The young man's guide through the wilderness of this world to the heavenly Canaan shewing him how to carry himself Christian-like in the whole course of his life / by Tho. Gouge ... Gouge, Thomas, 1605-1681. 1676 Approx. 356 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 88 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2003-11 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A41668 Wing G1387 ESTC R32454 12696715 ocm 12696715 65883 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A41668) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 65883) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1527:12) The young man's guide through the wilderness of this world to the heavenly Canaan shewing him how to carry himself Christian-like in the whole course of his life / by Tho. Gouge ... Gouge, Thomas, 1605-1681. [14], 159 p. Printed by S. and B.G. for Nevil Simmons ... London : 1676. Reproduction of original in the Union Theological Seminary Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. 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Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Young men -- Religious life. Christian life -- Anglican authors. 2003-08 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2003-08 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2003-09 Rina Kor Sampled and proofread 2003-09 Rina Kor Text and markup reviewed and edited 2003-10 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion THE YOUNG MAN'S GUIDE , THROUGH THE VVilderness of this VVorld TO THE HEAVENLY CANAAN . Shewing him how to carry himself Christian-like , in the whole course of his Life . By Tho. Gouge , Minister of the Gospel . Wherewithal shall a Young Man cleanse his way , by taking heed thereto , according to thy Word ? Psalm 119. 9. LONDON : Printed by S. and B. G. for Nevil Simmons at the Princes Arms in S. Paul's Church yard . 1676. The Epistle Dedicatory to the Youth of England ; especially to those who are in or about the City of LONDON . SIRS ; THough I fear you are not all of you in so good a condition for your Souls , as that I may apply those words to you without exception , which are in 1 Ioh. 2. 14. I have written unto you , Young Men , because you are strong , and the Word of God abideth in you ; and ye have overcome the wicked one : yet the Searcher of all hearts knoweth , that I have written this Preface , and the ensuing Treatise to you , out of an earnest desire that it might be so with you . My self , and others , that stand upon the Brink of Eternity , by reason of Age , can see better than your selves ( because we have had experience of it ) that your Youthful time is a dangerous time ; wherein , however you may now rejoyce , yet if you take not heed , you may contract such guilt to your Souls , as may make you to mourn hereafter , yea for ever , Prov. 5. 11 , 12 , 13. You are apt to put by Convictions , and the Calls of Grace , in hope of longer life ; and so to be unwilling yet to repent , because you are too confident that ye●… you shall not die ; as if Holiness were not a thing in season for such as you are . But doth God put off doing good to you , till you are Old ? Is he not Now preserving of you , and providing for you while you are Young ? Why then will you put off the doing service to him till you are Old ? What horrible unthankfulness is this to God ? What ground have you to think , that you shall live so long ? or that you shall without fail die Gods Servants , if you live Slaves to Sin and Satan ? But because I intend to be brief in the way of an Epistle , ( for the Porch must not be too great , where the House it self is but little ) therefore I will say somewhat briefly to you , as you may be considered under a twofold distinction ; then to you all in general . 1. Some of you are the Children of godly Parents , others are not . 2. Some of you are yet in your Apprenticeships and Service ; and with others of you that time is expired . You that are the Children of godly Parents , Oh if you should not be good , what can you have to plead for your selves ? I take it for granted , that you have had the advantages of your Parents gracious instructions , holy examples , and fervent prayers . Have you forgotten what charge they laid upon you to fear the Lord ? much like to that of David to Solomon , 1 Chron. 28. 9. And thou Solomon , my Son , know thou the God of thy Father , and serve him with a perfect heart , and with a willing mind ; for the Lord searcheth all hearts , and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts : if thou seek him , he will be found of thee : but if thou forsake him , he will cast thee off for ever . Why will you let the Pains , the Prayers , the Tears , the Desires , the Hopes of your Fathers that begot you , and your Mothers that bare you , to be lost and frustrated ? If your Parents be yet alive , would it not be the Joy of their hearts , to see that God had Circumcised yours ? And if they be dead , will you not be afraid to meet them at the Tribunal of Jesus Christ , in an Unregenerate condition ? It was no small mercy to you , that God should make you to be the Seed of the Righteous : and it will be no small aggravation of your sin , if you should not be a Righteous Seed . Perhaps besides your immediate Parents , your Forefathers and Ancestors were such as walked with God in their several Generations ; and so godliness hath ( through Free Grace ) been , as it were , intailed upon your House , from one Age to another . Now what a dreadful thing would it be , if any of you should cut off the intail of Godliness ! or that you should go to Hell , whose Parents are going , or gone to Heaven ! As for you whose Parents are not godly , that must not keep you from labouring to be so , because if they are not such , yet they should be such . And , as I said before , to those whose Parents were gracious , that it would be a dreadful thing for them to cut off the intail of Godliness ; so now I say to you whose Parents are wicked , that it would be a blessed thing for you to cut off the intail of sin : which if you shall do , will also cut off the intail of those Judgments which otherwise might come upon you for your Fathers iniquities . Read to this purpose Ezek. 18. 14 , 15 , 16 , 17. And oh what an honour will this be to you , if you shall do that which is right in the sight of the Lord , when those out of whose bowels you came , did that which was evil ! Mark what notice is taken , by way of commendation , of Young Abijah , the Son of wicked Ieroboam , because in him was found some good thing towards the Lord God of Israel , in the house of Jeroboam , 1 King. 14. 13. It is matter of great thankfulness and rejoycing to any beholder , that good Children should come even out of a good Family : but that the Branches should be holy where the Root was not , is matter of greater admiration and praise : And yet such wonderful mercy doth the Lord sometimes shew to some Children , who neither by the Fathers , nor Mothers side , can plead any right to the Covenant of Grace . Be not discouraged therefore from looking after the Promise , because you are not , according to the Natural Birth , the Seed of true Believers : but repent , and believe the Gospel ; and then , instead of that , ( and which is more than that ) you will , according to the Spiritual Birth , be the Sons of Abraham , yea the Sons of God. Now , in order to the second distinction . Some of you are yet in your Apprenticeship and Service , in which you ought to behave your selves with that obedience to your Governours , with that diligence and faithfulness in the duties of your Places , that you may be blessings to the Families into which God by his Providence hath called you . Take heed of pride , stubbornness , idleness , evil company , and of wronging your Masters in the least kind . Be much in the consideration and imitation of Iacob , and Ioseph : The first of which served Laban with all his power , Gen. 31. 6. And the other was so careful and conscientious in his Masters business , that he made him Overseer of his House , and put all that he had into his hands , Gen. 39. 4. I would advise you to get such Scriptures by heart , which instruct Servants in their duties , especially these , Ephes. 6. 5 , 6 , 7 , 8. Col. 3. 22 , 23 , 24 , 25. 1 Tim. 6. 12. Tit. 2. 9 , 10. 1 Pet. 2. 18 , 19. &c. Take your Bibles , and turn to these places ; read , remember , and practise them . And because there is a sort of wicked Young Ones , who not being contented with being vile themselves , do desire to draw others into the Fellowship of their works of darkness ; therefore let not that word depart from you , in Prov. 1. 10 , My Son , if sinners intice thee , consent thou not : And verse 15. My Son , walk not thou in the way with them , refrain thy foot from their path . See also Prov. 4. 14 , 15. &c. And now for you , Young Men , whose years of Apprenticeship are expired , and who are no longer Servants , because you are free from your Masters . You have a wide World before you , take heed that you be not lost in it , by wandring from the Paths of Gods Commandments , either 1. In the abusing of your Liberty ; or , 2. In the using of your Trades . As for your Liberty : Remember , that though the Yoke of your Masters be off , yet you must keep the Yoke of Christ on : or you must take it upon you , if yet you have not . As you had a Master on earth , whose Servants you were to be for a certain time , so you have a Master in Heaven , whose servants you must b●… for ever , And this will be no unwelcom news to you , if you do but understand what a good Master the Lord is to all that serve him in sincerity , and with all their heart . Though therefore you have obtained freedom from man , yet you must not take any freedom to sin against God ; and though you are , in that respect , at your own dispose , yet you must not live as if you were your own . I think that Young Men , at the coming out of their time , had need count it one of the special times of their life , wherein they should be most watchful . For it may be easily observed in too many , that there is such prophaneness then manifested , as if Hell were broken loose . In the using of your Trades and Callings , you must manage all things , as those that do not make mens practises , but Gods Precepts the Rule of your Buying and Selling. Beware of the love of Money , which is the root of all evil ; and be sure you go not out of Gods way to get an Estate . That will be sad gain at last , which brings the loss of the Soul. It is mens horrible unbelief , and ignorance , and distrustfulness of Gods All-sufficiency , that makes them think they shall not get enough for themselves , and theirs to live comfortable upon , unless they should stretch their Consciences beyond the due bounds . And know , that what is unjustly gotten , will be followed with a Blasting ; when that which is honestly come by , will be followed with a Blessing . And now for a Conclusion to all of you . What hath hitherto been spoken , is but , as it were , to prepare you a little for that great Duty of Remembring NOW your Creatour in the days of your YOUTH . Be sure you never well remember your selves , if you forget the Lord. When the Prodigal Son came to himself , he presently thought of returning to his Father , Luk. 15. 17 , 18 , 19. Notwithstanding all your sins against God , his Bowels of Love will receive you , if you do not refuse the mercy that is offered to you . He knows as well how to pardon the Penitent , as to punish the Impenitent . It is his infinite goodness to your Souls , that you should have some to warn you before it be too late . In the number of which I have desired to be one , out of an hearty well-wishing to your Eternal good . Read and consider what follows , and the Lord give you understanding , and add his own blessing ; teaching you faithfully to improve all the helps and furtherances he is pleased to vouchsafe unto you for your Souls advantage . T. G. THE CONTENTS OF THIS TREATISE . THe Text opened and explained . Page 1 The Doctrine , That it is a Duty incumbent upon all Young Men , to consecrate the prime and strength of their days to the service of God. 4 The Reasons of the Point . 5 1 Use. Reproof of those who devote the Flower of their Age to the service of Satan , and their sinful Lusts , and reserve their decayed strength for God , and his service . 13 2 Use. Exhortation unto all Young Men to offer unto God the First-fruits of their lives . 15 Several Objections of many Young Men against their early seeking and serving of God answered . 17 Several Directions suitable to Young Men. 36 1. That they labour to be well rooted and grounded in the Principles of Religion . 36 2. That they return to the Lord. The Nature of Conversion opened , with some Arguments thereunto . 37 3. That at their first setting up they content not themselves with a competent Stock of Money to begin the World withal , but that they likewise get a good Stock of Grace . 46 Helps thereunto . 48 4. That they live godly and gracious lives ; with Directions thereunto . 53 I. At thy first awaking in the Morning , lift up thine heart to God in a thankful acknowledgment of his mercy to thee in the night past . 53 II. So soon as thou art ready , before thou goest about the works of thy Calling , withdraw thy self into some private place , and there pour out thy Soul unto God by Fervent Prayer . 54 III. Having begun the day with Prayer , then betake thy self to the duties of thy particular Calling . 57 In following whereof , special regard ought to be had to the ENDS and MANNER of performing them . 57 For the Manner of following thy Calling , these Rules are to be observed . 58 I. Be diligent therein ; but with these two Cautions . 58 1. Beware of laying out the strength of thy heart and spirit upon thy worldly businesses , which ought to be reserved for Communion with God. 58 2. Beware that thy worldly businesses and imployments do not ingross thy whole time , but allow thy Religious Duties their proper and sufficient season . 59 II. Follow thy worldly businesses with an heavenly mind . 60 1. By raising matter of Heavenly Meditations from the same . 60 2. By oft lifting up thine heart to God in short Ejaculatory Prayers for his direction , assistance , and blessing on thy pains and endeavours . 61 III. Be Iust and Honest in thy dealing with men , avoiding all guile and deceit . 62 The Heads of several frauds and deceits to frequently acted in matters of Commerce and Trading . 63 For the preventing of which several Rules are given . 66 Motives and Arguments to Iust and Honest dealing . 67 The h●…inousness of sundry Vices whereunto Young Men are addicted , is set forth , with several preservatives against them . The Vices mentioned are , 1. Rash and hasty Anger . 70 2. Drunkenness , 75 3. Wantonness and Uncleanness . 83 4. Prophane and rash Swearing . 91 5. Lying . 95 6. Back-biting , and Tale-bearing , 100 IV. Another Direction for the leading a godly and gracious life , is to keep a strict watch over thy self in those things which concern thine own person . For help therein several Rules are given . 1. Be careful of thy thoughts in well ordering them . 103 Helps thereunto . 103 2. Be careful of thy words that they be well governed . 107 3. Be careful of thy actions , concerning which are given , 111 1. Some General . 112 2. Some Particular Directions : General Directions are these : 1. Ingage thy self in a deep design for Eternity . 112 2. Let thy whole life be a prosecuting and serving thy godly design . 113 That thou mayst the more effectually proseeute it , and prosper in it . 1. Let Faith and Love be the root of thy life , and the several actions of it . 113 2. Let the Word and Will of God be the Rule of thy actions . 115 3. Let the glorifying and enjoying of God be the end of thy life , and of all the duties of it . 116 Particular Directions for ordering our lives and actions according to Godliness , are these . 1. Beware of living in the wilful omission of any known Duty . 117 2. Live not in the practice of any known sin . 119 3. If thou hast been overtaken with any sin , and thereby made a wound in thy Conscience , seek an healing Plaister by sound Repentance , and Faith in the Blood of Christ. 121 4. When through Grace thou art recovered , take heed of falling back again . 122 5. Be moderate in all things , more particularly , 1. In the use of Meats and Drinks . 123 2. In Sports and Recreations . 125 3. In the pursuit of Worldly Wealth , and seeking after riches . 128 V. Directions in reference to your Carriage towards oothers . 1. Be peaceable towards all men . 138 2. Be affable and courteous to others . 142 3. Be humble towards all men . 143 4. Be as serviceable to others as thou canst . 144 5. Be merciful towards such as are in misery . 146 6. Be careful to restore what thou hast stoln , or unjustly got . 150 7. Have special regard to thy Relative Duties 153 The special Relative Duties incumbent on Governonrs , and Masters of Families , are these : 1. Let your Houses be daily perfumed by a Morning and Evening Sacrifice of Prayer and Praise unto God. 154 2. Let the Word of God be frequently read in your Families . 155 3. Set some time apart in every Week to Catechise those under your Charge , teaching them the chief Principles of Religion . 156 4. Be careful that thy self and Family keep the Lords Day holy . 156 For a Conclusion of the whole . In a careful observation of all these Directions , give diligence to make thy Calling and Election sure . 158 THE Young Man's Guide . CHAP. I. The Exposition of the Words . Eccl. 12. 1. Remember now thy Creatour in the dayes of thy Youth , while the evil dayes come not , nor the years draw night , when thou shalt say , I have no pleasure in them . THE Royal Preacher King Solomon in the latter part of the foregoing Chapter , doth by an emphatical Irony disswade young men from those youthful lusts , and sensual pleasures , whereunto they are naturally addicted ; and that by the consideration of that dreadful account they are to give unto God at the great day , as vers . 4. Rejoyce O young man in thy youth , and walk in the wayes of thine heart , and in the sight of thine eyes : but know thou , that for all these things , God will bring thee into Iudgement . As if he had said , since thou art so set upon it to have thy will , and thy way , to suck the sweet , and make the best of what is before thee , take thy course , take thy fill of thy pleasure , ease , and hearts-content whilest thou livest : but remember what comes after , and know that for all thy sweet morsels , and pleasant draughts , for all thy pleasant sins , and youthful liberties , and those vain , and wicked courses , wherein thou now takest such content and delight , God will bring thee into judgement : die thou must , thou knowest not how soon , and after death thou shalt be brought before Gods Tribunal , there to answer for all that thou hast done , and receive a just recompence of reward . Remember this , O young man , and then go on thy way at thy peril . A serious consideration of the judgement of God would be an excellent means to abate the heat of lust , and take off young men from those sensual delights , wherein they are commonly so drench'd and drown'd . Solomon having thus disswaded young men from their youthful lusts and pleasures : In the beginning of this Chapter he perswades them to the seeking of God , and that from their youth , and younger years , by several arguments . The first is couched in the four first verses of this twelfth Chapter , taken from the unfitness of old men to set themselves to the service of God , which they have neglected all the former part of their lives : Remember now thy Creatour in the dayes of thy yeuth , while the evil dayes come not , nor the years draw nigh , when thou shalt say I have no pleasure in them . Briefly to clear the words . Remember . ] Young men of all others in this case have but short memories , are apt to forget God , his wayes and Judgements , and to leave the care and minding hereof to their old age . Therefore the Wise man knowing how unfit and unseasonable that would be to enter upon so great a work adviseth them to begin betimes , and early to fix their thoughts on God , and to consecrate their strength , from the very first to him . For this remembrance in the text doth not only import an Act of memory , but such a calling to mind as works upon the affection , and practice , so as to set us a doing of what we know and remember . To remember God is the same as to know God , to love , and fear , and serve him . 'T is the same counsel which Solomon here gives , which once he received from his aged Father , 1 Chron. 28. 9. And thou Solomon my Son , know thou the God of thy Father , and serve him with a perfect heart , and willing mind . As God is said to remember man , when he thinks upon him to do him good : So man doth then remember God , when he thinks upon him to do him service . Thy Creatour . ] From whom thou hadst thy being , and well-being , thy Creation and Preservation , and therefore owest thy self , and service unto him . As thou art from God , so thou oughtest to love and live unto him : he made thee this living soul after his own image , and thereby as thou art more capable , so art thou the more obliged unto him ; and that Now in the dayes of thy Youth ( Which is the prime of thy time , the flowre of thine age , the strength of thy life , when thou art able to do him the best service . God will be served with the best of all thy strength , and will not be put off till thy strength be gone : therefore now in the flowre of thy youth give up thy self unto him . While the evil dayes come not , nor the years draw nigh , when thou shalt say I have no pleasure in them . That is before old age seiseth on thee , which will be full of pains and sorrows , so that thou canst take no delight in any thing , neither canst thou find any desire or strength for service . Here the dayes of old age are called evil , because men are then subject to manifold infirmities , and afflictions , as if he had said , seeing the Elder dayes are like to be evil dayes , full of pains and griefs , be sure thou do not add thereunto the bitterness of thy youthful lusts , and pleasures , and the butthen of those duties which should have been the business of thy youth . Shall the sins , and the works of an whole age be laid upon thi●…e aged Shoulders ? what an intolerable burthen will that be to thee ? who wilt find it hard enough for thee to bear up under thy diseases , and infirmities . Be doing rather now in the dayes of thy youth , lay up against the time to come , be aforehand with thy necessary work , get to be rich in greace , abundant in good works , serving the Lord in holiness and righteousness all the dayes of thy life ; which may comfort thine heart against the evils of thine old age , that so it may not be unto thee an evil , but as it was to Abraham , a good old age , Gen. 25. 8. The drift of the Wise man in these words is to stir up young men to consecrate their youth , and younger years , especially , to the remembring and serving of God : because old age , being full of weaknesses and infirmities , is very unfit then to begin to serve God , or to mind the great work of Repentance and Reformation . CHAP. II. Containeth the grand proposition , with the Reasons thereof . FRom the drift and scope of Solomon in these words , may be raised this point of Doctrine . Doct. It is a duty incumbent upon all young men to consecrate the prime and strength of their dayes to the service of God. So to remember God , as to devote themselvs to him . This was Typified under the Law , where the Lord required the first-fruits to be dedicated unto him , the first-born to be sanctified unto him , and the young Bullocks and Lambs to be offered in Sacrifice unto him . Which was written for our learning , to teach and instruct us , to offer unto God the service of our youth as well as of our old age . And is it not most equal that as the first-fruits of other things , so the first-fruits of man , of his ripened understanding and affections , should be given unto God ? Was the Lord greatly offended when as men reserved the best of the flock to themselves , and offered the old , the blind , and the lame unto him ? And will he be well-pleased that we devote our youth , and younger years to the service of Satan , and the satisfying our own lusts , and reserve for him only our decrepit old age ? This is likewise commended to us in the example of divers young men recorded in Scripture . We read of Isaac , that while he was young he accustomed himself to prayer and meditation , Gen. 24. 63. Of Iosiah , that when he was eight years old , he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord : And in the eighth year of his reign , while he was yet young , he began to seek after the God of David his Father , 2 Chron. 34. 1 , 3. Of Obadiah , that he feared the Lord from his youth , 1 King 18. 12. And of Timothy , that from a Child he had known the holy Scriptures , which were able to make him wise unto salvation , 2. Tim. 3. 15. If any shall ask , wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way ? Surely by following the example of such rare young men as these were . The Reasons of the point . Reas. 1. Youth is the fittest time that can he given unto God , as being the Spring time , and excellentest part of thy life . In the grave there is no serving God : in thine old age it is bad serving him , by reason of the manifold weaknesses and infirmities which do accompany the same : therefore thy Youth must needs be the fittest time for his service . For , 1. Youth is most active and vigorous , quick and lively , being not at all clogged with the infirmities of age . Then is thy body strongest , thy wit sharpest , and thy memory most capable , and retentive . How unworthy then is it for thee to Sacrifice thy youth to Bacchus and Venus , to ungodly sensuality and luxury , and at last to lay thine old bones upon Gods Altar ? O , what Pity is it , that the Devil , the world , and the flesh should have thy cream and flour ? And how shameful that God , to whom thy whole life is due , should have only thy bran , and dreggs ? 2. Youth is the time of strength , and the service of God being no easie work calls for thine utmost strength ; the strength of thy body , as well as the strength of thy mind . Our Saviour requires , strive to enter in at the strait gate . The word in the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , signifieth a striving with our utmost skill , strength , and activity , as wrestlers do for mastery . And saith the Apostle , work out your salvation , where the word in the Original 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , signifieth to work with the greatest industry . Old men whose strength is wasted , are like to make but poor wrestlers , and as poor workers : And therefore what fitter time can there be in earnest to set upon the difficulties of Religion , and Godliness , and the mighty and weighty works thereof , than in the strength of our days ? Reas. 2. The service of thy Youth is the most acceptable service unto God. When Abraham manifested his willingness to sacrifice his young Son Isaac , upon the Command of God , oh how kindly did the Lord take it ▪ and thereupon promised , yea swore unto him , saying , Because thou hast done this thing , that in blessing I will bless thee , Gen. 22. 16. In like manner , if thou shalt consecrate thy younger years unto God , which is ( as it were ) to sacrifice thy Isaac , he will take it kindly at thy hands , and thou shalt be remembred with a blessing in thine age : for with such sacrifices God is well pleased . When our Saviour heard the rich man in the Gospel say , All these Commandments have I kept from my Youth , the Evangelist no●…eth , that beholding him he loved him , to shew possibly , how he loveth the service of young men , how pleasing and acceptable it is to him . And it is questionable , whether God who calls for the first fruits of thy life , if thou deny him that , will accept the gleanings of thine age . Reas. 3. Another reason may be taken from the momentary shortness , and mu●…able uncertainty of thy life . So short it is , that the whole of it , from first to last , is little enough for thy necessary work : To get an interest in Christ , to mortifie thy Lusts , to furnish thy self with Grace , to fill up thy fruits of righteousness , and thereby to make sure to thy self a bet-ter life ; believe it , these are not the works of a few days or hours . And so uncertain is thy life , that thou hast no assurance of living one day longer . We are all but Tenants at will , and may be turned out of our Earthly Tabernacles whensoever our great Landlord pleaseth , even at a quarters , yea at a minutes warning . And therefore as thou hast any regard to the Eternal welfare and Salvation of thy precious Soul , it behoveth thee now , even now to set to thy work , to abandon thy sins , to close with the tenders and offers of Jesus Christ , to give up thy self to the service of God ; for thou knowest not what a day-or an hour may bring forth . A man that hath a work of great consequence to be done , and but one day for the doing it , had need rise early in the morning , and with all possible speed to fall upon it . This is thy case , thou hast a great work to be done , even the Salvation of thy precious and immortal Soul ; and but a little time allowed ▪ thee for the doing of it , and that very uncertain . Doth it not then concern thee speedily , without any further delay , to set about it , and to improve thy precious time to the best advantage ? Reas. 4. May be taken from the uncertainty of Conversion in thine old age . Though thou wert sure to live long , even to old age , and thereupon shouldst give up thy self to thy sensual liberties , and incourage thy self therein by the hopes of an after-repentance ; yet how canst thou be sure , that then at last thou shalt repent ? Conversion is not in mans power , it is the work of God which he is pleased to work on whom , and when he will. God is merciful to offer grace , but he is just also to punish the neglect thereof . I have read a story of a prophane Fellow who was often wont to say , he doubted not but that he should repent at last , if he had but time to say three words , Domine miserere mei , Lord have mercy on me . Not long after , riding over a crazy Bridge , both Horse and Man fell into the River : but instead of saying the former words , he cryed out in these three words , Capiat omnia ▪ Daemon , the Devil take all . Young men , let this be a warning to you all , venture not on to morrow , but to day if ye will hear his voice , harden not your hearts , Psal. 95 7. Now God calleth and inviteth thee to turn from thy sins unto him , and in good earnest to set upon the practice of an holy life . He now knocketh at the door of thine heart , offering to enter , that he may dwell in thee ; but if thou refuse to let him in , how knowest thou whether ever he will knock again ? and what if he should not ? O what if he that knocks at thy door to day , should ( if thou now open no●… ) never knock , or look after thee again for ever ? O where must thine everlasting dwelling then be ? Reas. 5. May he taken from the manifold mischiefs which will follow upon thy continuing in thy sinful course of life , without turning unto God. 1. The longer thou continuest in any sin , the stronger it will grow , and the more hardly be subdued . The longer a Tree is suffered to grow , the deeper rooting it taketh , and the more hardly will it be plucked up . In like manner , the longer thou continuest in sin , the deeper rooting will it take in thee , and with the greater difficulty be removed . As therefore we would condemn him of extream folly , who essaying to pluck up a young Plant , and finding some difficulty therein , should let it stand till it had taken deeper rooting in the ground , and then attempt to pull it up : So alike , nay much more foolish is that man , who , in his Youth and younger years , finding some difficulty in turning from his sins unto God , should put it off till his sins had taken faster hold in him , supposing that then he should more easily do it . The truth is , 't is rarely seen , that such who give up themselves to the service of sin and Satan in their Youth , do serve God in their Old Age. How seldom do we hear of an old sinner converted ? Can the Ethiopian change his skin , or the Leopard his spots ? then may ye also do good , who are accustomed to do evil , Ier. 13. 23. As if it were a thing impossible for one that hath continued long in a course of sinning , to leave and forsake it , and to give up himself to the service of God. Surely with man it is impossible , though not with God , unto whom all things are possible : It will be therefore thy wisdom betimes , even in thy Youth , to set thy self against the power of thy corruptions , lest they grow too strong in thee to be mastered and subdued . 2. Continuance in a course of sinning will so insensibly harden the heart , that thou wilt find the work more difficult . Though thou mayst flatter thy self with a conceit that thou wilt cast off thy sins , and become a new man hereafter ; yet thou wilt find by sad experience , that the longer thou detainest them , the harder it will be to part with them ; for every sin doth not only bring a guilt upon the Soul , but likewise a stronger inclination to the practise thereof . How many be there , who in their Youth , and younger years , were wont often to say , it is too soon to part with our beloved sins , there is time enough for that hereafter ? but when their hereafter hath been come , then have they said , it is too late ; our hearts are so hardened , that now we cannot repent . 3. The longer thou deferrest thy Reformation and amendment , the greater indisposition and disability wilt thou find in thy self thereunto . Thine understanding will be more and more darkned with the mist of ignorance ; they will , through custom in sinning , be more stubborn and refractory to the Will of God revealed in his Word : Thy Conscience will be more and more seared ; yea , all the powers of thy Soul will be more and more distracted with Earthly cares and businesses : What folly then must it needs be , to put off thy serving of God from thy younger to thine elder years ? 4. By continuing in a course of sinning , we come to a custom and habit in sinning , which will be hardly left or broken off . For custom in sin takes away all conscience of sin , and hardeneth the heart more and more against God , and godliness : yea , Custom is another nature ; and that which is natural , is not easily changed . It is found by experience , that such who have been long accustomed to drinking , swearing , or any other vices , are very hardly reclaimed from the same : What egregious folly then must it needs be in any , who now finding it somewhat difficult to break off his course of sinning , and betake himself to a strict course of life , should defer it longer , till the corruption of nature , through custom of sinning , grow stronger and stronger in him ? If ever therefore thou intendest to give over thy sinning Trade , and to devote thy self to the service of God , it will be thy wisdom speedily to set upon it , before ▪ thy sins be confirmed by Custom . 5. Thy long continuance in a sinful course of life , will make thy Repentance much more grievous and bitter . Some men in their New-birth feel far greater pangs and throws than others ; some are even on the wrack ▪ through dreadful horrours in their Consciences , and a deep apprehension of the wrath and vengeance of God due unto them for their sins : and these are usually such as are either guilty of some gross and heinous sin , or else have for a long time run on in a course of sinning against God. St. Paul having been a blasphemer , and a persecutor of the Church of God , his New-birth cost him many a bitter throw ; he was so deeply humbled and cast down with a sight and sense of his sins , and heinousness of them , that for three days he did neither eat nor drink , Act. 9. 9. Mary Magdalen having been a notorious sinner , it is recorded , that at her Conversion she wept so abundantly , that she washed the feet of our Saviour with her tears , and wiped them with the hairs of her head , Luk. 7. 38. And indeed most mens sorrow and humiliation for their sins , is usually suitable to the number and heinousness of their sins . As therefore thou wouldst avoid those dreadful terrours , and bitter throws , those heart-melting sorrows which possess many in their New-birth , it will be thy wisdom speedily , even now in thy Youth and younger years , before thou hast contracted many great and heinous sins , to ingage thy self in the ways of godliness . 6. Continuance in sin , without sincere repentance , will make thy condemnation more intollerable . By delaying to turn from thy sins unto God , as thou dost prepare more matter for thy grief and sorrow , so thou dost treasure up more fuel for thine everlasting burning ; which the Apostle plainly expresseth , Rom. 2. 5. But thou , saith he , after thy hardness and impenitent heart , treasurest up unto thy self wrath against the day of wrath , and Revelation of the righteous Iudgment of God , who will render to every man according to his deeds , whether they have been good or bad . So that continuance in sinning , without true and unfeigned repentance , must needs occasion an heavier weight of vengeance at the last : For he that adds to his sins , doth certainly add to his own punishment , treasuring up wrath against the day of wrath , and gathering , as it were , more wood to increase those flames which shall burn to all Eternity . Reas. 6. May be taken from the benefits which follow and accompany thine early serving of God. 1. Thereby thou wilt prevent manifold sins , especially thy youthful lusts , which to many prove very bitter in their Age , when God is pleased to set them home upon their Consciences , or suffer them to fly in their faces . As every Calling , so every Age of life hath its special and peculiar sins , unto which it is most subject . Thus Covetousness is usually the Old Mans sin , and Voluptuousness the Young Mans sin ; the remembrance of which oft-times is very grievous in Old Age : Therefore Iob speaks of some wicked men , ( Iob 20. 11. ) whose bones are full of the sins of their Youth ; meaning , that they feel more smart of them in their old age , than ever they found pleasure and delight in them in their Youth . It must needs be a sad burthen , when men in their old age do feel the heavy weight of their Youthful lusts : And yet what more ordinary ; we read of Iob , that though he was one that truly feared God , and eschewed evil , as God himself restifieth of him , Iob 1. 8. yet was the remembrance of the sins of his Youth very bitter unto him . Thou writest bitter things against me , and makest me to possess the sins of my Youth , saith he , Iob 13. 26. Oh then how bitter and grievous will they be unto them , who in their Youth do wholly prostitute themselves to lust and lewdness ? Such as in their younger years have taken great pains , and thereby got heats and colds , are apt to cry out of Aches and Stitches in their Age. Young sinner look for it , thy early pleasures , and youthful wantonness , and that drudgery which they have put thee to , are like to be Stitches in thy aged sides , and Swords in thy heart and soul. Oh young man , how should the consideration thereof stir thee up even now in the days of thy Youth to remember thy Creator , and to dedicate thy self unto him ! thereby thou mayst prevent both thy present sins , and those bitter returns they are otherwise like to make thee after many days . 2. By thine early serving of God , the exercises of Religion will be more pleasant and easie unto thee . For often use will bring thee to a custom , and long custom will work in thee an habit , which will be easie and familiar ; and habits , whether good or evil , will be more easily gotten in Youth , than in Age. We find by daily experience , when young men are put Apprentices unto such Trades as are hard to be learned , they soon attain unto the mystery of them , and become dexterous therein : Whereas if men in their old age should set upon the learning of them , they would never attain unto any perfection therein . In like manner , if thou from thy Youth wouldst accustom thy self to the exercise of Religion , and works of Sanctification , thou wouldst sooner attain the skill and practice of them : Whereas if thou shouldst put them off to old age , they would come off very hardly , and thou wouldst find thy self very unapt , and untoward thereunto . 3. The sooner thou beginnest to serve God here , the the greater will be thy reward hereafter in Heaven . For thy reward there will be proportioned to thy work here . Though no man shall be rewarded for his works , but only for the Merits of his blessed Saviour Jesus Christ ; yet God of his free grace hath promised to reward us according to our works , as the Apostle expresseth , Rom. 2. 6. He will render to every one according to his deeds ; implying , that the measure of glory hereafter shall be proportioned to the measure of our sanctification and obedience here : So that I may apply that of the Apostle , ( 1 Cor. 9. 6. ) He that soweth sparingly shall reap sparingly , and he that soweth bountifully shall reap bountifully . Look as here mens Harvests are usually answerable to their sowing ; in like manner the reward of Gods people in Heaven , shall be answerable to the seed which is sown by them here : he who soweth liberally here , abounding in duties of Piety , and works of Righteousness , shall have a liberal reward in Heaven . Now the sooner any man beginneth to ingage his heart to God , the more service will he do him in this life , and consequently the greater reward shall he have from him in the life to come . Oh what stronger argument , or greater incouragement than this , can Young Men possibly have to devote and consecrate themselves from their Youth , and tender years , to the service of their Creator ? The point being thus proved by Scripture , Examples , and Reasons , come we now to the application thereof . CHAP. III. Containeth a sharp reproof of those who devote their Flower and Prime to the service of Satan , and their sinful lusts , and reserve their decayed strength for God. Use 1. IS it a duty incumbent upon all Young Men to consecrate themselves to the service of God ? then such are to be reproved , who devote their Flower and Prime to the service of Satan , and their sinful lusts ; and reserve their decayed strength for God , and his service , accounting the very dregs , and refuse of all , to be good enough for him , for whom the best and principal is not worthy . Under the Law they were forbidden to offer any thing unto the Lord that had a blemish , or that were lame and blind , Lev. 3. 1. 22. 18 , 19 , 20. and Deut. 15. 