Apples of gold for young men and vvomen, and a crown of glory for old men and women. Or, The happiness of being good betimes, and the honour of being an old disciple Clearly and fully discovered, and closely, and faithfully applyed. Also the young mans objections answered, and the old mans doubts resolved. By Thomas Brooks preacher of the gospel at Margarets new Fishstreet-hill.

THE Young-Mans Duty AND EXCELLENCY . 1 KING . 14. ch. 13. v.

And all Israel shall mourn for him , and bury him : for hee only of Jeroboam shall come to the grave , because in him there is found some good thing toward the Lord God of Israel , in the house of Jeroboam .

The Young mans Duty and Excellency .

ISHAL only stand upon the latter part of this Verse , because that affords me matter most sutable to my designe .

— Because in him there is found some good thing toward the Lord God of Israel , in the house of Jeroboam .

These words are a commendation of Abijahs life , in him was found some good thing toward the Lord , &c. when Abijah was a Child vers. 3.12 . when hee was in his young and tender years , hee had the seeds of grace in him , he had the Image of God upon him , hee could discern between good and evill , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 and hee did that which pleased the Lord . Is used for a young man or stripling , Gen. 22.5 . and often for a servant though he be a man of tipe years , Est●er 2.2 . Such as one Evangelist ●alleth young 〈◊〉 , Luk. 12. 〈…〉 other 〈…〉 fellow 〈…〉 .

The Hebrew word ( Nagnar ) translated Child , vers. 3. is very often applied to such as wee call youth , or young men , Exod. 24.5 . Numb. 6.11 . 1 Sam. 2.17 . &c. Of such age and prudence , was Abijah , as that he could chuse good and refuse evill , hee was a Lot in Sodom , hee was good among the bad , the bent and frame of his heart was towards that which was good , when the heart both of his Father and Mother was set upon evill . Abijah beganne to bee good betimes ; hee crost that pestilent proverb , a young Saint , and an old Devill . T is the glory and goodness of God that hee will take notice of the least good that is in any of his , 1 Pet. 3.6 . There was but one good word in Sarahs speech to Abraham , and that was this , shee called him Lord , and this God mentions for her honour and commendations , shee called him Lord : God looks more upon one grain of Wheat , than upon a heap of Chaff ; upon one shining Pearl than upon a heap of rubbish . God findes a Pearl in Abijah , and hee puts it into his Crown , to his eternal commendation . There was found in him some good thing towards the Lord , &c. for the words

There was found in him , the Hebrew word Matsa , sometimes signifies finding without seeking , Isa. 65.1 . I am found of them that sought mee not , so Psal. 116. v. 3. The sorrows of death compassed mee , and the pains of hell got hold upon mee , I found trouble and sorrow . I found trouble which I lookt not for , I was not searching after sorrow , but I found it . There 's an elegancy in the Originall . The pains of hell gat hold upon mee ; So wee read , but the Hebrew is ; The pains of hell found me ( one word signifies both , ) they found mee , I did not find them . There was found in Abijah some good thing towards the Lord , i.e. there was found in him without searching , or seeking , some good thing towards the Lord , it was plain and visible enough , men might see and observe it without inquiring , or seeking , they might runne and read some good thing in him towards the Lord .

Secondly , The word sometimes signifies , Finding by seeking or enquiry , Isa. 55.6 . Seek yee the Lord while hee may bee found , &c. So upon search and enquiry there was found in Abijah ( though young ) some good thing toward the Lord .

Thirdly , Sometimes the word notes the obtaining of that which is sufficient , Josh. 17.16 . Numb. 11.22 . Judg. 21.14 . in Abijah there was that good in him toward the Lord , that was sufficient to evidence the work of grace upon him , sufficient to satisfy himself and others of the goodness , and happinesse of his condition ; though hee died in the prime , and flower of his days , &c.

And in him was found some good thing ; the Hebrew word ( Tob ) that is here rendered good . Signifies ,

First , That which is right and just , 2 Sam. 15.3 . See thy matters are good and right , i.e. just and right .

Secondly , that which is profitable , Deut. 6.11 . Houses full of all good things , i. e. houses full of all profitable things .

Thirdly , That which is pleasing , 2 Sam. 19.27 . Do what is good in thine eyes , i.e. do what is pleasing in thine eyes .

Fourthly , That which is full and compleat , Gen. 15.15 . Thou shalt bee buried in a good old age , i.e. thou shalt bee buried when thine age is full and compleat .

Fifthly , That which is joyfull and delightful , 1 Sam. 25.8 . wee come in a good day , i. e. wee come in a joyful and delightfull day ; now put all together and you may see that there was found in Abijah when hee was young , that which was right and just , that which was pleasing and profitable , and that which was matter of joy and delight .

In the words you have two things that are most considerable .

First , That this young mans goodnesse was towards the Lord God of Israel ; many there are that are good , nay , very good towards men , who yet are bad , ya very bad towards God . This age affords many such hypocrites such Monsters &c. Some there are who are very kind to the creature , and yet very unkind to their Creator , many mens goodnesse towards the creature is like the rising Sun , but their goodness towards the Lord is like a morning cloud , Hos. 6.4 . or as the early dew which is soon dried up by the Sun-beams , but Abijahs goodnesse was towards the Lord , his goodnesse faced the Lord , it look't toward the glory of God . Two things makes a good Christian , good actions , and good aimes ; And though a good aim doth not make a bad action good , There may bee Malum opus in bona materia , as in Jehues zeal . ( as in Vzzah ) yet a bad aime makes a good action bad ( as in Jehu ) whose justice was approved , but his policy punished , the first Chapter of Hosea , and the fourth verse , doubtless Abijahs actions were good , and his aims good ; and this was indeed his glory , that his goodness was towards the Lord .

It s recorded of the Catanenses that they made a stately monument of Kingly magnificence , in remembrance of two Sons who took their aged parents upon their backs , and carried them through the fire , when their fathers house was al in a flame , these young men were good towards their Parents ; but what is this to Abijahs goodnesse towards the Lord , &c. A man cannot bee good towards the Lord , but he will bee good towards others ; but a man may be good towards others that is not good towards the Lord : Oh , that mens practises did not give too loud a Testimony every day to this assertion ! &c.

Secondly , Hee was good among the bad , Happy are those souls that with the Sturgion or Crab-fish can swim against the stream of custome and example , and that with Atticus can cleave to the right , though loosing side . he was good in the house of Jeroboam , t is in fashion to seem ( at least ) to bee good among the good ; but to bee really good among those that are bad , that are eminently bad , argues not onely a truth of goodness , but a great degree of goodness ; this young man was good in the house of Jeroboam , who made all Israel to sin , who was naught , who was very naught , who was stark naught ; and yet Abijah , as the fishes which live in the salt Sea are fresh , so though hee lived in a ( sink ) a sea of wickedness ; yet hee retained his goodnesse towards the Lord .

They say Roses grows the sweeter , when they are planted by Garlick , they are sweet and rare Christians indeed , who hold their goodness , and grow in goodnesse where wickedness sits on the throne , and such a one the Young man in the text was .

To bee Wheat among Tares , Corn among Chaffe , Pearls among Cockles , and Roses among Thorns , is excellent .

To bee a Jonathan in Sauls Court , to be an Obadiah in Ahabs Court , to be an Abedmelech in Zedechias Court , and to bee an Abijah in Jeroboams Court , is a wonder , a miracle .

To bee a Lot in Sodome , to bee an Abraham in Chaldaea , to bee a Daniel in Babylon , to bee a Nehemiah in Damasco , and to bee a Job in the land of Husse , is to be a Saint among Devils , and such a one the young man in the Text was .

The Poets affirm that Venus never appeared so beautious , as when shee sate by black Vnlcans side . Gracious souls shine most clear when they bee set by black conditioned persons . Stephens face never shin'd so Angelically , so gloriously ( in the Church ) where all were vertuous , as before the Councill , where all were vitious and malicious . So Abijah was a bright Star , a shining Sun in Jeroboams Court , which for prophanness and wickedness , was a very hell .

The words that I have chosen to insist upon will afford us several observations , but I shall onely name one , which I intend to prosecute at this time , and that is this , viz.

Doct. That t is a very desirable and commendable thing for young men to bee really good betimes .

Other Scriptures speak out this to be a truth , Job 32.4 , 5 , 6 , 7. besides what you have in the Text to confirm it , as that of the second of Chronicles Chap. 34.1 , 2 , 3. verses . Josiah was eight years old , when hee beganne to reign , and hee reigned in Jerusalem one and thirty years . And hee did that which was right in the sight of the Lord , and walked in the wayes of David his father , and declined neither to the right hand nor to the left ; for in the eighth year of his reign , while hee was yet young , hee beganne to seek after the God of David his father : and in the twelfth year , he beganne to purge Judah and Jerusalem from the high places , and the Groves , and the carved Images , and the molten Images . T was Obadiahs honor that hee feared the Lord from his youth . 1 King . 18.12 2 Tim. 3.15 And Tymothys crown that he knew the Scripture from a child , and Johns joy , 2 Epist. 4. v. that hee found Children walking in the truth ; this revived his good old heart , and made it dance for joy in his bosome ; to spend further time in the proving of this truth , would bee but to light candles to see the Sunne at noon .

The grounds and Reasons of this point , viz. That it is a very desirable and commendable thing for young men to bee really good betimes ; are these that follow ,

First , Because the Lord commands it ; and divine commands are not to bee disputed but obeyed , Deut. 6.5 . ch. 11.13 . v. Augustine beginneth one of his Sermons thus ( Ad vos mibi Sermo , O juvenes , flos etatis periculum mentis . August . de tempore Ser. 246 ) to you is my speech O young men , the flower of age , the danger of the mind . In the 12 Chapter of Ecclesiastes and the 1 verse , Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth , while the evil days come not , nor the years draw nigh , when thou shalt say , I have no pleasure in them : Remember now ; I say now ; now is an Alarm , it will puzzle the wisdome of a Philosopher , the skill of an Angel to divide : Now , is a Monosyllable in all learned Languages . Remember now thy Creator , Remember him presently , instantly : for thou dost not know what a day , what an hour may bring forth ; thou canst not tell what deadly sin , what deadly temptation , what deadly Judgement may over-take thee ; if thou dost not now , even now remember thy Creator .

Remember now thy Creator , Remember to know him , remember to love him , remember to desire him , remember to delight in him , remember to depend upon him , remember to get an interest in him , remember to live to him , and remember to walk with him . Remember now thy Creator , the Hebrew is Creatours , Father , Son , and Spirit . To the making of man , a Council was called in Heaven , in the 1. of Genesis and 29 vers . Remember thy Creatours , remember the Father , so as to know him , so as to bee inwardly acquainted with him . Remember the Son , so as to beleeve in him , so as to rest upon him , so as to imbrace him , and so as to make a compleat resignation of thy self to him . Remember the Spirit , so as to hear his voice , so as to obey his voice , so as to feel his presence , and so as to experience his influence , &c.

Remember now thy Creator in the dayes of thy youth ; hee doth not say in the time of thy youth , but in the dayes of thy youth , to note that our life is but as a few dayes ; t is but a vapour , a span , a flower , a shadow , a dream ; and therefore Seneca saith well , that though death bee before the old mans face , yet hee may bee as near the young mans back , &c. Mans life is the shadow of smoak , Aug. l. 1. Confess . the dream of a shadow , one doubteth whether to call it a dying life , or a living death ; ah young men ! God commands you to bee good betimes . Remember young men that it is a dangerous thing to neglect one of his commands , who by another is able to command you into nothing , or into Hell . To act or run crosse to Gods expresse command ( though under pretence of Revelation from God ) is as much as a mans life is worth ; as you may see in that sad story , 1 King . 13. ch. 24. verse , &c. Let young men put all their carnal reasons , though never so many , and weighty , into one scale , and Gods absolute command in the other , and then write Tekel upon all their reasons ; They are weighed in the ballance , and found too light . Ah sirs ! what God commands must bee put in speedy execution , Obedientia non discutis Dei mandata , sed facit , Prosper . without denying , or delaying , or disputing the difficulties that attend it . Most young men in these dayes do as the Heathens , when their gods called for a man , they offered a candle ; or as Hercules offered up a painted man in stead of a living . When God calls upon young men to serve him with the Primrose of their youth ; they usually put him off till they are overtaken with trembling joynts , dazled eyes , fainting hearts , failing hands , and feeble knees ; but this will bee bitternesse in the end , &c.

Secondly , Young men must bee really good betimes , because they have means and opportunities of being good betimes . Never had men better means , and greater opportunities of being good , of doing good , and of receiving good than now . Ah Lord ! how knowing , how beleeving , how holy , how heavenly , how humble might young men bee , were they not wanting to their own souls : Young men might bee good , very good , yea eminently good ; would they but improve the means of grace , the tenders of mercy , and the knockings of Christ by his Word , Works , and Spirit .

The Ancients painted Opportunity with a hairy forehead , Erasmus . but bald behinde , to signifie that while a man hath opportunity before him , hee may lay hold on it , but if hee suffer it to slip away , hee cannot pull it back again .

How many young men are now in everlasting chains , who would give ten thousand worlds ( had they so many in their hands to give ) to injoy but an opportunity to hear one sermon more , to make one prayer more , to keep one Sabbath more , but cannot ? this is their hell , their torment , this is the Scorpion that is still biting , this is the Worm that is alwayes gnawing . Wo , wo to us , that wee have neglected and trifled away those golden opportunities that once wee had , to get our sins pardoned , our natures changed , our hearts bettered , our consciences purged , and our souls saved , &c. * * Bellarm. In concione de cruciatibus Gehennae . I have read of a King , who having no issue to succeed him , espying one day a well-favoured youth , took him to Court , and committed him to Tutors , to instruct him , providing by his will , that if hee proved fit for government , hee should bee crowned King , if not , hee should bee bound in chains , and made a Gally-slave . Now when hee grew to years , the Kings executors perceiving that hee had sadly neglected those means and opportunities , whereby hee might have been fit for State government , called him before them , and declared the Kings will and pleasure concerning him , which was accordingly performed , for they caused him to bee fettered , and committed to the Gallies . Now what tongue can expresse how much hee was affected , and afflicted with his sad and miserable state , especially when hee considered with himself , that now hee is chained , who might have walked at liberty . Now hee is a slave , who might have been a King , now hee is over-ruled by Turks , who might once have ruled over Christians ; the application is easie .

Ah young men ! young men , T is storied of Charles King of Sicily and Jerusalem , that hee was called Carolus Cunctator . Charles the lingerer ; this age affords many such lingerers , &c. shall Satan take all opportunities to tempt you ? shall the world take all opportunities to allure you ? shall wicked men take all opportunities to ensnare you ? and to undo you ? and shall Christian friends take all opportunities to better you ? and shall Gods faithful Messengers take all opportunities to save you ? and will you ? will you neglect so great salvation ? Plutarch writes of Hannibal , that when hee could have taken Rome hee would not , and when hee would have taken Rome , hee could not . Many in their youthful dayes , when they might have mercy , Christ , pardon , Heaven ; they will not , and in old age , when they would have Christ , pardon , peace , Heaven , they cannot , they may not . God seems to say as Thesius said once , go sayes hee , and tell Creon , Thesius offers thee a gracious offer , yet I am pleased to bee friends , if thou wilt submit ( this is my first message ) but if this offer prevail not , look for mee to bee up in arms .

The third Reason , why Young men should bee really good betimes , Lord , saith Austin , I have loved thee late ; the greater was his sins , and the more were his sorrows . is , because then they will have fewer and lesser sins to answer for , and repent of , multitudes of sins and sorrows are prevented by being good betimes . The more wee number our dayes , the fewer sins wee shall have to number . As a coppy is then safest from blotting , when dust is put upon it , so are wee from sinning , when ( in the time of our youth ) wee remember that wee are but dust . The tears of young penitents do more scorch the Devils than all the flames of Hell , for hereby all their hopes are blasted , and the great underminer countermined , and blown up . Mane is the Devils Verb , hee bids tarry , time enough to repent ; but Mane is Gods Adverb , hee bids repent early in the morning of thy youth ; for then thy sins will bee fewer , and lesser . Well young men , remember this , hee that will not at the first hand buy good council cheap , shall at the second hand buy repentance over dear .

