           This
           was
           his
           practice
           among
           the
           greatest
           encumbrances
           that
           any
           Man
           could
           have
           ;
           and
           it
           should
           also
           be
           ours
           .
           Of
           those
           his
           devotions
           ,
           addressed
           to
           God
           ,
           the
           Words
           are
           part
           ,
           which
           I
           have
           chosen
           for
           the
           subject
           of
           my
           meditation
           and
           present
           discourse
           ;
           concerning
           the
           meaning
           of
           which
           I
           shall
           first
           touch
           somewhat
           ;
           then
           propound
           that
           observable
           in
           them
           ,
           which
           I
           design
           to
           insist
           upon
           .
        
         
         
           The
           Prophet
           David
           hath
           in
           the
           39th
           Psalm
           a
           Prayer
           very
           near
           in
           words
           ,
           and
           of
           kin
           (
           it
           seems
           )
           in
           sonse
           to
           this
           here
           ;
           Lord
           ,
           prays
           he
           ,
           
           
             Make
             me
             to
             know
             my
             end
             ,
             and
             the
             measure
             of
             my
             days
             ,
             what
             it
             is
             ,
             that
             I
             may
             know
             how
             frail
             I
             am
             :
          
           Concerning
           the
           drift
           of
           which
           place
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           of
           this
           here
           ,
           it
           were
           obvious
           to
           conceive
           ,
           that
           both
           these
           Prophets
           do
           request
           of
           God
           ,
           that
           he
           would
           discover
           to
           them
           the
           definite
           term
           of
           their
           life
           (
           which
           by
           his
           decree
           he
           had
           fixed
           ,
           or
           however
           by
           his
           universal
           prescience
           he
           did
           discern
           ;
           concerning
           which
           we
           have
           these
           words
           in
           
             Job
             ,
             Seeing
             mais
          
           
           
             days
             are
             determined
             ,
             the
             number
             of
             his
             months
             are
             with
             thee
             ,
             thou
             hast
             appointed
             his
             bounds
             ,
             that
             he
             cannot
             pass
             )
          
           we
           might
           ,
           I
           say
           ,
           at
           first
           hearing
           be
           apt
           to
           imagine
           ,
           that
           their
           Prayer
           unto
           God
           is
           ,
           (
           for
           the
           comfort
           of
           their
           mind
           burthened
           with
           afflictions
           ,
           or
           for
           their
           better
           direction
           in
           the
           management
           of
           their
           remaining
           time
           of
           life
           )
           that
           God
           
           would
           reveal
           unto
           them
           the
           determinate
           length
           of
           their
           life
           .
           But
           this
           sense
           ,
           which
           the
           Words
           seem
           so
           naturally
           to
           hold
           forth
           is
           by
           many
           of
           the
           Fathers
           rejected
           ;
           for
           that
           the
           knowledge
           of
           our
           lives
           determinate
           measure
           is
           not
           a
           fit
           matter
           of
           Prayer
           to
           God
           ;
           that
           being
           a
           secret
           reserved
           by
           God
           to
           himself
           ,
           which
           to
           inquire
           into
           savours
           of
           presumptuous
           curiosity
           ;
           the
           universal
           validity
           of
           which
           reason
           I
           will
           not
           debate
           ;
           but
           shall
           defer
           so
           much
           to
           their
           judgment
           ,
           as
           to
           suppose
           that
           the
           numbring
           of
           our
           days
           (
           according
           to
           their
           sense
           )
           doth
           here
           onely
           imply
           a
           confused
           indefinite
           computation
           of
           our
           days
           number
           ,
           or
           the
           length
           of
           our
           life
           ;
           such
           as
           ,
           upon
           which
           it
           may
           appear
           ,
           that
           necessarily
           our
           life
           cannot
           be
           long
           (
           not
           according
           to
           the
           accompt
           mentioned
           in
           this
           Psalm
           (
           the
           same
           with
           that
           of
           Solon
           ,
           in
           Herodotus
           )
           above
           seventy
           or
           eighty
           Years
           ,
           especially
           as
           to
           purposes
           of
           health
           ,
           strength
           ,
           content
           )
           will
           probably
           by
           reason
           of
           
           various
           accidents
           ,
           to
           which
           it
           is
           exposed
           ,
           be
           much
           shorter
           (
           seven
           or
           ten
           Years
           according
           to
           a
           moderate
           esteem
           )
           may
           possibly
           ,
           from
           surprises
           undiscoverable
           ,
           be
           very
           near
           to
           its
           period
           ;
           by
           few
           instants
           removed
           from
           death
           (
           a
           Year
           ,
           a
           Month
           ,
           a
           Day
           ,
           it
           may
           be
           somewhat
           less
           .
           )
           This
           I
           shall
           allow
           to
           be
           the
           Arithmetick
           that
           Moses
           here
           desires
           to
           learn
           ;
           whence
           it
           doth
           follow
           that
           teaching
           (
           or
           making
           to
           know
           ,
           so
           it
           is
           in
           the
           Hebrew
           )
           doth
           import
           here
           (
           as
           it
           doth
           other-where
           frequently
           in
           Scripture
           )
           God's
           affording
           the
           Grace
           to
           
           know
           practically
           ,
           or
           with
           serious
           regard
           to
           consider
           this
           state
           and
           measure
           of
           our
           life
           (
           for
           in
           speculation
           no
           Man
           can
           be
           ignorant
           of
           humane
           lifes
           brevity
           and
           uncertainty
           ;
           but
           most
           Men
           are
           so
           negligent
           and
           stupid
           ,
           as
           not
           to
           regard
           it
           sufficiently
           ,
           not
           to
           employ
           this
           knowledge
           to
           any
           good
           purpose
           .
           )
           This
           
           Interpretation
           I
           chuse
           ,
           being
           in
           it self
           plausible
           enough
           ,
           and
           countenanced
           by
           so
           good
           authority
           ;
           yet
           the
           former
           might
           well
           enough
           (
           by
           good
           consequence
           ,
           if
           not
           so
           immediately
           )
           serve
           my
           design
           :
           Or
           be
           a
           ground
           able
           to
           support
           the
           discourse
           I
           intend
           to
           build
           upon
           the
           Words
           ;
           the
           subject
           whereof
           briefly
           will
           be
           this
           ,
           that
           the
           consideration
           of
           our
           lives
           certain
           and
           necessary
           brevity
           and
           frailty
           ,
           is
           a
           mean
           proper
           and
           apt
           to
           dispose
           us
           toward
           the
           wise
           conduct
           of
           our
           remaining
           life
           ;
           to
           which
           purpose
           such
           a
           consideration
           seems
           alike
           available
           ,
           as
           the
           knowledge
           of
           its
           punctual
           or
           definite
           measure
           ;
           or
           more
           than
           it
           ;
           upon
           the
           same
           ,
           or
           greater
           reasons
           .
        
         
           As
           for
           the
           latter
           clause
           ,
           
             that
             we
             may
             apply
             our
             hearts
             to
             wisdom
          
           ;
           't
           is
           according
           to
           the
           
             Hebrew
             ,
             And
             we
             shall
             bring
             the
             heart
             to
             wisdom
          
           ;
           implying
           ,
           the
           application
           of
           our
           hearts
           to
           wisdom
           to
           be
           consequent
           upon
           the
           skill
           and
           practice
           (
           bestowed
           by
           God
           )
           of
           thus
           computing
           our
           days
           .
           
           As
           for
           wisdom
           ,
           that
           may
           denote
           either
           sapience
           ,
           a
           habit
           of
           knowing
           what
           is
           true
           ;
           or
           prudence
           ,
           a
           disposition
           of
           chusing
           what
           is
           good
           ;
           we
           may
           here
           understand
           both
           ,
           especially
           the
           latter
           ;
           for
           ,
           as
           Tully
           saith
           of
           
           Philosophy
           ,
           
             Omnis
             summa
             Philosophioe
             ad
             beate
             vivendum
             refertur
             ,
          
           The
           summ
           or
           whole
           of
           Philosophy
           refers
           to
           living
           happily
           ;
           so
           all
           Divine
           Wisdom
           doth
           respect
           good
           practice
           .
           The
           word
           also
           comprehends
           all
           the
           consequences
           and
           adjuncts
           of
           such
           wisdom
           
           (
           for
           so
           commonly
           such
           words
           are
           wont
           by
           way
           of
           metonymie
           to
           denote
           ,
           together
           with
           the
           things
           primarily
           signified
           ,
           all
           that
           naturally
           flow
           from
           or
           that
           usually
           are
           conjoined
           with
           them
           )
           in
           brief
           (
           to
           cease
           from
           more
           explaining
           that
           ,
           which
           is
           in
           it self
           conspicuous
           enough
           )
           I
           so
           understand
           the
           Text
           ,
           as
           if
           the
           Prophet
           had
           thus
           expressed
           himself
           :
           Since
           ,
           O
           Lord
           ,
           all
           things
           are
           in
           thy
           hand
           ,
           and
           Sovereign
           disposal
           ;
           since
           it
           appears
           that
           
           Man's
           life
           is
           so
           short
           and
           frail
           ,
           so
           vexatious
           and
           miserable
           ,
           so
           exposed
           to
           the
           just
           effects
           of
           thy
           displeasure
           ;
           we
           humbly
           beseech
           thee
           ,
           so
           to
           instruct
           us
           by
           thy
           Wisdom
           ,
           so
           to
           dispose
           us
           by
           thy
           grace
           ;
           that
           we
           may
           effectually
           know
           ;
           that
           we
           may
           seriously
           consider
           the
           brevity
           and
           uncertainty
           of
           our
           lives
           durance
           ;
           whence
           we
           may
           be
           induced
           to
           understand
           ,
           regard
           ,
           and
           chuse
           those
           things
           which
           good
           reason
           dictates
           best
           for
           us
           ;
           which
           according
           to
           true
           Wisdom
           ,
           it
           most
           concerns
           us
           to
           know
           and
           perform
           .
           From
           which
           sense
           of
           the
           words
           we
           might
           infer
           many
           usefull
           documents
           ,
           and
           draw
           matter
           of
           much
           wholsome
           discourse
           ;
           but
           passing
           over
           all
           the
           rest
           ,
           I
           shall
           onely
           insist
           upon
           that
           one
           point
           ,
           which
           I
           before
           intimated
           ,
           viz.
           that
           the
           serious
           consideration
           of
           the
           shortness
           and
           frailty
           of
           our
           life
           is
           a
           proper
           instrument
           conducible
           to
           the
           bringing
           our
           hearts
           to
           Wisdom
           ,
           to
           the
           making
           us
           to
           discern
           ,
           attend
           unto
           ,
           embrace
           and
           prosecute
           such
           
           things
           as
           are
           truly
           best
           for
           us
           ;
           that
           it
           is
           available
           to
           the
           prudent
           conduct
           and
           management
           of
           our
           life
           ;
           the
           truth
           of
           which
           proposition
           is
           grounded
           upon
           the
           divine
           Prophet
           his
           opinion
           :
           he
           apprehended
           such
           a
           knowledge
           or
           consideration
           to
           be
           a
           profitable
           means
           of
           inducing
           his
           heart
           to
           Wisdom
           ;
           wherefore
           he
           prays
           God
           to
           grant
           it
           him
           in
           order
           to
           that
           end
           ;
           supposing
           that
           effect
           would
           proceed
           from
           this
           cause
           .
           And
           that
           it
           is
           so
           in
           way
           of
           reasonable
           influence
           I
           shall
           endeavour
           to
           shew
           by
           some
           following
           reasons
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           The
           serious
           consideration
           
           of
           our
           lifes
           frailty
           and
           shortness
           will
           confer
           to
           our
           right
           valuation
           (
           or
           esteem
           )
           of
           things
           ,
           and
           consequently
           to
           our
           well-placing
           ,
           and
           our
           duly
           moderating
           our
           cares
           ,
           affections
           and
           endeavours
           about
           them
           .
           For
           as
           we
           value
           things
           ,
           so
           are
           we
           used
           to
           affect
           them
           ,
           to
           spend
           our
           thoughts
           upon
           them
           ,
           to
           be
           earnest
           
           in
           pursuance
           or
           avoiding
           of
           them
           .
           There
           be
           two
           sorts
           of
           things
           we
           converse
           about
           ,
           good
           and
           bad
           ;
           the
           former
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           degree
           of
           their
           appearance
           so
           to
           us
           (
           that
           is
           ,
           according
           to
           our
           estimation
           of
           them
           )
           we
           naturally
           love
           ,
           delight
           in
           ,
           desire
           and
           pursue
           ;
           the
           other
           likewise
           in
           proportion
           to
           our
           opinion
           concerning
           them
           ,
           we
           do
           more
           or
           less
           loath
           and
           shun
           .
           Our
           Actions
           therefore
           being
           all
           thus
           directed
           and
           grounded
           ,
           to
           esteem
           things
           aright
           both
           in
           
           kind
           and
           degree
           (
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           to
           assign
           every
           thing
           its
           due
           price
           ,
           as
           Epictetus
           speaks
           ;
           
             quanti
             quidque
             sit
             judicare
          
           ,
           to
           judge
           what
           each
           thing
           is
           worth
           as
           
             Seneca
             ,
          
           )
           is
           in
           order
           the
           first
           ,
           in
           degree
           a
           main
           part
           of
           wisdom
           ;
           and
           as
           so
           is
           frequently
           by
           wise
           men
           commended
           .
           Now
           among
           qualities
           that
           commend
           or
           vilifie
           things
           unto
           us
           ,
           duration
           and
           certainty
           have
           a
           chief
           place
           ;
           they
           
           often
           alone
           suffice
           to
           render
           things
           valuable
           or
           contemptible
           .
           Why
           is
           Gold
           more
           precious
           than
           Glass
           or
           Crystal
           ?
           why
           prefer
           we
           a
           Ruby
           before
           a
           Rose
           ,
           or
           a
           Gilly-flower
           ?
           't
           is
           not
           because
           those
           are
           more
           serviceable
           ,
           more
           beautifull
           ,
           more
           gratefull
           to
           our
           senses
           than
           these
           (
           it
           is
           plainly
           otherwise
           )
           but
           because
           these
           are
           brittle
           and
           fading
           ,
           those
           solid
           and
           permanent
           ;
           these
           we
           cannot
           hope
           to
           retain
           the
           use
           or
           pleasure
           of
           long
           ;
           those
           we
           may
           promise
           our selves
           to
           enjoy
           so
           long
           as
           we
           please
           ;
           whence
           on
           the
           other
           side
           is
           it
           ,
           that
           we
           little
           fear
           or
           shun
           any
           thing
           how
           painfull
           ,
           how
           offensive
           so-ever
           ,
           being
           assured
           of
           its
           soon
           passing
           over
           ,
           the
           biting
           of
           a
           flea
           ,
           or
           the
           prick
           in
           letting
           bloud
           ?
           The
           reason
           is
           evident
           ;
           and
           that
           in
           general
           nothing
           can
           on
           either
           hand
           be
           considerable
           (
           either
           to
           value
           or
           disesteem
           )
           which
           is
           of
           a
           short
           continuance
           .
           Upon
           this
           ground
           therefore
           let
           us
           tax
           the
           things
           concerning
           us
           whether
           good
           or
           bad
           ,
           relating
           to
           this
           
           life
           ,
           or
           to
           our
           future
           state
           ;
           and
           first
           the
           good
           things
           relating
           to
           this
           life
           ;
           thence
           we
           shall
           be
           disposed
           to
           judge
           truly
           concerning
           them
           ,
           what
           their
           just
           price
           is
           ,
           how
           much
           of
           affection
           ,
           care
           and
           endeavour
           they
           deserve
           to
           have
           expended
           on
           them
           .
           In
           general
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           lump
           concerning
           them
           all
           St.
           Paul
           tells
           us
           ,
           that
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           the
           shape
           or
           fashion
           (
           all
           
           that
           is
           apparent
           or
           sensible
           )
           in
           
             this
             present
             world
             doth
             flit
             ,
             and
             soon
             give
             us
             the
             go-by
             :
          
           We
           gaze
           a-while
           upon
           these
           things
           ,
           as
           
             in
             transitu
          
           ,
           or
           
             intra
             conspectum
          
           ;
           as
           they
           pass
           by
           us
           ,
           and
           keep
           a-while
           in
           sight
           ;
           but
           they
           are
           presently
           
           gone
           from
           us
           ,
           or
           we
           from
           them
           .
           They
           are
           but
           like
           objects
           represented
           in
           a
           Glass
           ;
           which
           having
           viewed
           a-while
           ,
           we
           must
           shortly
           turn
           our
           backs
           ,
           or
           shut
           our
           eyes
           upon
           them
           ,
           then
           all
           vanishes
           and
           disappears
           unto
           us
           .
           Whence
           he
           well
           infers
           an
           indifferency
           of
           affection
           toward
           them
           ;
           a
           
           slackness
           in
           the
           enjoyment
           of
           them
           to
           be
           required
           of
           us
           ;
           a
           
             using
             this
             world
             ,
             as
             if
             we
             used
             it
             not
             ;
             a
             buying
             ,
             as
             if
             we
             were
             not
             to
             possess
             ;
             a
             weeping
             ,
             as
             if
             we
             wept
             not
             ;
             and
             a
             rejoycing
             ,
             as
             if
             we
             rejoyced
             not
          
           ;
           a
           kind
           of
           negligence
           and
           unconcernedness
           about
           these
           things
           .
           
             The
             world
          
           (
           saith
           
           St.
           
             John
             )
             passeth
             away
             ,
             and
             the
             desire
             thereof
          
           ;
           what-ever
           seemeth
           most
           lovely
           and
           desirable
           in
           the
           World
           is
           very
           flitting
           ;
           how-ever
           our
           desire
           and
           our
           enjoyment
           thereof
           must
           suddenly
           cease
           .
           Imagine
           a
           man
           therefore
           possessed
           of
           all
           worldly
           goods
           ,
           arm'd
           with
           power
           ,
           flourishing
           in
           credit
           ,
           flowing
           with
           plenty
           ,
           swimming
           in
           all
           delight
           (
           such
           as
           were
           sometime
           
             Priamus
             ,
             Polycrates
             ,
             Croesus
             ,
             Pompey
             )
          
           yet
           since
           he
           is
           withall
           supposed
           a
           man
           and
           mortal
           ;
           subject
           both
           to
           fortune
           and
           death
           ;
           none
           of
           those
           things
           can
           he
           reasonably
           conside
           ,
           or
           much
           satisfy
           himself
           in
           ;
           they
           may
           be
           violently
           divorced
           from
           him
           by
           fortune
           ,
           they
           must
           naturally
           be
           loosed
           from
           him
           by
           
           death
           ;
           the
           closest
           union
           here
           cannot
           last
           longer
           than
           till
           death
           us
           depart
           ;
           wherefore
           no
           man
           upon
           such
           accompt
           can
           truly
           call
           or
           (
           if
           he
           consider
           well
           )
           heartily
           esteem
           himself
           happy
           ;
           a
           
             man
             cannot
          
           hence
           (
           as
           the
           
           most
           able
           judge
           ,
           and
           trusty
           voucher
           of
           the
           commodities
           doth
           pronounce
           )
           
             receive
             profit
             or
             content
             from
             any
             labour
             he
             taketh
          
           (
           upon
           these
           transitory
           things
           )
           
             under
             the
             sun
          
           .
           Why
           then
           (
           let
           me
           inquire
           )
           do
           we
           so
           cumber
           our
           heads
           with
           care
           ,
           so
           rack
           our
           hearts
           with
           passion
           ,
           so
           wast
           our
           spirits
           with
           incessant
           toil
           about
           these
           transitory
           things
           ?
           why
           do
           we
           so
           highly
           value
           ,
           so
           ardently
           desire
           ,
           so
           eagerly
           pursue
           ,
           so
           fondly
           delight
           in
           ,
           so
           impatiently
           want
           ,
           or
           lose
           ,
           so
           passionately
           contend
           for
           and
           emulate
           one
           another
           in
           regard
           to
           these
           bubbles
           ;
           forseiting
           and
           foregoing
           our
           homebred
           most
           precious
           goods
           ,
           tranquillity
           and
           repose
           ,
           either
           of
           mind
           or
           body
           ,
           for
           them
           ?
           Why
           erect
           we
           such
           mighty
           fabricks
           of
           expectation
           and
           confidence
           upon
           
           such
           unsteady
           sands
           ?
           Why
           dress
           we
           up
           these
           our
           Inns
           ,
           as
           if
           they
           were
           
           our
           homes
           ,
           and
           are
           as
           carefull
           about
           a
           few
           nights
           lodging
           here
           ,
           as
           if
           we
           designed
           an
           everlasting
           aboad
           (
           we
           that
           are
           but
           
             sojourners
             and
             pilgrims
          
           here
           ,
           and
           have
           
             no
             fixed
             habitation
          
           upon
           earth
           ;
           who
           
             come
             forth
             like
             a
             flower
             ,
             and
             are
             soon
             cut
             down
             ;
             flee
             like
             a
             shadow
             ,
             and
             continue
             not
             ;
             are
             winds
             passing
             away
             ,
             and
             coming
             not
             again
             ;
             who
             fade
             all
             like
             a
             leaf
             ,
             whose
             life
             is
             a
             vapour
             appearing
             for
             a
             little
             time
             ,
             and
             then
             vanishing
             away
             ;
             whose
             days
             are
             a
             handbreadth
             ,
             and
             age
             as
             nothing
             ;
             whose
             days
             are
             consumed
             like
             smoak
             ,
             and
             years
             are
             spent
             as
             a
             tale
             .
             Who
             wither
             like
             the
             grass
             ,
          
           upon
           which
           we
           feed
           ;
           
             and
             crumble
             as
             the
             dust
          
           ,
           of
           which
           we
           are
           compacted
           ;
           for
           thus
           the
           Scripture
           by
           apposite
           comparisons
           represents
           our
           condition
           )
           yet
           we
           build
           (
           like
           the
           Men
           of
           Agrigentum
           )
           as
           if
           we
           were
           to
           dwell
           here
           for
           ever
           ;
           and
           hoard
           up
           ,
           as
           if
           we
           were
           to
           enjoy
           after
           many
           ages
           ;
           and
           inquire
           ,
           as
           if
           we
           would
           never
           
           have
           done
           knowing
           ?
           The
           Citizens
           of
           Croton
           (
           a
           Town
           in
           Italy
           )
           had
           a
           manner
           (
           it
           is
           said
           )
           of
           inviting
           to
           Feasts
           a
           Year
           before
           the
           time
           ,
           that
           the
           Guests
           in
           appetite
           and
           garb
           might
           come
           well
           prepared
           to
           them
           ;
           do
           we
           not
           usually
           resemble
           them
           in
           this
           ridiculous
           solicitude
           and
           curiosity
           ;
           
             spes
             inchoando
             longas
          
           ,
           commencing
           designs
           ,
           driving
           on
           projects
           ,
           which
           a
           longer
           time
           than
           our
           life
           would
           not
           suffice
           to
           accomplish
           ?
           How
           deeply
           do
           we
           concern
           our selves
           in
           all
           that
           is
           said
           or
           done
           ;
           when
           the
           morrow
           all
           will
           be
           done
           away
           and
           forgotten
           ?
           when
           (
           excepting
           what
           our
           duty
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           charity
           towards
           men
           requires
           of
           us
           ,
           and
           that
           which
           concerns
           our
           future
           eternal
           state
           )
           what
           is
           done
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           who
           gets
           or
           loses
           ,
           which
           of
           the
           spokes
           in
           fortune's
           wheel
           is
           up
           ,
           and
           which
           down
           ,
           is
           of
           very
           little
           consequence
           to
           us
           .
           But
           the
           more
           to
           abstract
           our
           minds
           from
           ,
           and
           temper
           our
           affections
           about
           these
           secular
           matters
           ,
           let
           us
           examine
           particularly
           
           by
           this
           standard
           ,
           whether
           the
           most
           valued
           things
           in
           this
           World
           deserve
           that
           estimate
           which
           they
           bear
           in
           the
           common
           Market
           ,
           or
           which
           popular
           opinion
           assigns
           them
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           To
           begin
           then
           with
           that
           which
           takes
           chief
           place
           ,
           which
           the
           World
           most
           dotes
           on
           ,
           which
           seems
           most
           great
           and
           eminent
           among
           men
           ;
           secular
           state
           and
           grandeur
           ,
           might
           and
           prowess
           ,
           honour
           and
           reputation
           ,
           favour
           and
           applause
           of
           men
           ,
           all
           the
           objects
           of
           humane
           pride
           and
           ambition
           ;
           of
           this
           kind
           ,
           St.
           Peter
           thus
           pronounces
           ;
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
           
             All
             the
             glory
             of
             the
             men
             is
             as
             the
             flower
             of
             the
             grass
             ;
             the
             grass
             is
             dried
             up
             ,
             and
             the
             flower
             thereof
             doth
             fall
             off
          
           ;
           't
           is
           as
           the
           flower
           of
           the
           grass
           ,
           how
           specious
           so
           ever
           ,
           yet
           the
           most
           fading
           and
           failing
           part
           thereof
           ;
           the
           grass
           it self
           will
           soon
           wither
           ,
           and
           the
           flower
           doth
           commonly
           fall
           off
           before
           that
           .
           We
           cannot
           hold
           this
           flower
           of
           worldly
           glory
           beyond
           our
           short
           time
           of
           life
           ;
           and
           we
           may
           easily
           
           much
           sooner
           be
           deprived
           of
           it
           :
           Many
           tempests
           of
           fortune
           may
           beat
           it
           down
           ,
           many
           violent
           hands
           may
           crop
           it
           ,
           't
           is
           apt
           of
           its
           self
           to
           fade
           upon
           the
           stalk
           ;
           how-ever
           the
           Sun
           (
           the
           influence
           of
           age
           and
           time
           )
           will
           assuredly
           burn
           and
           dry
           it
           up
           ,
           with
           our
           life
           that
           upholds
           it
           .
           Surely
           
           (
           saith
           the
           
             Psalmist
             )
             men
             of
             low
             degree
             are
             vanity
             ,
             and
             men
             of
             high
             degree
             are
             a
             lye
             :
          
           Men
           of
           high
           degree
           ;
           the
           mighty
           Princes
           ,
           the
           famous
           Captains
           ,
           the
           subtile
           Statesmen
           ,
           the
           grave
           Senatours
           ;
           they
           who
           turn
           and
           toss
           about
           the
           World
           at
           their
           pleasure
           ;
           who
           ,
           (
           in
           the
           Prophet's
           
           language
           )
           
             make
             the
             Earth
             tremble
             ,
             and
             shake
             Kingdoms
             :
          
           Even
           these
           ,
           they
           are
           a
           lie
           ;
           (
           said
           he
           ,
           who
           himself
           was
           none
           of
           the
           least
           considerable
           among
           them
           ,
           and
           by
           experience
           well
           knew
           their
           condition
           ,
           the
           greatest
           and
           most
           glorious
           Man
           of
           his
           time
           King
           
             David
             .
          
           )
           They
           are
           a
           lie
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           their
           state
           presents
           something
           of
           brave
           and
           admirable
           to
           the
           eye
           of
           Men
           ;
           but
           't
           is
           onely
           deceptio
           
           visus
           ;
           a
           shew
           without
           a
           substance
           ;
           it
           doth
           but
           delude
           the
           careless
           spectatours
           with
           false
           appearance
           ;
           it
           hath
           nothing
           under
           it
           solid
           or
           stable
           ;
           being
           laid
           in
           the
           balance
           (
           the
           royal
           Prophet
           there
           subjoins
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           being
           weighed
           in
           the
           scales
           of
           right
           judgment
           ,
           being
           thoroughly
           considered
           )
           it
           will
           prove
           lighter
           than
           vanity
           it self
           ;
           it
           is
           less
           valuable
           than
           mere
           emptiness
           ,
           and
           nothing
           it self
           ;
           that
           saying
           sounds
           like
           an
           hyperbole
           ,
           but
           it
           may
           be
           true
           in
           a
           strict
           sense
           :
           Sceing
           ,
           that
           the
           care
           and
           pains
           in
           maintaining
           it
           ,
           the
           fear
           and
           jealousie
           of
           losing
           it
           ,
           the
           envy
           ,
           obloquy
           and
           danger
           that
           surround
           it
           ,
           the
           snares
           it
           hath
           in
           it
           ,
           and
           temptations
           inclining
           men
           to
           be
           pufft
           up
           with
           Pride
           ,
           to
           be
           insolent
           and
           injurious
           ,
           to
           be
           corrupt
           with
           pleasure
           (
           with
           other
           bad
           concomitants
           thereof
           )
           do
           more
           than
           countervail
           what-ever
           either
           of
           imaginary
           worth
           or
           real
           convenience
           may
           be
           in
           it
           .
           Perhaps
           could
           it
           without
           much
           care
           ,
           trouble
           and
           hazard
           continue
           for
           ever
           ,
           or
           for
           a
           
           long
           time
           ,
           it
           might
           be
           thought
           somewhat
           considerable
           ;
           but
           since
           its
           duration
           is
           uncertain
           and
           short
           ;
           since
           
             man
             in
             honour
             abideth
             not
             ,
             but
             is
             like
             the
             beasts
             that
             perish
          
           ;
           that
           they
           who
           
           look
           so
           
             like
             Gods
          
           ,
           and
           are
           called
           so
           ,
           and
           are
           worshipped
           as
           so
           ,
           
             yet
             must
          
           
           
             die
             like
          
           (
           like
           men
           ,
           yea
           
             like
             sheep
             shall
             be
             laid
             in
             the
             grave
             ;
             )
          
           Since
           ,
           as
           't
           is
           said
           of
           the
           King
           of
           Babylon
           in
           
             Esay
             ;
             their
             pomp
             must
             be
             brought
          
           
           
             down
             to
             the
             grave
             ,
             and
             the
             noise
             of
             their
             viols
             ;
             the
             worm
             shall
             be
             spread
             under
             them
             ,
             and
             the
             worm
             shall
             cover
             them
          
           ;
           seeing
           that
           a
           moment
           of
           time
           shall
           extinguish
           all
           their
           lustre
           ,
           and
           still
           all
           that
           tumult
           about
           them
           ;
           that
           they
           must
           be
           disrobed
           of
           their
           Purple
           ,
           and
           be
           cloathed
           with
           Corruption
           ;
           that
           their
           so
           spatious
           and
           splendid
           Palaces
           must
           soon
           be
           exchanged
           for
           close
           darksome
           Coffins
           ;
           that
           both
           their
           own
           breath
           ,
           and
           the
           breath
           of
           them
           who
           now
           applaud
           them
           must
           be
           stopped
           ;
           that
           they
           who
           now
           bow
           to
           them
           ,
           may
           presently
           trample
           on
           them
           ;
           and
           
           they
           who
           to
           day
           trembled
           at
           their
           presence
           ,
           may
           the
           morrow
           scornfully
           insult
           upon
           their
           memory
           :
           
             Is
             this
             the
             man
          
           (
           will
           they
           say
           ,
           as
           they
           
           did
           of
           that
           great
           King
           )
           
             who
             made
             the
             Earth
             to
             tremble
             ;
             that
             did
             shake
             Kingdoms
             ;
             that
             made
             the
             World
             as
             a
             Wilderness
             ;
             and
             destroyed
             the
             Kingdoms
             thereof
             ?
          
           Since
           this
           is
           the
           fate
           of
           the
           greatest
           ,
           and
           most
           glorious
           among
           Men
           ,
           what
           reason
           can
           there
           be
           to
           admire
           their
           condition
           ;
           to
           prize
           such
           vain
           and
           short-liv'd
           preeminences
           ?
           For
           who
           can
           accompt
           it
           a
           great
           happiness
           to
           be
           styled
           and
           respected
           as
           a
           Prince
           ,
           to
           enjoy
           all
           the
           Powers
           and
           Prerogatives
           of
           highest
           dignity
           for
           a
           day
           ,
           or
           two
           ;
           then
           being
           obliged
           to
           descend
           into
           a
           sordid
           and
           despicable
           Estate
           ?
           Who
           values
           the
           fortune
           of
           him
           that
           is
           brought
           forth
           upon
           the
           Stage
           to
           act
           the
           Part
           of
           a
           Prince
           ;
           though
           he
           be
           attired
           there
           ,
           and
           attended
           as
           such
           ;
           hath
           all
           the
           garb
           and
           ceremony
           ,
           the
           ensigns
           and
           appurtenances
           of
           Majesty
           about
           him
           ;
           speaks
           and
           behaves
           himself
           
           imperiously
           ;
           is
           flattered
           and
           worshipped
           accordingly
           ;
           yet
           ,
           who
           in
           his
           heart
           doth
           adore
           this
           Idol
           ;
           doth
           admire
           this
           mockery
           of
           greatness
           ?
           Why
           not
           ?
           because
           after
           an
           hour
           or
           two
           the
           Play
           is
           over
           ,
           and
           this
           Man's
           reign
           is
           done
           .
           And
           what
           great
           difference
           is
           there
           between
           this
           and
           the
           greatest
           worldly
           state
           ?
           between
           Alexander
           in
           the
           History
           ,
           and
           Alexander
           on
           the
           Stage
           ?
           Are
           not
           (
           in
           the
           Psalmist's
           accompt
           )
           
             all
             our
          
           
           
             years
             spent
             as
             a
             tale
             that
             is
             told
          
           ;
           or
           ,
           as
           a
           Fable
           ,
           that
           is
           acted
           ?
           This
           in
           comparison
           of
           that
           ,
           what
           is
           it
           at
           most
           ,
           but
           telling
           the
           same
           story
           ,
           acting
           the
           same
           Part
           a
           few
           times
           over
           ?
           What
           are
           a
           few
           years
           more
           than
           a
           few
           hours
           repeated
           not
           very
           often
           ?
           not
           so
           often
           as
           to
           make
           any
           considerable
           difference
           ;
           so
           a
           great
           Emperour
           reflected
           :
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ;
           what
           (
           said
           he
           )
           
           
             doth
             the
             age
             of
             an
             infant
             ,
             dying
             within
             three
             days
             ,
             differ
             from
             that
             of
             Nestor
             ,
             who
             lived
             three
             ages
             of
             men
          
           ;
           since
           both
           shall
           be
           past
           ,
           and
           ended
           ;
           both
           
           
           then
           meet
           ,
           and
           thereby
           become
           equal
           ;
           since
           considering
           the
           immense
           time
           that
           runs
           on
           ,
           and
           how
           little
           a
           part
           thereof
           any
           of
           us
           takes
           up
           
             (
             juvenes
             &
             senes
             in
             oequo
             sumus
             )
          
           we
           are
           all
           alike
           young
           and
           old
           ;
           as
           a
           drop
           and
           a
           Pint
           bottle
           in
           compare
           to
           the
           Ocean
           are
           in
           a
           sort
           equal
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           both
           altogether
           
           inconsiderable
           .
           
             Quid
             enim
             diu
             est
             ,
             ubi
             sinis
             est
             ?
          
           saith
           St.
           
             Austine
             :
             what
             can
             be
             long
             that
             shall
             be
             ended
          
           ;
           which
           coming
           to
           that
           pass
           is
           as
           if
           it
           never
           had
           been
           ?
           Since
           then
           upon
           this
           accompt
           (
           upon
           worldly
           accompts
           ,
           I
           speak
           all
           this
           ;
           and
           excepting
           that
           Dignity
           and
           Power
           may
           be
           Talents
           bestowed
           by
           God
           ,
           or
           advantages
           to
           serve
           God
           ,
           and
           promote
           the
           good
           of
           Men
           ;
           excepting
           also
           the
           relation
           Persons
           justly
           instated
           in
           them
           bear
           to
           God
           as
           his
           Deputies
           and
           Ministers
           ;
           in
           which
           respects
           much
           reverence
           is
           due
           to
           their
           Persons
           ,
           much
           value
           to
           their
           Places
           ;
           even
           the
           more
           ,
           by
           how
           much
           less
           their
           present
           outward
           
           Estate
           is
           considerable
           ,
           and
           because
           at
           present
           they
           receive
           so
           slender
           a
           reward
           for
           all
           their
           cares
           and
           pains
           employ'd
           in
           the
           discharge
           of
           their
           Offices
           ;
           this
           I
           enterpose
           to
           prevent
           mistakes
           ,
           lest
           our
           discourse
           should
           seem
           to
           disparage
           ,
           or
           detract
           from
           the
           reverence
           due
           to
           Persons
           in
           eminent
           Place
           .
           But
           since
           ,
           under
           this
           caution
           )
           all
           worldly
           Power
           and
           Glory
           appear
           so
           little
           valuable
           ,
           the
           consideration
           hereof
           may
           avail
           to
           moderate
           our
           affections
           about
           them
           ;
           to
           quell
           all
           ambitious
           desires
           of
           them
           ,
           and
           all
           vain
           complacencies
           in
           them
           .
           For
           why
           should
           we
           so
           eagerly
           seek
           and
           pursue
           such
           empty
           shadows
           ,
           which
           if
           we
           catch
           ,
           we
           in
           effect
           catch
           nothing
           ;
           and
           whatever
           it
           is
           ,
           doth
           presently
           slip
           out
           of
           our
           hands
           ?
           Why
           do
           we
           please
           our selves
           in
           such
           evanid
           dreams
           ?
           is
           it
           not
           much
           better
           to
           rest
           quiet
           and
           content
           in
           any
           station
           wherein
           God
           hath
           placed
           us
           ,
           than
           to
           trouble
           our selves
           and
           others
           in
           climbing
           higher
           to
           a
           Precipice
           ,
           where
           we
           can
           hardly
           
           stand
           upright
           ,
           and
           whence
           we
           shall
           certainly
           tumble
           down
           into
           the
           grave
           ?
           This
           consideration
           is
           also
           a
           remedy
           ,
           proper
           to
           remove
           all
           regret
           and
           envy
           grounded
           upon
           such
           regards
           .
           For
           why
           ,
           though
           suppose
           Men
           of
           small
           worth
           ,
           or
           vertue
           should
           flourish
           in
           Honour
           and
           Power
           ,
           shall
           we
           repine
           thereat
           ?
           Is
           it
           not
           as
           if
           one
           should
           envy
           to
           a
           Butterfly
           ,
           its
           
           gaudy
           Wings
           ;
           to
           a
           Tulip
           its
           beautifull
           colours
           ,
           to
           the
           Grass
           its
           pleasant
           verdure
           ;
           that
           Grass
           ,
           to
           which
           in
           this
           Psalm
           we
           are
           compared
           ;
           
             which
             in
             the
             morning
             flourisheth
             ,
             and
             groweth
             up
             ,
             in
             the
             evening
             is
             cut
             down
             and
             withereth
             ?
          