21. And for transgressing this Law , the Lord reprehended his people by the Prophet , Malachy 1. 8. If ye offer the blind for Sacrifice , is it not evil ? and if ye offer the lame and sick , is it not evil ? Offer it now to thy Governour , will he be pleased with thee , or accept thy person , saith the Lord of Hosts . Was the Lord greatly offended , when as men reserved the best of the Flocks to themselves , and offered the old , the blind , and the lame unto him ? And will he be well pleased , that thou shouldst dedicate thy best unto Satan , and reserve for him only thy decrepit , lame , and withered age , when as thy body is full of diseases , and thy mind of infirmities ? Will God accept the Devils leavings ? Shall sin have thy blood , and thy spirits , and thy marrow , and thy God be put off with skin and bones ? He that hath had the best , may even take all : God will laugh at thee in thy Evening , who laugh'st at him in the Morning of thy days . Is it not extream folly while the Ship is sound , the Tackling good , the Marriners hail and strong , to lie playing and sporting at Road ; and when the Ship is crazy , the Tackling weak and rotten , the Marriners sick , then to hoyse up sail for a Voyage into a far Country ? And how wise a man art thou , who wilt delay the Voyage for Heaven till thy Vessel be broken , and those Worms , thy Lusts , that have been bred in it , have eaten it through , and made it utterly useless ? We generally confess that our sins must be left , and that God must be sought and served , but we cannot accord of the time when to begin . One saith , he will begin when he hath served his Apprenticeship , and is out of his time ; another , when he is made Free , and set up for himself ; another when he is Married ; another when he is Old. Thus every one is apt to procrastinate . The whole World almost are men for hereafter : When must God be minded ? Hereafter . When must these souls be looked to ? Hereafter . When must these sins be sent packing ? Hereafter . When we have served our selves of this World , then we 'l be for the other World : and when we have satisfied our Lusts , then we will satisfie our Consciences ; and when we are unfit and unable for any thing else , then we will follow God. When we are scarce able to turn our wearied bones in our bed , then will we think of turning to him . Canst thou think God will accept thereof ? Believe it if thou canst . Mark what the Prophet Malachy speaketh , Chap. 1. 14. Cursed be the deceiver that hath in his Flock a Male , and voweth and consecrateth unto the Lord a corrupt thing . Who hath the Male of thy Flock ? whose is the First-born of thy strength ? Doth the Devil carry away that ? and must this corrupt thing , this weak , and weary , and sickly time of thine age , be the offering for God ? what thinkest thou will he say to thee , but cursed be the deceiver that hath in his Flock a Male , and consecrateth unto the Lord a corrupt thing ? CHAP. IV. Containeth an Use of Exhortation unto all young men , to offer unto God the First-fruits of their lives . Use 2. OF Exhortation unto all Young Men to offer unto God the First-fruits of their lives , to give themselves to him betimes , and forthwith to have done with the service of their sins , and in earnest to betake themselves to holiness and righteousness of life . Though the Devil , the World , and the Flesh have been aforehand with Christ , and have gotten possession of thine heart , yet now , without further delay , give a Bill of Divorce to them all , cast out the Bond-woman , and her Children , and open unto Jesus Christ , who stands knocking at the door of thine heart for entrance , who by the admonitions of his Ministers , the motions of his Spirit , and checks of thine own Conscience doth call out unto thee , Open to me , I pray thee , let me come in . Oh let not thy love to thy Lust so far prevail with thee , as to put off Christ to another time ; but this day open to him , imbrace him for thy Prince and Saviour , resign up thy self unto him , to serve and obey him , before thou art too far ingaged in the service of sin and Satan : say with David , That God shall be thy God , and thou wilt seek him early , Psal. 63. 1. Even now in the spring of thy life , while the day of health , and the day of Grace , hath dawned upon thee . Consider , O Young Man , how unfit old age is either to grapple with thy Lusts , or thy duties , to resist the tyranny of sin , or to bear the difficulties of Religion . We find by experience , that the soul acting by and through the body , acts according to the disposition thereof . When the body is dull and heavy through age , or infirmity , the soul acts thereafter . Is thy dulness and coldness all that thou wilt spare to the God of thy spirits ? How will he take it at thy hands ? when the Devil hath rode thee off thy legs , and so lamed and cripled thee that now thou canst do no more , then thou wilt be for God : think how well this will please thy Maker . Ye shall not see my face , said Ioseph to his Brethren , except you bring your younger Brother with you , Gen. 43. 2. And how canst thou look to behold the face of the Lord Jesus with comfort , if thou bring not unto him thy Youth and strength ? Now therefore , O Young Man , in the morning of thy life , while the faculties of thy soul , and parts of thy body are fresh and quick , set thy face Heaven-ward ; especially considering how great thy work , as a Christian , is like to be , even greater than thou canst dispatch in an Age. Those evil customs and habits , which have been long growing , cannot easily be cut off . Those strong corruptions which have taken root in thine heart , cannot readily be removed : That knowledge , grace , peace , comfort and assurance which thou needest , cannot be attained without great labour and industry . The work of Religion requires time , it concerns thee to set upon it presently , and not to be so very a Fool as to say , It 's time enough yet . Though thou hast foolishly mis-spent so much of thy Oyl already in vanity and pleasure , in sin and wickedness , yet now be ashamed of thy folly , and bewail thy former mis-spent time , and manifold miscarriages , resolving with the assistance of Gods grace to abandon thy lusts , and to give up thine heart unto God with all speed . Thou hast a price yet in thy hands , be so wise as carefully to imbrace , and faithfully to improve the same . Young Man , if thou mind not now in the days of thy Youth the things of thine eternal welfare , it is a question whether ever thou wilt do it . It is rarely found , that such as have run out their Youth and strength in the service of the Devil , do ever prove the true Servants of God in their age : For an old sinner to be converted , is no ordinary nor easie thing . Can a man be born when he is old ? was Nicodemus his wonder . And truly for an old sinner to be Regenerated , and born anew , may be the wonder of us all . Examples of this kind are so rare , that if it were considered , it would make old sinners tremble . How few do we find among all the Disciples of Christ , that came in at the last hour ? Besides canst thou imagine that such a sinner deserveth favour , who cometh in to serve God at last , when he can serve his Lust no longer ? Now , O Young Man , what is thy purpose and resolution ? Art thou yet for thine old ways , and sensual delights ? Or dost thou intend to give a present adieu to them , together with all thy lewd Companions ? And to give up thy self to God , to devote thy self to his fear and service ? For ought thou knowest , this may be the very day and time of thy last choise . Oh be not so foolish and unwise , as to chuse the pleasures of sin here for a season ( which , without unfeigned Repentance , will assutedly end in everlasting torments ) before the Path of Life , which certainly leads unto eternal bliss and happiness . Why wilt thou not now be wise to Eternity ? Why wilt thou not speedily renounce thy former wicked courses , and lewd Companions , and imbrace the ways of godliness ? The Lord perswade thine heart thereunto . Better thou hadst never been born , than that thou shouldst at last be found in the case and way that now thou art in . What not yet enough of thy folly and vanity ? When wilt thou return , O when shall it once be ? CHAP. V. Containeth several Objections of many Young Men against their early seeking and serving of God. I Know there are several Objections which Young Men are apt to make for themselves against their early seeking and serving of God , which I shall endeavour to answer . Obj. 1. Should I now in my Youth set upon the practice , and walk in the ways of godliness , I must look for nothing but jeers and scoffs from my Companions and Acquaintance . Answ. 1 , True it is , none are more evil spoken of , and traduced , than such as walk in the ways of Holiness : but the ground of it springs not from their just deservings , but from the worlds malice , and enmity to God , which is derived to them for his sake . 2. Those jeers and scoffs , which are cast upon thee by thy Carnal Friends , should be an incouragement , rather than a discouragement in the ways of Godliness , in that they may prove a blessing unto thee . For , saith our Saviour , Matth. 5. 11. Blessed are ye when men shall revile you , and shall say all manner of evil against you falsly for my sake : Rejoyce , and be exceeding glad , for great is your reward in Heaven , Therefore the Primitive Saints rejoyced , that they were accounted worthy to suffer scorn and reproaches , yea any thing for the Name of Christ. Scoffs and disgraces do oft-times increase , as the Graces of Gods people , so likewise their glory . He that takes from a Saints credit , doth add to his Crown . 3. Though thy Neighbours and Companions may outwardly scoff at thy holy walking ; yet know , that at the same time they may inwardly reverence and honour thee : for there sits a kind of Majesty in the face of holiness , which draws even from carnal men fear and reverence . Obj. 2. Should I now in my Youth bid adieu to my fleshly , and betake my self to a godly life , I shall lose my Friends , and make them mine Enemies . Answ. If thou shouldst lose thy carnal friends upon such an occasion , thy loss will prove thy gain : Thou shalt gain Christ for thy Friend , who will be better to thee than all thy Relations . Can they obtain the pardon of thy sins ? procure thy peace and reconciliation with God ? quiet thy troubled Conscience ? support thy fainting Soul ? and chear up thy drooping Spirit ? Miserable helps , and miserable Comforters will they all be to thee . Whereas Christ is both able and willing to do all this , and much more for thee . Mark that notable promise in Matth. 19. 29. Every man that hath forsaken Brethren or Sisters , Father or Mother , Wife or Children , or any near and dear Relation for my sake , shall receive an hundred fold . Christ will be instead of all Relations unto him , who is infinitely more than all worldly comforts whatsoever : Yea , such shall be rewarded with everlasting happiness , according to that of our Saviour ; Luk. 6. 22 , 23. Blessed are ye when men shall hate you , and when they shall separate you from their company : Rejoyce ye in that day , and leap for joy , for behold your reward is great in Heaven . Obj. 3. If I should now in my Youth set my self to the seeking and serving of God , I must look to be low and poor in the world , for who ever grew rich by a strict and holy walking ? Yea , have not the rich men of the World raised their Families to such Greatness and Grandeure by wicked practices , and unconscionable dealing ? Ans. I. True it is , the wicked , for the most part , thrive and prosper in the World ; God giving them their portion in this World , to make them the more inexcusable . II. It is not Godliness , but rather the want thereof that often occasioneth poverty . The Wise Man saith expresly , Prov. 23. 21. The Drunkard and the Glutton shall come to poverty . And speaking of the sin of Whoredom saith , Prov. 6. 26. By the means of a Whorish Woman , a man is brought to a piece of Bread ; that is , to such extream poverty , that he hath scarce a piece of bread to eat , but is forced to beg from door to door for a morsel of bread : So that it is Wickedness , and not Holiness , that brings beggery and ruine . There is , I know , a Devilish Proverb , frequent in the mouths of wicked and prophane men , That Piety , and Plain Dealing is a Iewel ; but he that useth it shall die a Beggar . But much good may it do the unrighteous with all their gettings , the godly shall never be so poor , but that they shall have riches enough . 1. First the Lord hath in his Word made many gracious promises to bless the Righteous , as in their Bodies and Souls , so in their Goods and Estates ; as Deut. 28. 1 , 2. 〈◊〉 sh●…ll come to pass , if thou shalt 〈◊〉 diligently unto the 〈◊〉 of the Lord thy God , to observe , and to do all his Commandments , blessed shalt thou be in the City , and blessed shalt thou be in the Field : Blessed shall be thy Basket , and thy Store . The Lord shall command the blessing upon thee , in thy Storehouse , and in all that thou puttest thine ●…and unto , &c. And sa●…th our Saviour , Matth. 6. 36. Seek ye first the Kingdom of God , and his Righteousness , and all these things shall be added unto you ; that is food and rayment , yea wealth , and all temporal blessings , so far as they shall be good for you , shall be freely cast upon you , as an over-plus into the bargain . 2. We find the Lord hath made good these promises to his people , so far as hath been good for them ; whereof we have many instances in Scripture , as in Abraham , who was both a good man , and a great man , abounding with much wealth and riches . The like we read of Isaac , of Iacob , and of Ioseph in Aegypt , of Iob , and others . In all which , grace and greatness sweetly met together . As the Ark brought a blessing to the house of Obed-Edom , so I may truly say , Godliness brings a blessing to the house and person in whom it is , Having the promise of all needful temporal good things here , as of eternal happyness hereafter . 1 Tim. 4 , 8. So that there can be no likelier way to thrive and prosper in the World , than betimes to give up thy self to God , and to consecrate thy youth and younger years to his service . III. A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked , Psal. 37. 16. 1. For first , Godly men have an heart given them from God to use and enjoy their estate , whatever it is , for their own good , and the relief of others . They have mercies , and taste of them , they have goods , and do good with them : whereas wicked men , for the most part , either have no heart at all to use their estates , or else they spend them upon their ●…usts : for which they shall full dearly answer at the great and dreadful day . 2. What the godly have , they enjoy with much comfort and contentment , with much peace , and quietness of mind , and they find more sufficiency and fulness in their little , than many rich wordlings do in their plenty and abundance . For these , though they have much , yet they find no contentment , nor satisfaction , no quietness therein , but much vexation of Spirit . Whereas the righteous , though they have but little , yet they have a good and quiet conscience with it , which is a continual feast ? yea they find a fulness therein ; so that they sit down abundantly satisfied and contented therewith . For God puts a fulness into their little , and makes it more satisfactory to his Children , than greater abundance is to carnal worldly men . Obj. 4. Should I hearken to your counsel , I should thereby deprive my self of all joy and delight , ( which is the very life of my life ) and lead a sad , melancholly life . For what doth more abridge men of pleasure and delight , than walking in the ways of godliness ? Ans. 1. A godly life will not deprive thee of all joy and delight , but only change thy rejoycing in evil , for rejoycing in that which is good . Whereas before thou rejoycedst in the pleasures of sin , in rioting and revelling , in chambering and wantonness , now thou wilt rejoyce in the assurance of Gods Love , and of thine own Salvation , in the undoubted Testimony of his Grace and Favour towards thee , which is indeed a blessed change of joy from carnal to spiritual , from that which is vain and frothy , unto that which is sound and solid . 2. The godly sometimes , by reason of their present affliction under which they lie , may seem sorrowful , yet are they always rejoycing , as the Apostle speaketh , 2 Cor. 6. 10. As sorrowful , yet always rejoycing . And our blessed Saviour promised unto his Disciples , and in them to all the faithful , that he would give them such a permanent joy , as no man should be able to take from them , Joh. 16. 22. whereupon said David , The Voice of rejoycing is in the Tabernacle of the Righteous , Psal. 118. 15. 3. Though wicked men think and say , that the godly lead sad melancholy lives ; yet certain it is , that the ungodly , when they are alone , are generally melancholy . Indeed when they are in Taverns and Alehouses with their vain Companions , then they can laugh and sing ; but in their secret retirements , none so dull and dampish as they : yea , through the checks and clamours of their guilty Consciences , they are oft-times sorrowful in the very midst of laughter . For wickedness is so far from producing peace and comfort , that it is properly the cause of sorrow , and discomfort : Therefore saith the Prophet , Isa. 5. 7. The wicked are like the troubled Sea when it cannot rest , whose waters cast up mire and dirt ; and then no wonder that it follows , There is no peace to the wicked ; it being the property of wickedness to be troublesome and vexatious , so that little joy or comfort can be found in a vicious course of life : whereas godliness brings great pleasure and contentment to the mind of a man ; which the Apostle implieth , 2 Cor. 1. 12. Our rejoycing is this , the testimony of our Conscience , that in simplicity , and godly sincerity , we have had our conversation in the world . The satisfaction which ariseth from the testimony of a mans own Conscience , in the faithful discharge of his duty , is very pleasant and delightful . In which respect , saith David , Psal. 19. 11. In keeping thy Commandments there is great reward . There is not only a reward hereafter , to all such as sincerely indeavour to ●…eep the Commandments of the Lord , but likewise a reward here in keeping them , men finding a compla●… and delight therein , being satisfied that they have in some measure performed their duty . 4. There is no joy comparable to their joy , who set themselves to serve God in truth and sincerity . Such the Apostle Peter saith , Rejoyce with joy unspeakable , and full of glory , 1 Pet. 1. 8. Therefore the Wise Man speaking in the commendation of godliness , saith , Her ways are ways of pleasantness , Prov. 3 , 17. As if he had said , Though worldly men do judge the ways of godliness to be sad and uncomfortable , yet they do indeed yield great joy and pleasure to those who walk in them ; and therefore may well be termed , ways of pleasantness . For , 1. In ways of godliness , God doth communicate himself to the Soul , and the Soul doth injoy sweet communion with God : The Soul doth injoy , as the influences of Gods Grace , so the light of his Countenance , which is , as it were , an Heaven upon Earth : yea , the greatest happiness poor Creatures can possibly attain unto . 2. The ways of godliness are ways of pleasantness , because the walking in them is pleasing and delightful unto God. And a gracious heart must needs take great complacency and contentment in that which is pleasing unto God. 3. There is that delight in the ways of godliness , as upholds the heart of a Christian under all the losses , crosses , and 〈◊〉 he meets withal in this world ; and which will yield him abundance of comfort upon his Death-bed . What was that which comforted King Hezekiah , when he lay under the apprehension of death , but the testimony of his Conscience , that he had walked with much sincerity in the ways of godliness ? Isa. 38. 3. By all which it appeareth , that godliness doth not deprive men of all joy and delight ; but rather the more godly any are , the more joyful , at least the better right and title they have thereunto : whereupon saith one , Wouldst thou live chearfully ? then live godly . The which should be an incouragement unto all Young Men , who are yet unresolved , speedily without any further delay , to consecrate their Youth and younger years unto God , and his service ; betimes to walk in the ways of godliness , that so their lives may be the more comfortable and joyful . If the Lord shall be pleased to incline any of your hearts thereunto , you will have cause to bless God for it , not only so long as you live here , but even to all Eternity in the highest Heavens . For by devoting your selves to God and his service betimes , even from your Youth , many sins will be prevented , which otherwise will be committed by you , much more good will be done by you , and much greater will be your glory hereafter . 5. Obj. I have time enough before me ; and therefore may for a while longer allow my self my liberty . Hereafter may be time enough to turn from my sins unto God , and to mind the eternal welfare of my Soul. A. 1. Consider as the shortness , so the uncertainty of thy life . How many have we known in our own experience , who when they have promised themselves life for many years , have then been suddenly taken away ! Thou who sayest thou hast time enough before thee , canst thou upon good ground assure thy self of another day ? If not , what folly , yea what madness must it needs be , to live one day longer in such a condition , in which if thou shouldst die , thou art miserably undone to all Eternity ! True it is , God hath promised pardon and forgiveness to such , as in truth and sincerity , turn from their sins unto him , but he hath not promised the morrow to him that deferreth . If thou sayest , though I am not sure to live another day , yet I am likely , being in good health and strength . I answer , Peradventure thou mayest live another day ▪ But what man , in his right senses , would put his Everlasting Salvation upon a Peradventure ? Peradven●… thou mayest die the next day , even whilst thou art 〈◊〉 in sensual pleasures and delights , and then 〈◊〉 sad is thy case like to be to all Eternity ! The possi●… of a sudden and unexpected death , should , me●… , be an effectual argument to perswade every man speedily , without farther delay , to reform and amend his life . The Merchant having a fair Wind , will not defer to hoise up sail , saying , we have time enough , because it is possible the Wind may turn , and he lose his opportunity . The Husbandman having a fair day , will not defer the carrying home his Corn , when it is fit to take it in , because it is possible the next day may prove 〈◊〉 . In all cases about our worldly affairs , a possibility of danger hath the force of an argument for present care : And why should it not as well awaken our Souls to a speedy amendment of our ways ? 2. Thou who still delayest to hearken unto the Call of God in the Ministery of the Word , woing and beseeching thee speedily to abandon thy sins , and to walk in the ways of holiness , know assuredly , that he will not always wait on thee , his patience will not ever attend thee . As there is a time of Grace , in which the Gate of Mercy stands open ; so there is a time of Judgment , in which this Gate will be shut , and a●…l possibility of entry taken away . Psal. 32. 6. David speaketh of a time in which God may be found ; which implieth , that there is a time in which God will not be found . Though thou cryest out against thy sins , and cryest unto God for mercy , yet will he not hear thee , but turn a deaf ear to all thy prayers . So the Lord threatneth , Prov. 1. 24 , 25. Because I have called you , to amendment and reformation , and ye refused to hearken unto me : But have set at nought all my counsels , and would none of my reproofs ; I will also laugh at your calamity , I will mock when your fear cometh : Then shall they call upon me , but I will not answer ; they shall seek me , but they shall not find me . For the Lord usually punisheth the slighting of his Grace in our younger years , with the denying of it in our elder . Hence it is that the Apostle S. Paul so much presseth the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , the very now . Behold , saith he , NOW is the accepted time , NOW is the day of Salvation , 2 Cor. 6. 2. The time present is the only time , the time to come is no time , but a matter of meer uncertainty : And therefore , saith he , Heb. 3. 7. To day if ye will hear his Voice , harden not your hearts . Where the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , to day , signifieth the time present ; and implieth , that the present opportunity of Gods offering Grace ought to be imbraced ; thou must hearken unto him now that he calleth upon thee in the Ministery of his Word , and motions of his Spirit , to give over thy sinning Trade , and give up thy self unto him , and his service : Now that God hangs forth the White Flag of Mercy , and is willing to be gracious to thee : Now that Christ is woing and beseeching thee to cast away thy sins , and to cast thy self upon him , to own him for thy Lord and Saviour . Now that the Spirit of God is striving with thee , surely it will be thy wisdom speedily to turn from thy sins unto him . If thou put him off till hereafter , and thereby quench the motions of his Spirit , how justly may he for ever reject thee ! 3. Thou who upon a pretence of having time enough before thee , dost procrastinate and delay to look after God and Heaven ; consider as the weightiness , so the multitude of works to be done by thee , in order to thy Salvation . Hast thou not a dead Soul to be quickned ? a dark understanding to be enlightned with the knowledge of God , and of his Son Jesus Christ ? an hard heart to be softned ? a proud heart to be humbled ? an unclean heart to be purified and cleansed ? a multitude of head-strong lusts to be mortified , and subdued ? manifold temptations to be resisted , and conquered ? Hast thou all these , and many more things to do , in reference to thy future happiness , and yet wilt thou trifle away thy precious time in vanity , and pleasure ; yea in sin , and wickedness , saying , thou hast time enough before thee ? Know , that the forementioned works are enough to take up thy whole life ; How then canst thou imagine , that the short remaining part thereof should be sufficient for them . Ah sinner ! be convinced , that these things must be done by thee , or else thou wilt be undone for ever , And then judge , whether it be not high time for thee to bid adieu to all sinful pleasures , and delights , and seriously to mind the Concernments of thy precious and Immortal Soul. Surely thou canst not be so simple as to flatter thy self with a conceit , that all those things may be done , either in time of sickness , or in old age . First , For the time of Sickness ; that must needs be very unfit , in regard of the many lets and impediments which then usually fall out to hinder the performance of them ; as pains of body , faintness of spirit , dulness and deadness of heart , perplexity of mind , partly through fear of Gods Judgments , and partly with care of disposing thy outward estate for the future maintenance of Wife and Children ; which will not suffer thee so to collect thy spirits , as is requisite for such weighty works . Secondly , As for Old Age , which is scarce able to bear the infirmities of Nature , how unfit must that needs be for such hard and difficult services ? How can it be expected , that such who are in a manner past working , should go thorow the greatest works , that in this world are to be performed ? Eccl. 12. 1 , Solomon calls the days of Old Age , evil days ; not because they are so in themselves , but because of the manifold weaknesses and diseases , pains and aches which do accompany them , whereby they are very much disinabled unto any good work . And therefore to put off the main business of our lives , the things which concern the Salvation of our Souls to our Old Age , must needs be the greatest folly in the world , because in so doing we put it to the hazard whether ever it will be done . Besides , that God who requireth the First-fruits of all we have , will not be put off with the Devils leavings . If a Souldier should spend the strength of his days in service against his Prince , and in his Old Age offer his service to him , would he , think you , accept thereof , and not rather reject him , and his service ? Canst thou then imagine that God will accept the service of thine old Age , when thou hast spent the strength of thy years in the service of sin and Satan ? 4. Thou who sayest thou hast time enough before thee , and thereupon resolvest hereafter to be for God , and Holiness , know that thereby thou deceivest thine own Soule For no resolution can be hearty and sincere , but what is present . He who is willing to indulge his sinful flesh but a Day longer , would as willingly do it a Year longer , yea to Eternity , if he might . He who is not willing to cast away his sins , and to close with Christ to day , would never do it by his good will. Thy purposes and resolutions for the time to come are but deceitful , and hypocritical : O trust not to deceitful purposes . 5. Thou who delayest to serve God out of a pretence , thou hast time enough before thee ; I would ask thee , what shew of reason thou hast for it ? Happily thou wilt say , Oh the contentment I find in my present course is so sweet and delightful to me , that I cannot as yet deny my self therein : But is thy Lust sweeter than Christ ? than pardon of sin ? than peace and reconciliation with God ? yea , than the joys of Heaven ? Sure thou art a Bruit , if thou say so . And if not , why dost thou not presently reform , and return to the Lord ? Is it too soon for thee yet to be happy ? Thou art worthy to die for ever , who chusest to lie longer in the estate of the dead , when thou mightest presently turn and live . 6. Thou who sayest thou hast time enough before thee , hast thou not served the Devil , and Sin long enough ? Hast thou not done enough to the damning thine own Soul , but thou must go on further in thy wicked and ungodly courses ? Certainly if thou hadst any of the ingenuity of a Christian within thee , thou wouldst rather say , I have long enough wallowed in the filth of sin , and mire of sinful filthiness ; I have long enough slighted the free grace of God , and rejected the invitations of Jesus Christ , 't is a shame I have stood out so long . Well , I have now done with iniquity , from henceforth I will be for Christ , and Holiness : farewel my former sinful courses , and Companions : farewel my carnal peace , ease , and pleasure ; 't is high time to mind the eternal welfare of my Soul , and to give up my self to God. 7. Consider , Though sound repentance is never too late , yet late repentance is seldom sound ; like untimely fruit , it rarely cometh to any perfection ; as may evidently appear from the usual practise of such as recover of their sickness , who in the time of affliction seemed mightily troubled for their wicked lives , and outwardly bewailed their sins , crying out against them ; yea , made many vows and promises of newness of life , and better obedience , professing , for the time to come , utterly to renounce their former lewd courses , and to serve God in true holiness and righteousness all the remaining part of their days ; yet being recovered to their former health again , forgetting the vows and promises they made in the time of their sickness , with the Dog , they have returned to their former Vomit ; and with the Sow , wallowed again in the filth of sin , and mire of sinful filthiness , imbracing the same sins which they had formerly lamented , and so become worse than before . It was the observation of that worthy Divine Mr. Robert Bolton , that he never knew or heard of any man unwrought upon under conscionable means , who after recovery , performed the vows and promises of a new life , which he made in his sickness , and time of extremity ; which methinks should be a strong Motive to perswade every one of us to turn from our sin , and to givup our selves intirely unto God in our health and strength , that so we may have some comfortable Evidence of the truth and soundness of our Repentance . 8. Consider the desperate hazard thou runnest , by delaying to close with Iesus Christ. For what if thy great change should come before the change of thy heart ? how sad would thy condition be ! What if Christ who hath long been knocking at the door of thine heart , should withdraw himself , and never knock again ? Surely , as it was one of the greatest mercies that ever was vouchsafed to thee , that Jesus Christ should condescend to stand and knock at the door of thine heart ; so it will prove in the event the heaviest Judgment that ever befel thee , if thou wilt not now open unto him , but put him off with delays : It will be just with Christ finally to withdraw himself from those who will not hearken unto him in this his merciful day of Visitation . Beware that this be not thy case . 9. Thou who sayest thou hast time enough before thee , and thereupon yet a while longer wilt venture after the Devil , suppose thou shouldst at the latter end of thy life turn from thy sins unto God , which , as I shewed before , is not ordinary , yet must it needs be matter of grief and sorrow to thee , then to call to mind , how thou hast spent the strength of thy Youth , the best of thy days in the service of sin and Satan ; and now hast little time , and less strength remaining for God , and his service . Surely this will be matter of great shame and sorrow unto thy Soul : And therefore as thou tenderest the honour of God , and thine own eternal happiness , now stir up in thy self a longing desire after the work of Grace in thy Soul , and put thy self upon a present and serious use of the means : delay not a day longer , lest that delay be unto death . 10. Thou who still goest on impenitently in thy wicked course of life , consider how sad and dreadful thy condition is , so long as thou continuest therein . 1. Thou art under the guilt of sin . All the sins that ever thou committedst are yet on thy score , none of them are blotted out . Surely , if one sin laid to the charge of a sinner is enough to sink him irrecoverably into Perdition ; Oh then how sad is thy condition , who liest under the guilt of many millions of sins , cloathed with many aggravating circumstances ! 2. Thou art under the power and dominion of sin , yielding up thy self to the command of every lust . Yea , such a Slave art thou to every filthy and unclean motion , that though thou knowest very well , that the fire of Lust will end in the fire of Hell , ( without speedy repentance ) yet wilt thou gratifie thy self therein . The truth is , there is no such Tyrant in the World as SIN ; and therefore there can be no greater folly and madness , than to serve such a Master , whose work is drudgery , whose wages is death , and that eternal , Rom. 6. 23. Oh that the eyes of poor sinners were opened to see the miserable slavery and bondage in which they are ! surely then they would flee unto Jesus Christ for freedom , and redemption . I deny not , but sin and corruption doth remain , yea work and stir in the very best , after they are renewed and sanctified by the Spirit of God ; but they hate and loath their sins , yea pray and strive against them , and are never satisfied till they are utterly subdued and vanquished . But in the unconverted sin doth Reign , and play the Rex , so that they are under the power and dominion thereof , yielding a willing subjection thereunto . Their lusts no sooner bid them go , but they go and run again , they yield up themselves to be the servants of unrighteousness , and sometimes are content to be at a great deal of cost and pains , for the satisfying their filthy lusts . 3. Thou art under the damnation of sin . Though thou art nor actually roaring in Hell-flames with the Devils and damned , yet art thou liable thereunto ; and if by some unexpected Providence thou shouldst be taken hence in thine unconverted state ( which for ought thou knowest may be●…al thee this night ) thou hast no hope of escaping the damnation of Hell , but wilt most assuredly be cast into that Lake of Fire and Brimstone , where is nothing but weeping , and wailing , and gnash●…ng of teeth , and that to all Eternity . Eccl. 11. 9. Solomon speaking unto the Young Man who was much addicted to his sensual lusts and pleasures , saith , by way of scorn and derision , Rejoyce in thy youth , and let thine heart chear thee in the days of thy youth , and walk in the ways of thine heart , and in the sight of thine eyes . As if he had said , Do what thou pleasedst , deny not thy self any thing , which thine heart can desire , take thy fill of pleasure ; But know thou , that for all these things , God will bring thee into Iudgment ; that is , for thy mis-spent Youth , and all those sensual pleasures wherein thou takest so much content and delight , thou shalt perforce be brought before Christs Judgment-Seat at the last and great day , and there receive the dreadful sentence of Condemnation ; and then be hurried by the Devils out of Christs Presence , and dragged into Hell , never , never to return again . Ah sinner , might thy torments there have an end , after so many millions of years as there are Stars in the Firmament , hairs on thy head , or sands on the Sea-shore , the consideration thereof would administer some comfort to thee ; but the thought of Everlasting torment is the very Hell of Hell. O the folly and madness of many men , who from day to day , and from year to year , do put off their reformation , and amendment ; yea , spend their days in mirth and jollity , as if they were in no danger , though they walk upon the very brink of Hell. Know , O young man , that so long as thou livest and continuest impenitently in thy wicked and ungodly course of life , there is but a step betwixt thee and eternal destruction : for thou hangest over the very Mouth of Hell , by the rotten Thred of thy life , which may soon be snapt asunder ; and then what can be expected , but an irrevocable downfal into Hell ? Thus much for the setting forth the miserable condition of such as continue impenitently in their sinful courses , upon a conceit that they have time enough before them to repent in . Wherein I have somewhat the longer insisted , thereby to startle and awaken all unconverted sinners out of their carnal security , into a lively sense and apprehension of the dreadful danger they are in , so long as they live and lye in their sins unrepented of . I shall close this last Objection , by removing those incouragements which many plead for the delaying their amendment , and reformation . 1. Taken from that noted place in Ezek. 18. 21. But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed , and keep all my Statutes , and do that which is lawful and right , he shall surely live , he shall not die . Whence some have inferred , that at what time soever a sinner doth repent him of his sins , he shall be received to mercy ; and thereupon have deferred their repentance till it hath been too late . Ans. 1. The Text affirmeth no such thing ; but only , that whosoever truly turneth from all his sins , and sincerely endeavoureth to walk in all the ways of Gods Commandments , he shall surely live , and not die . So that the place truly understood , giveth no incouragement to any to put off their repentance to their old age , or death-bed ; for what time have they then to express the sincerity of their repentance by their godly lives and conversations ? If the conditions of the Text be well weighed and considered , they would fright men from that folly and madness . 2. Although it be true , that whensoever a wicked man truly repenteth , he shall be pardoned ; yet he cannot truly repent whensoever he will ; Repentance not being in his own power , but the free gift of God , which he seldom bestoweth on those in their old age , who have neglected it all the former part of their lives : And he that refuseth to turn when God calleth him , provoketh God to give him over to the hardness of his own heart , so that he cannot turn . 11. Another incouragement is taken from the Mercy of God. God , say they , is merciful and gracious , yea rich in mercy , whose arms are ever open to receive all poor sinners who come unto him ; and therefore we hope to find mercy at last , though we never sought it before . A. 1. True it is , God is merciful , yea abundant in mercy , but to whom will he extend his mercy ? surely to poor penitent sinners , who in truth turn from their sins , and devote themselves to him , and his service : but thou who delayest and puttest off thy repentance from time to time , must not expect to partake one drop thereof . Though the Lord be ready to imbrace all poor penitent sinners in the Arms of his Mercy , yet will he wound the head of his Enemies , and the hairy scalp of such an one as goeth on still in his trespasses , putting off his amendment from day to day , Psal. 68. 21. 2. Know , that as God is rich in Mercy , so likewise abundant in truth , and will shew no mercy to sinners in a way derogating from his truth . Now as God hath promised in his Word to receive such into his favour , who without delay will turn from their sins unto him , and keep his Statutes , Ezek. 18. 21. so in his Word hath he threatned destruction to such as put off their repentance , when he calleth upon them to turn ; as Pro. 1. 24. Every Word of God will certainly have its accomplishment . When therefore thou presumest on the Mercy of God , remember withal , that he is a God of Truth ; and as sure as God is true , if thou continuest in thine ungodly course of life , thou wilt perish for ever , notwithstanding God is merciful ; For all the ways of the Lord are Mercy and Truth unto such as keep his Covenant , and his Testimonies , Psal. 25. 10. 3. Know that God is Iust as well as Merciful , and will by no means clear the Guilty . As he hath prepared Heaven for some , so Hell for others ; and it is very just , that such should be cast into Hell , who will not accept of Heaven upon Gods terms , by a speedy turning from their sins , and giving up themselves unto him . Thou therefore who blessest thy self with a false perswasion of Gods Mercy , and thereupon runnest on in a course of sin , know that thereby thou dost deceive thine own Soul ; for thou wilt at last find , that the Lord is just as well as merciful , just in executing his wrath upon obdurate and wilful sinners , as well as merciful in receiving your penitent sinners into favour . As God to shew the riches of his mercy converteth some in their elder years ; so to shew the glory of his Justice , he leaveth others , and those the greatest part , to die in their sins . 