Ah young men ! young men , if you do not begin to bee good betimes , those sins that are now as Jewels sparkling in your eyes , Psal. 25.7 . Job 13.26 . will at last bee milstones about your necks , to sink you for ever . — Among many things that Beza in his last will and Testament , gave God thanks for , this was the first and chief , that hee at the age of sixteen years , had called him to the knowledge of the truth , and so prevented many sins and sorrows that otherwise would have overtaken him , and have made his life lesse happy , and more miserable . Young Saints often prove old Angels , There is nothing puts a more serious frame into a mans spirit than to know the worth of his time . but old sinners seldome prove good Saints , &c.

The fourth ground , why young men should bee really good betimes , is this , viz. because time is a precious Talent that young men must be countable for ; the sooner they begin to bee good , the more easy will bee their accounts , especially as to that great Talent of time . Cato and other heathens , held that account must bee given , not only of our labour , but also of our leisure , at the great day it will appear , that they that have spent their time in mourning , have done better than they that have spent their time in dancing ; and they that have spent many dayes in humiliation , than they that have spent many dayes in idle recreations .

I have read of a devout man , who when hee heard a clock strike , hee would say , here is one hour more past that I have to answer for . Ah young men ! as time is very precious , so it is very short , time is very swift , it is suddenly gone , in the 9. of Job and the 25. vers . My dayes are swifter than a Post , they flee away , they see no good . The Hebrew word ( Kalal ) translated swifter than a Post , signifies any thing that is light , because light things are quick in motion .

The Ancients emblem'd time with wings , as it were , Sophocles . Phocilides . not running , but flying . Time is like the Sun , that never stands still , but is still a running her race ; the Sun did once stand still , yea went back , but so did never Time . Time is still running , and flying ; it is a bubble a shadow , a dream ; can you seriously consider of this young men , and not begin to bee good betimes ? surely you cannot . Sirs , if the whole earth whereupon wee tread were turned into a lump of gold , it were not able to purchase one minute of time . Oh the regreetings of the damned , for mis-spending precious time ! Who is there among us that knows how to value time , and prize a day at a due rate . Sen. Epist. Oh what would they not give to bee free , and to injoy the means of grace one hour . Ah with what attention ! with what intention ! with what trembling and melting of heart ! with what hungring and thirsting would they hear the Word ! Time ( saith Bernard ) were a good commodity in hell , and the traffick of it most gainful , where , for one day a man would give ten thousand worlds if he had them ; young men , can you in good earnest beleeve this , and not begin to be good betimes ?

Ah! young men and women , as you love your precious immortal souls , A heathen said hee lived no day without a line , that is , he did something remarkable every day . as you would escape hell and come to heaven , as you would bee happy in life , and blessed in death , and glorious after death , don't spend any more of your precious time , in drinking and drabing , in carding , dicing and dancing , don't trifle away your time , don't swear away your time , don't whore away your time , don't lye away your time , but beginne to bee good betimes , because Time is a Talent , that God will reckon with you for : Ah! young men and women , you may reckon upon years , many years yet to come , when possibly you have not so many hours to make ready your accompts , it may bee this night you may have a summons , and then if your time bee done , and your work to be begunne , in what a sad case will you bee , will you not wish that you had never been born ?

Seneca was wont to jeer the Jews for their ill husbandry , in that they lost one day in seven ; meaning their Sabbath ; O that it were not too true of the most of professors both young and old , that they loose not onely one day in seven , but several days in seven .

Sirs , Time let slip cannot bee recal'd , the foolish Virgins found it so , and Saul found it so , and Herod found it so , Mat. 25.5 Judg. 3.23 . Heb. 3.17 , 18 , 19. and Nero found it so , the Israelites found it so , yea , and Jacob , and Josiah , and David ( though good men ) yet they found it so to their cost .

The Egyptians draw the picture of Time with three heads , the first of a greedy Wolf , gaping for time past , because it hath ravenously devoured the memory of so many things past recalling . The

Second of a crowned Lyon , roaring for time present , because it hath the principallity of all actions , for which it calls loud . The

Third of a deceitfull Dogg , fawning for time to come , because it feeds some men with many flattering hopes to their eternal undoing : Ah! young men and women , as you would give up your accounts at last with joy , concerning this Talent of time , with which God hath trusted you , begin to be good betimes , &c.

The fifth Reason , Why young men should bee really good betimes , and that is , because they will have the greater comfort and joy when they come to bee old , Seneca ( though a Heathen could say , beleeve me , true joy is no light thing . the 71 Psalm . 5. 17 , 18. compapared . Thou art my hope , O Lord God , thou art my trust from my youth . O God , thou hast taught me from my youth , and hitherto I have declared thy wondrous works . Now also when I am old and gray headed , O God , forsake mee not , untill I have shewed thy strength , unto this Generation , and thy power unto every one that is to come . Polycarpus could say , when old , thus many years have I served my Master Christ , and hitherto hath hee dealt well with mee ; if early converts live to bee old , no joy to their joy , their joy will bee the greatest joy , a joy like to the joy of harvest , Isa. 9.3 . a joy like to their joy that divide the spoil , their joy will bee the soundest joy , the weightiest joy , the holiest joy , the purest joy , the strongest joy , and the most lasting joy , the carnal joy of the wicked , the glistering ( golden ) joy of the world-ling , and the flashing joy of the hypocrite , is but as the crackling of thorns under a pot , to the joy and comfort of such , who when old , can say , with good Obadiah , that they feared the Lord from their youth . If when you are young , your eyes shall bee full of tears ( for Sinne ) when you are old your hearts shall bee full of joys . Such shal have the best wine at last

Oh! that young men would beginne to bee good betimes , that so they may have the greater harvest of joy when they come to be old , &c. t is sad to be sowing your seed , when you should be reaping your harvest ; t is best to gather in the summer of youth , against the winter of old age .

The Sixth Reason , Why young men should bee really good betimes , and that is , because an eternity of felicity , and glory hangs upon those few moments that are allotted to them , it was a good question the young man propoposed , Luk. 10.25 what shall I do to inherit eternal life ? I know I shall bee eternally happy , or eternally miserable , eternally blest , or eternally cur'st , eternally sav'd , or eternally damn'd , &c.

O what shall I do to inherit eternal life ! my cares , my fears , Aeteruitas est semper et immutabile esse . The old Romans were our that thought Eternity dwelt in Statues and in Marble monuments . my troubles , are all about eternity , no time can reach eternity , no age can extend to eternity , no tongue can express eternity . Eternity is that ( unum perpetuum hodie ) one perpetual day , which shall never have end ; what shall I do , what shall I not do , that I may bee happy to all eternity ? I am now young and in the flower of my days ; but who knows what a day may bring forth ? the greatest weight hangs upon the smallest wyers , an eternity depends upon those few hours , I am to breath in this world ; O what cause have I therefore to bee good betimes , to know God betimes , to beleeve betimes , to repent betimes , to get my peace made , and my pardon seal'd betimes , to get my nature changed , my conscience purged , and my interest in Christ cleared betimes , before eternity overtakes mee , before my glass bee out , my Sun set , my race run , least the dark night of eternity should overtake mee , and I made miserable for ever . I have read of one ( Myrogenes ) who when great gifts were sent unto him , hee sent them all back again , saying , I onely desire this one thing at your Masters hand , to pray for mee , that I may be saved for eternity . O that all young men and women who make earth their heaven , Luk. 15.19 , 20 pleasures their Paradise , that eat the fat , and drink the sweet , that cloth themselves richly and crown their heads with rose-buds , that they would seriously consider of eternity , so as to hear as for eternity , and pray as for eternity , and live as for eternity , and provide as for eternity . That they may say with that famous Painter Zeuxes ( Aeternitati pingo ) I paint for eternity , we do all for eternity , we beleeve for eternity , wee repent for eternity , wee obey for eternity , &c.

O that you would not make those things eternal for punishment , Cur ea quae ad usum diuturna esse non possunt , ad supplicium diuturna deposces Ambrose in Lu. 4. T. 5. that cannot bee eternal for use : Ah! young men and women , God calls , and the bloud of Jesus Christ calls , and the spirit of Christ in the Gospel calls , and the rage of Satan calls ; and your sad state and condition calls ; and the happiness and blessedness of glorified Saints calls ; these all call aloud upon you to make sure a glorious eternity ; before you sail out into that dreadfull Ocean . All your eternall good depends upon the short and uncertain moments of your lives ; and if the threed of your lives should bee cut , before a happy eternity is made sure : woe to you that ever you were born ; Do not say O young man , that thou art young , and hereafter will bee time enough to provide for eternity , for eternity may bee at the door , ready to carry thee away for ever . Every days experience speaks out eternity to bee as neer the young mans back , as t is before the old mans fa●● .

O graspe to day the diadem of a blessed eternity : least thou art cut off before the morning comes , though there is but one way to come into this world , yet there is a thousand thousand ways to bee sent out of this world ; well young men and women remember this , as the motions of the soul are quick , so are the motions of divine justice quick also , and if you will not hear the voice of God to day ; if you will not provide for eternity to day . God may swear to morrow that you shall never enter into his rest ; it is a very sad and dangerous thing to trifle and dally with God , his word , his offers , our own souls , and eternity : therefore let all young People labour to bee good betimes , and not to let him that is goodness it self alone , till hee hath made them good , till hee hath given them those hopes of eternity that will both make them good , and keep them good ; that will make them happy , and keep them happy , and that for ever ; if all this will not do , then know , that ere long those fears of eternity , of misery , that begets that monster , Despair , which like Medusa's head , astonisheth with its very aspect , and strangles hope , which is the breath of the soul , will certainly overtake you ; as it is said , Dum Spiro Spero , so it may bee inverted Dum Spero Spiro , other miseries may wound the spirit , but despair kills it dead ; my prayer shall bee that none of you , may ever experience this sad truth , but that you may all bee good in good earnest betimes , which will yeeld you two heavens , a heaven on earth , and a heaven after death .

The seventh Reason , Why young persons should be really good betimes , and that is , because they do not beginne to live till they beginne to bee really good , till they beginne to bee good , they are dead God-wards , and Christ-wards , and heaven-wards , and holiness-wards , till a man beginnes to bee really good , hee is really dead , Phil. 2.1 . and that first in respect of working , Respectu operis . his works are called dead works , Heb. 9.14 . the most glistering services of unregenerate persons are but dead works , because they proceed not from a principle of life , and they lead to death , Rom. 6.21 . and leave a sentence of death upon the soul , till it bee wash't off by the bloud of the Lamb.

Secondly , Respectu honoris . Hee is dead in respect of honour , hee is dead to all priviledges , hee is not fit to inherit mercy , who will set the crown of life upon a dead man . The crown of life is only for living Christians , Rev. 2.10 . The young Prodigal was dead , till hee begunne to bee good , till hee begunne to remember his fathers house , and to resolve to return home . My Son was dead , but is alive , Luk. 15.24 . and the Widow that liveth in pleasure , is dead while shee liveth . 1 Tim. 5 , 6 As t is a reproach to an old man to be in Coats , so t is a disgrace to be an old babe . i e. to be but a babe in grace , when old in years . Heb. 5.12 , 13 , 14. When Josaphat asked Barlaam , how old hee was , hee answered five and forty years old , to whom Josaphat replyed , thou seemest to bee seventy , true saith hee , if you reckon ever since I was born ; but I count not those years which were spent in vanity : Ah! Sirs you never begin to live , till you beginne to be good in good earnest . There is the life of vegetation , and that is the life of plants ; secondly , there is the life of sense , and that is the life of beasts ; Thirdly , there is the life of reason , and that is the life of man ; Fourthly , there is the life of grace , and that is the life of Saints ; and this life you do not beginne to live , till you beginne to bee good ; if a living Dogg is better than a dead Lyon , as the wise man speaks , Eccl. 9.4 . and if a Fly is more excellent than the heavens , because the Fly hath life which the heavens hath not , as the Philosopher saith , what a sad dead poor nothing is that person that is a stranger to the life of grace and goodness , that is dead , even whilst he is alive .

Most men will bleed , sweat , vomit , Meconas in Seneca had rather live in many diseases than dye . And Homer reporteth of his A●hilles , that he had rather be a servant to a poor Countrey Clown here , than to be a King to all the Souls departed purge , part with an estate , yea with a limb , I limbs , yea and many a better thing ( viz. the honour of God and a good conscience ) to preserve their natural lives : as hee crys out , Give mee any deformity , any torment , any misery , so you spare my life ; and yet how few , how very few , are to bee found , who make it their work , their business , to attain to a life of goodness , or to beginne to bee good betimes , or to bee dead to the world , and alive to God , rather than to bee dead to God , and alive to the world , this is for a lamentation and shal be for a lamentation , that natural life is so highly prized , & spiritual life so little regarded , &c

The eighth Reason , Why young persons should bee really good betimes , and that is , because the promise of finding God , of enjoying God , is made over to an early seeking of God , Prov. 8.17 . I love them that love mee , and they that seek me early shall find me . Or as the Hebrew hath it , they that seek mee in the morning shall find me , by the benefit of the morning light wee come to find the things wee seek . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Shahhar signifies to seek inquisitively to seek diligently , Exod. 16.21 Scipio went first to the Capitol , and then to the Senat. Tully an heathen frequently called G d Optimum maximum , the best , and greatest , God is Omnia super omnia . to seek timely in the morning . As the Israelites went early in the morning , to seek for Manna . And as Students rise early in the morning and sit close to it , to get knowledge ; so saith wisdome , they that seek mee in the spring and morning of their youth , shall finde mee .

Now to seek the Lord early , is to seek the Lord firstly . God hath in himself all the good of Angells , of men , and universal nature , hee hath all gloryes , all dignities , all riches , all treasures , all pleasures , all comforts , all delights , all joyes , all beatitudes . God is that one infinite perfection in himself , which is eminently and virtually all perfections of the creatures , and therfore hee is firstly to be sought . Abstracts do better express him , than Concretes and adjectives ; hee is , being , bonity , power , wisdome , justice , mercy , goodness , and love it self , and therefore worthy to bee sought before all other things . Seek yee first the good things of the mind , saith Philosophy , Cicero . and don't Divinity say as much ?

Again , To seek early is to seek opportunely , to seek while the opportunity does present , Daies of grace have their dates , therefore take heed of saying Cras , Cras , to morrow , to morrow . Judg. 9.33 . Thou shalt rise early , and set upon the City ; that is , thou shalt opportunely set upon the City . Such there have been , who by giving a glass of water opportunely , have obtained a kingdome , as you may see in the story of Thamastus , and King Agrippa .

Ah! Young men and women , you do not know , but that by an early , Heb. 12.28 by an opportune seeking of God , you may obtain a kingdom that shakes not , and glory that passeth not away . There is a season wherein God may bee found , Isa. 55.6 Seek ye the Lord while hee may bee found , call yee upon him while hee is neer , and if you slip this season , you may seek him , and miss him . Ier. 11.11 Isa. 1.15 Mic. 3 , 4 Prov. 1.28 Though they cry unto mee , I will not hearken unto them ; when yee make many prayers I will not hear . Then shall they cry unto the Lord , but he will not hear . Then shall they call upon mee , but I will not answer , they shall seek mee early but shall not finde mee . This was Sauls misery , The Philistines are upon mee , and God will not answer mee , 't is justice that they should seek and not finde at last , who might have found , had they but sought seasonably and opportunely , &c.