           I
           may
           say
           of
           this
           discourse
           with
           the
           Philosopher
           ,
           
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           't
           is
           a
           homely
           remedy
           (
           there
           may
           be
           divers
           better
           ones
           )
           yet
           hath
           its
           efficacy
           ;
           for
           David
           himself
           made
           use
           thereof
           more
           than
           once
           :
           
             Be
             not
          
           ,
           
           saith
           he
           ,
           afraid
           (
           or
           troubled
           )
           
             when
             one
             is
             made
             rich
             ,
             when
             the
             glory
             of
             his
             house
             is
             encreased
             ;
             for
             when
             he
             dieth
             he
             shall
             carry
             nothing
             away
             ,
             his
          
           
           
             glory
             shall
             not
             descend
             with
             him
             .
             I
             was
          
           (
           saith
           he
           again
           )
           
             envious
             at
          
           
           
             the
             foolish
             ,
             when
             I
             saw
             the
             prosperity
             of
             the
             wicked
             ;
             but
             I
             went
             into
             the
             sanctuary
             ,
             then
             understood
             I
             their
             end
             ;
             surely
             thou
             didst
             set
             them
             in
             slippery
             places
             —
             how
             are
             they
             brought
             into
             desolation
             as
             in
             a
             moment
             :
          
           Thus
           considering
           the
           lubricity
           and
           transitoriness
           of
           that
           Prosperity
           ,
           which
           foolish
           and
           wicked
           Men
           enjoyed
           ,
           did
           serve
           to
           cure
           that
           envious
           distemper
           ,
           which
           began
           to
           affect
           the
           good
           man's
           Heart
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           But
           let
           us
           descend
           from
           Dignity
           and
           Power
           (
           that
           is
           from
           names
           and
           shews
           )
           to
           somewhat
           seeming
           more
           real
           and
           substantial
           ;
           to
           Riches
           ;
           that
           great
           and
           general
           Idol
           ,
           the
           most
           devoutly
           adored
           that
           ever
           any
           hath
           been
           in
           the
           World
           ;
           which
           hath
           a
           Temple
           almost
           in
           every
           House
           ,
           an
           Altar
           in
           every
           Heart
           ;
           to
           the
           gaining
           of
           which
           most
           of
           the
           thoughts
           ,
           most
           of
           the
           labours
           of
           Men
           immediately
           tend
           ;
           in
           the
           Possession
           of
           which
           Men
           
           commonly
           deem
           the
           greatest
           Happiness
           doth
           consist
           .
           But
           this
           consideration
           we
           discourse
           about
           ,
           will
           easily
           discover
           ,
           that
           even
           this
           ,
           as
           all
           other
           Idols
           ,
           is
           
             nothing
             in
             the
          
           
           World
           ,
           nothing
           true
           and
           solid
           ;
           Will
           (
           I
           say
           )
           justify
           that
           advice
           and
           verifie
           that
           assertion
           of
           the
           Wise-man
           :
           
           
             Labour
             not
             for
             riches
             ,
             wilt
             thou
             set
             thy
             heart
             upon
             that
             which
             is
             not
             ?
          
           it
           well
           applied
           will
           pluck
           down
           the
           high
           Places
           reared
           to
           this
           great
           Idol
           of
           Clay
           in
           Men's
           Hearts
           ;
           will
           confute
           the
           common
           Conceits
           and
           Phrases
           ,
           which
           so
           beautifie
           Wealth
           ;
           shewing
           that
           whoever
           dotes
           thereon
           is
           more
           truly
           and
           properly
           styled
           a
           miserable
           Man
           ,
           than
           a
           happy
           ,
           or
           blessed
           one
           :
           For
           is
           he
           not
           indeed
           miserable
           ,
           who
           
             makes
             lies
             his
          
           
           refuge
           ,
           who
           consides
           in
           that
           which
           will
           deceive
           and
           disappoint
           him
           ?
           The
           Prophet
           assures
           us
           so
           :
           Woe
           (
           saith
           the
           Prophet
           
             Habbakuk
             )
             woe
             be
             to
             him
             ,
             who
             coveteth
             an
             evil
             covetousness
             to
             his
             house
             ;
             that
             he
             may
             set
             his
             nest
             on
             high
             ,
             that
             he
          
           
           
             may
             be
             delivered
             from
             the
             power
             of
             evil
             :
          
           Men
           (
           he
           implies
           )
           imagine
           by
           getting
           Riches
           ,
           they
           have
           secured
           and
           raised
           themselves
           above
           the
           reach
           of
           all
           mischief
           ?
           But
           ye
           see
           it
           was
           in
           the
           Prophet's
           judgement
           a
           wofull
           mistake
           .
           St.
           Paul
           
           doth
           warn
           Men
           (
           very
           emphatically
           )
           
             not
             to
             hope
          
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
             in
             the
             uncertainty
          
           (
           or
           obscurity
           )
           
             of
             riches
          
           ;
           intimating
           ,
           that
           to
           trust
           in
           them
           ,
           is
           to
           trust
           in
           darkness
           it self
           ;
           in
           that
           wherein
           we
           can
           discern
           nothing
           ;
           in
           we
           know
           not
           what
           .
           They
           are
           ,
           we
           cannot
           but
           observe
           ,
           subject
           to
           an
           infinity
           of
           chances
           ,
           many
           of
           them
           obvious
           and
           notorious
           ;
           more
           of
           them
           secret
           and
           unaccomptable
           :
           
             They
             make
          
           (
           the
           Wise-man
           tells
           us
           )
           
             themselves
             wings
          
           
           (
           they
           need
           it
           seems
           no
           help
           for
           that
           )
           
             and
             fly
             away
             like
             as
             an
             eagle
             toward
             heaven
          
           (
           quite
           out
           of
           sight
           ,
           and
           beyond
           our
           reach
           they
           of
           their
           own
           accord
           do
           swiftly
           fly
           away
           )
           however
           ,
           should
           they
           be
           disposed
           to
           stay
           with
           us
           ,
           we
           must
           fly
           from
           
           them
           ;
           were
           they
           inseparably
           affixed
           to
           this
           life
           ,
           yet
           must
           they
           together
           with
           that
           be
           severed
           from
           us
           ;
           as
           we
           came
           naked
           of
           them
           into
           this
           World
           ,
           so
           naked
           shall
           we
           return
           ;
           
             As
             he
             came
          
           ,
           saith
           the
           
             Preacher
             ,
             s●
          
           
           
             shall
             he
             go
             ;
             and
             what
             profit
          
           (
           then
           )
           
             hath
             he
             that
             laboureth
             for
             the
             wind
             ?
          
           From
           hence
           ,
           that
           we
           must
           so
           soon
           part
           with
           riches
           ,
           he
           infers
           them
           to
           be
           but
           wind
           ;
           a
           thing
           not
           any-wise
           to
           be
           fixed
           or
           setled
           ;
           which
           't
           is
           vain
           to
           think
           we
           can
           appropriate
           ,
           or
           retain
           ;
           and
           vain
           therefore
           greedily
           to
           covet
           or
           pursue
           :
           So
           the
           Psalmist
           also
           reasons
           it
           :
           
             Surely
             ,
             every
             man
          
           (
           saith
           he
           )
           
             walketh
             in
             a
             vain
             shew
          
           ;
           
           
             surely
             they
             are
             disquieted
             in
             vain
             ;
             he
             heapeth
             up
             riches
             ,
             and
             knoweth
             not
             who
             shall
             gather
             them
             .
          
           Men
           ,
           in
           his
           accompt
           ,
           that
           troubled
           themselves
           in
           accumulating
           Wealth
           ,
           did
           but
           idly
           delude
           themselves
           ,
           fansying
           to
           receive
           content
           from
           such
           things
           ,
           which
           they
           must
           themselves
           soon
           be
           separated
           from
           ;
           and
           leave
           at
           uncertainties
           ,
           to
           be
           disposed
           of
           they
           
           now
           not
           how
           :
           That
           which
           in
           his
           wise
           Son's
           esteem
           was
           sufficient
           to
           make
           
             a
             man
             hate
             all
             his
             labour
             under
             ●he
             Sun
             :
             Because
             ,
          
           saith
           he
           ,
           
             I
             shall
          
           
           
             ●eave
             it
             to
             the
             man
             that
             shall
             be
             after
             ●e
             ,
             and
             who
             knoweth
             ,
             whether
             he
             shall
             ●e
             a
             wise
             man
             or
             a
             fool
             ?
             yet
             he
             shall
             ●ave
             rule
             over
             all
             my
             labour
             ,
             wherein
             I
             have
             laboured
             ,
             and
             wherein
             I
             have
             shewed
             my self
             wise
             under
             the
             Sun
             :
          
           All
           ,
           it
           seems
           ,
           that
           we
           ●re
           so
           wise
           ,
           and
           so
           industrious
           
           about
           ;
           that
           we
           so
           beat
           our
           heads
           about
           ,
           and
           spend
           our
           spirits
           upon
           ,
           ●s
           at
           most
           but
           
             gaudium
             hoeredis
             ;
             the
             joy
             of
             an
             heir
             ,
          
           and
           that
           an
           uncertain
           one
           (
           for
           your
           Son
           ,
           your
           Kinsman
           ,
           your
           Friend
           may
           for
           all
           you
           can
           know
           die
           before
           you
           ,
           or
           soon
           after
           you
           )
           't
           is
           but
           a
           being
           at
           great
           pains
           and
           charges
           in
           tilling
           the
           Land
           ,
           and
           sowing
           and
           dressing
           it
           ;
           whence
           we
           are
           sure
           not
           to
           reap
           any
           benefit
           to
           our selves
           ,
           and
           cannot
           know
           who
           shall
           do
           it
           .
        
         
         
           
             The
             rich
             man
          
           (
           St.
           James
           tells
           us
           )
           
           
             as
             the
             flower
             of
             the
             grass
             shall
             he
             pass
             away
             ;
             for
             the
             Sun
             is
             no
             sooner
             risen
             with
             a
             burning
             heat
             ,
             but
             it
             withereth
             the
             grass
             ,
             and
             the
             flower
             thereof
             falleth
             ,
             and
             the
             grace
             of
             the
             fashion
             therof
             perisheth
             ;
             So
             also
             shall
             the
             rich
             man
             fade
             in
             his
             ways
          
           ;
           all
           the
           comfort
           (
           we
           see
           by
           the
           Apostles
           discourse
           )
           and
           the
           convenience
           ,
           all
           the
           grace
           and
           ornament
           that
           riches
           are
           supposed
           to
           yeild
           will
           certainly
           wither
           and
           decay
           ,
           either
           before
           ,
           or
           with
           us
           ;
           whenever
           the
           Sun
           (
           that
           is
           ,
           either
           some
           extream
           mischance
           in
           life
           ,
           or
           the
           certain
           destiny
           of
           death
           )
           doth
           arise
           ,
           and
           make
           impression
           on
           them
           .
           But
           our
           Saviour
           hath
           best
           set
           out
           the
           nature
           and
           condition
           of
           these
           things
           in
           that
           Parable
           concerning
           the
           man
           ,
           who
           having
           
           had
           a
           plentifull
           crop
           of
           Corn
           ,
           and
           having
           projected
           for
           the
           disposal
           of
           it
           ,
           resolved
           then
           
             to
             bless
             himself
          
           ,
           and
           entertain
           his
           mind
           with
           pleasing
           discourses
           ,
           that
           having
           ,
           in
           readiness
           and
           security
           ,
           so
           copious
           accommodations
           ,
           
           he
           might
           now
           enjoy
           himself
           with
           full
           satisfaction
           and
           delight
           ;
           not
           considering
           ,
           that
           though
           his
           Barns
           were
           full
           ,
           his
           Life
           was
           not
           sure
           ;
           that
           God's
           Pleasure
           might
           soon
           interrupt
           his
           Pass-time
           ;
           that
           the
           fearfull
           sentence
           might
           presently
           be
           pronounced
           :
           
             Thou
             fool
             ,
             this
             night
             thy
             life
             shall
             be
             required
             of
             thee
             ,
             and
             what
             thou
             hast
             prepared
             ,
             to
             whom
             shall
             it
             fall
             ?
             Euripides
          
           calls
           riches
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
             a
             thing
             which
             much
             endears
             life
          
           ;
           or
           makes
           men
           greatly
           love
           it
           ;
           but
           they
           do
           not
           at
           all
           enable
           to
           keep
           it
           :
           There
           is
           no
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
           no
           price
           ,
           or
           
             ransome
             equivalent
             to
             life
             ;
             all
             that
             a
             man
             hath
             ,
             he
             would
             give
          
           to
           redeem
           it
           ,
           but
           it
           is
           a
           Purchase
           too
           dear
           for
           all
           the
           riches
           in
           the
           World
           to
           compass
           ;
           so
           the
           Psalmist
           tells
           us
           ,
           
             They
             that
             trust
          
           
           
             in
             their
             wealth
             ,
             and
             boast
             themselves
             in
             the
             multitude
             of
             their
             riches
             ,
             none
             of
             them
             can
             by
             any
             means
             redeem
             his
             brother
             ,
             nor
             give
             to
             God
             a
             ransome
             for
             him
             ;
             for
             the
             redemption
             of
             their
             soul
             is
             precious
             :
          
           They
           cannot
           redeem
           
           their
           Brother's
           soul
           ,
           or
           life
           ;
           nor
           therefore
           their
           own
           ;
           for
           all
           souls
           are
           of
           the
           same
           value
           ,
           all
           greatly
           surpass
           the
           price
           of
           gold
           and
           silver
           .
           Life
           was
           not
           given
           us
           for
           perpetuity
           ,
           
           but
           lent
           ,
           or
           deposited
           with
           us
           ;
           And
           without
           delay
           or
           evasion
           it
           must
           be
           resigned
           into
           the
           hand
           of
           its
           just
           Owner
           ,
           when
           he
           shall
           please
           to
           demand
           it
           ;
           and
           although
           righteousness
           may
           ,
           
             yet
             riches
          
           (
           as
           the
           Wiseman
           tells
           us
           )
           
             cannot
             deliver
          
           
           
             from
             death
             ,
             nor
             at
             all
             profit
             us
             in
             the
             day
             of
             wrath
             .
          
           Could
           we
           probably
           retain
           our
           Possessions
           for
           ever
           in
           our
           hands
           ;
           nay
           ,
           could
           we
           certainly
           foresee
           some
           considerable
           long
           definite
           time
           ,
           in
           which
           we
           might
           enjoy
           our
           stores
           ,
           it
           were
           perhaps
           somewhat
           excusable
           to
           scrape
           and
           hoard
           ,
           it
           might
           look
           like
           rational
           Providence
           ,
           it
           might
           yield
           some
           valuable
           satisfaction
           ;
           but
           since
           ,
           
             Rape
             ,
             congere
             ,
             aufer
             ,
             posside
             ,
             statim
             relinquendum
             est
          
           ;
           since
           ,
           as
           Solomon
           tells
           
           us
           ,
           
             Riches
             are
             not
             for
             ever
             ,
             nor
             doth
             the
             crown
             endure
             to
             every
             generation
          
           ;
           
           yea
           ,
           since
           they
           must
           be
           left
           very
           soon
           ,
           nor
           is
           there
           any
           certainty
           of
           keeping
           them
           any
           time
           ;
           that
           one
           day
           may
           consume
           them
           ;
           one
           night
           may
           dispossess
           us
           of
           them
           ,
           and
           our
           life
           together
           with
           them
           ;
           there
           can
           be
           no
           reason
           why
           we
           should
           be
           solicitous
           about
           them
           ;
           no
           accompt
           given
           of
           our
           setting
           so
           high
           a
           rate
           upon
           them
           .
           For
           who
           would
           much
           regard
           the
           having
           custody
           of
           a
           rich
           treasure
           for
           a
           day
           or
           two
           ,
           then
           to
           be
           stripped
           of
           all
           ,
           and
           left
           bare
           ?
           To
           be
           to
           day
           invested
           in
           large
           domains
           ,
           and
           to
           morrow
           to
           be
           dispossess'd
           of
           them
           ?
           No
           Man
           surely
           would
           be
           so
           fond
           ,
           as
           much
           to
           affect
           the
           condition
           .
           Yet
           this
           is
           our
           case
           ;
           whatever
           we
           call
           ours
           ,
           we
           are
           but
           guardians
           thereof
           for
           a
           few
           days
           .
           
           This
           consideration
           therefore
           may
           serve
           to
           repress
           ,
           or
           moderate
           in
           us
           all
           covetous
           desires
           ,
           proud
           conceits
           ,
           vain
           confidences
           and
           satisfactions
           in
           respect
           to
           worldly
           Wealth
           ,
           to
           induce
           us
           (
           in
           Job's
           language
           )
           
             not
             to
          
           
           
             make
             gold
             our
             hope
             ,
             nor
             to
             say
             to
             the
          
           
           
             fine
             gold
             ,
             thou
             art
             my
             confidence
             ;
             not
             to
             rejoyce
             because
             our
             wealth
             is
             great
             ,
             and
             because
             our
             hand
             hath
             gotten
             much
          
           ;
           to
           extirpate
           from
           our
           hearts
           that
           root
           of
           all
           evil
           ,
           the
           love
           of
           Money
           .
           For
           if
           ,
           as
           the
           Preacher
           thought
           ,
           the
           greatest
           pleasure
           or
           benefit
           accruing
           from
           them
           ,
           is
           but
           looking
           upon
           them
           for
           a
           while
           ,
           
             (
             what
             good
          
           ,
           saith
           he
           ,
           
             is
             there
             to
             the
          
           
           
             owners
             thereof
             ,
             saving
             the
             beholding
             of
             them
             with
             their
             eyes
             ?
             )
          
           if
           a
           little
           will
           ,
           nay
           must
           suffice
           our
           natural
           appetites
           ,
           and
           our
           present
           necessities
           ;
           if
           more
           than
           needs
           ,
           is
           but
           (
           as
           the
           Scripture
           teaches
           us
           )
           
             a
             trouble
          
           
           disquieting
           our
           minds
           with
           care
           ;
           a
           dangerous
           snare
           ,
           drawing
           us
           into
           mischief
           and
           sorrow
           ;
           if
           this
           ,
           I
           say
           ,
           be
           their
           present
           quality
           ;
           and
           were
           it
           better
           ,
           yet
           could
           it
           last
           for
           any
           certain
           ,
           or
           any
           long
           continuance
           ,
           is
           it
           not
           evidently
           better
           to
           enjoy
           that
           pittance
           God
           hath
           allotted
           us
           with
           
           ease
           and
           contentation
           of
           mind
           ;
           or
           if
           we
           want
           a
           necessary
           supply
           ,
           to
           employ
           onely
           a
           moderate
           diligence
           
           in
           getting
           thereof
           by
           the
           fairest
           
           means
           ,
           which
           with
           God's
           blessing
           promised
           thereto
           ,
           will
           never
           fail
           to
           procure
           a
           competence
           ,
           and
           with
           this
           to
           rest
           content
           ;
           than
           with
           those
           in
           
             Amos
             ,
             to
             pant
             after
             the
             dust
             of
             the
          
           
           
             earth
             ;
             to
             lade
             our selves
             with
             thick
             clay
          
           ;
           to
           thirst
           insatiably
           after
           flouds
           of
           gold
           ,
           to
           heap
           up
           mountains
           of
           treasure
           ,
           to
           extend
           unmeasurably
           our
           possessions
           ,
           
             (
             joining
             house
             to
          
           
           
             house
             ,
             and
             laying
             field
             to
             field
             ,
             till
             there
             be
             no
             place
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             be
             placed
             alone
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             the
             earth
          
           ;
           as
           the
           Prophet
           Esay
           doth
           excellently
           describe
           the
           covetous
           Man's
           humour
           )
           than
           ,
           I
           say
           ,
           thus
           incessantly
           to
           toil
           for
           the
           maintenance
           of
           this
           frail
           body
           ,
           this
           flitting
           breath
           of
           ours
           ?
           If
           Divine
           Bounty
           hath
           freely
           imparted
           a
           plentifull
           estate
           upon
           us
           ,
           we
           should
           indeed
           bless
           God
           for
           it
           ;
           
             making
             our selves
             friends
          
           thereby
           
           (
           as
           our
           Saviour
           advises
           us
           )
           employing
           it
           to
           God's
           Praise
           and
           Service
           ;
           to
           the
           relief
           and
           comfort
           of
           our
           Brethren
           that
           need
           ;
           but
           to
           seek
           
           it
           earnestly
           ,
           to
           set
           our
           heart
           upon
           it
           ,
           to
           relye
           thereon
           ;
           to
           be
           greatly
           pleased
           or
           elevated
           in
           mind
           thereby
           ,
           as
           it
           argues
           much
           infidelity
           and
           profaneness
           of
           heart
           ,
           so
           it
           signifies
           much
           inconsiderateness
           and
           folly
           ,
           the
           ignorance
           of
           its
           nature
           ,
           the
           forgetfulness
           of
           our
           own
           condition
           ,
           upon
           the
           grounds
           discoursed
           upon
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           Now
           ,
           in
           the
           next
           place
           ;
           for
           Pleasure
           ,
           that
           great
           Witch
           ,
           which
           so
           enchants
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           which
           by
           its
           mischievous
           Baits
           so
           allures
           Mankind
           into
           sin
           and
           misery
           ;
           although
           this
           consideration
           be
           not
           altogether
           necessary
           to
           disparage
           it
           (
           its
           own
           nature
           sufficing
           to
           that
           ;
           for
           it
           is
           more
           transitory
           than
           the
           shortest
           life
           ,
           it
           dyes
           in
           the
           very
           enjoyment
           )
           yet
           it
           may
           conduce
           to
           our
           wise
           and
           good
           practice
           in
           respect
           thereto
           ,
           by
           tempering
           the
           sweetness
           thereof
           ,
           yea
           souring
           its
           relish
           to
           us
           ;
           minding
           us
           of
           its
           insufficiency
           and
           unserviceableness
           to
           the
           felicity
           of
           a
           mortal
           creature
           ;
           yea
           ,
           it
           s
           extreamly
           dangerous
           consequences
           to
           a
           soul
           ,
           that
           
           must
           survive
           the
           short
           enjoyment
           thereof
           .
           Some
           persons
           indeed
           ,
           ignorant
           or
           incredulous
           of
           a
           future
           estate
           ;
           presuming
           of
           no
           sense
           remaining
           after
           death
           ,
           nor
           regarding
           any
           accompt
           to
           be
           rendred
           of
           this
           life's
           actions
           ,
           have
           encouraged
           themselves
           ,
           and
           others
           in
           the
           free
           enjoyment
           of
           present
           sensualities
           ,
           upon
           the
           score
           of
           our
           life's
           shortness
           and
           uncertainty
           ;
           inculcating
           such
           Maxims
           as
           these
           :
           
        
         
           
           
             
               —
               Brevis
               est
               hic
               fructus
               homullis
            
             ;
          
           
             
               —
               post
               mortem
               nulla
               voluptas
            
             .
          
           
        
         
           
             Let
             us
             eat
             and
             drink
             ,
             for
             to
             morrow
             we
             shall
             dye
          
           ;
           
           because
           our
           life
           is
           short
           ,
           let
           us
           make
           the
           most
           advantageous
           use
           thereof
           we
           can
           ;
           because
           death
           is
           uncertain
           ,
           let
           us
           prevent
           its
           surprisal
           ,
           and
           be
           beforehand
           with
           it
           ,
           enjoying
           somewhat
           ,
           before
           it
           snatches
           all
           from
           us
           .
           The
           Authour
           of
           Wisedom
           observeth
           ,
           and
           thus
           represents
           these
           Mens
           discourse
           :
           
             Our
             life
             is
          
           
           
           
             short
             and
             tedious
             ;
             and
             in
             the
             death
             of
             a
             man
             there
             is
             no
             remedy
             ;
             neither
             was
             there
             any
             man
             known
             to
             have
             returned
             from
             the
             grave
             :
             —
             Come
             on
             ,
             therefore
             let
             us
             enjoy
             the
             good
             things
             that
             are
             present
             ;
             let
             us
             speedily
             use
             the
             creatures
             like
             as
             in
             youth
             ;
             let
             us
             fill
             our selves
             with
             costly
             wine
             and
             ointments
             ;
             and
             let
             no
             flower
             of
             the
             spring
             pass
             by
             us
             ;
             let
             us
             crown
             our selves
             with
             rose-buds
             before
             they
             be
             withered
             ;
             let
             none
             of
             us
             go
             without
             his
             part
             of
             voluptuousness
             —
             for
             this
             is
             our
             portion
             ,
             and
             our
             lot
             is
             this
             .
          
           Thus
           ,
           and
           no
           wonder
           ,
           have
           some
           men
           conceiving
           themselves
           beasts
           ,
           resolved
           to
           live
           as
           such
           ;
           renouncing
           all
           sober
           care
           becoming
           men
           ,
           and
           drowning
           their
           reason
           in
           brutish
           sensualities
           ;
           yet
           no
           question
           ,
           the
           very
           same
           reflexion
           ,
           that
           this
           life
           would
           soon
           pass
           away
           ,
           and
           that
           death
           might
           speedily
           attack
           them
           ,
           did
           not
           a
           little
           quash
           their
           mirth
           ,
           and
           damp
           their
           pleasure
           .
           To
           think
           ,
           that
           this
           perhaps
           might
           be
           the
           last
           Banquet
           they
           should
           taste
           of
           ;
           that
           
           they
           should
           themselves
           shortly
           become
           the
           feast
           of
           Worms
           and
           Serpents
           ;
           could
           not
           but
           somewhat
           spoil
           the
           gust
           of
           their
           highest
           delicacies
           ,
           and
           disturb
           the
           sport
           of
           their
           loudest
           jovialties
           ;
           but
           ,
           in
           Job's
           expression
           ,
           
             make
             the
             meat
             in
             their
             bowels
          
           
           
             to
             turn
             ,
             and
             be
             as
             the
             gall
             of
             Asps
             within
             them
             .
          
           Those
           customary
           enjoyments
           did
           so
           enamour
           them
           of
           sensual
           delight
           ,
           that
           they
           could
           not
           without
           pungent
           regret
           imagine
           a
           necessity
           of
           soon
           for
           ever
           parting
           with
           them
           ;
           and
           so
           their
           very
           Pleasure
           was
           by
           this
           thought
           made
           distastfull
           and
           embittered
           to
           them
           .
           So
           did
           the
           Wiseman
           observe
           :
           
             O
             death
             ,
             how
             bitter
             is
             the
             remembrance
             of
             thee
             to
             a
             man
             that
             liveth
             at
             rest
             in
             his
             possessions
             ;
             unto
             the
             man
             that
             hath
             nothing
             to
             vex
             him
             ;
             and
             that
             hath
             prosperity
             in
             all
             things
             ;
             Yea
          
           (
           adds
           he
           )
           
             unto
             him
             that
             is
             yet
             able
             to
             receive
             meat
             :
          
           
           And
           how
           bitter
           then
           must
           the
           remembrance
           thereof
           be
           to
           him
           ,
           who
           walloweth
           in
           all
           kind
           of
           corporal
           satisfaction
           and
           delight
           ;
           that
           placeth
           
           all
           his
           happiness
           in
           sensual
           enjoyment
           ?
           However
           ,
           as
           to
           us
           ,
           who
           are
           better
           instructed
           and
           affected
           ;
           who
           know
           and
           believe
           a
           future
           state
           ;
           the
           consideration
           ,
           that
           the
           time
           of
           enjoying
           these
           delights
           will
           soon
           be
           over
           ;
           that
           this
           World's
           jollity
           is
           but
           like
           
             the
             crackling
             of
             thorns
             under
             a
             pot
          
           (
           which
           yields
           a
           brisk
           sound
           ,
           
           and
           a
           chearfull
           blaze
           ,
           but
           heats
           little
           ,
           and
           instantly
           passes
           away
           )
           that
           they
           leave
           no
           good
           fruits
           behind
           them
           ,
           but
           do
           onely
           corrupt
           and
           enervate
           our
           minds
           ;
           war
           against
           ,
           and
           hurt
           our
           souls
           ;
           tempt
           us
           to
           sin
           ,
           and
           involve
           us
           in
           guilt
           ;
           that
           therefore
           Solomon
           was
           surely
           in
           the
           right
           ,
           when
           he
           said
           of
           laughter
           ,
           that
           
             it
             is
             mad
          
           ,
           
           
             and
             of
             mirth
             ,
             what
             doth
             it
             ?
          
           (
           that
           is
           ,
           that
           the
           highest
           of
           these
           delights
           are
           very
           irrational
           impertinences
           )
           and
           of
           intemperance
           ;
           that
           ,
           at
           the
           last
           ,
           
             it
             biteth
             like
             a
             Serpent
             ,
             and
          
           
           
             stingeth
             like
             an
             Adder
          
           ;
           with
           us
           ,
           I
           say
           ,
           who
           reflect
           thus
           ,
           that
           (
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           )
           
             enjoyment
             of
             sinfull
             pleasure
             for
             a
             season
          
           
           
           cannot
           obtain
           much
           esteem
           and
           love
           ;
           but
           will
           rather
           ,
           I
           hope
           ,
           be
           despised
           and
           abhorred
           by
           us
           .
           I
           will
           add
           onely
        
         
           4.
           
           Concerning
           secular
           Wisedom
           and
           Knowledge
           ;
           the
           which
           Men
           do
           also
           
           commonly
           with
           great
           earnestness
           and
           ambition
           seek
           after
           ,
           as
           the
           most
           specious
           ornament
           ,
           and
           pure
           content
           of
           their
           mind
           ;
           this
           consideration
           doth
           also
           detect
           the
           just
           value
           thereof
           ;
           so
           as
           to
           allay
           intemperate
           ardour
           toward
           it
           ,
           pride
           and
           conceitedness
           upon
           the
           having
           ,
           or
           seeming
           to
           have
           it
           ,
           envy
           and
           emulation
           about
           it
           .
           For
           ,
           imagine
           ,
           if
           you
           please
           ,
           a
           Man
           accomplished
           with
           all
           varieties
           of
           learning
           commendable
           ,
           able
           to
           recompt
           all
           the
           stories
           that
           have
           been
           ever
           written
           (
           or
           the
           deeds
           acted
           )
           since
           the
           World's
           beginning
           ;
           to
           understand
           ,
           or
           with
           the
           most
           delightfull
           fluency
           and
           elegancy
           to
           speak
           all
           the
           languages
           that
           have
           at
           any
           time
           been
           in
           use
           among
           the
           sons
           of
           men
           ;
           
           skilfull
           in
           twisting
           and
           untwisting
           all
           kinds
           of
           subtilties
           ;
           versed
           in
           all
           sorts
           of
           natural
           experiments
           ,
           and
           ready
           to
           assign
           plausible
           conjectures
           about
           the
           causes
           of
           them
           ;
           studied
           in
           all
           Books
           whatever
           ,
           and
           in
           all
           Monuments
           of
           Antiquity
           ;
           deeply
           knowing
           in
           all
           the
           mysteries
           of
           art
           ,
           or
           science
           ,
           or
           policy
           ,
           such
           as
           have
           ever
           been
           devised
           by
           humane
           wit
           ,
           or
           study
           or
           observation
           ;
           yet
           all
           this
           ,
           such
           is
           the
           pity
           ,
           he
           must
           be
           forced
           presently
           to
           abandon
           ;
           all
           the
           use
           he
           could
           make
           of
           all
           his
           notions
           ,
           the
           pleasure
           he
           might
           find
           in
           them
           ,
           the
           reputation
           accruing
           to
           him
           from
           them
           must
           at
           that
           fatal
           minute
           vanish
           ;
           
             his
             breath
             goeth
             forth
             ,
             he
             returneth
             to
             his
             earth
             ,
             in
             that
             very
             day
          
           
           
             his
             thoughts
             perish
             .
             There
             is
             no
             work
             ,
             nor
             device
             ,
             nor
             knowledge
             ,
             nor
             wisedom
             in
             the
             grave
             ,
             whither
             he
             goeth
             .
             'T
             is
             seen
          
           (
           saith
           the
           Psalmist
           ,
           seen
           indeed
           every
           day
           ,
           and
           observed
           by
           
           all
           )
           
             that
             wise
             men
             dye
             ,
             likewise
             the
             fool
             and
             brutish
             person
             perisheth
             ;
             one
             event
             happeneth
             to
             them
             both
             ;
             there
          
           
           
             is
             no
             remembrance
             of
             the
             wise
             more
             than
             of
             the
             fool
             for
             ever
          
           ;
           (
           both
           dye
           alike
           ,
           both
           alike
           are
           sorgotten
           )
           as
           the
           wisest
           man
           himself
           ,
           did
           (
           not
           without
           some
           distast
           )
           observe
           and
           complain
           .
           All
           our
           subtile
           conceits
           ,
           and
           nice
           criticisms
           ;
           all
           our
           fine
           inventions
           and
           goodly
           speculations
           shall
           be
           swallowed
           up
           either
           in
           the
           utter
           darkness
           ,
           or
           in
           the
           clearer
           light
           of
           the
           future
           state
           .
           One
           Potion
           of
           that
           Lethean
           cup
           (
           which
           we
           must
           all
           take
           down
           upon
           our
           entrance
           into
           that
           
             land
             of
             forgetfulness
          
           )
           will
           
           probably
           drown
           the
           
           memory
           ,
           deface
           the
           shape
           of
           all
           those
           Idea's
           ,
           with
           which
           we
           have
           here
           stuffed
           our
           minds
           ;
           however
           they
           are
           not
           like
           to
           be
           of
           use
           to
           us
           in
           that
           new
           ,
           so
           different
           ,
           state
           ;
           where
           none
           of
           our
           languages
           are
           spoken
           ;
           none
           of
           our
           experience
           will
           suit
           ;
           where
           all
           things
           have
           quite
           another
           face
           unknown
           ,
           unthought
           of
           by
           us
           .
           Where
           Aristotle
           ,
           
           and
           Varro
           shall
           appear
           mere
           Idiots
           ;
           Demosthenes
           and
           Cicero
           shall
           become
           very
           insants
           ;
           the
           wisest
           and
           eloquentest
           Greeks
           will
           prove
           senseless
           and
           dumb
           Barbarians
           ;
           where
           all
           our
           Authours
           shall
           have
           no
           authority
           ;
           where
           we
           must
           all
           go
           fresh
           to
           school
           again
           ;
           must
           unlearn
           perhaps
           ,
           what
           in
           these
           misty
           regions
           we
           thought
           our selves
           best
           to
           know
           ;
           and
           begin
           to
           learn
           ,
           what
           we
           not
           once
           ever
           dream'd
           of
           ;
           Doth
           therefore
           ,
           I
           pray
           you
           ,
           so
           transitory
           and
           fruitless
           a
           good
           (
           for
           it self
           I
           mean
           and
           excepting
           our
           duty
           to
           God
           ,
           or
           the
           reasonable
           diligence
           we
           are
           bound
           to
           use
           in
           our
           calling
           )
           deserve
           such
           anxious
           desire
           ,
           or
           so
           restless
           toil
           ;
           so
           carefull
           attention
           of
           mind
           ,
           or
           assiduous
           pain
           of
           body
           about
           it
           ?
           Doth
           it
           become
           us
           to
           contend
           ,
           or
           emulate
           so
           much
           about
           it
           ?
           Above
           all
           do
           we
           not
           most
           unreasonably
           ,
           and
           against
           the
           nature
           of
           the
           thing
           it self
           we
           pretend
           to
           (
           that
           is
           ,
           ignorantly
           and
           foolishly
           )
           if
           we
           are
           proud
           and
           conceited
           ,
           much
           value
           
           our selves
           or
           contemn
           others
           ,
           in
           respect
           thereto
           ?
           Solomon
           the
           most
           experienc'd
           in
           this
           matter
           ,
           and
           best
           able
           to
           judge
           thereof
           (
           He
           that
           gave
           his
           heart
           to
           seek
           and
           search
           out
           by
           wisedom
           concerning
           all
           things
           that
           had
           been
           done
           under
           Heaven
           ,
           and
           this
           with
           extream
           success
           ;
           even
           he
           )
           passeth
           the
           same
           sentence
           of
           vanity
           ,
           vexation
           and
           unprofitableness
           ,
           upon
           this
           ,
           as
           upon
           all
           other
           subcelestial
           things
           .
           True
           ,
           he
           commends
           wisedom
           as
           an
           excellent
           and
           usefull
           thing
           comparatively
           ;
           
             exceeding
             folly
             ,
             so
          
           
           
             far
             as
             light
             exceedeth
             darkness
          
           ;
           But
           since
           light
           it self
           is
           not
           permanent
           ,
           but
           must
           give
           way
           to
           darkness
           ,
           the
           difference
           soon
           vanished
           ;
           and
           his
           opinion
           thereos
           abated
           ;
           considering
           ,
           that
           as
           it
           happened
           to
           the
           fool
           ,
           so
           it
           happened
           to
           him
           ,
           he
           breaks
           into
           that
           expostulation
           :
           
             And
             why
             then
             was
             I
             more
             wise
             ?
          
           to
           what
           purpose
           was
           such
           a
           distinction
           made
           ,
           that
           signified
           in
           effect
           so
           little
           ?
           And
           indeed
           the
           Testimony
           of
           this
           great
           personage
           may
           serve
           for
           a
           good
           Epilogue
           
           to
           all
           this
           discourse
           ,
           discovering
           sufficiently
           the
           slender
           worth
           of
           all
           earthly
           things
           :
           Seeing
           he
           ,
           that
           had
           given
           himself
           industriously
           to
           experiment
           the
           worth
           of
           all
           things
           here
           below
           ,
           to
           sound
           the
           depth
           of
           their
           utmost
           perfection
           and
           use
           ;
           who
           had
           all
           the
           advantages
           imaginable
           of
           performing
           it
           :
           Who
           flourished
           in
           the
           greatest
           magnificences
           of
           worldly
           pomp
           and
           power
           ;
           who
           enjoyed
           an
           incredible
           affluence
           of
           all
           riches
           ;
           who
           tasted
           all
           varieties
           of
           most
           exquisite
           pleasure
           ;
           whose
           heart
           was
           (
           by
           God's
           special
           gift
           ,
           and
           by
           his
           own
           industrious
           care
           )
           enlarged
           with
           all
           kind
           of
           knowledge
           (
           furnished
           with
           notions
           many
           
             as
             the
          
           
           
             sand
             upon
             the
             sea
             shore
          
           )
           above
           all
           that
           were
           before
           him
           ;
           who
           had
           possessed
           and
           enjoyed
           all
           that
           fancy
           could
           conceive
           ,
           or
           heart
           could
           wish
           ,
           and
           had
           arrived
           to
           the
           top
           of
           secular
           Happiness
           ;
           Yet
           even
           He
           with
           pathetical
           reiteration
           pronounces
           all
           to
           be
           
             vanity
             and
             vexation
             of
             spirit
          
           ;
           altogether
           unprofitable
           and
           unsatisfactory
           
           to
           the
           mind
           of
           Man.
           And
           so
           therefore
           we
           may
           justly
           conclude
           them
           to
           be
           ;
           so
           finishing
           the
           first
           grand
           advantage
           this
           present
           consideration
           affordeth
           us
           in
           order
           to
           that
           wisedom
           ,
           to
           which
           we
           should
           apply
           our
           hearts
           .
        