4. It is a mercy that sinners can never enough admire , that upon repentance they may be received into favour : but it is a wicked perverting this mercy of God , if instead of leading us to repentance , it should incourage us to defer the same from day to day . Because God is merciful , shall we be so ungrateful , as thereupon to run on in a course of sinning against him , presuming on his mercy to the last ? Because God is gracious , shall we thereupon prove the more ungracious and rebellious against him , and his Commandments ? That be far from us . Yea rather , seeing the Lord is merciful and gracious , let us be the more ashamed to sin against so good and gracious a God. Let not the mercy of God occasion us to take any incouragement to sin against him ; but rather let the consideration thereof be an effectual argument to prevail with us speedily to turn from our sins unto him , and to walk in the ways of holiness . Surely if there were any ingenuity in us , his love to us would constrain us to love him again : His mercy to us would work in us , both a care to please him , and a fear to offend him . III. Another incouragement is taken by many from the patience and long-suffering of God , because he long bears with them in their wicked and ungodly courses , not executing his wrath upon them . Eccl. 8. 11. Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily , therefore the heart of the Sons of men is fully set in them to do evil . Because the Lord is slow in executing vengeance on wicked men , therefore are their hearts exceedingly hardened in their sinful ways , so that they go on impenitently therein ; abusing the long-suffering of God unto presumption , which should have led them to repentance : But know , that though the Lord doth bear long with some sinners , yet not with all . How many have we known in our own experience have been suddenly surprized and cut off in the very act of sin , not having so much time and strength as to say , Lord have mercy upon me ! And assuredly the slower God is in striking , the heavier will be his stroak ; tthe Curse and Wrath of God , for thy going on still in thy trespasses , will be more grievous on thee at the last . IV. Another incouragement is taken by many from the example of the converted Thief on the Cross , who had spent all the former part of his life in wickedness , and profaneness . A. 1. It is a single example of extraordinary mercy , there being not one more in all the Bible . It is the saying of S. Austin , Unus misericordiam invenit hora ultima , ne quis desperet , & unicus , ne quis praesumat . That one man was received to mercy at the last hour , that none should despair , and but one , that none should presume . For this one man that repented at the last , many thousand instances might be brought of such , who putting off their amendment from day to day , have at last perished in their sins . What folly then must it needs be in any , to put himself in a way wherein so many have miscarried ! 2. Christ wrought this rare Miracle of Mercy upon an extraordinary occasion ; namely , to honour the ignominy of his Cross. When his Humane Nature was lowest , then would he manifest the power of his Divine Nature ; whereby Christ shewed what he could do , not what ordinarily he would do . And being an extraordinary act of Christs Mercy and Power , it can make no general rule : What ground of hope then can this afford to thee who wilfully spendest thy Youth and younger years in the service of sin and Satan , in hope to find mercy at the last . 3. Though the Thiefs repentance was late , even at the close of his life , yet it was so soon as he heard of Christ. For it doth not appear , that he either saw or heard of him before : whereas thou hast often heard of Christ in the Ministry of the Word , yea been called and invited to cast away thy sins , and to cast thy self upon him , to come unto Christ that thou mightst be saved , and yet hast slighted and rejected his gracious invitations , and quenched the good motions of his Spirit ; therefore thy case is far different from his . 4. Though the Thief continued in his wicked and ungodly course of life to the last , and then became a true Convert ; yet can it not be proved , that he purposely put off his repentance to that day . But questionless he persisted in his sinful ways till the hour of death , through ignorance , and not through wilfulness ; whereas thou designest to follow thy sinful lusts and pleasures all thy life long , at least the best and greatest part thereof , and then at the last to resign up thy self to God , and his service : Therefore his late repentance can be no ground of incouragement unto thee , who wilfully resolvest to go on in thy wicked courses , so long as thou hast time and strength . CHAP. VI. Containeth Directions suitable to Young Men. HAving answered the Objections of some Young Men against their early serving of God. I come now to give you some Directions suitable to your state and condition . 1. Labour to be well rooted and grounded in the principles of Religion , otherwise you will soon be carried away with every wind of Doctrine , and so made a prey to every seducer . Observe who they be that are easiest seduced by Papists , Quakers , and false Teachers , and you will find that they were such who were never well grounded in the Principles of Religion . Ephes. 4. 14. They are said to be Children in understanding , who are tossed to and fro , and carried away with every wind of Doctrine ; implying , that weak and ungrounded Christians are aptest to imbrace every false and erronious Doctrine . Whereas the Martyrs being well grounded in the Principles of Religion , could not be removed from the Truth by all the Arguments of the most Learned Doctors . As therefore thou wouldst be preserved from all erronious Doctrines , and damnable Heresies , labour in the use of all means God hath sanctified , that thou mayst be well rooted and grounded in the truth . To that end , 1. Learn some good and sound Catechism . If thou canst not get it by heart , then read it over again , and again . Thou mayst read and hear much , and yet never attain to a well-grounded knowledge in Religion , till thou beest well instructed in the Principles of it . This the Apostles well knew ; therefore they delivered to their several Churches a Form of Doctrine , which contained the Fundamental Principles of Religion , which every Member thereof was perfectly to learn , Rom. 6. 17. 2 Tim. 1. 13. Heb. 5. 12. and 6. 1. Whosoever shall think to attain unto any sound knowledge in Religion , meerly by hearing the Word preached , before he be well grounded in the Principles thereof , will find it a hard work , and understand by his experience how necessary the laying a good Foundation is to his building up in Faith and Holiness . 2. Take all opportunities of reading the writings of godly learned men , who by their labours have cleared the main and principal points of Religion . And amongst the many Books now extant , be sure you rather make choice of such as do soundly inform the judgment , and work powerfully upon the heart and affections , than of such as containing little but frothy conceits of wit , do only please the phantasie with fruitless flashes . 3. Especially be frequent in reading the holy Scriptures , which contain not only the Principles of Religion , but also all necessary truths to be known and practised . Yea as David speaketh , Psal. 119. 105. Thy Word is a Lamp unto my feet , and a light unto my path . It giveth wisdom to the simple , and to the young man knowledge and discretion . For this Timothy is commended , That he had known the Scriptures from his Childhood , 2 Tim. 3. 15. II. Return to the Lord : Repent , and be converted to God. Conversion being so great and necessary a duty , and so especially included in that remembring of our Creator required in the Text , I shall insist a little the more distinctly upon it ; and shall , 1. Open the nature of it . 2. Press thee to it . 1. For the nature of Conversion , it is a turning , or coming back to the Lord. Sin is our departing , or going away from God : Impenitence in sin is our keeping away from him . Conversion is our return , or coming back to God. It is our coming back , 1. From unbelief , to faith in God. 2. From our enmity and rebellion , unto friendship and obedience to God. 1. It is our coming back from unbelief , to faith in God. Every Convert is become a Believer . The unconverted World are all concluded in unbelief , Rom. 11. 32. In Conversion we are fetched out from that wretched multitude of unbelievers : Converts and Believers signifie the same persons in Scripture-sense . This faith we are converted to , comprehends in it three things . 1. Our sealing to the truth of God. 2. Our adventuring upon the truth of God. 3. Our resigning our selves to the government of the truth . 1. Faith is our sealing to the truth of God , or our belief of the truth of the Word of God , Ioh. 3. 33. He that believeth hath set to his Seal , that God is true . It is our belief of the truth of the Scriptures in general , and in special of the truth of the Gospel . It is our sealing to Christ , or our believing that he is the Messiah of God , and the Saviour of the world ; that this is the Stone that is laid in Sion , on whom whosoever believeth shall not be confounded , 1 Pet. 2. 6. that in him there is Salvation , and none other , Act. 4. 12. 2. Faith is our adventuring upon the truth of God , an adventuring our lives , an adventuring our Souls upon the truth of the Word of God , and upon that Jesus concerning whom this Word bears witness . Faith is an adventuring for the other world . The object of Faith are things not seen , Heb. 11. 1. that is , the invisible world . The Scripture tells us of another stare , a more blessed and glorious state than that we here are in : this blessed state is in the other world , which however it cannot now be seen , yet Faith hath such evidence that there is such a state , that it will adventure for it . Believers are Merchants , Matth. 13. 45. Merchant-adventurers , that will adventure all they have , their whole Stock and Patrimony , for the riches of that good Land. Believers are adventurers for the other world , and they trust their whole adventure with Christ , he shall be their Pilot , yea he shall be their Ark to bring them into the holy Land above . Whither art thou bound , O believing soul ? For Canaan , for Ierusalem which is above , I am bound for Heaven . But art thou sure that there is such a place as Heaven , and such blessedness there ? So sure I am , that I will adventure all upon it . But who is it shall bring thee to Heaven ? Iesus of Nazareth , he who suffered , the just for the unjust , that he might bring us to God. But God is angry with thee , thou art a guilty Creature , and by thy sins hast fallen under his wrath and displeasure ; how wilt thou do for that ? why , I 'le trust Christ for that , he shall be my Propitiation , he shall make peace for me , and he will do so , 1 Iohn 2. 2. O but thou art an unclean and polluted Creature , and there 's no unclean thing can enter into that holy Land , How wilt thou do for that ? I 'le trust Christ for that also , he shall be my Sanctification , and he will be so , 1 Cor. 1. 30. 3. Faith comprehends under it the resigning up our selves to the government and guidance of the truth of God , our actual living under the power of truth ; not only our holding the truth , but our suffering the truth to take hold of us , to rule us , and order us in our whole course . 'T is the same state that both are in , both those that believe not the truth , and those that obey not the truth . Faith is not only a resting on Christ as our Saviour , but a resigning our selves to him as our Lord and King. Thou sayst thou dost believe the Gospel , but wilt thou obey the Gospel ? hath it gotten the command and government of thee ? Is thy life a life of obedience to the Faith ? If Sin and the Devil have still the Government of thee , and thou livest under the power of thy flesh , it will no way avail thee to say , I believe in Christ. But of this more in the next particular . 2. Conversion is our return from our enmity and rebellion against God , into friendship and obedience to God ; our coming in , and laying down Arms ; the ungodly world are all in Arms against God , they are Rebels against the Almighty , their word is the same with those Heathens words , Psal. 2. 3. Let us break his bonds asunder and cast away his cords from us . The root of this rebellion is that enmity that is in their hearts against God , Rom. 8. 7. The carnal mind is enmity against God. Sinners are enemies against the Being of God , they would be glad if there were no God , none above them to restrain or punish them . The Fool that said in his heart , there is no God , Psal. 14. 1. how glad would that Fool be , if he were sure his heart had said true ; if he were sure there were no God indeed . They are enemies against the Soveraignty of God , against his Rule and Government ; they all say in their hearts concerning the Father , as those Iews said concerning the Son , We will not have him to reign over us , they are enemies to all the holy ways of God , Col. 1. 21. Now in Conversion the enmity is slain , and thereby the rebellion subdued ; You who were sometimes alienated , and enemies in your mind by wicked works , hath he now reconciled , Col. 1. 21. A sincere Convert is a Soul reconciled . Reconciliation between God and Man is of both parties . The reconciliation of Man to God stands in a cessation from enmity , a subduing of his rebellion , and his returning into friendship and allegiance . Sinners love not God , nor any thing that belongs to God , their enmity is against him , and all his ; against his Word , Worship , and all his ways : they love neither his Laws , nor his Promises ; neither his works , nor his ways . God promises and rewards with spiritual and eternal blessings , but what is this to a carnal mind ? he must have money , meat , and drink , and fine Cloaths , and pleasures , these Locusts he likes , but loaths Gods Manna . A Convert is so reconciled to God , that he loves and likes all that is of God ; he likes his Crown and his Cross , his comforts and his commands , all that God gives , and whatever he requires : he loves to be , and to do whatever God will have him ▪ a strict , holy , and obedient life , a life of care and labour , in all things to please the Lord , that 's a life he loves ; not only the life he commends and praises in others , but 't is the life he loves to live . There are many that are no Converts that come thus far , to be able to say , for my part , I have nothing to say against Godliness , I think well of it , 't is an honest way , and the safest way : I wish well to the power of Religion , 't were well if there were more of it found in the world . I , but as much as thou speakest for it , and as well as thou lovest it , thou wilt have but little to do with it thy self ; thou lovest strictness , but thou wilt not be strict thy self ; thou praisest the close and laborious Christian , but canst not bear nor endure that labour and care thy self . Is this thy reconciliation to God ? Mistake not thy self , every sincere Convert is so reconciled to all the ways of God , that these are the ways , this is the life which he chuses for himself . A life of obedience to the whole will of God , this is the life he loves , and lives . By what hath been said , thou mayst understand what Conversion is ; and so what it is , I am now exhorting thee to . II. I shall now press thee to be Converted , and turn to the Lord. And shall I need to use Arguments to perswade thee ? I doubt there may be need enough : How hardly are sinners perswaded in to God ? they will after the Devil easily enough , but how few are they with whom all the Arguments imaginable will prevail to bring them to God ? CHAP. VII . Containing two main Arguments to Conversion . I Shall make use of two great Arguments in this matter . 1. Thy Necessity . 2. Thy Commodity . 1. Thy necessity methinks should prevail with thee . A necessity is laid upon thee to turn to the Lord , and wo to thee if thou turn not ; thou must turn , or die , Matth. 18. 9 , Except ye be converted , ye cannot enter into the Kingdom of God. Necessity is a mighty Argument to perswade to any thing . What is there but necessity will perswade men to ? Sinners will make use of this argument to perswade themselves to , and to excuse and justifie themselves in , any wickedness . We shall hear them sometimes saying , If I have stollen it was for my necessity . If I have lyed or sworn falsly , it was upon necessity , I was forced upon it . And when they have said this ( 't was my necessity that brought me to it ) they think they have said enough to justifie themselves . This argument of Necessity hath great place in the present Case : it is of necessity that thou be converted : For 1. It 's necessary that thou live , that thou secure thine own being , and the blessedness thereof , that thy soul be so looked to , that it be not left to die and perish for ever . This is of the highest necessity for every man to look to it , that he go not down into the infernal pit . It is not necessary to be rich in this world , to have great houses , and fine cloathes , and costly fare , and many Friends , to be in health , to live in credit and prosperity in the world . Thou maist be , and be happy without all this ; there 's many an honest poor man , who hath lived comfortably and contentedly , that hath scarce been worth a groat , besides his labours , and it may be hath scarcely had one friend in the world to relieve him . But it 's necessary to keep thee out of Hell , to keep thy soul out of the hands of the devil ; this is more necessary than to have a Being : better thou hadst never been born than at last to be damned . 2. It 's necessary to be converted that so thou maist live . Thou diest without remedy , thou diest without mercy , if thou turn not : Ezek. 18. 31 , 32 , Why will ye die ? turn and live . Intimating that it 's impossible but men must perish everlastingly if they turn uot , Except ye repent , ye shall all perish , Luke 13. 3. Sinners will sometimes acknowledge and say , 't would be well for me if I could mind my Soul ; 't would be well for me if I could repent of my sins ; If I could leave this Drunkenness , or this Company-keeping , or this Covetousness ; 't would be well for me , if I could bring my heart to it , to leave off this carnal course of life , and give my self to Christianity , and Godlyness . 'T would be well for thee , Why is that all ●…hou hast to say in so important a case ? How will it be with thee if thou repent not ? 'T would be well for thee , dost thou say , to turn to God ? Why man , it 's necessary for thee : a necessity is laid upon thee , and wo be unto thee if thou turn not . If thou wert in extream poverty , and hadst no bread to eat , no house to dwell in , nor friend to relieve thee ; or if thine house were all on fire over thine head , would such a cold or low expression suffice to set out thy case ? 'T would be well for me if I could get bread , or a house , or a friend to relieve me , 't would do well for me , if I could get out of mine house , ere the fire devour me : No thou wouldst then cry out of thy necessity , of thy extremity ; I starve , I am ready to perish for want , I shall be burnt to ashes , if I fly not out of my house . Escape for thy life , sinner , thy soul starves , it dies , is like to burn for ever in the bottom of hell . Oh its necessary for thee to get thee out of this fearful case : why lingrest thou ? haste thee , haste thee , let the extremity of the danger , and misery thy soul is in , press thee to make a sudden escape , thy case will not bear delayes , flie for thy life , flie unto Christ and live . II. Thy commodity or profit perswades thee to turn to the Lord. Commodity is the great argument of the thristy World , that puts them upon all their labours . What will not men undertake , and endure for their commodity ? This chooses their habitations , builds their houses , plants their Orchards , this animates their Trade●… , and is the encouragement and reward of all their labours , the profit that is expected to come in by them . Why now sinner consider , Godliness is the great profit . It 's profitable to all things , 1 Tim. 4. 8. There 's nothing truely profitable besides . Sinners count that Godliness is good for nothing unless to make men proud and conceited . Fools cry out with those , Job . 21. 15. What is the Almighty that we should serve him , and what profit shall we have , if we pray unto him ? They count that this is the onely thing , that stands in the way of their profit , their great hindrance in the world : they think they might get more , and thrive better , if it were not for this Godliness , this Conscience hath been many a mans undoing . How many a man is there , that hath lost a good living , because he would keep a good Conscience ? If it were not for this Conscience , men might get , not only by honesty , but by fraud , or by violence ; lying or false ▪ swearing , might then bring them in many a penny , but Conscience pares off all that gain . But yet whatever Fools think , Godliness is great gain , 1 Tim. 6. 6. It is our onely profit . Nothing can truely be counted our profit , but that which is , or contributes to our happiness . Wilt thou call that thy profit , which when thou hast it , thou art like to be never the better for it ? neither the honester man nor the happier man ? Nothing can be accounted our happiness ? or conducing to it , but that which either will abide by us , or do us good when it is gone . Holiness will abide by us , and the exercises of Holiness will do us good , when they are over and past . In such times , when through sickness and weakness , or some other invincible hindrances , we cannot pray , or hear , or labour in the work of our souls , 't will then be a great comfort to us , that we have prayed , and heard , and laid up against such a time of need , when we had ability . The fruits of praying will remain , and the very remembrance of our faithfulness to God will be a comfort to us in our greatest weaknesses and distresses . Sinners when their estates are gone , their labours are done , their pleasures are over ; then they will know whether these things be their happiness or no. This getting life , this merry life , which thou now blessest thy self in , will not last alwayes with thee , and when 't is gone , then thou wilt see how wise a man thou wert in promising thy self happiness in such things as these , where is the hope of the Hypocrite though he hath gained , when God shall take away his Soul ? Job . 27. 8. Thy soul , Man , thy soul must be gone , the time is at hand when God will take away thy s●…ul , and lay it in the dark for ever : and when that day comes , where then will thy gains be ? What shall it profit a man to win the whole World , and lose his own soul ? Matth. 16. 26. Young man , what art thou for ? Art thou for profit ? Wilt thou study thy own commodity ? Wilt thou count that thy p●…ofit , which will make thee the honester man , and the happier man ? Wouldst thou get something to comfort thee when thou art old ? Wouldst thou be really happy ? Then go to God , joyn thy self to him , give thy self to him to be his servant for ever : Get the Lord to be thy portion , and then thou maist say , Return to thy rest , O my Soul , for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with me , Psal. 116. 7. Wilt thou now Young man , take these arguments and urge them home upon thy heart ? stand in the presence of God , and in his fear reason thus with thy self , Why should I not now become a sincere convert to God ? 1. Is there not a necessity laid upon me ? Must I not either turn or burn ? Is it not necessary for me to look to the salvation of my soul ? and is there any way for that , but turning from my sin ? My flesh pretends necessity for my serving of it ; I must have bread , I must have cloaths , I must have money ; I am sure these things are necessary for me , for I must not starve . I , but is there not an higher necessity here ? whether I have bread or no , whether I starve or no , I must look to it , that I be be not damned for ever . Skin for skin , and all that a man hath will a man give for his life , Job . 2. 4. I , but skin , and flesh , and bone , and life , and all must go , rather than lose my soul. If I can live and maintain my self here in an honest way it must be done . If I can be a rich man and a good Christian , a wealthy man and a godly man , 't is well enough . But whether I be rich or poor , I must have Christ , and Life , and Christ I cannot have without turning from my sins to him . What , O my soul , art thou such an enemy to Godliness , that thou wilt rather die , than become a Godly man ? Art thou so in love with a carnal and earthly life , that thou wilt sell thy life to the Devil , rather than change thy course ? will thy necessity prevail nothing with thee ? Thou art in necessity , O my soul , in necessity of Christ , in necessity of pardon , in necessity of Grace and holiness . Thou art ready to perish , a slave to Lust , a slave to the Devil ; these Tyrants are thrusting thee down to the eternal prison , thou art in necessity of Christ ; there 's no hope of escaping , but by getting thee into Christ. 2. Would it not be for my profit to turn ? How can I spend my time to better advantage , than by making the everlasting Kingdom sure to me ? Whom dost thou , O my Soul , account to have been wise men , and the best husbands in the World , whose care , and whose labour have best turned to account ? either those , who have gotten oyle into their Lamps , that have been sowing to themselves in righteousness , that have been laying up to themselves treasure in Heaven ; or they that have had their occupation wholly about this earth , or else loytered their time in mirth and idleness ? which of these two sorts dost thou think are best provided for ? whose Harvest or Vintage is like to be the most plentiful and blessed ? However thou judgest now in this sowing day , yet when the reaping-day comes , then in which of the two cases wouldst thou be , either of those , who had sown in Righteousness , and reap in mercy : or else in case of those , which have sown in the flesh and reap Corruption , which have sown in Iniquity and must reap in wrath and fire ? would it not be more to thy profit , to reap with the righteous and the godly , than with the wicked and ungodly ? Why , does the case stand thus ? Is it both necessary and profitable for me to be a sincere Convert to the Lord ? Come my Soul , away with all excuses , away with all delayes , come in this day , and yield thy self to the Lord ; come , give thy self , come , joyn thy self to him in a perpetual Covenant , that shall never be forgotten . CHAP. VIII . Containeth a direction unto Young men how to get a stock of Grace . III. AT thy first setting up , content not thy self with a competent stock of mony to begin the World withal : but be sure likewise to get a good stock of Grace . Thou art to drive two Trades together , a trade for thy body , and a trade for thy soul , and each trade must have its distinct stock to be maintained upon . 'T is like to be but poor trading , where there is no stock to begin upon . Thou maist as well drive a Trade for thy body without a stock of mony , as a Trade for thy soul without a stock of Grace . Get a stock of saving Grate , a stock of Faith and Love , and habitual holiness ; upon the wise improvement of this , thou wilt grow rich unto God. This is the true riches , the best riches , a little of it is more worth than all the world . For , 1. Riches oft prove hurtful to the owners of them , Eccl. 5. 13. There is a sore evil , which I have seen under the Sun , namely riches kept for the Owners thereof to their hurt : proving oftentimes occasions of sin unto them , being the bellows of pride , and the fuel of Lust. But Grace always proveth an exceeding great advantage to the Owners thereof . Never any man suffered by having too much grace . It s good upon all accounts : For it sanctifies mens earthly riches , teaching them how to use and improve them to the glory of God , the good of others , and comfort of their own Souls . Yea grace sanctifies not onely blessings , but likewise crosses and afflictions , turning them to their good . For all things shall work together for the good of every gracious Soul , of every one that loves and fears God , Rom. 8. 28. Whereupon saith the Apostle , 2 Cor. 4. 17. Our light affliction , which is but for a moment , worketh for us a far more exceeding , and eternal weight of Glory . 2. Worldly riches are uncertain , they make to themselves wings , and fly away , Prov. 23. 5. Sure it is , that within a short time , either they will be taken from us , or we from them ; either they will leave us , or we must leave them . Yea they are such slippery ware , that the harder we graspe them , the sooner they will slip out of our hands . Whereas Grace is a blossome of Eternity , which will abide with us for ever . It doth not only continue with us so long as we live here , but it endureth with us to all Eternity , therefore called durable riches , Prov. 8. 18. I know some tell us of falling away from Grace . True it is , a Christian may lose , 1. The comfortable sense , and feeling of Grace , so that in his own apprehension it may be utterly lost . 2. He may lose some degree of saving Grace ; for Faith is sometimes more lively and strong : and sometimes more dull and weak . Yea all Graces have their full and wane , their ebbings and flowings . 3. He may lose the powerful operation of Grace , I mean the acts of Faith , and other Graces may be intermitted and suspended , when as the Graces themselves are not abolished , but continue with us for ever . In which respects you may discern the transcendent excellency of Grace above riches . How should the consideration thereof prevail with you to labour in the use of all means God hath sanctified for the attainment thereof . To help you therein take these Directions . 1. Mourn and weep ( if possibly ) for thy graceless condition ; take up a lamentation and say , Woe and alas , that ever I was born , especially that I have lived thus long in a graceless condition , without God and without Christ in the World ! O what will become of me , if I die in this estate ? Surely hell and damnation must needs be my portion to all Eternity . Thus make thy closet an House of mourning , and know that the mourning of thy Soul will cause the earnings of God's bowels towards thee ; so that he will not deny grace to a mourning Soul. 2. As thou wouldst have grace , frequent the means of grace . I mean the Ministry of the word , that being the ordinary instrument , whereby the Spirit of God , who is the principal Author of grace , doth convey grace into the hearts of sinners . Whereupon the Apostle Peter affirmeth , ( 1 Pet. 1. 23 ) That we are born a new , not of corruptible seed , but of incorruptible , by the word of God. Where by being born a new , is meant such a thorow change in us , whereby we are brought out of the state of nature into the state of grace ; and so are made new Creatures , having an infusion of new and holy habits , or supernatural graces put into our hearts ; which blessing is ordinarily wrought in us , through the Ministry of the Word , Acts 2. 41. We read of three thousand sinners , who had grace wrought in their souls , by one Sermon . Yea Acts 10. 44. It is said , Whilest Peter was preaching the Holy Ghoss fell on all them that heard the Word . And therefore , O Young man , as thou desirest true saving grace , frequent the Ministry of the word , take all occasions of hearing the same , hoth in season and out of season . And for thine incouragement know , that as graceless and prophane hearts , as thine have been sanctified by the Spirit of God , as they have been attending upon the Ministry of the Word . And who knoweth but thou maist find the same effect of the Word upon thy soul , whilst thou art waiting upon it ? 3. Beware thou neglect not the day of grace . There are certain seasons of Grace , when the Lord makes tenders and offers of grace to the Souls of poor sinners . Yea there is no man that lives in the bosome of the Church , but probably he hath his critical day , a certain time for grace , which if he neglect , it is a question , whether ever it will be offered to him again . Happy therefore , and thrice happy are they , who observe those seasons of grace , and know in their day , the things that concern their everlasting peace . Now it may he God speaks home to thy Conscience , now he warms thine heart , and puts thereinto good purposes and resolutions . It will be therefore thy wisedome carefully to observe , and improve the same to thy Souls advantage , not suffering them carelesly to pass away ; lest if thou lose the benefit of those blessed motions , thou lose life and salvation for ever . Luke 19. 41 , 42. Our Saviour tells the Jews , they had a day of grace , which because they slighted and neglected , they should never enjoy it again : the means of grace and salvation should be no more offered unto them . God being a just God , is it not just , that he should reject them for ever , who have for a long time rejected him ? that he should turn a deaf ear unto them , crying unto him on their death beds for grace and mercy , who would not hearken unto him calling upon them in the day of his merciful visitation ? Whilest therefore the day of grace lasteth , whilest God stands knocking at the door of thine heart by the motions of his Spirit , and admonitions of his Ministers , speedily open to him , embrace his motions , be willing to follow the dictates of his Spirit in ways of obedience . Thou knowest not when thy day of graee will end . Though some mens day continueth to their old age , some to the day of their death : yet some mens day of grace may end in their youth and younger years . Thy first day may be thine only day for Heaven , loyter out that , and thence forth it may be night with thee for ever . Therefore , O young man , how doth it concern thee to take the first and present season ? Now hearken , now accept and submit to mercy , now give thy self unto God , be his faithful servant , to obey and serve him with all thy heart and strength , or the day may be lost , and thy soul lost for ever . Behold now is the accepted time , now is the day of salvation . Thou knowest not what a day may bring forth , thou maist suddenly be taken from the means of grace , or the means of grace may be suddenly taken from thee . The Sun of heavenly light , which now shineth , may set , and thou be left in darkness . The gate of mercy now opened to thee , may be shut against thee . The things belonging to thy peace may be hid from thee . There is a time coming , and we know not how near it is , in which , ( as Christ saith ) many shall seek to enter in , and shall not be able , Luke 13. 24. Oh what woful yelling , what pitiful crying , and earnest knocking will there be then at the gate , with Lord , Lord , open to us ? But all in vain , having slighted , and neglected their day of grace , when they should have got Oyle into their Lamps and grace into their hearts , 4. Be earnest with God in prayer , who is the God of all grace , that be would be pleased to vouchsafe unto thee his holy sanctifying Spirit , which may quicken thy dead soul , infuse the grace of life , and make thee partaker of his holiness , whereby thou maist become a new Creature . Beg of God , that he would not put thee off with the things of this world , but together with his outward blessings , or whether thou have them or not , that he would bless thee with spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus ; and that he would inrich thee in the Inner man , with his saving and sanctifying graces . What the Apostle Iames saith of Wisdom is true of all grace , If any one lack it , let him as●… of God , that giveth to all men liberally , and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 not , and it shall be given him , Jam. 1. 5. O young man , may grace be had for asking ? Ask , and ask , again , never keep silence , nor let fall thy suit till thou hast obtained . And in thy Prayers plead that gracious promise , Isa. 44. 3. I will pour Water upon him that is thirsty , and flouds upon the dry ground . That is , where there is no sap of grace , nor moisture of goodness , upon such , saith the Lord , will I pour out my water , my living water , my grace shall flow down upon him , and his soul shall be as a well watered garden . Go therefore thou poor sinful soul , who never yet to this day hadst one drop of grace within thee , go thou to the Throne of Grace , go to the Fountain of Grace , lament thy sinful barren heart before God , and plead his promise of pouring the spiritual water of grace upon the barren thirsty soul : say unto him , Lord make good this good promise unto me , behold the dry and barren heart , upon which no dew or rain from above hath ever fallen , pity this hard and parched soul ; a drop Lord , a drop from the fountain of living water . God of grace , give grace unto me , and effectually work it in me . And know for thy comfort , that if God hath given thee a sense of the want of grace , and an heart to pray for it , it is an hopeful sign that he intends to bestow it on thee . 5. Stir up in thy soul an earnest longing desire after grace . To that end consider the excellency thereof . Consider , I say the excellency of grace ; it is the beam of the Divine Nature , a spark and ray of glory , which puts such an excellency upon a person , that all others are vile persons in comparison of him . A gracious soul is the rarest piece of all Gods workmanship , of more worth than all the wealth and riches in the world . Nothing so graceth a man as grace doth , being the image of God in man , whereby he becomes like unto his Creator , which is the greatest excellency that can be conferred on a Creature . It was this that made all Gods servants so famous in their generation . It was not their wealth , their parts or the like , but their graces , their faith , their patience their zeal for God , and the like . These kept their names fresh , when the names of wicked , graceless wretches do rots and are perished . Grace is aromatical , it embalmes the living names of dead Saints : whereupon a gracious person , when he dies , is said to carry a good conscience with him , and to leave a good name behind him . I grant that carnal men , through their ignorance of the true worth of Saints , being blind in spiritual matters , have a low and mean esteem of them . But could they look into their inward parts , and discern their true worth , they would acknowledge them all-glorious within , more precious than fine gold . I shall close this Direction with a word to those who have some comfortable evidence of the truth of grace in their hearts , exhorting them that they content not themselves with any measure or degree of grace , but labour and strive after perfection , adding Grace to Grace , and growing from one degree of Grace unto another , till they be perfect men and women in Christ Jesus . Though you ought to be contented with a competency of worldly wealth , yet never talk of a competency of grace , nor take up with any degree of it already obtained , as if you had enough ; and needed no more . St. Paul , though he was content with a little of the world , yet not with a little of grace : he reached forward , and pressed towards the mark for the price of the high calling of God in Christ Iesus , Phil. 3. 13 , 14. It was the Motto of Charles the fifth , Plus ultra , that is , more yet , or further yet . And it ought to be every Christians Motto , Go on to perfection . To perswade you thereuno take these Arguments . 1. Hereby you will gain a comfortable evidence of the truth of Grace in you . For true grace hath this property , that though it be weak , yet it will grow , and increase mightily , as he that loveth silver , is never satisfied with silver , nor he that loveth abundance with increase , saith the Wise man , Eccl. 5. 10. So he that hath true grace in him , will never think he hath enough of it , but will be ever desiring and endeavouring after more . They who have once tasted of the sweetness of grace , are not satisfied with a little , the more they drink , the more they thirst , till they have drank their full draught in the Kingdome of God. It may justly be doubted , whether there be any truth of grace , where there is not a desire , and endeavor after an encrease therein . It is an ill sign to sit down satisfied , and rest contented with a little . Sure thou hast none at all , who art satisfied with that little grace thou thinkest thou hast . 2. To stir you up to labour after a greater measure and higher degree of grace , consider , that after the work of grace hath been wrought in you , there is a great deal more work to be wrought by you ; many lusts to be conquered , much corruption to be subdued , many temptations to be resisted , many graces to be exercised , several duties to be performed , many of them hard , and difficult to flesh , many great things to be done , and bitter things to be indured for Christ , you may be called to the fiery trial , and to suffer the loss of all that is dear unto you . How can you imagine to go through all all these works with a small degree of grace , and measure of strength ? 3. The stronger Christians you are , the more helpful will you be unto others who are weak and infirm , and consequently the more honourable , for it is more honourable to give than to receive . Therefore how doth it concern you to strive to increase your store , that you may have by you to help the needy , and be useful in your generations , by instructing the ignorant , resolving the doubtful , comforting such as mourn , reproving such as are scandalous , converting such as are unconverted , strengthning such as are weak in grace : Oh what a Blessing might you be to all your relations ! yea to all with whom you do converse ! How should the ears that heard you bless you , yea and bless God for you Iob. 9. 