Again , to seek early , is to seek earnestly , affectionately . With my soul have I desired thee in the night , Isa. 26.9 . yea with my spirit within mee will I seek thee early : The Hebrew word signifies both an earnest , and an early seeking in the morning , the spirits are up , and men are earnest , lively , and affectionate . Ah such a seeking , shall certainly bee crowned with finding ! My voice shalt thou hear in the morning , Psal. 5.3.11 , 12. O Lord ; in the morning will I direct ( Heb. martial ) my prayer unto thee , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 and will look up ; ( Hebrew , look out like a watchman . ) Let all those that put their trust in thee , rejoyce ; let them ever shout for joy ; because thou defendest them , ( Hebrew , thou coverest over , or protectest them ) Let them also that love thy Name , bee joyful in thee , for thou , Lord , wilt blesse the Righteous , with favour wilt thou compasse him ( Hebrew crown him ) as with a shield . None have ever thus sought the Lord , but they have , or certainly shall finde him . Seek , and yee shall finde , Matth. 7.7 . your heart shall live that seek God , Psal. 69.32 . The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . It signifies such a working as notes the liveliest activity that can bee . James 5.16 . or as the Greek hath it , the working-prayer of a righteous man availeth much ; that prayer that sets the whole man awork , will work wonders in Heaven , in the heart , and in the earth . Earnest prayer like Sauls sword , and Jonathans bow , never return empty . One speaking of Luther , who was a man very earnest in praier , said , ( hic homo potuit apud Deum quod voluit , this man could have what hee would of God , &c.

Again , to seek early , is to seek chiefly , primarily , after this or that thing ; what wee first seek , wee seek as chief . Now to seek the Lord early , is to seek him primarily , chiefly , In the 63. Psal. and the 1. vers . Thou art my God , early will I seek thee ; that is , Omne bonum in summo b●no . I will seek thee as my choicest and my chiefest good . God is Alpha , the fountain from whence all grace springs ; and Omega , the Sea to which all glory runs ; and therefore early and primarily to bee sought . God is a perfect good , a solid good ( id bonum perfectum dicitur , cui nil accedere , solidum cui ●●l decedere potest . Lactantius ) that is a perfect good to which nothing can bee added , that a solid , from which nothing can bee spared such a good God is , and therefore early and chiefly to bee sought . 1 John 1.5 . God is a pure and simple good , hee is a light in whom there is no darknesse , a good , in whom there is no evil . The goodnesse of the Creature is mixt , yea that little goodness that is in the Creature is mixt with much evil , but God is an immixt good , Quicquid est in Deo , est ipse Deus . hee is good , hee is a pure good , he is all over good , hee is nothing but good . God is an Al-sufficient good , walk before mee , and bee upright , I am God Al-sufficient , in the 17. of Genesis and the 1. vers . Habet omnia , qui habet habentem omnia , Aug. Hee hath all , that hath the haver of all . God hath in himself all power to defend you , all wisdome to direct you , all mercy to pardon you , all grace to inrich you , all Righteousness to cloath you , all goodnesse to supply you , and all happinesse to crown you . Cant. 2.3 . God is a satisfying good , a good that fills the heart , and quiets the soul , in the 33. of Genesis and the 11. vers . I have enough , saith good Jacob , I have all , saith Jacob , for so the Hebrew hath it ( Cholli ) I have all , I have all comforts , all delights , all contents , &c. In having nothing , I have all things , because I have Christ , having therefore all things in him . I seek no other reward , for hee is the universal reward , saith one . As the worth and value of many peeces of silver is to bee found in one peece of gold . So all the petty excellencies that are scattered abroad in the Creatures are to bee found in God , yea all the whole volum of perfections which is spread through Heaven and Earth is epitomized in him . No good below him that is the greatest good , can satisfie the soul ; a good wife , a good child , a good name , a good estate , a good friend , cannot satisfie the soul ; these may please , but they cannot satisfie . Omnis copia quae non est Deus meus , mihi egestas est . Aug. Soliloq. c. 13. All abundance , if it bee not my God , is to mee nothing but poverty and want , said one . Ah that young men and women would but in the morning of their youth , seek , yea seek early , seek earnestly ; seek affectionately , seek diligently , seek primarily , and seek unweariedly this God , who is the greatest good ; the best good , the most desirable good : who is a sutable good , a pure good : a satisfying good , a total good , and an eternal good .

The ninth Reason , why young persons should be really good betimes , and that is , because the time of youth is the choicest and fittest time for service . Now your parts are lively , senses fresh , The dayes of youth are called , aetas bona , in Cicero , and aetas optima , in Seneca . memory strong , and nature vigorous ; the dayes of your youth are the spring and morning of your time ; they are the first-born of your strength , therefore God requires your nonage as well as your dotage ; the wine of your times , as well as the lees , Exod. 13.2 . Exod. 22.9 . as you may see typified to you in the first fruits , which were dedicated to the Lord ; And the first-born . The time of youth is the time of salvation , it is the acceptable time , it is thy summer , thy harvest time . O young man , therefore do not sleep , but up , and bee doing , awaken thy heart , rouse up thy soul , and improve all thou hast , put out thy reason , thy strength , thy all , to the treasuring up of heavenly graces , precious promises , divine experiences , and spiritual comforts , against the winter of old age , and then old age will not bee to thee an evil age , Gen. 25.28 . but as it was to Abraham a good old age ; do not put off God with fair promises , and large pretences till your last sands are running , and the dayes of dotage hath overtaken you . Mal. 1.14 . That 's a sad word of the Prophet , cursed bee the deceiver which hath in his flock a male , and yet offereth to the Lord a corrupt thing . Jer. 1.11 The Almond tree blossomes in January , ( while it is yet Winter ) and the fruit is ripe in March . Ah young men and women , who are like the Almond tree , you have many males in the flock , your strength is a male in your flock , your time is a male in the flock , your reason is a male in the flock , your parts are a male in the flock , and your gifts are a male in the flock ; now if hee bee curst that hath but one male in his flock , and shall offer to God a corrupt thing , a thing of no worth , of no value , how will you bee curst , and curst , curst at home , and curst abroad , curst temporally , curst spiritually , and curst eternally , who have many males in your flock , and yet deal so unworthily , so fraudulently , and false heartedly with God , as to put him off with the dreggs of your time , and strength , while you spend the Prime-rose of your youth in the service of the world , Mat. 21.20 the Flesh , and the Devil .

The Fig-tree in the Gospel , that did not bring forth fruit timely and seasonably , was curst to admiration , the time of youth is the time and season for bringing forth the fruits of righteousness and holiness , and if these fruits bee not brought forth in their season , you may justly fear , that the curses of heaven will secretly and insensibly soak and sink into your souls , and then woe wo to you that ever you were born , the best way to prevent this hell of hels is to give God the cream and Flower of your youth , your strength , your time , your Talents ; vessels that are betimes seasoned with the savour of life , never loose it , Pro. 22.6 .

The Tenth Reason , Why young persons should bee really good ( in good earnest ) betimes , and that is , because Death may suddenly and unexpectedly seize upon you , Pares nascuntur , pares moriuntur , in the womb and in the Tomb they are all alike . you have no lease of your lives . Youth is as fickle as old age , the young man may finde Graves enough of his length in buriall places ; as green wood , and old logs meet in one fire , so young Sinners , and old Sinners meet ( in one hell ) and burn together ; when the young man is in his spring , Job . 21.23 , 24 and prime , then hee is cut off and dies , one dieth in his full strength ( or in the strength of his perfection , T is an Allegorical description of the highest prosperity . as the Hebrew hath it ) being wholly at ease and quiet . His breasts are full of milk , and his bones are moistened with marrow . Davids children dies when young , so did Jobs , and Jeroboams , &c. Every days experience tell us , that the young mans life is as much a vapour , as the old mans is .

I have read of an Italian Poet , who brings in a propper young man rich and potent , discoursing with Death , in the habit of a mower with his Sythe in his hand , cutting down the life of man ( For all flesh is grass , Isa. 40.6 . ) and wilt thou not spare any mans person saith the young man ; I spare none saith death , Deaths motto is Nulli Cedo , I yeild to none . mans life is but a day , a short day , a winters day , oft-times the Sun goes down upon a man before it be wel up ; your day is short , your work is great , your journey long , and therefore you should rise early and set forward towards heaven betimes , as that man does that hath a long journey to go in a winters day .

The life of man is absolutely short . Psal. 39.5 Behold thou hast made my days as a hands breadth . The life of man is comparatively short , and that if you compare mans life now to what hee might have reacht ; had hee continued in innocency . Sinne brought in death , death is a fall that came in by a fall ; or if you compare mans life now , to what they did reach to before the Flood , then several lived , Gen. 9 six , seven , eight , nine hundred years ; or if you compare mans dayes with the days of God . Mine age is as nothing before thee ; Psal. 39.5 or if you compare the dayes of man to the dayes of eternity .

Ah! The Heathen could say , that the whole life of man should be nothing else but ( meditatio mortis ) a meditation of death Young men , young men , can you seriously consider of the brevity of mans life , and trifle away your time , the offers of Grace , your precious souls , and eternity ? &c. surely you cannot , surely you dare not ; if you do but in good earnest ponder upon the shortness of mans life . It is recorded of Philip King of Macedon , that he gave a pension to one to come to him every day at dinner , and to cry to him ( memento te esse mortalem ) Remember thou art but mortal .

Ah! Young men and old , had need bee often put in mind of their mortality , they are too apt to forget that day , yea to put farre from them the thoughts of that day . I have read of three that could not endure to hear that bitter word , death , mentioned in their ears , and surely this age is full of such monsters .

And as the life of man is very short , so it is very uncertain , now well , now sick , alive this hour , and dead the next . Death doth not always give warning before hand , sometimes hee gives the mortal blow suddenly , hee comes behind with his dart , and strikes a man at the heart , before hee saith , have I found thee O my enemy ? Eutichus fell down dead suddenly , Act. 20.19 . Death suddenly arested Davids Sons , and Jobs Sons , Petrach telleth of one who being invited to dinner , the next day , enswered , Ego a multis annis crastinum non habui . I have not had a morrow for this many years . Augustus dyed in a complement , Galba with a sentence , Vespasian with a jest , Zeuxes dyed laughing at the picture of an old woman , which hee drew with his own hand , Sophocles was choaked with the stone in a Grape , D●odorus the Logician dyed for shame , that hee could not answer a joculary question propounded at the Table by Stilpo , Joannes Measius , preaching upon the raising of the woman of Naims sonne from the dead , within three houres after dyed himself .

Ah! Young men and women , have you not cause , great cause to bee good betimes ? for death is sudden in his approaches , nothing more sure than death , and nothing more uncertain than life ; therefore know the Lord betimes , turn from your sinnes betimes , lay hold on the Lord , and make peace with him betimes , that you may never say as Caesar Borgias said , when hee was sick to death , when I lived ( said hee ) I provided for every thing but death , now I must dye and am unprovided to dye , &c.

The Eleventh Reason , Why young persons should bee really good betimes , and that is , because t is ten to one , nay , a hundred to ten if ever they are converted , if they are not converted when they are young .

God usually begins with such betimes , Hos. 11.1 . When Israel was a child , then I loved him , &c. that hee hath had thoughts of love and mercy towards from everlasting ; the instances cited to prove the Doctrin , confirms this argument ; and if you look abroad , in the world , you shall hardly finde one Saint among a thousand , but dates his conversion from the time of his youth . 'T was the young ones that got through the wilderness into Canaan . If the Tree do not bud , and blossome , and bring forth fruit in the Spring , Numb. 26.64 . it is commonly dead all the year after ; An Hebrew Doctor observes that of those six hundred thousand that went out of Egypt , there were but two persons that entered Canaan . if in the spring , and morning of your daies you do not bring forth fruit to God , it is a hundred to one , that ever you bring forth fruit to him , when the evil dayes of old age shall overtake you , wherein you shall say , you have no pleasure . For as the Son of Syrach observes , if thou hast gathered nothing in thy youth , Eccles. 25.5 . what canst thou finde in thy age ? t is rare , very rare , that God sows and reaps in old age , usually God sows the seed of grace in youth , it yeelds the harvest of joy in age . Though true repentance be never too late , yet late repentance is seldome true . Millions are now in Hell , who have pleased themselves with the thoughts of after repentance . The Lord hath made a promise to late repentance , but where hath he made a promise of late repentance : yea what can bee more just and equal , Pro. 1.24 , 32. that such should seek , and not finde , who might have found , but would not seek ; and that hee should shut his ears against their late prayers , who have stopt their ears against his early calls ? The Ancient warriours would not accept an old man into their army , as being unfit for service , and dost thou think that God will accept of thy dry bones , when Satan hath suckt out all the marrow ? What Lord , what Master will take such into their service , who have all their dayes served their enemies , and will God ? will God ? The Circassians ( a kinde of Mongrel Christians ) are said to divide their life betwixt sin and devotion , Breerw . Enqui . dedicating their youth to rapine , and their old age to repentance ; if this bee thy case , I would not bee in thy case for ten thousand worlds .

I have read of a certain great man ; Beda hath this story . that was admonished in his sickness to repent , who answered , that hee would not repent yet , for if hee should recover , his companions would laugh at him ; but growing sicker , and sicker , his friends pressed him again to repent , but then hee told them that it were too late ; ( Quia jam judicatus sum , & condemnatus ) for now said hee , I am judged and condemned .

The twelfth and last Reason , why young men should bee really good betimes , and that is , because else they will never attain to the honour of being old disciples . It is a very great honour to bee an old Disciple . Now this honour none reach to , but such as are converted betimes , but such as turn to the Lord in the spring , and morning of their youth . It is no honour for an old man to bee in coats , What more ridiculous than ( puer . contum annorum ) a child of an hundred years old ? nor for an old man to bee a babe in grace . An A. B. C. old man is a sad and shameful sight ; O but it is a mighty honour to a man when hee is old , that hee can date his conversion from the morning of his youth . Now that it is an honour to bee an old Disciple , I shall prove by an induction of particulars . As

It is an honour to bee an old Disciple

First , All men will honour an old Disciple , A Crown is a very glorious thing , but there are but few of them . Prov. 16.31 . The hoary head is a Crown of glory , if it bee found in the way of Righteousness . God requires that the aged should bee honoured , Levit. 19.32 . Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head , and honour the face of the old man ( the old man here , is by some expounded the wise man ) and fear thy God ; I am the Lord . Hoariness is only honourable , when found in a way of Righteousness ; a white head accompanied with a holy heart , makes a man truly honourable . There are two glorious sights in the world , the one is , a young man walking in his uprightnesse ; and the other is , an old man walking in wayes of Righteousnesse ; 't was Abrahams honour , Gen. 25.8 . that hee went to his grave in a good old age , or rather as the Hebrew hath it , with a good gray head ; many there bee that goes to their graves with a gray head , but this was Abrahams crown , that hee went to his grave with a good gray head ; had Abrahams head been never so gray , if it had not been good , it would have been no honour to him ; a hoary head , when coupled with an unsanctified heart , is rather a curse , than a blessing , when the head is as white as Snow , Isa. 65.20 . and the soul as black as Hell , God usually gives up such to the greatest scorn and contempt . Princes are hanged up by their hands , Lam. 5.12 . the faces of Elders were not honoured , and this God had threatned long before . Deut. 28.49.50 The Lord shall bring against thee a Nation from far , a Nation of fierce countenance , which shall not regard the person of the old , nor shew favour to the young . I have read of Cleanthes , who was wont sometimes to chide himself : Ariston wondering thereat , asked him whom chidest thou , Cleanthes laughed , and answered , I chide an old fellow ( qui canos quidem habet , sed mentem non habet ) who hath gray hairs indeed , but wants understanding and prudence worthy of them . The Application I will leave to the gray heads , and gray beards of our time , who have little else to commend them to the world but their hoary heads , and snowy-beards .