         
           I
           should
           proceed
           to
           gather
           other
           good
           fruits
           ,
           which
           it
           is
           apt
           to
           produce
           and
           contribute
           to
           the
           same
           purpose
           ;
           but
           since
           my
           thoughts
           have
           taken
           so
           large
           scope
           upon
           that
           former
           head
           ,
           so
           that
           I
           have
           already
           too
           much
           ,
           I
           fear
           ,
           exercised
           your
           patience
           ,
           I
           shall
           onely
           mention
           the
           rest
           .
           As
           this
           consideration
           doth
           ,
           as
           we
           have
           seen
           ,
           First
           ,
           dispose
           us
           rightly
           to
           value
           these
           temporal
           goods
           ,
           and
           moderate
           our
           affections
           about
           them
           ;
           so
           it
           doth
           ,
           Secondly
           ,
           in
           like
           manner
           ,
           conduce
           to
           the
           right
           estimation
           of
           temporal
           evils
           ;
           and
           thereby
           to
           the
           well
           tempering
           our
           passions
           ,
           in
           the
           resentment
           of
           them
           ;
           to
           the
           begetting
           of
           patience
           and
           contentedness
           in
           our
           minds
           .
           Also
           ,
           Thirdly
           ,
           it
           may
           
           help
           us
           to
           value
           ,
           and
           excite
           us
           to
           regard
           those
           things
           (
           good
           or
           evil
           )
           which
           relate
           to
           our
           future
           state
           ;
           being
           the
           things
           onely
           of
           a
           permanent
           nature
           ,
           and
           of
           an
           everlasting
           consequence
           to
           us
           .
           Fourthly
           ,
           It
           will
           engage
           us
           to
           husband
           carefully
           and
           well
           employ
           this
           short
           time
           of
           our
           present
           life
           :
           Not
           to
           defer
           or
           procrastinate
           our
           endeavours
           to
           live
           well
           ;
           not
           to
           be
           lazy
           and
           loitering
           in
           the
           dispatch
           of
           our
           onely
           considerable
           business
           ,
           relating
           to
           eternity
           ;
           to
           embrace
           all
           opportunities
           ,
           and
           improve
           all
           means
           ;
           and
           follow
           the
           best
           compendiums
           of
           good
           practice
           leading
           to
           eternal
           bliss
           .
           Fifthly
           ,
           It
           will
           be
           apt
           to
           confer
           much
           toward
           the
           begetting
           and
           preserving
           sincerity
           in
           our
           thoughts
           ,
           words
           and
           actions
           ;
           causing
           us
           to
           decline
           all
           oblique
           designs
           upon
           present
           mean
           interests
           ,
           or
           base
           regards
           to
           the
           opinions
           or
           affections
           of
           men
           :
           bearing
           single
           respects
           to
           our
           conscience
           and
           duty
           in
           our
           actions
           ;
           Teaching
           us
           to
           speak
           as
           we
           mean
           ;
           and
           be
           what
           
           we
           would
           seem
           ;
           to
           be
           in
           our
           hearts
           and
           in
           our
           closets
           ,
           what
           we
           appear
           in
           our
           outward
           expressions
           and
           conversations
           with
           Men
           ;
           For
           considering
           ,
           that
           within
           a
           very
           short
           time
           all
           the
           thoughts
           of
           our
           hearts
           shall
           be
           disclosed
           ;
           and
           all
           the
           actions
           of
           our
           lives
           exposed
           to
           publick
           view
           (
           being
           strictly
           to
           be
           examined
           at
           the
           great
           bar
           of
           divine
           judgment
           before
           Angels
           and
           Men
           )
           we
           cannot
           but
           perceive
           it
           to
           be
           the
           greatest
           folly
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           for
           this
           short
           present
           time
           to
           disguise
           our selves
           ;
           to
           conceal
           our
           intentions
           ,
           or
           smother
           our
           actions
           .
           What
           hath
           occurred
           (
           upon
           these
           important
           subjects
           )
           to
           my
           meditation
           ,
           I
           must
           at
           present
           ,
           in
           regard
           to
           your
           patience
           ,
           omit
           .
           I
           shall
           close
           all
           with
           that
           good
           Collect
           of
           our
           Church
           .
        
         
           
             Almighty
             God
             ,
             give
             us
             grace
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             cast
             away
             the
             works
             of
             darkness
             ,
             and
             put
             upon
             us
             the
             armour
             of
             light
             now
             in
             the
             time
             of
             this
             mortal
             life
             ,
             in
             which
             thy
             Son
             Jesus
             Christ
          
           
           
             came
             to
             visit
             us
             in
             great
             humility
             ;
             that
             in
             the
             last
             day
             ,
             when
             he
             shall
             come
             again
             in
             his
             glorious
             Majesty
             to
             judge
             both
             the
             quick
             and
             the
             dead
             ,
             we
             may
             rise
             to
             the
             life
             immortal
             ,
             through
             him
             ,
             who
             liveth
             and
             reigneth
             with
             thee
             ,
             and
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             ;
             now
             and
             ever
             .
          
        
         
           Amen
           .
        
      
       
         
         
           SERMON
           II.
           The
           Consideration
           of
           our
           latter
           End.
           
        
         
           
             PSALM
             XC
             .
             12.
             
          
           
             So
             teach
             us
             to
             number
             our
             days
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             apply
             our
             hearts
             unto
             wisdom
             .
          
        
         
           IN
           discoursing
           formerly
           upon
           
           these
           words
           (
           expounded
           according
           to
           the
           most
           common
           and
           passable
           interpretation
           )
           that
           which
           I
           chiefly
           observed
           was
           this
           :
           That
           the
           serious
           consideration
           of
           the
           shortness
           and
           frailty
           of
           our
           life
           is
           a
           fit
           mean
           or
           rational
           instrument
           subservient
           to
           the
           bringing
           our
           hearts
           to
           
           wisedom
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           to
           the
           making
           us
           discern
           ,
           attend
           unto
           ,
           embrace
           and
           prosecute
           such
           things
           as
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           dictates
           of
           right
           reason
           ,
           are
           truly
           best
           for
           us
           .
        
         
           I.
           The
           truth
           of
           which
           observation
           I
           largely
           declared
           from
           hence
           ,
           that
           the
           said
           consideration
           disposeth
           us
           to
           judge
           rightly
           about
           those
           goods
           (
           which
           ordinarily
           court
           and
           tempt
           us
           ,
           viz.
           worldly
           glory
           and
           honour
           ;
           riches
           ,
           pleasure
           ,
           knowledge
           ;
           to
           which
           I
           might
           have
           added
           wit
           ,
           strength
           and
           beauty
           )
           what
           their
           just
           worth
           and
           value
           is
           ;
           and
           consequently
           to
           moderate
           our
           affections
           ,
           our
           cares
           ,
           our
           endeavours
           about
           them
           ;
           for
           that
           if
           all
           those
           goods
           be
           uncertain
           and
           transitory
           ,
           there
           can
           be
           no
           great
           reason
           to
           prize
           them
           much
           ,
           or
           to
           affect
           them
           vehemently
           ,
           or
           to
           spend
           much
           care
           and
           pain
           about
           them
           .
        
         
           II.
           I
           shall
           next
           in
           the
           same
           scales
           weigh
           our
           temporal
           evils
           ;
           and
           say
           ,
           
           that
           also
           ,
           The
           consideration
           of
           our
           lives
           brevity
           and
           frailty
           doth
           avail
           to
           the
           passing
           a
           true
           judgment
           of
           ,
           and
           consequently
           to
           the
           governing
           our
           passions
           ,
           and
           ordering
           our
           behaviour
           in
           respect
           to
           all
           those
           temporal
           evils
           ,
           which
           either
           according
           to
           the
           Law
           of
           our
           nature
           ,
           or
           the
           fortuitous
           course
           of
           things
           ,
           or
           the
           particular
           dispensation
           of
           providence
           do
           befall
           us
           .
           Upon
           the
           declaration
           of
           which
           point
           I
           need
           not
           insist
           much
           ,
           since
           what
           was
           before
           discoursed
           concerning
           the
           opposite
           goods
           doth
           plainly
           enough
           infer
           it
           ;
           more
           immediately
           indeed
           in
           regard
           to
           the
           
             mala
             damni
          
           ,
           or
           privationis
           ,
           (
           the
           evils
           ,
           which
           consist
           onely
           in
           the
           want
           ,
           or
           loss
           of
           temporal
           goods
           )
           but
           sufficiently
           also
           by
           a
           manifest
           parity
           of
           reason
           in
           respect
           to
           the
           
             mala
             sensus
          
           ,
           the
           real
           pains
           ,
           crosses
           and
           inconveniences
           ,
           that
           assail
           us
           in
           this
           life
           .
           For
           if
           worldly
           glory
           do
           hence
           appear
           to
           be
           no
           more
           than
           a
           transient
           blaze
           ,
           a
           fading
           shew
           ,
           a
           hollow
           sound
           ,
           a
           piece
           of
           theatrical
           pageantry
           ,
           
           the
           want
           thereof
           cannot
           be
           very
           considerable
           to
           us
           .
           Obscurity
           of
           condition
           (
           living
           in
           a
           valley
           beneath
           that
           dangerous
           height
           ,
           and
           deceitfull
           lustre
           )
           cannot
           in
           reason
           be
           deemed
           a
           very
           sad
           or
           pitifull
           thing
           ;
           which
           should
           displease
           ,
           or
           discompose
           us
           ;
           if
           we
           may
           thence
           learn
           that
           abundant
           wealth
           is
           rather
           a
           needless
           clog
           ,
           or
           a
           perillous
           snare
           ,
           than
           any
           great
           convenience
           to
           us
           ;
           we
           cannot
           well
           esteem
           to
           be
           poor
           a
           great
           inselicity
           ,
           or
           to
           undergo
           losses
           a
           grievous
           calamity
           ;
           but
           rather
           a
           benefit
           to
           be
           free
           from
           the
           distractions
           that
           attend
           it
           ;
           to
           have
           little
           to
           keep
           for
           others
           ,
           little
           to
           care
           for
           our selves
           .
           If
           these
           present
           pleasures
           be
           discerned
           hence
           to
           be
           onely
           wild
           fugitive
           dreams
           ;
           out
           of
           which
           being
           soon
           roused
           we
           shall
           onely
           find
           bitter
           regrets
           to
           abide
           ;
           why
           should
           not
           the
           wanting
           opportunities
           of
           enjoying
           them
           be
           rather
           accompted
           a
           happy
           advantage
           ,
           than
           any
           part
           of
           misery
           to
           us
           ?
           If
           it
           seem
           ,
           that
           the
           greatest
           persection
           of
           curious
           knowledge
           (
           of
           
           what
           use
           or
           ornament
           soever
           )
           after
           it
           is
           hardly
           purchased
           ,
           must
           soon
           be
           parted
           with
           ;
           to
           be
           simple
           or
           ignorant
           will
           be
           no
           great
           matter
           of
           lamentation
           ;
           as
           those
           will
           appear
           no
           solid
           goods
           ,
           so
           these
           consequently
           must
           be
           onely
           
             umbroe
             malorum
          
           ,
           phantasms
           ,
           
           or
           shadows
           of
           evil
           ,
           rather
           than
           truly
           or
           substantially
           so
           ;
           (
           evils
           created
           by
           fancy
           and
           subsisting
           thereby
           ;
           which
           reason
           should
           ,
           and
           time
           will
           surely
           remove
           .
           )
           That
           in
           being
           impatient
           or
           disconsolate
           for
           them
           ,
           we
           are
           but
           like
           children
           ,
           that
           fret
           and
           wail
           for
           the
           want
           of
           petty
           toys
           .
           And
           for
           the
           more
           real
           or
           positive
           evils
           ,
           such
           as
           violently
           assault
           nature
           ,
           whole
           impressions
           no
           reason
           can
           so
           withstand
           ,
           as
           to
           distinguish
           all
           distast
           or
           afflictive
           sense
           of
           them
           ;
           yet
           this
           consideration
           will
           aid
           to
           abate
           and
           asswage
           them
           ;
           affording
           a
           certain
           hope
           and
           prospect
           of
           approaching
           redress
           .
           It
           is
           often
           seen
           at
           Sea
           ,
           that
           Men
           (
           from
           unacquaintance
           with
           such
           agitations
           ,
           or
           from
           brackish
           steams
           arising
           from
           the
           salt
           Water
           )
           are
           
           heartily
           sick
           ,
           and
           discover
           themselves
           to
           be
           so
           by
           apparently
           grievous
           symptoms
           ;
           yet
           no
           man
           hardly
           there
           doth
           mind
           or
           pity
           them
           ,
           because
           the
           malady
           is
           not
           supposed
           dangerous
           ,
           and
           within
           a
           while
           will
           probably
           of
           it self
           pass
           over
           ;
           or
           that
           however
           ,
           the
           remedy
           is
           not
           far
           off
           ;
           the
           sight
           of
           Land
           ,
           a
           tast
           of
           the
           fresh
           Air
           will
           relieve
           them
           :
           'T
           is
           near
           our
           Case
           :
           We
           passing
           over
           this
           troublesome
           Sea
           of
           life
           :
           from
           unexperience
           ,
           joined
           with
           the
           tenderness
           of
           our
           constitution
           ,
           we
           cannot
           well
           endure
           the
           changes
           and
           crosses
           of
           fortune
           ;
           to
           be
           tossed
           up
           and
           down
           ;
           to
           suck
           in
           the
           sharp
           vapours
           of
           penury
           ,
           disgrace
           ,
           sickness
           ,
           and
           the
           like
           ,
           doth
           beget
           a
           qualm
           in
           our
           stomachs
           ;
           make
           us
           nauseate
           all
           things
           ,
           and
           appear
           sorely
           distempered
           ;
           yet
           is
           not
           our
           condition
           so
           dismal
           ,
           as
           it
           seems
           ;
           we
           may
           grow
           hardier
           ,
           and
           wear
           out
           our
           sense
           of
           affliction
           ;
           however
           ,
           the
           Land
           is
           not
           far
           off
           ,
           and
           by
           disembarking
           hence
           ,
           we
           shall
           suddenly
           be
           discharged
           of
           
           all
           our
           molestations
           .
           
           'T
           is
           a
           common
           solace
           of
           grief
           ,
           approved
           by
           
           wise
           men
           ,
           
             si
             gravis
             ,
             brevis
             est
             ;
             si
             longus
             ,
             levis
          
           ;
           
           if
           it
           be
           very
           grievous
           and
           acute
           ,
           it
           cannot
           continue
           long
           ,
           without
           intermission
           or
           respit
           ;
           if
           it
           abide
           long
           ,
           it
           is
           supportable
           ;
           
           intolerable
           pain
           is
           like
           lightening
           ,
           it
           destroys
           us
           ,
           or
           is
           it
           
           self
           instantly
           destroyed
           .
           However
           ,
           death
           at
           length
           (
           which
           never
           is
           far
           off
           )
           will
           free
           us
           ;
           be
           we
           never
           so
           much
           tossed
           with
           storms
           of
           misfortune
           ,
           that
           is
           a
           sure
           haven
           ;
           be
           we
           persecuted
           with
           never
           so
           many
           enemies
           ,
           that
           is
           a
           safe
           refuge
           ;
           let
           what
           pains
           or
           diseases
           soever
           infest
           us
           ,
           that
           is
           an
           assured
           Anodynon
           ,
           and
           infallible
           remedy
           for
           them
           all
           ;
           however
           we
           be
           wearied
           with
           the
           labours
           of
           the
           day
           ,
           the
           night
           will
           come
           and
           ease
           us
           ;
           the
           grave
           will
           become
           a
           bed
           of
           rest
           unto
           
           us
           .
           Shall
           I
           dye
           ?
           I
           shall
           then
           cease
           to
           be
           sick
           ;
           I
           shall
           be
           exempted
           from
           disgrace
           ;
           I
           shall
           be
           enlarged
           from
           prison
           ;
           I
           shall
           be
           no
           more
           pinched
           with
           want
           ;
           no
           more
           tormented
           with
           pain
           .
           Death
           is
           a
           Winter
           ,
           that
           as
           it
           withers
           the
           Rose
           and
           Lily
           ,
           so
           it
           kills
           the
           Nettle
           and
           Thistle
           ;
           as
           it
           stifles
           all
           worldly
           joy
           and
           pleasure
           ,
           so
           it
           suppresses
           all
           care
           and
           grief
           ;
           as
           it
           hushes
           the
           voice
           of
           mirth
           and
           melody
           ,
           so
           it
           stills
           the
           clamours
           ,
           and
           the
           sighs
           of
           misery
           ;
           as
           it
           defaces
           all
           the
           World's
           glory
           ,
           so
           it
           covers
           all
           disgrace
           ,
           wipes
           off
           all
           tears
           ,
           silences
           all
           complaint
           ,
           buries
           all
           disquiet
           and
           discontent
           .
           King
           Philip
           of
           Macedon
           once
           threatned
           the
           Spartans
           to
           vex
           them
           sorely
           ,
           and
           bring
           them
           into
           great
           straits
           ;
           but
           ,
           answered
           they
           ,
           
             can
             he
             hinder
             us
             from
             dying
          
           ;
           
           that
           indeed
           is
           a
           way
           of
           evading
           ,
           which
           no
           enemy
           can
           obstruct
           ,
           no
           Tyrant
           can
           debar
           Men
           from
           ;
           they
           who
           can
           deprive
           of
           life
           ,
           and
           its
           conveniences
           ,
           cannot
           take
           away
           death
           from
           them
           .
           There
           is
           a
           place
           ,
           
           Job
           tells
           us
           ,
           
             where
             the
             wicked
             cease
          
           
           
             from
             troubling
             ,
             and
             where
             the
             weary
             be
             at
             rest
             ;
             where
             the
             prisoners
             rest
             together
             ;
             they
             hear
             not
             the
             voice
             of
             the
             oppressour
             ;
             the
             small
             and
             great
             are
             there
             ;
             and
             the
             servant
             is
             free
             from
             his
             Master
             .
          
           'T
           is
           therefore
           but
           holding
           
           out
           a
           while
           ,
           and
           a
           deliverance
           from
           the
           worst
           this
           World
           can
           molest
           us
           with
           ,
           shall
           of
           its
           own
           accord
           arrive
           unto
           us
           ;
           in
           the
           mean
           time
           't
           is
           better
           that
           we
           at
           present
           owe
           the
           benefit
           of
           our
           comfort
           to
           reason
           ,
           than
           afterward
           to
           time
           ;
           by
           rational
           consideration
           to
           work
           patience
           and
           contentment
           in
           our selves
           ;
           and
           to
           use
           the
           shortness
           of
           our
           life
           as
           an
           argument
           to
           sustain
           us
           in
           our
           assliction
           ,
           than
           to
           find
           the
           end
           thereof
           onely
           a
           natural
           and
           necessary
           means
           of
           our
           rescue
           from
           it
           .
           The
           contemplation
           
           of
           this
           cannot
           fail
           to
           yield
           something
           of
           courage
           and
           solace
           to
           us
           in
           the
           greatest
           pressures
           ;
           these
           transient
           ,
           and
           short-liv'd
           evils
           ,
           if
           we
           consider
           them
           as
           so
           ,
           cannot
           appear
           such
           horrid
           bugbears
           ,
           as
           much
           to
           affright
           
           or
           dismay
           us
           ;
           if
           we
           remember
           how
           short
           they
           are
           ,
           we
           cannot
           esteem
           them
           so
           great
           ,
           or
           so
           intolerable
           .
           There
           be
           ,
           I
           must
           confess
           ,
           divers
           more
           noble
           considerations
           ,
           proper
           and
           available
           to
           cure
           discontent
           and
           impatience
           .
           The
           considering
           ,
           that
           all
           these
           evils
           proceed
           from
           God's
           just
           will
           ,
           and
           wise
           providence
           ;
           unto
           which
           it
           is
           fit
           ;
           and
           we
           upon
           all
           accompts
           are
           obliged
           readily
           to
           submit
           ;
           that
           they
           do
           ordinarily
           come
           from
           God's
           goodness
           ,
           and
           gratious
           design
           towards
           us
           ;
           that
           they
           are
           medicines
           (
           although
           ungratefull
           ,
           yet
           wholsome
           )
           administred
           by
           the
           Divine
           Wisedom
           ,
           to
           prevent
           ,
           remove
           or
           abate
           our
           distempers
           of
           soul
           (
           to
           allay
           the
           tumours
           of
           pride
           ,
           to
           cool
           the
           fevers
           of
           intemperate
           desire
           ;
           to
           rouse
           us
           from
           the
           lethargy
           of
           sloath
           ;
           to
           stop
           the
           gangrene
           of
           bad
           conscience
           )
           that
           they
           are
           fatherly
           corrections
           ,
           intended
           to
           reclaim
           us
           from
           sin
           ,
           and
           excite
           us
           to
           duty
           ;
           that
           they
           serve
           as
           instruments
           or
           occasions
           to
           exercise
           ,
           to
           try
           ,
           to
           refine
           our
           vertue
           ;
           
           to
           beget
           in
           us
           the
           hope
           ,
           to
           qualifie
           us
           for
           the
           reception
           of
           better
           rewards
           ;
           such
           discourses
           indeed
           are
           of
           a
           better
           nature
           ,
           and
           have
           a
           more
           excellent
           kind
           of
           efficacy
           :
           yet
           no
           fit
           help
           ,
           no
           good
           art
           ,
           no
           just
           weapon
           is
           to
           be
           quite
           neglected
           in
           the
           combat
           against
           our
           spiritual
           foes
           .
           A
           Pebble-stone
           hath
           been
           sometimes
           found
           more
           convenient
           than
           a
           Sword
           or
           a
           Spear
           to
           slay
           a
           Giant
           .
           Baser
           remedies
           (
           by
           reason
           of
           the
           Patient's
           constitution
           ,
           or
           circumstances
           )
           do
           sometime
           produce
           good
           effect
           ,
           when
           others
           in
           their
           own
           nature
           more
           rich
           and
           potent
           want
           efficacy
           .
           And
           surely
           frequent
           reflexions
           upon
           our
           mortality
           ,
           and
           living
           under
           the
           sense
           of
           our
           life's
           frailty
           cannot
           but
           conduce
           somewhat
           to
           the
           begetting
           in
           us
           an
           indifferency
           of
           mind
           toward
           all
           these
           temporal
           occurents
           :
           to
           extenuate
           both
           the
           goods
           and
           the
           evils
           we
           here
           meet
           with
           ;
           consequently
           therefore
           to
           compose
           and
           calm
           our
           passions
           about
           them
           .
        
         
         
           III.
           But
           I
           proceed
           to
           another
           use
           of
           that
           consideration
           we
           speak
           of
           emergent
           from
           the
           former
           ,
           but
           so
           as
           to
           improve
           it
           to
           higher
           purposes
           .
           For
           since
           it
           is
           usefull
           to
           the
           diminishing
           our
           admiration
           of
           these
           worldly
           things
           ,
           to
           the
           withdrawing
           our
           affections
           from
           them
           ,
           to
           the
           slackning
           our
           endeavours
           about
           them
           ;
           it
           will
           follow
           that
           it
           must
           conduce
           also
           to
           beget
           an
           esteem
           ,
           a
           desire
           ,
           a
           prosecution
           of
           things
           conducing
           to
           our
           future
           welfare
           ;
           both
           by
           removing
           the
           obstacles
           of
           doing
           so
           ,
           and
           by
           engaging
           us
           to
           consider
           the
           importance
           of
           those
           things
           in
           comparison
           with
           these
           .
           By
           removing
           obstacles
           I
           say
           ;
           for
           while
           our
           hearts
           are
           possessed
           with
           regard
           and
           passion
           toward
           these
           present
           things
           ,
           there
           can
           be
           no
           room
           left
           in
           them
           for
           respect
           and
           affection
           toward
           things
           future
           .
           'T
           is
           in
           our
           soul
           as
           in
           the
           rest
           of
           nature
           ;
           there
           can
           be
           no
           penetration
           of
           objects
           (
           as
           it
           were
           )
           in
           our
           hearts
           ,
           nor
           any
           vacuity
           in
           them
           ;
           
           our
           mind
           no
           more
           than
           our
           body
           can
           be
           in
           several
           places
           ,
           or
           tend
           several
           ways
           ,
           or
           abide
           in
           perfect
           rest
           ;
           yet
           some-where
           it
           will
           always
           be
           ;
           some-whither
           it
           will
           always
           go
           ;
           some-what
           it
           will
           ever
           be
           doing
           .
           If
           we
           
             have
             a
             treasure
          
           here
           (
           some-what
           
           we
           greatly
           like
           and
           much
           confide
           in
           )
           
             our
             hearts
             will
             be
             here
          
           with
           it
           ;
           and
           if
           here
           ,
           they
           cannot
           be
           otherwhere
           ;
           they
           will
           be
           taken
           up
           ;
           they
           will
           rest
           satisfied
           ;
           they
           will
           not
           care
           to
           seek
           farther
           .
           If
           we
           affect
           
           worldly
           glory
           and
           delight
           in
           the
           applause
           of
           men
           ,
           we
           shall
           not
           be
           so
           carefull
           to
           please
           God
           ,
           and
           seek
           his
           favour
           .
           If
           we
           admire
           and
           repose
           confidence
           in
           riches
           ,
           it
           will
           make
           us
           neglectfull
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           distrustfull
           of
           his
           Providence
           ;
           if
           our
           
           mind
           thirsts
           after
           ,
           and
           sucks
           in
           greedily
           sensual
           pleasures
           ,
           we
           shall
           not
           relish
           spiritual
           delights
           ,
           attending
           the
           practice
           of
           vertue
           and
           piety
           ,
           or
           arising
           from
           good
           conscience
           ;
           adhering
           to
           ,
           attending
           upon
           Masters
           of
           so
           different
           ,
           so
           opposite
           a
           quality
           
           is
           inconsistent
           ;
           they
           cannot
           abide
           peaceably
           together
           ,
           they
           cannot
           both
           rule
           in
           our
           narrow
           breasts
           ;
           we
           shall
           love
           and
           hold
           to
           the
           one
           ;
           hate
           and
           despise
           the
           other
           .
           
             If
             any
          
           
           
             man
             love
             the
             World
             ,
             the
             love
             of
             the
             Father
             is
             not
             in
             him
          
           ;
           the
           love
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           as
           the
           present
           guest
           ,
           so
           occupies
           and
           fills
           the
           room
           ;
           that
           it
           will
           not
           admit
           ,
           cannot
           hold
           the
           love
           of
           God.
           But
           when
           the
           heart
           is
           discharged
           and
           emptied
           of
           these
           things
           ;
           when
           we
           begin
           to
           despise
           them
           as
           base
           and
           vain
           ;
           to
           distast
           them
           as
           insipid
           and
           unsavoury
           ;
           then
           naturally
           will
           succeed
           a
           desire
           after
           other
           things
           promising
           a
           more
           solid
           content
           ;
           and
           desire
           will
           breed
           endeavour
           ;
           and
           endeavour
           (
           furthered
           by
           God's
           assistence
           always
           ready
           to
           back
           it
           )
           will
           yeild
           such
           a
           glimps
           and
           taste
           of
           those
           things
           ,
           as
           will
           so
           comfort
           and
           satisfie
           our
           minds
           ,
           that
           thereby
           they
           will
           be
           drawn
           and
           engaged
           into
           a
           more
           earnest
           prosecution
           of
           them
           .
           When
           (
           I
           say
           )
           driving
           on
           ambitious
           Projects
           ,
           heaping
           
           up
           Wealth
           ,
           providing
           for
           the
           flesh
           (
           by
           our
           reflecting
           on
           the
           shortness
           and
           frailty
           of
           our
           life
           )
           become
           so
           insipid
           to
           us
           ,
           that
           we
           find
           little
           appetite
           to
           them
           ,
           or
           relish
           in
           them
           ;
           our
           restless
           minds
           will
           begin
           to
           hunger
           and
           thirst
           after
           righteousness
           ,
           desiring
           some
           satisfaction
           thence
           :
           Discerning
           these
           secular
           and
           carnal
           fruitions
           to
           be
           mere
           husks
           (
           the
           
           proper
           food
           of
           swine
           )
           we
           shall
           bethink
           our selves
           of
           that
           better
           nourishment
           (
           of
           rational
           or
           spiritual
           comfort
           )
           which
           our
           Fathers
           house
           doth
           afford
           to
           his
           children
           and
           servants
           .
           Being
           somewhat
           disentangled
           from
           the
           care
           of
           our
           sarms
           and
           our
           trafficks
           ;
           from
           yoaking
           our
           oxen
           and
           being
           married
           to
           our
           present
           delights
           ;
           we
           may
           be
           at
           leisure
           ,
           and
           in
           disposition
           to
           comply
           with
           divine
           invitations
           to
           entertainments
           spiritual
           .
           Experiencing
           ,
           that
           our
           
           trade
           about
           these
           petty
           commodities
           turns
           to
           small
           accompt
           ,
           and
           that
           in
           the
           end
           we
           shall
           be
           nothing
           richer
           thereby
           ;
           reason
           will
           induce
           us
           
           with
           the
           Merchant
           in
           the
           Gospel
           
             to
             sell
             all
             that
             we
             have
          
           (
           to
           forego
           our
           
           present
           interests
           and
           designs
           )
           for
           the
           purchasing
           that
           
             rich
             Pearl
          
           of
           God's
           Kingdom
           ,
           which
           will
           yeild
           so
           exceeding
           profit
           ;
           the
           gain
           of
           present
           comfort
           to
           our
           conscience
           ,
           and
           eternal
           happiness
           to
           our
           souls
           .
           In
           fine
           ,
           when
           we
           consider
           seriously
           ,
           that
           
             we
             have
             here
             no
             abiding
             City
             ,
          
           
           but
           are
           onely
           
             sojourners
             and
             pilgrims
             upon
             Earth
          
           ;
           that
           all
           our
           care
           and
           pain
           here
           do
           regard
           onely
           an
           uncertain
           and
           transitory
           state
           ;
           and
           will
           therefore
           suddenly
           as
           to
           all
           fruit
           and
           benefit
           be
           lost
           unto
           us
           ;
           this
           will
           suggest
           unto
           us
           ,
           with
           the
           good
           Patriarchs
           ,
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
             to
             long
             after
             a
             better
             Countrey
          
           ;
           a
           
           more
           assured
           ,
           and
           lasting
           state
           of
           life
           ;
           where
           we
           may
           enjoy
           some
           certain
           and
           durable
           repose
           ;
           to
           tend
           homeward
           ,
           in
           our
           desires
           and
           hopes
           ,
           toward
           those
           eternal
           Mansions
           of
           joy
           and
           rest
           prepared
           for
           God's
           faithfull
           Servants
           in
           Heaven
           .
           Thus
           will
           this
           consideration
           help
           toward
           the
           bringing
           
           us
           to
           inquire
           after
           and
           regard
           the
           things
           concerning
           our
           future
           state
           ;
           and
           in
           the
           result
           will
           engage
           us
           to
           compare
           them
           with
           these
           present
           things
           ,
           as
           to
           our
           concernment
           in
           them
           and
           the
           consequence
           of
           them
           to
           our
           advantage
           or
           damage
           ,
           whence
           a
           right
           judgment
           ,
           and
           a
           congruous
           practice
           will
           naturally
           follow
           .
           There
           be
           four
           ways
           of
           comparing
           the
           things
           relating
           to
           this
           present
           life
           with
           those
           which
           respect
           our
           future
           state
           :
           Comparing
           the
           goods
           of
           this
           with
           the
           goods
           of
           that
           ;
           the
           evils
           of
           this
           with
           the
           evils
           of
           that
           ;
           the
           goods
           of
           this
           with
           the
           evils
           of
           that
           ;
           the
           evils
           of
           this
           with
           the
           goods
           of
           that
           .
           All
           these
           comparisons
           we
           may
           find
           often
           made
           in
           Scripture
           ;
           in
           order
           to
           the
           informing
           our
           judgment
           about
           the
           respective
           value
           of
           both
           sorts
           ;
           the
           present
           consideration
           intervening
           ,
           as
           a
           standard
           to
           measure
           and
           try
           them
           by
           .
        
         
           First
           then
           ;
           comparing
           the
           present
           goods
           with
           those
           which
           concern
           our
           future
           state
           ,
           since
           the
           transitoriness
           
           and
           uncertainty
           of
           temporal
           goods
           detract
           from
           their
           worth
           ,
           and
           render
           them
           in
           great
           degree
           contemptible
           ;
           but
           the
           durability
           and
           certainty
           of
           spiritual
           goods
           doth
           encrease
           their
           rate
           ,
           and
           make
           them
           exceedingly
           valuable
           ;
           't
           is
           evident
           hence
           ,
           that
           spiritual
           goods
           are
           infinitely
           to
           be
           preferred
           in
           our
           opinion
           ,
           to
           be
           more
           willingly
           embraced
           ,
           to
           be
           more
           zealously
           pursued
           than
           temporal
           goods
           ,
           that
           in
           case
           of
           competition
           ,
           when
           both
           cannot
           be
           enjoyed
           ,
           we
           are
           in
           reason
           obliged
           readily
           to
           part
           with
           all
           these
           ,
           rather
           than
           to
           forfeit
           our
           title
           unto
           ,
           or
           hazard
           our
           hope
           of
           those
           .
           Thus
           in
           the
           Scripture
           it
           is
           often
           discoursed
           :
           
             The
             world
          
           (
           saith
           St.
           
             John
             )
             passeth
          
           
           
             away
             ,
             and
             the
             desire
             thereof
             ;
             but
             he
             that
             doeth
             the
             will
             of
             God
             abideth
             for
             ever
             :
          
           The
           World
           ,
           and
           all
           that
           is
           desirable
           therein
           is
           transient
           ;
           but
           obedience
           to
           God's
           commandments
           is
           of
           an
           everlasting
           consequence
           ;
           whence
           he
           infers
           ,
           that
           we
           should
           
             not
             love
             the
             world
          
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           not
           entertain
           
           such
           an
           affection
           thereto
           ,
           as
           may
           any
           way
           prejudice
           the
           love
           of
           God
           ,
           or
           hinder
           the
           obedience
           springing
           thence
           ,
           or
           suitable
           thereto
           .
        
         
           
             All
             flesh
             is
             grass
          
           (
           saith
           St.
           Peter
           )
           
           
             and
             all
             the
             glory
             of
             man
             as
             the
             flower
             of
             the
             grass
             ;
             the
             grass
             withereth
             ,
             and
             the
             flower
             thereof
             falleth
             away
             ;
             but
             the
             word
             of
             the
             Lord
             endureth
             for
             ever
             :
          
           All
           worldly
           glory
           is
           frail
           and
           fading
           ,
           but
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           is
           eternally
           firm
           and
           permanent
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           the
           good
           things
           by
           God
           promised
           to
           them
           ,
           who
           faithfully
           serve
           him
           ,
           shall
           infallibly
           be
           conferred
           on
           them
           to
           their
           everlasting
           benefit
           ;
           whence
           it
           follows
           ,
           that
           as
           he
           exhorts
           ,
           we
           are
           bound
           to
           gird
           up
           the
           loins
           of
           our
           mind
           ,
           to
           be
           sober
           ,
           and
           hope
           to
           
           the
           end
           ;
           to
           proceed
           and
           persist
           constantly
           in
           faithfull
           obedience
           to
           God.
           
             Charge
             those
          
           (
           saith
           St.
           
             Paul
             )
             who
             are
             rich
             in
             this
             world
             ,
             that
             they
          
           
           
             be
             not
             high-minded
             ,
             nor
             trust
             in
             uncertain
             riches
             ,
             but
             in
             the
             living
             God
             ;
             that
             they
             do
             good
             ,
             be
             rich
             in
             good
             works
             ,
             ready
             to
             distribute
             ,
             willing
             to
          
           
           
             communicate
             ;
             treasuring
             up
             for
             themselves
             a
             good
             foundation
             for
             the
             future
             ;
             that
             they
             may
             attain
             everlasting
             life
             :
          
           Since
           ,
           argues
           he
           ,
           present
           riches
           are
           of
           uncertain
           ,
           and
           short
           continuance
           ;
           but
           faith
           and
           obedience
           to
           God
           ,
           exercised
           in
           our
           charity
           and
           mercy
           toward
           men
           ,
           are
           a
           certain
           stock
           improveable
           to
           our
           eternal
           interest
           ;
           therefore
           be
           not
           proud
           of
           ,
           nor
           relie
           upon
           those
           ,
           but
           regard
           especially
           ,
           and
           employ
           our selves
           upon
           these
           .
           Our
           Saviour
           himself
           doth
           often
           insist
           upon
           ,
           and
           inculcate
           this
           comparison
           :
           
             Treasure
             not
          
           
           
             unto
             your selves
             treasures
             upon
             earth
             ,
             where
             moth
             and
             rust
             do
             corrupt
             ;
             and
             where
             thieves
             break
             through
             and
             steal
             ;
             but
             treasure
             up
             to
             your selves
             treasures
             in
             heaven
             ,
             where
             moth
             and
             rust
             do
             not
             corrupt
             ,
             and
             where
             thieves
             do
             not
             break
             through
             and
             steal
             .
             Do
             not
             take
          
           
           
             care
             for
             your
             soul
             ,
             what
             ye
             shall
             eat
             ,
             and
             what
             ye
             shall
             drink
             ;
             nor
             for
             your
             body
             ,
             what
             ye
             shall
             put
             on
             ;
             but
             seek
             first
             the
             kingdom
             of
             God.
             Labour
             not
          
           
           
             for
             the
             food
             that
             perisheth
             ,
             but
             for
             the
          
           
           
             food
             that
             abideth
             to
             eternal
             life
             ;
             sell
          
           
           
             your
             substance
             ,
             and
             give
             alms
             ;
             provide
             your selves
             bags
             that
             wax
             not
             old
             ;
             an
             indefectible
             treasure
             in
             the
             heavens
             :
          
           Thus
           doth
           the
           holy
           Scripture
           ,
           setting
           forth
           the
           uncertainty
           and
           transitoriness
           of
           the
           present
           ,
           the
           certainty
           and
           permanency
           of
           future
           goods
           ,
           declare
           the
           excellency
           of
           these
           above
           those
           ;
           advising
           thereupon
           ,
           with
           highest
           reason
           ,
           that
           we
           willingly
           reject
           those
           (
           in
           real
           effect
           ,
           if
           need
           be
           ,
           however
           always
           in
           ready
           disposition
           of
           mind
           )
           in
           order
           to
           the
           procuring
           or
           securing
           of
           these
           .
           It
           also
           ,
           for
           our
           example
           and
           encouragement
           ,
           commends
           to
           us
           the
           wisedom
           and
           vertue
           of
           those
           Persons
           ,
           who
           have
           effectually
           practised
           this
           duty
           :
           of
           
             Abraham
             ,
             our
             Father
          
           ,
           who
           ,
           
           in
           expectation
           of
           that
           well-founded
           City
           ,
           made
           and
           built
           by
           God
           ,
           did
           readily
           desert
           his
           Countrey
           and
           Kindred
           ,
           with
           all
           present
           accommodations
           of
           life
           ;
           of
           Moses
           ,
           who
           disregarded
           
           the
           splendors
           and
           delights
           of
           a
           great
           Court
           ;
           rejected
           the
           alliance
           
           of
           a
           great
           Princess
           ,
           and
           
             refused
             to
             be
             called
             the
             son
             of
             Pharaoh's
             daughter
          
           ;
           in
           respect
           to
           the
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           that
           future
           distribution
           of
           reward
           ;
           a
           share
           wherein
           shall
           assuredly
           fall
           to
           them
           ,
           who
           above
           all
           other
           considerations
           regard
           the
           performance
           of
           their
           duty
           to
           God
           ,
           of
           the
           Apostles
           ,
           who
           
             forsook
             all
          
           ,
           Parents
           ,
           Brethren
           ,
           
           Lands
           ,
           Houses
           ,
           Trades
           ,
           receits
           of
           Custome
           ,
           to
           follow
           Christ
           ;
           him
           at
           present
           poor
           ,
           and
           naked
           of
           all
           secular
           honour
           ,
           power
           ,
           wealth
           and
           delight
           ;
           in
           hope
           onely
           to
           receive
           from
           him
           divine
           benefits
           ,
           and
           future
           preserments
           in
           his
           Kingdom
           ;
           of
           Mary
           ,
           
           who
           neglecting
           present
           affairs
           ,
           and
           seating
           her self
           at
           Jesus
           his
           feet
           ,
           attending
           to
           his
           discipline
           ;
           is
           commended
           for
           her
           wisedom
           ,
           in
           minding
           the
           
             onely
             necessary
             thing
          
           ;
           in
           chusing
           
             the
             better
             part
             ,
             which
             could
             never
             be
             taken
             from
             her
             :
          
           of
           St.
           Paul
           ,
           who
           
             accompted
             all
             his
             gains
          
           (
           all
           his
           worldly
           
           interests
           and
           priviledges
           )
           
             to
             be
             damage
          
           ,
           to
           be
           
             dung
             in
             respect
             to
             Christ
             ,
             and
             the
             excellent
             knowledge
             of
          
           
           him
           ,
           with
           the
           benefits
           thence
           accruing
           to
           him
           .
           On
           the
           contrary
           there
           we
           have
           Esau
           condemned
           and
           stigmatized
           for
           
             a
             profane
          
           and
           a
           vain
           person
           ,
           who
           (
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           )
           for
           
           
             one
             little
             eating-bout
          
           ;
           one
           meis
           of
           Pottage
           (
           for
           a
           little
           present
           satisfaction
           of
           sense
           ,
           or
           for
           the
           sustenance
           of
           this
           srail
           life
           )
           did
           withgo
           his
           birthright
           ,
           that
           embleme
           of
           spiritual
           blessings
           and
           priviledges
           .
           We
           
           have
           again
           represented
           to
           us
           that
           unhappy
           young
           Gentleman
           ;
           who
           though
           he
           had
           good
           qualities
           ,
           rendring
           him
           amiable
           even
           to
           our
           Saviour
           ;
           and
           had
           been
           trained
           up
           in
           the
           observance
           of
           God's
           Commandments
           ;
           yet
           not
           being
           content
           to
           part
           with
           his
           large
           Possessions
           ,
           in
           lieu
           of
           the
           treasure
           by
           Christ
           offered
           in
           Heaven
           ,
           was
           reputed
           deficient
           ;
           could
           find
           no
           acceptance
           with
           God
           ,
           nor
           admission
           into
           his
           Kingdom
           ;
           for
           a
           petty
           temporal
           commodity
           forfeiting
           an
           infinite
           eternal
           advantage
           .
           For
           ,
           saith
           our
           Saviour
           ,
           
             He
             that
             loveth
             father
             or
             mother
             above
          
           
           
           
             me
             ;
             he
             that
             doth
             not
             hate
             father
          
           
           
             and
             mother
             ,
             wife
             and
             children
             ,
             brothers
             and
             sisters
             ,
             yea
             his
             own
             life
             (
             for
             me
             and
             the
             Gospel
             )
             is
             not
             worthy
             of
          
           
           
             me
             ,
             nor
             can
             be
             my
             disciple
             .
          