11. CHAP. IX . Containeth Directions how to live a godly and gracious Life . BEtake thy self to live a godly and gracious Life . For thy help therein take these Directions . I. Direction , At thy first awaking in the morning lift up thine heart to God in a thankful acknowledgement of his mercy to thee the night pass , in giving thee such quiet rest and sleep , whereby thy body is refreshed , and thou inabled for the duties of the day . And beg of God that he would so assist thee with his Grace and Holy Spirit , that all the thoughts of thy heart , and words of thy mouth , and works of thy hands , the day following , may be acceptable in his sight . And in regard the Devil , at thy first awaking , is very watchful to take possession of thine heart , by casting in some wicked , worldly , wanton thoughts ; it will be thy wisdom to prevent him , by fixing thy heart on some spiritual subject ; as on God , his Word , or Works , his Providence , or Properties . Good thoughts in the Morning will so season thine heart , that thou shalt retain the favour of such a gracious beginning all the day after . II. Direction , to a godly life . So soon as thou art ready , before thou goest about the works of thy Calling , withdraw thy self into some private place , and there pour out thy Soul unto God by fervent and effectual prayer . Be sure to open thine heart to God , before thou open thy Shop to men . This secret prayer we find commended by Christ himself , Matth. 6. 6 , When thou prayest , enter into thy Closet ; and when thou hast shut thy door , pray to thy Father that is in secret , and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly . And we find that what he commanded , himself practised ? for Mark 1. 35. it is said , In the Morning Christ went out , and departed into a solitary place , and there prayed . How careful the servants of God have been therein , none will question , who are acquainted with the Scriptures . Besides all the Benefits of prayer in general , secret prayer hath these : 1. It will be some testimony of the sincerity of thine heart . A man may joyn in Publick and Family-prayer meerly in hypocrisie , to gain the applause and commendation of men : But he that maketh Conscience of praying in secret , and that in obedience to the Command of God , with a desire to approve himself unto him , hath some good evidence of the truth and sincerity of his heart . 2. It is in our secret prayers that God doth ordinarily give the greatest discoveries of his love ▪ Iacob met with the blessing when he wrestled with God in secret . As Cornelius was praying by himself alone , a Man in bright cloathing , or an Angel , appeared to him , and said , Cornelius , thy prayer is heard , Act. 10. 30 , 31. When Peter was praying alone upon the House , he saw a Vision , and heard a Voice from Heaven speaking unto him , Act. 10. 9 , 10 , &c. The secrets of the Lord are usually revealed unto his people , when they are seeking him in secret . Christ giveth his sweetest kisses , and dearest imbraces to his Spouse when she is alone . Yet how is this duty of secret prayer generally omitted , especially by the younger sort of Citizens , whose heads , and hearts , and time are so taken up with sensual pleasures , and worldly businesses , that they can scarce allow themselves any time to spend with God in secret . Surely such do plainly demonstrate , that they love the World , and the pleasures thereof , more than God himself . Nay , how can such say , that they love God at all in truth and sincerity , when they delight not in communion with him ? nor love to have any intercourse with him in secret ? Oh young men , that I might prevail with you for the time to come , to be more constant in this duty ; that you would not go into your Shops , till you have been with God in private , and there offered up your morning Sacrifice of Prayer and Thanksgiving : I beseech you for the sake of your precious souls , plead no excuse from worldly businesses . The Devil , and your own corrupt hearts , will find many occasions to divert you from the duty ; but say to them as Abraham to his servants , Stay you here while I go , and worship the Lord yonder . Shouldst thou omit thy Morning Devotions for any worldly businesses , thou wouldst thereby hazard the loss of thy precious Soul , for the gaining of a little worldly wealth , which can yield thee no true comfort . And what will it avail thee to gain the whole world , and lose thine own Soul , Mark 8. 36. Friend , let this my Counsel be accepted of thee , and prevail with thee ; set upon a constant course of serious secret prayer , or else never talk of Christianity , or Religion in thee , thou hast nothing of it . A Christian without prayer , is a man without breath : Prayer is the very breathing of a Christian soul. In the performing thy secret devotions , observe these Rules . 1. Beware of doing them in a cursory , careless , and formal way . He who serves God carelesly , is like to bring a curse upon himself instead of a blessing : For cursed is he that doth the work of the Lord negligently , Jer. 48. 10. So it is in the letter of the Hebrew , though the new Translators of our Bible render it , Deceitfully . Which two words may very well interpret one another . For he that doth a work negligently , doth it deceitfully , he doth as if he would deceive God , but at last he deceiveth his own Soul. Such prayers as are performed coldly , and negligently , they are as if they had not been done in Gods account , and a man is never the better for them ; yea , he is the worse for such prayers , for they leave the Heart more worldly and covetous , more hard and obdurate than it was before , and more guilty before God. 2. Let thy prayers be fervent , performed with earnestness of Spirit and affection . Set thy self in good earnest to seek the Lord , which is the only means to prevail with him ; for it is the fervent prayer only that is effectual , Jam. 5. 16. To this end be sure thou give not way either to drowsiness of body , or distractions of mind , unto which we are all naturally too too prone ; but stir up thy self to the duty , putting forth all the strength thou canst therein . Though thy strength be but weakness , yet if thy strength be in the work , God will accept thereof . As when a Father sets his Child about such or such a work , though the Child be very weak and insufficient for the same , yet if it put forth its strength therein , to do it as well as it can , the Father will accept thereof , as if it were done after the best manner . So it is between God and us , though we are very weak , and insufficient for the performance of any spiritual duty , yet if we put forth our strength therein , God will accept thereof . Among other directions which might be given to drive away wandring thoughts in prayer , and to raise up thine affections therein , take notice of these two . 1. Make choice of such a place for the performance thereof , where thou mayst use thy voice , and not be heard of others . The Voice in prayer will be found very effectual , both to keep thine heart close to the duty , and to quicken thine affections therein . 2. If notwithstanding thou findest thy mind hath been wandring in prayer after worldly matters , it will be a good course , in thy Closet Devotions , to pray those heads over again , which thou deliveredst without any Observation , labouring as to keep thine heart closer to the duty , so to perform it with more fervency , and earnestness of affection . CHAP. X. Containeth Directions for the manner of following thy particular Calling . HAving thus begun the day with Prayer , thou must then betake thy self to the duties of thy particular Calling : for particular Callings are of Gods appointment , as for our own good , and the good of our Family , so for the benefit of others . In following whereof , have special regard both to thy Ends , and Manner of performing them . 1. For thy Ends : Follow not thy worldly businesses meerly for gain and advantage , thereby to get an Estate , but chiefly in obedience to the Command of God ( who requireth every one to labour in some honest Calling ) that thereby thou mayst serve , and follow his Providence in the use of those means he hath appointed for the getting a comfortable subsistance for thy self and family : and that thou mayst in some measure be profitable in thy Generation , and serviceable to the Publick Good ; minding above all things the glory of God in what thou dost , who is glorified not only by the practice of holy and Religious duties , but also by a conscionable performance of the duties of thy particular Place and Calling . 2. For the manner of following thy Calling , observe these Rules . 1. Be diligent therein . To live without a Calling , or not to labour therein , are both sinful and unwarrantable . Every Son of Adam ought to mind some particular Calling , by vertue of that Command which God laid upon Man immediately after his Fall , Gen. 3. 19. In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread till thou return unto the ground . Which words are to be understood , not only as a Curse , or Judgment ; but also as a Charge , and Command . Answerable thereunto is that Precept in the Moral Law , Six days shalt thou labour . So that no man hath a priviledge to live idly , but either by the sweat of his Brow , or of his Brain , ought to be serviceable in his Generation . For thine incouragement unto diligence in thy Calling , Solomon tells thee , Prov. 10. 4. The ●…and of the diligent maketh rich . And Prov. 13. 4. That the Soul of the diligent shall be made sat . Whereas Idleness is the root both of Beggery , and of all manner of wickedness : yea , the Devils chiefest opportunity and advantage for tempting men unto sin , and therefore may be called , the hour of temptation . For when the Devil findeth men most idle , he will be sure to set them on his work ? Therefore it was good counsel which Saint Ierom gave to one of his Friends , Be thou always about some lawful business , that when the Devil comes , he may not find thee idle . If Satan at any time find thee not about that which is good , he will soon set thee about that which is evil . Though thou must be diligent in thy Calling , yet take these two Cautions . 1 Caution . Beware of laying out the strength of thy heart and spirit upon thy worldly businesses , which ought to be reserved for communion with God. Thou must so follow the works of thy Calling , as one that hath other matters in thy head , businesses of an higher nature lying upon thee , even the great things of Eternity , the salvation of thy precious and immortal Soul. This the Apostle intendeth in 1 Cor. 7. 31. where he adviseth us , so to use the World , as if we used it not , or as not abusing it , by such an immoderate loving , and inordinate seeking after it , as takes off the heart from a due minding the great concernments of our Souls . As Esau wasted his strength by overmuch Hunting , and by his too greedy desire of Iacob's red Pottage , lost his Birth-right , Gen. 27. 29. so mayst thou by an over-eager hunting after Wealth , waste the strength of thy body , and indanger thine Heavenly Inheritance . It will be therefore thy wisdom so to mind and follow after things Temporal , that thou mayst not lose , no nor abate thy care of things Eternal . I deny not but the World may and must be minded by thee , but still in its place , secondarily , and subordinately . What is the World to thy Soul ? What is Bread , or Cloaths , or Money , or an House , or Lands , to the Everlasting Kingdom ? Let that word be still in thine ears , and upon thine heart , whatever thou art about : First seek the Kingdom of God. First , that is , not only before all things , but chiefly , and above all things : seek the Kingdom of God , and his righteousness ; let thine heart be ever more intent upon God , than upon all things in the world besides . 2 Caution . Though thou must be diligent in thy Calling , yet beware that thy worldly businesses and imployments do not ingross thy whole time , but allow thy Religious Duties their proper and sufficient season . Be sure thou observe thy praying , and thy reading times , yea , and thy seasons for meditating on God , and communing with thine own heart . Oh let not thy Worldly Imployments , prove Heavenly Impediments . Put not off thy serving God for any earthly advantage whatsoever . Happily thou wilt say , I must provide necessaries for my Family , I must have bread for my self , and them . True , and must thou not have Grace , and Christ too ? Is not thy Soul more than thy Body ? Is not Christ and Grace more necessary than thy daily bread ? If thou wilt not raise thy Estate upon the ruines of thy Soul , if thou wilt not sell thine hopes for hereafter , for thy present commodity , and undo thy self for ever , for fear thou shouldst be undone here ; then look to it , that whatever wants , thy Soul may have its due share of thy time . Let not holy duties give place to the world , let the world give place to them . I know it is the practice of too many , upon a pretence of much business , either wholly to omit their private devotions , or else to run over them so hastily , that they are lost in the doing ; as good do nothing , as nothing to purpose . God will not be so put off ; nor can thy Soul subsist upon the Income of hasty duties . If thou wilt find no more leisure to pray , God will find as little leisure to answer . 2 , Follow thy Worldly businesses with an Heavenly mind , as a Citizen of Heaven , and a Pilgrim on Earth . Though thou hast thy hand in the Earth , yet let thine eye , and thine heart , be towards Heaven , often meditating on heavenly things , and setting thy thoughts and affections on things above : As S. Paul , when he was at Rome in his body , yet was at Coloss in his Spirit , Col. 2. 5. So though as yet we are absent from Heaven in our bodies , yet in our Spirits we may be continually present there : and there let us daily be , both searching into the blessedness of that better Country , and studying our way thither , and laying up a treasure for our selves there . There is scarce any worldly business which calls for the continual intention of thy thoughts upon it ; but some spare time may be gained from it for spiritual thoughts , and heavenly meditations . And great care and watchfulness there should be against such an over-intention of mind upon whatever earthly affairs , as does shut the Lord out of doors , and throw Heaven under our feet . Let our whole life be a walking with God , as Enochs was , Gen. 5. 22. Let us learn the skill to serve the Lord in our serving the necessities of our bodies : and let us often catch at opportunities for more immediate converses with him . Learn particularly these two things . 1. To spiritualize all outward objects and occurrences , by raising matter of heavenly meditations from the same . There is no creature in which there are not manifest footsteps of the Power , Wisdom , and Goodness of God. Every flower , or spire of grass , every worm , or fly , declare the power of our great Creator . How much more the curious Fabrick of mans Body , and the glorious Host of Heaven ? from each of which thou mayst take occasion to think of God with admiration , As a Christian seeth all things in God ; so may he see God in all things , and thereby make some spiritual use and improvement of them . He may with the Bee suck sweetness out of every flower , not only for sensual delight , but also for spiritual profit . And truly the benefit of the Creature is half lost , if there be nothing but an outward use made o●… them . The bruit Beasts can behold the outward things ; if man see , and learn no more , what is his Excellency above the Beasts ? A wise Physitian can extract some good out of those Herbs , that ignorant persons cast away as useless . In like manner wise Christians can and ought to extract some spiritual profit to themselves out of every Creature which they behold , and every Providence that they meet with : By which blessed Art of Heavenly Chymistry , thou mayst both please thy fancy , and profit thine own heart . 2. In the midst of thy Worldly businesses and imployments , often lift up thine heart to God in some short Ejaculatory Prayer ; as for his direction , assistance , and blessing on thy pains and endeavours , so to keep thee from the pollutions and defilements of this World ; and that he would sanctifie every Dispensation of his Providence unto thee , whereby thou wilt carry on the interest of thy Soul , with the concernment of thine Estate . These kind of Prayers thou mayst send up unto God at all times , in all places and company ; yea , whilest thou art conversing with others about worldly matters , thou mayst by these converse with God , and hold communion with him , and that without any prejudice to thine outward businesses . The Lord hath manifested his great approbation of these Ejaculatory Prayers by his gracious Answers and Returns thereunto . How graciously did God answer that Ejaculatory Prayer of David against Achitophels Counsel , by defeating the same , and turning it into Foolishness ? 2 Sam. 15. 31. How graciously did God answer that ejaculatory Prayer of Nehemiah by enclining the heart of the King to send him to Ierusalem ? Neh. 2. 4 , 6 As also that ejaculatory Prayer of the penitent thief , Lordre member me when thou comest into thy Kingdom ? whereupon Christ said unto him , This day thou shalt be with me in Paradise , Luk. 23. 42 , 43. Yea that ejaculatory Apostraphe of Moses to God ( Exod. 5. 22. ) Wherefore hast thou so evil entre●…ted this people ? had it s gracious answer and return , Chap. 6. 1. Then said the Lord , now shalt thou see what I will do to Pharaoh . Ejaculatory Prayers , though they are short and sudden , yet p●…oceeding from the heart , may be as fervent and prevalent as solemn Prayers . And indeed , these frequently used , argue an heavenly mind , and an holy familiarity with God. But still beware that these short and occasional Prayers , be not made to serve thee instead of , and to shut out thy set and solemn duties . These will be of use to help thee in thy fixed duties , and may not excuse thee from them . III. Direction , To young men touching the manner of following their Callings , Be just and honest in thy dealing with men , avoiding as all guile and deceit , so all subtile equivocations , and mental reservations , tending to the wronging thy Neighbour : that thou maist be able to say with the Apostle , ( Heb. 13. 18. ) I trust I have a good Conscience in all things , willing to live honestly . It is very observable how plentiful the Scripture is in pressing men to deal Justly , and Honestly with all men , even in Weights and Measures , and that both in the Old , and New Testament . In the Old Testament saith the Lord to his People , Levit. 19. 35 , 36. Iust Ballances , and just Weights , a just Epha , and a just Hin shall you have . The Epha , was a dry Measure , or a measure for dry things , as our Bushel is . And the Hin was a measure for liquid things , as our Pottle-pots or Gallon . Under these two names all other measures are comprehended , which God requireth should be just and true , without all falshood and deceit . And Deut. 25. 13 , 14 , 15 , 16. Thou shalt not have in thy bag divers ▪ Weights , of one kind , he meaneth , a great and a small . Thou shalt not have in thy house divers Measures , a great and a small ; one to buy with , another to sell with : or a greater to be shewn to the Magistrate , or Officers , when they come to view th●… weights and measures ; and a less to sell with . And vers . 15. But thou shalt have a perfect , and a just weight ▪ a perfect and a just measure shalt thou have , and vers . 16. All that do such things , and all that do unrighteously ( in what kind soever ) are an abomination to the Lord thy God. In the New Testament , the Apostles in their exhortations doe much press upon Gods people just and honest dealing one with another , as Rom. 12. 17. Provide things honest in the sight of all men . The word in the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , is very emphatical , and implyeth a forecasting care that they did nothing , that was dishonest in the sight of men , Phil. 4. 8. Whatsoever things are honest , whatsoever things are just , whatsoever things are of good report , thinks on these things . As if he had said , Be sure you mind such things . And 1 Thes. 4. 6. Let no man go beyond or defraud his Brother in any matter , because that the Lord is the avenger of all such The●… Apostle seemeth to anticipate the secure thoughts of the fraudulent , promising themselves impunity , telling them , that the Lord is the avenger of all those , who shall by any deceit defraud their Brethen . Yet what abominable frauds and deceits are daily acted in matters of commerce , and trading between neighbour and neighbour . CHAP. XI . Setteth forth several frauds and deceits too frequently acted in matters of Commerce and Trading between Neighbour and Neighbour , with some general Rules for the preventing of them . 1. HOw many do use all the art they can to make their Wares look better and fairer than indeed they are , that so they may get more for their commodities than in truth they deserve ? which is one kind of deceit 2. How many by lying , and equivocating do put off their ●…ad wares at the highest prices ! commending that for the best of the kind , which they know to be stark naught ; and so sell their Consciences with their commodities for a very inconsiderable advantage . Surely those are sad gains , that make a man lose peace of Conscience , and Heaven at last . 3. How many are apt to work upon the unskilfulness , and ignorance , or the necessity of the buyer ? If they find him unskilful in the commodity he is buying , how are they apt to work upon it ? and to demand an unreasonable price of him , far above the worth of it ? Or if the buyer hath more than ordinary need of such a commodity , how apt is the seller to take advantage of his urgent necessity ? making him to pay more for the same , than it is really worth , which is cruel injustice . Or when poor people expose their Wares to sale which they have wrought up , to buy Bread for themselves and Family : How many are there who take advantage of their necessity , offering them little more for the same , than their goods cost them before they were wrought up ! which is an high degree of oppression , forcing them to sell their tears , sighs , and groans with their wares , because they are necessitated to part with them at such low rates . Thus many sell their souls for the gaining a few pence , and then bless themselves in their good bargain . 'T is an evil rule which some men propose to themselves , and take to be warrantable enough , To buy as cheap , and sell as dear as they can , that is , to wrong and over-reach if they be able ; if they be honest , 't is because they cannot help it . And 't is a poor shift they alledge to save themselves from blame , viz. Caveat emptor , let the buyer look to himself . Wherefore hath he his eyes and understanding ? If he be deceived , he hath deceived himself . Is that all thou hast to say , Caveat Emptor ? Why that 's no more but this , Let him count me a knave that he hath to do with : let him trust his own eyes , and not my words , or Oaths , o●… Conscience , for there 's no trust to be given to them . Is not this it thou sayest , and dost thou not herein say well for thy self ? 4. How many do deceive their neighbours in weights and measures , using false weights and false measures , and yet take the full price for their commodities ? which is a plain cheat , that is abominable in the sight of God , as Prov. 20. 10. Divers weights , and divers measures both of them are alike abomination to the Lord. As if he had said , Though men may make light of this kind of deceit , and haply boast of it , yet God abhorrs it , and the rather , because it is a sin that tends to the overthrow of humane society . 5. How many use unjust and uncharitable courses to raise the ordinary price of their commodities ! as by forestalling the Market , or by ingrossing commodities , that having them all in their own hands , they may sell them at their own rates . Which is a branch of uncharitableness , raising their gain out of their brothers loss . 6. How many buy such goods as they know , or have just cause to suspect , that they are stollen ! thereby making themselves accessary to the theft , and making thieves : if there were fewer Receivers , there would be fewer Thieves . 7. How many do make a gain by promise breaking , who will readily promise to pay ata day , but make no Conscience of keeping their word , or their time ; not regarding how much their neighbour suffers by being disappointed at his day . Christians should be men of their words ; should consider before they promise , and then make Conscience of punctual performance . 8. How many seek to put off all the bad money they can , though thy know it to be bad , even for good Wares ? Haply you will say , you took it for good money . Though you did , yet except you can return it to the parties from whom you received it , it is a branch of deceit . Better it is to suffer wrong , than to do wrong in any kind . Because one hath wronged thee , will that be thy warrant to wrong another ? whatever palliations or pretences men may have , yet the thing is palpably injurious : Justice requires that there be an equal and true value betwixt the price , and the commodity . When thou knowest the commodity thou buyest to be good , and the money thou payest for it to be naught , where is thy justice ? Thus you see what mysteries of iniquity there are in most Trades , which are too well known , and too much practised by many Tradesmen . For the preventing of which , I shall briefly give you some few general Rules to be observed in your dealing with men . 1. Ever observe that Golden Rule of our Saviour , Matth. 7. 12. Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you , do ye even so to them . As thou wouldst not have mixt wares sold thee for that which is pure : nor that which is sophisticated and naught , for that which is perfect and good : do not thou offer the like to others . As thou wouldst not be wronged , nor over-reached by others , do not thou go about to wrong , or over-reach others . But whatsoever thou wouldst that men should do thee ; do thou even so to them , for this is the Law and the Prophets , that is , This is that which every Book of the Law and Prophets require of us ; this is the summe of that which in the Law and Prophets , is delivered concerning our carriage and behaviour towards our Neighbour . 2. When at any time thou art summing up thy gains and gettings , put all thy unrighteous gains in the one s●…ale , and thy soul , which thou hast by thine unjust and deceitful dealing exposed to sale for them , into the other : and withal consider how light all those gains and gettings are in comparison of thy soul. And this through Gods blessing may be a means to take thee of from all dishonest dealings . For what is the gain of many thousands , nay of all the wealth in the World to the loss off thy precious soul ? Surely all the wealth and riches in the World can no more countervail the loss of one soul , than all the dirt of the street can countervail the loss of a rich Jewel . Young man , thou art now going forth into the World , and thine eyes and thine heart are set upon getting an estate : and gathering thee substance against the time to come : but beware thou lay not up an evil treasure , a treasure of lyes , and oaths , and deceit , with thy treasure of money or goods . Resolve from thy very first to have none by thee but honest gain : if God increase thee , bless him for it ; but resolve rather to be poor , than not to be honest and upright : For riches profit not at the day of wrath , but righteousness delivereth from death , Prov. 11. 4. 3. Consider that all the ways and works of unrighteousness , though acted never so secretly and cunningly , shall one day be made manifest to all the world . For God shall bring every work into judgment , with every secret thing , whether it be good , or whether it be evil , Eccles. 12. 14. At the great day of Judgment , whereof Solomon had made mention before , all the ways and works of wickedness , all the deceits of men , though never so closely committed , shall be discovered to the view of all . And therefore the day of Iudgment is called ( Rom. 2. 5. ) the day of Revelation ; because then all the hidden things of dishonesty , all frauds and deceits shall be made manifest . I shall close this Direction with giving you some few Motives and Arguments unto just and honest dealing in your Commerce with others . 1. Honest dealing is the likeliest way to thrive . Look into the Scriptures , and you shall find that Righteousness , as well as Godliness , hath the promise of the life that now is , and of that which is to come ; promises of things temporal , as well as of things spiritual and eternal , 1 Tim. 4. 8. Though a righteous man have but a little estate , yet that little is better than great Revenues of the wicked and unrighteous , Psal. 37. 16. The unrighteous ▪ man who hath got an estate by fraud and deceit , may fare more deliciously every day : but the righteous man may eat his Meals with more true joy and contentation . 2. Iust and honest dealing with men will prove an honour and Ornament unto Religion and Profession . Yea , there is nothing will grace Religion so much in the eyes of all men , than for such who make profession thereof to be just and honest , true and faithful in their dealing with others . This Argument the Apostle Peter useth , 1 Pet. 2. 12. Have your conversation honest among the Gentiles , that whereas they speak against you as evil doers , they may by your good works , which they shall behold , ( meaning such good works of honesty , as they by the light of Nature knew to be good works ) glorifie God in the day of visitation . 3. Nothing doth more wound Religion , and dishonour the Gospel , than when men professing Godliness , are found unfaithful and dishonest in their dealing . Surely never did Religion suffer more dishonour and reproach , through the unjust and unrighteous actings of the Professors thereof , than in these days . It cannot but grieve the heart of every good man , to hear that which is too truly laid to the charge of many professing godliness amongst us ; namely , That there is more truth and faithfulness , more just and honest dealing to be found amongst Turks and Heathens , than amongst many Christians , who make a great profession of Religion . Woe be to those Christians by whom such offences come : surely it had been better for them they had never been born , than that their lives should be such a scandal to Christianity , and dishonour to the Gospel . 4. Iust and honest dealing with men will be some evidence of thy Right and Title to Heaven , Psal. 15. 1 , 2. The Psalmist describing who shall ascend the holy hill of Sion , a Type of Heaven , giveth such Characters which chiefly relate to duties of honesty and righteousness : Having propounded this question , vers . 1. Who shall dwell in Gods holy Hill ? Maketh this answer in the next verse , He that walketh uprightly , and worketh righteousness . So that he is a Citizen of Heaven , who walketh uprightly towards God , and worketh righteousness towards men : who doth not only talk of righteousness , but worketh righteousness : who doth not ask , much less exact unreasonable prices for his Commodities , but observes a due proportion in his buying and selling . Q. If you ask , what Rule is to be observed for the setting a price upon our Commodities , that we may content our selves with reasonable gains ? A. The best Rule , I know , is to observe the ordinary price of the Market , which valueth things with consideration of all circumstances ; as scarcity , plenty , time , &c. 5. Wealth gotten by unjust and deceitful weights , are usually accompanied with a secret curse from the Lord ; so that they seldom continue long , but melt away many times in the same hands that got them ; according to that of the Prophet Ieremiah 17. 11. As the Partridge sitteth on Eggs , and hatcheth them not , so he that getteth Riches , and not by right , shall leave them in the midst of his days , and at his end shall be a Fool. That which is gathered by the unrighteousness of man , shall be scattered by the Wrath of God. Though men should thrive by their unjust and injurious dealing , yet their worldly wealth can never recompence their spiritual loss . For what will it advantage a man to gain a little Earth with the loss of Heaven ? Take heed therefore , O young man , of seeking to inrich thy self by any unwarrantable ways : What thou gettest thereby , may prove to thee as the Flesh that the Eagle catched from the Altar , and carried to her Nest , which having a live coal cleaving to it , set Nest and young ones on fire . The Curse of God is like a secret Moth , eating into such an estate as is got by fraud and deceit . 6. Without restitution of goods ill got , there can be no true repentance , nor hope of pardon . Restitution is an hard work , as necessary as it is : the meat that goeth pleasantly down , costs some deadly pangs in the vomiting up . Whatever unrighteous gains thou swallowest up , it must be restored , or 't will cost thee thy life . Lay not up such an unrighteous Treasure , which will certainly put thee to the pain of restitution , or damnation . If thou be able , thou must restore or die : if thou be not able to restore , thou must repent or die ; and the pangs of thy repentance may be much more bitter , than thy unrighteous gains were ever pleasant to thee . Be wise , O young man , and consider , if it be so hard for thee to hold thy hands from unlawful gettings , how much harder will it be to shake thy hands of them , when thou hast them . The few instances that ever we hear of , of restitution made ( in an age of so much unrighteousness ) do abundantly evidence , that 't is hard work to restore . O take heed , lay not up such a temptation for thee against the time to come , which if it prove too strong for thee , will be thine everlasting undoing . Provide thee better work for the time of thine age , than to unravel the wickedness of thy Youth . Since thou art like to be so hard to vomit , drink not down that which must come up , or will be thy death . Some there are in the World , who by their unrighteous dealings have raised themselves from nothing to great estates , their fraudulence in their way hath been it that hath built them Houses , and bought them Lands , that hath filled their Purses , and fed their Families , and provided Portions for their Children . O 't will be hard service for such to let all go back where it ought ; to sell their Lands , and empty their Purses , to pluck off their Childrens fine Cloaths , and to cloath them in Russet , or in Rags , and themselves to come down from their greatness to nothing again , and to take up with that little pittance of their estates which they came honestly by . Let it be well considered by such , whose case this is , how hard it is thus to empty themselves . And be thou ware , O Friend , in time , how thou puttest thy self upon this hard choice , either to strip thy self to the skin of all thou hast dishonestly gotten , or to perish everlastingly . CHAP. XII . Sheweth the Vices whereunto Young Men are addicted . One is Rash and hasty Anger . VVHereas there are sundry Vices , whereunto Young Men are exceedingly prone , which are very displeasing unto God , let it be thy care and endeavour to shun , and avoid the same . The Vices of Youth are these . I. Rash and hasty Anger . Young Men being hot and furious , like Tinder and Gun-powder , take fire at the least spark of offence ; and by indulging the violence of their passion , grow often outragious . I deny not but there is a lawful anger , as when a man is angry either at his own , or other mens sins ; for that anger is without sin , which is against sin . But when one man is angry with another , either for no just cause , or for a very slight one , then is his anger sinful and unlawful : to which kind of anger young men are very prone . Many , I know , account Anger , even the hottest and most hasty Anger , to be but a slight matter , a light infirmity ; therefore I shall , 1. Shew you the heinousness of this Sin. 2. Lay down some Remedies against it . That you may discern the heinousness of it , observe these considerations . 1. The passion it self is exceeding violent . Anger is brevis insania a short madness , as Seneca calls it , and maketh a man ( as we say ) beside himself , so as he hath no Government of himself , but is void of reason , in regard of the use of it : being more like an unreasonable , and outragious Beast , than a reasonable and prudent man. It carries many men beyond the bounds , not only of modesty , but of humanity also . 2. The effects of this passion are likewise very violent , for 1. It distempers the whole body within and without . It disfigures a mans face and countenance , it maketh his speeches very confused , his actions rude , and his whole behaviour unseemly . If you look upon a man pasiionately angry , you shall see his eyes glaring , his head and hand shaking , his mouth foaming , his tongue doubling , and the whole man even bereaved of himself . 2. Among the soberer sort of People , it perverts every good thing they take in hand . It hinders Prayer , by possessing the head with revengful thoughts . Therefore the Apostle commandeth that pure hands he lift up without wrath , 1. Tim. 2. 8. It hinders profitable hearing of the word , therefore the Apostle Iames , Chap. 1. 19. exhorteth to be swift to hear , and slow to wrath . For whosoever goeth to hear the word with a mind distempered through anger , shall carry away but little of that he heareth . 3. Passionate Anger driveth away the holy Spirit of God , who cannot endure an unquiet mansion , but loveth a meek and quiet habitation . The clamour and tumult of passion is such an offence to him , as causeth him to withdraw . 4. As Anger driveth away the Spirit of God , so it maketh room for the Devil , Ephes. 4. 26 , 27. Be angry and sin not , and then followeth , give not place to the Devil , If you gave way to Anger , you thereby give place to the Devil ; that furious Devil within opens the doors to let in the unclean Devil without . 5. Hasty Anger is a Badge and mark of a very fool . He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly , saith the Wise man , Prov. 14. 17. that is , he both speaketh and doth many absurd things , which maketh him a laughing stock to others . Therefore he adviseth , Eccl. 11. 9. Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry : for anger resteth in the bosome of fools . Having shewed you in several particulars the heynousness of unjust Anger . I come now to shew you some Remedies . 1. For the preventing thereof . 2. For the suppressing thereof after it hath seized on thee . Remedies for the preventing of anger are these . 1. Take every thing , so far as possibly thou canst , in the better part . Do not judge every shew and appearence of wrong to be indeed a wrong . Or if it be , do not aggravate it , and make it greater than it is . But think the best of the mind , and intent of him that did the wrong , that he did it not wittingly , or least not despightfully , or in contempt . For this conceit , that a man is contemned , or despised doth sooner stir up anger and wrath than any other thoughts . Or if an injury be so , as it cannot but be taken as it is , yet remember that thou hast done , or may do the like to others , if not to other men , yet to God , against whom thou hast despightfully , and contemptuously sinned . And thereupon resolve with thy self to be slow to anger towards others , as thou wouldst have God slow to anger towards thee . 2. Accustome thy self to a daily and continual meditation of Gods all-seeing and all-ruling Providence ; how nothing cometh to pass , or falls out without it . So that whensoever any occasion is offered , which might provoke thee to anger , consider with thy self , that this comes not without the special Providence of God , who will turn it to thy good , if thou belongest unto him ; according to that gracious promise , Rom. 8. 2●… . All things shall work together for good to them that love God , to them who are the called according to his purpose . Look up unto God , and be not like the Dog to snarl at the stone , never considering the flinger . David had provocation enough from Shimei's cursing him , to make him angry , and boil up his passion to the height ; but he looked up to God , and saw his hand at Shimei's tongues end : whereupon he said , Let him Curse , for the Lord hath bidden him , 2 Sam. 16. 11. And this quieted his heart against the revilings of Shimei . Oh what a cooler of inordinate passion would it be in Christians , to see the Hand of Gods Providence in all the injuries and indignities , in all the wrongs and unworthy usages that they here meet withal ! 3. Avoid all occasions of Anger ; as the company of angry , cholerick persons , whose angry words are ap●… to move one to passion : Therefore saith the Wise Man , Prov. 22. 24. Make no friendship with an angry man , and with a furious man thou shalt not go , nor walk familiarly . Avoid likewise Gaming and Drunkenness , which are great occasions of angry words , yea , and many times of angry blows . It is not possible for any man to avoid any sin , that doth not avoid the occasions thereof . 4. Labour to be perswaded , that it is greater honour to pass by , and not regard an injury , than to follow and pursue every wrong with revenge . Solomon saith , It is the glory of a man to pass by an infirmity , Prov. 19. 11. Herein lieth true magnanimity , when a man passes by , and not regards every light injury : when he can hold the bridle , and keep in , and keep under , and in compass so head-strong a passion . Heathen men by the light of nature could say , Fortior est qui se , quam qui sortissima Vin●…it Moenia , That he is a more valiant man that overcometh himself , than he that conquereth a City ; which Solomon expresly affirmeth , Prov. 16. 32. He that is slow to anger , is better than the mighty , and he that ruleth his spirit , than he that taketh a City . 5. Be often viewing thy self , look into thine own heart to see the abominable corruption that is there . The more any man knows himself , how vile and wretched he is , the less angry will he be with others ; for he seeth more cause to be displeased with himself for his sins and transgressions committed against God , than to be angry with his Brother for any wrong or injury done by him . The over-high conceit that some men have of themselves of their own worth , occasioneth them to be so suddenly angry with others , because they are apt to think themselves undervalued by them . Whereas he who understands himself rightly , what a poor unworthy wretch he is , will not easily think himself undervalued by others , having lower and meaner thoughts of himself , than others can have of him . 6. Be earnest with God in prayer , that he would mortifie and subdue all thy earthly affections , especially this corrupt and violent affection of Anger . This thou shouldst do , as at all times , so especially when thou discoverest the passion of Anger begin to boil up in thee . Having shewed you the Remedies for the preventing of Anger ; I shall now shew the Remedies for the suppressing thereof . 