Secondly , God usually reveals himself most to old Disciples , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 In the Ancient is wisdome . to old Saints , Job 12.12 , With the Ancient is wisdome , and in length of dayes understanding . God usually manifests most of himself to aged Saints , Valentianius the Emperors morto was ( amicus veterimus optimus ) an old friend is best . they usuall pray most , and pay most , they labour most , and long most after the choicest manifestations of himself , and of his grace , and therefore he opens his bosome most to them , and makes them of his Cabinet-Councel . Gen. 18 , 17 , 19. And the Lord said , shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do , for I know him , that hee will command his Children , and his houshold after him , and they shall keep the way of the Lord , to do justice , and judgement , that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which hee hath spoken of him . Abraham was an old friend , and therefore God makes him both of his Court , and Councel ; wee usually open our hearts most freely , fully , and familiarly to old friends . So doth God to his ancient friends . Luk. 2.25 , 26 , 27 , 28. Ah what a blessed sight and injoyment of Christ had old Simeon , that made his very heart to dance in him ! Now Lord , lettest thou thy servant to depart in peace , according to thy word , for mine eyes have seen thy salvation , &c. I have seen him , who is my light , my life , my love , my joy , my crown , my heaven , my all ; therefore now let thy servant depart in peace . Vers. 36 , 37 , 38. So Anna , when shee was fourscore and four years old , was so filled with the discoveries and injoyments of Christ , that shee could not but declare what shee had tasted , felt , seen , heard , and received from the Lord : Shee was ripe , and ready to discover , the fulness , sweetness , goodness , excellency , and glory of that Christ whom shee had long loved , feared , and served . So. Paul lived in the light , Phil. 4.5 , 7 , 9. sight , and sweet injoyments of Christ , when aged , in years , Rev. 1.7 . — ult. in grace . So when had John that glorious vision of Christ among the golden Candlesticks , and those discoveries and manifestations , of the ruine of Rome , the fall of Antichrist , the casting the beast and false Prophet into a lake of fire ; the conquest of the Kingdomes of the world , by Christs bow and sword , the binding up of Satan , and the new Jerusalem , comming down from God out of heaven , but when he was old , when hee was aged in years , and in Grace ?

The Lord speaks many a secret in the ears of aged Saints , of old Christians , which young Christians are not acquainted with , as that phrase imports , 2 Sam. 7.27 . Thou O Lord God of host , hath revealed to thy servant , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Galitha ethozen . so you read it in your books , but in the Hebrew it is , Lord thou hast revealed this to the ear of thy servant . Some wonder how that word to the ear comes to bee left out in your books , in which indeed the Emphasis lyes , wee will tell many things in an old friends ear , which wee will not acquaint young ones with . So doth God many times whisper an old Disciple in the ear , and acquaints him with such things that hee hides from those that are of younger years . And by this you may see what an honor it is to be an old Disciple .

Thirdly , Heb. 5.11 , 12 , 13 , 14. Yet as Solon was not ashamed to say , that in his old age he was a learner , so those that are the greatest Artists in Christianity will confesse , that they are still but learners . An old Disciple , an old Christian , hee hath got the art of serving God , the art of Religion , Got the art of hearing , the art of praying , the art of meditating , the art of repenting , the art of beleeving , the art of denying his natural self , his sinful self , his Religious self . All Trades have their mystery and difficulty ; so hath the trade of Christianity ; young Christians usually bungle in religious work , but old Christians acquit themselves like workmen that need not bee ashamed . A Young Carpenter gives more blows , and makes more chips , but an old Artist doth the most , and best work ; a young Christian may make most noise in religious duties , but an old Christian makes the best work . A young Musitian may play more quick and nimble , upon an instrument than an old , but an old Musitian hath more skill and judgement than a young , the application is easy ; And by this you may also see , what an honour it is , to be an old Christian , &c.

Fourthly , An old Disciple , an old Christian , is rich in spiritual experiences , 1 John 2.13 O the experiences that hee hath of the ways of God , of the workings of God , of the word of God , of the love of God . Ps. 119.49 , 50. Old men love to speak of ancieet things . O the divine stories that old Christians can tell of the power of the Word , of the sweetness of the Word , of the use-fulness of the Word , as a light to lead the soul , as a staffe to support the soul , as a spur to quicken the soul , as an anchor to stay the soul , and as a cordial to comfort and strengthen the soul ! O the stories that he can tell you concerning the love of Christ , the bloud of Christ , the offices of Christ , the merits of Christ , the righteousness of Christ , the graces of Christ , and the influence of Christ . O the stories that an old Disciple can tell you of the indwellings of the spirit , of the operations of the spirit , of the teachings of the spirit , of the leadings of the spirit , of the sealings of the spirit , of the witnessings of the spirit , and of the comforts and joyes of the spirit . O the stories that an old Christian can tell you , of the evil of Sinne , the bitterness of Sinne , the deceitfulness of Sinne , the prevalency of Sin , and the happiness of conquest over Sinne. O the stories that hee can tell you of the snares of Satan , the devices of Satan , the temptations of Satan , the rage of Satan , the malice of Satan , the watchfulness of Satan , and the wayes of triumphing over Satan . As an old Souldier can tell you of many battels , many scarres , many wounds , many losses , and many victories , even to admiration ; So an old Saint is able to tell you many divine stories even to admiration .

Pliny writes of the Crocodile , that shee grows to her last day . So aged Saints , Hos. 14.5 , 6 , 7 they grow rich in spirituall experiences to the last . An old Christian being once asked , if he grew in goodness , Answered yea , doubtless I do , for God hath said , Psal. 92.12 , 13 , 14. The Righteous shall flourish like the Palm-tree ( now the Palm-tree never looseth his leaf , or fruit , saith Pliny ) hee shall grow like a Cedar in Lebanon . Those that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the Courts of our God ; They shall still bring forth fruit in old age , they shall bee fat and flourishing . Isa. 46.3 , 4 A fellow to this promise Isaiah mentions , Hearken unto me O house of Jacob , and all the remnant of the house of Israel , which are born by mee , from the belly , which are carried from the womb , and even to your old age ; I am hee , and even to hoary hairs , will I carry you , I have made , and I will bear , even I will carry , and will deliver you . There is nothing more commendable in fulness of age , Dan. 7.9 , 13 , 22 than fulness of knowledge and experience ; nor nothing more honourable than to see ancient Christians , very much acquainted with the Ancient of dayes . It is a brave sight to see ancient Christians like the Almond-Tree . Now the Almond-tree doth flourish , and is full of blossomes in the winter of old age , for as Pliny tells us , the Almond-Tree doth blossome in the month of January ; experiments in religion are beyond notions , and impressions ; a sanctified heart , is better than a silver tongue , no man so rich , so honourable , so happy , as the old Disciple , that is rich in spirituall experiences , and yet there is no Christian so rich in his experiences but hee would be richer . The Lawyer . As Julianius said , that when hee had one foot in the grave , hee would have the other in the School . So though an old Disciple hath one foot in the grave , yet hee will have the other in Christs School , that he may still bee treasuring up more and more divine experiments ; and by this also you see , what an honour it is to bee an old Disciple , &c.

Fifthly , An old Disciple is very stout , couragious , firm , and fixt in his resolutions ; Psa. 44.9 . — ult. an old Christian is like a pillar , a rock , nothing can move him , nothing can shake him , what is suckt in in youth , will abide in old age ; old souldiers are stout and couragious , nothing can daunt nor discourage them . When Joshua was an hundred and ten years old , Josh. 24.15.29 O how couragious and resolute was hee ! And if it seem evil unto you , to serve the Lord , chuse you this day whom you will serve , whether the Gods that your Fathers served , that were on the other side of the flood , or the gods of the Amorites , in whose land yee dwell ; but as for mee and my house , wee will serve the Lord . And it came to passe , after these things , that Joshua the Son of Nun , the servant of the Lord dyed , being an hundred and ten years old . Confidius a Senator of Rome told Caesar boldly that the Senators durst not come to council for fear of his souldiers ; hee replyed , why then dost thou go to the Senate ? hee answered , because my age takes away my fear . Ah! none so couragious , none so divinely fearlesse , none so carelesse in evil dayes as ancient Christians . An old Christian knows , that that good will do him no good , which is not made good by perseverance ; his resolution is like that of Gonsalvo , who protested to his souldiers , shewing them Naples , that hee had rather die one foot forwards , than to have his life secured for long by one foot of retreat . Shall such a man as I am flee , said undaunted Nehemia ? Neh. 6.11 . he will couragiously venture life and limb , rather than by one foot of retreat , credit profession with the reproach of fearfulness . Aristotle , ( though a heathen ) could say that in some cases a man had better lose his life , than bee cowardly . Arist. Ethie . 3. cap. 1. It was a brave magnanimous speech of Luther , when dangers from opposers did threaten him , and his associates ; come ( saith hee ) let us sing the forty sixth Psalm , and then let them do their worst . When Polycarpus was fourscore and six years old , hee suffered Martyrdome couragiously , resolutely , and undauntedly .

When one of the ancient Martyrs was very much threatned by his persecutors , hee replyed , there is nothing of things visible , nothing of things invisible that I fear ; I will stand to my profession of the name of Christ , and contend earnestly for the Faith once delivered to the Saints , come on it what will . Old Disciples , old Souldiers of Christ , 2 Sam. 23.11 , 12. they have the heart and courage of Shammah , one of Davids worthies , who stood and defended the field , when all the rest fled . The Hebrews call a young man Nagnar , which springs from a root that signifies to shake off , Mat. 19.20.21 , 22. or to bee tossed to and fro , to note how fickle , and how constant in inconstancy young men are , they usually are persons either of no resolution for good , or of weak resolution ; they are too often wonn with a Nut , and lost with an Apple : but now aged Christians in all Earthquakes , they stand fast , like Mount-Zion , that cannot bee removed . And by this also you may see , what an honour it is , to bee an old Disciple , an old Christian .

Sixthly , An old Disciple , an old Christian , is prepared for death , hee hath been long a dying to sin , Rom. 6 6. Gal. 5.24 . ch. 6.14 . to the world , to friends , to self , to relations , all , and no man so prepared to dye , as he that thus daily dyes . An old Disciple hath lived sincerely to Christ , hee hath lived eminently to Christ , hee hath lived in all conditions , Rom. 14.7 , 8. Phil. 1.21 , 22 , 23. and under all changes to Christ , he hath lived exemplarily to Christ , hee hath lived long to Christ , and therefore the more prepared to dye , and bee with Christ . An old Disciple hath a crown in his eye , a pardon in his bosome , and a Christ in his arms , and therefore may sweetly sing it out with old Simeon , Lord , now let thy servant depart in peace . As Hillary said to his soul , soul , thou hast served Christ this seventy years , Zeno a wise heathen said , I have no fear but of old age . and art thou afraid of death ? go out soul , go out . Many a day said old Cowper have I sought death with tears , not out of impatience , distrust , or perturbation , but because I am weary of sin , and fearful to fall into it . Nazianzen calls upon the King of terrors , devour mee , devoure mee . And Austin , when old , could say , shall I dye ever ? Cyprian could receive the cruellest sentence of death , with a Deo gratias . God I thank thee . yes , or shall I die at all ? yes , why then Lord if ever , why not now ? why not now ? so when Modestus the Emperors Lieutenant threatned to kill Bazil , he answered , if that be all . I fear not ; yea , your Master cannot more pleasure mee , than in sending mee unto my heavenly Father , to whom I now live , and to whom I desire to hasten . I cannot say as hee ( said old Mr. Stephen Martial a little before his death ) I have not so lived , that I should now bee afraid to dye , but this I can say , I have so learned Christ , that I am not afraid to dy . Old Christians have made no more to dye , than to dine . Isa. 57.1 , 2 It is nothing to dye when the Comforter stands by ; Old Disciples know that to dye is but to lye down in their beds , they know that their dying day is better than their birth day , Eccl. 7.1 and this made Solomon to prefer his Coffin before his Crown , the day of his dissolution , before the day of his coronation . The Ancients were wont to call the dayes of their death , Natalia , not dying days , but birth days .

The Jews to this day stick-not to call their Golgotha's Batte Caiim , the houses or places of the Living ; old Christians know that death is but an entrance into life , t is but a passeover , a jubile , t is but the Lords Gentleman-usher to conduct them to heaven , and this prepares them to dye and makes death more desirable than life , and by this you may see , that it is an honour to bee an old Disciple .

Seventhly , An Old Disciple , an old Christian , 1 Cor. 15 ult. 2 Cor. 9.6 Mat. 5.10 , 11 , 12 God will reward his Servants , Secundum laborem , according to their labour , though not Secundum proventum , according to the successe of their labour . shall have a great reward in heaven , Old Christians have done much , and suffered much for Christ , and the more any man doth , or suffers for Christ here , the more glory hee shall have hereafter . T was the saying of an old Disciple upon his dying bed , hee is come , hee is come ( meaning the Lord ) with a great reward for a little work . Agrippa having suffered imprisonment for wishing Cajus Emperor , the first thing Cajus did when hee came to the Empire , was to prefer Agrippa to a Kingdome ; hee gave him also a chain of Gold as heavy as the chain of Iron that was upon him in prison ; And will not Christ richly reward all his suffering Saints ? Surely hee will , Christ will at last pay a Christian for every prayer hee hath made , for every Sermon hee hath heard , for every tear hee hath shed , for every morsell hee hath given , for every burden hee hath born , for every battel hee hath fought , for every enemy hee hath flain , and for every temptation that he hath overcome . Cyrus in a great expedition against his enemies , the better to incourage his souldiers to fight , in an oration that he made at the head of his Army , promised upon the victory , to make every foot souldier an horsman and every horseman a Commander , and that no Officer that did valiantly , should be unrewarded , Mat. 19.28 Luke 22.30 . Mat. 5.12 but what are Cyrus his rewards , to the rewards that Christ our General promises to his , Rev. 3.21 . To him that overcommeth , will I grant to sit with me in my throne , even as I also overcame , and am set down with my father in his throne . As the King in Plutarch said of a groat , it is no kingly gift , and of a Talent , it is no base bribe . As there is no Lord to Christ , so there is no rewards to Christs , his rewards are the greatest rewards , hee gives Kingdomes , Crowns , Thrones , hee gives grace and glory , Psal. 84.11 . It is said of Araunah that noble Jebusite , renowned for his bounty , that he had but a subjects purse , but a Kings heart , but Jesus Christ hath a Kings purse , as well as a Kings heart , and accordingly hee gives .

And as Christs rewards are the greatest rewards , so his rewards are the surest rewards ; he is faithfull that hath promised , 1 Thes. 5.24 . Antiochus promised often , but seldome gave ( upon which hee was called in way of derision a great promiser ) but Jesus Christ never made any promise , but hee hath or will perform it , 2 Cor. 1.20 . nay he is often better than his word , 1 Cor. 2.9 . hee gives many times more than wee ask . The sick man of the Palsy asked but health , Mat. 9.2 and Christ gave him health and a pardon to boot . Solomon desired but wisdome , 2 Chron. 1.10.11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15. and the Lord gave him wisdome , and honour , and riches , and the favour of creatures , as paper and pack-thred into the bargain . Jacob asked him but cloaths to wear , Gen. 28.20 . Compared with Gen. 32.10 . and bread to eat , and the Lord gave him these things , and riches , and other mercies into the bargain . Christ doth not measure his gifts by our Petitions , but by his own riches , and mercies . Gracious souls many times receive many gifts , and favours from God , that they never dreamt off , nor durst presume to begge , which others exstreamly strive after , and go without . Archelaus being much importuned by a covetous courtier for a cup of gold , wherein hee drank , gave it unto Euripides that stood by , saying , thou art worthy to ask , and be denyed , but Euripides is worthy of gifts , although hee ask not . Luk. 15.19 . ●●,25 . The Prodigall craves no more but the place of an hyred Servant , but hee is entertained as a Sonne , he is clad with the best robe , and fed with the fatted calf , he hath a ring for his hand , and shooes for his feet , rich supplies more than hee desired . Gen. 42. Jacobs sons in a time of famine desired only corn , and they return with corn and money in their sacks , and with good news too , Joseph is alive , and governour of all Egypt .

And as his Rewards are greater and surer than others rewards , Heb. 12.28 Mat. 6.19 , 20 1 Pet. 1.4 so they are more durable and lasting than others rewards , the Kingdome that hee gives is a Kingdome that shakes not , the treasures that he gives are treasures that corrupt not , and the glory that hee gives is glory that fadeth not away , but the rewards that men give , are like themselves , fickle and unconstant , they are withering and fading , Xerxes crowned his steers-man in the morning , and beheaded him in the evening of the same day . And Andronicus the Greek Emperor , crowned his admiral in the morning , and then took off his head in the afternoon ; Rofensis had a Cardinals hat sent him , but his head was cut off before it came to him ; most may say of their Crowns , as that King said of his , O Crown , more noble than happy . It was a just complaint which long ago was made against the Heathen gods ( O faciles dare summa deos eademque tueri difficiles ! ) they could give their favourits great gifts , but they could not maintain them in the possession of them , the World may give you great things , but the World cannot maintain you in the possession of them , but the great things , the great rewards that Christ gives his , hee will for ever maintain them in the possession of them , otherwise heaven would not bee heaven , Glory would not bee glory : Now by all these things you see , that it is a very great honour to bee an Old Disciple , an old Christian ; and this honour you will never attain to , except you beginne to bee really good betimes , except in the morning of your youth , you return to the Lord , and get an interest in him .