           He
           that
           in
           his
           esteem
           or
           affection
           doth
           prefer
           any
           temporal
           advantages
           before
           the
           benefits
           tendered
           by
           our
           Saviour
           (
           yea
           doth
           not
           in
           comparison
           despise
           ,
           renounce
           and
           reject
           his
           dearest
           contents
           of
           life
           ,
           and
           the
           very
           capacity
           of
           enjoying
           them
           ,
           his
           life
           it self
           )
           doth
           not
           deserve
           to
           be
           reckoned
           among
           the
           Disciples
           of
           Christ
           ;
           to
           be
           so
           much
           as
           a
           Pretender
           to
           eternal
           joy
           ,
           or
           a
           candidate
           of
           immortality
           .
           Our
           Saviour
           rejects
           all
           such
           unwise
           and
           perverse
           traders
           ,
           who
           will
           not
           exchange
           brittle
           glass
           for
           solid
           gold
           ;
           counterfeit
           glistering
           stones
           for
           genuine
           most
           pretious
           jewels
           ;
           a
           garland
           of
           fading
           flowers
           for
           an
           incorruptible
           Crown
           of
           Glory
           ;
           a
           small
           temporary
           pension
           for
           a
           vastly
           rich
           freehold
           ;
           
             an
             inheritance
          
           
           
             incorruptible
             and
             undefiled
             ,
             and
             that
             fadeth
             not
             away
             ,
             reserved
             in
             the
          
           
           heavens
           .
           Thus
           doth
           the
           Holy
           Scripture
           teach
           us
           to
           compare
           these
           sorts
           of
           good
           things
           ;
        
         
           And
           ,
           secondly
           ,
           so
           also
           doth
           it
           to
           compare
           the
           evils
           of
           both
           states
           ;
           for
           that
           seeing
           ,
           as
           the
           soon
           ceasing
           of
           temporal
           mischiefs
           should
           (
           in
           reasonable
           proceeding
           )
           diminish
           the
           fear
           of
           them
           ,
           and
           mitigate
           the
           grief
           for
           them
           ;
           so
           the
           incessant
           continuance
           of
           spiritual
           evils
           doth
           (
           according
           to
           just
           estimation
           )
           render
           them
           hugely
           grievous
           and
           formidable
           ;
           't
           is
           plain
           ,
           that
           we
           should
           much
           more
           dislike
           ,
           abominate
           ,
           and
           shun
           spiritual
           evils
           ,
           than
           temporal
           ;
           that
           we
           should
           make
           no
           question
           rather
           to
           endure
           these
           paroxysms
           of
           momentany
           pain
           ,
           than
           incur
           those
           chronical
           and
           (
           indeed
           )
           incurable
           maladies
           ;
           that
           we
           should
           run
           willingly
           into
           these
           shallow
           plashes
           of
           present
           inconvenience
           ,
           rather
           than
           plunge
           our selves
           into
           those
           unfathomable
           depths
           of
           eternal
           misery
           .
           There
           is
           (
           I
           suppose
           )
           no
           man
           ,
           who
           would
           not
           accompt
           it
           a
           very
           great
           calamity
           
           (
           such
           as
           hardly
           greater
           could
           befall
           him
           here
           )
           to
           have
           
             his
             right
          
           
           
             eye
             plucked
             out
          
           ,
           and
           
             his
             right
             hand
             cut
             off
          
           ,
           and
           
             his
             foot
          
           taken
           from
           him
           ;
           to
           be
           deformed
           and
           maimed
           ,
           so
           that
           he
           can
           do
           nothing
           ,
           or
           stir
           any
           whither
           ;
           yet
           our
           Lord
           represents
           these
           to
           us
           as
           inconsiderable
           evils
           ,
           yea
           as
           things
           very
           eligible
           and
           advantageous
           in
           comparison
           of
           those
           mischiefs
           ,
           which
           the
           voluntary
           not
           embracing
           them
           ,
           in
           case
           we
           cannot
           otherwise
           than
           by
           so
           doing
           avoid
           sin
           ,
           will
           bring
           on
           us
           :
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
             it
             is
          
           (
           saith
           he
           )
           
             profitable
             for
             thee
             ,
             that
             one
             of
             thy
             members
             be
             lost
             ,
             rather
             than
             that
             thy
             whole
             body
             be
             cast
             into
             hell
          
           ;
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
             't
             is
             good
          
           ,
           't
           is
           excellent
           for
           thee
           
             to
             enter
             into
             life
             lame
             and
             maimed
             ,
             and
             one
             ey'd
             ,
             rather
             than
             having
             two
             hands
             ,
             and
             two
             feet
             ,
             and
             two
             eyes
          
           (
           in
           all
           integrity
           and
           beauty
           of
           this
           temporal
           ,
           or
           corporal
           state
           )
           
             to
             be
             cast
             into
             eternal
             fire
             .
          
           To
           be
           banished
           from
           ones
           native
           soil
           ,
           secluded
           from
           all
           comforts
           of
           friendly
           acquaintance
           ,
           devested
           irrecoverably
           
           of
           great
           estate
           and
           dignity
           ;
           becoming
           a
           vagrant
           and
           a
           servant
           in
           vile
           employment
           ,
           in
           a
           strange
           Countrey
           ,
           every
           Man
           would
           be
           apt
           to
           deem
           a
           wretched
           condition
           ;
           yet
           Moses
           ,
           we
           
           see
           ,
           freely
           chose
           it
           ,
           rather
           than
           by
           enjoying
           unlawfull
           pleasures
           at
           home
           ,
           in
           Pharaoh's
           Court
           ,
           to
           incur
           God's
           displeasure
           and
           vengeance
           :
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
             chusing
             rather
             to
             undergo
             evil
             together
             with
             God's
             people
             ,
             than
             to
             have
          
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
             a
             temporary
             fruition
             of
             sinfull
             delight
             ,
          
           dangerous
           to
           the
           welfare
           of
           his
           soul.
           Death
           is
           commonly
           esteemed
           the
           most
           extream
           and
           terrible
           of
           evils
           incident
           to
           man
           ;
           yet
           our
           Saviour
           bids
           us
           not
           to
           regard
           or
           fear
           it
           ,
           in
           comparison
           of
           that
           deadly
           ruine
           ,
           which
           we
           adventure
           on
           by
           offending
           God
           :
           
             I
             say
             unto
             you
             my
             friends
          
           (
           saith
           he
           ,
           
           he
           intended
           it
           for
           the
           most
           friendly
           advice
           )
           
             be
             not
             afraid
             of
             them
             that
             kill
             the
             body
             ,
             and
             after
             that
             have
             nothing
             farther
             to
             do
             ;
             but
             I
             will
             shew
             you
             whom
             ye
             shall
             fear
             ;
             Fear
             him
             ,
             who
          
           
           
             after
             he
             hath
             killed
             ,
             hath
             power
             to
             cast
             into
             hell
          
           ;
           to
           cast
           both
           body
           and
           soul
           into
           Hell
           ,
           and
           destroy
           them
           therein
           ;
           
             Yea
             ,
             I
             say
             unto
             you
          
           (
           so
           he
           inculcates
           and
           impresses
           it
           upon
           them
           )
           
             fear
             him
          
           .
        
         
           But
           thirdly
           ;
           Considering
           the
           good
           things
           of
           this
           life
           together
           with
           the
           evils
           of
           that
           ,
           which
           is
           to
           come
           ;
           Since
           enjoying
           these
           goods
           in
           comparison
           with
           enduring
           those
           evils
           is
           but
           rejoicing
           for
           a
           moment
           in
           respect
           of
           mourning
           to
           eternity
           ;
           if
           upon
           the
           seeming
           sweetness
           of
           these
           enjoyments
           to
           our
           carnal
           appetite
           be
           consequent
           a
           remediless
           distempering
           of
           our
           soul
           ;
           so
           that
           what
           tasts
           like
           honey
           proves
           gall
           in
           the
           digestion
           ;
           gripes
           our
           bowels
           ,
           gnaws
           our
           heart
           ,
           and
           stings
           our
           conscience
           for
           ever
           ;
           if
           present
           mirth
           and
           jollity
           have
           a
           tendency
           to
           that
           dreadfull
           weeping
           and
           wailing
           and
           gnashing
           of
           teeth
           threatened
           in
           the
           Gospel
           ;
           if
           for
           the
           praise
           and
           favour
           of
           a
           few
           giddy
           men
           here
           we
           venture
           eternal
           shame
           and
           confusion
           before
           God
           
           and
           Angels
           and
           all
           good
           men
           hereafter
           ;
           if
           for
           attaining
           or
           preserving
           a
           small
           stock
           of
           uncertain
           riches
           in
           this
           World
           we
           shall
           reduce
           our selves
           into
           a
           state
           of
           most
           uncomfortable
           nakedness
           and
           penury
           in
           the
           other
           .
           'T
           is
           clear
           as
           the
           Sun
           that
           we
           are
           downright
           fools
           and
           mad-men
           ,
           if
           we
           do
           not
           upon
           these
           accompts
           rather
           willingly
           reject
           all
           these
           good
           things
           ,
           than
           hazard
           incurring
           any
           of
           those
           evils
           ;
           for
           ,
           saith
           truth
           it self
           ,
           
             What
             will
             it
             profit
             a
             man
             ,
             if
             he
             gain
             the
             whole
             World
          
           (
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           
           )
           
             and
             be
             endamaged
             as
             to
             his
             soul
             ,
          
           or
           lose
           his
           soul
           as
           a
           mulct
           .
           'T
           is
           a
           very
           disadvantageous
           bargain
           for
           all
           the
           conveniences
           this
           World
           can
           afford
           to
           be
           deprived
           of
           the
           comforts
           of
           our
           immortal
           state
           .
           But
           ,
        
         
           Lastly
           ,
           comparing
           the
           evils
           of
           this
           life
           with
           the
           benefits
           of
           the
           future
           ,
           since
           the
           worst
           tempests
           of
           this
           life
           will
           be
           soon
           blown
           over
           ,
           the
           bitterest
           crosses
           must
           expire
           (
           if
           not
           before
           ,
           however
           )
           with
           our
           breath
           ;
           
           but
           the
           good
           things
           of
           the
           future
           state
           are
           immutable
           and
           perpetual
           ;
           't
           is
           in
           evident
           consequence
           most
           reasonable
           ;
           that
           we
           freely
           (
           if
           need
           be
           )
           undertake
           ,
           and
           patiently
           endure
           these
           for
           the
           sake
           of
           those
           ;
           that
           in
           hope
           of
           that
           
             incorruptible
             inheritance
          
           ,
           
           
             laid
             up
             for
             us
             in
             Heaven
             ,
          
           we
           not
           only
           support
           and
           comfort
           our selves
           ,
           but
           even
           rejoice
           and
           exult
           in
           all
           the
           afflictions
           by
           God's
           wise
           and
           just
           dispensation
           imposed
           on
           us
           here
           ;
           as
           they
           in
           St.
           Peter
           ;
           wherein
           (
           saith
           
           he
           )
           
             ye
             greatly
             rejoice
             (
             or
             exult
             ,
             )
             being
             for
             a
             little
             while
             as
             in
             heaviness
             through
             manifold
          
           *
           
             afflictions
             or
             trials
             .
             Accompting
             it
             all
             joy
          
           (
           saith
           St.
           
             James
             )
             when
             ye
             fall
             into
             divers
             temptations
          
           (
           that
           is
           afflictions
           or
           trials
           )
           
             knowing
             that
             the
             trial
             of
             your
             faith
             perfecteth
             patience
          
           ;
           that
           is
           ,
           seeing
           the
           sufferance
           of
           these
           present
           evils
           conduceth
           to
           the
           furtherance
           of
           your
           spiritual
           and
           eternal
           welfare
           .
           And
           ,
           
             We
             glory
             intribulation
          
           ,
           saith
           St.
           Paul
           ;
           rendring
           the
           same
           accompt
           ,
           because
           
           it
           tended
           to
           their
           souls
           advantage
           :
           
           St.
           Paul
           ,
           than
           whom
           no
           man
           perhaps
           ever
           more
           deeply
           tasted
           of
           the
           cup
           of
           affliction
           ;
           and
           that
           tempered
           with
           all
           the
           most
           bitter
           ingredients
           which
           this
           World
           can
           produce
           ;
           Whose
           life
           was
           spent
           
           in
           continual
           agitation
           and
           unsettledness
           ;
           in
           all
           hardships
           of
           travel
           and
           labour
           and
           care
           ;
           in
           extreme
           sufferance
           of
           all
           pains
           both
           of
           body
           and
           mind
           ;
           in
           all
           imaginable
           dangers
           and
           difficulties
           and
           distresses
           ,
           that
           nature
           exposes
           man
           unto
           ,
           or
           humane
           malice
           can
           bring
           upon
           him
           ;
           in
           all
           wants
           of
           natural
           comfort
           (
           food
           ,
           sleep
           ,
           shelter
           ,
           liberty
           ,
           health
           )
           in
           all
           kinds
           of
           disgrace
           and
           contumely
           ;
           as
           you
           may
           see
           in
           those
           large
           inventories
           of
           his
           sufferings
           ,
           registred
           by
           himself
           ,
           in
           the
           6th
           and
           
           11th
           Chapters
           of
           his
           2d
           Epistle
           to
           the
           Corinthians
           ;
           Yet
           all
           this
           considering
           the
           good
           things
           he
           expected
           afterward
           to
           enjoy
           ,
           he
           accompted
           very
           slight
           and
           tolerable
           :
           For
           (
           saith
           
           he
           )
           
             our
             lightness
             of
             affliction
             ,
             that
             is
             for
             a
             little
             while
             here
             ,
             worketh
             for
             us
          
           
           
             a
             far
             more
             exceeding
             weight
             of
             glory
             ;
             while
             we
             look
             not
             at
             the
             things
             which
             are
             seen
             ;
             but
             at
             those
             ,
             which
             are
             not
             seen
             ;
             for
             the
             things
             which
             are
             seen
             are
             temporal
             ;
             but
             the
             things
             which
             are
             not
             seen
             are
             eternal
             .
             For
             we
             know
             ,
             that
             when
             our
             earthly
             house
             of
             this
             tabernacle
          
           (
           of
           this
           unsteady
           transitory
           abode
           )
           
             is
             dissolved
             we
             are
             to
             have
             a
             tabernacle
             from
             God
             ,
             a
             house
             not
             made
             with
             hands
             ,
             eternal
             in
             the
             Heavens
             .
             I
             reckon
             ,
          
           saith
           he
           
           again
           ,
           (
           that
           is
           having
           made
           a
           due
           comparison
           and
           computation
           I
           find
           )
           
             that
             the
             sufferings
             of
             this
             present
             time
             are
             not
             worthy
          
           (
           that
           is
           are
           not
           considerable
           ,
           come
           under
           no
           rate
           or
           proportion
           )
           
             in
             respect
             of
             the
             glory
             which
             shall
             be
             revealed
          
           (
           or
           openly
           conferred
           )
           
             upon
             us
          
           .
           The
           like
           opinion
           had
           those
           faithfull
           Christians
           ,
           in
           the
           Epistle
           to
           the
           Hebrews
           ,
           of
           
           whom
           't
           is
           said
           ,
           that
           
             being
             exposed
             to
             publick
             scorn
             as
             in
             a
             theatre
             ,
             with
             reproaches
             and
             afflictions
             ,
             they
             did
             with
             gladness
             accept
             the
             spoiling
          
           *
           (
           or
           rapine
           )
           
             of
             their
             goods
             ;
             knowing
             that
          
           
           
             they
             had
             in
             Heaven
             a
             better
             and
             more
             induring
             substance
             .
          
           But
           the
           principal
           example
           (
           most
           obliging
           our
           imitation
           )
           of
           this
           wise
           choice
           is
           that
           of
           our
           Lord
           himself
           ;
           who
           ,
           in
           contemplation
           of
           the
           future
           great
           satisfaction
           and
           reward
           of
           patient
           submission
           to
           the
           divine
           will
           ,
           did
           willingly
           undergo
           the
           greatest
           of
           temporal
           sorrows
           and
           ignominies
           ;
           Who
           (
           saith
           the
           
             Apostle
             to
             the
             Hebrews
          
           ,
           
           propounding
           his
           example
           to
           us
           )
           
             for
             the
             joy
             that
             was
             set
             before
             him
             endured
             the
             Cross
             ,
             despising
             the
             shame
             ,
             and
             is
             set
             down
             at
             the
             right
             hand
             of
             God.
             
          
        
         
           Thus
           immediately
           ,
           or
           by
           an
           easie
           inference
           doth
           the
           consideration
           of
           this
           lifes
           shortness
           and
           uncertainty
           confer
           to
           that
           main
           part
           of
           wisedom
           ,
           rightly
           to
           value
           the
           things
           about
           which
           we
           are
           conversant
           ;
           disposing
           us
           consequently
           to
           moderate
           our
           affections
           ,
           and
           rightly
           to
           guide
           our
           actions
           about
           them
           ;
           fitting
           us
           therefore
           for
           the
           performance
           of
           those
           duties
           so
           often
           enjoined
           
           us
           ;
           of
           not
           caring
           for
           ,
           not
           trusting
           in
           ,
           not
           minding
           (
           unduly
           that
           is
           ,
           and
           immoderately
           )
           things
           below
           ;
           of
           dying
           to
           this
           World
           and
           taking
           up
           our
           cross
           ,
           or
           contentedly
           suffering
           (
           in
           submission
           to
           God's
           will
           )
           all
           loss
           and
           inconvenience
           ;
           as
           also
           to
           the
           placing
           our
           meditation
           and
           care
           ;
           our
           love
           and
           desire
           ;
           our
           hope
           and
           confidence
           ;
           our
           joy
           and
           satisfaction
           ;
           our
           most
           earnest
           pains
           and
           endeavours
           upon
           things
           divine
           ,
           spiritual
           and
           eternal
           .
        
         
           IV.
           I
           proceed
           to
           another
           general
           benefit
           of
           that
           general
           consideration
           ;
           which
           is
           that
           it
           may
           engage
           us
           to
           a
           good
           improvement
           of
           our
           time
           ;
           the
           doing
           which
           is
           a
           very
           considerable
           piece
           of
           wisedom
           .
           For
           if
           time
           be
           ,
           (
           as
           Theophrastus
           called
           
           it
           truly
           )
           
             a
             thing
             of
             most
             pretious
             value
          
           (
           or
           expence
           )
           as
           it
           were
           a
           great
           folly
           to
           lavish
           it
           away
           unprofitably
           ;
           so
           to
           be
           frugal
           thereof
           ,
           and
           carefull
           to
           lay
           it
           out
           for
           the
           best
           advantage
           ,
           especially
           every
           Man
           having
           
           so
           little
           store
           thereof
           ,
           must
           be
           a
           special
           point
           of
           Prudence
           .
           
             To
             be
             covetous
             of
             time
             (
             Seneca
          
           tells
           us
           )
           
           
             is
             a
             commendable
             avarice
          
           ;
           it
           being
           necessary
           for
           the
           accomplishment
           of
           any
           worthy
           enterprize
           ;
           there
           being
           nothing
           excellent
           ,
           that
           can
           soon
           or
           easily
           be
           effected
           .
           Surely
           he
           that
           hath
           much
           and
           great
           business
           to
           dispatch
           ;
           and
           but
           a
           little
           time
           allowed
           for
           it
           ,
           is
           concerned
           to
           husband
           it
           well
           ;
           not
           to
           lose
           it
           wholly
           in
           idleness
           ;
           not
           to
           trifle
           it
           away
           in
           unnecessary
           divertisements
           ;
           not
           to
           put
           himself
           upon
           other
           impertinent
           affairs
           ;
           above
           all
           not
           to
           create
           obstacles
           to
           himself
           ,
           by
           pursuing
           matters
           of
           a
           tendency
           quite
           contrary
           to
           the
           success
           of
           his
           main
           undertakings
           .
           'T
           is
           our
           case
           ;
           we
           are
           obliged
           here
           to
           negotiate
           in
           business
           of
           infinite
           price
           and
           consequence
           to
           us
           ;
           no
           less
           than
           the
           salvation
           of
           our
           souls
           and
           eternal
           happiness
           ;
           and
           we
           see
           ,
           that
           our
           time
           to
           drive
           it
           on
           and
           bring
           it
           to
           a
           happy
           issue
           is
           very
           scant
           and
           short
           ;
           short
           in
           it self
           ;
           and
           very
           short
           
           in
           respect
           to
           the
           nature
           of
           those
           affairs
           ;
           the
           great
           variety
           ,
           and
           the
           great
           difficulty
           of
           them
           :
           The
           great
           father
           of
           Physicians
           did
           quicken
           the
           students
           of
           that
           faculty
           to
           diligence
           ,
           by
           admonishing
           them
           (
           in
           the
           first
           place
           ,
           setting
           it
           in
           the
           front
           of
           his
           famous
           Aphorisms
           )
           that
           ,
           
             life
             is
             short
             ,
             and
          
           
           
             art
             is
             long
          
           .
           And
           how
           much
           more
           so
           is
           the
           art
           of
           living
           well
           (
           that
           most
           excellent
           and
           most
           necessary
           art
           ;
           for
           indeed
           vertue
           is
           not
           a
           gift
           of
           nature
           ,
           but
           a
           work
           of
           art
           ;
           an
           effect
           of
           labour
           and
           study
           )
           this
           ,
           I
           say
           most
           needfull
           and
           usefull
           art
           of
           living
           vertuously
           and
           piously
           ;
           this
           art
           of
           spiritual
           Physick
           ;
           (
           of
           preserving
           and
           recovering
           our
           souls
           health
           )
           how
           much
           longer
           is
           it
           ?
           how
           many
           rules
           are
           to
           be
           learnt
           ?
           how
           many
           precepts
           to
           be
           observed
           in
           order
           thereto
           ?
           We
           are
           bound
           to
           furnish
           our
           minds
           with
           needfull
           knowledge
           of
           God's
           will
           and
           our
           duty
           ;
           we
           are
           to
           bend
           our
           unwilling
           Wills
           to
           a
           ready
           compliance
           with
           them
           ;
           we
           are
           to
           adorn
           our
           souls
           with
           dispositions
           suitable
           to
           the
           future
           
           state
           (
           such
           as
           may
           qualifie
           us
           for
           the
           presence
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           conversation
           with
           the
           blessed
           spirits
           above
           )
           it
           is
           incumbent
           on
           us
           to
           mortify
           corrupt
           desires
           ,
           to
           restrain
           inordinate
           passions
           ,
           to
           subdue
           natural
           propensities
           ,
           to
           extirpate
           vitious
           habits
           ;
           in
           order
           to
           the
           effecting
           these
           things
           ,
           to
           use
           all
           fit
           means
           ;
           devotion
           toward
           God
           ,
           study
           of
           his
           Law
           ,
           reflexion
           upon
           our
           actions
           ,
           with
           all
           such
           spiritual
           instruments
           ;
           the
           performing
           which
           duties
           ,
           as
           it
           doth
           require
           great
           care
           and
           pains
           ,
           so
           it
           needs
           much
           time
           ;
           all
           this
           is
           not
           
             dictum
             factum
          
           ,
           as
           soon
           done
           as
           said
           ;
           a
           few
           spare
           minutes
           will
           not
           suffice
           to
           accomplish
           it
           .
           Natural
           inclination
           ,
           that
           wild
           beast
           within
           us
           ,
           will
           not
           so
           presently
           be
           tamed
           ,
           and
           made
           tractable
           by
           us
           .
           Ill
           habits
           cannot
           
           be
           removed
           without
           much
           exercise
           and
           attendance
           ;
           as
           they
           were
           begot
           ,
           so
           they
           must
           be
           destroyed
           ,
           by
           a
           constant
           succession
           ,
           and
           frequency
           of
           acts
           .
           Fleshly
           lust
           is
           not
           to
           be
           killed
           with
           a
           stab
           or
           two
           ;
           it
           
           will
           fight
           stoutly
           ,
           and
           rebell
           often
           ,
           and
           hold
           out
           long
           before
           with
           our
           utmost
           endeavour
           we
           can
           obtain
           an
           entire
           victory
           over
           it
           .
           No
           vertue
           is
           acquired
           in
           an
           instant
           ,
           but
           by
           degrees
           ,
           step
           by
           step
           ;
           from
           the
           seeds
           of
           right
           instruction
           and
           good
           resolution
           it
           springs
           up
           ,
           and
           grows
           forward
           by
           a
           continual
           progress
           of
           customary
           practice
           ;
           't
           is
           a
           child
           of
           patience
           ,
           a
           fruit
           of
           perseverance
           (
           that
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
             enduring
             in
             doing
             well
          
           ,
           St.
           Paul
           speaks
           of
           )
           and
           consequently
           a
           work
           of
           time
           ,
           for
           enduring
           implies
           
           a
           good
           space
           of
           time
           .
           Having
           therefore
           so
           much
           to
           doe
           ,
           and
           of
           so
           great
           concernment
           ,
           and
           so
           little
           a
           portion
           of
           time
           for
           it
           ,
           it
           behoves
           us
           to
           be
           carefull
           in
           the
           improvement
           of
           what
           time
           is
           allowed
           us
           ;
           to
           embrace
           all
           opportunities
           and
           advantages
           offered
           ;
           to
           go
           the
           nearest
           way
           ,
           to
           use
           the
           best
           compendiums
           in
           the
           transaction
           of
           our
           business
           ;
           not
           to
           be
           slothfull
           and
           negligent
           ,
           but
           active
           and
           intent
           about
           it
           ;
           (
           for
           as
           time
           is
           diminished
           ,
           and
           in
           part
           lost
           
           by
           sloth
           or
           slackness
           ;
           so
           it
           is
           enlarged
           ,
           and
           ,
           as
           it
           were
           ,
           multiplied
           by
           industry
           ;
           my
           day
           is
           two
           in
           respect
           of
           his
           ,
           who
           doeth
           but
           half
           my
           work
           .
           )
           Not
           (
           also
           )
           to
           consume
           our
           time
           in
           fruitless
           pastimes
           ,
           and
           curious
           entertainments
           of
           fancy
           ;
           being
           idly
           busie
           about
           impertinences
           and
           trifles
           (
           we
           call
           it
           sport
           ,
           but
           't
           is
           a
           serious
           damage
           to
           us
           ;
           )
           not
           to
           immerse
           our selves
           in
           multiplicities
           of
           needless
           care
           about
           secular
           matters
           ,
           which
           may
           distract
           us
           ,
           and
           bereave
           us
           of
           fit
           leisure
           for
           our
           great
           employment
           ;
           that
           which
           our
           Saviour
           calls
           
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
             to
             keep
             a
             great
             deal
             of
             doe
          
           and
           stir
           (
           to
           be
           jumbled
           about
           as
           it
           were
           ,
           and
           confounded
           )
           
             about
             many
             things
          
           ;
           and
           ,
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
             to
             be
             distracted
          
           and
           perplexed
           
             about
             much
             combersome
             service
          
           ;
           which
           St.
           Paul
           calls
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
           
             to
             be
             implicated
          
           and
           entangled
           (
           as
           in
           a
           net
           )
           
             with
             the
             negotiations
             of
             this
             present
             life
          
           ;
           so
           that
           we
           shall
           not
           be
           expedite
           ,
           or
           free
           to
           
           bestir
           our selves
           about
           our
           more
           weighty
           affairs
           .
           The
           spending
           much
           time
           about
           those
           things
           doth
           steal
           it
           from
           these
           ;
           yea
           ,
           doth
           more
           than
           so
           ,
           by
           discomposing
           our
           minds
           so
           that
           we
           cannot
           well
           employ
           what
           time
           remains
           upon
           our
           spiritual
           concernments
           .
           But
           especially
           we
           should
           not
           prostitute
           our
           time
           upon
           vitious
           projects
           and
           practices
           ;
           doing
           which
           is
           not
           onely
           a
           prodigality
           of
           the
           present
           time
           ,
           but
           an
           abridgment
           of
           the
           future
           ;
           it
           not
           onely
           doth
           not
           promote
           or
           set
           forward
           our
           business
           ,
           but
           brings
           it
           backward
           ;
           and
           makes
           us
           more
           work
           than
           we
           had
           before
           ;
           't
           is
           a
           going
           in
           a
           way
           directly
           contrary
           to
           our
           journey's-end
           .
           The
           Scripture
           aptly
           resembles
           our
           life
           to
           a
           way
           faring
           ,
           a
           condition
           of
           travel
           and
           pilgrimage
           ;
           now
           he
           that
           hath
           a
           long
           journey
           to
           make
           ,
           and
           but
           a
           little
           time
           of
           day
           to
           pass
           it
           in
           ,
           must
           in
           reason
           strive
           to
           set
           out
           soon
           ,
           and
           then
           to
           make
           good
           speed
           must
           proceed
           on
           directly
           ,
           making
           no
           stops
           or
           deflections
           (
           not
           calling
           in
           at
           every
           sign
           that
           invites
           
           him
           ,
           not
           standing
           to
           gaze
           at
           every
           object
           seeming
           new
           or
           strange
           to
           him
           ;
           not
           staying
           to
           talk
           with
           every
           Passenger
           that
           meets
           him
           ;
           but
           rather
           avoiding
           all
           occasions
           of
           diversion
           and
           delay
           )
           lest
           he
           be
           surprized
           by
           the
           night
           ,
           be
           left
           to
           wander
           in
           the
           dark
           ,
           be
           excluded
           finally
           from
           the
           place
           whither
           he
           tends
           :
           So
           must
           we
           in
           our
           course
           towards
           Heaven
           and
           Happiness
           ;
           take
           care
           that
           we
           set
           out
           soon
           (
           procrastinating
           no
           time
           ,
           but
           beginning
           instantly
           to
           insist
           in
           the
           ways
           of
           Piety
           and
           Vertue
           )
           then
           proceed
           on
           speedily
           ,
           and
           persist
           constantly
           ;
           no-where
           staying
           or
           loitering
           ,
           shunning
           all
           impediments
           and
           avocations
           from
           our
           Progress
           ;
           lest
           we
           never
           arrive
           near
           ,
           or
           come
           too
           late
           unto
           the
           gate
           of
           Heaven
           .
           St.
           Peter
           tells
           us
           ,
           that
           the
           end
           of
           all
           things
           doth
           approach
           ,
           and
           thereupon
           advises
           us
           
             to
             be
             sober
             ,
             and
          
           
           
             to
             watch
             unto
             prayer
          
           ;
           for
           that
           the
           less
           our
           time
           is
           ,
           the
           more
           intent
           and
           industrious
           it
           concerns
           us
           to
           be
           .
           And
           ,
           St.
           Paul
           injoins
           us
           to
           redeem
           
           
             the
             time
             ,
             because
             the
             days
             are
             evil
          
           ;
           
           that
           is
           ,
           since
           we
           can
           enjoy
           no
           true
           quiet
           or
           comfort
           here
           ,
           we
           should
           improve
           our
           time
           to
           the
           best
           advantage
           for
           the
           future
           ;
           he
           might
           have
           also
           adjoined
           ,
           with
           the
           Patriarch
           Jacob
           ,
           the
           paucity
           of
           the
           days
           to
           their
           badness
           ;
           because
           
             the
             days
             of
             our
             life
          
           
           
             are
             few
             and
             evil
          
           ,
           let
           us
           redeem
           the
           time
           ;
           
             Man
             that
             is
             born
             of
             a
             woman
             is
             of
             few
             days
             ,
             and
             full
             of
             trouble
             :
          
           So
           few
           indeed
           they
           are
           ,
           that
           't
           is
           fit
           we
           should
           lose
           none
           of
           them
           ,
           but
           use
           them
           all
           in
           preparation
           toward
           that
           great
           change
           we
           are
           to
           make
           ;
           that
           satal
           passage
           out
           of
           this
           strait
           time
           into
           that
           boundless
           eternity
           .
           So
           ,
           it
           seems
           ,
           we
           have
           Job's
           example
           of
           doing
           :
           
           
             All
             the
             days
          
           (
           says
           he
           )
           
             of
             my
             appointed
             time
             will
             I
             wait
             till
             my
             change
             come
             .
          
           I
           end
           this
           Point
           with
           that
           so
           comprehensive
           warning
           of
           our
           Saviour
           :
           
             Take
             heed
             to
             your selves
             ,
             lest
          
           
           
             at
             any
             time
             your
             hearts
             be
             overcharged
             with
             surfeiting
             and
             drunkenness
             ,
             and
             cares
             of
             this
             life
             ;
             and
             so
             that
             day
             come
             upon
             you
             unawares
             .
             Watch
             ye
          
           
           
             therefore
             and
             pray
             ,
             that
             ye
             may
             be
             counted
             worthy
             to
             escape
             —
             and
             to
             stand
             before
             the
             son
             of
             man.
             
          
        
         
           V.
           I
           shall
           adjoin
           but
           one
           use
           more
           ,
           to
           which
           this
           consideration
           may
           be
           subservient
           ,
           which
           is
           ,
           that
           it
           may
           help
           to
           beget
           and
           maintain
           in
           us
           (
           that
           which
           is
           the
           very
           heart
           and
           soul
           of
           all
           goodness
           )
           Sincerity
           .
           Sincerity
           in
           all
           kinds
           ,
           in
           our
           thoughts
           ,
           words
           and
           actions
           .
           To
           keep
           us
           from
           harbouring
           in
           our
           breasts
           such
           thoughts
           ,
           as
           we
           would
           be
           afraid
           or
           ashamed
           to
           own
           :
           from
           speaking
           otherwise
           than
           we
           mean
           ,
           than
           we
           intend
           to
           doe
           ,
           than
           we
           are
           ready
           any-where
           openly
           to
           avow
           ;
           from
           endeavouring
           to
           seem
           what
           we
           are
           not
           ;
           from
           being
           one
           thing
           in
           our
           expressions
           and
           conversations
           with
           men
           ;
           another
           in
           our
           hearts
           ,
           or
           in
           our
           closets
           .
           From
           acting
           with
           oblique
           respects
           to
           private
           interests
           or
           passions
           ,
           to
           humane
           favour
           or
           censure
           (
           in
           matters
           ,
           I
           mean
           ,
           where
           duty
           doth
           intervene
           ,
           
           and
           where
           pure
           conscience
           ought
           to
           guide
           and
           govern
           us
           )
           from
           making
           professions
           and
           ostentations
           (
           void
           of
           substance
           ,
           of
           truth
           ,
           of
           knowledge
           ,
           of
           good
           purpose
           )
           great
           semblances
           of
           peculiar
           sanctimony
           ,
           integrity
           ,
           scrupulosity
           ,
           spirituality
           ,
           refinedness
           like
           those
           Pharisees
           so
           often
           therefore
           taxed
           in
           the
           Gospel
           ;
           as
           also
           from
           palliating
           ,
           as
           those
           men
           did
           ,
           designs
           of
           ambition
           ,
           avarice
           ,
           envy
           ,
           animosity
           ,
           revenge
           ,
           perverse
           humour
           ,
           with
           pretences
           of
           zeal
           and
           conscience
           .
           We
           should
           indeed
           strive
           to
           be
           good
           (
           and
           that
           in
           all
           real
           strictness
           aiming
           at
           utmost
           perfection
           )
           in
           outward
           act
           and
           appearance
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           in
           heart
           and
           reality
           ;
           for
           the
           glory
           of
           God
           and
           example
           of
           men
           
             (
             providing
             things
             honest
             in
             the
          
           
           
             sight
             of
             all
             men
          
           )
           but
           we
           must
           not
           shine
           with
           a
           false
           lustre
           ,
           nor
           care
           to
           seem
           better
           than
           we
           are
           ,
           nor
           intend
           to
           serve
           our selves
           in
           seeming
           to
           serve
           God
           ;
           bartering
           spiritual
           commodities
           for
           our
           own
           glory
           or
           gain
           .
           