1. Keep down the first rising of Anger . Thou must give this water of bitterness no passage , no not a little , least like that in Ezekiel , it grow from Ankle deep , to Knee deep , and from thence to the Thighs ; and so at last prove a River that cannot be passed over without drowning . To this purpose tendeth that of the Apostle ( Eph. 4. 26. ) Let not the Sun go down upon thy wrath . His meaning is , that if through natural infirmity anger steal into thy heart , yet let it not abide a day with thee , meet it in its rising , and give it the fall , lest on the day having 〈◊〉 wrath , thou travel with mischief in the night , and in the morning bring forth revenge . It is observable , that the Apostle having said , Let not the Sun go down upon your wrath , immediately addeth , Neither give place to the Devil ; implying , that by giving way to your passion , you give place to the Devil ; and that he who lieth down in his wrath , will have the Devil for his Bed-fellow . 2. Defer for a while the execution of that vengeance , which thy wrath provoketh thee to take ; so will thy blood wax cold , the use of thy reason return to thee , and time gained , for better counsel and advice . Therefore the discretion of a man deferreth his anger , Prov. 19. 11. Noting it to be a point of wisdom in a man , to defer the execution of his wrath . 3. Depart from the sight and presence of him with whom thou art angry . For the Object which provoked anger being removed , the passion will be so much the more allayed : whereas his sight and presence doth more and more inflame it . 4. Turn the edge and point of thy passion upon thy self , and thine own sins , and so it will not be over-fiercely bent against thy Neighbour . Our affections are far more easily turned aside , than clean subdued : as it is easier to turn aside the Current of a River , than to stop the Stream . Thus when a man is over-much grieved for any worldly loss or cross , if he turn his grief upon his sins , his worldly sorrow will much slack . CHAP. XIII . Of Drunkenness , which is another Vice , whereunto Young Men are addicted . II. ANother sin whereunto Youth is subject , is Drunkenness . I confess there are Drunkards of all Ages , Old as well as Young : But many get such habits of this sin in their Youth , that they know not how to leave it when they are Old. Touching this Vice of Drunkenness , I shall briefly shew you , 1. What it is . 2. What Remedies may be used for avoiding the same . I. Drunkenness is a Vice whereby in drinking men so exceed the measure of necessity , and honest delight , as they distemper both their minds and bodies thereby . By necessity , I mean such a measure as is needful to preserve our life , and quench our natural thirst . By honest delight , I mean that liberty which God in Christ hath given his Children at times of rejoycing , to drink not only for meer necessity to quench the thirst , but also for Christian delight and pleasure . Thus did Ioseph , and his Brethren , Gen. 43. 34. And David saith ( Psal. 104. 15. ) That God hath given unto man not only bread to strengthen him , but also Wine to make glad the heart of man. Lastly , I add , Whereby in drinking men so exceed , as they distemper both their mind and body ; because this is the usual sign which maketh a difference betwixt a lawful , and an unlawful measure of drinking . If any way it makes a man unfit to the duties of his Calling , if the mind be thereby intoxicated , if the Brain be distempered , if the senses made dull and heavy , there is excess , which makes it Drunkenness . II. The heinousness of this sin doth appear by the fearful sad effects thereof , which are First , Excellently set forth by the Wise Man , Prov. 23. 29. &c. Who hath woe ? who hath sorrow ? who hath contentions ? who hath babling ? who hath wounds without cause ? who hath redness of eyes ? They that tarry long at the Wine , they that go to seek mixt Wine . This Text I may call The Drunkards Looking-glass , wherein they may see the woes and sorrows that attend them . As if Solomon had said , You Drunkards promise your selves mirth , pleasure and jollity in your Cups ; but for one drop of your mad mirth , be sure of Gallons of Gall and Wormwood , of woe and sorrow , both here and hereafter . Other sinners shall taste of the Cup of Gods Wrath , but you after your tasting , and turning off so many Cups of pleasure , shall drink off the dregs of the Cup of Gods wrath and displeasure . O Young Man , what a madness is it for the enjoyment of a little Wine , or Ale here , to drink the Vials of Gods Wrath , and lye in Seas of misery for ever ! More particularly the effects of Drunkenness are these . 1. It defaces the Image of God in Man , and transforms him into the likeness of the Beasts that perish . The Image of God in Man stands ; 〈◊〉 . In his Knowledge and Understanding . And where is the understanding of a Drunkard ? Is not this man above all others become Bruitish in his knowledge ? Jer. 10. 14. Or as the words there signifie , Is more a 〈◊〉 than to know ? What 's spoken there of the Idolater , is it not fully applicable to the Drunkard ? who when he is drunken is a very bruit ; yea , and commonly even when he is sober , is but a very Sot. 2. The Image of God in man stands in Righteousness and Holiness . And what a Swine is this holy Soul become ? If Swearing and Cursing , if Raving and Madness , if Whoring , and all manner of filthiness , if this be holiness , then this Beast is still a very holy man. 2. It hurts the body of man , causing many Diseases ; as Dropsies , Gouts , Apoplexies , Agues , Consumptions of the Vital parts , Inflammations of the Blood : So that though they may drink Healths , and pretend it is for their Health , yet they indeed drink sicknesses : for who have more infirmities and deformities ? who have richer faces , and redder eyes , than such as tarry long at the Wine ? 3. It hurts the Souls of men , filling them full of noysom lusts , Prov. 23. 33. Solomon speaking to the Drunkard , saith , Thine eyes shall behold strange Women ; that is , Harlots ; implying Drunkenness to be the occasion of Adultery ? Though all Adulterers are not Drunkards , yet there are few Drunkards but are Adulterers . 4. It is dangerous to the several faculties of the Soul. For it besotteth the Wit , infeebleth the Memory , dulleth the Spirits , drowneth the Judgment , and depriveth men of the use of their Understanding ; so that many times they differ not from Beasts . Zenophon in his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , reports of Cyrus the Persian Monarch , that being asked by his Grandfather Astyages , why he refused to drink Wine , answered , For fear he should drink Poyson instead of Wine : For sure I am , saith he , that not one of the Guests yesterday did rise from your Table in his right mind , or wit , which makes me think that Poyson 〈◊〉 with their Wine . Whereas indeed it was the abundance of Wine which they had drunk , that had 〈◊〉 them of their senses . 5. Drunkenness weakneth mens Estates . He that loveth Wine shall not be rich , Prov. 21. 17. The Drunkard and the Glutton shall come to poverty , Prov. 23. 21. Experience hath verified the truth of this : for how many poor men have oftentimes spent more in an Evening at an Alehouse , than they have earned all the day before at their work ? And how many rich men who have had fair Revenues left them by their Fathers , have in a short time bezel'd all away by Drinking ? and so robb'd not only their Wives and Children , but likewise God , and the Poor , of what belonged unto them . How sad will it be with many , when they shall see how many pounds they have spent in Drink , and how little for Gods honour ? 6. Drunkenness robs men of their precious time . No sort of men usually mis-spend so much precious time , as Drunkards : for they use to sit long at the Wine , as the Prophet Isaiah describeth them , ( Chapt. 5. 11. ) They rise up early to follow Drunkenness , and continue unto the night , till the Wine do inflame them . And when the Wine hath once inflamed them , then are they a while after unfit for any thing but sleep . 7. Another effect of Drunkenness is , That it makes a man unfit , as to all good duties , so especially to that of Christian watchfulness , which our blessed Saviour , and his Apostles , often call for ; whereby he should be always prepared to appear before Christ , whensoever he shall come to Judgment . Therefore Christ forewarns all his to take heed , that their hearts be not overcome with surfeiting and drunkenness , lest that day come on them unawares , Luk. 21. 34. O Wretch , what if that day of the Lord should come upon thee in thy drunken fit ? The day of the Lord will so come as a Thief in the night . The Drunkards life is all Night ; a drowsie sleeping season : 't is often Night with him at Noon . His Cups do darken ( as to him ) the brightest Sun , and serve for Clouds or Curtains to cover him up to sleep . Arise Sleeper , the Lord is coming ; thy day is near , the next fit of Drunkenness may be the night wherein the Judge will come . Do not put it off thus ; I do not think so , I believe he will not come yet ; he is the more like to come for that , that thou thinkest he will not . That wicked servant , Luk. 12. 45. that said , My Lord delayeth his coming , and did eat and drink , and was Drunken : The Lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him , and at an hour when he is not aware . Thou thinkest not that Death will meet thee , that Judgment will meet thee the next time thou art Drunken . But what if it should be so , if thou shouldst be snatch'd from the Ale-bench , and brought to Judgment ? how wouldst thou give an account of thy self to God , when thou hast not reason enough left thee to give an answer to a man. Watch therefore , but that can never be , unless thou wilt first awake from thy Drunkenness . Having shewed the Nature and Heinousness of the sin of Drunkenness , come we now to the Remedies for avoiding the same . 1. Often meditate of the fearful Woes denounced against Drunkards , and the dreadful Iudgments threatned against them . Woe to the Drunkards of Ephraim , Isa. 28. 1. Woe to them that rise up early in the Morning , that they may follow strong drink , and continue until night , till Wine inflame them , Isa. 5. 22. Note this , O Young Men , who count it a glory to be able to bear much drink ; a glory more fit for a Draw-horse than a man : yet such men , or rather such Beasts there are , which glory in drinking others under-board , as they use to speak . If this be not , what is it for men to glory in their shame ? And besides , thus bring they on their Souls , their own , and others blood . No marvel therefore that the Apostle putteth Drunkards into the Catalogue of them that shall not inherit the Kingdom of Heaven , 1 Cor. 6. 10. and Gal. 5. 21. And the Prophet avoucheth , that Hell hath inlarged her self , and opened her mouth without measure for them , Isa. 5. 14. Instance Drunken Dives , whose Soul immediately passed from Earth to Hell , where he could not get one drop of Water to cool his Tongue in that tormenting flame , Luk. 16. 24. 2. Consider that Drunkenness is the Mother of most abominations , Rom. 13. 13. saith the Apostle , Let us walk honestly as in the day , not in Rioting and Drunkenness , not in Chambering and Wantonness . Where mark the course of the Apostles words , after Gluttony and Drunkenness , follows Chambering and Wantonness . Thus Lot in his Drunkenness committed Incest with his two Daughters . Therefore doth the Apostle exhort the Ephesians , Chap. 5. 18. not to be filled with Wine , because therein is excess . He that is full of Wine , his wickedness runs over , the stream of Lust swells so high , that it overfloweth all its banks . Alexander we read in a Drunken Fit killed his dear Friend Clitus , for which , when he was sober , he attempted to kill himself . Famous is the Story of one who once craved the Devils help to accomplish his desire : But the Devil would first have one thing done at his appointment : What 's that , quoth the man : Kill thy Father , saith the Devil : That 's too horrible a fact , replies the man : Then lie with thy Mother , saith the Devil : That 's most unnatural , quoth the man : Wilt thou then be Drunk , saith the Devil ? That I will , quoth the Man. And being Drunk , defiled his Mother , and murthered his Father . The Moral of this Parabolical story is this , A Drunkard makes bones of no sin . 3. Be diligent and industrious in thy Calling . Whilest Israel was working in Aegypt , they had no leisure to sit long at their Cups : but while they lay still in the Wilderness , they sate down to eat and drink , and then rose up to pl●…y , Exod. 32. 6. Thou wicked and slothful servant , saith our Saviour , Matth. 25. 26. If slothful , certainly wicked : for the slothful and idle servant is the Devils Captive , whom he carries about with him , and leads into every Tavern and Alehouse . 4. Consider Gods All-seeing presence about thee wheresoever thou art . Couldst thou sit long over thy Cups , 〈◊〉 away thy precious time in vain and fruitless discourses ; didst thou but seriously consider Gods All-seeing presence about thee , to whom ●…hou must one day give an account , as of thy sinful actions , so of thy idle words , and mis-spent time ? 5. Avoid the Society and Company of Drunkards , Prov. 23. 20. Be not amongst Wine-bibbers ; that is , frequent not the company of such as are given to drinking and tipling . For though they do not find thee like unto themselves , yet if thou consort with them , they will make thee such . For as he that walketh with wise men , shall be wise ; so a Companion of Fools shall be destroyed , Prov. 13. 20. As associating thy self with wise men , is an excellent means of getting Knowledge and Wisdom : So contrariwise , associating thy self with Drunkards , is the high way to drunkenness and folly ; their company is no less contagious to such as adjoyn themselves to them , than such as are infected with the Plague , or Leprosie . There are two Arguments which are very prevalent with many Young Men to perswade them to go on in this so heynous and dangerous a sin : but being weighed in the ballance of the Sanctuary , they will be found very light . 1 Arg. Taken from the hope of Repentance ; they flatter themselves with a conceit , that they can repent when they list , and that Heaven-gate will open to them at the first knock . A. 1. Repentance is the gift of God , from whom every good and perfect gift cometh , Jam. 1. 17. And therefore ought to be accepted by us , when it is offered to us ; and not to be delayed , and put off from time to time . For as God is merciful to offer Grace , so he is just to punish the neglect thereof . 2. How many are there , who though they have fully resolved to repent , and turn from their sins unto God in their old age , or in the time of sickness , yet have been prevented , and cut off by some sudden death ? One drunken fit may cut off that hope . How many instances have there been in the world , of men that have died Drunken ? Some Drunkards have been twice dead at once , dead drunk , and drunken unto death , carried away from the Ale-bench to their Graves , and thence to the Judgment . And what if it should be so with thee ? where is then thine after-repentance ? And how many that have over-lived their drunken fits , have been deprived of the use of their senses , and understanding , in the time of their sickness , and so have died sensless ? And how many , who though they have lived to old age , yet have been more hardened against Repentance , than in their Youth ? which cometh to pass through the just Judgment of God. For what can be more righteous , than that they should be left to forget God when they are old , who would not remember him in their Youth ? And this the Lord himself threatneth , Prov. 1. 24. &c. 2 Arg. Is taken from their present impunity . They flatter themselves with a conceit , that because God doth not presently execute vengeance upon them for their Drunkenness ; therefore they shall not be punished , and thereupon take heart to go on in their sins , according to that of the Wise Man , Eccles. 8. 11. Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily , therefore the heart of the Sons of men is fully set in them to do evil ; implying , that impunity increases impiety , and makes sinners the more obstinate ; because the Judgments of God threatned against them are not presently executed , therefore they go on in their wickedness . But let such know , that though God is slow in executing his Judgments on wicked and ungodly men , thereby to lead them to Repentance , yet will he be sure in the execution at last : and the longer he is fetching his stroak , the sorer will be his blow , and the deeper will he wound when he strikes . In which respect Gods wrath may be compared to a great Bell , which is long in raising , but being up , it gives the greater sound . CHAP. XIV . Of Wantonness and Uncleanness , which is another Vice whereunto Young Men are addicted . III. ANother sin whereunto Young Men are addicted , is Wantonness , and Uncleanness , Prov. 7. 7. It was a Young Man that followed the Harlot to her house . Young Men are generally apt to this Beastly sin , and to make light of it , when they have done , accounting it but a trick of Youth , and a Venial transgression ; as if their Youthful propensity thereto , and the commonness thereof in men of that age , might be their sufficient Apology and excuse . Therefore I shall shew you : 1. The Kinds and Degrees of this sin . 2. The Heynousness of it . 3. The Danger thereof . 4. Some Remedies against the same . I. For the Kinds and Degrees of this sin , it is Either Contemplative , or Practical . Contemplative Uncleanness is , when the mind pleaseth it self with lascivious and wanton thoughts , delighting the sensual appetite . And thus there may be a world of wickedness in a mans heart , though the act of pollution be refrained : There 's many a Whorish heart , where there have not been Whorish acts . And I am perswaded , that the outward act of Fornication and Adultery is not more heynous among men , than the lustful and unclean thoughts of the heart are to God. An Adulterous heart , an Adulterous eye , an Adulterous tongue , are all an abomination to the Lord. Of Practical uncleanness there are many degrees . 1. Fornication ; Which is , when the sin of Uncleanness is committed by single and unmarried persons . 2. Adultery , When both , or one of the Parties delinquent , are Married ; as the Notation of the word intimates , Adulterium , quasi ad alterius torum , the going to anothers Bed. And this is so much the more heynous , as it is a wilful shipwrack abroad , when it hath an Harbour , and safe remedy provided at home . 3. Incest ; Which is committed by persons that are within the prohibited degrees of Consanguinity , or Affinity . 4. Polygamy ; The having of many Wives at once . 5. Rape , or Ravishment ; Which is a violent deflowring of a Woman , who never consented thereunto . Such was Amnon's sin in deflowring his Sister Thamar . II. The Heynousness of this sin appeareth , 1. From the Titles given to it in Scripture . The Prophet Ieremy calls it Villany , Jer. 29. 23. Because they have committed Villany in Israel , and have committed Adultery with their Neighbours Wives . Where the latter branch is Exegetical , shewing what that Villany was which they committed , even Adultery with their Neighbours Wives . This sin is likewise termed lewdness , filthiness , and uncleanness : But most commonly it is called folly , and the Actors thereof Fools , Gen. 34. 7. 2 Sam. 13. 13. And Prov. 7. 7. Solomon calleth the young Fornicator a simple one , void of understanding . For what greater folly , than for the satisfying thy filthy lusts , to cast thy self head-long into innumerable evils here , and into eternal torments hereafter ? 2. The heynousness of this sin appeareth from the manifold threatnings in Gods Word against it , 1 Cor. 6. 9 , 10. Be not deceived , neither Fornicators , nor Adulterers , nor Effeminate , &c. shall inherit the Kingdom of God. As if he had said , I know many of you are apt to flatter your selves with a conceit , that God , who is the Father of mercy , will not be so severe , as for this sin , which is so natural , to cast you into Hell , or shut you out of Heaven . But , saith he , Deceive not your selves , neither Fornicators , nor Adulterers , nor Effeminate , shall inherit the Kingdom of God ; that is , except they truly repent , and leave off those sins . And Eph. 5. 5. This ye know , that no Whoremonger , nor unclean person , hath any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ , and of God. Mortifie therefore your members which are upon the earth , fornication , uncleanness , inordinate affection , evil concupiscense , for which things sake the wrath of God cometh upon the Children of disobedience , Col. 3. 5 , 6. Where the Apostle assures us , that men living and continuing impenitently in filthiness and uncleanness , shall not escape the wrath of God , whose wrath is a consuming fire , which shall burn to the bottom of Hell. And Heb. 13. 4. Marriage is honourable in all , and the Bed undefiled ; but Whoremongers and Adulterers God will judge . And Rev. 21. 8. it is said , Whoremongers and Adulterers shall have their part in the Lake which burneth with fire and brimstone . Thus you see how sorely this sin is threatned in the Word of God. 3. The Iudgments God hath executed upon men for this sin of uncleanness , shew the heynousness thereof . For this sin the Lord brought a flood of water upon the old World , Gen. 6. 2 , 3. For this sin the Lord rained Fire and Brimstone upon Sodom and Gomorrah , Gen. 19. 5 , 24. God saw it meet , that they who burned with the fire of Lust , should be consumed with the fire of Vengeance . We read this sin cut off three and twenty thousand of the Israelites in one day , 1 Cor. 10. 8. Neither let us commit Fornication , as some of them committed , and fell in one day three and twenty thousand . As there is no resolved sinner , but God follows him with his Judgments : so he follows Whoremongers and Adulterers with strange punishments . Witness that strange , loathsom disease so common amongst them , which was not heard of till these latter Ages . O Young Man , let the many threatnings in Gods Word , and the various judgments he hath executed upon Whoremongers and Adulterers , make thee afraid , and turn this filthy pleasure into a dread and terrour to thee . Come not near the house of the strange Woman , remember that the dead are there , and that her Guests are in the depths of Hell , Prov. 9. 18. 4. There is no sin that is so directly opposite to holiness , and to the holy Spirit of God , as this : Nor any sin that makes us so like the Devil , who is often in the Evangelists called the unclean Spirit , Matth. 10. 1. and 12. 43. Both because he very much delighteth in uncleanness , and likewise maketh it his chief design to intice and draw men thereunto . III. The danger of this sin appeareth from the sad effects and consequents of it , some whereof are these , 1. It bringeth judgements on the body , destroying its health and strength , filling it with rotteness ; it is the seminary of many incurable diseases . For the flame of Lust consumeth the Vital moisture , and the unnatural fire of burning Concupiscence extinguisheth the natural heat , which two are the Fountain of Life and Strength . An Incontinent person is the sink of all Corruption , a bag of Filth and Rotteness , and hath more diseases attending him , than an Hospital . For the righteous God hath appointed , that they who sow to the flesh , should of the flesh reap a plentiful Harvest of Corruption . 2. As it causeth a Corruption in the body , so likewise a Consumption in the goods and estate of a man. Who so keepeth company with Harlots , spendeth his Substance . Prov. 29. 3. Lust not therefore , saith Solomon , after a strange woman in thine heart , for by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread , Prov. 6. 26. Thus it was with the Prodigal , who no sooner fell into the company of Harlots , but presently consumed , and wasted all his substance , and was reduced to such extream Poverty , that his desire was but to be fellow-Commoner with the Swine , ( of all Creatures the most nasty and filthy ) that he might fill his belly with their husks . Wantonness is usually accompanied with want , partly because it is a sin , which bringeth the curse of God upon a mans estate : and partly because it is many wayes a costly sin , much being spent in feasting and Revelling , besides gifts and rewards . When Lais that famous Curtizan of Corinth asked Demosthenes a great sum of money to lye with her one night , he answered her wisely , that he would not buy repentence at so dear a rate . 3. As this sin bringeth a Consumption on the body and goods , so likewise doth it bring a rotten reputation on the name , and a reproach never to be done away . For be his proper name what it will , a Whore-master will be his common name , Prov. 6. 33. Whoso committeth Adultery , lacketh understanding , a wound and dishonour shall he get , that is , He shall be wounded in his name and credit ; and his reproach shall not be wiped away , that is , the disgrace which he hath brought upon himself by his filthiness , and uncleanness shall abide upon him . Though the wound may be cured by repentence , and the pouring into it the precious balm of Christ's blood , yet the scar in his name and reputation will remain . 4. It brings destruction on a mans soul , hurrying it into eternal torments in Hell ; the fire of Lust is fuel for the fire of Hell , He that committeth Adultery with a woman , destroyeth his own soul , saith the Wise man , Prov. 6. 22. that is , casteth himself headlong both body and soul into that lake , which burneth with fire and brimstone . Sinner , that fire below , as hot as 't is , would if it be well considered , be a cooler to this fire of Lust. When thou feelest Lust burn within thee , then think of everlasting burnings . O young man ; dost thou love thy self , or any thing that thou hast ? Dost thou love thy body ? abstain then from Fornication , and uncleanness , whereby thou sinnest against thine own body , and bringest a Consumption and Rottenness upon it . Dost thou love thy goods ? then flee Fornication , which is like to leave thee a beggar . Dost thou love thy credit ? abstain , for it is a dishonourable sin , and will mark thee for one of the fools in Israel , and cause thy name to rot and stink above ground . Lastly , dost thou love thy soul ? abstain , for that it 's carrying down to the depth of hell . IV. For the Remedies against this sin , the Scripture affordeth many , I shall hint some of the most principal . 1. Resist those wanton and unclean thoughts , which do either arise from thine own wicked heart , or are cast in by Satan . Do not revolve them in thy mind , nor suffer them to lodge within thee , but with detestation presently reject them , and cast them away . If thou canst not prevent them in their conception , let it be thy care to destroy them in their birth , that so they may prove abortive . If thou suffer them to live , they will receive growth , and strength to thine utter perdition . Who having fire cast into his bosome , will not so soon as he discerneth it , cast it out ? Quench these sparks at their first kindling , lest they break out into such a flame , which will not be quenched . 2. Be very watchful as over thy outward senses , so especially over thine eyes , which are the doors and windows of the soul to let in Lust. Hereupon Iob , though an holy man , and in Years , durst not trust his eyes without a guard , but ingaged himself by solemn Promise and Covenant not to stand gazing on the beauty of a woman ; Iob 31. 1. Alexander refused so much as to see Darius his wife , a Lady of incomparable beauty , fearing lest he , who had Conquered the Husband , should be overcome by the Wife . Upon this ground it seems Zeleucus imposed that Law upon the Locrenses , that the Adulterers eyes should be pulled out , because sin entred in at those Casements , therefore he would stop up the Windows . Hearken , O young man , hearken to that advice which we find given , Ecclesiasticus 9. 8. Turn away thine eyes from beholding a beautiful woman , and look not upon anothers Beauty , for many have thereby perished . 3. Possess thy soul with a serious consideration of Gods all-seeing presence about thee , wheresoever thou art . It is the very Argument which Solomon useth to disswade the wanton young man from his filthy course of life , Prov. 5. 20 , 21. Why wilt thou my Son , be ravished with a strange woman , and embrace the bosome of a stranger ? For the wayes of man are before the eyes of the Lord , and he pondereth all his goings . Though the unclean person commit this sin never so secretly , that will avail him little . It was the fear of God , arising from the consideration of his all-seeing presence , that kept Ioseph from hearkening to the Adulterous sollicitations of his Mistris . How can I , saith he , do this great wickedness , and sin against God ? Gen. 39. 9. Art thou out of fear of being espied or discovered by the eye of man , yet consider the All-seeing eye of God is upon thee . 4. Shun all means ; occasions , and provocations unto Lust and Uncleanness . He that will shun any sin , must avoid the occasions thereof , else he will tempt God to give him up thereunto . The occasions and provocations of Lust are divers . 1. Fulness of Bread and Drink , eating to Gluttony , and drinking to Drunkenness . As Temperance is the best preserver of Chastity : So intemperance in Eating and Drinking is the Nurse of Uncleanness , the Oyl wherewith the flame thereof is kindled and increased , Ier. 5. 7 , 8. They were as fed Horses in the Morning , every one Neighed after his Neighbours Wife : implying , that when men are fed to the full , like pampered Horses , they will Neigh after their Neighbours Wives : But take away the fuel , and the fire of Lust will soon go out . Whereupon Lycurgus to prevent all filthiness and uncleanness in Sparta , prohibited all Feasts and Banquetings by a Law : for he knew that Gluttony and Drunkenness were the Mothers of Wantonness and Voluptuousness . 2. Filthy and obscene talk is another occasion and incentive of Lust. For as the Apostle speaketh , 1 Cor. 15. 23. Evil communications corrupt good manners . Many , I know , take too much liberty to themselves herein , and make nothing of it , but do flatter themselves with a conceit of the purity of their hearts . But let such know , that filthy and unclean words do argue a filthy and unclean mind . Obscene words being but the excrements and overflowings of a carnal and corrupt heart : for out of the abundance of the heart , the mouth speaketh . Thy stinking breath smells of a foul Stomach . 3. Lascivious Pictures , wherewith too many do adorn , or rather disgrace their houses . For what are they indeed but dumb Orators to perswade to Lust ? and lively Presidents out of which a wanton heart will easily take out a pattern of Uncleanness for its own imitation ? They are worse than obscene words , because they vanish , and are gone : whereas lascivious Pictures do abide and infect many , one after another . For it is found by experience , that wanton objects do ingender wanton fancies and imaginations , which tend to filthy and unclean actions . Beware therefore , O young man , of gazing on lascivious Pictures ; rather turn away thine eyes from beholding inticing , and bewitching vanities . 4. Stage-plays . Many of which are stuffed with filthy and obscene speeches , and set forth with many lascivious gestures , by which they are very apt to infect the mind with Effeminate Lust , and dispose the heart for unclean and filthy actions . The Stage is a decoy for the Stews . 5. Undecent , and garish attire . Men and Womens strange Apparel doth oft stir up Lust , both in themselves , and others also ; especially when such parts as ought to be covered , are left naked . In Prov. 7. 10. a Strumpet is set forth to allure others by her Apparel . Aesop said wittily to a Gallant wantonly attired , That if he did it to please men , he was but a Fool , for no wise man would account the better of him : And if he did it to please Women , he was but a Knave , and meant unchastly . These are the ordinary occasions of Lust , and provocations thereunto , which ought carefully to be shunned , and avoided . 5. Another remedy against fleshly lusts , is to busie thy self diligently in thy Calling . By this means the body of man is exercised , and his mind imployed , and so kept from idleness , which is a great cause of Lust. Idleness is noted to be one of the causes of Sodom's Uncleanness , Ezek. 16. 49. This also is noted to be the cause of David's committing Adultery , 2 Sam. 11. 2 , 3 , 4. when men are idle , they have no business but to sin : but when men are busie in their Calling , then they have no leisure to sin . 6. Flee unto God by earnest and hearty Prayer , for power and strength against the power of thy lusts and corruptions . Beg of him that he would be pleased to cast the unclean spirit out of thee , and indue thee with his holy Spirit , which may inable thee to fight against the flesh , and to mortifie and subdue all sinful lusts , all inordinate affections , and evil concupiscence . This was the remedy which Paul used in this very case , when he felt the thorn in his flesh , which some Divines interpret to be lustful motions stirring in him : For this , saith he , I besought the Lord thrice , 2 Cor. 12. 8. and though he was not thereupon wholly delivered from them , yet he found Grace sufficient for his support , so that he was not overcome by them . 7. If these means prevail not , use the benefit of lawful Marriage . To avoid Fornication , let every man have his own Wife , and let every Woman have her own Husband , ●… Cor. 7. 2. And vers . 9. Such as cannot contain themselves , let them Marry ; for it is better to Marry , than to burn , Many there are who give Satan too great advantage against themselves , by neglecting this remedy of Marriage . The Popes forbidding Priests to Marry , though they have not the gift of Continency , hath been the cause of most abominable uncleannesses amongst them . CHAP. XV. Of Prophane and rash Swearing , which is another Vice whereunto Young Men are addicted . IV. ANother Vice whereunto Young Men are addicted , is prophane and rash Swearing , which our Saviour expresly forbiddeth , Matth. 5. 34. Swear not at all ; that is , not in your ordinary communication : But let your communication be Yea , Yea , Nay , Nay ; for whatsoever is more than these , cometh of evil ; that is , the Devil , that evil one , vers . 37. This Vain swearing is a Vice which ill becometh any , much more those who make a profession of Christianity : for a Christians speech should be seasoned with Grace , and not with prophane Oaths ; it should be savoury , ministring Grace to the hearers ; and not unsavoury , ministring nothing but sin , or scandal . Swearing in our ordinary discourse is an undoubted evidence of a prophane person , who maketh no Conscience of any sin : for what sin will he forbear , who will not forbear this unprofitable sin of Swearing ? whereas other sins have their several baits and temptations to allure men thereunto ; some the bait of profit , some of honour , some of pleasure . This sin of Swearing hath neither of them . It brings no profit at all , but great loss , even the loss of Gods favour , and the loss of a good Conscience . Neither doth it yield any pleasure and delight , unless a man should , ( like the Devil himself ) take a hellish pleasure in acting sin , and wickedness . And what credit doth it procure , unless amongst such debauched ones , whose applause is a reproach ? Therefore I may with confidence affirm , that he , who maketh no Conscience of Swearing , which hath no worldly advantage to induce thereunto , will make less Conscience of other sins , which have stronger temptations , and feed the sinner with expectations of advantage from them . O Young Man , let me prevail with thee deeply to abhor , and watch diligently against this wicked , and most unreasonable practice . Remember the account thou must make at the dreadful day : An account must be given of every idle word , much more of every vain and bloody Oath . If they shall not escape unpunished who have spoken idly , and vainly , how fearful shall their condemnation be , who in their ordinary discourse have most impiously and prophanely abused the Name of the most Great and holy God ? I know there are several vain excuses common in the mouths of men for this sin , which , if they be weighed in the Ballance of the Sanctuary , will be found very light . I. Some excuse themselves , that they use only small and little Oaths , as Faith and Troth , forbearing great Oaths , as to swear by the Name of God , &c. A. 1. Little Oaths are sins . Our Saviour hath expresly forbidden all kind of Oaths , saying , Swear not at all , Matth. 5. 34. Suppose that to swear by Faith and Troth be not so heynous a sin , as to swear by the Name of God , yet it is a sin , seeing Christ himself hath forbidden , and condemned it . 2. Little Oaths are great sins . God will not hold such guiltless . To be held guilty before God , notes two things . 1. To be under a merit of everlasting wrath . By thy little Oaths thou deservest the wrath of the great God. 2. Guilt notes an obligation to wrath . These Oaths are Bonds by which thou art bound over to the Judgment of the Great Day : and when there it shall be demanded , Guilty , or not Guilty ? these only will prove thee guilty . 3. Little Oaths are leading sins . As he that accustometh himself to pilfer small things , by the just Judgment of God , will at length fall to steal greater things , from a Pin to a Peny , from a Peny to a Pound . So he that accustometh himself to these smaller Oaths , by the just Judgment of God , will at length fall to swear most horrid and hellish Oaths , and stick at none . II. Some excuse themselves by saying , they shall not be believed , except they swear , and second their words with an Oath . A. Thou wilt rather be less believed for thine Oath . Certainly every honest man will be jealous and suspitious of the truth of that mans words , who hath seconded them with an Oath ; because he who maketh no Conscience of an Oath , will make as little Conscience of a Lye : he that maketh no Conscience of dishonouring God by taking his Name in vain , will make little Conscience of deceiving his Neighbour , by telling him a Lye. III. Some alledge that Oaths are a Grace to their Speech . A. 1. Iust such a Grace as a Blister , or Carbuncle is to the Face . 2. That Grace and Credit is dear bought , that is gained by pawning their Souls to the Devil . IV. Some excuse themselves by saying , they utterly detest Swearing , but they have so long accustomed themselves thereunto , that they know not how to leave it . A. In pleading long custom , thou dost not at all excuse , but the more accuse thy self . For it is as if the Thief should plead at the Bar , that he had been so long accustomed to pilfring and stealing , that he could not now leave it : Would the Judge take this excuse for good , or rather the sooner condemn him , as more justly deserving to be hanged . If Custom will not excuse the Thief for his Stealing , nor the Adulterer for his Whoring , how shall it excuse the Swearer for his swearing ? For every sin , by how much the more common and customable , by so much the more heynous and detestable . If once to swear vainly be a sin , then is customary Swearing a crying sin , and must needs incur the higher condemnation . Know therefore ▪ 1. That an evil Custom is better broken than kept . 2. Such an evil Custom as this , though it be hard yet 't is necessary to be broken : say not any more , thou canst not leave it , thou must leave it , or die : thou must break this custom , or it will break thy back , and undo thee for ever . To help such as have long accustomed themselves to Swearing in their ordinary discourse , I shall give them these few Directions . 1. Believe thy present condition to be very sad and dangerous , so long as thou livest in this sin . What hope of Salvation canst thou have without true and unfeigned repentance ? 2. Keep a narrow warch over thy tongue , that thou mayst not offend in this kind any more . And if thou hast been so long accustomed to it , that thou even despairest of leaving it off at once , labour to leave it by degrees . Resolve whatsoever occasion is offered , to keep such a narrow watch over thy tongue , that ( with the assistance of Gods Grace ) thou wilt not swear for the space of an whole day . And when thou hast got so far the Victory over thy former evil custom , then take a longer , and a longer time : and so at length , by the assistance of Gods Grace , thou wilt quite forget thine old and wicked custom . 3. Break this old and wicked custom , by taking up a new , and better : Accustom thy self to serious and savoury discourse : let thy Speech be full of Grace , and then it will be empty of Oaths . 4. Seriously lay to heart those Iudgments that from time to time have been executed on Swearer , which have been many , and grievous . Some dying with flaming heat in their mouths , as though the Fire of Hell were there already kindled : Othe●●●●ing with swoln tongues , and distorted mouths . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the foulness of their sin by the strangeness of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ▪ I have read of a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 was a common Swearer , upon every 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the name of God in vain ; wh●…h 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Lord against him , as that he sent 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his mouth , as eat out his Tongue , the very instrument wherewith he had so abused the name of God. I have likewise met in Authors the relation of a young Gentleman of Cornwall , who being in the company of other Gentlemen , swore most dreadfully , for which being reproved by some in the company , he swore more and more . At length as they were going over a Bridge in their journey , which went over an arm of the Sea , this swearer so spurred his Horse , as he sprang clean over the Bridge with the man on his back , who as he was going cryed , horse and man and all to the Devil . Such remarks of the Divine vengeance thou maist fall under here ; but O what remains to be look'd for hereafter ? These Oaths which now vanish with the speaking , and fly into the wind , will all meet thee in the belly of hell , and there those darts which thou hast thrown up against Heaven , will all be fired , and stick in thy heart for ever . O Young man , consider therefore what folly and madness it is for thee to hazard thy body , and expose thy soul ( which is of more worth unto thee than ten thousand Worlds ) to the suffering of all these fearful punishments , both in this life , and the life to come , for just nothing , for a vain and unprofitable sin , which bringeth good neither to soul , or body . CHAP. XVI . Of Lying , which is another Vice whereunto Young men are addicted . VI. ANother Vice whereunto Young men are addicted is Lying , which doth usually accompany swearing ; Therefore Hos. 4. 