I shall now come to make some Use and Application of this weighty truth to our selves .

You see beloved , that it is the great Duty and concernment of Young men , To be really good betimes : if this be so . Then

The Vanity of Youth

Vse 1.

First , This truth looks sowerly and sadly upon such Young men , that are only seemingly good , that makes some shews of goodnesse , but are not right towards God at the root . As Joash when hee was young , 2 Chron. 24.1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16. hee seemed to have good things in him towards the Lord , whilst good Jehoiada liv'd , but when Jehoiada was dead , Neroes first five years are famous , but afterwards who more cruel . Joash his goodness was buried with him . Ah how many in these dayes that have been seemingly good , have turned to bee naught , very naught , yea stark naught ! It is said of Tiberius , that whilst Augustus ruled , hee was no wayes tainted in his reputation ; and that whilst Drusus and Germanicus were alive , hee feigned those vertues which hee had not , to maintain a good opinion of himself , in the hearts of the people ; but after hee had got himself out of the reach of contradiction and controulment , There are some that write that after Demas had forsaken Paul , hee became a Priest in an Idol Temple . there was no fact in which hee was not faulty , no crime to which hee was not accessary . Oh that this were not applicable to many young persons in these dayes , who have made great shews , and taken upon them a great name , who have begun to outshine the stars , but are now gone out like so many snuffs , to the dishonour of God , the reproach of the Gospel , the grief of others , and the hazzard of their own souls .

It was a custome of old , when any was baptized , the Minister delivered a white garment to bee put on , saying , take thou this white vestment , and see thou bring it forth without spot at the Judgement seat of Jesus Christ ; whereupon one Maritta baptizing one Elpidophorus , who when hee was grown up , proved a prophane wretch , hee brings forth the white garment , and holding it up , Crabs that go backward are reakoned among the unclean creatures . Levit. 11.10 . shakes it against him , saying , this linnen garment Elpidophorus shall accuse thee at the comming of Christ , which I have kept by mee as a witnesse of thy Apostacy .

Ah young men and women , your former professions will bee a sad witnesse against you in the great day of our Lord Jesus , except you repent and return in good earnest to the Lord. Pro. 14.14 . Oh it had been better that you had never made profession , that you had never set your faces towards Heaven , that you had never pretended to God and Christ , that you had never known the way of Righteousnesse , 2 Pet. 2.21 . than after you have known it , to turn from the holy commandement . Cyprian in his Sermon de lapsis reporteth of divers , who forsaking the Faith , were given over to evil spirits , and dyed fearfully . Oh the delusions , and the Christ-dethroning , conscience-wasting and soul-undoing opinions , and principles that many young ones ( who once were hopeful ones ) are given up to ! That dreadful Scripture seems to bee made good in power upon them , Jer. 17.13 . All you that forsake the Lord shall come to bee ashamed ; and they that depart from him shall bee written upon the dust ; to begin well , and not to proceed , is but to aspire to a higher pitch , that the fall may bee the more desperate . Hos. 14.4 . Backsliding is a wounding sin . Eph. 6.11 . — 18 You read of no arms for the back , though you do for the breast : Hee that is but seemingly good , will prove at last exceeding bad , 2 Tim. 3.13 . they wax worse and worse , deceiving , and being deceived .

The Wolf , though hee often dissembles , and closely , hides his nature , yet hee will one time or other shew himself to bee a Wolf . Commers make a greater blaze than fixed stars .

In the dayes of Hadrian the Emperour , there was one Bencosby , who gathering a multitude of Jews together , called himself Ben-cocuba , the son of a star , applying that prophesie to himself , Num. 23.17 . but his mask was taken off , his Hypocrisy discovered , and he found to bee Burchosaba , the son of a lye ; this age hath afforded many such monsters , but their folly is discovered , and their practises ahborred . This was the young mans commendation in the text , That there was found in him some real good towards the Lord .

Vse 2.

2 This truth looks sowerly and sadly upon such young men , who are so far from having good things in them towards the Lord , that they give themselves up to those youthful lusts and vanities that are ●●monouring , provoking , and displeasing to the Lord , who roar and revel , and gad and game , and dice , and drink , and drab , and what 〈◊〉 these make work with a witness for repentance , or Hell , or the Physitian of souls . I shall but touch upon the evils of youth , and then come to that which is mostly intended .

1 The first evil that most properly attends youth , 〈◊〉 3.6 . is pride , pride of heart , pride of apparrel , pride of parts ; young men are apt to ●e proud of health , strength , friends , relations , wit , wealth , wisdome : two things are very rare , the one is to see a young man humble , and watchful , and the other is to see an old man contented , and chearful . Bernard saith , that pride is the rich mans couzen , and experience every day speaks out pride to bee the young mans couzen . God ( saith one ) had three sons , Lucifer , Adam , and Christ ; the first aspired to bee like God in power , and was therefore thrown down from Heaven ; Pride cannot c●●●be so high , but Justice will sit above . the second to bee like him in knowledge , and was therefore deservedly driven out of Eden , when young the third did altogether i 〈…〉 te and follow him in his goodnesse , mercy , and humility , and by so doing , obtained an everlasting inheritance .

Remember this young men , and as you would get a paradise , and keep a paradise , get humble , and keep humble . Pride is an evil that puts men upon all manner of evil . Accius the Poet , though hee were a dwarf , yet would bee pictured tall of stature . Psaphon a proud Sybian , would needs bee a God , and having caught some birds , hee taught them to speak and prattle , The great god Psaphon . Menecrates a proud Physitian , wrote thus to King Philip , Menecrates a god , to Philip a King . Proud Simon in Lucian , having got a little wealth , changed his name ( from Simon to Simonides ) for that there were so many beggers of his kinne , and set the house on fire wherein hee was born , because no body should point at it . What sad evils Pharachs pride , and Hamans pride , and Herods pride and Belshazzars pride put them upon , I shall not now mention . Ah young men , young men ! had others a window to look into your breasts , 〈◊〉 an old woman ●●●ing 〈…〉 ●ormity 〈◊〉 a glass went mad , &c. or did your hearts stand where your faces do , you would even bee affraid of your selves , you would loathe and abhor your selves . Ah! young men , young men , as you would have God to keep house with you , as you would have his minde and secrets made known to you , as you would have Christ to delight in you , and the spirit to dwell in you , as you would bee honoured among Saints , and attended , and guarded by Angels , get humble , and keep humble . Tertullians Councell to the young Gallants of those times , was excellent , Tert. de Gult . Jam. Cap. 13. cloath your selves ( said hee ) with the silk of piety , with the sattin of sanctity , and with the purple of modesty . So shall you have God himself to bee your Sutor .

The second evil that Youth is subject to , is , Eccl. 11.9 2 Sam. 13.23 . ●●● 29 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Pleasure is the bait of sin , saith Plato . sensual pleasures and delights , Rejoyce , O young man in thy youth , and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth , and walk in the ways of thy heart , and in the sight of thine eyes . The wise man by an Ironical concession bids him rejoyce . &c. Sin , &c. thou art wilful , and resolved upon taking thy pleasure , go on , take thy course , this hee speaks by way of mockage , and bitter scoffe , &c. but know thou that for all these things , God will bring thee into judgement . So Sampson made a feast ; Judg. 14.10 for so used the Young men to do , the hearts of young men usually are much given up to pleasure . I have read of a young man who was very much given up to pleasures , hee standing by St. Ambrose , and seeing his excellent death , turned to other young men by him , and said , Oh! that I might live with you , and dye with him . Sensual pleasures are like to those Locusts , Rev. 9.7 the crowns upon whose heads , are said to bee onely as it were such , or such in appearance , and like Gold , but vers. 10 it is said , there were ( not as it were , They were much out that held pleasure to bee mans sum●um bonum . but ) stings in their tails . Sensual pleasures are but seeming , and appearing pleasures , but the pains that attend them are true and reall ; he that delights in sensuall pleasures , shall finde his greatest pleasures , become his bitterest pains . The Heathens look't upon the back parts of pleasure , and saw it going away from them , and leaving a sling behind . Pleasures passe away as soon as they have wearied out the bodie , and leave it as a bunch of grapes , whose juice hath been pressed out ; which made one to say , ( Nulla major voluptas , quam voluptatis fastidium ) I see no greater pleasure in this world , than the contempt of pleasure . Julian though an Apostate , yet professed , that the pleasures of the body were far below a great spirit . And Tully saith , he is not worthy of the name of man ( qui unum diem velit esse in voluptate , ) that would entirely spend one whole day in pleasures , it is better not to desire pleasures than to enjoy them . Eccl. 2.2 I said of laughter it is mad , and of mirth what dost thou ? The interrogation bids a challenge to all the masters of mirth , to produce any one satisfactory fruit which it affordeth , if they could . Xerxes being weary of all pleasures , promised rewards to the inventers of new pleasures , which being invented , hee nevertheless remained unsatisfied . As a Bee flyeth from flower to flower , and is not satisfied , and as a sick man removes from one bed to another , from one seat to another , from one chamber to another , for ease , and findes none . So men given up to sensual pleasures , go from one pleasure to another , but can find no content , no satisfaction in their pleasures . The eye is not satisfied with seeing , Eccl. 1. ● nor the ear filled with hearing . There is a curse of unsatisfiableness lies upon the creature , honours cannot satisfy the ambitious man , nor riches the covetous man ; nor pleasures the voluptuous man ; man cannot take off the weariness of one pleasure by another , for after a few evaporated minutes are spent in pleasures , the body presently fails the minde , and the minde the desire , and the desire the satisfaction , and all the man . Pleasures are Junos in the pursuit , and but clouds in the enjoyment ; Pleasure is a beautifull Harlot , sitting in her chariot , whose four wheeles are Pride , Gluttony , lust , and idleness ; the two horses are prosperity and abundance , the two drivers are Idleness and Security , her attendants and followers are guilt , grief , late repentance , ( if any ) and oft death and ruine ; many great men , and many strong men , and many rich men , and many hopefull men , Becanus saith , that the fruit of the tree of knowledge is sweet , but in the end it breeds choler , so do worldly pleasures . and many young men , have come to their ends by her ; but never any enjoyed full satisfaction and content in her .

Ah! Young men , Young men , avoid this harlot , and come not neer the door of her house . And as for lawful pleasures let me onely say this , t is your Wisdome onely to touch them , to taste them , and to use them as Mithridates used poyson , to fortify your selves against casuall extremities and maladies : when Mr. Roger Ascham asked the Lady Jane Grey , how shee could loose such pastime , her father with the Dutchess being a hunting in the Park ; Smilingly answered , all the sport in the Park is but a shaddow of that pleasure I finde in this book , having a good book in her hand . Augustin before his conversion could not tell how to live without those pleasures which he delighted much in , but when his nature was changed , and his heart graciously turned to the Lord , O how sweet ( saith hee ) is it to bee without those former sweet delights .

Ah! Young men , when once you come to experience the goodnesse and sweetness that is in the Lord , and in his word , and wayes , you will then sit down , and grieve that you have spent more Wine in the Cup , than Oil in the Lamp . There are no pleasures so delighting , so satisfying , so ravishing , so engaging , and s● abiding , as those that springs from union , and communion with God , as those that flows from a sense of interest in God , and from an humble and a holy walking with God .

The third sin of youth is rashnesse , they many times know little , and fear lesse , and so are apt rashly to run on , and run out often to their hurt , Aristot . Polit. but more often to their hazzard . Tit. 2.6 . Exhort young men to be sober-minded , or discreet . They are apt to bee rash , to bee hot spurs . As you may see in Rehoboams young Counsellers , who counselled him to tell the people ( that groaned under their burthens ) that his little finger should bee thicker than his Fathers loins , 1 King . 12.8 , 9 , 10 , 11. and that hee would adde to their yoak ; and that whereas his Father had chastized them with whips , hee would chastize them with Scorpions ; ( this rash counsel proved Rehoboams ruine ; yea David himself , though a good man , yet being in his warm blood , and young , how sadly was hee overtaken with rashness . As the Lord God of Israel liveth , 1 Sam. 25.34 , 35. Diis proximus ille est , quem ratio , non ira movet . Sen. Hee is next to God , whom reason not anger moveth . ( saith hee ) except thou hadst hastened , and come to meet mee , surely there had not been left unto Nabal , by to morrow light , any that pisseth against the wall . And this hee bindes with an oath ; because the Master was foolishly wilful , the innocent servants must all bee woful . And because Nabal had been niggardly of his bread , David would bee prodigal of his blood . Ah how unlike a Christian ! yea how below a man doth David carry it , when his blood is up , and hee a captive to rashness , and passion . Rashnesse will admit of naught for reason , but what unreasonable self shall dictate for reason ; as sloath seldome bringeth actions to good birth , so rashnesse makes them alwayes abortive , ere well formed . A rash spirit is an ungodlike spirit ; a rash spirit is a weak spirit , it is an effeminate spirit . A man of understanding is of an excellent spirit , Prov. 17.27 . or as the Hebrew will bear , is of a cool spirit , not rash and hot , ready at every turn to put out his soul in wrath . Rashnesse unmans a man , it will put a man upon things below man-hood . Herostratus ( a hot spur ) an obscure base fellow did in one night by fire destroy the Temple of Diana at Ephesus , which was two hundred and twenty years in building of all Asia , at the cost of so many Princes , and beautified with the labours and cunning of so many excellent workmen ; the truth is , there would bee no end should I discover the many sad and great evils that are ushered into the world by that one evil , Rashnesse , which usually attends youth , &c. and therefore young men decline it , and arm your selves against it , &c.

The fourth sin that ordinarily attends on youth , is mocking , and scoffing at Religious men , and Religious things , they were young ones that scoffingly and scornfully said to the Prophet , Go up thou bald-head , 2 King . 2.23 , 24. Job 30.1.12 , 13 , 14 , 15. go up thou bald-head . And the young men derided and mocked Job . But now they that are younger than I , have mee in derision ; whose Fathers I would have disdained , to have set with the dogs of my flock . Upon my right hand rise the youth , they push away my feet , and they raise up against mee the wayes of their destruction , &c. And Oh that this age ! did not afford many such Monsters , who are notable , who are infamous in this black Art of scoffing and deriding the people of God , and the wayes of God . The Athenians once scoffed at Sylla's wife , and it had well nigh cost the razing of their City , hee was so provoked with the indigninitie , and will you think it safe to scoff at the people of God , who are the Spouse of Christ , Rev. 21. — Zach. 2.5 . Deut. 32.9 . Isa. 19.25 . Joel . 2.17 . Psal. 33.12 . Isa. 62.3 . who are as the apple of his eye , who are the signet on his right hand , his portion , his pleasant portion , his inheritance , his Jewels , his royal Diadem ? Ah young men , young men , will you seriously consider how sadly , and sorely hee hath punished other scoffers and mockers ? and by his Judgements on them , be warned never to scoff at the people of God , or his wayes more . Julian the Emperor was a great scoffer of Christians , but at last hee was struck with an arrow from Heaven , that made him cry out ( vicisti Galilee ) thou Galilean ( meaning our Saviour Christ ) hast overcome mee . Felix for one malicious scoff , did nothing day and night but vomit blood , till his unhappy soul was separated from his wretched body Pherecydes was consumed by Worms alive , for giving Religion but a nickname . Lucian for barking against Religion like a dog , was by the just Judgments of God devoured of dogs . Remember these dreadful judgements of God on scoffers , and if you like them , then mock on , scoff on , but know , that justice will at last bee even with you , nay above you .