           For
           since
           the
           day
           approaches
           when
           
             God
             will
             judge
          
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
           
             the
             things
             men
             do
             so
             studiously
             conceal
          
           ;
           when
           
             God
             shall
             bring
          
           
           
             every
             work
             into
             judgment
             ,
             with
             every
             secret
             thing
             ,
             whether
             it
             be
             good
             ,
             or
             whether
             it
             be
             evil
          
           ;
           since
           
             we
             must
             all
          
           
           appear
           (
           or
           rather
           ,
           be
           all
           made
           apparent
           ,
           be
           manisested
           and
           discovered
           )
           
             at
             the
             tribunal
             of
             Christ
          
           ;
           since
           
             there
             is
             nothing
             covered
             ,
             which
             shall
             not
             be
             revealed
             ;
             nor
             hid
             ,
             that
             shall
             not
             be
             known
             ;
             so
             that
             whatever
             is
          
           
           
             spoken
             in
             the
             ear
             in
             closets
             ,
             shall
             be
             proclaimed
             on
             the
             house
             tops
             :
          
           Since
           at
           length
           ,
           and
           that
           within
           a
           very
           short
           time
           (
           no
           man
           knows
           how
           soon
           )
           the
           whispers
           of
           every
           mouth
           (
           the
           closest
           murmurs
           of
           detraction
           ,
           slander
           and
           sycophantry
           )
           shall
           become
           audible
           to
           every
           ear
           ;
           the
           abstrusest
           thoughts
           of
           all
           hearts
           (
           the
           closest
           malice
           and
           envy
           )
           shall
           be
           disclosed
           in
           the
           most
           publick
           Theatre
           ,
           before
           innumerable
           spectatours
           ;
           the
           truth
           of
           all
           pretences
           shall
           be
           throughly
           examined
           ;
           the
           just
           merit
           
           of
           every
           Person
           ,
           and
           every
           cause
           shall
           with
           a
           most
           exact
           scrutiny
           be
           scann'd
           openly
           in
           the
           face
           of
           all
           the
           World
           ;
           to
           what
           purpose
           can
           it
           be
           to
           juggle
           or
           basfle
           for
           a
           time
           ;
           for
           a
           few
           days
           (
           perhaps
           for
           a
           few
           minutes
           )
           to
           abuse
           ,
           or
           to
           amuse
           those
           about
           us
           with
           crafty
           dissimulation
           or
           deceit
           ?
           Is
           it
           worth
           the
           pains
           to
           devise
           plausible
           shifts
           ,
           which
           shall
           instantly
           ,
           we
           know
           ,
           be
           detected
           and
           defeated
           ;
           to
           bedaub
           foul
           designs
           with
           a
           fair
           varnish
           ,
           which
           death
           will
           presently
           wipe
           off
           ;
           to
           be
           dark
           and
           cloudy
           in
           our
           proceedings
           ,
           whenas
           a
           clear
           day
           (
           that
           will
           certainly
           dispel
           all
           darkness
           and
           scatter
           all
           mists
           )
           is
           breaking
           in
           upon
           us
           ;
           to
           make
           vizors
           for
           our
           faces
           ,
           and
           cloaks
           for
           our
           actions
           ,
           whenas
           we
           must
           very
           shortly
           be
           exposed
           ,
           perfectly
           naked
           and
           undisguised
           ,
           in
           our
           true
           colours
           ,
           to
           the
           general
           view
           of
           Angels
           and
           Men
           ?
           Heaven
           sees
           at
           present
           what
           we
           think
           and
           doe
           ,
           and
           our
           conscience
           cannot
           be
           wholly
           ignorant
           or
           insensible
           ;
           nor
           can
           Earth
           
           it self
           be
           long
           unacquainted
           therewith
           .
           Is
           it
           not
           much
           better
           ,
           and
           more
           easie
           (
           since
           it
           requires
           no
           pains
           or
           study
           )
           to
           act
           our selves
           ,
           than
           to
           accommodate
           our selves
           to
           other
           unbeseeming
           and
           undue
           parts
           ;
           to
           be
           upright
           in
           our
           intentions
           ,
           consistent
           in
           our
           discourses
           ,
           plain
           in
           our
           dealings
           ,
           following
           the
           single
           and
           uniform
           guidance
           of
           our
           reason
           and
           conscience
           ,
           than
           to
           shuffle
           and
           shift
           ,
           wandring
           after
           the
           various
           uncertain
           and
           inconstant
           opinions
           or
           humours
           of
           men
           ?
           What
           matter
           is
           it
           ,
           what
           cloaths
           we
           wear
           ,
           what
           garb
           we
           appear
           in
           ,
           during
           this
           posture
           of
           travel
           and
           sojourning
           here
           ;
           what
           for
           the
           present
           we
           go
           for
           ;
           how
           men
           esteem
           us
           ,
           what
           they
           think
           of
           our
           actions
           ?
           St.
           Paul
           at
           least
           did
           not
           much
           stand
           upon
           it
           ;
           for
           
             with
             me
          
           ,
           said
           he
           ,
           
             't
             is
             a
             very
             small
             thing
          
           (
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
           the
           least
           thing
           that
           can
           come
           under
           consideration
           )
           
             to
             be
             judged
             of
             you
             ,
             or
             of
             humane
             day
          
           (
           that
           is
           ,
           of
           this
           present
           transitory
           ,
           fallible
           ,
           reversible
           judgment
           of
           men
           .
           )
           If
           we
           
           mean
           well
           and
           doe
           righteously
           ,
           our
           conscience
           will
           at
           present
           satisfie
           us
           ,
           and
           the
           divine
           (
           unerring
           and
           impartial
           )
           sentence
           will
           hereafter
           acquit
           us
           ;
           no
           unjust
           or
           uncharitable
           censure
           shall
           prejudice
           us
           ;
           if
           we
           entertain
           base
           designs
           ,
           and
           deal
           unrighteously
           ;
           as
           our
           conscience
           will
           accuse
           and
           vex
           us
           here
           ,
           so
           God
           will
           shortly
           condemn
           and
           punish
           us
           ;
           neither
           shall
           the
           most
           favourable
           conceit
           of
           men
           stand
           us
           in
           stead
           .
           
             Every
             man's
             work
             shall
             become
             manifest
             ;
             for
             the
          
           
           
             day
             shall
             declare
             it
             ;
             becuase
             it
             shall
             be
             revealed
             by
             fire
             ;
             and
             the
             fire
          
           (
           that
           is
           ,
           a
           severe
           and
           strict
           inquiry
           )
           
             shall
             try
             every
             man's
             work
             ,
             of
             what
             sort
             it
             is
             .
          
           I
           cannot
           insist
           more
           on
           this
           Point
           ;
           I
           shall
           onely
           say
           ,
           that
           considering
           the
           brevity
           and
           uncertainty
           of
           our
           present
           state
           ,
           the
           greatest
           simplicity
           may
           justly
           be
           deemed
           the
           truest
           wisedom
           ;
           that
           who
           deceives
           others
           doth
           cozen
           himself
           most
           ;
           that
           the
           deepest
           policy
           (
           used
           to
           compass
           ,
           or
           to
           conceal
           bad
           designs
           )
           will
           in
           the
           end
           appear
           the
           most
           downright
           folly
           .
        
         
         
           I
           might
           add
           to
           the
           precedent
           discourses
           ,
           
           that
           Philosophy
           it self
           hath
           commended
           this
           consideration
           as
           a
           proper
           and
           powerfull
           instrument
           of
           vertue
           ;
           reckoning
           the
           practice
           thereof
           a
           main
           part
           of
           wisedom
           ;
           the
           greatest
           proficient
           therein
           in
           common
           esteem
           ,
           Socrates
           ,
           having
           desined
           Philosophy
           (
           or
           the
           study
           of
           wisedom
           )
           to
           be
           nothing
           else
           ,
           but
           (
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           )
           
             the
             study
             of
             death
          
           ;
           intimating
           also
           (
           in
           Plato's
           Phoedon
           )
           that
           this
           study
           ,
           the
           meditation
           of
           death
           and
           preparation
           of
           his
           mind
           to
           leave
           this
           World
           ,
           had
           been
           the
           constant
           and
           chief
           employment
           of
           his
           life
           .
           That
           likewise
           ,
           according
           to
           experience
           ,
           nothing
           more
           avails
           to
           render
           the
           minds
           of
           men
           sober
           and
           well
           composed
           ,
           than
           such
           spectacles
           of
           Mortality
           as
           do
           impress
           this
           consideration
           upon
           them
           .
           For
           whom
           doth
           not
           the
           sight
           of
           a
           Coffin
           or
           of
           a
           Grave
           gaping
           to
           receive
           a
           friend
           perhaps
           ,
           an
           ancient
           Acquaintance
           ;
           however
           a
           man
           in
           nature
           and
           state
           altogether
           like
           our selves
           ;
           of
           the
           mournfull
           
           looks
           and
           habits
           ,
           of
           all
           the
           sad
           pomps
           and
           solemnities
           attending
           man
           unto
           his
           long
           home
           ,
           by
           minding
           him
           of
           his
           own
           frail
           condition
           ,
           affect
           with
           some
           serious
           ,
           some
           honest
           ,
           some
           wise
           thoughts
           ?
           And
           if
           we
           be
           reasonable
           men
           ,
           we
           may
           every
           day
           supply
           the
           need
           of
           such
           occasions
           ,
           by
           representing
           to
           our selves
           the
           necessity
           of
           our
           soon
           returning
           to
           the
           dust
           ;
           dressing
           in
           thought
           our
           own
           Herses
           ,
           and
           celebrating
           our
           own
           Funerals
           ;
           by
           living
           under
           the
           continual
           apprehension
           and
           sense
           of
           our
           transitory
           and
           uncertain
           condition
           ;
           dying
           daily
           ,
           or
           becoming
           already
           dead
           unto
           this
           World.
           The
           doing
           which
           effectually
           being
           the
           gift
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           an
           especial
           work
           of
           his
           Grace
           ,
           let
           us
           of
           him
           humbly
           implore
           it
           ,
           saying
           after
           the
           Holy
           
             Prophet
             ,
             Lord
             ,
             so
             teach
             us
             to
             number
             our
             days
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             apply
             our
             hearts
             unto
             wisedom
             .
          
        
         
           Amen
           .
        
      
       
         
         
           SERMON
           III.
           The
           Danger
           and
           mischief
           of
           delaying
           Repentance
           .
        
         
           
             PSALM
             CXIX
             .
             60.
             
          
           
             I
             made
             haste
             ,
             and
             delayed
             not
             to
             keep
             thy
             Commandments
             .
          
        
         
           THIS
           Psalm
           (
           no
           less
           excellent
           in
           vertue
           ,
           than
           large
           in
           bulk
           )
           containeth
           manifold
           reflexions
           upon
           the
           nature
           ,
           the
           properties
           ,
           the
           adjuncts
           and
           effects
           of
           God's
           Law
           ,
           many
           sprightly
           ejaculations
           about
           it
           (
           conceived
           in
           different
           forms
           of
           speech
           ;
           some
           in
           way
           of
           petition
           ,
           
           some
           of
           thanksgiving
           ,
           some
           of
           resolution
           ,
           some
           of
           assertion
           or
           aphorism
           )
           many
           usefull
           directions
           ,
           many
           zealous
           exhortations
           to
           the
           observance
           of
           it
           ;
           the
           which
           are
           not
           ranged
           in
           any
           strict
           order
           ,
           but
           ,
           (
           like
           a
           variety
           of
           fair
           flowers
           and
           wholesome
           herbs
           in
           a
           wild
           field
           )
           do
           with
           a
           gratefull
           confusion
           lie
           dispersed
           ,
           as
           they
           freely
           did
           spring
           up
           in
           the
           heart
           ,
           or
           were
           suggested
           by
           the
           devout
           spirit
           of
           him
           ,
           who
           indited
           the
           Psalm
           ;
           whence
           no
           coherence
           of
           sentences
           being
           designed
           ,
           we
           may
           consider
           any
           one
           of
           them
           absolutely
           or
           singly
           by
           it self
           .
        
         
           Among
           them
           ,
           that
           which
           I
           have
           picked
           out
           for
           the
           subject
           of
           my
           discourse
           ,
           implieth
           an
           excellent
           rule
           of
           practice
           ,
           authorised
           by
           the
           Psalmist's
           example
           ;
           it
           is
           propounded
           in
           way
           of
           devotion
           or
           immediate
           address
           to
           God
           ;
           unto
           whose
           infallible
           knowledge
           his
           conscience
           maketh
           an
           appeal
           concerning
           his
           practice
           ;
           not
           as
           boasting
           thereof
           ,
           but
           as
           praising
           God
           for
           it
           ,
           unto
           
           whose
           gratious
           instruction
           and
           succour
           he
           frequently
           doth
           ascribe
           all
           his
           performances
           :
           But
           the
           manner
           of
           propounding
           I
           shall
           not
           insist
           upon
           ;
           the
           rule
           it self
           is
           ,
           that
           speedily
           ,
           without
           any
           procrastination
           or
           delay
           ,
           we
           should
           apply
           our selves
           to
           the
           observance
           of
           God's
           Commandments
           ;
           the
           practice
           of
           which
           rule
           it
           shall
           be
           my
           endeavour
           to
           recommend
           and
           press
           .
        
         
           It
           is
           a
           common
           practice
           of
           men
           ,
           that
           are
           engaged
           in
           bad
           courses
           ,
           which
           their
           own
           conscience
           discerneth
           and
           
           disapproveth
           ,
           to
           adjourn
           the
           reformation
           of
           their
           lives
           to
           a
           farther
           time
           ,
           so
           indulging
           themselves
           in
           the
           present
           commission
           of
           sin
           ,
           that
           yet
           they
           would
           seem
           to
           purpose
           ,
           and
           promise
           themselves
           hereafter
           to
           repent
           ,
           and
           take
           up
           :
           Few
           
           resolve
           to
           persist
           finally
           in
           an
           evil
           way
           ,
           or
           despair
           of
           being
           one
           day
           reclaimed
           ,
           but
           immediately
           and
           effectually
           to
           set
           upon
           it
           ,
           many
           deem
           
           unseasonable
           or
           needless
           ;
           it
           will
           ,
           they
           presume
           ,
           be
           soon
           enough
           to
           begin
           to
           morrow
           or
           next
           day
           ,
           a
           month
           or
           a
           year
           hence
           ,
           when
           they
           shall
           find
           more
           commodious
           opportunity
           ,
           or
           shall
           prove
           better
           disposed
           thereto
           ;
           in
           the
           mean
           time
           with
           Solomon's
           sluggard
           ,
           Yet
           ,
           say
           they
           ,
           
             a
             little
             sleep
             ,
             a
             little
             slumber
             ,
             a
             little
          
           
           
             folding
             of
             the
             hands
          
           ;
           let
           us
           but
           neglect
           this
           duty
           ,
           let
           us
           but
           satisfie
           this
           appetite
           ,
           let
           us
           but
           enjoy
           this
           bout
           of
           pleasure
           ;
           hereafter
           ,
           God
           willing
           ,
           we
           mean
           to
           be
           more
           carefull
           ,
           we
           hope
           that
           we
           shall
           become
           more
           sober
           :
           So
           like
           bad
           debtors
           ;
           when
           our
           conscience
           dunneth
           us
           ,
           we
           always
           mean
           ,
           we
           always
           promise
           to
           pay
           ;
           if
           she
           will
           stay
           a
           while
           ,
           she
           shall
           ,
           we
           tell
           her
           ,
           be
           satisfied
           ;
           or
           like
           vain
           spendthrifts
           ,
           we
           see
           our
           estate
           fly
           ,
           yet
           presume
           that
           it
           will
           hold
           out
           ,
           and
           at
           length
           we
           shall
           reserve
           enough
           for
           our
           use
           .
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
             Let
             serious
             business
             stay
             till
             the
             morrow
             ,
          
           was
           a
           saying
           that
           
           cost
           dear
           to
           him
           who
           said
           it
           ;
           yet
           
           we
           in
           our
           greatest
           concerns
           follow
           him
           .
        
         
           But
           how
           fallacious
           ,
           how
           dangerous
           
           and
           how
           miscievous
           this
           manner
           of
           proceeding
           is
           ;
           how
           much
           better
           and
           more
           advisable
           it
           is
           ,
           after
           the
           example
           propounded
           in
           our
           Text
           ,
           speedily
           to
           betake
           our selves
           unto
           the
           discharge
           of
           our
           debt
           and
           duty
           to
           God
           ,
           the
           following
           considerations
           will
           plainly
           declare
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           We
           may
           consider
           ,
           that
           the
           observance
           of
           God's
           Commandments
           (
           an
           observance
           of
           them
           proceeding
           from
           an
           habitual
           disposition
           of
           mind
           ,
           in
           a
           constant
           tenour
           of
           practice
           )
           is
           our
           indispensable
           duty
           ,
           our
           main
           concernment
           ,
           our
           onely
           way
           to
           happiness
           ;
           the
           necessary
           condition
           of
           our
           attaining
           salvation
           ;
           that
           alone
           which
           can
           procure
           God's
           love
           and
           favour
           toward
           us
           ;
           that
           unto
           which
           all
           real
           blessings
           here
           ,
           and
           all
           bliss
           hereafter
           are
           inseparably
           annexed
           :
           
             Fear
             God
             and
             keep
             his
             Commandments
             ,
             for
             this
             is
             the
             whole
             of
             man
          
           ;
           (
           the
           
           whole
           duty
           ,
           the
           whole
           design
           ,
           the
           
           whole
           perfection
           ,
           the
           sum
           of
           our
           wisedom
           ,
           and
           our
           happiness
           .
           )
           If
           
           
             thou
             wilt
             enter
             into
             life
             ,
             keep
             the
             Commandments
             :
             The
             righteous
             Lord
             loveth
             righteousness
             ,
             his
             countenance
          
           
           
             doth
             behold
             the
             upright
             ;
             God
             will
             render
             to
             every
             man
             according
             to
             his
          
           
           works
           ;
           these
           are
           Oracles
           indubitably
           clear
           ,
           and
           infallibly
           certain
           ;
           these
           are
           immovable
           terms
           of
           justice
           between
           God
           and
           Man
           ,
           which
           never
           will
           ,
           never
           can
           be
           relaxed
           ;
           being
           grounded
           on
           the
           immutable
           
           nature
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           eternal
           reason
           of
           things
           ;
           if
           God
           had
           not
           decreed
           ,
           if
           he
           had
           not
           said
           these
           things
           ,
           they
           would
           not
           assuredly
           be
           true
           ;
           for
           it
           is
           a
           foul
           contradiction
           to
           reason
           ,
           that
           a
           Man
           ever
           should
           please
           God
           without
           obeying
           him
           ;
           't
           is
           a
           gross
           absurdity
           in
           nature
           ,
           that
           a
           Man
           should
           be
           happy
           without
           being
           good
           ;
           wherefore
           all
           the
           wit
           in
           the
           World
           cannot
           devise
           a
           way
           ,
           all
           the
           authority
           upon
           Earth
           (
           yea
           ,
           I
           dare
           say
           ,
           even
           in
           Heaven
           it self
           )
           cannot
           establish
           a
           condition
           ,
           beside
           faithfull
           observance
           
           of
           God's
           Law
           ,
           that
           can
           save
           ,
           or
           make
           us
           happy
           ;
           from
           it
           there
           can
           be
           no
           valid
           dispensation
           ,
           without
           it
           there
           can
           be
           no
           effectual
           absolution
           ,
           for
           it
           there
           can
           be
           no
           acceptable
           commutation
           ;
           nor
           in
           defect
           thereof
           will
           any
           faith
           any
           profession
           ,
           any
           trick
           or
           pretence
           whatever
           avail
           ,
           or
           signifie
           any
           thing
           :
           Whatever
           expedient
           to
           supply
           its
           room
           superstition
           ,
           mistake
           ,
           craft
           ,
           or
           presumption
           may
           recommend
           ,
           we
           shall
           ,
           relying
           thereon
           ,
           be
           certainly
           deluded
           :
           If
           therefore
           we
           mean
           to
           be
           saved
           (
           and
           are
           we
           so
           wild
           as
           not
           to
           mean
           it
           ?
           )
           if
           we
           do
           not
           renounce
           felicity
           (
           and
           do
           we
           not
           then
           renounce
           our
           wits
           ?
           )
           to
           become
           vertuous
           ,
           to
           proceed
           in
           a
           course
           of
           obedience
           ,
           is
           a
           work
           that
           necessarily
           must
           be
           performed
           ;
           and
           why
           then
           should
           we
           not
           instantly
           undertake
           it
           ;
           wherefore
           do
           we
           demur
           or
           stick
           at
           it
           ?
           how
           can
           we
           at
           all
           rest
           quiet
           ,
           while
           an
           affair
           of
           so
           vast
           importance
           lieth
           upon
           our
           hands
           ,
           or
           until
           our
           mind
           be
           freed
           of
           all
           uncertainty
           
           and
           suspence
           about
           it
           ?
           Were
           a
           probable
           way
           suggested
           to
           us
           of
           acquiring
           great
           wealth
           ,
           honour
           or
           pleasure
           ,
           should
           we
           not
           quickly
           run
           about
           it
           ,
           could
           we
           contentedly
           sleep
           ,
           till
           we
           had
           brought
           the
           business
           to
           a
           sure
           or
           hopeless
           issue
           ?
           and
           why
           with
           less
           expedition
           or
           urgency
           should
           we
           pursue
           the
           certain
           means
           of
           our
           present
           security
           and
           comfort
           ,
           of
           our
           final
           salvation
           and
           happiness
           ?
           in
           doing
           so
           ,
           are
           we
           not
           strangely
           inconsistent
           with
           our selves
           ?
        
         
           Again
           ,
           disobedience
           is
           the
           certain
           road
           to
           perdition
           ;
           that
           which
           involveth
           us
           in
           guilt
           and
           condemnation
           ,
           that
           which
           provoketh
           God's
           wrath
           and
           hatred
           against
           us
           ,
           that
           which
           assuredly
           will
           throw
           us
           into
           a
           state
           of
           eternal
           sorrow
           and
           wretchedness
           :
           
             The
             foolish
             shall
             not
             stand
             in
             God's
             sight
             ,
             he
             hateth
             all
             the
             workers
          
           
           
             of
             iniquity
             ;
             If
             ye
             do
             not
             repent
             ,
             ye
          
           
           
             shall
             perish
             .
             The
             wicked
             shall
             be
             turned
          
           
           
             into
             Hell
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             people
             that
             forget
             God
             ;
             The
             unrighteous
             shall
             not
          
           
           
             inherit
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             God
             ;
             The
          
           
           
             wicked
             shall
             go
             into
             everlasting
             punishment
          
           ;
           these
           are
           denunciations
           no
           less
           sure
           than
           severe
           ,
           from
           that
           mouth
           ,
           which
           is
           never
           opened
           in
           vain
           ;
           from
           the
           execution
           whereof
           there
           can
           be
           no
           shelter
           or
           refuge
           ;
           And
           what
           wise
           man
           ,
           what
           man
           in
           his
           right
           senses
           would
           for
           one
           minute
           stand
           obnoxious
           to
           them
           ?
           Who
           that
           any-wise
           tendereth
           his
           own
           welfare
           would
           move
           one
           step
           forward
           in
           so
           perillous
           and
           destructive
           a
           course
           ?
           the
           farther
           in
           which
           he
           proceedeth
           ,
           the
           more
           he
           discosteth
           from
           happiness
           ,
           the
           nearer
           he
           approacheth
           to
           ruine
           .
        
         
           In
           other
           cases
           common
           sense
           prompteth
           men
           to
           proceed
           otherwise
           ;
           for
           who
           ,
           having
           rendred
           one
           his
           enemy
           that
           far
           overmatcheth
           him
           ,
           and
           at
           whose
           mercy
           he
           standeth
           ,
           will
           not
           instantly
           sue
           to
           be
           reconciled
           ?
           who
           being
           seised
           by
           a
           pernicious
           disease
           ,
           will
           not
           haste
           to
           seek
           a
           cure
           ?
           who
           being
           fallen
           into
           the
           jaws
           of
           a
           terrible
           danger
           ,
           will
           not
           nimbly
           leap
           out
           thence
           ?
           and
           such
           plainly
           is
           our
           case
           ;
           while
           we
           persist
           
           in
           sin
           ,
           we
           live
           in
           enmity
           and
           defiance
           with
           the
           Almighty
           ,
           who
           can
           at
           his
           Pleasure
           crush
           us
           ;
           we
           lie
           under
           a
           fatal
           plague
           ,
           which
           ,
           if
           we
           do
           not
           seasonably
           repent
           ,
           will
           certainly
           destroy
           us
           ;
           we
           incur
           the
           most
           dreadfull
           of
           all
           hazards
           ,
           abiding
           in
           the
           confines
           of
           death
           and
           destruction
           ;
           God
           srowning
           at
           us
           ,
           guilt
           holding
           us
           ,
           Hell
           gaping
           for
           us
           :
           Every
           Sinner
           is
           (
           according
           to
           the
           Wise-man's
           expression
           )
           
             as
             he
             that
             lieth
             down
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             the
             sea
             ,
             or
             as
             he
             that
             lieth
          
           
           
             upon
             the
             top
             of
             a
             mast
          
           ;
           and
           he
           that
           is
           in
           such
           a
           case
           ,
           is
           he
           not
           mad
           or
           senseless
           ,
           if
           he
           will
           not
           forthwith
           labour
           to
           swim
           out
           thence
           ,
           or
           make
           all
           speed
           to
           get
           down
           into
           a
           safer
           place
           ?
           can
           any
           man
           with
           comfort
           lodge
           in
           a
           condition
           so
           dismally
           ticklish
           ?
        
         
           2.
           
           We
           may
           consider
           ,
           that
           in
           order
           to
           our
           final
           welfare
           we
           have
           much
           work
           to
           dispatch
           ,
           the
           which
           requireth
           as
           earnest
           care
           and
           painfull
           industry
           ,
           so
           a
           competent
           long
           time
           ;
           which
           ,
           if
           we
           do
           not
           presently
           fall
           on
           ,
           
           may
           be
           wanting
           ,
           and
           thence
           our
           work
           be
           left
           undone
           ,
           or
           impersect
           :
           To
           conquer
           and
           correct
           bad
           inclinations
           ,
           to
           render
           our
           sensual
           appetites
           obsequious
           to
           reason
           ,
           to
           compose
           our
           passions
           into
           a
           right
           and
           steady
           order
           ,
           to
           eleanse
           our
           souls
           from
           vanity
           ,
           from
           perverseness
           ,
           from
           sloth
           ,
           from
           all
           vitious
           distempers
           ,
           and
           in
           their
           room
           to
           implant
           firm
           habits
           of
           vertue
           ;
           to
           get
           a
           clear
           knowledge
           of
           our
           duty
           ,
           with
           a
           ready
           disposition
           to
           perform
           it
           ;
           in
           fine
           ,
           to
           season
           our
           minds
           with
           holy
           affections
           ,
           qualifying
           us
           for
           the
           presence
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           conversation
           with
           the
           blessed
           Spirits
           above
           ;
           these
           are
           things
           that
           must
           be
           done
           ,
           but
           cannot
           be
           done
           in
           a
           trice
           ;
           it
           is
           not
           
             dictum
             factum
          
           ,
           as
           soon
           done
           as
           said
           ;
           but
           ,
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           a
           
           
             patient
             continuance
             in
             well-doing
          
           is
           needfull
           to
           atchieve
           it
           ;
           for
           it
           no
           time
           can
           be
           redundant
           ,
           the
           longest
           life
           can
           hardly
           be
           sufficient
           :
           
             Art
             is
             long
             ,
             and
             life
             is
             short
             ,
          
           may
           be
           an
           Aphorism
           in
           Divinity
           as
           well
           as
           in
           Physick
           ;
           the
           art
           of
           living
           well
           ,
           of
           preserving
           our
           
           Soul's
           health
           ,
           and
           curing
           its
           distempers
           ,
           requireth
           no
           less
           time
           to
           compass
           it
           ,
           than
           any
           other
           Art
           or
           Science
           .
        
         
           Vertue
           is
           not
           a
           Mushroom
           ,
           that
           
           springeth
           up
           of
           it self
           in
           one
           Night
           ,
           when
           we
           are
           asleep
           or
           regard
           it
           not
           :
           But
           a
           delicate
           Plant
           ,
           that
           groweth
           slowly
           and
           tenderly
           ,
           needing
           much
           pains
           to
           cultivate
           it
           ,
           much
           care
           to
           guard
           it
           ,
           much
           time
           to
           manure
           it
           ,
           in
           our
           untoward
           soil
           ,
           in
           this
           World
           's
           unkindly
           weather
           :
           happiness
           is
           a
           thing
           too
           pretious
           to
           be
           purchased
           at
           an
           easie
           rate
           ,
           Heaven
           is
           too
           high
           to
           be
           come
           at
           without
           much
           climbing
           ;
           the
           Crown
           of
           Bliss
           is
           a
           Prize
           too
           noble
           to
           be
           won
           without
           a
           long
           and
           a
           tough
           conflict
           .
           Neither
           is
           a
           vice
           a
           spirit
           that
           will
           be
           conjured
           down
           by
           a
           charm
           ,
           or
           with
           a
           Presto
           driven
           away
           ;
           it
           is
           not
           an
           adversary
           ,
           that
           can
           be
           knocked
           down
           at
           a
           blow
           ,
           or
           dispatched
           with
           a
           stab
           .
           Whoever
           
           shall
           pretend
           at
           any
           time
           easily
           with
           a
           celerity
           ,
           by
           a
           kind
           of
           Legerdemain
           or
           by
           any
           mysterious
           knack
           ,
           a
           Man
           
           may
           be
           settled
           in
           vertue
           ,
           or
           converted
           from
           vice
           ,
           common
           experience
           abundantly
           will
           confute
           him
           ;
           which
           sheweth
           ,
           that
           a
           habit
           otherwise
           (
           setting
           miracles
           aside
           )
           cannot
           be
           produced
           or
           destroyed
           ,
           than
           by
           a
           constant
           exercise
           of
           acts
           sutable
           or
           opposite
           thereto
           ;
           and
           that
           such
           acts
           cannot
           be
           exercised
           without
           voiding
           all
           impediments
           and
           framing
           all
           Principles
           of
           action
           (
           such
           as
           temper
           of
           body
           ,
           judgment
           of
           mind
           ,
           influence
           of
           custome
           )
           to
           a
           compliance
           ;
           that
           who
           by
           temper
           is
           peevish
           or
           cholerick
           ,
           cannot
           without
           mastering
           that
           temper
           become
           patient
           or
           meek
           ;
           that
           who
           from
           vain
           opinions
           is
           proud
           ,
           cannot
           without
           considering
           away
           those
           opinions
           prove
           humble
           :
           that
           who
           by
           custome
           is
           grown
           intemperate
           ,
           cannot
           without
           weaning
           himself
           from
           that
           custome
           come
           to
           be
           sober
           ;
           that
           who
           from
           the
           concurrence
           of
           a
           sorry
           nature
           ,
           fond
           conceits
           ,
           mean
           breeding
           and
           scurvy
           usage
           is
           covetous
           ;
           cannot
           without
           draining
           all
           
           those
           sources
           of
           his
           fault
           ,
           be
           turned
           into
           liberal
           .
           The
           change
           of
           our
           mind
           is
           one
           of
           the
           greatest
           alterations
           in
           nature
           ,
           which
           cannot
           be
           compassed
           in
           any
           way
           ,
           or
           within
           any
           time
           we
           please
           ;
           but
           it
           must
           proceed
           on
           leisurely
           and
           regularly
           ,
           in
           such
           order
           ,
           by
           such
           steps
           ,
           as
           the
           nature
           of
           things
           doth
           permit
           ;
           it
           must
           be
           wrought
           by
           a
           resolute
           and
           laborious
           perseverance
           ;
           by
           a
           watchfull
           application
           of
           mind
           in
           voiding
           Prejudices
           ,
           in
           waiting
           for
           advantages
           ,
           in
           attending
           to
           all
           we
           doe
           ;
           by
           forcible
           wresting
           our
           nature
           from
           its
           bent
           ,
           and
           swimming
           against
           the
           current
           of
           impetuous
           desires
           ;
           by
           a
           patient
           disentangling
           our selves
           from
           practices
           most
           agreeable
           and
           familiar
           to
           us
           ;
           by
           a
           wary
           fencing
           with
           temptations
           ,
           by
           long
           struggling
           with
           manifold
           oppositions
           and
           difficulties
           ;
           whence
           the
           Holy
           Scripture
           termeth
           our
           practice
           a
           warfare
           ,
           wherein
           we
           are
           to
           fight
           many
           a
           bloody
           battel
           with
           most
           redoubtable
           foes
           ;
           a
           combat
           ,
           which
           must
           be
           managed
           with
           our
           
           best
           skill
           ,
           and
           utmost
           might
           ;
           a
           race
           ,
           which
           we
           must
           pass
           through
           with
           incessant
           activity
           and
           swiftness
           .
        
         
           If
           therefore
           we
           mean
           to
           be
           good
           or
           to
           be
           happy
           ,
           it
           behoveth
           us
           to
           lose
           no
           time
           ;
           to
           be
           presently
           up
           at
           our
           great
           task
           ;
           to
           snatch
           all
           occasions
           ,
           to
           embrace
           all
           means
           incident
           of
           reforming
           our
           hearts
           and
           lives
           .
           As
           those
           who
           have
           a
           long
           journey
           to
           go
           ,
           do
           
           take
           care
           to
           set
           out
           early
           and
           in
           their
           way
           make
           good
           speed
           ,
           lest
           the
           night
           overtake
           them
           before
           they
           reach
           their
           home
           ;
           so
           it
           being
           a
           great
           way
           from
           hence
           to
           Heaven
           ,
           seeing
           we
           must
           pass
           over
           so
           many
           obstacles
           ,
           through
           so
           many
           Paths
           of
           duty
           before
           we
           arrive
           thither
           ,
           it
           is
           expedient
           to
           set
           forward
           as
           soon
           as
           can
           be
           ,
           and
           to
           proceed
           with
           all
           expedition
           ;
           the
           longer
           we
           stay
           ,
           the
           more
           time
           we
           shall
           need
           ,
           and
           the
           less
           we
           shall
           have
           .
        
         
         
           3.
           
           We
           may
           consider
           ,
           that
           no
           future
           time
           which
           we
           can
           fix
           upon
           will
           be
           more
           convenient
           than
           the
           present
           is
           for
           our
           reformation
           .
           Let
           us
           pitch
           on
           what
           time
           we
           please
           ,
           we
           shall
           be
           as
           unwilling
           and
           unfit
           to
           begin
           as
           we
           are
           now
           ;
           we
           shall
           find
           in
           our selves
           the
           same
           indispositions
           ,
           the
           same
           averseness
           ,
           or
           the
           same
           listlesness
           
           toward
           it
           as
           now
           :
           There
           will
           occur
           the
           
           like
           hardships
           to
           deter
           us
           ,
           and
           the
           like
           Pleasures
           to
           allure
           us
           from
           our
           duty
           ;
           objects
           will
           then
           be
           as
           present
           and
           will
           strike
           as
           smartly
           upon
           our
           senses
           ;
           the
           case
           will
           appear
           just
           the
           same
           ,
           and
           the
           same
           Pretences
           for
           delay
           will
           obtrude
           themselves
           ;
           so
           that
           we
           shall
           be
           as
           apt
           then
           as
           now
           to
           prorogue
           the
           business
           .
           We
           shall
           say
           then
           ,
           to
           morrow
           I
           will
           mend
           ;
           and
           when
           that
           morrow
           cometh
           ,
           it
           will
           be
           still
           to
           morrow
           ,
           and
           so
           the
           morrow
           will
           prove
           endless
           .
           If
           like
           the
           simple
           Rustick
           ,
           (
           who
           stay'd
           by
           
           the
           River
           side
           waiting
           till
           it
           had
           done
           running
           ,
           
           that
           so
           he
           might
           pass
           dry-foot
           over
           the
           chanel
           )
           we
           do
           conceit
           ,
           that
           the
           sources
           of
           sin
           (
           bad
           inclinations
           within
           ,
           and
           strong
           
           temptations
           abroad
           )
           will
           of
           themselves
           be
           spent
           or
           fail
           ,
           we
           shall
           find
           our selves
           deluded
           .
           If
           ever
           we
           come
           to
           take
           up
           ,
           we
           must
           have
           a
           beginning
           with
           some
           difficulty
           and
           trouble
           ;
           we
           must
           courageously
           break
           through
           the
           present
           with
           all
           its
           enchantments
           ;
           we
           must
           undauntedly
           plunge
           into
           the
           cold
           stream
           ;
           we
           must
           rouse
           our selves
           from
           our
           bed
           of
           sloth
           ;
           we
           must
           shake
           off
           that
           brutish
           improvidence
           which
           detaineth
           us
           ,
           and
           why
           should
           we
           not
           assay
           it
           now
           ?
           there
           is
           the
           same
           reason
           now
           that
           ever
           we
           can
           have
           !
           yea
           ,
           far
           more
           reason
           now
           ;
           for
           if
           that
           we
           now
           begin
           ,
           hereafter
           at
           any
           
           determinate
           time
           ,
           some
           of
           the
           work
           will
           be
           done
           ,
           what
           remaineth
           will
           be
           shorter
           and
           easier
           to
           us
           .
           Nay
           farther
           ,
        
         
           4.
           
           We
           may
           consider
           ,
           that
           the
           more
           we
           defer
           ,
           the
           more
           difficult
           
           and
           painfull
           our
           work
           must
           needs
           prove
           ;
           every
           day
           will
           both
           enlarge
           our
           task
           ,
           and
           diminish
           our
           ability
           to
           perform
           it
           :
           Sin
           is
           never
           at
           a
           stay
           ;
           if
           we
           do
           not
           retreat
           from
           it
           ,
           we
           shall
           advance
           in
           it
           ;
           and
           the
           farther
           on
           we
           go
           ,
           the
           more
           we
           have
           to
           come
           back
           ;
           every
           step
           we
           take
           forward
           ,
           (
           even
           before
           we
           can
           return
           hither
           ,
           into
           the
           state
           wherein
           we
           are
           at
           present
           )
           must
           be
           repeated
           ;
           all
           the
           web
           we
           spin
           must
           be
           unravelled
           ;
           we
           must
           vomit
           up
           all
           we
           take
           in
           ;
           which
           to
           doe
           we
           shall
           find
           very
           tedious
           and
           grievous
           .
        
         
           Vice
           as
           it
           groweth
           in
           age
           ,
           so
           it
           improveth
           in
           stature
           and
           strength
           ;
           from
           a
           puny
           Child
           it
           soon
           waxeth
           a
           lusty
           Stripling
           ,
           then
           riseth
           to
           be
           a
           sturdy
           Man
           ,
           and
           after
           a-while
           becometh
           a
           massy
           Giant
           ,
           whom
           we
           
           shall
           scarce
           dare
           to
           encounter
           ,
           whom
           we
           shall
           be
           very
           hardly
           able
           to
           vanquish
           ;
           especially
           seeing
           that
           as
           it
           groweth
           taller
           and
           stouter
           ,
           so
           we
           shall
           dwindle
           and
           prove
           more
           impotent
           ;
           for
           it
           feedeth
           upon
           our
           vitals
           ,
           and
           thriveth
           by
           our
           decay
           ;
           it
           waxeth
           mighty
           by
           stripping
           us
           of
           our
           best
           forces
           ;
           by
           enfeebling
           our
           reason
           ,
           by
           perverting
           our
           will
           ,
           by
           corrupting
           our
           temper
           ,
           by
           debasing
           our
           courage
           ,
           by
           seducing
           all
           our
           appetites
           and
           passions
           to
           a
           treacherous
           compliance
           with
           it self
           ;
           every
           day
           our
           
           mind
           groweth
           more
           blind
           ,
           our
           will
           more
           resty
           ,
           our
           spirit
           more
           faint
           ,
           our
           appetites
           more
           fierce
           ,
           our
           passions
           more
           headstrong
           and
           untameable
           :
           The
           power
           and
           empire
           of
           sin
           do
           strangely
           by
           degrees
           encroach
           ,
           and
           continually
           get
           ground
           upon
           us
           ,
           till
           it
           hath
           quite
           subdued
           and
           enthralled
           us
           ;
           first
           we
           learn
           to
           bear
           it
           ,
           then
           we
           come
           to
           like
           it
           ,
           by
           and
           by
           we
           contract
           a
           friendship
           
           with
           it
           ,
           then
           we
           dote
           upon
           it
           ,
           at
           last
           we
           become
           enslaved
           to
           it
           in
           a
           bondage
           which
           we
           shall
           hardly
           be
           able
           ,
           or
           willing
           to
           shake
           off
           ;
           when
           not
           onely
           our
           necks
           are
           fitted
           to
           the
           yoke
           ,
           our
           hands
           are
           manacled
           ,
           and
           our
           feet
           shackled
           thereby
           ;
           but
           our
           heads
           and
           hearts
           do
           conspire
           in
           a
           base
           submission
           thereto
           :
           When
           vice
           hath
           made
           such
           impression
           on
           us
           ,
           when
           this
           pernicious
           weed
           hath
           taken
           so
           deep
           root
           in
           our
           mind
           ,
           will
           and
           affection
           ,
           it
           will
           demand
           an
           extremely
           toilsome
           labour
           to
           extirpate
           it
           .
        