2. we find swearing and lying yoaked together . Common Swearers , I know , do ordinarily twit those who make Conscience of an Oath , that though they will not swear , yet they can lye . But sure we are , that they , who make no Conscience of an Oath , will make less Conscience of a lye : they who make no bones of dishonouring God by taking his name in vain , will make no bones of deceiving their Neighbour by a Lye. In the opening this Vice , I shall shew you , 1. What a Lye is . 2. What be the kinds and sorts of Lyes . 3. The greatness and heynousness of the sin . 4. Some Motives and Arguments against it . I. For the first , A Lye is a deceitful expression of ones mind against his mind . Or ▪ It is à speaking an untruth wittingly and willingly , with a purpose to deceive . II. For the sorts or kinds of Lyes , They are commonly three , viz. An Officious . A Sporting . And a Pernicious Lye. An Officious Lye , is that which is intended to prevent some danger , or procure some good , either to our selves or neighbour . Many of these are mentioned in Scripture , as the Midwives of Aegypts Lye , Exod. 1. 19. Rahabs Lye , Iosh. 2. 4. Michaels Lye , 1 Sam. 19. 14. A Sporting Lye , or a Lye in jest , is that which is made meerly to make one merry , to pass away time , with the like ; such are old Wives tales of Robbin-hood , Fortunatus , and the like . A Pernicious Lye , is that which is made for some evil , hurtful , and dangerous intent against our Neighbour . Q. Are all these kind of Lyes sinful ? A. Yea. 1. For the last none can doubt . It 's a sin against truth in the general nature of it . And a sin against love and mercy in the end and intent thereof . 2. For the second , namely a Sporting Lye , no great doubt is made ; for to say the least of it , besides that it is a sin against truth , it is also an unwarrantable , and an idle mispending of precious time , which ought rather to be redeemed . 3. For the third , namely an Officious Lye , though some make doubt thereof , yet it appears to be sinful , and unlawful . 1. The Scripture maketh no difference or distinction of a Lye when it condemns it : but indefinitly , and generally forbids , and condemns all manner of Lying , therefore the Officious Lye is a sin . 2. That which is committed against God , though it make never so much for man , is sin . But every Lye is committed against him ; for in every thing we do , we have to deal with God , and must approve all our actions to him ; therefore before him to say any thing with our Tongue , which in our Consciences we know to be otherwise , is to sin against God , who is a God of truth . 3. Men may not Lye for God , much less for a man , Isa. 61. 8. I hate Robbery for Burnt-Offering ; and he that hates to be served by Theft , does as much hate to be served by a Lye. Obj. Many Saints , and holy servants of God have used ' this Officious Lye , as Rebecca , and Iacob , Gen. 27. 18 , 19. Abraham , Gen. 20. 2. A. The best have their sins , and we are to follow their Vertues , and to fear their faults . Their faults were never recorded for our imitation , but for our Caution . Obj. Yea but God commendeth and rewarded many for their Officious Lye. A. It is not so . God never commended , nor rewarded any for their Lye ; Indeed many did excellent works by this means , ( which had yet been better had they not used a Lye ) as Rahah , the Aegyptian Midwives , and others . In their works they gave great testimony of their faith , though in their Lye of their frailty . Now it was their faith which God commended , and the things they did , not the manner of doing them , for therein they failed , and God was merciful to them . So much for the several kinds of Lyes . III. For the third particular , namely The greatness and heinousness of this sin of Lying . Surely of sins that are lightly accounted of in the World , and commonly committed , it 's one of the most heinous , which appeareth . 1. In that it is so full of infamy , that such as make no Conscience of any sin , yet cannot endure to be charged with a Lye. 2. It tends to the utter overthrow of humane Society . For what comfortable Society , or commerce can there be , where men regard not what they say ? How shall a man know what to look for , or what to trust to , unless men speak the truth one to another ? He that uses to Lye , how can he be believed when he speaks truth ? 3. Lyars in Scripture are reckoned amongst Murtherers , Idolaters , and other heinous sinners , whose lot and portion , without true and unfeigned Repentance , will be hell-fire to all eternity , Rev. 21. 8. But the Fearful and Unbelivers , and Murtherers , and whore-mongers , and Sorcerers , and Idolaters , and all Lyars , shall have their part in the Lake which burneth with fire and brimstone . 1. The heinousness of Lying appeareth , in that it is a sin against knowledge and Conscience . It cannot be committed ignorantly , but against knowledge , and consequently against Conscience , if it be not past feeling . 5. The heinousness of this sin appears in that it is ordinarily an aggravation of other sins It is often made use of as a covering for sin . When men are faulty , a Lie must be contrived to conceal the matter . Thy Servant went no whither , said Gehazi , when he had been taking a Bribe . Let his Leprosie speak what advantage his Lye got him . Dare to be true , nothing can need a Lye. A Fault that needs it most , grows two thereby . Herbert's Divine Poem . O Young men , I appeal to your Consciences , whether you have not many wayes made your selves guilty of this most heinous , and odious sin of Lying , but especially in your buying , selling , and trading . Have you not oft-times said in selling your commodities , It is good , yea very good , and no better to be had for money , when you know it is naught ? Have you not often said , That such a commodity stood you in so much , when as indeed it cost you far less ? and that you were offered such and such a price for the same , when as in truth it was not so ? Motives or Arguments against the sin of Lying . 1. It is as expresly against the letter of the Law as any other sin . Read Lev. 19. 11. Ye shall not steal , neither deal falsly , neither lye one to another . And Col : 3. 9. Lye not one to another . 2. Lying is a mark of the Devils Children , Joh. 8. 44. Ye are of your Father the Devil — he abode not in the truth , because there is not truth in him . When he speaketh a lye , he speaketh of his own , for he is a Lyar and the Father of it . God is a God of truth , and his Children are Children that will not Lye , Isa. 63. 8. Satan is said , Act. 5. 3. To fill the heart to Lye. Why hath Satan filled thine heart to Lye to the Holy Ghost ? Speak Lyar , when thou speakest a Lye , whose Language is this ? 't is the Devils Mother-tongue : whenever thou hast a Lye in thy mouth , 't is a sign the Devil is in thine heart . But whose Child art thou the while ? none of Gods , he is the God of truth : 't is sure thou art the Devils Child , for he is a Lyar , and the Father of it . O Friend , is it nothing to be the Devils Child ? and to have thine own tongue proclaiming it ? It will not be long , if thou use this trade , ere thou be carryed down to thy Fathers house , the place of Lyars , Rev. 21. 8. 3. Consider the reward of a Lyar even among men , which is not to be believed , when he speaks the truth . Common experience sheweth , that one being once found in a Lye , is hardly after believed , but is scorned as a man of no credit . 4. As this sin is hateful in it self unto God , so it makes the practisers thereof to be odious and abominable unto him . Prov. 6. 16. These things doth the Lord hate , yea , they are abomination unto him , A proud look , a lying tongue , &c. Though God hates and abhors all sin , yet some are more abominable unto him than others , amongst which Lying is one . And Prov. 12. 22. Lying lips are abomination to the Lord. O Young men , how should the consideration of these things effectually prevail with you to keep a strict watch over your selves , that you break not forth into this sin of Lying , but as the Apostle exhorteth , Eph. 4. 25. Putting away lying speak every man truth with his Neighbour . Obj. Some object , and say , There is no living , or at least , no thriving , without lying . To tye our selves alwayes to speak the truth , must needs be a great hinderance to our profit . A. That profit thou gettest by Lying , will be little profitable unto thee . For thereby thou sellest thy Soul unto the Devil ; and that is a miserable bargain , where the Soul is given in to boot for some trifling gain , which cannot be ransomed with the whole world . Men commonly think , that that gain is sweet , and comes easily in , that is gotten by lying : But alas , what sweetness or comfort can there be in that gain , that brings Gods Curse with it ? Will thy gain ( if it were the gaining of the whole World ) be able to countervail the loss of Gods favour , and thine own Salvation ? O Young Man , think on these things : And whatever thy Trade be , have nothing to do with the Trade of Lying . Now that thou art setting up thy Trade , let not Lying , ( which hath a great stock going in almost every Trade ) have any thing in thine . Resolve to be true and honest ; content thy self with righteous gains . But if thou wilt yet be a Lyar , never henceforth count that God , but the Devil is thy Father : and know , that though thou lye unto men , yet God will not lye unto thee : he that is true in his promises , will be true in his threatnings . God hath said , Lyars shall be shut out of his Kingdom , and shut up in the lake of fire : God will not lye unto thee . If this be thy practice , Hell will be thy place , and thy portion , as sure as God is true . CHAP. XVII . Of Back-biting , or Tale-bearing , which is another Vice whereunto Young Men are addicted . VII . ANother sin whereunto Youth is subject , is Back-biting , or Tale-bearing , which is a malicious defaming ▪ of a man behind his back , an uncharitable blazing abroad his failings and infirmities . This we find expresly forbidden by God in his Word , Lev. 19. 16. Thou shalt not go up and down as a Tale-bearer among thy People , publishing those faults of theirs , which ought rather to be concealed . The word in the Original , signifieth a walking about with Tales , as it were a Pedler with Wares . For as the Pedler having gathered up several Wares from several persons , carrieth them up and down from one place to another , and is ready to open his Pack in every place where he comes : In like manner , Back-biters , and Tale-bearers , having gathered up an evil Pack , the Rags and Scabs , the sores and faults of Gods People from several persons , carry them up and down from house to house , and there uncover , and vend them ; not taking any notice the mean while of their Vertues , and good deeds , though they are far more than their failings . In which respect they may not unfitly be resembled to the Beetle , or Horse-fly , which when it flieth into a Field full of sweet Flowers , if there be but a little filthy dung in it , will be sure to light upon that , passing over the sweet Flowers . Thus is the Tale-bearer apt to pass by all the good things that are in Professors ; but their slips and infirmities he gladly observes , and with delight can speak of them . But as our Saviour speaketh , Matth. 7. 3. Why beholdest thou the Mote that is in thy Brothers eye ? why art thou so curious an observer of his smallest infirmities ? think on thine own Beam , the greater evils which thou mayst find in thy self , and this would silence thy reproaches of thy Brother . Surely if the Lord should so narrowly pry into all the faults of his servants , as we who are Fellow-servants do into the infirmities of one another , who were able to abide it ? And should we pry into , and so freely publish our own naughtiness , the pride , the follies , the frowardness of our own hearts , as we do our Brethrens , what a name should we get us in the world ? Let us rather in this shew our selves the Children of our heavenly Father . As he doth unwillingly see the faults of his Children , and passeth by many of their transgressions , Micah 7. 18. so let us be loth to see or hear of the infirmities of Gods Children , but rather pass them by , and with the Garment of Charity cover their nakedness . I deny not but we may judge the Tree by the Fruit : If we see a man apparently guilty of lewd , scandalous sins , and impenitently continuing in them , we may ( leaving his final damnation to the Searcher of all hearts ) judge and censure him , for the present , to be in a most wretched estate . But we ought not to be too Critical in observing the slips and infirmities of our Neighbours ; and then without sufficient reason , and with joy and delight , to speak of them unto others . For the preventing whereof , I would commend unto you that Lesson which the Heathen Philosopher taught his Schollars ; namely , In the seeing or hearing other mens faults to inquire , Numquid ego tale ? whether I have done the like ? or whether I may not do the same , or worse ? For there is in every one of us that Original corruption , which containeth in it the seeds of all sins , which would spring forth in us as notoriously as in others , did not God keep them down , either by his renewing or restraining Grace . By reason of this Original corruption , the best of us have a disposition to the vilest sins : Therefore saith the Apostle , Gal. 6. 1. Brethren , if any man be overtaken with a fault , ye which are spiritual , restore such an one in the spirit of meekness , considering thy self , least thou also be tempted . That is , considering thine own frailty , how thou mayst easily be overtaken with the same , the like , or a greater sin : therefore deal as mildly and mercifully with him , as thou wouldst others should deal with thee ; or thou art like to find the same measure from others , to find others as ready to censure and judge thee , as thou hast done thy Brother ; who will have as little care of thy Credit , as thou hast had of his . For it oft falls out by the just Judgment of God , that they who are lavish in publishing their Brothers failings , do find others as forward to speak of , and spread their faults . Do as thou wouldst be done by : Wouldst thou not be evil spoken of ? speak not evil of others . Wouldst thou not be made a by-word , and a reproach , and a Table-talk thy self ? let not others be made so by thee . CHAP. XVIII . Of the well ordering our Thoughts . HAving shewed sundry Vices whereunto Young Men are much addicted , that so they may carefully avoid the same ; I come now to another direction for the leading a godly and gracious life , which is this ; Keep a strict watch over thy self in those things which concern thine own person . For thy help therein , observe these Rules . 1. Be careful of thy thoughts . Care of , and about thoughts , is a special discovery of a godly man. Other men do seldom any more than wash the out-side , let what will lodge within them : Or if Conscience sometimes put them upon a restraint of inward passions , and lusts , yet when do we find any of them make Conscience of a thought ? For the better keeping thy thoughts in order , put these things in practice . 1. Give God thy first thoughts , by prepossessing thine heart at thy first awaking with thoughts of his infinite Purity , Wisdom , Power , Mercy , Truth , or the like Excellencies in him . Thus did David , Psal. 139. 18. When I awake , I am still with thee ; that is , so soon as I awake , my thoughts are upon thee , meditating on thy Word and works ; whereby his heart was exceedingly fenced and guarded , both against the suggestions of Satan , and the wicked risings of his own heart . Holy and spiritual thoughts in the Morning will so season thine heart , that thou mayst retain the savour of so good a beginning all the day after . 2. Do thine utmost to keep bad thoughts out of thine heart : but if they have entered in , and got possession , suffer them not to lodge and continue there , but thrust them out of doors by head and shoulders , so soon as they appear . We cannot hinder Birds from flying over our heads , yet may we easily prevent their Nestling there . So the best of men cannot always hinder the hovering of worldly , wanton thoughts in their hearts , yet must they deny them Harbour there , by a speedy rejecting of them . 3. Make it thy business frequently to raise , and extract holy and useful thoughts , as from all Gods dealings with thee , so from what thou seest or hearest , yea from all accidents and occurrences . As the Philosophers Stone is said to turn all Metals into gold ; so by this Heavenly Chymistry mayst thou turn all earthly things into some spiritual advantage , and extract the pure gold of spiritual thoughts from common objects and occurrences . 4. In regard the spirits and thoughts of men are very active , always busied ; if they be not set upon good objects , they will be working upon bad ; it will be thy wisdom to get such a Treasure of Divine Truths , and Gospel Mysteries , as may furnish thy heart with abundance of matter for holy and spiritual thoughts , and to be much in exercising thy self upon them . Matth. 12. 35. A good man , saith our Saviour , out of the good treasure of his heart , bringeth forth good things ; that is , sendeth out suitable Emanations for the good and comfort of his own Soul , as well as others . Mens layings out are according to their layings up : Such as have a Stock of Spiritual Provision , I mean , have treasured up many precious Promises , many Gospel-mysteries , and Scripture-truths in their hearts , will be able to bring forth as favoury discourses in company for the benefit of others ; so many spiritual thoughts , when they are alone , for the good and comfort of their own Souls . 5. Oft consider Gods Omnisciency , whereby he knoweth not only all our secret works , whether good or evil , but also the thoughts of our hearts . Thou knowest , saith David , my down-sitting , and my up-rising , thou understandest my thoughts afar off , Psal. 139. 2. There are two things which God is said to know afar off , the Pride of man , and the Thoughts of man. He hath , it seems , a severe eye up on each of these : He minds our thoughts before they come into our minds ; while they are in the Chaos , in the confused Womb of the Soul , before they are expresly conceived and formed , God knoweth them : and therefore must needs know what we think , when we think . Surely , O Young Man , didst thou seriously consider this , thou wouldst be more fearful of sinning in secret , and more watchful over thy thoughts , not suffering any worldly , wanton , or exorbitant thoughts to lodge and harbour in thy breast , much more to rule and domineer there . 6. Consider how God expects to be honoured by our thoughts , as well as by our words and actions ; by the workings of the heart , as well as by the way of the life . Holy thoughts are something of the root of an holy life : who knows how much precious fruit may be in a good thought ? It 's true , if they die as soon as they are born , and bring forth nothing , God will but lightly regard them ; but there is great hope that where the Grace that is in the heart does put forth into holy thoughts , it will thence spring up into holiness of life . Therefore , O Young Man , forget not daily to render unto God thy Thought-service , as well as thy Tongue-service ; and the rather , because thou hast more opportunities for the one , than the other . Thou hast not always opportunity for outward performances , but thou mayst when thou pleasest think of God , and the matters of Eternity , where-ever thou art . What can hinder thee from giving a Visit to Heaven every hour , and oftner ? Send these winged Messengers up constantly , let there be frequent comings and goings betwixt Heaven and thine heart : let thy Messengers go up , and they will doubtless bring thee down gracious and comfortable returns . He whose eye is much upon God , his Eye will affect , and warm , and quicken his heart , and beget upon it the very Visage and Image of God , in the view of whose Face he lives . These good Spies sent up in search of the good Land above , will return with such Clusters of the precious Fruits thereof , as will revive and incourage , and also strengthen the heart for that hard service it may be put to in its journey thither . None make such haste Heaven-ward , and such sensible Progress in their way , as they whose eye is continually there . 7. Whensoever thou goest unto God in Prayer , amongst other thy sins , bewail the multitude of vain , worldly , wanton thoughts that lodge in thine heart , and there Revel it day and night . Think it not enough to confess the outward acts of sin , but likewise the inward contemplative wickedness , and speculative filthiness which is in thine heart . For the outward acts of wickedness are no more transgressions of the Law , than the inward thoughts , which do beget and produce the outward acts . And sinful thoughts are the more abominable , for that they are the Fountain and Original of all actual sins . Such therefore as please themselves with this fancy , that they were never guilty of outward acts of Uncleanness , Drunkenness , Murther , Oppression , and the like , so long as they entertain and harbour inward lusts after those , or any other sins , and live in contemplative wickedness , they shall find those to their cost and woe as dangerous , as the outward gross acts of wickedness and uncleanness . Besides , we ought to bewail our vain thoughts , because of the number of them , which indeed are numberless . Not a moment of our lives , but swarms of vain thoughts arise in our hearts : so that though they may be accounted lesser sins in comparison of outward gross acts , yet by reason of their multitude they may prove as dangerous as they . Many Sands by their multitude may sink a Ship , as well as a few great Mill-stones : So vain , wicked , worldly , wanton thoughts , by reason of their number and multitude , may sink a Soul to Hell , as well as a few outward gross acts . Therefore , O Young Man , thou hast cause to humble thy self for thy sinful thoughts , as well as for thy sinful words and actions . And having confessed them unto God , then amongst thy Petitions , let one be for Grace to inable thee to keep down all wicked , wanton thoughts ; and to give thee his sanctifying Spirit , which may spiritualize thy carnal heart , making it more holy and heavenly , fit to produce heavenly thoughts . CHAP. XIX . Of the well ▪ ordering and governing our Words . II. AS thy thoughts must be well ordered and governed , so likewise thy words , which is of special importance for preservation both of our outward and inward peace ; and wherein consisteth much of the truth and reality of our Religion . For if a man seem to be Religious , and bridleth not his tongue , but breaketh out into bitter and reviling speeches , that mans Religion is vain , or to no purpose , Iam. 1. 26. Though his Profession be glorious , yet it will little advantage his Soul. Therefore Solomon adviseth , next to the keeping our hearts , to keep our tongues , Prov. 4. 23 , 24. we ought to be the more careful of our tongues . 1. Because we are very prone to offend therein ; corrupt speaking being the ordinary issue of our corrupt nature . 2. Christ hath delivered it as a certain truth , That for every idle word that men shall speak , they must give account in the day of Iudgment . And that by our words we shall be justified , and by our words we shall be condemned , Mat. 12. 36 , 37. Because mens words do declare what their inward disposition is ; therefore by their words are they justified , or condemned . Beware therefore , O Young Man , that thou dost not vainly and causleslly increase thy accounts , either by rotten and unsavoury , or by idle and unprofitable discourses . Far be it from thee to use this wind of words , as Bellows to kindle against thy self the flame of Gods wrath here , and the fire of Hell in the life to come . But rather let it be thy care with the Prophet David , To take heed to thy ways , that thou offend not with thy tongue , Psal. 39. 1. For thy better help therein , take these few Directions . 1. Be not too free of thy tongue , but let thy words be few , knowing that in multitude of words there wanteth not sin ; but he that refraineth his lips is wise , Prov. 10. 19. And Prov. 17. 27. He that hath knowledge spareth his words : and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit , knowing when to speak , and when to keep silence ; and vers . 28. Even a Fool when he holdeth his peace , is counted wise , because he hath this happiness , not to discover his want of wisdom . Many a mans folly and ignorance would not appear , could he but keep his own counsel . And the Apostle Iames , Chap. 1. 19. exhorteth to be swift to hear , and slow to speak . To which purpose Nazianzen well observeth , how God hath appointed a double guard to keep in the tongue ; namely , the lips , and two rows of teeth , that it might be restrained from breaking out by this double fence . Be not therefore lavish in words , but sparing in thy speech ; for silence is an excellent Vertue , and saveth many a mans Credit , Reputation , and Conscience . 2. Let your converse one with another be more fruitful ; communicating your experiences , your comforts and supports one to another , exhorting one another , and provoking one another to love , and good works . This questionless is one end of Gods bestowing his gifts and graces upon us , that we might impart what we have received , to the spiritual good and benefit one of another . And hereby shall we increase and improve our own gifts , and graces ; by communicating we increase our store . We may warm our own hearts by our endeavours to warm our Brethrens . That your discourses may be the more profitable , have ever in your mind some useful questions to propound to others : but therein be sure to have respect to the abilities and capacities , and the edifying of your selves , or them , to whom you propound your doubts . If they be Learned Divines , or experienced Christians , then you may desire the opening and clearing some difficult place of Scripture , or the resolving some Case of Conscience , or the explaining some hard point in Divinity . If they be your Equals in understanding , then suit your discourse to their capacities ; and let it be your wisdom to observe wherein mens abilities chiefly consist , and to apply your selves to them accordingly ; whereby you will much advantage your selves , and give others occasion to improve those gifts and talents which God hath bestowed on them . 3. When others are talking of worldly or common matters , labour to turn the stream of their discourses to some spiritual and savoury subject , to talk of God , or Christ , or Heaven , or of the way and means that lead thereunto . It is much to be lamented , that professing Christians should so often meet together to so little purpose . How is their time generally taken up with discourses of worldly matters , without a word of God , or Heaven ! whereas if we are furnished with skill and resolution to imbrace all opportunities which might minister matter of digression from worldly to spiritual and heavenly discourses , we might make our meetings far more profitable than they are . 4. Be not over-forward either in revealing that which another hath committed to thy trust , or in revealing thine own secrets to another , lest in the end , he proving to be unfaithful , thou be inforced ( but too late ) to repent thy folly . That which thou wouldst not have told to another , tell no body ; for if thou canst not , why shouldst thou think another will conceal what concerns thee ? 5. Let no corrupt communication proceed out of thy mouth , Eph. 4. 29. Neither filthiness , nor foolish talking , nor jesting , Ephes. 5. 3 , 4. It is better to forbear speaking , than to vent that which is vain and unprofitable , or worse than silence . Abstain therefore from all evil speakings , of which the Apostle there mentioneth three kinds . 1. Obscene and wanton speeches , which he calleth filthiness , and reckoneth amongst those evil speakings , which he would not have named amongst Christians : Yet how full of them are the mouths of many young men ? who make it their repast and reputation to utter wanton speeches , to tell filthy tales , and to sing Songs of love and lightness , full of abominable filthiness ; which plainly sheweth the pollution and uncleanness of their hearts ; for out of the abundance of the heart , the mouth speaketh , Matth. 13. 34. Obscene and unchaste speeches , as they spring from , so they are great provocations to lust ; For evil communications corrupt good manners , 1 Cor. 15. 33. words being as the vent of an unclean heart , and as Bellows to blow up its filthy fire into a greater flame . Know then , O Young Men , it doth highly concern you in special , to be watchful over your words in this kind : For of all sorts of corrupt speeches , this filthy speech is the most beastly and corrupting . There are others more irksome to the ear ; as Blasphemies , Swearing , Cursing , and the like ; but wanton and lascivious talk is the most inticing : and so much the more to be taken heed of , because it 's somewhat pleasant and delightsome both to carnal speakers and hearers . Observe the Songs that Young Men and Maidens have most frequently in their mouths , and you shall find them to be full of filthiness . Is it any wonder then that so many fall into divers kinds of unclean and beastly actions , when as their words are so seasoned , or rather poysoned with this filthiness ? How can Chastity be preserved , when such provocations to Lust are continually used ? The Soul of Iust and Righteous Lot was vexed with the filthy speeches of the Sodomites , 2 Pet. 2. 7. And how canst thou think that thou hast a righteous Soul in thee , if thou take delight in uttering , or hearing filthy speeches ? 2. Another kind of evil speaking , which the Apostle mentioneth , is foolish talking ; whereby he meaneth vain and unprofitable discourses of whatsoever cometh into mens heads , which tend to no good purpose , but are used only to pass away time . Many , I know , are apt to think , that vain and idle words are not to be reckoned of : But let such remember , that God registreth them all , and will bring them one day to a reckoning for the same , before his Judgment-seat . O Young Man , how doth it then concern thee to be watchful over thy words , and speeches ? Oh think not vain and unprofitable discourses to be so light as not to be regarded . Consider to what end God made thy Tongue ; namely , to glorifie him , and edifie thy Brother . Consider also what a precious thing time is , ( which we ought by all means to redeem ) and thou shalt find , that to pervert the right end of the Tongue by ▪ babling foolish things , and to mispend so much precious time thereby , is no light or small sin . 3. Iesting is the next kind of evil speaking , mentioned by the Apostle , Eph. 5. 4. whereby he especially meaneth such jesting as tends to the abusing of Scripture , or deriding such as fear God , or mocking of our Neighbour . The word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , in the Text , Aristotle sets down for a Vertue , which the Apostle there condemneth for a Vice. And truly Iesting ( especially without great watchfulness , as to the matter and measure of it ) doth very ill become Christians . For , 1. It 's not agreeable to our Profession , which requireth a very grave and serious Spirit , and behaviour . 2. It 's apt to put the heart out of tune , to discompose it for those weighty and spiritual concernments which we have before us , and to dispose us for vanity and frothiness . 3. It 's an occasion of mispending much precious time , and of abusing that gift of Wit which God hath given for the good and profit of others , and not for the hurt and disgrace of any . Pleasantness of converse , so it be innocent , and tending to good , is both allowable and commendable : but that liberty of Wit which we intend for a recreation , should be but as Sauce to our meat , but little as to the measure of it , and profitable as to the end of it ; namely , to whet the appetite to that which is better . CHAP. XX. Of the well-ordering our Actions . III. AS thy Thoughts and Words must be well ordered , so likewise thy Actions , and that in the whole course of thy life . This the Apostle intendeth , Phil. 1. 27. Let your conversation be such as becometh the Gospel of Iesus Christ ; that is , as you have imbraced the Gospel of Christ , and made a Profession of Religion ; so see that your Conversation be suitable and answerable thereunto : thereby manifesting the power of the Gospel in you . Oh how sad a sight is it to see men making a Profession of Religion , instead of adorning the same with a godly life , disgracing it , and denying the power thereof in their loose and carnal conversation ! Let such talk what they will of their Faith , that they do believe in Jesus Christ ; and therefore doubt not their condition is as good as the best ; yet let them know , that that Faith will not save them , which brings not forth a godly life . Though Faith alone justifies , yet Faith which is alone , not accompanied with good works , doth not justifie , nor save . It is a dead Faith , Jam. 2. 20. Wilt thou hope to live by that Faith which is dead ? Young men , let it not content you to be only believing , but be doing Christians : be not professing only , but be living Believers . Hast thou Grace ? prove that thy Grace is true by this , that thou hast not received the Grace of God in vain . Let thy love prove thy Faith , and thy labours of love prove thy love , and the fruit of thy labours prove that thou hast not either believed , or laboured in vain . Be a Christian for action ; let Religion be not only thy Profession , but thy business . Let it not be the business of thy Sabbaths , or of thy praying times , but let it be the ordinary business of thy life ; let thy whole course evidence , that Godliness is not an Airy , or empty notion , an insignificant and useless form or shew ; but that there is a spirit of life and power in it , which worketh in thee mightily . That thy actions , and the way of thy life may be according to Godliness ; I shall give thee , 1. Some general . 2. Some particular Directions . General Directions are these . 1. Ingage thy self deeply in a design for Eternity . Resolve for Heaven , and the way that leads to it . Be not longer a man for this world , but for the Everlasting Kingdom ; and study out with plainness of heart , what is the surest way to the blessedness to come ; and what ever thou findest it to be , what ever Objections thou meetest with against it , let that be thy way . Studiously consider how thou mayst get into that way , and contrive and cast about how thou mayst effectually make progress in it . Godliness is the way to blessedness ; and therefore let that be thy great study , how thou mayst live godly . Till thou hast in good earnest taken up a godly design , thou wilt never do any thing to purpose in it . The most of men are so far from living a godly life , that they have not yet designed any such thing . Some good may be done at times by them , but it is only as it falls in their way , by accident , rather than upon any serious good intent . This God regards not at all , nothing is acceptable to him , no nor like to be profitable to us , but what is done upon design , upon this godly design . When the series or course of our actions do , as the several Links in a Chain , all hang together , and draw all one way , then there 's like to be something done to purpose . When there is only some little good scattered up and down , here a Link of the Chain , and there another , but not joyned in a Chain together , they will not help us on our way . Let that therefore be your first care , take up an heavenly design , and therein let all your particular acts of Religion hang together . 2. Let thy whole life be a prosecuting and serving thy godly design . And that thou mayst the more effectually prosecute it , and prosper in it , 1. Let Faith and Love be the Root of thy life , and the several actions of it . 2. Let the Word and Will of God be the rule of thy actions . 3. Let the glorifying and injoying God be the end of them . 1. Let Faith and Love be the root of thy actions . 1. Let Faith be the root of them , 1 Tim. 1. 5. The end of the Commandment is Charity out of a pure heart , and a good Conscience , and [ Faith unfeigned . ] Heb. 11. 6. without Faith it is impossible to please God. Our persons must be accepted first , before our actions , and neither the one nor the other will be accepted without Faith in Christ , Heb. 11. 4. A godly life , and a life of Faith , are the same . A life of Faith hath its Original from above , is fetch'd down from Christ , and is maintained and carried on by a continual supply of fresh influences from him , without whom we can do nothing . If thou wilt live godly , thou must look to Christ , and lean on Christ , and go to Christ for all thy strength and motion . A Christian is beholding to Christ for every good motion he moves , for every Grace he hath , and for every good duty he doth . Carnal Professors are beholding only to their Books , or their Teachers , or their Acquaintance , or their Parts , their Understanding , their Memories , &c. Nay , it may be to their Flesh , and their Lusts , for all their Religion : they would not pray as they do , nor take such pains to hear as they do , nor profess as they do , did not their pride , or their covetousness , or their company prompt and press them to it . But the Religion of a sincere Christian , whatever advantage it may have from Books , or Teachers , or good Society , yet it springs and rises all from Christ. That Faith , which is their Root , uniting them to Christ , doth also , as their root , suck such spirits , and sap , and strength from Christ , and convey it to their Souls , that they are thereby furnished for , and quickned to every good 〈◊〉 . Let it be thus with thee , O Soul ; let thy Faith i●… Christ be the root from whence all thy actions , and 〈◊〉 strength for action comes . 2. Let Love be the root of thy life . Let thy duties be the works of Faith , and labours of Love. The love of Christ constraineth us , 2 Cor. 5. 14. Christians love Christ , both his Person , and holy ways ; and thence 't is they follow him so fast . They love to be holy , and therefore follow Holiness ; they love to pray , and love to hear , and love to labour for Christ , and to watch with Christ , and walk with him ; and therefore 't is they live a Praying , Hearing , Labouring , Watchful life . Love quickens them to duty , and love sweetens every duty . Young Man , thou wilt never bear through the hard services , and great severities of a godly life , thou wilt never ●…old out in that constant care , labour , watchfulness , self-denial , which Religion will put thee upon , unless thy love to Christ do quicken thee on , and sweeten all to thee . Carnal Professors , whatever they do , they do all for fear , or from force or fashion ; they would be bad enough , or do little enough , if they did dare , if they were not afraid , or ashamed , or were it not from the influence of some things external upon them . Though thou also must make use of fear , and all manner of Arguments and helps to lead and press on thy backward heart , yet see to it , that thy love to Christ be the main Spring that sets all thy Wheels a going : this will both give vigour , and a sweet relish to all thou dost : and according to this , according to what love there is in thy duties , so will thy acceptance be with God. 2. Let the Word and Will of God be the Rule of thy life , Psal. 119. 9. Wherewithal shall a Young Man cleanse his way ? The question may be inlarged , wherew●…thal shall a Young , or Old Man , cleanse and order his way ? And the Answer will be the same , By taking heed thereto , according to thy Word . This Word is a Light to the feet , and a Lanthorn to the steps : it sheweth thee what is good , and that good must be done : it sheweth thee what is evil , and what evil is to be avoided : it sheweth thee what good is to be done , and how ; what evils are to be eschewed , and how thou mayst avoid them . Young Man , do not ( as the most of thine Age use to do ) be unruly , live not according to thy unruly head or heart , according to thy unruly lusts and passions , but live by rule ; live not by the rule of Custom , or by the rule of example , after the course of this World ; but let God be thy Ruler ▪ and his Law be thy Rule . As many as walk according to this rule , peace shall be on them , and mercy , Gal. 6. 16. Enquire diligently , what would God have me do ? How would God have me live ? Would God have me live an idle life ? Would God have me to swear , or to lye , or to covet ? Is not this it , that the Lord would have me do , to deny all ungodliness , and worldly lusts , and to live righteously , and soberly , and godly in this present world ? Tit. 2. 12. And if this be it , that the Lord would have , go and live accordingly . 3. Let the glorifying and enjoying of God be the end of thy life , and of all the duties and actions of it . Let this be the scope of thy life , the mark at which thou aimest , that thou mayst honour God , and be happy in him . And that thou mayst eye and pursue both these in one , let this be the aim and intent of thine heart in thy whole course , To work out thine own Salvation , Phil. 2. 