The fifth and last evil ( that I shall mention ) that attends and waits on youth , is lustfulnesse , wantonnesse , which occasioned aged Paul to caution his young Timothy , 2 Tim. 2.22 . to flee youthful lusts . Timothy was a chaste , and chastened peece ; hee was much sanctified and mortified , his graces were high , and corruptions low , hee walked up and down this world , with dying thoughts , and with a weak distempered , declining , dying body ; his heart was in Heaven ; and his foot in the grave , and yet youth , is such a slippery age , that Paul commands him to flye , to post from youthful lusts ; though Timothy was a good man , a weak sickly man , a marvellous temperate man , drinking Water rather than Wine , yet hee was but a man , yea a young man ; and therefore Pauls counsel and command is , that he flees youthful lusts . And Solomon , who had sadly experienced the slipperinesse of youth , gives this counsel . Put away the evils of thy flesh , Eccles. 11.10 for childhood and youth are vanity . He was a young man that followed the Harlot to her house ; Prov. 7.7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , &c. hee was young in years , and young in knowledge ( Salazer upon the words saith , that was a happy age that afforded but one simple young man among many , whereas late times afford greater store . Ah! too many of the youths of this age , in stead of flying from youthful lusts , they post and pursue after youthful lusts . Chrysostome speaking of youth , saith , it is ( difficilem , jactabilem , Chrysost. Homil. 1. Ad populum . fallibilem , vehementissimisque egentem fraenis ) hard to bee ruled , easy to bee drawn away , apt to bee deceived , and standing in need of very violent reines .

The Ancients did picture youth like a young man naked , Lapide . with a vail over his face , his right hand bound behinde him , his left hand loose , and Time behinde him pulling one thread out of his vail every day , intimating that young men are void of knowledge , and blinde , unfit to do good , ready to do evil , till Time by little and little make them wiser . Well young man , remember this , that the least sparklings and kindlings of lusts , will first or last cost thee groans and griefs , tears and terrors enough . These five are the sins that usually are waiting and attending on youth , but from these the young man in the text , was by grace preserved , and secured , which is more than I dare affirm of all , into whose hands this treatise shall fall . But though these five are the sins of youth , yet they are not all the sins of youth , for youth is capable of , Other sins attends youth as 1 Ignorance . 1 Cor. 14 20. 2 Falshood , Psal. 58.3 . 3 Excessive love of liberty . 4 Impatience of councils and reproofs . Jer. 31.18 , 19. 5 Impudency . Isa. 3.5 . 6 A trifling spirit . Eccles. 11.10 . 7 Prodigality . Use . and subject to all other sins whatsoever , but these are the special sins that most usually waits and attends on young men , when they are in the spring , and morning of their youth .

I shall now hasten to the main use that I intend to stand upon , and that is an use of Exhortation to all young persons .

Ah sirs ! as you tender the glory of God , the good of your bodies , the joy of your Christian friends , and the salvation of your own souls ; bee exhorted and perswaded to bee really good betimes . It was the praise and honour of Abijah , that there was found in him some good thing towards the Lord in the Primrose of his child-hood . Oh that it might bee your honour and happinesse ! to bee really good betimes ; that it might bee to you a praise , and a name , that in the morning of your youth you have begun to seek the Lord , and to know and love the Lord , and to get an interest and propriety in the Lord ; now that this Exhortation may stick and take ;

Encouragements to Young men

I beseech you seriously to weigh and ponder these following motives , or considerations .

First , 1. Motive . consider , It is an honour to bee good betimes . A young Saint is like the morning star ; hee is like a pearl in a gold Ring . It is mentioned as a singular honour to the beleeving Jews , that they first trusted in Christ , that wee should bee to the praise of his glory , Ephes. 1.12 . who first trusted in Christ ; this was their praise , their crown , that they were first converted and turned to Christ , and Christianity . So Paul mentioning Andronicus and Junia , doth not omit this circumstance of praise and honour , Rom. 16.7 . that they were in Christ before him . Salute Andronicus and Junia my kinsmen , and my fellow prisoners , who are of note among the Apostles , who also were in Christ before me .

And so it was the honor of the house of Stephanas , 1 Cor. 16.15 . that they were the first fruits of Achaia , it was their glory that they were the first that received and wellcomed the Gospell in Achaia . T is a greater honor for a young man to out-wrastle sinne , Satan , temptation , the world , and lusts , than ever Alexander the Great could attain unto . 2 Sam. 19.15 . It was Judah his praise and honor , that they were first in fetching home David their King .

Ah! Young men and women , it will bee your eternal praise and honor , if you shall before others , if you shall bee the first among many , who shall know the Lord , and seek the Lord , who shall receive the Lord , and imbrace him , who shall cleave to the Lord , and serve him , who shall honor the Lord , and obey him , who shall delight in the Lord , and walk with him . The Romans built Vertues and Honours Temple close together , to shew , that the way to honor was by vertue , and indeed there is no crown to that which goodness sets upon a mans head , all other honour is fading and withering . Adonibezeck a mighty Prince , Judg. 1.7 is suddenly made fellow commoner with the Dogs . Dan. 4.28 And Nebuchadnezzar a mighty conqueror turned a grazing among the oxen And Herod reduced from a conceited God , Act. 12.23 to bee the most loathsome of men , living carrion , arrested by the vilest of creatures , upon the suit of his affronted Creatour . Est 7.10 . And Haman feasted with the King one day , and made a feast for Crows the next . I might tell you of Bajazet , and Belisarius , two of the greatest Commanders in the world , and many others , who have suddenly fallen from the top of worldly honor and felicity , into the greatest contempt and misery , but I shall not at this time : But that honour that arises from mens being gracious betimes , is such honour that the world can neither give nor take , it is honour , it is a Crown that will still bee green , and flourishing , it is honour that will bed and board with a man , that will abide with a man under all tryals and changes , that will to the grave , that will to heaven with a man .

Ah Sirs ! It is no small honour to you , who are in the spring and morning of your days , that the Lord hath left upon record several instances of his Love and delight in young men ; 1 Sam. 16.11 , 12 , 13 hee chose David a younger brother , and passes by his elder brothers ; hee frowns upon Esau , Rom. 9.12 , 13 and passes by his door , and sets his love and delight upon Jacob the younger brother ; he kindly and lovingly accepts of Abels person and sacrifice , Gen. 4.3 , 4 , 5 , 6 and rejects both Cains person and sacrifice , though hee was the elder brother . Among all the Disciples , John 13.23 John was the youngest and the most and best beloved . There was but one young man that came to Christ , Mar. 10.19 , 20 , 21. and hee came not aright , and all the good that was in him , was but some moral good , and yet Christ loved him , with a love of pitty and compassion , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Greek word signifies to speak friendly , and deal gently with one ; and so did Christ with him , all which should exceedingly encourage young men to be good betimes , to be gracious in the morning of their youth , no way to true honour like this , but

Secondly , The sacrifices in the Law were young Lambs , and young Kids , to shew that Christ our sacrifice should dye and suffer for our sins in the flower of his age . Consider Christ loved poor Sinners , and gave himself for them when hee was in the prime of his age ( being supposed to bee about thirty and three ) and will you put him off with the worst of your time ?

Ah! Young men , young men , Christ gave himself up to death , hee made himself an offering for your sins , for your sakes , when he was in the prime and flower of his age , and why then should you put off Christ to old age ? Did he dye for Sin in the prime of his age ? and will not you dye to sinne in the prime of your age ? Did he offer himself for you in the spring and morning of his years ? and will not you offer up your selves to him in the spring and morning of your years ? Rom. 12.1 , 2 O give not Christ cause to say , I dyed for you betimes ! but you have not lived to mee betimes , I was early in my suffering for you , but you have not been early in your returning to mee , I made haste to compleat your redemption , but you have made no haste to make sure your vocation , and election : I stayed not , 2 Pet. 1.10 I lingered not , but soon suffered what I was to suffer , and quickly did what was to be done for your eternal welfare , but you have stayed and lingered ( like Lot in Sodom ) and have not done what you might have done in order to your everlasting good , Gen. 19.16 in the Prime-rose of my days I sweat for you , I wept for you , I bled for you , I hung on the cross for you , I bore the wrath of my father for you ; but you have not in the Primrose of your days sweat under the sense of divine displeasure ; nor wept over your sins , nor mourned over mee whom you have so often grieved and pierced ; Zach. 12.10 I could not be quiet nor satisfied till I had put you into a capacity , into a possibility of Salvation , and yet you are well enough quieted and satisfied , though you do not know whether ever you shall bee saved .

Ah Sirs ! how sad would it be with you , if Jesus Christ should secretly thus expostulate with your consciences in this your day .

Oh! how terrible would it bee with you , if Christ should thus visibly plead against you in his great day . Ah! Young men , young men and women , who , but souls much left of God , blinded by Satan , 2 Cor. 4.3 , 4 and hardned in sin , can hear Jesus Christ speaking thus to them ? I suffered for Sinners betimes , I laid down a ransome for souls betimes , I pacified my fathers wrath betimes , I satisfied my fathers justice betimes , I merited grace and mercy for Sinners betimes , I brought in an everlasting righteousness upon the world betimes , &c. I say who can hear Jesus Christ speaking thus , and his heart not fall in love and league with Christ , and his soul not unite to Christ , and resign to Christ , and cleave to Christ , and for ever be one with Christ , except it be such that are for ever left by Christ ? Well , remember this ( Quanto pro nobis vilior , tanto nobis charior ) the more vild Christ made himself for us , the more dear he ought to be unto us .

Ah! Young men , remember this , when Christ was young hee was tempted and tryed , when he was in the morning of his dayes , his wounds were deep , his burden weighty , Nolo vivere sine vulnere , cum te video vulneratum . Bonaventur Oh my G●● , as long as I see thy wounds , I will never live without wound his cup bitter , his sweat painful , his agony and torment , above conception , beyond expression ; when he was young , that blessed head of his was crowned with thornes , and those eyes of his that were purer than the Sunne , were put out by the darkness of death , and those ears of his which now hears nothing but Hallelujahs of Saints and Angels , were filled with the blasphemies of the multitude , and that blessed beautiful face of his which was fairer than the sons of men , was spit on by beastly filthy wretches , Aut Deus naturae pa titur , aut mundi machina dissolvitur , said Dionysius Alexandrinus . Either the God of nature , suffered , or the frame of the world will be dissolved . and that gracious mouth and tongue that spake as never man spake , was slandered and accused of blasphemy , and those hands of his which healed the sick , which gave out pardons , which swayed a Scepter in heaven , and another on earth , were nailed to the Cross , and those feet that were beautiful upon the mountains , that brought the glad tidings of peace and salvation into the World , and that were like unto fine brass , were also nailed to the cross ; All these great and sad things did Jesus Christ suffer for you in the prime and flower of his days , and Oh! what an unspeakable provocation should this be to all young ones , to give up themselves betimes to Christ , to serve , love , honour , and obey him betimes , even in the spring and morning of their youth ?

Let the thoughts of a crucified Christ ( saith one ) be never out of your mind , let them be meat and drink unto you , let them be your sweetness and consolation , your honey , and your desire , your reading and your meditation , your life , death , and resurrection .

The third motive or consideration to provoke you to begin to be good betimes , is this , viz. The Philosopher once said ( solus sapiens dives ) onely the wise man , is the rich man that it is the best and choicest way in the world , to be rich in gracious experiences betimes , ( which are the best riches in all the world ) as hee that sets up for himself betimes , is in the most hopeful way to bee rich betimes : so he that is good in good earnest betimes , hee is in the ready way , the high-way of being rich in grace , and rich in goodness , they usually prove men of great observation , and great experience . God loves to shew these his beauty , Psal. 63.1 , 2. Exod. 3.3.19.22 . &c. Psal. 65.11 , 12 and his glory in his sanctuary . He delights to cause his glory and his goodness to pass before such ; these shall finde all his paths drop marrow and fatness , for these the Lord of hosts will make a feast of fat things , Ifa . 25.6 a feast of wines on the lees , of fat things full of marrow , of wines on the lees well refined ; these shall have all manner of pleasant fruits laid up at their gates for their well beloved ; Can. 7.13 none have so many choice pledges of Christs love , nor so many sweet kisses of Christs mouth , nor so many imbraces in Christs arms , as those souls that are good betimes ; O the grace , the goodness , the sweetness , the fatnesse that Christ is still a droping into their hearts ; Christ will make their hearts his largest treasury , hee 'l lay up most of his heavenly treasure in their souls ; Earthly Riches are full of Poverty . Divitiae corporales paupertatis plenae sunt . there he will store up mercies new and old ; there hee will treasure up all plenty , rariety , and variety ; there he will lay up all that heart can wish , or need require . O the many drops of myrrhe that falls from Christs fingers upon their hearts ! O the many secrets that Christ reveals in their ears ! O the many love letters that Christ sends to these ! O the many visits that hee gives to these ! O the turns , the walks that hee hath in Paradise with these ! there are none in the World for experience , and intelligence to these . Ah! Young men , young men , as you would be rich in the best riches , beginne to be good betimes , as there is no riches to spiritual riches , so there is no way to be rich in these riches , but by beginning to be good ( in good earnest ) betimes .

As for worldly riches , If there were any happiness in riches , the Gods would not want them saith Seneca . Philosophers have contemn'd them , and prefer'd a contemplative life above them ; and shall not Christians much more , the Prophet calls them thick clay , which will fooner break the back than lighten the heart , they cannot better the soul , they cannot enrich the soul . Ah! how many thred-bare souls are to be found under silken cloaks and gowns , how often are worldly riches like hang-men , they hide mens faces with a covering , that they may not see their own end , and then they hang them . And if they do not hang you , they will shortly leave you , they make themselves wings and fly away ; when one was a commending the riches and wealth of Merchants , I do not love that wealth said a Heathen that hangs upon ropes , if they break , the ship miscarrieth , and all is lost . He is rich enough ( saith Jerom ) that lacketh not bread , and high enough in dignity that is not forced to serve .

This worlds wealth that men so much desire , May well be likened to a burning fire , Whereof a little can do little harm , But profit much our bodies wel to warm But take too much and surely thou shalt burn , So too much wealth , to too much woe do's turn .

It was an excellent saying of Lewis of Bauyer , Emperour of Germany ( hujusmodi comparandae sunt opes quae cum naufragio simul enatent ) such goods are worth getting and owning , as will not sink or wash away if a shipwrack happen , but will wade and swim out with us , we see such are the spiritual riches that will attend those who in the spring and morning of their youth , shall know the Lord , and serve the Lord , and get an interest in the Lord , and thus much for the third motive .

The fourth motive to provoke young ones to be really good betimes , is , to consider that the present time , the present day is the onely season that you are sure of , time past cannot be recalled , and time to come cannot be ascertained . Heb. 3.15 To day if you hear his voice harden not your hearts . Behold now is the acceptable time , 2 Cor. 6.2 The whole Earth hangs on a point , so doth heaven and eternity on an inch of opportunity . now is the day of Salvation ; some there bee that trifle away their time , and fool away their souls and their salvation ; to prevent this , the Apostle beats upon the 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , the present opportunity , because if that be once past , there is no recovering of it ; therefore as the Marriner takes the first fair wind to sail ; and as the Merchant takes his first opportunity of buying and selling , and as the Husbandman takes the first opportunity of sowing and reaping , So , should young men take the present season ; the present day ( which is their day ) to be good towards the Lord , to seek him , and serve him , and not to post off the present season , for they know not what another day , another hour , another moment may bring forth : that door of grace that is open to day , may be shut to morrow ; that golden Scepter of mercy that is held forth in the Gospel this day , may be taken in the next day ; that love that this hour is upon the bare knee , intreating and beseeching young men to break off their Sinnes by repentance , to return to the Lord , Isa. 27.4 , 5 to lay hold on his strength , and be at peace with him , may the next hour be turned into wrath . Ah! the noble motions that have been lost , the good purposes that have withered , the immortal souls that have miscarried , by putting off the present season , the present day . Paul discoursing before Felix of righteousnesse , Act. 24.25 temperance and judgment to come , and in this discourse striking at two special vices that Felix was particularly guilty of , he falls a trembling , and being upon the wrack to hear such doctrin , he bids Paul depart for that time , and he would call for him at a convenient season , here Felix neglects his present season , and we never read that ever after this , he found a convenient time or season to hear Paul make an end of the subject he had begun ; So Christ made a very fair offer to the Young man in the Gospell , Go and sell that thou hast , Mat. 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 and give to the poor , and thou shalt have treasure in heaven , here Christ offers heavenly treasures for earthly treasures ; unmixt treasures for mixt treasures ; perfect treasures for imperfect trealures ; satisfying treasures for unsatisfying treasures ; lasting treasures for fading treasures ; but the young man slips his opportunity , his season , and goes away sorrowfull ; and we never read more of him .