         
           Indeed
           by
           continuance
           in
           sin
           ,
           the
           chief
           means
           (
           afforded
           by
           nature
           ,
           or
           by
           grace
           )
           of
           restraining
           ,
           or
           reducing
           us
           from
           it
           ,
           are
           either
           cut
           off
           ,
           or
           enervated
           and
           rendred
           ineffectual
           .
        
         
           Natural
           modesty
           ,
           while
           it
           lasteth
           ,
           is
           a
           curb
           from
           doing
           ill
           ;
           Men
           in
           their
           first
           
           deflexions
           from
           vertue
           
           are
           bashfull
           and
           shy
           ;
           out
           of
           regard
           to
           other
           Mens
           opinion
           ,
           and
           
           tenderness
           of
           their
           own
           honour
           they
           are
           afraid
           ,
           or
           ashamed
           to
           transgress
           plain
           rules
           of
           duty
           ;
           but
           in
           process
           this
           disposition
           weareth
           out
           ;
           by
           little
           and
           little
           they
           arrive
           to
           that
           character
           of
           the
           degenerate
           Jews
           ,
           whom
           the
           Prophets
           call
           
             impudent
             children
          
           ,
           having
           
             a
             brow
             of
             brass
          
           ,
           and
           
             faces
             harder
             than
          
           
           
             a
             rock
          
           ;
           so
           that
           they
           commit
           sin
           with
           open
           face
           ,
           and
           in
           broad
           day
           ,
           without
           any
           mask
           ,
           without
           a
           blush
           ;
           they
           despise
           their
           own
           reputation
           ,
           and
           defy
           all
           censure
           of
           others
           ;
           they
           outface
           and
           outbrave
           the
           World
           ,
           till
           at
           length
           with
           prodigious
           insolence
           they
           come
           to
           boast
           of
           wickedness
           ,
           and
           
             glory
             in
             their
             shame
          
           ,
           as
           an
           instance
           of
           high
           courage
           and
           special
           
           gallantry
           .
        
         
           Conscience
           is
           a
           check
           to
           beginners
           in
           sin
           ,
           reclaiming
           them
           from
           it
           ,
           and
           rating
           them
           for
           it
           ;
           but
           this
           in
           long
           standers
           becometh
           useless
           ,
           either
           failing
           to
           discharge
           its
           office
           ,
           or
           assaying
           it
           to
           no
           purpose
           ,
           having
           often
           been
           slighted
           ,
           it
           will
           
           be
           weary
           of
           chiding
           ;
           or
           if
           it
           be
           not
           wholly
           
           dumb
           ,
           we
           shall
           be
           deaf
           to
           its
           reproof
           :
           As
           those
           who
           live
           by
           cataracts
           or
           downfalls
           of
           Water
           are
           by
           continual
           noise
           so
           deafened
           as
           not
           to
           hear
           or
           mind
           it
           ,
           so
           shall
           we
           in
           time
           grow
           senseless
           ,
           not
           regarding
           the
           loudest
           Peals
           and
           Ratlings
           of
           our
           conscience
           .
        
         
           The
           Heart
           of
           a
           raw
           Novice
           in
           impiety
           
           is
           somewhat
           tender
           and
           soft
           ,
           so
           that
           remorse
           can
           pierce
           and
           sting
           it
           ;
           his
           neck
           is
           yielding
           and
           sensible
           ,
           so
           that
           the
           yoke
           of
           sin
           doth
           gall
           it
           ;
           but
           in
           stout
           Proficients
           the
           heart
           becometh
           hard
           and
           stony
           ,
           the
           neck
           stiff
           and
           brawny
           ;
           
             (
             an
             iron
             sinew
          
           ,
           
           as
           the
           Prophet
           termeth
           it
           )
           so
           
           that
           they
           do
           not
           feel
           or
           resent
           any
           thing
           ;
           but
           are
           like
           those
           of
           whom
           St.
           Paul
           speaketh
           ;
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
           who
           
             being
             past
             feeling
          
           all
           forrow
           or
           smart
           ,
           
             have
             given
             themselves
             over
             unto
             lascivousness
             ,
             to
             work
             all
             uncleanness
             with
             greedness
             .
          
        
         
         
           When
           first
           we
           nibble
           at
           the
           Bait
           ,
           or
           enter
           into
           bad
           courses
           ,
           our
           reason
           doth
           contest
           and
           remonstrate
           against
           it
           ,
           faithfully
           representing
           to
           us
           the
           folly
           ,
           the
           ugliness
           ,
           the
           baseness
           ,
           the
           manifold
           ill
           consequences
           of
           sinning
           ;
           but
           that
           by
           continuance
           is
           muffled
           so
           as
           not
           to
           discern
           ,
           or
           muzled
           so
           as
           not
           to
           declare
           ;
           yea
           ,
           often
           is
           so
           debauched
           as
           to
           excuse
           ,
           to
           avow
           and
           maintain
           ,
           yea
           ,
           to
           applaud
           and
           extol
           our
           miscarriages
           .
        
         
           For
           a
           time
           a
           Man
           retaineth
           some
           courage
           ,
           and
           a
           hope
           that
           he
           may
           repent
           ;
           but
           progress
           in
           sin
           dispiriteth
           and
           casteth
           into
           despair
           ;
           whether
           God
           be
           placable
           ,
           whether
           himself
           be
           corrigible
           ;
           an
           apprehension
           concerning
           the
           length
           of
           the
           way
           ,
           or
           the
           difficulty
           of
           the
           work
           discourageth
           ,
           and
           despondency
           rendreth
           him
           heartless
           and
           careless
           to
           attempt
           it
           .
           There
           is
           no
           Man
           that
           hath
           heard
           of
           God
           ,
           who
           hath
           not
           at
           first
           some
           dread
           of
           offending
           him
           ,
           and
           some
           dissatisfaction
           in
           transgressing
           his
           will
           ;
           it
           appearing
           to
           his
           
           mind
           (
           not
           yet
           utterly
           blinded
           and
           depraved
           )
           a
           desperate
           thing
           to
           brave
           his
           irresistible
           Power
           ,
           an
           absurd
           thing
           to
           thwart
           his
           infallible
           Wisedom
           ,
           a
           detestable
           thing
           to
           abuse
           his
           immense
           Goodness
           ;
           but
           obstinacy
           in
           sin
           doth
           quash
           this
           conscientious
           awe
           ;
           so
           that
           at
           length
           
             God
             is
             not
             in
             all
             his
             thoughts
             ,
             the
          
           
           
             fear
             of
             God
             is
             not
             before
             his
             eyes
          
           ;
           the
           Wrath
           of
           the
           Almighty
           seemeth
           a
           Bugbear
           ,
           the
           fiercest
           menaces
           of
           Religion
           sound
           but
           as
           Ratties
           to
           him
           .
        
         
           As
           for
           the
           gentle
           Whispers
           and
           Touches
           of
           Divine
           Grace
           ,
           the
           monitory
           Dispensations
           of
           Providence
           ,
           the
           good
           advices
           and
           wholsome
           reproofs
           of
           Friends
           ,
           with
           the
           like
           means
           of
           reclaiming
           sinners
           ;
           these
           to
           Persons
           
             settled
             on
             their
             lees
          
           ,
           or
           fixed
           in
           bad
           custome
           ,
           are
           but
           as
           
           gusts
           of
           Wind
           brushing
           an
           old
           Oak
           ,
           or
           as
           Waves
           dashing
           on
           a
           Rock
           ,
           without
           at
           all
           shaking
           or
           stirring
           it
           .
        
         
         
           Now
           when
           any
           Person
           is
           come
           to
           this
           pass
           ,
           it
           must
           be
           hugely
           difficult
           to
           reduce
           him
           ;
           to
           retrieve
           a
           defloured
           Modesty
           ,
           to
           quicken
           a
           jaded
           Conscience
           ,
           to
           supple
           a
           callous
           Heart
           ,
           to
           settle
           a
           baffled
           Reason
           ,
           to
           rear
           a
           dejected
           Courage
           ,
           to
           recover
           a
           Soul
           miserably
           benummed
           and
           broken
           ,
           to
           its
           former
           vigour
           and
           integrity
           ,
           can
           be
           no
           easie
           matter
           .
        
         
           The
           diseases
           of
           our
           Soul
           no
           less
           than
           those
           of
           our
           Body
           ;
           when
           once
           they
           are
           inveterate
           ,
           they
           are
           become
           more
           
           incurable
           ;
           the
           longer
           we
           forbear
           to
           apply
           
           due
           remedy
           ,
           the
           more
           hard
           their
           cure
           will
           prove
           ;
           if
           we
           let
           them
           proceed
           far
           ,
           we
           must
           e'er
           we
           can
           be
           rid
           of
           them
           ,
           undergo
           a
           course
           of
           Physick
           very
           tedious
           and
           offensive
           to
           us
           ;
           many
           a
           rough
           Purge
           ,
           many
           a
           sore
           Phlebotomy
           ,
           many
           an
           irksome
           Sweat
           we
           must
           endure
           .
           Yea
           farther
           ,
        
         
         
           5.
           
           We
           may
           consider
           ,
           that
           by
           delaying
           to
           amend
           ,
           to
           doe
           it
           may
           become
           quite
           impossible
           ;
           it
           may
           be
           so
           in
           the
           nature
           of
           the
           thing
           ,
           it
           may
           be
           so
           by
           the
           will
           of
           God
           :
           The
           thing
           may
           become
           naturally
           impossible
           ;
           for
           vice
           by
           custome
           may
           pass
           into
           nature
           ,
           and
           prove
           so
           congeneal
           ,
           as
           if
           it
           were
           born
           with
           us
           ;
           so
           that
           we
           shall
           propend
           to
           it
           as
           a
           stone
           falleth
           down
           ,
           or
           as
           a
           spark
           flieth
           upward
           :
           By
           soaking
           in
           Voluptuousness
           
           we
           may
           be
           so
           transformed
           into
           Brutes
           ,
           by
           sleeping
           in
           malice
           so
           converted
           into
           Fiends
           ,
           that
           we
           necessarily
           shall
           act
           like
           creatures
           of
           that
           kind
           ,
           into
           which
           we
           are
           degenerated
           ;
           and
           then
           nowise
           without
           a
           downright
           Miracle
           are
           we
           capable
           of
           being
           reformed
           .
           
             How
             long
          
           ,
           saith
           
             Solomon
             ,
             wilt
             thou
          
           
           
             sleep
             ,
             O
             Sluggard
             ,
             when
             wilt
             thou
             arise
             out
             of
             thy
             sleep
             ?
          
           We
           may
           be
           so
           often
           called
           on
           ,
           and
           't
           is
           not
           easie
           to
           awaken
           us
           ,
           when
           we
           are
           got
           into
           a
           
           spiritual
           slumber
           ;
           but
           when
           we
           are
           ,
           
             dead
             in
             trespasses
             and
             sins
          
           ,
           so
           that
           
           all
           breath
           of
           holy
           affection
           is
           stopt
           ,
           and
           no
           spiritual
           pulse
           from
           our
           heart
           doth
           appear
           ;
           that
           all
           sense
           of
           duty
           is
           lost
           ,
           all
           appetite
           to
           good
           doth
           fail
           ,
           no
           strength
           or
           activity
           to
           move
           in
           a
           good
           course
           doth
           exert
           it self
           ;
           that
           our
           good
           complexion
           is
           dissolved
           ,
           and
           all
           our
           finer
           spirits
           are
           dissipated
           ;
           that
           our
           mind
           is
           quite
           crazed
           ,
           and
           all
           its
           Powers
           are
           shattered
           or
           spoiled
           ,
           when
           thus
           ,
           I
           say
           ,
           we
           are
           spiritually
           dead
           ,
           how
           can
           we
           raise
           our selves
           ,
           what
           beneath
           omnipotency
           can
           effect
           it
           ?
           as
           a
           stick
           ,
           when
           
           once
           't
           is
           dry
           and
           stiff
           ,
           you
           may
           break
           it
           ,
           but
           you
           can
           never
           bend
           it
           into
           a
           streighter
           posture
           ,
           so
           doth
           the
           Man
           become
           incorrigible
           ,
           who
           is
           settled
           and
           stiffned
           in
           vice
           .
           The
           stain
           of
           habitual
           sin
           may
           sink
           in
           so
           deep
           ,
           and
           so
           thoroughly
           tincture
           all
           our
           Soul
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           be
           like
           those
           People
           ,
           of
           whom
           the
           Prophet
           saith
           ,
           
             Can
             the
             Ethiopian
             change
             his
          
           
           
             skin
             ,
             or
             the
             Leopard
             his
             spots
             ?
             then
          
           
           
             may
             ye
             do
             good
             ,
             that
             are
             accustomed
             to
             doe
             evil
             :
          
           Such
           an
           impossibility
           may
           arise
           from
           nature
           ;
           one
           greater
           and
           more
           insuperable
           may
           come
           from
           God.
           
        
         
           To
           an
           effectual
           repentance
           the
           succour
           of
           divine
           grace
           is
           necessary
           ;
           but
           that
           is
           arbitrarily
           dispensed
           ;
           
             the
             spirit
             bloweth
             where
             it
             listeth
             ,
          
           
           yet
           it
           listeth
           wisely
           ,
           with
           regard
           both
           to
           the
           past
           behaviour
           ,
           and
           present
           capacities
           of
           Men
           ;
           so
           that
           to
           such
           who
           have
           abused
           it
           ,
           and
           to
           such
           who
           will
           not
           treat
           it
           well
           ,
           it
           shall
           not
           be
           imparted
           :
           And
           can
           we
           be
           well
           assured
           ,
           can
           we
           reasonably
           hope
           ,
           that
           after
           we
           by
           our
           presumptuous
           delays
           have
           put
           off
           God
           and
           dallied
           with
           his
           grace
           ;
           after
           that
           he
           long
           in
           vain
           hath
           
             waited
             to
             be
             gratious
          
           ;
           after
           that
           he
           hath
           endured
           so
           many
           neglects
           ,
           and
           so
           many
           repulses
           from
           us
           ;
           after
           that
           we
           frequently
           have
           slighted
           his
           open
           invitations
           ,
           and
           smothered
           his
           kindly
           motions
           in
           us
           ;
           in
           short
           ,
           after
           we
           so
           unworthily
           have
           misused
           his
           
           goodness
           and
           patience
           ,
           that
           he
           farther
           will
           vouchsafe
           his
           grace
           to
           us
           ?
           when
           we
           have
           forfeited
           it
           ,
           when
           we
           
           have
           rejected
           it
           ,
           when
           we
           have
           spurned
           and
           driven
           it
           away
           ,
           can
           we
           hope
           to
           recover
           it
           ?
        
         
           There
           is
           a
           time
           ,
           a
           season
           ,
           a
           day
           allotted
           to
           us
           ;
           
             our
             day
          
           it
           is
           termed
           ,
           
           
             a
             day
             of
             salvation
             ,
             the
             season
             of
             our
             visitation
             ,
             an
             acceptable
             time
          
           ;
           wherein
           God
           freely
           doth
           exhibit
           grace
           ,
           and
           presenteth
           his
           mercy
           to
           us
           ;
           if
           we
           let
           this
           day
           slip
           ,
           
             the
             night
          
           
           
             cometh
             when
             no
             man
             can
             work
          
           ;
           when
           
             the
             things
             belonging
             to
             our
             peace
             will
          
           
           
             be
             hidden
             from
             our
             eyes
          
           ;
           when
           (
           as
           the
           Prophet
           expresseth
           it
           )
           we
           shall
           
             grope
             for
             the
             wall
             like
             the
             blind
             ,
             and
             stumble
             at
             noon-day
             as
             in
             the
             night
             ,
             and
             be
             in
             desolate
             places
             as
             dead
             men
          
           ;
           after
           that
           day
           is
           spent
           ,
           and
           that
           comfortable
           light
           is
           set
           ,
           a
           dismal
           night
           of
           darkness
           ,
           of
           cold
           ,
           of
           disconsolateness
           will
           succeed
           ;
           when
           
           God
           being
           
             weary
             of
             bearing
          
           with
           Men
           doth
           utterly
           desert
           them
           ,
           and
           
             delivereth
             them
             over
             to
             a
             reprobate
          
           
           mind
           ;
           when
           subtracting
           his
           gratious
           direction
           and
           assistence
           ,
           
             he
             giveth
             them
             over
             to
             their
             own
             hearts
          
           
           
             lusts
             ,
             and
             to
             walk
             in
             their
             own
             counsels
          
           ;
           when
           they
           are
           brought
           to
           complain
           with
           those
           in
           the
           
             Prophet
             ,
             O
             Lord
             ,
             why
             hast
             thou
             made
             us
             to
             err
          
           
           
             from
             thy
             ways
             ,
             and
             hardned
             our
             heart
             from
             thy
             fear
             ?
          
           when
           like
           Pharaoh
           they
           survive
           only
           as
           objects
           of
           God's
           justice
           ,
           or
           occasions
           to
           glorify
           his
           power
           ;
           when
           like
           Esau
           ,
           they
           cannot
           
           find
           a
           place
           of
           repentance
           ,
           
             although
             they
             seek
             it
             carefully
             with
          
           
           tears
           ;
           when
           as
           to
           the
           foolish
           loitering
           Virgins
           ,
           
             the
             door
          
           of
           mercy
           
           is
           
             shut
             upon
             them
          
           ;
           when
           the
           
             master
             of
             the
             house
             doth
             rise
             and
             shut
             the
          
           
           door
           ,
           &c.
           when
           that
           menace
           of
           divine
           wisedom
           cometh
           to
           be
           executed
           ;
           
             They
             shall
             call
             upon
             me
             ,
             but
             I
          
           
           
             will
             not
             answer
             :
             they
             shall
             seek
             me
             early
             ,
             but
             they
             shall
             not
             find
             me
             ;
             for
             that
             they
             hated
             knowledge
             ,
             and
             did
             not
             chuse
             the
             fear
             of
             the
             Lord
             :
          
           And
           if
           neglecting
           our
           season
           ,
           and
           present
           means
           ,
           we
           once
           fall
           into
           this
           state
           ,
           
           then
           is
           our
           case
           most
           deplorable
           ;
           we
           are
           dead
           Men
           irreversibly
           doomed
           ,
           and
           only
           for
           a
           few
           moments
           reprieved
           from
           the
           stroak
           of
           final
           vengeance
           ;
           
             we
             are
             vessels
             of
             wrath
          
           
           fitted
           (
           or
           made
           up
           )
           
             for
             destruction
          
           ;
           by
           a
           fatal
           blindness
           and
           obduration
           sealed
           up
           to
           ruine
           ;
           we
           are
           like
           the
           
             terra
             damnata
             ,
             that
             earth
          
           (
           in
           the
           
             Apostle
             ,
             )
             which
             drinking
             up
             the
             rain
             ,
          
           
           
             that
             cometh
             oft
             upon
             it
             ,
             and
             bearing
             thorns
             and
             briars
             ,
             is
             rejected
             ,
             and
             is
             nigh
             unto
             cursing
             ,
          
           and
           
             whose
             end
             is
             to
             be
             burned
             .
          
           Wherefore
           according
           to
           the
           advice
           of
           the
           
             Prophet
             ,
             Seek
             ye
             the
             Lord
             ,
             when
             he
             may
             be
             found
             ,
             call
          
           
           
             ye
             upon
             him
             ,
             while
             he
             is
             near
             .
          
        
         
           It
           is
           true
           ,
           that
           God
           is
           ever
           ready
           upon
           our
           true
           conversion
           to
           receive
           us
           into
           favour
           ,
           that
           his
           arms
           are
           always
           open
           to
           embrace
           a
           sincere
           Penitent
           ;
           that
           he
           hath
           declared
           ,
           
             whenever
             a
             wicked
             man
             turneth
             from
          
           
           
             his
             wickedness
             ,
             and
             doeth
             that
             which
             is
             right
             ,
             he
             shall
             save
             his
             soul
             alive
          
           ;
           that
           if
           
             we
             do
             wash
             our selves
             ,
             make
             us
             clean
             ,
             put
             away
             the
             evil
             of
             our
             doings
             ,
          
           
           
           
             and
             cease
             to
             do
             evil
          
           ,
           then
           
             although
             our
             sins
             be
             as
             scarlet
             ,
             they
             shall
             be
             white
             as
             snow
             ,
             though
             they
             be
             like
             crimson
             they
             shall
             be
             as
             wool
          
           ;
           that
           if
           we
           
             rend
             our
             hearts
             ,
             and
             turn
          
           
           
             unto
             the
             Lord
             ,
             he
             is
             gratious
             and
             mercifull
             .
             and
             will
             repent
             of
             the
             evil
          
           ;
           that
           
             God
             is
             good
             and
             ready
             to
             forgive
             ,
          
           
           
             and
             plenteous
             in
             mercy
             unto
             all
             that
             call
             upon
             him
          
           ;
           that
           whenever
           a
           prodigal
           Son
           with
           humble
           confession
           and
           hearty
           contrition
           for
           his
           sin
           doth
           
             arise
             and
             go
             to
             his
             father
             ,
          
           he
           
           will
           embrace
           him
           tenderly
           ,
           and
           entertain
           him
           kindly
           ;
           that
           even
           a
           profane
           Apostate
           ,
           and
           a
           bloody
           Oppressour
           (
           as
           Manasses
           )
           a
           lewd
           Strumpet
           (
           as
           Magdalene
           )
           a
           notable
           
           Thief
           (
           as
           he
           upon
           the
           Cross
           )
           a
           timorous
           Renouncer
           (
           as
           St.
           Peter
           )
           a
           furious
           Persecutour
           (
           as
           St.
           Paul
           )
           a
           stupid
           Idolater
           (
           as
           all
           the
           Heathen
           World
           ,
           when
           the
           Gospel
           came
           to
           them
           ,
           was
           )
           the
           most
           heinous
           Sinner
           that
           ever
           hath
           been
           ,
           or
           can
           be
           imagined
           to
           be
           ,
           if
           he
           be
           disposed
           to
           repent
           ,
           is
           capable
           of
           mercy
           ;
           those
           
           declarations
           and
           promises
           are
           infallibly
           true
           ,
           those
           instances
           peremptorily
           do
           evince
           ,
           that
           repentance
           is
           never
           super-annuated
           ;
           that
           if
           we
           can
           turn
           at
           all
           ,
           we
           shall
           not
           turn
           too
           late
           ,
           that
           
             poenitentia
             nunquam
             sera
             ,
             modo
             seria
             ,
          
           is
           an
           irrefragable
           rule
           ;
           yet
           nevertheless
           delay
           is
           very
           unsafe
           ;
           for
           what
           assurance
           can
           we
           have
           ,
           that
           God
           hereafter
           will
           enable
           us
           to
           perform
           those
           conditions
           of
           bewailing
           our
           sins
           ,
           and
           forsaking
           them
           ?
           have
           we
           not
           cause
           rather
           to
           fear
           that
           he
           will
           chastise
           our
           presumption
           by
           withholding
           his
           Grace
           ?
           for
           although
           God
           faileth
           not
           to
           yield
           competent
           aids
           to
           Persons
           who
           have
           not
           
             despised
             his
             goodness
             and
             long-suffering
          
           
           
             that
             leadeth
             them
             to
             repentance
          
           ;
           yet
           he
           that
           wilfully
           or
           wantonly
           loitereth
           away
           the
           time
           ,
           and
           squandereth
           the
           means
           allowed
           him
           ;
           who
           refuseth
           to
           come
           when
           God
           calleth
           ,
           yea
           woeth
           and
           courteth
           him
           to
           repentance
           ,
           how
           can
           he
           pretend
           to
           find
           such
           favour
           ?
        
         
         
           We
           might
           add
           ,
           that
           supposing
           God
           in
           super-abundance
           of
           mercy
           might
           be
           presumed
           never
           to
           withhold
           his
           grace
           ;
           yet
           seeing
           his
           grace
           doth
           not
           work
           by
           irresistible
           compulsion
           ;
           seeing
           the
           worse
           qualified
           we
           are
           ,
           the
           more
           apt
           we
           shall
           be
           to
           cross
           and
           defeat
           its
           operation
           ;
           seeing
           that
           we
           cannot
           hope
           that
           hereafter
           we
           shall
           be
           more
           fit
           than
           now
           to
           comply
           with
           it
           :
           Yea
           ,
           seeing
           we
           may
           be
           sure
           ,
           that
           after
           our
           hearts
           are
           hardned
           by
           perseverance
           in
           sin
           ,
           we
           shall
           be
           more
           indisposed
           thereto
           ;
           we
           by
           delay
           of
           repentance
           do
           not
           onely
           venture
           the
           forfeiture
           of
           divine
           grace
           ,
           but
           the
           danger
           of
           abusing
           it
           ,
           which
           heinously
           will
           aggravate
           our
           guilt
           ,
           and
           hugely
           augment
           our
           punishment
           .
        
         
           We
           should
           do
           well
           therefore
           most
           seriously
           to
           regard
           the
           Apostle's
           admonition
           ;
           
             Exhort
             one
             another
             to
             day
          
           ,
           
           
             while
             it
             is
             called
             to
             day
             ,
             lest
             any
             of
             you
             be
             hardned
             by
             the
             deceitfulness
             of
             sin
             :
          
           Now
           that
           we
           find
           our selves
           invited
           to
           repent
           ,
           now
           that
           we
           apprehend
           
           so
           much
           reason
           for
           it
           ;
           now
           that
           we
           feel
           our
           hearts
           somewhat
           enclined
           thereto
           ;
           now
           that
           we
           have
           time
           in
           our
           hands
           ,
           and
           are
           not
           barr'd
           from
           hopes
           of
           mercy
           ;
           now
           that
           it
           is
           not
           extremely
           difficult
           ,
           or
           not
           absolutely
           impossible
           ,
           let
           us
           in
           God's
           name
           lay
           hold
           on
           the
           occasion
           ,
           let
           us
           speedily
           and
           earnestly
           set
           upon
           the
           work
           .
           Farther
           yet
           ,
        
         
           6.
           
           We
           should
           consider
           ,
           that
           we
           are
           mortal
           and
           frail
           ,
           and
           thence
           any
           designs
           of
           future
           reformation
           may
           be
           clipt
           off
           ,
           or
           intercepted
           by
           death
           ;
           which
           is
           always
           creeping
           towards
           us
           ,
           and
           may
           for
           all
           we
           can
           tell
           be
           very
           near
           at
           hand
           .
           You
           say
           you
           will
           repent
           to
           morrow
           ;
           but
           are
           you
           sure
           you
           shall
           have
           a
           morrow
           to
           repent
           in
           ?
           have
           you
           an
           hour
           in
           your
           hand
           ,
           or
           one
           minute
           at
           your
           disposal
           ?
           have
           you
           a
           lease
           to
           shew
           for
           any
           term
           
           of
           life
           ?
           can
           you
           claim
           or
           reckon
           upon
           the
           least
           portion
           of
           time
           without
           his
           leave
           ,
           who
           bestoweth
           life
           ,
           and
           dealeth
           
           out
           time
           ,
           and
           ordereth
           all
           things
           as
           he
           pleaseth
           ?
           Can
           you
           any-wise
           desery
           the
           just
           
             measure
             of
             your
             days
          
           ,
           
           or
           
             the
             bounds
             of
             your
             appointed
             time
          
           without
           a
           special
           revelation
           from
           him
           ,
           
             in
             whose
             hands
             is
             your
             breath
          
           ;
           and
           
             with
             whom
          
           alone
           
             the
             number
             of
             your
             months
             is
          
           registred
           ?
           
             Boast
             not
             thy self
             of
             to
             morrow
             ,
             for
             thou
             knowest
             not
             what
             a
             day
             may
             bring
             forth
             ,
          
           saith
           the
           Wise-man
           :
           boast
           not
           of
           it
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           do
           not
           pretend
           it
           to
           be
           at
           thy
           disposal
           ,
           presume
           not
           upon
           any
           thing
           that
           may
           befall
           therein
           ;
           for
           whilst
           thou
           presumest
           thereon
           ,
           may
           it
           not
           be
           said
           unto
           thee
           ,
           as
           to
           the
           rich
           Projectour
           in
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           *
           
             Thou
             fool
             ,
             this
             night
             shall
             thy
             soul
             be
             required
             of
             thee
             .
          
           Doth
           not
           ,
           seluding
           hidden
           decrees
           ,
           every
           Man's
           life
           hang
           upon
           a
           thread
           very
           slender
           and
           frail
           ?
           is
           it
           not
           subject
           to
           many
           diseases
           lurking
           within
           ,
           and
           to
           a
           thousand
           accidents
           flying
           about
           us
           ?
           how
           many
           ,
           that
           might
           have
           promised
           themselves
           as
           fair
           scope
           as
           we
           can
           ,
           have
           been
           unexpectedly
           snapt
           away
           ?
           How
           many
           
           have
           been
           cropt
           in
           the
           flower
           of
           their
           age
           and
           vigour
           of
           their
           strength
           ?
           Doth
           not
           every
           day
           present
           experiments
           of
           sudden
           death
           ?
           Do
           we
           not
           continually
           see
           that
           observation
           of
           the
           Preacher
           verified
           ,
           Man
           
           
             knoweth
             not
             his
             time
             ;
             as
             the
             fishes
             that
             are
             taken
             in
             an
             evil
             net
             ,
             and
             as
             the
             birds
             are
             caught
             in
             the
             snare
             ,
             so
             are
             the
             sons
             of
             men
             snared
             in
             an
             evil
             time
             ,
             when
             it
             cometh
             suddenly
             upon
             them
             ?
          
           Old
           
           men
           are
           ready
           to
           drop
           of
           themselves
           ,
           and
           young
           men
           are
           easily
           brushed
           or
           shaken
           down
           ;
           the
           former
           visibly
           stand
           upon
           the
           brink
           of
           Eternity
           ,
           the
           latter
           walk
           upon
           a
           bottomless
           Quag
           ,
           into
           which
           unawares
           they
           may
           slump
           ;
           who
           then
           can
           any-wise
           be
           secure
           ?
           We
           are
           all
           therefore
           highly
           concerned
           to
           use
           our
           life
           ,
           while
           we
           have
           it
           ;
           to
           catch
           the
           first
           opportunity
           ,
           lest
           all
           opportunity
           forsake
           us
           ;
           to
           cut
           off
           our
           sinning
           ,
           lest
           our selves
           be
           cut
           off
           
           before
           it
           :
           And
           that
           the
           rather
           ,
           because
           by
           lavishing
           ,
           or
           misemploying
           our
           present
           time
           ,
           we
           may
           lose
           the
           future
           ,
           provoking
           God
           to
           bereave
           us
           of
           it
           ;
           for
           as
           prolongation
           of
           time
           is
           a
           reward
           of
           Piety
           ;
           as
           to
           observance
           of
           the
           Commandments
           it
           is
           promised
           ,
           
             Length
             of
             days
             ,
             and
          
           
           
             long
             life
             ,
             and
             peace
             shall
             be
             added
             unto
             thee
          
           ;
           so
           being
           immaturely
           snatched
           hence
           is
           the
           punishment
           awarded
           to
           impious
           practice
           ;
           so
           it
           is
           threatned
           that
           
             Evil
             men
             shall
             be
          
           
           
             cut
             off
          
           ;
           that
           
             bloody
             and
             deceifull
             men
          
           
           
             shall
             not
             live
             out
             half
             their
             days
          
           ;
           that
           
             God
             will
             wound
             the
             head
             of
             his
          
           
           
             enemies
             ,
             and
             the
             hairy
             scalp
             of
             such
             an
             one
             as
             goeth
             on
             still
             in
             his
             wickedness
             :
          
           the
           very
           being
           unmindfull
           of
           their
           duty
           is
           the
           cause
           ,
           why
           men
           are
           thus
           surprised
           ;
           for
           ,
           If
           ,
           saith
           God
           ,
           
             thou
             dost
             not
             watch
             ,
             I
             shall
             come
             upon
          
           
           
             thee
             as
             a
             thief
             ,
             and
             thou
             shalt
             not
             know
             when
             I
             come
             upon
             thee
             .
          
           And
           If
           (
           saith
           our
           Lord
           )
           
             that
             servant
             doth
             say
             in
             his
             heart
             ,
             my
             Lord
             delayeth
          
           
           
             his
             coming
          
           ,
           &c.
           
           
             The
             Lord
             of
          
           
           
             that
             servant
             will
             come
             in
             a
             day
             ,
             when
             he
             looketh
             not
             for
             him
             ,
          
           &c.
           
        
         
           If
           then
           it
           be
           certain
           ,
           that
           we
           must
           render
           a
           strict
           accompt
           of
           all
           our
           doings
           here
           ;
           if
           by
           reason
           of
           our
           frail
           nature
           and
           slippery
           state
           ,
           it
           be
           uncertain
           when
           we
           shall
           be
           summoned
           thereto
           ;
           if
           our
           negligence
           may
           abridge
           and
           accelerate
           the
           term
           ,
           is
           it
           not
           very
           reasonable
           to
           observe
           those
           advices
           of
           our
           Lord
           ;
           Watch
           ,
           
           
             for
             ye
             do
             not
             know
             the
             day
             ,
             nor
             the
             hour
             ,
             when
             the
             son
             of
             man
             cometh
             ;
             Take
             heed
             to
             your selves
             ,
             lest
             any
             time
             your
             heart
             be
             overcharged
             with
             surfeiting
             and
             drunkenness
             ,
             and
             cares
             of
             this
             life
             ,
             and
             so
             that
             day
             come
             upon
             you
             unawares
             .
             Let
             your
             loins
             be
             girded
             about
             ,
             and
             your
             lamps
             burning
             ,
             and
             ye
             your selves
             like
             men
             ,
             that
             wait
             for
             your
             Lord
             :
          
           And
           to
           take
           the
           counsel
           of
           the
           
             Wise-man
             ,
             Make
             no
             tarrying
          
           
           
             to
             turn
             unto
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             put
             not
             off
             from
             day
             to
             day
             ;
             for
             suddenly
             shall
             the
             wrath
             of
             the
             Lord
             come
             forth
             ,
             and
             in
             thy
             security
             shalt
             thou
             be
             destroyed
             ,
             and
             perish
             in
             the
             day
             of
             vengeance
             .
          
        
         
         
           These
           considerations
           plainly
           do
           shew
           how
           very
           foolish
           ,
           how
           extremely
           dangerous
           and
           destructive
           the
           procrastinating
           our
           reformation
           of
           life
           is
           :
           there
           are
           some
           others
           of
           good
           moment
           ,
           which
           we
           shall
           reserve
           .
        
      
       
         
         
           SERMON
           IV.
           The
           Danger
           and
           mischief
           of
           delaying
           Repentance
           .
        
         
           
             PSALM
             CXIX
             .
             60.
             
          
           
             I
             made
             haste
             ,
             and
             delayed
             not
             to
             keep
             thy
             Commandments
             .
          