12. In this one work is included all that thou hast to do or mind . In this thou wilt best glorifie God , and secure his everlasting love to thine own Soul. Therefore upon this set thine eye , and thine heart in all thy ways : So that if the question be put , wherefore livest thou ? wherefore livest thou thus ? thus holily , thus humbly , thus watchfully , thus self-denyingly ? that thou mayst be able to answer , Why , I live thus , that herein I may work out my Salvation . Resolve to set thy self about nothing , nor to allow thy self in any thing concerning which thou art not able to say , I am herein working out my Salvation , I am herein serving the Lord , and endeavouring the saving mine own Soul. Young Man , dost thou live to this end ? what goest thou so often to the Alehouse , or the Tavern for ? Is that to serve God , and save thy Soul ? what is the intent of thy greediness upon the world , of thy sensual , licentious life , of thy scoffing at the strictness of Religion , dost thou all this also for the pleasing of God , and working out thine own Salvation ? Canst thou say when thou art Drinking and Revelling , when thou art swearing and Lying , or when thou art loytering and playing away thy time , canst thou then say , Now I am serving of God , herein I am working out my Salvation ? Or when thou art playing the Hypocrite , and Formalist , professing , and praying , and hearing , and talking of God , and the matters of Religion deceitfully , out of pride , or for ostentation , or so coldly and negligently as thou ordinarily dost , canst thou then say , I am now praying for my life , bearing for my life ? Will thy pride and thy hypocrisie bring thee to Heaven ? Are these false Duties , that have nothing but a Lye at the bottom , that are the Covert of a rotten heart , are these they on which thou meanest to adventure thy Salvation ? Young Man , if thou wouldst in earnest make this thine aim indeed , the serving of God , and saving thy Soul , and have thine eye and thine heart much upon it , this would both discover to thee , whether thy way were right or wrong , and also fetch thee off from all thy vain and wicked ways , and quicken thee on in , and hold thee close to that righteousness , sobriety , and godliness of life , which is indeed the way to blessedness . Thus much for General Directions . CHAP. XXI . Containeth particular Directions for the ordering our lives , and actions , according to Godliness . IN the next place I shall give thee some particular Directions . I. Beware of living in the wilful omission of any known duty . The omission of good maketh us as liable to eternal vengeance , as the committing of evil . The unprofitable servant , we read , was ●…ast into outer darkness , where was nothing but weeping and gnashing of teeth ; not for mispending his Talent , but for not improving it to his Masters advantage , Matth. 25. 24 , 30. And Luk. 16. 20 , 25. We read how Dives was tormented in Hell , not for taking away from Lazarus , but for not relieving him in his wants . And at the day of Judgment the ▪ Reprobate are condemned , not for oppressing the Poor , but for not feeding them : not for stripping them of their Apparel , but for not cloathing the naked , Mat. 25. 42 , 43. And no marvel , considering the omitting of a known Duty ariseth from a wicked heart , and from a mind averse from God , and unwilling to his service . Besides , sins of Omission are always accompanied with sins of Commission : when we cease to do good , immediately we begin to do evil . Bless not then thy self , O Young Man , in thine harmless condition , thinking thou art as good a Christian as the best , because thou art not as bad as the worst , but canst thank God with the Pharisee , thou art neither Adulterer , nor Drunkard , nor Extortioner : ( it were to be wished that some could say so much ) but know , that this is not sufficient . A man may truly say this , I am not as bad as others , and yet suffer with them in the same Lake of fire . Thy Omissions may be thy undoing : Yea , not only a total omission of all that 's good , but an ordinary , and wilful , and allowed omission of any one thing thou knowest to be thy Duty . This cannot stand with sincerity , which ( however it may be at some time ) will in ordinary , certainly have respect to all the Commandments of God , Psal. 116. 9. O how sadly doth this speak to thee , thou halting and trifling Soul ! Many things thou dost , and therein thou comfortest thy self ; but are there not many things also which thou knowest thou shouldst do , but wilt not ? Thou knowest it is thy duty to pray , to pray in thy Family , in secret in thy Closet , to be constant , to be instant in prayer , Dost thou so ? Thou knowest it to be thy duty to examine thy self , to search thy heart , and try thy ways , that thou mayst know the estate of thy Soul , Dost thou this ? How seldom dost thou spend any pains this way ? It may be thou hast never done it , nor so much as seriously put the question to thy self , Whose Child am I ? or , How may I know whether I be the Child of God , or the Child of the Devil ? Thou knowest it is thy duty to watch , to watch thine heart , and watch thy tongue , and watch against corruption , and temptation ; Dost thou do it ? Thou knowest it is thy duty to sanctifie the Sabbath , by forbearing thy Calling , thy Recreations , and Carnal Pleasures ; by spending the whole day in the publick , and private exercises of Religion , not allowing thy self in vain and impertinent talk , or idle , or worldly thoughts ; Dost thou so ? Thou knowest it is thy duty to do good to others , to their Souls , by exhorting , or reproving them ; to their bodies , by feeding , or cloathing , or otherwise relieving them ; Dost thou so ? Is there none of all this , nor nothing else which thou allowest thy self in the neglect of ? If it be so , how canst thou think thy self sincere ? O Young man , if thou wouldst please God indeed , and have evidence that thou art his , resolve on Universal obedience , and be ready to every good work . Let not Conscience fly upon thee at last , and tell thee , one thing thou lackest , one thing thou wouldst not do . Be faithful , study to know thy whole duty , and rest not till thy heart be willing to follow the Lord in all things whatsoever he commands thee . II. Live not in the practice of any known sin ; For , 1. One sin is a Violation of Gods Law , as well as many . Jam. 2. 10 , Whosoever shall keep the whole Law , and yet offend in one point , is guilty of all . A wilfull breach of one part of the Law makes thee guilty of the Violation of the whole Law. The Law of God is a chain of holy precepts , if one link of a chain is broken , you may say , the chain is broken . 2. One sin allowed , and delighted in , is enough to keep thy soul out of Heaven . As Adam by eating one forbidden fruit was cast out of Paradise : So maist thou out of Heaven , for but one sin , that thou hast committed , and not repented of . 3. The living and delighting in one sin doth evidence a rotten , and unsound heart . As it is made in the Scripture a note of uprightness to make Conscience of every known sin . So it is made a note of Hypocrisie to seem to make Conscience of the forbearance of some sins , and yet to live and lye in the practice of others . Hereby was Herods Hypocrisie discovered , who though upon Iohn Baptists Preaching he reformed much , and did many good things , yet would not part with his beloved Horodias , notwithstanding she was his Brothers Wife . 4. One sin never goeth alone , but is ever accompanied with more . For it is the natural effect of sin ( especially being wittingly committed ) to make men apter to s●…n , Rom. 6. 19 , You have yielded your members servants to uncleanness , and to iniquity , unto iniquity . God in his just judgement oft-times as a punishment for some o●…e sin , leaves men so to themselves , that they break forth into the committing of others . 5. For a man to live and lye impenitently in the practice of a known sin is the dreadfullest judgement in the World. Better were it for a man to be given up to the Devil , than to the power of one sinful Lust. The incestuous person was delivered up to Satan , ( 1 Cor. 5. 5. ) but he was restored again , and the better for it . Whereas we seldome read , or hear of any who were given up to the Lusts of their own hearts , that ever recovered . O Young man , how doth it then concern thee to withstand every Lust , not to indulge thy self in any sin ? but especially to keep thy self from thine own iniquity . I mean , thy natures darling sin , to which thou art most propense by thy complexion , and constitution , and of all thy Lusts are lothest to leave . Let not that bear rule in thee as formerly , but bend thy greatest force against it . As the King of Syria commanded his 32. Captains to fight principally against the King of Israel , for full well he knew , that the King being once slain , the whole Army would soon be discomfited . So if thy beloved sin that reigns and rules in thee were once subdued , thy other sins would soon be vanquished . What saist thou now , O man , wilt thou hearken to this counsel , not to allow thy self in any one sin thou knowest to be so ? Hast thou hearkened to it ? Thou knowest it is a sin to lye , and yet dost thou not lye ? Thou knowest that defrauding , over-reaching , defaming , backbiting , scoffing , quarrelling , thou knowest that these are all sins ; are there none of them which thou allowest in thy self ? Thou knowest 't is a sin , unnecessarily to keep company with sinners , to be the companion of Drunkards , the companion of Swearers , and the vile ones of the earth ; dost thou keep not only from the wayes , but from the company of such ? Are they no company for thee , who are no friends to Godliness ? Dost thou know thine owne iniquities , thy special sins , that have greatest power over thee , and thou hast greatest pleasure in , and dost thou keep thy self from these ? Is there not one Lust that thou wouldst have spared to thee ? God will not spare thee one sin , the Scripture will not allow thee one ; and if thou wilt approve thy self to him , let not thy Conscience allow thee what God allows thee not , and let not thine heart love and entertain and practice it , whether Conscience allow it or no. If thou wilt be upright , keep thee from all , but especially from thine own iniquity . III. If thou hast been overtaken with any sin , and thereby made a wound in thy Conscience , seek an healing Plaister by sound Repentance , and faith in the blood of Christ. Lie not secure in any known sin into which thou art fallen , but rise speedily again : make up every breach between God and thy soul betimes . What the Apostle saith of wrath , Ephes. 4. 26. the same may I say of other sins , Let not the Sun go down upon them . Do not presume to sleep one night in any sin unrepented of . It is dangerous sleeping at the brink of hell . Hast thou fallen into sin ? do not say it is but one , or but a little one . 'T is sin ( be it great or little , one or more ) t is sin , and that 's enough to destroy thee for ever , unless thou repent . Go speedily and make up the breach , repent and seek thy pardon , and thy peace . But what shall I say to you , O rude and wicked Young men , whose whole life is a continued course of iniquity , who have so black a cloud of witnesses to testifie against you , who are so sunk , and drown'd in Lust and sensuality , whose hand is never out , but is alwayes ingaged in one wickedness or other , whose whole life hath been an Apprenticeship to the Devil . What , O what shall I say to you ? Is this a state to take your rest in ? Is this a state to laugh and be so merry in ? How is it that you are not all upon your knees , or fallen upon your faces ? that you are not all in tears , and in tremblings ? Do you sit at the Wine , and chear your selves with strong Drink ? Vinegar , and Gall , and Worm-wood is more proper for you , sorrow and bitterness of soul. What , friends , do you mean to outdare the Almighty ? Do not you fear the wrath of the Lamb ? Are you death-proof , and hell-proof ? Is the judgement to come but abugbear ? Dare you to meet the Judge of all the earth , and to stand before his Bar with all your loads of guilt upon you ? How will your courage come down , and your brisk and wanton looks be appaled ? How will these stout hearts quake , and these bold spirits of yours shiver and fall , and hide themselves if it were possible , from that terrour of the Lord in his dreadful and terrible day ? O how is it that you have no more pity , no more bowels for your poor , perishing , dying souls ? What will you still be laying on more Irons , heavier loads ? What yet more Oaths , and Lyes , and Drunkenness , and Whoredoms , and Obstinacies in them ? What will you never leave loading , till your backs be broken , and you be past remedy ? O repent , repent , and turn to the living God , and he will yet have mercy on you . IV. When through Grace thou art recovered , take heed of falling back again . A relapse is dangerous in bodily diseases , much more in spiritual . Christ gave this advice to the Woman taken in Adultery , and forgiven , Go and sin no more , John 8 , 11. As also to the poor lame man , whom he healed at the Pool of Bethesda , which he back'd with a strong reason , Go and sin no more , lest a worse thing come unto thee , lest the rod be turned into a Scorpion , Iohn 5. 14. Is the unclean spirit departed from thee ? beware that he return not , lest thou become sevenfold more the Child of Hell in thy latter end , than thou wert in the beginning . Let thy former sins , and the smart they have put thee to , be warnings to thee as long as thou livest . Hast thou repented ? Art thou reformed ? Bless God for so great a mercy . Look back upon the mire of the pit out of which thou art delivered , and take heed to thy self , how thou ever comest there again . CHAP. XXII . Of Moderation in the Use of Meat and Drink . V. BE moderate in all things , more Particularly , 1. In the use of Meats and Drinks . 2. In Sports and Recreations . 3. In the pursuit of worldly wealth , and seeking after riches . I. Be moderate in the use of Meats and Drinks . Feed for the satisfying thy hunger , and strengthning thy body for the service of God , and not meerly for the pleasing thy fleshly appetite . I deny not but the Lord sometimes gives us liberty to eat and drink , not only for necessity , but also for delight . And I grant it is a blessing from God promised unto the faithful , Joel 2. 26. That they shall eat in plenty , and be satisfied ; but it is , that they may take occasion thereby to praise the Name of the Lord for his bounty and goodness . But wilt thou therefore eat to Gluttony , and allow thy self in such intemperance , as will make thee as ready to curse God , as to bless and praise him ? Our Saviour warns his own Disciples , Luke 21. 34. Take heed to your selves , lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surseiting , and drunkenness . It is observable how he adviseth us to be as watchful against Gluttony , as Drunkenness . Many look upon Drunkenness as an heinous sin ; but as for Gluttony , they make no sin of it at all , not considering that a man may offend , and make a Beast of himself by excessive Eating , as by excessive Drinking . The Rich Glutton went to Hell , not for any Drunkenness that we read of , but for Gluttony , Luk. 16. 19. Therefore , O Young Man , it concerns thee to be watchful over thy self herein . Let not thy Table be an Altar to thy Belly , lest it become a snare to thine heart . Beware of feeding thy Lust , instead of refreshing thy Body . Eat for service , more than for pleasure ; to preserve Nature , rather than to pamper the Body . And when thou art feeding thy Body , forget not to refresh thy Soul by meditating of Gods goodness and bounty , and Christs sweetness , who is the Bread of Life . That thou mayst be the more watchful against this intemperance , consider the manifold mischiefs which usually accompany the same . 1. It is exceeding hurtful to the body , filling it with crudities , noysom humours , and dangerous obstructions , the Mother of most diseases . If thou wouldst enjoy an active healthful body , rise always from the Table with an Appetite . But oh the folly of many men , who for a short delight , which lasteth no longer than the meat is swallowing down , do endure many hours grievances , through the oppression of the Stomach , and pain of the Head ! yea , oftentimes dangerous Surfeits , which hazard life it self . What pity is there to such who will sell their healths , and their ease , for a few Meals ! let them smart for it , their sickness may cure them of a worse disease . 2. It dulletb the Wit , infatuateth the Mind , emasculateth the Soul , and the powers thereof ; quencheth and devoureth the vigour of the Spirits , whereby a man is often made fit for nothing , but to be a Sleeper , or an idle Drone . Is this thy thankfulness for the bounty of the Lord to thee , to make such use of it , that thou art good for just nothing ? 3. It is a great incentive to Lust ; when men 〈◊〉 provision for the flesh , they soon fulfil the lusts there●… , Rom. 13. 14. Forbear to pamper nature , lest it pr●…ve wanton and impetuous . 4. I would ask such as give up themselves to the satisfying their carnal appetite , making their Bellies their Gods , whether they do not think , that they must one day answer for the good Creatures of God which they have vainly consumed ? If they make any question thereof , hearken to what the Wise Man speaketh , Eccles. 11. 9. Rejoyce , O Young Man , in thy Youth , and let thine heart chear thee in the days of thy Youth : but know thou , that for all these things , God will bring thee into Iudgment . As if he had said , Take thy course , O Young Man , give up thy self to thy Lusts , and please thy sensual appetite , eat , drink , be merry ; but know , thou shalt one day full dearly answer for the same . CHAP. XXIII . Of Moderation in Sports and Recreations . II. BE moderate in thy Sports and Recreations . Spend not too much of thy precious time therein . Certainly if thou didst but seriously weigh and consider , how much work lieth before thee , and how little time remaining for the doing of it , thou wouldst not trifle away so much thereof in vanity and pleasure ; but wouldst rather spend the greatest part of that time thou canst spare from thy particular Calling , in renewing thy peace with God , in clearing up thine Interest in Christ , and making thy Calling and Election sure . I deny not but Recreations are lawful , and may be used ; provided , 1. That they be such as are not forbidden either by the Law of God , or Law of Man. For the pleasing of our selves in any of those , must needs be displeasing unto God. 2. That they be used moderately , not spending too much time in them , nor taking too much pains about them ; for thereby you will rather be disabled for the discharge of the duties of your Calling , than fitted thereunto , which crosseth the main end of Recreations . The Mowers whet is counted no let , but rather a furtherance of his work . But if he spend the whole day , or half a day in whetting , he spoils his Sythe , and hinders his work . Now our Recreations ought to be as whetting to the Mower , wherein no more time must be spent than doth conduce to the better fitting us for the duties of our general and particular Calling . But contrariwise , how do the greater part of Young Men , either accustom themselves to unlawful Recreations , sporting themselves in sin and wickedness ; or else abuse their lawful Recreations , by lavishing away much of their precious time therein , making a Vocation of their Recreation ; as if their work were to play , and their pastimes were the very Trade to which they had served an Apprenticeship , and idleness were the business of their lives . Ah Young Men , is your peace yet to be made with God ? the pardon of your sins yet to be obtained ? your Salvation yet to be wrought out ? And is the time allotted for these things both short and uncertain , and yet do ye squander it away in sports and pastimes ? Doth your everlasting happiness and misery depend upon your well or ill improving of your time here , and can you so prodigally lavish it out in sensual pleasures and delights ? O that men indowed with reason should be so foolish and unwise , as to hazard the eternal welfare of their precious Souls for a few pleasing vanities , which last but for a moment ! It was the sad expression of Lysimachus , who had lost his Kingdom for one draught of water ; For what a short pleasure have I made my self a Bondslave for ever ? Oh the folly and madness that possesseth the hearts of many Young Men to throw away their time upon their Lusts and pleasures , as that which is nothing worth , which hereafter , if they had it , they would give a whole world to redeem it , but cannot obtain . Do you lack Pass-time ? Sports to pass away the time ? company to pass away the time ? Why man , is all thy work done , that thy time now lies upon thy hands ? Look to it , thou mayst hereafter beg for an hour , one hour to pray in , one hour to repent in , which now thou meerly triflest , and playest away . O what a precious commodity would time be in Hell ? One day of Grace , one day to repent in , what a joy would it be to the damned Souls ? but then it will be too late ; it 's gone , and will not be recall'd for ever . The more to restrain you from all excesses in your sports and pastimes , let me propound a few considerations . 1. Consider the shortness and uncertainty of that time which is allotted to thee here , for the doing of all that is to be done for Eternity . Thy life here is but for a moment , in comparison of that which follows after ; yet upon this moment depends thine Eternal state . Thou art in this World but a Probationer for the other World. Look as thou behavest thy self here , either in well improving thy Time and Talent to the glory of God , or in mis-spending it in fruitless sports and recreations , and in satisfying thy carnal Lusts , accordingly will be thy state and condition hereafter to all Eternity . O Young man , what a folly then must it needs be , to deprive thy self of that fulness of joy , which is at Gods right hand to all Eternity , for the enjoyment of a few pleasures here , which last but for a moment ? 2. Consider that the time here spent in vanity and pleasure will yield thee little comfort on thy death-bed . What was it wherewith Hezekiah comforted himself on his supposed death-bed ? Not with calling to mind his former glory , pleasures and delights ; but his serving God in integrity and uprightness of heart , Isa. 38. 1. Remember , O Lord , how I have walked before thee in truth and with an upright heart , and have done that which is good in thy sight . This was that which then yielded hi●… much peace and comfort . Go , O Young man , to the bed-side of a dying man , and mind him both of his Worldly vanities with which in times past he was delighted ; as also of all those duties of piety , and works of righteousness which he hath performed in the whole course of his life . And then ask him in which he doth now take most comfort , and delight ; and you shall find that he will be confounded with shame to think of the former , and exceedingly rejoyce with the remembrance of the latter . 3. Consider how thou must be called to an account at that last and dreadful day of Iudgement , as for thy other sins , so for thy mispent time , for the many precious hours thou hast vainly spent in sports and pastimes . Thou maist ▪ now make light of spending thy precious time in vanity and pleasure , in satisfying thy carnal Lusts , thinking never to hear of them again . But assure thy self , there is a day coming ( how near thou knowest not ) when thou must give account unto God of all thy merry meetings ; yea of every hour spent in worldly pleasures and delights . Now , O Young man , think with thy self how sad the case will be , when thou shalt recollect , how many dayes thou hast spent in sports and Recreations , and how few in fasting and humiliation ; How many hours thou hast spent in Carding and Diceing , in Drinking and Tipling , and how few in Reading , Hearing , Praying , and the like . CHAP. XXIV . Of Moderation in seeking after Riches III. BE Moderate in the pursuit of worldly things , in seeking after riches , that thou maist not be drowned in the cares of them . Joh 6. 27. Labour not for the meat which perisheth , but for the meat which endureth to everlasting life Where by Meat our Saviour meaneth all things which this world affordeth for the use of man : one kind being by a Synecdoche put for all other kinds . And by labouring he meaneth an inordinate , and immoderate endeavour , after the things of this World. For the word in the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , signifieth to endeavour after things with the greatest earnestness , pain , and diligence . So that our Saviour doth not simply forbid the labouring for earthly things , but , 1. The inordinate intention of the mind of him that laboureth , when it is filled with zeal for , and with carking , distrustful thoughts about these earthly things . Oh the carnal distrust of many Worldlings , who think they shall never have enough to keep them when they are old ! which is a sinful anxiety , however vailed under the appearance of providence against future necessity , whereby they do but anticipate their cares , and create a needless Distraction to themselves . 2 The manner of labouring ; when temporal things are preferred before spiritual and Heavenly : therefore our Saviour addeth , but labour for the meat which endureth to everlasting life ; that is , chiefly and especially . Look how much more excellent the soul is than the body , things eternall than those that are temporal , so much more ought we , both in our judgements and affections to prefer , and pursue spiritual grace , and Heavenly glory , before these temporary trifles . 3. The measure of labouring , when we never think we have laid up enough , but are continually and eagerly seeking after more , our hungry hearts crying still in our ears , Gather , Gather , lay up for the dayes to come . When we cannot be content with food convenient , but seek after more than is needful both for the present and future maintenance of the charge God hath committed to us . It is recorded of Esau , that though he was a Prophane , earthly-minded man , yet could say to his Brother Iacob , I have enough , Gen. 33. 9. Oh then what a shame is it for such as make a profession of Religion , and would seem to be of the seed of Iacob , yet cannot say , they have enough ! Oh how many Christians herein come short of Esau ? Should you by your extraordinary care and pains attain to a considerable estate here , what would be your advantage thereby ? Happily you may wear better cloaths , fare more deliciously , provide greater portions for your Children , and at last go to Hell with the more credit than the poorer sort . And is this a priviledge to be so much desired , and laboured after , to descend with pomp into the pit ? Consider , I beseech you , how little good your wealth can do you ? Can it free you from cares ? Can it lengthen your dayes ? Can it keep you from the Dropsie , Feaver , Gout , or other bodily Diseases ? Can it preserve you from death , or obtain the pardon of your sins ? You may indeed procure the Popes pardon , but will God sell you a pardon for money ? Had you all the wealth in the World , it could not purchase Heaven for you , nor free you from hell ▪ no nor procure you a drop of water to cool your tongue , or quench your thirst there . O who would lay out himself wholy upon that which cannot help him in his greatest distresses ! Riches avail not in the day of wrath . I beseech you therefore in the name of Christ , to cast out this Worldliness , and cherish it no longer : know it will prove a Murtherer of your souls ; it will cheat you of everlasting happiness , and entice you into Hell by pretences of profit and advantage . It is observable , that we 〈◊〉 not in all the Scripture that any Saint was guilty of this sin , of setting his heart upon the World , and seeking immoderatly after earthly riches . We read of Aarons Idolatry , Lots Incest , Noahs Drunkenness , Davids Adultery , Peters denial of his Master . But where do you read in Scripture of any Saint that was overcome with this sin ? It is not to be denyed , but that as the seeds of all sin are in the best of men , so likewise the seeds of this sin : but that any Saint was given up to the power thereof , we do not read . How should this consideration stir you up to a greater watchfulness against the same ? For the better taking you off from an immoderate seeking after worldly riches , weigh these few considerations . 1. Consider the Vanity of all earthly things , which appeareth by the Testimony of Solomon , whom God for his Wisdom chose , as it were , to be the Fore-man of a grand-Inquest empanelled to make enquiry into the state of the World , and the things therein . Having seen , and experienced , and suck ▪ d out the juice , and even extracted the Spirits of all worldly things , to make the fuller proof of what there was in them ; at length he gives in his verdict , that they were meer vanity , not only vain , but vanity in the abstract , and therefore altogether ineffectual to render a man truly happy , which he layeth down in this proposition , Eccles. 1. 2. Vanity of Vanities , vanity of vanities , all is vanity , that is , All worldly things are most vain , for thus the superlative degree in the Hebrew is usually expressed ; as the highest Heaven , is called the Heaven of Heavens ; the most excellent Song , the Song of Songs . All worldly things are said to be extreamly vain , 1. Because there is no permanen●…y in them , Being all subject to change and corruption . 2. Because they are false and deceitful , deceiving such as trust in them . They promise much content , and satisfaction , but they are so far from yielding the same , that they often bring much grief and trouble of mind . 2. Consider they are not only vanity , but vexation of Spirit , Eccles. 2. 11. Though riches are nothing in themselves , yet are they full of power and activity to inflict vexation upon the spirit of a man. For there is vexation in getting them , vexation and care in keeping , and vexation in parting with them . So that Worldliness is not only a sin , but a torment and vexation , it is its own punishment . Most sins carry a delight in their face , as this also doth ; but they have a sting in their Tails : That which is so beautiful in thine eye , will be gall in thine heart , and Wormwood in thy belly . As those that live godly , so thou also that wilt live worldlily , must suffer tribulation ; and through those many tribulations must thou enter into the Kingdom of everlasting darkness . 3. Consider that they are empty and unsavoury , yielding no true contentment to them who enjoy them . For how many do we see abounding with wealth , who yet have unquiet and discontented spirits ? whereby it appears , that it is not in the power of outward things to satisfie the heart of man. True it is , these worldly riches promise contentment ; and the Worldlings heart deceiving him , makes him believe , that when he hath raised his Estate to such a proportion , he will then rest satisfied , and contented : but when he hath obtained the Estate , where is the contentment ? He shall not feel quietness in his Belly , but in the fulness of his sufficiency he shall be in straits , Job 20. 20 , 22. Be wise , O Young Man ; if thou hast no more Grace , yet learn more Wit than thus intensely to mind , and immoderately to seek after earthly things , which when thou hast them , cannot add one Cubit to thy contentation . It is God alone that can satisfie the otherwise insatiable heart of man. That Soul that seeketh contentment in any thing below God , is like to have the same success with that unclean Spirit , which sought rest in dry places . The full Bags , or Barns , will be as empty things as his dry places ; thou mayst seek rest in them , but wilt find none . 4. Consider that worldly riches , as they are unsatisfactory , so unprofitable , yielding little profit to those who have most of them , Matth. 16. 26. What will it profit a man , though he gain the whole World , and lose his Soul ? As he assuredly will , who sets his heart more upon gold , than upon Grace and Godliness : and seeketh more earnestly after worldly things , than after an interest in Christ , after the light of Gods Countenance , and the assurance of his loving favour . Suppose a man have an affluency of this Worlds goods , yet what profit or priviledge hath he above him that enjoyeth but a competency ? A little will be enough to a prudent mind , and enough is a feast . When thou hast the most , what wilt thou have more than for Food and Rayment , out of all thy store ? For what 's over and above , thou must be Accountant to thy Lord and Master at the Great Day , how and where thou hast bestowed it for him . Obj. It may be thou wilt reply , that the rich may have daintier Diet , and more costly Apparel , than the poorer sort of people . A. To which I answer , That the rich have no greater priviledge or profit thereby : because the pleasure of eating and drinking consisteth not so much in the daintiness of the fare , as in the goodness of the stomack . He who feedeth on his course fare with an hungry appetite , taketh more delight in his Meat , than he who is glutted with often feeding on his delicious fare . Neither hath the rich man any more benefit by his costly Apparel , than the poor man by his plain habit , which keeps him as warm as the finer and richer . But how many rich Misers are there , who though they have abundance of this Worlds goods , yet have not the heart to use them , but spare from their own backs , and pinch their own Bellies to fill their Purses ! What profit or benefit have such by their riches , but only the beholding them with their eyes ? Besides , no outward riches can make us better in the best things . They cannot make us more acceptable to God ; neither can they make us more rich in Spiritual Grace , more Vertuous , or Religious : they cannot assure us of Gods love , nor of our future happiness : they will not profit us at the day of death ▪ being then like Iob's Friends , miserable Comforters , adding to our grief : neither will they benefit at the day of Judgment , but rather increase our Bills of account , how we have gotten , how we have used , and spent them . Thus you see how unprofitable riches are to the owners and possessors of them . 5. Consider how riches are not only unprofitable , but also hurtful and pernicious to those , who setting their hearts upon them , do inordinately seek after the same . Hurtful they are not in themselves , and in their own nature , but through our corruption , whereby we are apt to abuse them unto evil . 1. The immoderate seeking after riches , will both keep us from the performance of Holy and Religious Duties , and distract us therein . 2. It will expose us to manifold temptations ; as 1 Tim. 6. 9. and put us upon the committing of any sin for the obtaining a little worldly wealth . 3. It will hinder us from attaining unto Heavenly Happiness ; and like the Camels bunch , keep us from entring into the strait Gate . These considerations seriously weighed , will be a special means to take off thine heart from an immoderate seeking after worldly riches . CHAP. XXV . Sheweth the danger of bad Company , and the advantage of good Company . IV. BE careful of thy Company , especially whom thou makest thy bosom and familiar friends ; for that is a matter of exceeding great concernment to thy Spiritual Welfare . This I shall branch into two Heads . 1. Avoid the Society of wicked and prophane persons . 2. Desire and imbrace the Company of the Godly . I. Avoid the Society of wicked men , which hath been the bane and ruine of thousands of Young Men. I do not say that all manner of Society with graceless and prophane persons is sinful and unlawful , and that thou oughts not to come at all into their company , nor to have any intercourse and commerce with them in buying , selling , and the like . But thy care must be to avoid all intimate society and familiarity , yea , and all needless and unnecessary conversing with them . 1. For first , It is exceeding dangerous without a just Warrant , and Calling , to be much in the company of wicked and prophane men , especially such as are Scoffers of Religion , and Traducers of good men , who by their loose Conversation , and continual railing against Religion , and the Professors thereof , will take off thine heart from all love and delight in holy and Religious exercises , and work in thee a distast and contempt of the ways of Godliness . There is a secret and bewitching power in prophane company , to impoyson and pervert even the best disposition , sin being of a contagious nature , more infectious than the Plague ; and the Soul much more catching of the contagion of sin , than the body of any infectious disease . It is a thing of great difficulty , ordinarily and intimately to converse with wicked men , and not to be tainted with their sins . For besides that they are apt to infect others , we are very apt to receive the infection , having the seeds of all sins remaining in us . Ioseph though he were a Vertuous Young Man , yet living in the Kings Court , soon learned to swear ordinarily by the Life of Pharaoh , Gen. 42. 13 , 14. Common experience telleth us , how many hopeful Young Men , who have blossomed fairly , and brought forth some good fruit , yet by frequenting the company of wicked and lewd persons , have proved very prophane and debauch'd . The Philosophers do well observe , that all waters , both in colour and taste , do participate of the nature and disposition of those grounds through which they pass . In like manner men do participate of the disposition and manners of those , with whom they frequently and familiarly converse . 2. It is not for the honour of Gods Children , to hold intimate society and 〈◊〉 with wicked men ; men being generally reputed to be of their temper and disposition with whom they ordinarily and intimately converse ; according to that old Proverb , Birds of a feather will flock together . The company , in which thou delightest , sheweth what courses thou lovest , and what spirit thou art of . If therefore thou delightest in the company of lewd and prophane persons , thou hast cause to suspect that thine heart is not right . The beloved Disciple Iohn makes it a sign , That we are passed from Death to Life , if we love the Brethren , 1 Joh. 3. 14. And 't is Love that makes their company delightful . And what sign is it in thee that lovest and associatest with the haters of the Brethren ? Search and consider if this do not mark thee out for one whose Soul abideth in death . Therefore , O Young Man , as thou desirest to keep up the credit of Religion , thine own Reputation with the godly , and the hopes of thine own uprightness with God , beware of evil workers , and as much as possible , keep out from among them . And whensoever thou dost occasionally fall among them , abide there with fear , not with pleasure , and no longer than needs . 3. By an unnecessary conversing with prophane men , thou makest thy self accessary to their sins , even to their Blasphemies , Ribauldry and Prophaneness . For by thy silence thou givest a secret consent to their wickedness , and so makest them thine own . 4. Intimate and needless society with the wicked , will make thee liable to their punishments . He that walketh with wise men shall be wise , but a Companion of Fools shall be destroyed , Prov. 13. 20. that is , whosoever partake with wicked men in their wicked ways and courses , shall assuredly partake with them in their punishments . Therefore S. Iohn , as it is recorded of him , going to the Bath at Ephesus , there met Ebion , and Cerinthus , two blasphemous Hereticks , belching out their blasphemies against Christ : whereupon he made all the haste he could out of their company , fearing some eminent Judgment from the Lord to fall upon them . Who was no sooner departed , but presently the house fell down , and destroyed them with their Companions . Ah Young Man , know assuredly , that if thou needlesly and frequently associatest thy self with wicked and prophane persons , thou wilt partake of their Plagues . If therefore thou art ingaged into evil company , speedily withdraw thy self from them . The Physitians rule , in reference to persons infected with the Plague , is good to be observed towards prophane company ; Cito , Longe , Tarde . 1. Speedily flee from their company . 2. Flee far away . 3. Return slowly to them again . Now Visited persons are not more infectious than lewd company ; therefore as thou regardest the health of thy Soul , 1. Speedily flee from them . 2. Flee far away . 3. See them amend , before thou returnest to them again . Never expect to be one of Christs true Disciples , till thou leave that accursed Fellowship . Hadst not thou better say to them , Depart from me , I will know you no more , than have Christ say to thee at the Great Day , Depart from me into everlasting fire , I know you not . For one of these will certainly be , if thou dost not here depart from thy lewd Companions , leaving their Society , thou must hereafter depart from Christ into Hell fire ; where instead of roaring and singing , there will be weeping , and wailing , and gnashing of teeth . But it is not only the company of dissolute , scandalous persons ; as Drunkards , Swearers , and Scoffers of Religion that I would advise thee to shun ; but even persons meerly civil , dead-hearted , formal Professors of Religion : Let not these be the Companions of thy choice , or thy Bosom Friends , who being unacquainted with the Mysteries of the Gospel , and the Power of Godliness , cannot minister any savoury profitable discourse to their hearers : So that whosoever shall frequently associate himself with such , neglecting the Communion of Saints , he will soon find his zeal for God , and the ways of godliness much cooled ; his fervency in holy duties much abated ; his love to God , and his people much lessened ; yea , and an universal decay of his Graces insensibly to grow upon him . So that a Christian instead of proceeding forward in Religion , and growing in Grace , he will go backward , and find a spiritual decay in himself . Therefore , O Young Man , in the choice of Friends for thine intimate Acquaintance , and familiar converse , seriously think of this . II. Desire and imbrace the company of the Godly , who may further thee in the way to Heaven , make them thy familiar Friends and Companions . The more thou conversest with such , the greater increase wilt thou find in thy self of Knowledge , Faith , Love , Zeal , Humility , and other Graces . The very presence of a Religious Person , much more his gracious speeches , his holy advice , his seasonable reproofs , and his godly Conversation , will be a great help to thee in the way to Heaven . There is a certain vertue in the words and behaviour of men indowed with Heavenly Wisdom , which ( by the blessing of Gods holy Spirit ) doth work effectually on those who are conversant with them , for the inlightning their minds with the knowledge of God , and his Truths : for the inflaming their hearts with a love to God , and zeal for his glory . O Young Man , thou canst not imagine what spiritual advantage may be got by conversing with holy gracious persons ; especially if thou beest careful to treasure up those Christian experiences thou hearest from them , and what else may make for thy spiritual good . Thus will the Communion of Saints be improved to the edification of Saints . Having done with the Directions which concern your selves in particular , I now proceed to such which relate to others . CHAP. XXVI . Sheweth wherein a peaceable Disposition consisteth . I. BE peaceable towards all . Rom. 12. 