Ah! Young men , young men , do not put off the present season , Often consider what the damned would give ( were it in their hands ) for one season of grace , for one opportunity of mercy . do not neglect the present day , there is no time yours , but the present time ; no day yours but the present day ; and therefore do not please your selves , and feed your selves with hopes of time to come , and that you will repent but not yet ; and lay hold on mercy , but not yet ; and give up your selves to the Lord next week , next mouth , or next year ; for that God that hath promised you mercy , and favour , upon the day of your return , he hath not promised to prolong your lives till that day comes , when a Souldier was brought before Lamacus a Commander , for a mis-behaviour , and pleaded he would do so no more , Lamacus answered ( non licet in bello his peccare ) no man must offend twice in War ; So God ( especially in these Gospel days , wherein the motions of Divine justice are more smart and quick , than in former days ) happily will not suffer men twice to neglect the day of grace , Heb. 3.2 . and let slip the seasons of mercy .

Ah young men ! young men , you say you will bee good towards the Lord before you die , but if you are not good towards the Lord to day , you may dye to morrow ; nay justice may leave him to bee his own executioner to morrow , who will not repent , nor seek the Lord to day . Otho the Emperor slew himself with his own hands , but slept so soundly the night before , Plutarch reporteth the like of Cato . that the grooms of his Chamber heard him snort .

Young men , I will suppose you to be good accountants ; now if you please to count the number , and mark the age of the Sacrifices in the old Testament , you shall finde more Kids and Lambs offered than Goats , and old Sheep ; You have no lease of your lives , you are not sure that you shall live to Isaacks age , Gen. 27.1 . to live till your eyes wax dim ; you are not sure that you shall live to Jacobs years , and die , Heb. 11.21 . leaning upon the top of a staff . Job 36.14 . You read of them who die in their youth , and whose lives are among the unclean . Slip not the present season , neglect not this day of grace ; let not Satan keep your souls and Christ any longer asunder , by telling of you , As out of the boughs of a tree are taken wedges to cleave it in peeces ; so out of our own lusts Satan works Engines to destroy us . that you are too young ; that hereafter will bee time enough . Austin tells us , that by this very temptation the Devil kept him off from receiving of Christ , from closing with Christ Seven years together : hee could no sooner think of inquiring after Christ , of getting an interest in Christ , of leaving off his sinful courses , &c. but Satan would bee still a suggesting , thou art too young to leave thy drunkenness , thou art too young to leave thy Dalilahs , to leave thy Harlots ; till at last hee cryed out , how long shall I say it is too soon ? why may I not repent to day ? and lay hold on Jesus Christ to day ? &c. Ah young men ! this is your day , this is your season , if you will not now hearken and obey , you may perish for ever . Caesar had a letter given him by Artemidorus , that morning hee went to the Senate , wherein notice was given him of all the conspiracy of his murtherers ; so that with ease , hee might have prevented his death ; but neglecting the reading of it , was slain ; hee slipt his season , and dyes for it . Ah! how many for sliping gracious seasons and opportunities have died for ever ? Soul-opportunities are more worth than a thousand worlds ; mercy is in them , grace and glory is in them , heaven and eternity is in them .

Fifthly , To provoke you to bee good betimes , consider , how just it is with God to reserve the dregs of his wrath for them , who reserve the dregs of their dayes for him : how can a husband embrace that wife in her old age , who hath spent all the time of her youth , in following after strangers ? Will any man receive such into his service , who hath all their dayes served his enemies ? and received such wounds , blows , and bruses , that renders them unfit for his service ?

Ah young men ! young men , Deut. 32.6 . do not thus foolishly and unwisely requite the Lord , for all his patient waiting , his gracious wooing , and his merciful dealing with you . Ah! do not put off God to old age , Multa senem circumveniunt incommoda . Horatius . Many are the inconveniences that do encompass an old man . for old , lame , and sick Sacrifices rarely reach as high as Heaven . Is not old age very unteachable ; in old age are not men very unapt to take in , and as unapt to give out ? In old age ( oftentimes ) men are men , and no men , they have eyes , but see not , ears , but hear not , tongues , but speak not , feet , but walk not . An aged man is but a moving Anatomy , or a living Mortuary ; now how unlovely , how uncomely , how unworthy , nay , how incensing , how provoking a thing must this needs bee , The reproach of the evil of wickednesse is not to bee added to old age ( Solet enim senectus esse deformis , infirma , obliviosa , edeutula , luerosa , indocilis , & molesta ) saith Plutarch , in Apothegm . Rom. For old age useth to be deformed , weak , forgetful , toothlesse , covetous , unteachable , unquiet . when men will dally with God , and put him off till their doting dayes have overtaken them ; till their spring is past , their Summer overpast , and they arrived at the fall of the leaf , yea till winter colour have stained their heads with gray and hoary hairs . How provoking this is , you may see in those sad words of Jeremiah , Jer. 22.21 , 22. I spake unto thee in thy proserity , but thou said'st , I will not hear ; this hath been thy manner from thy youth , that thou obeyest not my voice : But will God put up this at their hands ? no , therefore it follows in the next verse , Surely thou shalt bee ashamed and confounded for all thy wickednesse .

Oh that young men would let this Scripture lye warm every morning upon their hearts , that so they may not dare to put off God , and provoke him to their own confusion ; though you are young and in your strength , yet , are you stronger than God ; can you make your party good with him ? if you will needs bee a provoking , provoke them that are your matches , and do not contend with him that is mightier than you , that can command you into nothing , or into Hell at pleasure .

Sixthly , consider , that the sooner you are good on earth , the greater will bee your reward in Heaven ; the sooner you are gracious , Psal. 58.11 . Gen. 15.1 . Psal. 19.11 . the more at last you will bee glorious ; you read in the Scripture of a reward , of a great reward , Matth. 5.12 . Heb. 10.35 . John 2.8 . and of a full reward ; now those that are good betimes , that know , seek , serve , and love the Lord in the spring , and morning of their youth , they are in the fairest way of gaining the greatest , and the fullest reward .

And this I shall make clear by that which follows .

First , The sooner any man begins to bee really good , the more good hee will do in this world . Now the more good any man doth on earth , the more glory hee shall have in Heaven . Therefore my beloved Brethren , 1 Cor. 15.58 . bee yee stedfast , unmoveable , alwaies abounding in the work of the Lord , forasmuch as you know , that your labour is not in vain in the Lord . Mans wages , mans reward shall bee according to his works ; hee that doth most work here , shall have most reward hereafter . God will at last proportion the one to the other , 2 Cor. 9.6 . the reward to the work . Hee which soweth sparingly , shall reap sparingly , and hee which soweth bountifully , shall reap bountifully . Though no man shall bee rewarded for his works ; yet God will at last measure out happinesse , and blessednesse to his people , Rom. 2.5 , 6 , 7. according to their service , faithfulnesse , diligence , and work in this world . Grace is glory in the bud , and glory is grace at the full ; glory is nothing else but a bright constellation of graces , happinesse , nothing but the quintessence of holinesse . Grace and glory differ ( non specie , sed gradu ) in degree , not kind , as the learned speak . Grace and glory differ very little , the one is the seed , the other is the flower ; grace is glory militant , and glory is grace triumphant ; and a man may as well plead for equal degrees of grace in this world , as hee may plead for equal degrees of glory in the other world . Surely the more grace here , the more glory hereafter ; and the more work Christians do on earth , the more glory they shall have in Heaven ; and the sooner men begin to bee good , the more good they will do in this world , and the more they do here , the more they shall have hereafter . Philosophers seem to weigh our vertues with our vices , and according to the preponderation of either , denominate us good , or bad , and so deliver us up to reward or punishment .

No man can commend good works magnificently enough , ( saith Luther ) for one work of a Christian is more precious than Heaven and Earth , and therefore all the world cannot sufficiently reward one good work . And in another place saith the same Author , If I might have my desire , I would rather chuse the meanest work of a Country Christian ( or poor maid ) than all the victories and triumphs of Alexander the great , and of Julius Caesar .

And again , whatsoever the Saints do , though never so small and mean , it is great and glorious , because they do all in faith , and by the word , saith the same Author . To prevent mistakes you must remember that the works that Jesus Christ will reward at last , are supernatural works ; they are 1 Works of God , 2 Wrought from God , 3 For God , 4 In God , 5 According to God ; they are works that flow from supernatural principles ; and they are directed to supernatural ends , and performed in a supernatural way ; now the sooner a man begins to bee good , the more hee will abound in these good works , and the more doubtless any man abounds in such good works on earth ; the greater reward hee shall have in heaven ; yet it must not bee forgotten , that the best actions ; the best works of Hypocrites , and all men out of Christ , are but ( splendida peccata ) fair and shining sins , beautiful abominations . And as the Phenix in Arabia gathers sweet odoriferous sticks together , and then blows them with her wings , David made use of his bow , but did not trust to his bow . The Dove made use of her wings , but did not trust in her wings , but in the Ark. and burns her self with them ; so many a carnal professor , burns himself with his own good works , that is , by his expecting and trusting to receive that by his works , that is only to bee received and expected from Jesus Christ . Though all that man can do towards the meriting of Heaven , is no more than the lifting up of a festraw towards the meriting of a Kingdome ; yet such a proud peece man is , that hee is ready enough to say with proud Vega ( Coelum gratis non accipiam ) I wil not have Heaven of free cost . Merces non est debita , sed gratuita . A proud heart would fain have that of debt , which is meerly of grace , and desires that to bee of purchase , which God hath intended to bee of free mercy ; which made one to lay , that hee would swim through a Sea of Brimstome , that hee might come to Heaven at last ; but hee that swims not thither through the Sea of Christs blood , shall never come there ; man must swim thither , not through brimstone , but through blood , or hee miscarries for ever .

2 Again , the sooner a man begins to bee good , the more serviceable hee will bee to others , and the more hee will provoke others to good ; now all the good that you provoke others to , by counsel , or carriage , shall bee put down to your account ( as all the sins that men provoke others to , is put down to their accounts : 2 Sam. 12.8.9 Isa. 38.3 Neh. 13.14 . David did but send a Letter concerning the death of Uriah , and the charge commeth , thou hast slain Uriah with the Sword ) the more I stir up others to sow , the more at last I shall reap ; the sooner a man beginnes to bee good , the more good hee will do , the more serviceable he will bee in the Town or City where hee dwells , in the family where he lives , among his relations ( wife , children , kindred , servants , &c. ) with whom hee converses .

The sooner a man beginnes to be gracious , Synesius speaks of some who having a treasure of rare abilities in them , would as soon part with their hearts as their conceptions , but such are rather monsters than men . the sooner and the more useful will his arts , his parts , his gifts , his graces , his mercies , his experiences , his life , his labours , his prayers , his counsels , his examples , be , to all that are with him , to all that are about him .

Lilmod Lelammed , we therefore learn that we may teach , is a Proverb among the Rabbins . And I do therefore lay in , and lay up ( saith the Heathen ) that I may draw forth again , and lay out for the good of many .

Ah! Young men , Young men , as you would be useful and serviceable to many , begin to be good betimes , and to lay in , and lay up , and lay out betimes , for the profit and advantage of others . Augustin accounted nothing his own , that he did not communicate to others . The Bee doth store her hive out of all sorts of Flowers , for the common benefit . T is a base and unworthy spirit , for a man to make himself the centre of all his actions ; The very Heathen man could say , that a mans Countrey , and his friends , and others , challenge a great part of him ; And indeed the best way to do our selves good , is to be a doing good to others , the best way to gather , is to scatter ; Memorable is the story of Pyrhias a Merchant of Ithaca , who at Sea espying an aged man , a Captive in a Pyrates ship , took compassion of him , and redeemed him , and bought his Commodities which the Pyrate had taken from him , which were certain barrels of pitch ; The old man perceiving , that not for any good service hee could do him , nor for the gain of that commodity , but meerly out of charity and pitty he had done this , discovered a great mass of treasure hidden in the pitch ; whereby the Merchant in a very short time became very rich , at which very time God made that word good , Hee that soweth liberally ; 2 Cor. 9.6 shall reap liberally , and that word , The liberal soul shall bee made fat , Prov. 11.25 and that word , The liberal deviseth liberal things , Isa. 32.8 and by liberal things shall he stand . It is fabled of Midas , that what ever he touched he turned it into Gold , it is certain that a liberal hand , a liberal heart turns all into gold , into gain , as Scripture and experience do abundantly evidence : now if you put all these things together , nothing is more evident , than that those that begin to be good betimes , are in the ready way , the high way to be high in heaven , when they shall cease from breathing on earth ; and therefore young men as you would bee high in heaven , as you would have a great reward , a full reward , a massie weighty Crown , O labour to be good betimes ! labour to get acquaintance with the Lord , and an interest in the Lord , in the spring and morning of your days .

The seventh Motive or consideration to provoke and incite you to bee good betimes , is , to consider that the Lord is very much affected , and taken with your seeking of him , and following after him in the spring and morning of your youth . Go , and cry in the ears of Jerusalem , saying , I remember thee , Jer. 2.2 the kindness of thy Youth , the love of thine esspousals , when thou wentest after mee in the wildernesse , in a land that was not sown .

Ah! how kindly , how sweetly did the Lord take this at their hands , that they followed him in their youth , while their bones were full of marrow , while they were strong and fit for service , while nature was fresh , lively and vigorous : In the Law God called for the first of all things ; Exod. 23.19 hee required not only the first fruits , but the very first of the first ; The first of the first-fruits of thy land , thou shalt bring into the house of the Lord thy God . God is the first being , the first good , and therefore deserves the first of the first ; and the best of the best ; T is truely said of God that he is Omnia su per omnia . the first and the best is not too good for him , who is goodness it self , God in that of Leviticus 2.14 . is so passionately set upon having the first of the first , that he will not stay till the green ears of Corn be ripe , but will have the green ears of corn dryed in the fire , least he should loose his longing .

As many young women , and sickly children cannot stay till the fruit be ripe , but must have it while it is green , even so saith God , my heart , my desires , are so vehemently set upon the first fruits , the first things , that I cannot stay , I cannot satisfie my self without them , and what would God teach us by all this , but to serve him with the first-fruits of our age , the prim-rose of our child-hood , the morning of our youth . God hath given you of the best , do not put him off with the worst , with the worst of your time , the worst of your days , the worst of your strength , least he swear in his wrath , that you shall never enter into his rest .

The eighth Motive or Consideration to provoke you to bee good betimes , to seek and serve the Lord in the morning of your youth , is , Early Converts will never have cause to say , as that despairing Pope said , the Cross could do him no good , because he had so often sold it away . to consider that this may bee a special means to prevent many black temptations , and an encouragement to withstand all temptations that you may meet with from a tempting Devil , and a tempting World ; an early turning to the Lord will prevent many temptations to despair , many temptations to neglect the means openly , to despise the means secretly : many temptations about the being of God , the goodnesse , faithfulnesse , truth , and justice of God ; temptations to despair , temptations to lay violent hands on a mans self : temptations to question all that God hath said , and that Christ hath suffered , arises many times from mens delaying and putting off of God to the last , all which , with many others ; are prevented by a mans seeking and serving of the Lord in the spring and morning of his youth . It is reported of the Harts of Scythia , that they teach their young ones to leap from bank to bank , from rock to rock , from one turfe to another ( by leaping before them ) by which means when they are hunted , no beast of prey can ever take them ; so when persons exercise themselves in godliness , when they are young , when they leap from one measure of holiness to another , when they are in the morning of their days , Satan that mighty hunter after souls , may pursue them with his temptations , Heb. 11 Gen. 39 Dan. 31. ult. but hee shall not overtake them , he shall not prevail over them . As you see in Moses , Joseph , Daniel , and the three children , these knew the Lord , and gave up themselves to the Lord in the prime , and Prime-rose of their Youth , and these were all temptation-proof ; Satan and the World pursued them , but could not overtake them , when the Devill and the World had done their worst , the young mens bows abode in strength , Gen. 49.23 , 24 and their hands ( to resist ) were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob , Ego non sum ego , said that young convert when tempted , I am not the man that I was .