        
         
           I
           Proceed
           to
           the
           Considerations
           which
           yet
           remain
           to
           be
           spoken
           to
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           We
           may
           consider
           the
           causes
           of
           delay
           in
           this
           case
           (
           as
           in
           all
           cases
           of
           moment
           )
           to
           be
           bad
           and
           unworthy
           of
           a
           Man
           :
           What
           can
           they
           be
           but
           either
           stupidity
           ,
           that
           we
           do
           
           not
           apprehend
           the
           importance
           of
           the
           affair
           ;
           or
           improvidence
           that
           we
           do
           not
           attend
           to
           the
           danger
           of
           persisting
           in
           sin
           ;
           or
           negligence
           that
           we
           do
           not
           mind
           our
           concernments
           ;
           or
           sloth
           that
           keepeth
           us
           from
           rowsing
           
           and
           bestirring
           our selves
           in
           pursuance
           of
           what
           appeareth
           expedient
           ;
           or
           faint-heartedness
           and
           cowardize
           ,
           that
           we
           dare
           not
           attempt
           to
           cross
           our
           appetite
           ,
           or
           our
           fancy
           ;
           all
           which
           dispositions
           are
           very
           base
           and
           shamefull
           :
           It
           is
           the
           prerogative
           of
           humane
           nature
           to
           be
           sagacious
           in
           
           estimating
           the
           worth
           ,
           and
           provident
           in
           descrying
           the
           consequences
           of
           things
           ;
           whereas
           other
           creatures
           ,
           by
           impulse
           of
           sence
           ,
           do
           onely
           fix
           their
           regard
           on
           present
           appearances
           ;
           which
           peculiar
           excellency
           by
           stupidity
           and
           improvidence
           we
           forfeit
           ,
           degenerating
           into
           brutes
           ;
           and
           negligence
           of
           that
           ,
           which
           we
           discern
           mainly
           to
           concern
           us
           is
           a
           quality
           somewhat
           beneath
           those
           ,
           depressing
           us
           below
           beasts
           ,
           which
           cannot
           be
           charged
           with
           such
           a
           fault
           ;
           sloth
           is
           
           no
           less
           despicable
           ,
           rendring
           a
           man
           fit
           for
           nothing
           ;
           nor
           is
           there
           any
           thing
           commonly
           more
           reproachfull
           than
           want
           of
           courage
           :
           so
           bad
           are
           the
           causes
           of
           delay
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           And
           the
           effects
           are
           no
           less
           unhappy
           ,
           being
           disappointment
           ,
           damage
           ,
           trouble
           and
           sorrow
           :
           As
           expedition
           (
           catching
           advantages
           and
           opportunities
           ,
           keeping
           the
           spirit
           up
           in
           its
           heat
           and
           vigour
           ,
           making
           forcible
           impressions
           where-ever
           it
           lighteth
           ,
           driving
           on
           the
           current
           of
           success
           )
           doth
           subdue
           business
           ,
           and
           archieve
           great
           exploits
           (
           as
           by
           practising
           his
           Motto
           ,
           
             to
             defer
             nothing
             ,
             Alexander
          
           
           did
           accomplish
           those
           mighty
           feats
           which
           make
           such
           a
           clatter
           in
           story
           ;
           and
           Caesar
           more
           by
           the
           rapid
           quickness
           and
           forwardness
           of
           undertaking
           ,
           than
           by
           the
           greatness
           of
           courage
           ,
           and
           skilfulness
           of
           conduct
           ,
           did
           work
           out
           those
           enterprises
           ,
           which
           purchased
           to
           his
           Name
           so
           much
           glory
           and
           renown
           )
           so
           delay
           and
           
           ●●owness
           do
           spoil
           all
           
           business
           ,
           do
           keep
           off
           success
           at
           distance
           from
           us
           ,
           thereby
           opportunity
           is
           lost
           ,
           and
           advantages
           slip
           away
           ;
           our
           courage
           
           doth
           flag
           ,
           and
           our
           spirit
           languisheth
           ;
           our
           endeavours
           strike
           faintly
           ,
           and
           are
           easily
           repelled
           ;
           whence
           disappointment
           necessarily
           doth
           spring
           ,
           attended
           with
           vexation
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           Again
           ,
           we
           may
           consider
           ,
           that
           to
           set
           upon
           our
           duty
           is
           a
           great
           step
           toward
           the
           performance
           of
           it
           ;
           if
           we
           can
           resolve
           well
           ,
           and
           a
           little
           pust
           forward
           ,
           we
           are
           in
           a
           fair
           way
           to
           dispatch
           ;
           
             to
             begin
          
           (
           they
           say
           )
           
             is
             to
             have
             half
             done
          
           
           to
           set
           out
           ,
           is
           a
           good
           part
           of
           the
           journey
           to
           rise
           betimes
           is
           oftner
           harder
           than
           to
           do
           all
           the
           days
           work
           ;
           entring
           the
           Town
           ,
           is
           at
           most
           the
           same
           with
           taking
           it
           ;
           it
           i●
           so
           in
           all
           business
           ,
           it
           is
           chiefly
           so
           i●
           moral
           practice
           :
           For
           if
           we
           can
           fine
           in
           our
           hearts
           to
           take
           our
           leave
           of
           sin
           
           if
           we
           can
           disengage
           our selves
           from
           the
           
           witcheries
           of
           present
           allurement
           ;
           if
           we
           can
           but
           get
           over
           the
           threshold
           ,
           of
           vertuous
           conversation
           ,
           we
           shall
           find
           the
           rest
           beyond
           expectation
           smooth
           and
           expedite
           ;
           we
           shall
           discover
           such
           beauty
           in
           vertue
           ,
           we
           shall
           tast
           so
           much
           sweetness
           in
           obedience
           as
           greatly
           will
           encourage
           us
           to
           proceed
           therein
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           Again
           ,
           we
           may
           consider
           ,
           that
           our
           time
           it self
           is
           a
           gift
           ,
           or
           a
           talent
           committed
           to
           us
           ,
           for
           the
           improvement
           whereof
           we
           are
           responsible
           no
           less
           than
           for
           our
           Wealth
           ,
           our
           Power
           ,
           our
           Credit
           ,
           our
           Parts
           ,
           and
           other
           such
           advantages
           ,
           wherewith
           for
           the
           serving
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           furthering
           our
           own
           salvation
           we
           are
           intrusted
           :
           To
           
           
             redeem
             the
             time
          
           is
           a
           Precept
           ;
           and
           of
           all
           Precepts
           the
           most
           necessary
           to
           be
           observed
           ,
           for
           that
           without
           redeeming
           (
           that
           is
           embracing
           and
           well
           employing
           )
           time
           we
           can
           do
           nothing
           well
           ;
           no
           good
           action
           can
           
           be
           performed
           ,
           no
           good
           reward
           can
           be
           procured
           by
           us
           :
           Well
           may
           we
           be
           advised
           to
           take
           our
           best
           care
           in
           husbanding
           it
           ,
           seeing
           justly
           of
           all
           things
           it
           may
           be
           reckoned
           most
           pretious
           ;
           its
           price
           being
           inestimable
           ,
           
           and
           its
           loss
           irreparable
           ;
           for
           all
           the
           World
           cannot
           purchase
           one
           Moment
           of
           it
           more
           than
           is
           allowed
           us
           ,
           neither
           can
           it
           ,
           when
           once
           gone
           ,
           by
           any
           means
           be
           recovered
           :
           So
           much
           indeed
           as
           we
           save
           thereof
           ,
           so
           much
           we
           preserve
           of
           our selves
           ;
           and
           so
           far
           as
           we
           lose
           it
           ,
           so
           far
           in
           effect
           we
           slay
           our selves
           ,
           or
           deprive
           our selves
           of
           life
           ;
           yea
           by
           mispending
           it
           we
           do
           worse
           than
           so
           ;
           for
           a
           dead
           sleep
           ,
           or
           a
           cessation
           from
           being
           ,
           is
           not
           so
           bad
           as
           doing
           ill
           ;
           all
           that
           while
           we
           live
           backward
           ,
           or
           decline
           toward
           a
           state
           much
           worse
           than
           annihilation
           it self
           ▪
           Farther
        
         
           5.
           
           Consider
           ,
           that
           of
           all
           time
           the
           present
           is
           ever
           the
           best
           for
           the
           purpose
           
           of
           amending
           our
           life
           ;
           It
           is
           the
           onely
           sure
           time
           ,
           that
           which
           we
           have
           in
           our
           hands
           ,
           and
           may
           call
           our
           own
           ;
           
           whereas
           the
           past
           time
           is
           irrevocably
           gone
           from
           us
           ;
           and
           the
           future
           may
           never
           come
           to
           us
           :
           It
           is
           absolutely
           (
           reckoning
           from
           our
           becoming
           sensible
           of
           things
           ,
           and
           accomptable
           for
           our
           actions
           )
           the
           best
           ,
           as
           to
           our
           capacity
           of
           improving
           it
           ;
        
         
           Optima
           quaeque
           dies
           miseris
           mortalibus
           aevi
           
           Prima
           fugit
        
         
           Our
           best
           days
           do
           first
           pass
           away
           ,
           was
           truly
           said
           ;
           the
           nearer
           to
           its
           source
           our
           life
           is
           ,
           the
           purer
           it
           is
           from
           stain
           ,
           the
           freer
           from
           clogs
           ,
           the
           more
           susceptive
           of
           good
           impressions
           ,
           the
           more
           vivid
           and
           brisk
           in
           its
           activity
           ;
           the
           farther
           we
           go
           on
           ,
           especially
           in
           a
           bad
           course
           ,
           the
           nearer
           we
           verge
           to
           the
           dregs
           of
           our
           life
           ;
           the
           more
           dry
           ,
           the
           more
           stiff
           ,
           the
           more
           sluggish
           we
           grow
           ;
           delay
           therefore
           doth
           ever
           steal
           away
           the
           flower
           of
           our
           age
           ,
           leaving
           us
           the
           bran
           and
           refuse
           thereof
           .
           Again
           ,
        
         
           6.
           
           If
           at
           any
           time
           we
           do
           reflect
           upon
           the
           time
           that
           hath
           already
           slipped
           away
           unprofitably
           from
           us
           ,
           it
           will
           seem
           more
           than
           enough
           ,
           and
           
           (
           if
           we
           consider
           well
           )
           it
           will
           be
           grievous
           to
           us
           to
           lose
           more
           ;
           the
           morrow
           will
           seem
           too
           late
           to
           commence
           a
           good
           life
           ;
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
             The
             time
             past
             of
             our
          
           
           life
           (
           saith
           St.
           
             Peter
             )
             may
             suffice
             us
             to
             have
             wrought
             the
             will
             of
             the
             Gentiles
             ,
          
           or
           to
           have
           continued
           in
           ill
           courses
           ;
           more
           indeed
           it
           might
           than
           suffice
           ;
           it
           should
           be
           abundantly
           too
           much
           to
           have
           imbezilled
           so
           large
           a
           portion
           of
           our
           pretious
           and
           irreparable
           time
           :
           After
           we
           have
           slept
           in
           neglect
           of
           our
           duty
           ,
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           ,
           
             it
             is
          
           (
           as
           St.
           Paul
           saith
           )
           now
           
           
             high
             time
             to
             awake
          
           ,
           unto
           a
           vigilant
           observance
           thereof
           :
           this
           we
           shall
           the
           rather
           do
           ,
           if
           we
           consider
           ,
           that
        
         
           7.
           
           For
           illiving
           now
           we
           shall
           come
           hereafter
           to
           be
           sorry
           ,
           if
           not
           with
           a
           wholsome
           contrition
           ,
           yet
           with
           a
           painfull
           regret
           ;
           we
           shall
           certainly
           one
           day
           repent
           ,
           if
           not
           of
           our
           sin
           ,
           yet
           of
           our
           sinning
           ;
           if
           not
           so
           as
           to
           correct
           for
           the
           future
           ,
           yet
           so
           as
           to
           condemn
           our selves
           for
           what
           is
           past
           :
           the
           consideration
           of
           our
           having
           
           sacrilegiously
           robb'd
           our
           Maker
           of
           the
           time
           due
           to
           his
           service
           ;
           of
           our
           having
           injuriously
           defrauded
           our
           souls
           of
           the
           opportunities
           granted
           to
           secure
           their
           welfare
           ;
           of
           our
           having
           profusely
           cast
           away
           our
           most
           pretious
           hours
           of
           life
           upon
           vanity
           and
           folly
           ,
           will
           some
           time
           twitch
           us
           sorely
           .
           There
           is
           no
           man
           who
           doth
           not
           with
           a
           sorrowfull
           eye
           review
           an
           ill-past
           life
           ;
           who
           would
           not
           gladly
           recall
           his
           mispent
           time
           ;
           
             O
             mihi
             proeteritos
          
           !
           O
           that
           God
           would
           restore
           my
           past
           years
           to
           me
           ,
           is
           every
           such
           Man's
           Prayer
           ,
           although
           it
           never
           was
           heard
           ,
           never
           could
           be
           granted
           unto
           any
           .
           And
           what
           is
           more
           inconsistent
           with
           wisedom
           ,
           than
           to
           engage
           our selves
           upon
           making
           such
           ineffectual
           and
           fruitless
           wishes
           ?
           What
           is
           more
           disagreeable
           to
           reason
           ,
           than
           to
           do
           that
           ,
           for
           which
           we
           must
           be
           forced
           to
           confess
           and
           call
           our selves
           fools
           ?
           What
           Man
           of
           sense
           for
           a
           flash
           of
           transitory
           Pleasure
           ,
           for
           a
           puff
           of
           vain
           repute
           ,
           for
           a
           few
           scraps
           of
           dirty
           Pelf
           would
           plunge
           himself
           into
           such
           a
           gulf
           of
           anguish
           ?
        
         
         
           8.
           
           On
           the
           contrary
           ,
           if
           laying
           hold
           on
           occasion
           ,
           
           we
           set
           our selves
           to
           do
           well
           ,
           reflexion
           thereon
           will
           yield
           great
           satisfaction
           and
           pleasure
           to
           us
           ;
           we
           shall
           be
           glad
           that
           we
           have
           done
           ,
           and
           that
           our
           task
           is
           over
           ;
           we
           shall
           
             enjoy
             our
             former
             life
          
           ;
           Our
           time
           
           which
           is
           so
           past
           will
           not
           yet
           be
           lost
           unto
           us
           ;
           but
           rather
           it
           will
           be
           most
           securely
           ours
           ,
           laid
           up
           beyond
           the
           reach
           of
           danger
           ,
           in
           the
           repository
           of
           a
           good
           conscience
           .
        
         
           9.
           
           Again
           ,
           all
           our
           time
           of
           continuance
           
           in
           sin
           we
           do
           
             treasure
             up
             wrath
          
           ,
           or
           accumulate
           guilt
           ;
           and
           the
           larger
           our
           guilt
           is
           ,
           the
           sorer
           must
           be
           our
           repentance
           ;
           the
           more
           bitter
           the
           
           sorrow
           ,
           the
           more
           low
           the
           humbling
           ,
           the
           more
           earnest
           the
           deprecation
           requisite
           to
           obtain
           pardon
           :
           the
           broader
           and
           deeper
           the
           stain
           is
           ,
           the
           more
           washing
           is
           needfull
           to
           get
           it
           out
           ;
           if
           we
           sin
           much
           and
           long
           ,
           we
           must
           grieve
           answerably
           ,
           or
           we
           shall
           be
           no
           fit
           objects
           of
           mercy
           .
        
         
         
           10.
           
           And
           when-ever
           the
           sin
           is
           pardoned
           ,
           yet
           indelible
           marks
           and
           monuments
           thereof
           will
           abide
           .
           We
           shall
           eternally
           
           be
           obliged
           to
           cry
           peccavi
           ;
           although
           the
           punishment
           may
           be
           remitted
           ,
           the
           desert
           of
           it
           cannot
           be
           removed
           ;
           a
           scar
           from
           it
           will
           stick
           in
           our
           flesh
           ;
           which
           ever
           will
           deform
           us
           ;
           a
           tang
           of
           it
           will
           stay
           in
           our
           memory
           ,
           which
           always
           will
           be
           disgustfull
           ;
           we
           shall
           never
           reflect
           on
           our
           miscarriages
           without
           some
           confusion
           and
           horrour
           ;
           incessantly
           we
           shall
           be
           liable
           to
           that
           question
           of
           St.
           
             Paul
             ,
             What
          
           
           
             fruit
             had
             ye
             of
             those
             things
             ,
             whereof
             ye
             are
             now
             ashamed
             ?
          
           If
           therefore
           we
           could
           reasonable
           presume
           ,
           yea
           if
           we
           could
           certainly
           foresee
           ,
           that
           we
           should
           hereafter
           in
           time
           repent
           ,
           yet
           it
           were
           unadvisably
           to
           persist
           in
           sin
           ,
           seeing
           it
           being
           once
           committed
           ,
           can
           never
           be
           reversed
           ;
           never
           expunged
           from
           the
           registers
           of
           time
           ,
           never
           dashed
           out
           from
           the
           tables
           of
           our
           
           mind
           and
           memory
           ;
           but
           will
           perpetually
           rest
           as
           matter
           of
           dolefull
           consideration
           ,
           and
           of
           tragical
           story
           to
           us
           .
           
             Then
             shalt
             thou
             remember
             thy
          
           
           
             ways
             ,
             and
             be
             ashamed
             .
             That
             thou
             mayst
             remember
             and
             be
             confounded
             ,
             and
             never
             open
             thy
             mouth
             any
             more
             because
             of
             thy
             shame
             ,
             when
             I
             am
             pacified
             toward
             thee
             for
             all
             that
             thou
             hast
             done
             ,
             saith
             the
             Lord
             God
             :
             Then
             shall
             ye
             remember
             your
             own
             evil
             ways
             ,
          
           
           
             and
             your
             doings
             that
             were
             not
             good
             ,
             and
             shall
             loath
             your selves
             in
             your
             own
             sight
             ,
             for
             your
             iniquities
             ,
             and
             for
             your
             abominations
             .
          
        
         
           11.
           
           Again
           ,
           so
           much
           time
           as
           we
           spend
           in
           disobedience
           ,
           so
           much
           of
           reward
           we
           do
           forfeit
           ;
           for
           commensurate
           to
           our
           works
           shall
           our
           rewards
           be
           ;
           the
           fewer
           our
           good
           works
           are
           in
           the
           course
           of
           our
           present
           life
           ,
           the
           smaller
           shall
           be
           the
           measures
           of
           joy
           ,
           of
           glory
           ,
           of
           felicity
           dispensed
           to
           us
           hereafter
           ;
           the
           later
           consequently
           we
           repent
           ,
           the
           less
           we
           shall
           be
           happy
           :
           
             One
             star
          
           (
           saith
           the
           
             Apostle
             )
             differeth
             from
             another
             in
             glory
          
           ;
           
           
           and
           of
           all
           stars
           ,
           those
           in
           the
           celestial
           sphere
           will
           shine
           brightest
           ,
           who
           did
           soon
           rise
           here
           ,
           and
           continued
           long
           by
           the
           lustre
           of
           their
           good
           works
           to
           glorify
           their
           heavenly
           Father
           ;
           for
           
             the
             path
             of
             the
             just
             is
             as
             the
             shining
          
           
           
             light
             ,
             that
             shineth
             more
             and
             more
             unto
             the
             perfect
             day
             .
          
           While
           therefore
           we
           let
           our
           interest
           lie
           dead
           by
           lingring
           ,
           or
           run
           behind
           by
           sinfull
           practice
           ,
           we
           are
           very
           bad
           husbands
           for
           our
           soul
           ;
           our
           spiritual
           estate
           doth
           thereby
           hugely
           suffer
           ;
           every
           minute
           contracteth
           a
           damage
           that
           runneth
           through
           millions
           of
           ages
           ,
           and
           which
           therefore
           will
           amount
           to
           an
           immense
           summ
           :
           And
           who
           for
           all
           the
           pleasures
           here
           would
           forego
           one
           degree
           of
           blissfull
           joy
           hereafter
           ;
           who
           for
           all
           earthly
           splendours
           would
           exchange
           one
           spark
           of
           celestial
           glory
           ;
           who
           for
           all
           the
           treasures
           below
           would
           let
           slip
           one
           gem
           out
           of
           his
           heavenly
           crown
           ?
        
         
           12.
           
           Farther
           ,
           let
           us
           consider
           that
           whatever
           our
           age
           ,
           whatever
           our
           condition
           or
           case
           be
           ,
           the
           advice
           not
           
           to
           procrastinate
           our
           obedience
           is
           very
           sutable
           and
           usefull
           .
        
         
           Art
           thou
           young
           ?
           then
           it
           is
           most
           
           proper
           to
           enter
           upon
           living
           well
           .
           For
           when
           we
           set
           out
           ,
           we
           should
           be
           put
           in
           a
           right
           way
           ;
           when
           we
           begin
           to
           be
           Men
           ,
           we
           should
           begin
           to
           use
           our
           reason
           well
           ;
           life
           and
           vertue
           should
           be
           of
           the
           same
           standing
           ;
           what
           is
           more
           ugly
           than
           a
           Child
           ,
           that
           have
           learnt
           little
           ,
           having
           learnt
           to
           do
           ill
           ;
           than
           naughtiness
           springing
           up
           in
           that
           state
           of
           innocence
           ?
           the
           foundation
           of
           good
           life
           is
           to
           be
           laid
           in
           that
           age
           ,
           upon
           which
           the
           rest
           of
           our
           life
           is
           built
           ;
           for
           this
           is
           the
           manner
           of
           our
           proceeding
           ;
           the
           present
           dependeth
           always
           upon
           what
           is
           past
           ;
           our
           practice
           is
           guided
           in
           notions
           that
           we
           had
           sucked
           in
           ,
           is
           swayed
           by
           inclinations
           that
           we
           got
           before
           ;
           whence
           usually
           our
           first
           judgments
           of
           things
           ,
           and
           our
           first
           propensions
           to
           stretch
           their
           influence
           upon
           the
           whole
           future
           life
           .
           
             Train
             up
             a
          
           
           
             child
             in
             the
             way
             he
             should
             go
             ,
             and
             when
             he
             is
             old
             he
             will
             not
             depart
             from
             it
             ,
          
           saith
           the
           Wise-man
           .
        
         
         
           That
           age
           as
           it
           is
           most
           liable
           to
           be
           corrupted
           
           by
           vice
           ,
           so
           it
           is
           most
           capable
           of
           being
           imbued
           with
           vertue
           :
           then
           nature
           is
           soft
           and
           pliable
           ,
           so
           as
           easily
           to
           be
           moulded
           into
           any
           shape
           ,
           ready
           to
           admit
           any
           stamp
           impressed
           thereon
           ;
           then
           the
           mind
           is
           a
           pure
           table
           ,
           in
           which
           good
           principles
           may
           be
           fairly
           engraven
           ,
           without
           raising
           out
           any
           former
           ill
           prejudices
           ;
           then
           the
           heart
           being
           a
           soil
           free
           of
           weeds
           ,
           the
           seeds
           of
           goodness
           being
           cast
           therein
           will
           undisturbedly
           grow
           and
           thrive
           ;
           then
           the
           complexion
           being
           tender
           will
           easily
           be
           set
           into
           a
           right
           posture
           ;
           Our
           
           soul
           is
           then
           a
           Vessel
           empty
           and
           sweet
           ;
           good
           liquour
           therefore
           may
           be
           instilled
           ,
           which
           will
           both
           fit
           it
           ,
           and
           season
           it
           with
           a
           durable
           tincture
           ;
           the
           extream
           curiosity
           and
           huge
           credulity
           of
           that
           age
           ,
           as
           they
           greedily
           will
           
           swallow
           any
           ,
           so
           will
           they
           admit
           good
           instruction
           .
           If
           we
           do
           then
           imbibe
           false
           conceptions
           ,
           or
           have
           bad
           impressions
           made
           on
           our
           minds
           ,
           it
           will
           be
           hard
           afterwards
           to
           expell
           ,
           or
           to
           correct
           them
           .
           Passion
           is
           then
           very
           fluid
           and
           moveable
           ,
           but
           not
           being
           impetuously
           determined
           any
           way
           ,
           may
           easily
           be
           derived
           into
           the
           right
           chanel
           .
           Then
           the
           quickness
           of
           our
           wit
           ,
           the
           briskness
           of
           our
           fancy
           ,
           the
           freshness
           of
           our
           memory
           ,
           the
           vigour
           of
           our
           affections
           ,
           the
           lusty
           and
           active
           mettle
           of
           our
           spirits
           being
           applied
           to
           vertuous
           studies
           and
           endeavours
           ,
           will
           produce
           most
           noble
           
           fruits
           ;
           the
           beauty
           of
           which
           will
           adorn
           us
           ,
           the
           sweetness
           will
           please
           us
           ,
           so
           as
           to
           leave
           on
           our
           minds
           a
           perpetual
           relish
           and
           satisfaction
           in
           goodness
           .
           Then
           being
           less
           encombred
           with
           the
           cares
           ,
           less
           intangled
           in
           the
           perplexities
           ,
           less
           exposed
           to
           the
           temptations
           of
           the
           World
           and
           secular
           Affairs
           ,
           we
           can
           more
           easily
           set
           forth
           ,
           
           we
           may
           proceed
           more
           expeditely
           in
           good
           courses
           .
           Then
           being
           void
           of
           that
           stinging
           remorse
           ,
           which
           doth
           adhere
           to
           reflexions
           upon
           past
           follies
           ,
           and
           mispent
           time
           ,
           with
           more
           courage
           and
           alacrity
           we
           may
           prosecute
           good
           undertakings
           ;
           then
           beginning
           so
           soon
           to
           embrace
           vertue
           ,
           we
           shall
           have
           advantage
           with
           more
           leisure
           ,
           and
           more
           ease
           to
           polish
           and
           perfect
           it
           through
           our
           ensuing
           course
           of
           life
           ;
           setting
           out
           so
           early
           ,
           in
           the
           very
           morning
           of
           our
           age
           ,
           without
           much
           straining
           ,
           marching
           on
           softly
           and
           fairly
           ,
           we
           may
           go
           through
           our
           journey
           to
           happiness
           .
        
         
           Our
           actions
           then
           are
           the
           first
           fruits
           of
           our
           life
           ,
           which
           therefore
           are
           fit
           and
           due
           sacrifices
           to
           our
           Maker
           ;
           which
           if
           we
           do
           withdraw
           ,
           we
           shall
           have
           nothing
           left
           so
           worthy
           or
           acceptable
           to
           present
           unto
           him
           ;
           will
           it
           be
           seemly
           to
           offer
           him
           the
           dregs
           and
           refuse
           of
           our
           age
           ;
           shall
           we
           not
           be
           ashamed
           to
           bring
           a
           crazy
           temper
           of
           body
           and
           soul
           ,
           dry
           bones
           and
           decayed
           senses
           ;
           a
           dull
           fancy
           ,
           a
           treacherous
           
           memory
           ,
           a
           sluggish
           spirit
           before
           him
           ?
           shall
           we
           then
           when
           we
           are
           fit
           for
           little
           begin
           to
           undertake
           his
           service
           ?
           with
           our
           decrepid
           limbs
           and
           wasted
           strength
           shall
           we
           set
           our selves
           to
           
             run
             the
             ways
             of
             his
             commandments
             ?
          
        
         
           As
           it
           is
           uncomfortable
           to
           think
           of
           being
           parsimonious
           ,
           when
           our
           stock
           is
           almost
           gone
           ;
           so
           it
           is
           to
           become
           thrifty
           of
           our
           life
           ,
           when
           it
           comes
           near
           the
           bottom
           .
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           .
        
         
           If
           we
           keep
           innocency
           ,
           spend
           our
           youth
           well
           ,
           it
           will
           yield
           unexpressible
           comfort
           to
           us
           ;
           it
           will
           save
           us
           much
           sorrow
           ,
           it
           will
           prevent
           many
           inconveniences
           to
           us
           :
           If
           we
           have
           
           spent
           it
           ill
           ,
           it
           will
           yield
           us
           great
           displeasure
           ,
           it
           will
           cost
           us
           much
           pains
           ;
           we
           shall
           be
           forced
           sadly
           to
           bewail
           our
           folly
           and
           vanity
           therein
           ;
           it
           will
           be
           bitter
           to
           see
           ,
           that
           we
           must
           unlive
           our
           former
           life
           ,
           and
           undoe
           all
           we
           have
           done
           ;
           that
           we
           must
           renounce
           the
           Principles
           we
           have
           avowed
           ,
           we
           must
           root
           out
           the
           habits
           
           we
           have
           planted
           ,
           we
           must
           forsake
           the
           Paths
           which
           we
           have
           beaten
           and
           so
           long
           trode
           in
           ,
           if
           ever
           we
           will
           be
           happy
           ;
           it
           will
           be
           grievous
           to
           us
           ,
           when
           we
           come
           with
           penitential
           regret
           to
           deprecate
           ,
           
             Lord
             remember
             not
             the
             sins
             of
             my
             youth
          
           ;
           we
           
           shall
           feel
           sore
           pain
           ,
           when
           
             our
             bones
          
           
           
             are
             full
             of
             the
             sins
             of
             our
             youth
             ,
          
           and
           we
           come
           
             to
             possess
             the
             iniquities
          
           
           thereof
           .
        
         
           
             It
             is
          
           therefore
           good
           (
           as
           the
           Prophet
           saith
           )
           
           
             that
             a
             man
             bear
             the
             yoke
             in
             his
             youth
             ,
          
           when
           his
           neck
           is
           tender
           ;
           it
           is
           excellent
           advice
           which
           the
           Preacher
           giveth
           ,
           
             Remember
             thy
             Creatour
          
           
           
             in
             the
             days
             of
             thy
             youth
             ,
             while
             the
             evil
             days
             come
             not
             ,
             and
             the
             years
             draw
             nigh
             ,
             when
             thou
             shalt
             say
             I
             have
             no
             pleasure
             in
             them
             .
          
        
         
           Aristotle
           saith
           ,
           that
           
           young
           men
           are
           not
           
             fit
             bearers
             of
             moral
             doctrine
          
           ;
           because
           (
           saith
           he
           )
           
             they
             are
             unexperienced
          
           
           
             in
             affairs
             of
             life
          
           ;
           and
           
             because
             they
             are
             apt
             to
             follow
             their
             passions
             ,
             which
             indispose
             to
             hear
             with
             fruit
             or
             profit
          
           ;
           but
           his
           conclusion
           is
           false
           ,
           and
           his
           reasons
           may
           be
           well
           turned
           against
           him
           ;
           for
           because
           young
           men
           want
           experience
           ,
           therefore
           is
           there
           no
           bad
           prejudice
           ,
           no
           contrary
           habit
           to
           obstruct
           their
           embracing
           sound
           doctrine
           ;
           because
           their
           passions
           are
           vehement
           and
           strong
           ,
           therefore
           being
           rightly
           ordered
           ,
           and
           set
           upon
           good
           objects
           they
           with
           great
           force
           will
           carry
           them
           to
           vertuous
           practice
           ;
           that
           indeed
           is
           the
           best
           time
           to
           regulate
           and
           tame
           Passions
           ;
           as
           Horses
           must
           be
           broken
           when
           they
           are
           Colts
           ,
           Dogs
           must
           be
           made
           when
           they
           are
           Whelps
           ,
           else
           they
           will
           never
           be
           brought
           to
           any
           thing
           .
           The
           Poet
           therefore
           advised
           better
           than
           the
           Philosopher
           ,
           
             
               —
               nunc
               adbibe
               puro
            
             
               Pectore
               verba
               puer
               ,
               nunc
               te
               melioribus
               offer
               ;
            
             
          
           and
           St.
           Paul
           plainly
           doth
           confute
           
           him
           ,
           when
           he
           biddeth
           Parents
           to
           
             educate
             their
             children
             in
             the
             nurture
          
           
           
             and
             admonition
             of
             the
             Lord
          
           ;
           when
           he
           chargeth
           Titus
           ,
           that
           he
           
             exhort
             young
          
           
           
             men
             to
             be
             sober-minded
          
           ;
           when
           he
           commendeth
           Timothy
           ,
           for
           that
           he
           
           had
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           
             from
             his
             infancy
             known
             the
             Holy
             Scriptures
          
           ;
           So
           doth
           the
           Psalmist
           ,
           when
           he
           saith
           ,
           Wherewith
           
           
             shall
             a
             young
             man
             cleanse
             his
             way
             ?
             by
             taking
             heed
             according
             to
             thy
             word
             .
          
           And
           Solomon
           ,
           when
           he
           declareth
           
           that
           his
           moral
           Precepts
           did
           serve
           
             to
             give
             subtilty
             to
             the
             simple
             ,
             to
             the
             young
             man
             knowledge
             and
             discretion
          
           ;
           when
           he
           biddeth
           us
           to
           
             train
             up
             a
          
           
           
             child
             in
             the
             way
             he
             should
             go
          
           ;
           St.
           Peter
           
           doth
           intimate
           the
           same
           ,
           when
           he
           biddeth
           us
           ,
           
             as
             new
             born
             babes
             to
             desire
             the
             sincere
             milk
             of
             the
             word
          
           ;
           and
           our
           Saviour
           ,
           when
           he
           said
           ,
           Suffer
           
           
             little
             children
             to
             come
             unto
             me
             ,
             for
             of
             such
             is
             the
             kingdom
             of
             God
          
           ;
           that
           is
           the
           more
           simplicity
           and
           innocence
           a
           Man
           is
           endued
           with
           ,
           the
           more
           apt
           he
           is
           to
           embrace
           and
           comply
           with
           the
           Evangelical
           Doctrine
           :
           Aristotle
           therefore
           was
           out
           ,
           when
           he
           would
           exclude
           young
           men
           from
           
           the
           Schools
           of
           Vertue
           .
           It
           is
           observable
           that
           he
           contradicteth
           himself
           ;
           for
           
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
          
           .
           
           
             It
             is
          
           (
           saith
           he
           )
           
             of
             no
             small
             concernment
             to
             be
             from
             youth
             accustomed
             thus
             or
             thus
             ;
             yea
             't
             is
             very
             much
             ,
             or
             rather
             all
             :
          
           And
           how
           shall
           a
           young
           man
           be
           accustomed
           to
           do
           well
           ,
           if
           he
           be
           not
           allowed
           to
           learn
           what
           is
           to
           be
           done
           ?
        
         
           Again
           ,
           are
           we
           old
           ?
           it
           is
           then
           high
           time
           to
           begin
           ;
           we
           have
           then
           less
           time
           to
           spare
           from
           our
           most
           important
           business
           ;
           we
           stand
           then
           in
           most
           imminent
           danger
           ,
           upon
           the
           edge
           of
           perdition
           ,
           and
           should
           therefore
           be
           nimble
           to
           skip
           out
           thence
           ;
           our
           forces
           being
           diminished
           ,
           our
           quickness
           and
           industry
           should
           be
           encreased
           ;
           the
           later
           we
           set
           out
           ,
           the
           more
           speed
           it
           behoveth
           us
           to
           make
           .
           If
           
           we
           stay
           ,
           we
           shall
           grow
           continually
           more
           indisposed
           and
           unfit
           to
           
           amend
           ,
           it
           will
           be
           too
           late
           ,
           when
           utter
           decrepitness
           and
           dotage
           have
           seised
           upon
           us
           ;
           and
           our
           body
           doth
           survive
           our
           soul.
           When
           so
           much
           of
           our
           time
           ,
           of
           our
           parts
           ,
           of
           our
           strength
           are
           fled
           ,
           we
           should
           husband
           the
           rest
           to
           best
           advantage
           ,
           and
           make
           the
           best
           satisfaction
           we
           can
           unto
           God
           ,
           and
           unto
           our
           souls
           with
           the
           remainder
           .
        
         
           This
           age
           hath
           some
           
           peculiar
           advantages
           ,
           which
           we
           should
           embrace
           ;
           the
           froth
           of
           humours
           is
           then
           boiled
           out
           ,
           the
           fervours
           of
           lust
           are
           slaked
           ,
           passions
           are
           allayed
           ,
           appetites
           are
           flatted
           ;
           so
           that
           then
           inclinations
           to
           sin
           are
           not
           so
           violent
           ,
           nor
           doth
           the
           enjoyment
           thereof
           so
           much
           gratify
           .
        
         
           Long
           experience
           then
           hath
           discovered
           the
           vanity
           of
           all
           worldly
           things
           ,
           and
           the
           mischief
           of
           ill
           courses
           ;
           so
           that
           we
           can
           then
           hardly
           admire
           any
           thing
           ,
           or
           be
           fond
           of
           enjoying
           
           what
           we
           have
           found
           unprositable
           or
           hurtfull
           .
        
         
           Age
           is
           excused
           from
           compliance
           with
           the
           fashions
           ,
           and
           thence
           much
           exempted
           from
           temptations
           of
           the
           World
           ;
           so
           that
           it
           may
           be
           good
           without
           obstacle
           or
           opposition
           .
        
         
           It
           is
           proper
           thereto
           to
           be
           grave
           and
           serious
           ,
           and
           consequently
           to
           be
           vertuous
           ;
           for
           gravity
           without
           vertue
           and
           seriousness
           about
           vain
           things
           are
           ridiculous
           .
        
         
           Nothing
           doth
           so
           adorn
           this
           age
           as
           goodness
           ,
           nothing
           doth
           so
           disgrace
           it
           as
           wickedness
           ;
           
             The
             hoary
             head
             is
             a
             crown
             of
             glory
             ,
             if
             it
             be
          
           
           
             found
             in
             the
             way
             of
             righteousness
          
           ;
           but
           it
           is
           a
           mark
           of
           Infamy
           ,
           if
           it
           be
           observed
           proceeding
           in
           a
           course
           of
           iniquity
           ,
           it
           signifieth
           that
           experience
           hath
           not
           improved
           it
           ,
           it
           argueth
           incorrigible
           folly
           ,
           or
           rather
           incurable
           madness
           therein
           .
        
         
           There
           is
           indeed
           no
           care
           ,
           no
           employment
           proper
           for
           old
           Men
           but
           to
           prepare
           for
           their
           dissolution
           ;
           to
           be
           bidding
           adieu
           to
           the
           World
           with
           
           its
           vain
           Pomps
           and
           mischievous
           Pleasures
           ;
           to
           be
           packing
           up
           their
           Goods
           ,
           to
           be
           casting
           their
           Accompts
           ,
           to
           be
           fitting
           themselves
           to
           abide
           in
           that
           state
           into
           which
           they
           are
           tumbling
           ,
           to
           appear
           at
           that
           Bar
           ,
           before
           which
           suddenly
           nature
           will
           set
           them
           .
           As
           a
           Ship
           ,
           which
           hath
           long
           been
           tost
           and
           weather-beaten
           ,
           which
           is
           shattered
           in
           its
           timber
           ,
           and
           hath
           lost
           much
           of
           its
           rigging
           ,
           should
           do
           nothing
           in
           that
           case
           but
           work
           toward
           the
           Port
           ,
           there
           to
           find
           its
           safety
           and
           ease
           ;
           so
           should
           a
           Man
           ,
           who
           having
           past
           many
           storms
           and
           
           agitations
           of
           the
           World
           is
           grievously
           battered
           and
           torn
           with
           Age
           ,
           strive
           onely
           to
           die
           well
           ,
           to
           get
           safe
           into
           the
           Harbour
           of
           eternal
           Rest.
           
        
         
           In
           fine
           ,
           Epicurus
           himself
           said
           well
           ,
           that
           no
           
           
             man
             is
             either
             immature
             or
             over-ripe
             in
             regard
             to
             his
             souls
             health
          
           ;
           we
           can
           never
           set
           upon
           it
           too
           soon
           ,
           we
           should
           never
           think
           it
           too
           late
           to
           begin
           ;
           to
           live
           well
           is
           always
           the
           best
           thing
           we
           
           can
           do
           ,
           and
           therefore
           we
           should
           at
           any
           time
           endeavour
           it
           ;
           there
           are
           common
           reasons
           for
           all
           ages
           ,
           there
           are
           special
           reasons
           for
           each
           age
           ,
           which
           most
           strongly
           and
           most
           clearly
           do
           urge
           it
           ;
           it
           is
           most
           seasonable
           for
           young
           Men
           ,
           it
           is
           most
           necessary
           for
           old
           Men
           ,
           it
           is
           most
           adviseable
           for
           all
           Men
           *
           .
        
         
           Again
           ,
           be
           our
           condition
           what
           it
           will
           ,
           this
           advice
           is
           reasonable
           :
           Are
           we
           in
           health
           ?
           we
           owe
           God
           thanks
           for
           that
           excellent
           gift
           ,
           and
           the
           best
           gratitude
           we
           can
           express
           is
           the
           improving
           it
           for
           his
           service
           and
           our
           own
           good
           ;
           we
           should
           not
           lose
           the
           advantage
           of
           a
           season
           so
           fit
           for
           our
           obedience
           and
           repentance
           ;
           while
           the
           forces
           of
           our
           body
           and
           mind
           are
           entire
           ,
           while
           we
           are
           not
           discomposed
           by
           pain
           or
           faintness
           ,
           we
           should
           strive
           to
           dispatch
           this
           needfull
           work
           ,
           for
           which
           infirmity
           may
           disable
           us
           .
        
         
         
           Are
           we
           sick
           ?
           it
           is
           then
           time
           to
           consider
           our
           frailty
           ,
           and
           the
           best
           we
           can
           to
           obviate
           the
           worst
           consequences
           thereof
           :
           It
           is
           then
           very
           fit
           ,
           when
           we
           do
           feel
           the
           sad
           effects
           of
           sin
           ,
           to
           endeavour
           the
           prevention
           of
           worse
           mischiefs
           that
           may
           follow
           ;
           it
           is
           seasonable
           ,
           when
           we
           lie
           under
           God's
           correcting
           hand
           to
           submit
           unto
           him
           ,
           to
           deprecate
           his
           wrath
           ,
           to
           seek
           reconciliation
           with
           him
           by
           all
           kinds
           of
           obedience
           sutable
           to
           that
           state
           ;
           with
           serious
           resolutions
           to
           amend
           hereafter
           ,
           if
           it
           shall
           please
           God
           to
           restore
           us
           ;
           it
           is
           most
           adviseable
           ,
           when
           we
           are
           in
           the
           borders
           of
           death
           to
           provide
           for
           that
           state
           ,
           which
           lieth
           just
           beyond
           it
           .
        