18. If it be possible , as much as lieth in you , live peaceably with all men . Those two phrases , if it ●…e possible ; and , as much as lieth in you , though they may seem limitations of the duty , yet they are also amplifications thereof : and shew , that there must be nothing wanting in our endeavours ▪ , but our utmost ability must be put forth in following after peace . A peaceable Disposition consisteth in these eight things . 1. In a backwardness to give offence unto others . A man of a peaceable disposition will forbear all provoking language , and carriage , or whatsoever may stir up others unto wrath . I confess too many Young Men are like unto the troubled Sea , continually casting forth the foam of passion and fury : but he who hath peace in his heart , will shew it in his words and actions . 2. In an unaptness to take offence when given , well knowing , that it is the sudden taking an offence that doth occasion strife and contention , rather than the giving it ; as it is the second blow that makes the fray . Many out of their pride think it a point of ●…aseness , ignominy , and disgrace , to put up the least wrong : But Solomon saith , Prov. 19. 11. It is the glory of a man to pass over an offence , taking little notice thereof , and putting the best interpretation on it . If God were strict to mark what we do amiss , what would became of us ? God indeed is strict to mark what we do well : if there be any little good in the midst of manifold imperfections , Gods way is to pass by the imperfections , and take notice of the good . O Young Man , if thou wouldst behave thy self as a Child of God , and a Son of Peace , be not strict in observing every petty injury , and offence done unto thee ; but rather pass them by , taking no notice of them . 3. In a forwardness to be reconciled unto those who have wronged thee . I have read that there was sometime a variance between two Famous Philosophers , Aristippus , and Aeschines ; Aristippus at length goeth to Aeschines , and seeks for Peace and Reconciliation ; and withal said , Remember , though I am the Elder , yet I first sought for peace . True , said Aeschines , and for this I will ever acknowledge you the Worthier Man ; for I began the strise , but you the peace . But , O Young Men , how many of you come far short of Aristippus , ( though an Heathen Philosopher ) in this particular , thinking it no disgrace to break the Peace , but a disgrace to seek it ? Forgetting how Abraham humbled himself so far , as to go to Lot for Peace and Reconciliation : the Superiour to the Inferiour , though the injury done was on Lot's part , and not on Abraham's . Surely whosoever will be the Children of Abraham , must sollow the steps of their Father Abraham ; and though elder in years , and greater in place , yet go first to their Brothers for peace and reconciliation . Yea , herein we shall imitate God , and thereby shew our selves the Children of our Heavenly Father , who first seeks unto us who have grievously sinned and trespassed against him . Alas ! if God had not began with us , when should we have sought to him ? we should have stood out with him to all Eternity . Now is it the honour of God to begin with us poor Creatures ? And is it not the honour of a Creature to begin reconciliation with his Fellow-creature . 4. In a willingness to part with thy right for peace sake . When men stand upon terms of extream right , there peace is usually broken , and contentions are ingendred , The World may count this an Effeminate softness , but it is the truest prudence . I deny not , but a man of a peaceable disposition may with a good Conscience seek to recover his own by Law , provided that it be not for every small , trifling matter , and without all private revenge , and inward hatred , and after all amicable means and remedies have been used . For the Law is to be used only as Physick for those diseases , which cannot otherwise be cured . 5. In a patient bearing the wrongs and injuries of others done unto thee . Matth. 5. 19. saith our Saviour , Resist not evil ; but whosoever shall smite thee on the right Cheek , turn to him the other also , &c. which words are not to be understood simply , and litterally , but comparatively ; as if he had said , Rather than revenge thy self , by rising up against him that hath smitten thee on the right Cheek , turn to him the other also ; that is , be more ready to receive another wrong , than retaliate the former ; ra●…her than thou shouldst revenge thy self of a small injury , be ready to receive a greater . Neither is this exposition of our Saviour to be applied only to real blows , to smiting by the hand , but also by the tongue , to the suffering of reproaches : as if he had said , If a man shall speak disgracefully and reproachfully of thee , be so far from casting dirt in his face , by reproaching and reviling him again , as rather be ready to receive and bear greater reproaches and disgraces . 6. In a willingness to forgive the wrongs and injuries of others offered unto us ; wherein we are like unto God in one of those Excellencies whereof himself glorieth . For in Exod. 34. 7. where we have an enumeration of the Names of God wherein he glorieth ; this is one , Forgiving iniquities , transgressions , and sins . They therefore that forgive the wrongs and trespasses of others done unto them , shew themselves like unto God in this his Excellency . Besides , our forgiving the trespasses of our Neighbours committed against us , is made the condition of Gods forgiving of us . Forgive , and ye shall be forgiven , Luk. 6. 37. And if ye forgive not men their trespasses , neither will your Father forgive your trespasses . A dreadful word to all such who are of implacable spirits , who will revenge their wrongs , but will not remit them . Wouldst thou not be forgiven ? wouldst thou not that God should revenge upon thee the wrongs thou hast done him ? O tremble ; he will certainly do it , he will not forgive thee , unless thou forgive thy Brother . Take heed what thou dost man , retain not revenge , no nor ill will in thine heart ; for 't is a vain thing to say , I forgive , whilest thou malignest in thy heart , and retainest a grudge within thee . Thou never forgivest till thou forget also , so far forth as never to remember thy Brothers wronging of thee to his prejudice . This is the forgiveness thou wouldst have from God , that he remember thy sins no more : And this is the forgiveness that God expects from thee to thy Brother ; and so he expects it , that thou art at this point , either forgive , or thou shalt never be forgiven ; either forget thy Brothers trespasses , or God will remember thine . 7. In a readiness to do what good Offices of love and kindness we can unto those who have wronged us . For which we have the Command of Christ , Matth. 5. 44. But I say unto you , love your enemies , bless them that curse you , do good to them who hate you . It is not sufficient to speak friendly and peaceably , but we must shew our peaceable disposition , by doing good unto those who have wronged us . To requite good for good is civil courtesie ; to requite evil for evil is malicious policy ; to requite evil for good is hateful ingratitude ; but to requite good for evil is true Christian Charity , which goeth beyond all the Heathenish love in the World. This is a Lesson hard to flesh and blood , but the more difficult it is to nature , the more earnest should be our endeavour , and the more comfortable will be our practice . 8. In a forwardness to make peace between others , who are at variance . This is accounted by many worldly Politicians a thankless Office , because they may incur the displeasure , and lose the friendship of both Parties . But what if thou shouldst lose the frendship of one or two men , yet by doing thy duty to thy Neighbour , thou shalt gain the favour of God , which will abundantly recompence the loss of any mans Friendship . Besides , though it should prove a thankless work , yet there is a blessing promised thereunto : Mat. 5. 9. Blessed are the Peace-makers , for they shall be called the Children of God ; that is , they shall attain to this Priviledge and Prerogative , to be the Children of God. And saith the Apostle , James 3. 18. The fruit of Righteousness is sown in peace , of them that make peace ; that is , such as make peace between others , do sow the seeds which afterwards will yield sheaves of comfort into their bosoms . Yea , by labouring to make peace , they sow the seed of everlasting reward , which afterwards they shall receive . So that the glorious rewards which follow this duty , do abundantly recompence the inconveniencies and mischiefs which sometimes accompany the same . CHAP. XXVII . Sheweth how to carry our selves towards others . II. ANother Duty incumbent on thee , which relateth to others , is this , Be affable and courteous unto all , avoiding all morose and supercilious behaviour . Religion requires Courtesie , as well as Piety ; Good Manners together with Good Consciences . Many Moral men who have no saving grace , yet herein carry themselves like Christians . What a shame is it then for Christians , who have truth of Grace in them , not to carry themselves like Moral Men ! This will exceedingly grace your carriage , and make your company welcom , and acceptable unto all . Yea , it will win the hearts of all with whom you have to do , and even knit them unto you . Davids courteous carriage made all the servants of Saul to respect him : Yea it is said , All Israel and Judah loved him , 1 Sam. 18. 16. On the other side , Churlishness , Bitterness , Testiness , and such other Vices , which are contrary to this Vertue , alienate mens minds from them ; yea , and exasperate them against them . But withal take notice , that this courtesie and gentleness must neither make thee an Hypocrite , and Dissembler , nor over-familiar with thy Inferiours , especially such as are in subjection under thee . For Gods Image , which all Superiours carry , must be respected of them , and accordingly must they carry themselves . Nor yet must this make any over-remiss in reproving Offenders ; for so would this comely Vertue be turned into an hurtful and dangerous Vice : indeed it serveth to sweeten reproofs , that they may be better accepted . Be courteous to all , but beware of connivence , much more of compliance with evil men in their sins . Let not pretence of being courteous , draw thee aside to be vicious . III. Carry thy self humbly towards all men , thinking better of others , than of thy self . The truth is , that man who well knoweth himself , knoweth more of himself , of his own weakness and vileness , than he can know of most others ; and therefore he may well have a meaner esteem of himself than of others , especially such as are of his Rank , and betwixt whom there is not too too palpable a difference . If he have apparently better gifts than others , yet his humble mind will make him think that others may have more true inward grace , and sincerity , because he knows more of the deceit of his own heart , than he can of others . This Vertue of Humility , though it be primarily seated in the heart , yet from thence it extendeth it self to a mans outward conversation , and proves a most lovely and adorning Grace , which doth adorn our Christian Profession , and obtaineth favour both with God and Man : whereas a proud , haughty spirit , is hated both of God and Man. Solomon ranketh haughty eyes , in the first place , among such things as the Lord hateth , and his Soul abhorreth , Prov. 6. 17. As for man , he naturally hateth pride in another , though he love and like it in himself : which is a great condemnation of the sin of pride . But as for the humble and lowly-minded man , he doth exceedingly gain the hearts and affections of others unto him . Humility is so comely and graceful a Grace , that it makes him who is decked therewith amiable , and gracious in every mans eye . Whereas none are more disdained than the proud , none are better respected both by God and Man , than the humble : for it is abundance of Grace that makes men humble , as it is abundance of Fruit that maketh Trees most bow . God highly prizeth them , and accordingly bestoweth his choicest graces on them . Men usually lay up their richest Wines in the lowest Cellars ; and God lays up his choicest mercies in the lowest hearts . Yea God himself delights to dwell in the humble Soul , Isa. 57. 15. God hath but two Thrones , the highest Heavens , and the lowest hearts : He overlooks the frame of Heaven and Earth , to look on a poor , humble heart , Isa. 66. 1 , 2. not with a bare look of intuition , but with a look of favour , complacency , and delight . Though the Lord be the most high , yet hath he respect to the lowly , Psal. 38. 6. They are Gods Iewels , in high esteem with him : yea they are Gods Glory , Isa. 4. 5. They give all glory to God ; and therefore God loves to exalt them to honour . So that Humility is the readiest way to Honour . Many make it the chief design , and the main business of their lives , to contrive how they may be great and honourable in the World ; and often it is that Honour flies from them , as the shadow from him that pursues it . But if they would study to be humble , and so carry themselves towards all , they would find that the speediest way to exaltation . For saith Christ himself , Mat. 23. 12. Whosoever shall exalt himself , shall be abased , and he that shall humble himself , shall be exalted , even to honour here , if God sees it good for him ; but howsoever to glory hereafter , which is the highest and best preferment ; for ( Mat. 5. 3 ) Blessed are the poor in spirit , for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven . True Humility stands in being low in our own eyes , and being content to be low in the eyes of others . Get this Heart humility , and that will prevent those thoughts which would puff thee up in thy self , and those lofty carriages which tend to set thee up in the World. Let it be thy care to approve thy self in all good Conscience towards God , and let him alone to take care of thy good name among men . IV. Be as serviceable to others as thou canst . As it was the meat and drink of our blessed Saviour to be doing good unto others : So let it be thy meat and drink , even thy chief delight , to be doing all the good thou canst . Let not any opportunity of doing good slip out of thy hands , but as the Wise Man adviseth , Eccles. 9. 10. Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do , do it with all thy might ; that is , whatsoever ability , or opportunity of service God affordeth unto thee , either in thy general or particular Calling , improve it with all care and diligence : endeavour with thy might to do all the good that possibly thou canst in thy Generation . This we find was the mind of our Saviour ; for , saith he , Joh. 9. 4. I must work the work of him that sent me , while it is day . Now what was the work of Christ , but to do all manner of good , as any opportunity was offered , whether by word or deed . The phrase used by the Evangelist , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , to work the work , is an Hebraism , and implieth a thorow acting or doing of a thing ; a doing it heartily , and that with all care and diligence . Thus should we make it our chief care and endeavour , yea the main and principal work of our lives , to do all the good we can in the world , accounting that the happiest time in which we can do the most good . And surely it is the greatest honour we are capable of here , to be any way serviceable to God , and his people ; and that which will bring much peace and comfort to our Souls and Consciences . Be not a man for thy self , be a common good , be willing to serve thy Generation . Let it not be said of thee , It had been as well for the World , if this man had never been born . CHAP. XXVIII . Of Mercy towards such as are in misery ; which implieth both a compassionate heart , and an helping hand . V. BE merciful towards such as are in misery , Luk. 6. 36. This mercifulness , or mercy , is such a compassion of the heart , whereby a man is moved to help and succour others in their misery . So that true mercy hath in it two things . 1. A compassion , or laying to heart the miseries of others . 2. An inclination and readiness to succour and relieve them , according to their misery . It comprehends affection , and action ; the former being the Fountain and Foundation of the latter ; and the latter the Stream and Demonstration of the former . So that in the compassion of the heart , and in the act of relief , consists the true nature of Mercy . 1. The former we find often pressed in Scripture ; as Job 6. 14. To him that is afflicted , pity should be shewed to his friend . Put on therefore , saith the Apostle , Col. 3. 12. as the Elect of God , holy , and beloved , bowels of mercy . Which is a Metonymical form of speech , often used in holy Scripture , whereby is meant pity , and compassion towards them that are in any misery , or affliction ; yea such a measure of pity and compassion , as affecteth the heart and bowels ; and that with as true a touch and feeling , as if we our selves were in the same case with them . If we consider the nearness of conjunction , and communion that one Christian hath with another , we may well be convinced of the equity of this duty . For we are all Sons of one Father , all Members of one Body : In respect thereof there should , nay there ought to be such a sympathy and compassion in the Members of the Mystical body , I mean among Christians , as there is in the Members of the Natural Body . Now we know that in the Natural Body , if one member suffer , all the members suffer with it ; as the Apostle expresseth , 1 Cor. 12. 26. which place S. Austin in his tenth Tractate on Iohn explaining , excellently sheweth the mutual compassion between the Members of a Natural Body ; Behold , saith he , the foot treadeth on a thorn , and see how all the members condole it ; The back bends it self , the head stoopeth , the tongue complaineth , as if it self were pricked , the eye searcheth it out , the hands do their best to pluck it out ; yea , every member of the body is compassionately affected with it . And surely such a sympathy and compassion there ought to be amongst Christians , who are all Members of one Body , whereof Christ Jesus is the Head. II. Thy compassionate heart must have a helping hand . For the nature of true mercy consisteth as well in the act of relief , as in the compassion of the heart . Thou hast not done thy duty in pitying the distressed , unless thou likewise relieve them . As that Faith , which is alone without works , doth not justifie us : so that pity , which is alone without works , doth not justifie our Faith. In vain therefore dost thou boast of thine inward compassion , unless thou likewise afford thine outward contribution : which we find joyned together , Deut. 15. 7. Thou shalt not harden thine heart , nor shut thine hand against thy Brother ; but thou shalt open thine hand wide to him ; that is , thou shalt give unto him freely and bountifully , contrary to the forenamed shutting the hand . For thine incouragement unto this kind of Mercy . 1. Know that outward works of mercy are sweet smelling Sacrifices wherewith the Lord is well pleased . These are the Oblations which he now requireth . The Sacrifices of the Old Law are abolished , and done away , ever since our blessed Saviour gave himself an Offering , and a Sacrifice of a sweet smelling savour unto God. The Evangelical Sacrifices which the Lord requireth of us under the Gospel , are the Sacrifices of Prayer , Praise , and Charity . So that if we will be offering up Sacrifices acceptable and pleasing unto God , they must be either the Calves of our Lips , even the Sacrifice of Prayer and Praise , or else the Sacrifice of Charity , which the Apostle in Phil. 4. 18. termeth , An odour of a sweet smell , a Sacrifice acceptable and pleasing unto God. The Altar on which this Sacrifice is to be offered , is the Back of the Poor . What greater argument can there be to inforce this Duty of Charity , than to consider , it is acceptable and pleasing unto God ? For what ingenuous Christian would not do that which is acceptable unto God. 2. We are not so much Lords of our Estates , as Stewards ; and therefore ought not to appropriate all unto our selves , but to communicate some part thereof to the Poor , unto whom something out of our Estate doth belong . 3. All profession of Religion , without works of Charity , is but hypocritical . For this is pure Religion , and undefiled before God , to visit the Fatherless and Widows in their afflictions , 1 Jam. 1. 27. that is , the comforting and supporting such as are in want and misery , doth evidence the truth of our Religion . 4. Consider the benefits which follow and accompany our works of Charity . For thereby we bring glory to God , adorn our Christian Religion and Profession ; and not only make glad the hearts of the poor , whom we relieve , but likewise refresh our own Souls , in that our works of Charity will evidence , as the truth of our Religion , so likewise of our Faith ; for Faith without works is dead , it 's not a living , but a dead Faith , which manifests not its life by working . Therefore , O Young Man , be perswaded for the time to come to be more charitable , knowing it is not so much a mercy to have wherewithal to do good , as to do good with what we have . And let thy giving out be proportionable to what the Lord hath given unto thee . 1 Pet. 4. 11. If any man minister , let him do it as of the ability which God giveth . They who are rich in this worlds goods , ought to be rich in good works ; the greater thy receits are , the greater ought to be their returns . CHAP. XXIX . Sheweth the necessity of restoring ill-gotten Goods . VI. CArefully restore what thou hast stoln , or unjustly got . It is very sinful to get things wrongfully , and no less to keep what is wrongfully gotten ; therefore the Law requireth restitution of stoln and ill-gotten goods ; as Exod. 22. 1. Lev. 6. 2 , 3. &c. Restitution is not an arbitrary thing , left to our will to do , or not to do , but an act of Justice , to the performance whereof we are bound by the express letter of the Law. Whosoever he be that hath wronged another , either by detaining what he hath borrowed , or by getting by fraud or oppression ; ought to make satisfaction , by restoring either the thing it self , or the value and worth of it : yea , not only the bare value , but likewise the damage done to the person wronged by detaining his goods . Q. What if the party be not able to make full satisfaction for the wrong he hath done ? A. If he be not in truth able to make full satisfaction , yet he must restore so far as he is able , and his Estate will reach ; and God will accept the will for the deed , according to that of the Apostle , 2 Cor. 8. 12. If there be a willing mind , it is accepted according to that a man hath , and not according to that he hath not . 2. He must humbly acknowledge the wrong he hath done . If satisfaction cannot be made by Restitution , then it must be by Humiliation . 3. He must shew himself willing to restore whatsoever he hath unjustly and fraudulently gotten ; and promise satisfaction whensoever God shall inable him thereunto . Q. What if the Party wronged be dead ? A. Then restitution ought to be made to his Executors ' or Administrators , or Heirs ; and if they cannot be found then to the poor , making them his Heirs ; and thereby thou wilt turn thy Debt into an Alms ; and in shewing thy self just , do a work of Mercy . What thou dost herein , let it be done speedily . As thy Repentance must be speedy without delay , so must thy Restitution : For what true Repentance can there be without Restitution ? Zacheus , we read , upon his Conversion made present Restitution , Luk. 19. 8. knowing his Repentance without it was but counterfeit and vain . It is not sufficient to purpose and promise Restitution , but it must be presently done . For thou knowest not what a day may bring forth : thou mayst either be taken from thy riches , or thy riches may be taken from thee , and thou thereby be altogether disinabled to restore according to thy purpose . Though for the present thou mayst please thy self with thine ill-gotten goods , yet if ever thy Conscience be enlightened , and made sensible of the evil of sin , thou wilt find no quiet therein , till thou hast made restitution . Ill-gotten goods will be to thy Conscience , as the Canaanites were to that good Land : It is said , the Land groaned till it had spewed them out . So thy Conscience will travel with grief , till it be delivered of thine ill-gotten goods . Seneca tells us of a Philosopher at Athens , who having bought a pair of Shooes upon trust , and afterwards hearing that the Shoo-maker was dead , flattered himself , for a while , with a conceit , that the Money due for the Shooes was his own , and that he should never be called upon for the same . But his Conscience being afterwards awakened , he was so terrified with the thought of his injustice , that as one affrighted , he ran with all speed to the mans Shop , and finding the door shut , he flung the Money in at the Window , saying , Though the good man be dead , yet the Money is due from me . If an Heathen made such conscience of restoring what was anothers , and not his own ; how much more shouldst thou , who art a Christian , make Conscience of restoring whatsoever thou hast stoln , or fraudulently gotten from another , and doth not properly belong unto thee ? Obj. Happily thou wilt say , I am willing to make restitution , but unwilling to have the thing known , because thereby my Credit and Reputation will be exceedingly blasted . A. For the preservation of thy Reputation , thou mayst make choice of some honest , faithful friend , who will deliver the Money , or Goods , and conceal thy name . Be sure restitution be made one way or other , of thine ill-gotten goods . 1. Because otherwise they will prove a Moth to consume the rest of thine estate . 2. It is the only way and means whereby thou canst make recompence and satisfaction for the wrong thou hast done unto thy Neighbour . 3. Common Justice and Equity requireth restitution so far as thou art able . Cicero , and divers others amongst the Heathens , by the Light of Nature acknowledged as much . What a shame then must it needs be for Christians , who have the light of the Gospel added to the light of Nature , not to acknowledge and practise this necessary duty ! 4. This is the fruit worthy of repentance which we are commanded to bring forth , Mat. 3. 8. And which will evidence the truth thereof . Hereby Zacheus testified the truth of his repentance , Luk. 19. 8. It is not thy confession unto God of the wrong done to thy Neighbour , nor thy mourning and sorrowing for the same , that will obtain the pardon of the sin , without restitution , so far as thou art able : where that is wanting , all thy sorrow and repentance will do thee little good . This was the Judgment of S. Austin confirmed by all Divines to this day , that Non remittitur peccatum , nisi restituatur oblatum , No remission of sin , without restitution of goods , or money , so far as the party is able . Hast thou therefore , O Young Man , in the time of thine Apprenticeship been unfaithful to thy Master , and stoln any thing from him , or any other , as thou expectest to find mercy from God , and to obtain the pardon of thy sin , resolve forth with to restore the same ; otherwise it will prove not only a Moth in thine estate , but the ruine of thy Soul. If thou part not speedily with thine ill-gotten goods , thy Soul is like to go for them . And what will it profit thee to save thy goods , and lose thy Soul ? CHAP. XXX . Sheweth the necessity of performing Relative Duties . VII . HAve special regard to the Duties thou owest to thy Relations , wherein consisteth a great part of a Christians work . If God hath blessed thee with a Family , let thy care be that God may be honoured therein , by a constant , conscionable performance of holy and religious duties . Relative Duties do more demonstrate Piety , and true Godliness , than General Duties . The work of Grace in mens Conversations doth appear much in the Duties of their Relations : If therefore thou profess Godliness , manifest the truth and power of it in performing the Duties of thy Relations . Whatsoever men may talk of Godliness , except it appear in a conscionable discharge of the duties of their Relations , all their talk and profession of Religion is 〈◊〉 no purpose . Except a Servant be diligent and faithful to his Master , a Child dutiful to his Parent , a Wife loving and obedient to her Husband , all their profession of Religion is in vain . So unless Masters , Parents , and Husbands , be careful and conscionable in the discharge of the duties of their Relations , all their talk of Godliness is to no purpose . Therefore , O Young Man , have special regard to thy Relative Duties : if thou be not good therein , thou art not good at all , what shew of goodness soever thou makest . A good man , but a careless Master , careless of the Souls of his Servants ! A good man , but an harsh , unkind Husband , these cannot well stand together : Men are really what they are relatively : except thou art relatively good , thou art not really good . Be therefore exactly conscionable in the duties of thy Relations . If thou beest a Master , a Governour of a Family , be just and merciful to thy servants , careful for the saving of their Souls . If thou beest an Husband , be kind and loving to thy Wife , let all thy Commands be in love , then will they be more chearfully obeyed . If thou beest a Father , be careful in the education of thy Children , bringing them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord : As God hath made them thy Children by Natural Generation , do thou endeavour to make them his Children by a Religious Education . Know that relative duties and graces do very much grace Religion . Q. What are those special relative duties which are incumbent upon Masters and Governours of Families , in reference to those under their charge ? A. 1. Let your houses be daily perfumed by a Morning and Evening Sacrifice of Prayer and Praise unto God. Both which were appointed under the Law , Exod. 29. 38 , 39. and this shadowed what was to be performed under the Gospel . God renews his mercies to you every Morning , and protects you every night from manifold dangers whereunto you are subject : and can you be so ungrateful and unmindful of him , who is every moment so mindful of you , as not to offer up unto him a Morning and an Evening Sacrifice ? 2. Let the Word of God be frequently read in your Families , which is not only the Foundation of Faith , and the Well-spring of Saving Wisdom , but also the ground of Godliness , and the Guide of Practice , able to make you wise unto Salvation , 2 Tim. 3. 15. We cry out against the Pope and Popish Clergy for locking up the Scriptures in an unknown Tongue from the Laity , not suffering them to have a Bible in their Mother-tongue : whereas many Masters amongst us deal much alike with those under their charge , who if they do not lock up the Scriptures from them , yet neither do they unlock them to them , by causing them to be read among them . Certainly did you seriously consider the benefit that might redound to your servants by a frequent hearing the Word read , you could not but be more frequent therein . Are any of them addicted to Drunkenness , Lying , or Swearing ? who knows but upon hearing the threa●…nings in Gods Word denounced against those sins , they m●…y for the ●…ime to come abhor and avoid the same ? Or are any of thy servants unprofitable , and disobedient unto thee ? who knows but upon hearing the duties of servants read out of the Word of God , where they are commanded to be obedient to their Masters in all things , and to serve them not with eye-service , as men-pleasers , but as the servants of Christ with singleness of heart ; as Ephes. 5. 5 , 6. they may become more obedient and profitable unto thee ! So that , methinks , for thine own good , as well as theirs , thou shouldst cause the Word to be frequently read in thy Family . 3. Set some time apart in every Week to Catechize those under thy charge , teaching them the chief Principles of Religion ; than which there is no better means to keep them from the errours of the times . If he be worse than an Infidel who provides not for the bodies of those in his Family , what then is he who takes no care of their Souls , neglecting to instruct them in the Principles of the Oracles of God ? Content not thy self with a dead , distracted manner of serving God , but stir up thy self to a lively , spiritual performing those holy duties thou takest in hand . To draw near unto God with our bodies , and honour him with our lips , when our hearts and spirits are removed from him , is no better than a mocking of God , which he abhors and detests . V. As a means and help for the constant performing these Family-duties , have special care of the choice of thy Yoke-sellow , that thou marry a Vertuous woman , one who is related to Christ , at least one that liketh and approveth the best things . If thy Wife be not a promoter of Godliness in the Family , she will be a hinderer thereof . The Scripture in setting forth the wickedness of Iehoram , renders this as the reason thereof , that he had the Daughter of Ahab to Wife , 2 Chron. 21. 6. Therefore , O Young Man , in seeking after a Wife , it will be thy wisdom : 1. To look more after righteousness , than after riches ; to inquire more after her Piety , than after her Portion ; to know rather with what Religion she is indued , than with what Estate she is indowed . Alas what is the richest Portion , the most exquisite Beauty , and the rarest parts , in comparison of a mind inobled with Grace and Ver●…ue ? A Wife , as well as an Husband , is the greatest outward comfort or cross in the world : So that to err once in the choice of a Wife , is in a manner to be undone for ever . Therefore , O Young Man , be sure thou seek unto God by Prayer , for his direction and assistance in this great work , upon which much of thy future happiness or misery doth depend . 2. Next to Piety , Prudence and Discretion is to be looked at in a Wife . For wisdom exceeds solly , as much as light exceeds darkness , Eccles. 2. 13. And indeed what is Beauty without discretion , but as a Iewel of Gold in a Swines snout , Prov. 11. 22. And Solomon , by way of commendation , setteth forth a prudent Wife to be a special gift , and principal blessing of God , such as excelleth all other temporal blessings whatsoever . 3. Marriage-affection requires some external amiableness , that she be a pleasing person in whom thou mayst delight : Though ( as the Wise Man speaketh , Prov. 31. 30. ) favour be deceitful , and beauty vain ; because they are subject many ways to decay , and vanish away ; yet favour and beauty may serve for the rooting , and settling of affection at the first . 4. In regard that Marriage is the Foundation of a Family and Posterity , a Portion is not to be contemned , though not chiefly to be desired . Therefore in seeking a Wife , let not wealth and riches be chiefly in thine eye , as if thou wert going about a Purchase , and wert to Wed not the Woman , but her Wealth : but look more to her inward goodness , than to her worldly goods . Lastly , For a conclusion of the whole , In the careful observation of all these directions , give diligence to make thy Calling and Election sure . It will not suffice me to press thee to do something , that so thou mayst have hope ; I would perswade thee to thy whole duty , that so thou mayst have assurance that it shall be well with thee . And less than I have here advised thee to , will not suffice thee to make sure for everlasting . He must be an Universal Christian that will be an assured Christian ; there is as much required to assurance , as is required in the whole Scripture . Well , what sayst thou ? wilt thou henceforth adventure thy Soul on conjectural and deceitful hopes ? or wilt thou set to it to make sure for Heaven ? What shall I say more to perswade thee ? Give me leave , e're I dismiss thee , to urge upon thee an argument or two . Whatever thou hast to do here , make sure for hereafter . For. 1. Nothing temporal can be made sure . 2. If things eternal be made sure , it 's no great matter though things temporal remain at the greatest uncertainties . 1. Nothing temporal can be made sure . This World is a World of uncertainties ; The riches of it are uncertain riches , 2 Tim. 6. 17. The pleasures of it are uncertain pleasures , worldly Friends are uncertain Friends . The Wheel of Providence is ever turning : Now one 's at the top of the Wheel , and then another and another ; and he that was just now at the top , by and by tumbles down , and the Wheel runs over him . How often do rich men break , and poor men get up in their rooms , and then tumble down after them , and give place to him that comes next . To day thou hast an Estate , but who can tell what thou mayst have to morrow ? Such an uncertain World this is , and at such uncertainties are the things thereof , and there 's no preventing it . It 's good to be sure of something . Since Earth can never be made sure , thou art the more concerned to make sure of Heaven . To have all at uncertainties , both here and hereafter , this is such a misery , as every one that is wise will do what he can to prevent . 2. If things Eternal be made sure , it 's no great matter though things Temporal be at the greatest uncertainties . This world is uncertain ; a world of changes , of disappointments , vexations , and all kinds of troubles : Why , let it be so ; so Heaven be sure , no matter for all these lower uncertainties . Young Man , thou art going forth into the world , how thou mayst prosper in it , notwithstanding all thy skill and care , God only knows , who can tell what crosses thou mayst meet with in thy very entrance , that may dash all thy hopes ? And if thou hast never so fair and hopeful a beginning , yet who knows what may be thy lot before the end of thy day ? Why now wouldst thou get above all casualties and crosses , and at once be a Conquerour of all the World ? Wouldst thou have thy quiet and contentment out of the reach of Winds and Storms ? and be able to live chearfully in every condition ? make Heaven sure , and 't is done ! Thou mayst then hoise up thy Sails , commit thy self to the Wind and Seas , make on thy Voyage , and never be appall'd at the Storms on the way : whilest thou hast this assurance , thou shalt come safe to Harbour , and not an hair of thy head perish . Thus have you , dear Youths , the desires and breathings of my Soul after your happiness here , and blessedness hereafter , expressed in some useful directions suitable to your present state and condition , shewing you how to deport and carry your selves , both in your General , and Particular Calling so , that you may please God in all things here , and live with him in everlasting blessedness . Now my hearty request to you is , that you will not content your selves with a bare reading of them ; but resolve , with the assistance of Gods Grace , to enter upon the real practice of them . And oh that the Lord , who alone teacheth to profit , would please so to set them home upon your hearts , that they may tend to your spiritual good here , and eternal salvation hereafter . O Young Men , you are now Flowers in the Bloom , you are those First-fruits which should be offered to the Lord : Oh that now you would consecrate your selves unto God , and his service : Oh that while you are Young , you would with Isaac , give your selves to Prayer and Meditation ; and with Samuel , serve the Lord from your Youths ; and with young Solomon , study to know , and serve the God of your Fathers ; and with Obadiah , fear the Lord from your Youths ; and with young Iosiah , do that which is right in the sight of the Lord : And to these ends , with Timothy , from your Youth , addict your selves to the reading of the Scriptures , which are able to make you wise unto Salvation . Oh that you would set these mens lives as Copies for your imitation , giving up your selves intirely , and unfeignedly to the Lord in a truly gracious life . O Young Men , you are now in your preparations for Eternity ; and therefore had need to be very watchful over your selves , to see that you walk circumspectly , not as fools , but as wise , redeeming the time , because the days are evil , Ephes. 5. 15. Little do you consider how much dependeth upon this moment of time , which God for the present is pleased to vouchsafe unto you , even no less than the whole weight of Eternity . Upon your well or ill improving of your time , and Talents here , depends your everlasting condition , that Estate which is to be for ever and ever . Oh what folly and madness then must it needs be in you , to suffer your Lusts , or wicked Companions , to steal away this Jewel , your precious time , which is more worth than all the world ! Oh that for the future you would so live every day , as those that live for Eternity . It is sadly evident , that too too many losing their first and tender years , in conclusion lose their Souls also . O Dear Youths , Behold the Arms of Free Grace are yet open to imbrace you , if now you will abandon your Youthful Lusts , and cordially turn unto God , who is willing to forgive , yea willing to forget all former mis●…arriages upon the reforming your lives ; Turn ye , turn ye therefore from your evil ways , for why will ye die ? Ezek. 33. 11. In this small Treatise , I have set before you Life and Death , Heaven and Hell , Happiness and Misery . Know assuredly , that as you chuse now , so shall you speed hereafter . Oh then for the Lord Christ's sake , and for the sake of your poor Souls , chuse that good part which shall never be taken from you : walk in the path which leadeth to life , and happiness , that you may not perish , and be tormented with the Devils in hell fire to all Eternity . And now , my Friend , I bid thee farewel . Take these words along with thee , let them ever be before thine eyes , and upon thine heart , and then go on thy way . Good Counsel be with thee , that thou mayst guide thine affairs with discretion : and good success be upon thee , that thou mayst eat the fruit of thy good doings . I wish first that thy Soul may prosper , and then I also wish that thy Body may prosper , and thy Family may prosper , and thy Estate may prosper , as thy Soul prospereth . The Lord be with thee in all that thou settest thine hand unto . The Almighty bless thee ; let his blessing be upon thy labours ; let his blessing be upon all thy substance : let him help thee in thy work , and increase thy store : let his Sun shine upon thy Tabernacle , and let the light of his Countenance make glad thine heart , let him guide thee with his eye , hold thee in his hands , carry thee in his bosom , till he hath lodged thee safe in the Everlasting Rest. Amen . FINIS .