         
           Are
           we
           rich
           and
           prosperous
           ?
           't
           is
           expedient
           then
           presently
           to
           amend
           ,
           lest
           our
           Wealth
           do
           soon
           corrupt
           us
           with
           Pride
           ,
           with
           Luxury
           ,
           with
           Sloth
           ,
           with
           Stupidity
           ;
           lest
           our
           Prosperity
           becometh
           an
           inevitable
           snare
           ,
           an
           irrecoverable
           
           bane
           unto
           us
           .
        
         
           Are
           we
           poor
           or
           afflicted
           ?
           it
           is
           then
           also
           needfull
           to
           repent
           quickly
           ;
           
           that
           we
           may
           have
           a
           comfortable
           support
           for
           our
           soul
           ,
           and
           a
           certain
           succour
           in
           our
           distress
           ;
           that
           we
           may
           get
           a
           treasure
           to
           supply
           our
           want
           ,
           a
           joy
           to
           drown
           our
           sorrow
           ;
           a
           buoy
           to
           keep
           our
           hearts
           from
           sinking
           into
           desperation
           and
           disconsolateness
           .
           This
           condition
           is
           a
           medicine
           ,
           which
           God
           administreth
           for
           our
           soul's
           health
           ;
           if
           it
           do
           not
           work
           presently
           so
           as
           to
           doe
           us
           good
           ,
           it
           will
           prove
           both
           grievous
           and
           hurtfull
           to
           us
           .
        
         
           13.
           
           Lastly
           ,
           we
           may
           consider
           ,
           that
           abating
           all
           the
           rufull
           consequences
           of
           abiding
           in
           sin
           ,
           abstracting
           from
           the
           desperate
           hazards
           it
           exposeth
           us
           to
           in
           regard
           to
           the
           future
           life
           ,
           it
           is
           most
           reasonable
           to
           abandon
           it
           ,
           betaking
           our selves
           to
           a
           vertuous
           course
           of
           practice
           .
           For
           vertue
           in
           it self
           is
           far
           more
           eligible
           than
           vice
           ,
           to
           keep
           
           God's
           Commandments
           hath
           much
           greater
           convenience
           than
           to
           break
           them
           ;
           the
           life
           of
           a
           good
           Man
           in
           all
           considerable
           respects
           is
           highly
           to
           be
           preferred
           above
           the
           life
           of
           a
           bad
           Man
           :
           for
           what
           is
           vertue
           ,
           but
           a
           way
           of
           living
           
           that
           advanceth
           our
           nature
           into
           a
           similitude
           with
           God's
           most
           excellent
           and
           happy
           nature
           ;
           that
           promoteth
           our
           true
           benefit
           and
           interest
           ;
           that
           procureth
           and
           preserveth
           health
           ,
           ease
           ,
           safety
           ,
           liberty
           ,
           peace
           ,
           comfortable
           subsistence
           ,
           fair
           repute
           ,
           tranquillity
           of
           mind
           ,
           all
           kinds
           of
           convenience
           to
           us
           ?
           to
           what
           ends
           did
           our
           most
           benign
           and
           most
           wise
           Maker
           
           design
           and
           suit
           his
           Law
           ,
           but
           to
           the
           furthering
           our
           good
           ,
           and
           securing
           us
           from
           mischief
           ,
           as
           not
           onely
           himself
           hath
           declared
           ,
           but
           reason
           sheweth
           ,
           and
           experience
           doth
           attest
           ?
           What
           is
           vice
           but
           a
           sort
           of
           practice
           which
           debaseth
           and
           disparageth
           us
           ,
           which
           plungeth
           us
           into
           grievous
           evils
           ,
           which
           bringeth
           distemper
           of
           body
           and
           soul
           ,
           distress
           of
           fortune
           ,
           danger
           ,
           trouble
           ,
           reproach
           ,
           regret
           ,
           and
           numberless
           inconveniences
           upon
           us
           ?
           which
           for
           no
           other
           reason
           ,
           than
           because
           it
           so
           hurteth
           and
           grieveth
           us
           ,
           was
           by
           our
           loving
           Creatour
           interdicted
           to
           us
           ?
           Vertue
           is
           most
           noble
           and
           worthy
           ,
           most
           lovely
           ,
           most
           profitable
           ,
           
           most
           pleasant
           ,
           most
           creditable
           ;
           vice
           is
           most
           sordid
           and
           base
           ,
           ugly
           ,
           hurtfull
           ,
           bitter
           ,
           disgracefull
           ,
           in
           it self
           ,
           and
           in
           its
           consequences
           .
           If
           we
           compare
           them
           together
           ,
           we
           shall
           find
           ,
           that
           vertue
           doth
           always
           preserve
           our
           health
           ,
           but
           vice
           commonly
           doth
           impair
           it
           ;
           that
           vertue
           improveth
           our
           estate
           ,
           vice
           wasteth
           it
           ;
           that
           vertue
           adorneth
           our
           reputation
           ,
           vice
           blemisheth
           it
           ;
           that
           vertue
           strengthneth
           our
           parts
           ,
           vice
           weakneth
           them
           ;
           that
           vertue
           maintaineth
           our
           freedom
           ,
           vice
           enslaveth
           us
           ;
           that
           vertue
           keepeth
           our
           mind
           in
           order
           and
           peace
           ,
           vice
           discomposeth
           and
           disquieteth
           it
           ;
           vertue
           breedeth
           satisfaction
           and
           joy
           ,
           vice
           spawneth
           displeasure
           and
           anguish
           of
           conscience
           :
           to
           enter
           therefore
           into
           a
           vertuous
           course
           of
           life
           ,
           what
           is
           it
           but
           to
           embrace
           happiness
           ;
           to
           continue
           in
           vitious
           practice
           ,
           what
           is
           it
           but
           to
           stick
           in
           misery
           ?
        
         
           By
           entring
           into
           good
           life
           ,
           we
           enter
           into
           the
           favour
           and
           friendship
           of
           God
           ,
           engaging
           his
           infinite
           power
           and
           
           wisedom
           for
           our
           protection
           ,
           our
           succour
           ,
           our
           direction
           and
           guidance
           ;
           enjoying
           the
           sweet
           effluxes
           of
           his
           mercy
           and
           bounty
           ;
           we
           therewith
           become
           friends
           to
           the
           holy
           Angels
           ,
           and
           blessed
           Saints
           ,
           to
           all
           good
           Men
           ,
           being
           united
           in
           a
           holy
           and
           happy
           consortship
           of
           judgment
           ,
           of
           charity
           ,
           of
           hope
           ,
           of
           devotion
           with
           them
           ;
           we
           become
           friends
           to
           all
           the
           World
           ,
           which
           we
           oblige
           by
           good
           wishes
           ,
           and
           good
           deeds
           ,
           and
           by
           the
           influence
           of
           good
           example
           ;
           we
           become
           friends
           to
           our selves
           ,
           whom
           we
           thereby
           enrich
           and
           adorn
           with
           the
           best
           goods
           ;
           whom
           we
           gratifie
           and
           please
           with
           the
           choicest
           delights
           :
           but
           persisting
           in
           sin
           we
           continue
           to
           affront
           ,
           wrong
           ,
           and
           displease
           our
           Maker
           ,
           to
           be
           disloyal
           toward
           our
           Sovereign
           Lord
           ;
           to
           be
           ingratefull
           toward
           our
           chief
           Benefactour
           ,
           to
           disoblige
           the
           best
           Friend
           we
           have
           ,
           to
           provoke
           a
           most
           just
           and
           severe
           Judge
           ;
           to
           cope
           with
           Omnipotency
           ,
           to
           contradict
           Infallibility
           ;
           to
           enrage
           the
           greatest
           Patience
           ,
           to
           abuse
           immense
           Goodness
           :
           
           We
           thereby
           become
           enemies
           to
           all
           the
           World
           ,
           to
           God
           ,
           whom
           we
           injure
           and
           dishonour
           ;
           to
           the
           friends
           of
           God
           ,
           whom
           we
           desert
           and
           oppose
           ;
           to
           the
           creatures
           which
           we
           abuse
           to
           our
           pride
           ,
           lust
           and
           vanity
           ;
           to
           our
           neighbours
           ,
           whom
           we
           corrupt
           ,
           or
           seduce
           ;
           to
           our selves
           ,
           whom
           we
           bereave
           of
           the
           best
           goods
           ,
           and
           betray
           to
           the
           worst
           evils
           .
        
         
           Beginning
           to
           live
           soberly
           ,
           we
           begin
           to
           live
           like
           Men
           ,
           following
           the
           conduct
           of
           reason
           ;
           beginning
           to
           live
           in
           charity
           ,
           we
           commence
           the
           life
           of
           Angels
           ,
           enjoying
           in
           our selves
           most
           sweet
           content
           ,
           and
           procuring
           great
           benefit
           to
           others
           ;
           but
           going
           on
           in
           sinfull
           voluptuousness
           ,
           we
           proceed
           to
           live
           like
           beasts
           ,
           wholly
           guided
           by
           sense
           ,
           and
           swayed
           by
           appetite
           ;
           being
           pertinacious
           in
           malice
           we
           continue
           to
           be
           like
           fiends
           ,
           working
           torment
           in
           our selves
           ,
           and
           mischief
           to
           our
           neighbours
           .
        
         
           Embracing
           vertue
           we
           become
           wise
           and
           sober
           Men
           ,
           worthy
           and
           honourable
           ,
           beneficial
           and
           usefull
           to
           
           the
           World
           :
           but
           continuing
           in
           vice
           ,
           we
           continue
           to
           be
           foolish
           and
           vain
           ,
           to
           be
           vile
           and
           despicable
           ,
           to
           be
           worthless
           and
           useless
           .
        
         
           By
           our
           delay
           to
           amend
           ,
           what
           do
           we
           gain
           ?
           what
           ,
           but
           a
           little
           flashy
           and
           transient
           pleasure
           instead
           of
           a
           solid
           and
           durable
           peace
           ;
           but
           a
           little
           counterfeit
           profit
           instead
           of
           real
           wealth
           ;
           but
           a
           little
           smoak
           of
           deceitfull
           opinion
           instead
           of
           unquestionable
           sound
           honour
           ;
           shadows
           of
           imaginary
           goods
           instead
           of
           those
           which
           are
           most
           substantial
           and
           true
           ,
           a
           good
           mind
           ,
           the
           love
           of
           God
           ,
           the
           assured
           welfare
           of
           our
           souls
           .
           But
           this
           field
           of
           discourse
           is
           too
           spatious
           ,
           I
           shall
           onely
           therefore
           for
           conclusion
           say
           ,
           that
           speedily
           applying
           our selves
           to
           obedience
           ,
           and
           breaking
           off
           our
           sins
           by
           repentance
           ,
           is
           in
           effect
           nothing
           else
           but
           from
           a
           present
           Hell
           in
           trouble
           ,
           and
           the
           danger
           of
           a
           final
           Hell
           in
           torment
           to
           be
           translated
           into
           a
           double
           Heaven
           ;
           one
           of
           joyfull
           tranquillity
           here
           ,
           another
           of
           blissfull
           rest
           hereafter
           ;
           unto
           the
           which
           
           Almighty
           God
           in
           his
           mercy
           bring
           us
           all
           ,
           through
           Jesus
           Christ
           our
           Lord
           ;
           to
           whom
           for
           ever
           be
           all
           glory
           and
           praise
           .
        
         
           Amen
           .
        
         
           
             The
             very
             God
             of
             peace
             sanctifie
             you
             wholly
             ,
             and
             I
             pray
             God
             your
             whole
          
           
           
             spirit
             ,
             and
             soul
             ,
             and
             body
             be
             preserved
             blameless
             unto
             the
             coming
             of
             our
             Lord
             Jesus
             Christ.
          
           Amen
           .
        
         
           THE
           END
           .
        
         
      
    
     
       
         Notes, typically marginal, from the original text
         
           Notes for div A31080-e440
           
             Psa.
             39.
             4.
             
          
           
             Job
             14.
             5.
             
          
           
             
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               .
               Plut.
               ad
               Apoll.
               p.
               202.
               
            
             
               
                 Quis
                 est
                 tam
                 stultus
                 ,
                 quamvis
                 sit
                 adolescens
                 ,
                 cui
                 sit
                 exploratum
                 se
                 vel
                 ad
                 vesperum
                 esse
                 victurum
                 .
              
               Cic.
               
                 de
                 Son.
              
               
            
          
           
             
               De
               fin
               .
               II.
            
             p.
             95.
             
          
           
             
               Natura
               dedit
               usuram
               vitae
               ,
               tanquam
               pecuniae
               ,
               nulla
               praestituta
               die
               .
            
             Tusc.
             
               quaest
               .
               I.
            
             p.
             326.
             
          
           
             1
             John
             1.
             17.
             
             
               Love
               not
               the
               world
            
             ;
             for
             
               —
               the
               world
               passeth
               away
               ,
               and
               the
               desire
               thereof
               .
            
          
           
             
               Primum
               est
               ,
               ut
               quanti
               quidque
               sit
               judices
               ;
               secundum
               ,
               ut
               impetum
               ad
               illa
               caplas
               ordinatum
               temperatumque
               ;
               tertium
               ,
               ut
               inter
               impetum
               tuum
               ,
               actionemque
               conveniat
               ,
               ut
               in
               omnibus
               istis
               tibi
               ipsi
               consentias
               .
            
             Sen.
             Epist.
             89.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             7.
             31.
             
          
           
             
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               ,
            
             
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               .
               
                 Gr.
                 Epig.
                 Anthol
              
               .
            
          
           
             
               1
               John
               2.
               17.
               
            
             
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               ,
            
          
           
             Eccl.
             1.
             3
             ,
             &c.
             
          
           
             
               
                 Commorandi
                 natura
                 nobis
                 diversorium
                 dedit
                 ,
                 non
                 habitandi
                 locum
                 .
              
               Cic.
               
                 de
                 Sen.
              
               
            
             
               1
               Pet.
               2.
               11.
               1.
               
            
             
               Heb.
               13.
               11.
               11.
               15.
               
            
             
               1
               Chron.
               29.
               15.
               
            
             
               Job
               14.
               1.
               
            
             
               Psal.
               78.
               39.
               
            
             
               Jam.
               4.
               14.
               
            
             
               Isa.
               64.
               6.
               
            
             
               Psal.
               102.
               3.
               90.
               5.
               9.
               103.
               15.
               39.
               5.
               144.
               4.
               119.
               19.
               
            
             
               Psal.
               103.
               15.
               
            
             
               Isa.
               40.
               6.
               
            
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             2.
             24.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             62.
             9.
             
          
           
             Isa.
             14.
             17.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             82.
             6.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             49.
             12
             ,
             &c.
             
          
           
             Isa.
             14.
             11.
             
          
           
             Isa.
             14.
             16.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             90.
             
          
           
             Anton.
             IV.
             50.
             
          
           
             Sen.
             Ep.
             99.
             24.
             
          
           
             
               Mihi
               ne
               diuturnum
               quidem
               quidquam
               videtur
               .
               in
               quo
               est
               aliquid
               extremum
               ,
               &c.
               
            
             Cic.
             
               de
               Senect
            
             .
          
           
             Psal.
             90.
             6.
             
          
           
             Ant.
             IV.
             §
             50.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             49.
             16.
             73.
             17.
             
             ●●
             1.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             23.
             17.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             8.
             4.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             23.
             5.
             
          
           
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             ,
             
               E●atus
               ,
               &c.
               pro
               divite
            
             .
             Hab.
             2.
             9.
             
          
           
             1
             Tim.
             6.
             19.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             23.
             5.
             
          
           
             
               Job
               1.
               21.
               27.
               19.
               
            
             
               1
               Tim.
               6.
               7.
               
            
             
               Eccl.
               5.
               21.
               
            
          
           
             Psal.
             39.
             6.
             
          
           
             Eccl.
             2.
             18.
             
          
           
             
               In
               his
               elaborant
               ,
               quae
               sciunt
               nihil
               omnino
               ad
               se
               pertinere
               ;
               serunt
               arbores
               ,
               quae
               alteri
               seculo
               prosint
               .
            
             Cic.
             
               de
               Senect
            
             .
          
           
             Jam.
             1.
             11.
             
          
           
             Luke
             12.
             20.
             
          
           
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
          
           
             Psal.
             49.
             
          
           
             Luke
             12
             20.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             11.
             4.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             27.
             24.
             
          
           
             Sen.
             Ep.
             98.
             
          
           
             Job
             31.
             24.
             
          
           
             Eccl.
             5.
             11.
             
          
           
             
               Eccl.
               5.
               12.
               
            
             
               1
               Tim.
               6.
               9.
               
            
          
           
             
               
                 Simplici
                 cura
                 constant
                 necessaria
                 ,
                 in
                 delicias
                 laboratur
                 .
              
               Sen
               Ep
               89.
               
            
             
               Matth.
               6.
               
            
          
           
             
               Heb.
               13.
               15.
               
            
             
               1
               Tim.
               6.
               8.
               
            
             
               Psal.
               55.
               26.
               
            
          
           
             
               Amos
               2.
               6.
               
            
             
               Hab.
               2.
               6.
               
            
          
           
             Isa.
             5.
             8.
             
          
           
             Luke
             16.
             9.
             
          
           
             Lucr.
             
          
           
             Quem
             fo
             rs
             dierum
             cunque
             dabit
             .
             Appone
             ,
             nec
             dulces
             amores
             [
             lucro
             Sperne
             puer
             ,
             &c.
             
          
           
             Hor.
             l.
             9.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             15.
             32.
             
          
           
             Sap.
             2.
             1
             ,
             &c.
             
          
           
             Job
             20.
             14.
             
          
           
             Ecclus
             41.
             1.
             
          
           
             Eccles.
             7.
             6.
             
          
           
             Eccl.
             2
             2.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             23
             32.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             11.
             25.
             
          
           
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             .
             Arist.
             
               Eth.
               X
            
             7.
             
          
           
             
               Psal.
               46.
               4.
               
            
             
               Eccl.
               9.
               10.
               
            
          
           
             
               Psal.
               49
               10.
               
            
             
               Eccl.
               2.
               14
               ,
               15
               ,
               &c.
               
            
          
           
             Psal.
             88.
             12.
             
          
           
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             .
             Cato
             Sen.
             apud
             Plut.
             pag.
             641.
             
          
           
             
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               .
            
             
               Eccl.
               2.
               15.
               
            
          
           
             1
             Kings
             4.
             29.
             
          
        
         
           Notes for div A31080-e4250
           
             
               Job
               14.
               14.
               
            
             
               All
               the
               days
               of
               my
               appointed
               time
               will
               I
               wait
               ,
               till
               my
               change
               come
               .
            
          
           
             Sen.
             Ep.
             89.
             
          
           
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             .
          
           
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             .
             Ant.
             
               VII
               .
               Sect.
            
             33.
             
          
           
             
               Summi
               doloris
               intentio
               invenit
               finem
               :
               nemo
               potest
               valde
               dolere
               ,
               &
               diu
               :
               sic
               nos
               amantissima
               nostri
               natura
               disposuit
               ,
               ut
               dolorem
               aut
               tolerabilem
               ,
               aut
               brevem
               faceret
               .
            
             Sen.
             Ep.
             24.
             
          
           
             
               Dolore
               perculsi
               mortem
               imploramus
               ,
               eamque
               unam
               ,
               ut
               miseriarum
               malorumque
               terminum
               ,
               exoptamus
               .
            
             Cic.
             cons.
             
          
           
             
               Moriar
               ?
               hoc
               dicis
               ;
               desinam
               aegrotare
               posse
               ,
               &c.
            
             Sen.
             
          
           
             
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               .
            
             
               
                 Eripere
                 vitam
                 〈◊〉
                 homini
                 potest
                 ;
                 At
                 nemo
                 〈◊〉
                 .
              
               Sen.
               Trag.
               
            
          
           
             Job
             3.
             17.
             
          
           
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             .
             Plut.
             ad
             Apol.
             p.
             195.
             
          
           
             
               Omnia
               brevia
               tolerabilia
               esse
               debent
               ,
               etiamse
               magna
               .
            
             Cic.
             Lael
             .
             
               ad
               fin
            
             .
          
           
             Matth.
             6.
             21.
             
          
           
             
               John
               5.
               44.
               12.
               43.
               
            
             
               Matth.
               6.
               24.
               
            
          
           
             Rom.
             8.
             5.
             
          
           
             1
             John
             2.
             15.
             
          
           
             Luke
             22.
             5.
             
          
           
             Matth.
             22.
             5.
             
          
           
             Matth.
             13.
             46.
             
          
           
             
               Heb.
               13.
               14.
               
            
             
               1
               Pet.
               2.
               11.
               
            
          
           
             Heb.
             11.
             16.
             
          
           
             1
             John
             2.
             17.
             
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             1.
             24.
             
          
           
             v.
             13.
             
          
           
             1
             Tim.
             6.
             19.
             
          
           
             Matth.
             6.
             20.
             
          
           
             v.
             25.
             
          
           
             John
             6.
             27.
             
          
           
             
               Luke
               12.
               33.
               
            
             
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               .
            
          
           
             Heb.
             11.
             10.
             
          
           
             v.
             23.
             
          
           
             
               Matth.
               19.
               27.
               
            
             
               Luke
               18.
               28.
               
            
          
           
             Luke
             10.
             39.
             
          
           
             Phil.
             3.
             7
             ,
             8.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             12.
             16.
             
          
           
             Mark
             10.
             18.
             
          
           
             Matth.
             10.
             37.
             
          
           
             Luke
             14.
             26.
             
          
           
             Mark
             10.
             29.
             
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             1.
             4.
             
          
           
             Matth.
             5.
             29.
             18.
             8.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             11.
             25.
             
          
           
             
               Luke
               12.
               4.
               
            
             
               Matth.
               10.
               28.
               
            
             
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               .
            
          
           
             
               Mark
               8.
               36.
               
            
             
               Luke
               9.
               25.
               
            
          
           
             Pet.
             1.
             4.
             
          
           
             
               Ibid.
               
            
             
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
            
          
           
             *
             
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
            
             
               James
               1.
               2.
               
            
          
           
             Rom.
             5.
             8.
             
          
           
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             11.
             23.
             6.
             5.
             
          
           
             
               2
               Cor.
               4.
               17.
               5.
               1.
               
            
             
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
            
          
           
             Rom.
             8.
             18.
             
          
           
             
               Heb.
               10.
               34.
               
            
             
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               .
            
          
           
             *
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             .
          
           
             Heb.
             12.
             2.
             
          
           
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             .
          
           
             
               Nulla
               nisi
               temporis
               honesta
               est
               avaritia
               .
            
             Sen.
             
          
           
             
               Non
               enim
               dat
               natura
               virtutem
               ;
               ars
               est
               bonum
               fieri
               .
            
             Sen.
             Ep.
             89.
             
          
           
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             .
             Epict.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             2.
             7.
             
          
           
             Luke
             10.
             40.
             
          
           
             1
             Tim.
             2.
             4.
             
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             4.
             7
             
          
           
             Eph.
             5.
             15.
             
          
           
             
               Gen.
               47.
               9
            
             
               Job
               14.
               1.
               
            
          
           
             Job
             14.
             14.
             
          
           
             Luke
             21.
             34.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             12.
             17.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             2.
             16.
             
          
           
             Eccl.
             12.
             14.
             
          
           
             
               2
               Cor.
               5.
               10.
               
            
             
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               .
            
             
               Chrysost.
               
            
          
           
             Luke
             12.
             2
             ,
             3.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             4.
             3.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             3.
             13.
             
          
           
             
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
            
             
               Anton.
               lib.
               7.
               
            
          
        
         
           Notes for div A31080-e7840
           
             
               
                 Recognosce
                 singulos
                 ,
                 considera
                 universos
                 ,
                 nullius
                 non
                 vita
                 spectat
                 in
                 crastinum
                 ;
                 non
                 enim
                 vivunt
                 ,
                 sed
                 victuri
                 sunt
                 .
              
            
             
               Sen.
               Ep.
               45.
               
            
          
           
             
               Victuros
               agimus
               semper
               ,
               nec
               vivimus
               unquam
               .
            
             Manil
             .
             4.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             6.
             10.
             
          
           
             Plut.
             in
             Pelop.
             
          
           
             
               
                 Non
                 est
                 crede
                 mihi
                 sapientis
                 dicere
                 ,
                 vivans
                 .
              
            
             
               Mart.
               I.
               16.
               
            
          
           
             Eccl.
             12.
             13.
             
          
           
             Matt.
             19.
             27.
             
          
           
             
               Psal.
               11.
               7.
               
            
             
               Prov.
               15.
               9.
               
            
          
           
             Rom.
             2.
             6.
             
          
           
             
               Matt.
               5.
               18.
               
            
             
               Luke
               16.
               17.
               
            
             
               Psal.
               119.
               15.
               
            
          
           
             Psal.
             5.
             5.
             
          
           
             Luke
             13.
             3.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             9.
             17.
             
          
           
             
               1
               Cor.
               6.
               9.
               
            
             
               Matth.
               25.
               46.
               7.
               21.
               
            
          
           
             Prov.
             23.
             34.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             2.
             7.
             
          
           
             
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
            
             
               Chrys.
               ad
               Eph.
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
            
          
           
             
               
                 O
                 quam
                 istud
                 parum
                 p●tant
                 ,
                 quibus
                 tam
                 facile
                 videtur
                 !
              
            
             
               Quint.
               12.
               1.
               
            
          
           
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             Hom.
             Od.
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             .
          
           
             
               Cras
               hoc
               fiet
               ;
               idem
               cras
               fiet
               ,
            
             &c
             Pers.
             Sat.
             5.
             
          
           
             
               
                 Qui
                 non
                 est
                 hodie
                 ,
                 cras
                 minus
                 aptus
                 erit
                 .
              
            
             
               Ovid.
               
                 de
                 Rom
                 I.
              
               Epict
               4.
               12.
               
            
          
           
             
               
                 —
                 qui
                 recte
                 vivendi
                 prorogat
                 horam
                 ,
              
               
                 Rusticus
                 expectat
                 dum
                 defluat
                 amnis
                 ,
                 at
                 ille
              
               
                 Labitur
                 ,
                 &
                 labetur
                 in
                 omne
                 voubilis
                 evum
                 .
              
               
                 Hor.
                 
                   Ep.
                   I.
                
                 2.
                 
              
            
          
           
             
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               .
               Epict.
               4.
               12.
               
            
             
               For
               the
               same
               reason
               we
               put
               it
               off
               ,
               we
               should
               put
               it
               away
               .
               If
               it
               be
               good
               at
               all
               ,
               it
               is
               good
               at
               present
               .
            
          
           
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             Epict.
             4.
             12.
             
          
           
             
               Falsis
               opinionibus
               tanto
               quisque
               inseritur
               ,
               quanto
               magis
               in
               eis
               ,
               familiariusque
               volutatur
               .
            
             Aug.
             Ep.
             117.
             
          
           
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             .
             Greg.
             Naz.
             Or.
             26.
             
          
           
             
               
                 —
                 nam
                 quis
              
               
                 Peccandi
                 finem
                 posuit
                 ,
                 sibi
                 quando
                 recepit
              
               
                 Ejectum
                 semel
                 attrita
                 de
                 fronte
                 ●ubo●em
                 ?
              
               
                 Juv.
                 Sat.
                 18.
                 
              
            
          
           
             
               Ezek.
               2.
               4.
               3.
               7.
               
            
             
               Isa.
               48.
               4.
               
            
             
               Jer.
               5.
               3.
               
            
             
               Prov.
               21.
               29.
               
            
          
           
             Phil.
             3.
             19.
             
          
           
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             ,
             &c.
             Chrys.
             
               Tom.
               Orat.
            
             64.
             
          
           
             
               (
               Ezek.
               2.
               4.
               3.
               7.
               
            
             
               Neh.
               9.
               29.
               
            
             
               2
               Chron.
               36.
               73.
               
            
             
               Dan.
               5.
               20.
               )
            
          
           
             Isa.
             48.
             4.
             
          
           
             
               Quo
               quis
               pejus
               se
               habet
               ,
               minus
               sentit
               .
            
             Sen.
             Ep.
             53.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             4.
             19.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             10.
             4
             36.
             1.
             
          
           
             
               Ier.
               48.
               11.
               
            
             
               Zeph.
               1.
               12.
               
            
          
           
             
               —
               frustra
               medicina
               paratur
               ,
               Cum
               mala
               per
               longas
               invaluere
               moras
               .
            
             Ovid.
             
          
           
             
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
            
             
               Greg.
               Naz.
               Orat.
               26.
               
            
          
           
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             .
             Chrys.
             
               in
               Babyl
               Orat.
            
             2.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             6.
             9.
             
          
           
             
               Eph.
               2.
               1.
               
            
             
               Apoc.
               3.
               1.
               
            
             
               1
               Tim.
               5.
               6.
               
            
          
           
             
               
                 Frangas
                 citius
                 quam
                 corrigas
                 quae
                 in
                 pravum
                 induruerunt
                 .
              
            
             
               Quintil.
               1.
               3.
               
            
          
           
             Jer.
             13.
             23.
             
          
           
             John
             3.
             8.
             
          
           
             
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               .
            
             
               Heb
               10.
               29.
               
            
             
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               .
            
             
               Heb.
               6.
               4.
               
            
          
           
             
               Luke
               19.
               42
               ,
               44.
               
            
             
               2
               Cor.
               6.
               2.
               
            
             
               Heb.
               3.
               13.
               
            
             
               John
               9.
               4.
               
            
          
           
             Luke
             19.
             42.
             
          
           
             Isa.
             59.
             10.
             
          
           
             
               Jer.
               15.
               6.
               
            
             
               Mal.
               2.
               17.
               
            
             
               Isa
               1.
               14.
               7.
               13.
               
            
             
               Rom.
               1.
               24
               ,
               26
               ,
               28.
               
            
          
           
             Psal.
             81.
             12.
             
          
           
             Isa.
             63.
             17.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             9.
             17.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             13.
             17.
             
          
           
             Matth.
             25.
             10.
             
          
           
             Luke
             13.
             25.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             1.
             28.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             9.
             22.
             
          
           
             
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               .
            
             
               Heb.
               6.
               7
               ,
               8.
               
            
          
           
             Isa.
             55.
             6.
             
          
           
             Ezek.
             18.
             27.
             
          
           
             Isa.
             1.
             18.
             
          
           
             Joel
             2.
             13.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             86.
             5.
             
          
           
             Luke
             15.
             18.
             
          
           
             Vid.
             Chrys.
             ad
             Theod.
             2.
             
             Judas
             (
             saith
             he
             there
             )
             was
             capable
             of
             pardon
             .
          
           
             Rom.
             2.
             4.
             
          
           
             Heb.
             3.
             13.
             
          
           
             
               Qui
               poenitenti
               veniam
               spospondit
               ,
               peccanti
               crastinum
               diem
               non
               promisit
               .
            
             Greg.
             
               in
               Evang.
               Hom.
               IX
            
             .
          
           
             
               Job
               12.
               10.
               14.
               5.
               7.
               1.
               
            
             
               Psal.
               39.
               4.
               90.
               12.
               
            
             
               Dan.
               5.
               23.
               
            
             
               Prov.
               27.
               1.
               
            
             
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               .
            
             
               Bas.
               M.
               
                 exh
                 .
                 ad
                 Bapt.
              
               
            
          
           
             *
             Luke
             12.
             10.
             
          
           
             Eccles.
             9.
             12.
             
          
           
             
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               ,
               &c.
               
            
             
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               ,
               &c.
               Const.
               Ap.
               2.
               13.
               
            
          
           
             Prov.
             3.
             2.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             37.
             9.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             55.
             23.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             68.
             21.
             
          
           
             Rev.
             3.
             3.
             16.
             5.
             
          
           
             Luke
             12.
             45
             ,
             46.
             
          
           
             
               Matth.
               25.
               13.
               24.
               42.
               
            
             
               Mark
               13.
               33.
               
            
             
               Luke
               12.
               15
               ,
               35.
               
            
          
           
             Ecclus.
             5.
             5.
             
          
        
         
           Notes for div A31080-e11660
           
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             Simpl.
             
          
           
             
               Animal
               hoc
               providum
               ,
               sagax
            
             ,
             Cic.
             
               de
               leg
            
             .
             1.
             
             Cic.
             
               de
               offic
            
             .
             1.
             
          
           
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             .
             
               Successus
               urgers
               suos
               ,
               instare
               ,
               &c.
            
             Luc.
             1.
             
          
           
             
               Plerisque
               in
               rebus
               tarditas
               &
               procrastinatio
               odiosa
               est
               .
            
             Cic.
             Philip.
             6.
             
          
           
             
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               .
               Hes.
               
            
             
               
                 Dum
                 deliberamus
                 quando
                 incipiendum
                 est
                 ,
                 incipere
                 jam
                 serum
                 est
                 .
              
               Quint.
               12.
               7.
               
            
          
           
             
               
                 Dimidium
                 facti
                 qui
                 coepit
                 habet
              
               .
               Hor.
               Ep.
               1.
               2.
               
            
             
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               ,
               &c.
               Chrys.
               Tom.
               6.
               
               
                 Orat.
                 p.
              
               68.
               
            
             
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               .
               
                 Ib.
                 p.
              
               79.
               
            
          
           
             
               Honestas
               ,
               quae
               principie
               anxia
               habetur
               ,
               ubi
               contigerit
               ,
               voluptati
               luxuriaeque
               habetur
               .
            
             Vict.
             in
             Sept.
             Sev.
             
          
           
             
               Eph.
               5.
               16.
               
            
             
               Col.
               4.
               5.
               
            
          
           
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             .
          
           
             
               Omnioe
               quae
               ventura
               sunt
               in
               incerto
               jaecent
               ,
               protinus
               vive
               .
            
             Sen.
             
               de
               vit
               .
               brev
            
             .
             9.
             
          
           
             Virg.
             Georg.
             3.
             
          
           
             
               
                 Sera
                 nimis
                 vita
                 est
                 crastina
                 ,
                 vive
                 hodie
                 .
              
            
             
               Mart.
               1.
               16.
               
            
             
               1
               Pet.
               4.
               3.
               
            
          
           
             Rom.
             13.
             11.
             
          
           
             
               Ille
               sapit
               quisquis
               ,
               Post
               hume
               ,
               vixit
               heri
               .
            
             Mart.
             5.
             60.
             
          
           
             
               
                 Ampliat
                 aetatis
                 spatium
                 sibi
                 vir
                 bonus
                 ,
                 hoc
                 est
              
            
             
               
                 Vivere
                 his
                 ,
                 vita
                 posse
                 priore
                 frui
                 .
              
               Mart.
               10.
               23.
               
            
          
           
             Rom.
             2.
             
          
           
             
               Quam
               magna
               deliquimus
               ,
               tam
               granditer
               defleamus
               ,
               &c.
            
             Cypr.
             
               de
               Laps
               .
               Or.
            
             5.
             
          
           
             
               
                 Poena
                 potest
                 demi
                 ,
                 culpa
                 perennis
                 erit
                 .
              
               Ovid.
               
            
             
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               .
               Chrys.
               Tom.
               8.
               p.
               97.
               
            
          
           
             Rom.
             6.
             21.
             
          
           
             
               Ezek.
               16.
               61.
               
            
             
               Ezek.
               16.
               63.
               
            
          
           
             Ezek.
             36.
             31.
             20.
             43.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             15.
             41.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             4.
             18.
             
          
           
             
               
                 Sub
                 paedagogo
                 coeperis
                 licet
                 ;
                 serum
                 est
                 .
              
            
             
               Mart.
               8.
               44.
               
            
          
           
             Prov.
             22.
             6.
             
          
           
             
               
                 Natura
                 tenacissimi
                 sum●s
                 co-rum
                 ,
                 quae
                 rudibus
                 annis
                 percipimus
                 ,
                 &c.
              
               Quint.
               1.
               1.
               
            
             
               
                 Difficulter
                 eraditur
                 quod
                 rudes
                 animi
                 perbiberunt
                 .
              
               Hier.
               ad
               Laetam
               .
            
          
           
             
               
                 Ut
                 corpora
                 ad
                 quosdam
                 membrorum
                 flexus
                 formari
                 nisi
                 tener
                 a
                 non
                 possunt
                 ,
                 sic
                 animos
                 ad
                 pleraque
                 duriores
                 robur
                 ipsum
                 facit
                 .
              
               Quint.
               ib.
               
            
             
               
                 Quo
                 semel
                 est
                 imbuta
                 recens
                 servabit
                 odorem
                 Testa
                 diu
                 .
              
            
             
               Hor.
               Ep.
               1.
               2.
               
            
          
           
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             .
             Chrys.
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             .
          
           
             Psal.
             37.
             38.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             25.
             7.
             
          
           
             Job
             20.
             11.
             
          
           
             1●
             26.
             
          
           
             
               Lam.
               3.
               27.
               
            
             
               
                 Fingit
                 equum
                 tenera
                 docilem
                 cervice
                 Magister
              
               
                 Ire
                 viam
                 ,
                 quam
                 monstrat
                 eques
                 .
                 —
              
               
                 Hor.
                 
              
            
          
           
             Eccl.
             12.
             1.
             
          
           
             
               Eth.
               1.
               3.
               
            
             
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               .
            
          
           
             Hor.
             Ep.
             1.
             2.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             6.
             4.
             
          
           
             Tit.
             2.
             6.
             
          
           
             
               2
               Tim.
               2.
               22.
               
            
             
               2
               Tim.
               3.
               15.
               
            
          
           
             Psal.
             119.
             9.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             1.
             4.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             ●
             .
             6
             ,
             15.
             
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             2.
             2.
             
          
           
             Luke
             18.
             16.
             
          
           
             Eth.
             2.
             2.
             
          
           
             
               
                 Quod
                 facere
                 solent
                 qui
                 serius
                 exeunt
                 —
                 calcar
                 addamus
                 .
              
               Sen.
               Ep.
               63.
               76.
               10.
               
            
             
               Apoc.
               3.
               2.
               
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               .
            
          
           
             
               
                 —
                 non
                 omnia
                 grandior
                 aetas
                 Quae
                 fugiamus
                 habet
                 —
              
               Ovid.
               
            
             
               
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
                 〈◊〉
              
               .
               Ghrys
               .
               Tom.
               6.
               
               Orat.
               38.
               
            
          
           
             Prov.
             16.
             31.
             
          
           
             
               In
               freto
               viximus
               ,
               moriamur
               in
               portu
               .
            
             Sen.
             Ep.
             19.
             
          
           
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             .
             Epic.
             ad
             Monoec
             .
          
           
             *
             
               Quare
               juventus
               ,
               imo
               omnis
               aetas
               (
               neque
               enim
               rectae
               voluntati
               serum
               est
               tempus
               ullum
               )
               totis
               mentibus
               huc
               tendamus
               ,
               in
               hoc
               elaboremus
               ;
               forsan
               &
               consummare
               contingat
               .
            
             Quint.
             12.
             1.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             1.
             32.
             
          
           
             
               Est
               virtus
               nihil
               aliud
               quam
               in
               se
               perfecta
               ,
               &
               ad
               summum
               perducta
               natura
               ,
            
             Cic.
             
               de
               Leg.
            
             1.
             
          
           
             
               Deut.
               10.
               13.
               
            
             
               Mic.
               6.
               8.
               
            
             
               Neh.
               9.
               13.
               
            
             
               Rom.
               7.
               12.
               
            
             
               Psal.
               19.
               9.
               119.
               107.
               
            
          
           
             1
             Thess.
             5.
             23.