Luther tells of a young Virgin that used to resist all temptations with this , Christianus sum , I am a Christian . Early Converts may say when tempted , as hee , tell mee not Satan what I have been , but what I am and will bee ; or as hee in the like case , whatsoever I was , Bernard . Beza . I am now in Christ , a new creature , and that is it which troubleth thee ; or , as hee , Augustin . Such as thou art now , I was once , but such as I am now , thou wilt never be , said Diogenes to a base fellow that told him , he had once been a forger of money . the more desperate my disease was , the more I admire the Physitian . Yea thou mayest yet strain it a peg higher , and say the greater my sins were , the greater is my honor . As the Devils which once Mary Magdalen had , are mentioned for her glory : when Pyrrhus tempted Fabritius the first day with an Elephant , so huge and monstrous a beast as before hee had not seen , the next day with money and promises of honour ; hee answered , I fear not thy force , I am too wise for thy fraud .

Ah! Young men , Young men , as you would be free from the saddest and darkest temptations , and as you would be armed against all temptations , O labour as for life , to be good betimes , seek and serve the Lord in the morning of your Youth , no way like this for the preventing earthquakes , heart-quakes , stormy days , and winter nights , &c.

The ninth Motive or Consideration to stir up young men to be good betimes , to seek and serve the Lord in the spring and morning of their youth , is , to consider the worth and excellency of souls .

A soul is a spiritual immortal substance , Luk. 23.43 Mat. 10.28 Act. 7. ult. it is capable of the knowledge of God , it is capable of union with God , of communion with God , Phil. 1.23 and of a blessed and happy fruition of God .

Christ left his fathers bosome for the good of souls ; Heb. 2.13 , 14 , 15 , 16 he assumed mans nature for the salvatition of mans soul ; Christ prayed for souls , he sweat for souls , he wept for souls , hee bled for souls , Isa. 63.3 , 4 he hung on the Cross for souls , he trode the Wine-Press of his fathers wrath for souls , he dyed for souls ; hee rose again from death for souls , Ioh. 14.1 , 2 , 3 he ascended for souls , he intercedes for souls , and all the glorious preparations that he hath been a making in heaven this sixteen hundred years , is for souls .

Ah! young men , young men , do not play the Courtier with your precious souls , the Courtier doth all things late , hee rises late , dines late , sups late , goes to bed late , repents late .

Ah Sirs ! the good of your souls is before all , and above all other things in the World , to be first regarded and provided for ' and that partly because , O anima Dei in signita imagine , desponsata fide , donata spiritu , Bern. it is the best and more noble part of man , and partly because therein mostly , and properly is the Image of God stampt , and partly because it is the first converted , and partly because it shall be the first , and most glorified .

Ah! Young men , Young men , if they bee worse than Infidels , 1 Tim. 5.8 that make not provision for their families , what monsters are they , that make not provision for their own souls ? this will bee bitterness in the end .

Caesar Borgias being sick to death , lamentingly said , when I lived I provided for every thing but death , now I must dye , and am unprovided to dye , this was a dart at his heart , and it will at last be a dagger at yours , who feast your bodies , but starve your souls ; who make liberal provision for your ignoble part , but no provision for your more noble part ; If they deserve a hanging , who feast their slaves , and starve their Wives ; that make provision for their enemies , but none for their friends ; James 4.2 , 3 Hos. 7.13 , 14 how will you escape hanging in hell , who make provision for every thing , yea for your very lusts , but make no provision for your immortal souls ? Wee hate the Turks for selling Christians for Slaves , and what shall we think then of those who sell themselves , their precious souls for toyes and trifles that cannot profit , who practically say , Callenuceus relates this story . what once a prophane Noble man of Naples verbally said , viz. that hee had two souls in his body , one for God , and another for whosoever would buy it .

Ah young men , young me● ! do not pawn your souls , do not sell your souls , do not exchange away your souls , do not trifle and fool away your precious souls , they are Jewels more worth than a thousand worlds , yea than Heaven and earth ; if they are safe , all is safe ; but if they are lost , all is lost ; God , lost , and Christ lost , and the society of glorious Angels and blessed Saints lost , and Heaven lost , and that for ever . Grandensis tells of a woman that was so affected with souls miscarryings , that shee besought God to stop up the passage into Hell with her soul and body , that none might have entrance .

Ah! that all young persons were so affected with the worth and excellency of their souls , and so allarmed with the hazzard and danger of loosing their souls , as that they may in the spring and morning of their dayes , enquire after the Lord , and seek him , and serve him with all their might , that so their precious and immortal souls may bee safe and happy for ever ; but if all this will not do , then in the last place

Tenthly , Consider , young men , that God will at last bring you to a reckoning , hee will at last bring you to judgement . Rejoyce , O young man in thy youth , Eccles. 11.9 . and let thy heart chear thee in the dayes of 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 unto judgement . In these words you have two things , 1 An ironical concession , hee bids him rejoyce , &c. hee yeelds him what hee would have by an irony , by way of mockage , and bitter scoff . Now thou art young , and strong , lively , and lusty , and thy bones are full of marrow ; thou art resolved to bee proud , and scornful , to indulge the flesh , and to follow thy delights , and pleasure ; well take thy course if thou darest , or if thou hast a minde to it , Hierom still thought that that noise was in his ears ( surgite mort●i , & venite ad judicium ) arise you dead , and come to judgement . if thy heart bee so set upon it . Rejoyce in thy youth , &c. The second is a commination , or a sad and severe praemonition . But know thou , that for all these things , God will bring thee into judgement ; will bring thee , these words import two things , first , the unwillingnesse of youth to come to judgement ; secondly , the unavoidableness that youth must come to judgement ; but how soon you shall bee brought to judgement , is only known to God .

Augustine confesses in one of his books , that as long as his conscience was gnawed with the guilt of some youthful lust , hee was once insnared with , the very hearing of a day of judgement , was even a Hell to him .

Histories tell us of a young man , who being for some capital offence condemned to dye , grew gray in one nights space , and was therefore pittied , and spared .

Ah young men ! young men , that the serious thoughts of this great day , might put you upon breaking off the sins of your youth ; and the dedicating of your selves to the knowledge , love , and service of the Lord , in the spring and flower of your dayes . An young men , consider the errours of your lives , the wickednesse of your hearts , the sinfulnesse of your wayes , and that strickt account that ere long you must bee brought to before the Judge of all the World .

The Heathens themselves had some kinde of dread , and expectation of such a day ; and therefore when Paul spake of judgement to come , Felix trembled , though a Heathen . The bringing into judgement is a thing which is known by reason , Act. 24.25 . The Philosophers had some dreames of a severe day of accounts ; as appeareth by Plato's Gorgi , as many passages in Tully , &c. and is clear by the light of nature ; wherefore in Austria one of the Nobles dying , who had lived fourscore and thirteen years , and had spent all his life in pleasures and delights , never being troubled with any infirmity , and this being told to Frederick the Emperour , from hence saith hee , wee may conclude the souls immortality ; for if there bee a God that ruleth this world ( as Divines and Philosophers do teach ) and that hee is just , no one denyeth , surely there are other places to which souls aster death do go , Eneas Sylvius . and do receive for their deeds , either reward , or punishment , for here wee see , that neither rewards are given to the good , nor punishments to the evil .

Ah young men ! 2 Cor. 5.9 , 10 , 11. knowing therefore the terrour of the Lord , and the terrour of this day , Oh that you would bee perswaded to flee from the wrath to come , to cast away the Idols of your souls , to repent and bee converted in the Prim-rose of your youth , that your sins may bee blotted out when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord , Act. 3.19 . or else woe , woe to you that ever you were born . I have read a story of one , who being risen from the dead , and being asked in what condition hee was , hee made answer , no man doth beleeve , no man doth beleeve , no man doth beleeve . And being further asked what he meant by that repetition , hee answered , no man doth beleeve , how exactly God examineth , how strictly God judgeth , how severely hee punisheth . Oh that the waies of most young persons did not declare to all the world that they do not , and that they will not beleeve the dead , and terrour of that day that will admit of no plea , nor place for Apology , or appeal ; The Turks have a tradition , and frantick opinion , that wicked men shall at the great day carry their sins in latchels after their Captain Caine , but well would it bee for them , if this should bee all their punishment in that great day . the highest and last Tribunal can never bee appealed from , or repealed .

Now if for all that hath been said , you are resolved to spend the flower of your daies , and the prime of your strength , in the service of sin and the world , then know , that no tongue can express , no heart can conceive that trouble of mind , that terrour of soul , that horror of conscience that fear and amazement , that weeping and wailing , that crying and roaring , that sighing and groaning , that cursing and banning , that stamping and tearing , that wringing of hands , and gnashing of teeth , that shall certainly attend you , when God shall bring you into judgement for all your loosnesse , and lightnesse , for all your wickednesse , and wantonnesse , for all your prophaneness , and basenesse , for all your neglect of God ; your grieving the comforter , your trampling under foot the blood of a Saviour , for your dispising of the means , for your prizing Earth above Heaven , and the pleasures of this world , above the pleasures that bee at Gods right hand . Chrysosteme speaking of this day , saith , for Christ at this day to say , depart from mee , is a thing more terrible than a thousand hells , Chrysost. Hom — ad Pop. Antioch .

Oh how will you wish in that day when your sins shall bee charged on you , when justice shall bee armed against you , when conscience shall bee gnawing within you , when the world shall bee a flaming fire about you , when the gates of Heaven shall bee shut against you , and the flame of Hell ready to take hold of you , when Angels and Saints shall sit in judgement upon you , and for ever turn their faces from you , when evil spirits shall be terrifying of you , and Jesus Christ for ever disowning of you , how will you ( I say ) wish in that day that you had never been born , or that you might now bee unborn , or that your mothers wombs had proved your Tombs ? O how will you then wish to bee turned into a bird , a beast , a stock , a stone , a Toad , a Tree ! O that our immortal souls were mortal , O that wee were nothing , Joan Damasc . et Author . Anonym . de quat. Noviss . Impr●ss . Daven . Anno. 1494. O that we were any thing but what we are .

I have read a remarkable story of a King , that was heavy and sad , and wept , which when his brother saw , hee asked him why hee was so pensive ? because ( saith hee ) I have judged others , and now I must bee judged my self ; And why ( saith his brother ) do you so take on for this , it will ( hapily ) bee a long time ere that day come , and besides that , it is but a flight matter . The King said little to it for the present . Now it was a custome in that Countrey when any had committed Treason , there was a Trumpet sounded at his door in the night time , and hee was next day brought out to bee executed , now the King commanded a Trumpet to bee sounded at his brothers door in the night time , who awakening out of his Sleep , when hee heard it , arose , and came quaking and trembling to the King ; How now saith the King , what s the matter you are so affrighted , I am saith hee attached of Treason , and next morning I shall bee executed , why saith the King to him again , are you so troubled at that , knowing that you shall bee judged by your Brother , and for a matter that your Conscience tells you , you are clear off , How much more therefore may I bee afraid , seeing that God shall judge mee , and not in a matter that my conscience frees mee off , but of that whereof I am guilty ; and beside this , if the worst come , is but a temporary death you shall dy , but I am liable to death eternal both of body and soul . I will leave the Application to those young persons , that put this day afar off , and whom no arguments will move to bee good betimes , and to acquaint themselves with the Lord in the morning of their youth .

But now to those young men and women who beginne to seek , serve , and love the Lord in the Primerose of their days , the day of judgement will be to them ( melodia in aure , ubilum in corde ) like musick in the ear and a jubilee in the heart , Act. 3.19 , 20 , 21 , 22. Mic. 7.7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11. Rev. 19.6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10. Mat. 25.34 . to v. 41. this day will be to them , a day of refreshing , a day of redemption , a day of vindication , a day of coronation , a day of Consolation , a day of Salvation , it will bee to them a marriage day , a harvest day , a pay day , now the Lord will pay them for all the Prayers they have made , for all the Sermons they have heard , for all the tears they have shed , in this great day Christ will remember all the individual offices of love and friendship shewed to any of his , now hee will mention many things for their honor and comfort that they never minded , now the least and lowest acts of love and pity towards his , shall bee interpreted as a special kindnesse shewed to himself . Now the Crown shall bee set upon their heads , 2 Tim. 4.8 Mal. 3.17 , 18 and the Royall Robe put upon their backs , now all the World shall see that they have not served the Lord for naught : Now Christ will pass over all their weaknesses , and make honorable mention of all the services they have performed , of all the mercyes they have improved , and of all the great things that for his name and glory , they have suffered ,

Quest. But here an apt question may be moved . viz. Whether at this great day , the sinnes of the Saints shall bee brought into the judgement of Discussion and discovery or no , whether the Lord will in this day publikely manifest , proclaim , and make mention of the sins of his people , or no ?

I humbly judge according to my present light , that he will not ; and my reasons for it are these , viz.

The first is drawn from Christs judicial proceedings in the last day , set down largely and clearly in the 25 of Matthew , where hee inumerateth only the good works they had done , but takes no notice of the spots and blots , Deut. 3.2 , 4 , 5 , 6 of the staines and blemishes , of the infirmities , and innormities , of the weaknesses and wickednesses of his people . My

Second Reason is taken from Christs vehement protestations that they shall not come into judgement , Vide Aquin. 87. Suppl . Est . in l. 4. Sendist . 47. John 5.24 . Verily , verily , I say unto you , he that heareth my Word , and beleeveth on him that sent mee , hath everlasting life , and shall not come into condemnation : but is passed from death unto life . Those words shall not come into condemnation , are not rightly translated , the Original is 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 shall not come into judgement , not into damnation , as you read it in all your English books , I will not say what should put men upon this exposition rather than a true Translation of the Original word : further , it is very observable , that no Evangelist useth this double asseveration but John , and hee never useth it but in matters of greatest weight and importance , John 1.51 . ch. 3.3.11 . ch. 6.20.32.47.53 . &c. and to shew the earnestness of his spirit , and to stirre us up to better attention , and to put the thing asserted out of all question , and beyond all contradiction ; as when wee would put a thing for ever out of all question , wee do it by a double asseveration , verily verily , t is so , &c.

Thirdly , Because his not bringing their sinnes into judgement , doth most and best agree with many precious and glorious expressions that wee finde scattered ( as so many shining sparkling Pearls ) up and down in Scripture , as

First , With those of Gods blotting out the sinnes of his People , Isa. 43.25 I even I am hee that blotteth out thy transgressions for my own sake , Isa. 44.22 and will not remember thy sinnes . I have blotted out as a thick cloud , thy transgressions , and as a cloud thy sins . Who is this that blots out transgressions ? hee that hath the keyes of heaven and hell , at his Girdle , that opens and no man shuts , that shuts and no man opens , he that hath the Power of life and death , of condemning and absolving , of killing and of making alive , hee it is that blots out transgressions ; if an under officer , should blot out an inditement , that perhaps might do a man no good , a man might for all that bee at last cast by the Judge ; but when the Judge or King shall blot out the indictment with their own hand , then the indictment cannot return , now this is every beleevers case , and happiness .

Secondly , to those glorious expressions , of Gods not remembring of their sinnes any more , Isa. 43.25 . And I will not remember thy sins ; And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour , Jer. 31.34 and every man his brother , saying , know the Lord , for they shall all know mee from the least of them , to the greatest of them , saith the Lord , for I will forgive their iniquity , and I will remember their sinne no more . So the Apostle , Heb. 8.12 for I will bee merciful to their unrighteousnesse , and their sinnes , and their iniquities will I remember no more . And again the same Apostle saith , This is the covenant that I will make with them . after those days , saith the Lord , Heb. 1● . 17 : That which Cicero said flatteringly of Caesar , is truly affirmed of God . Nihil oblivisci solet praeter injurias , he forgetteth nothing but the wrongs that daily are done him by his . I will put my laws into their hearts , and in their minds will I write them : and their sinnes and iniquities will I remember no more . The meaning is , their iniquities shall quite bee forgotten , I will never mention them more , I will never take notice of them more , they shall never hear more of them from mee , though God hath an iron memory to remember the sinnes of the wicked , yet he hath no memory to remember the sins of the righteous .

Thirdly , His not bringing their sinnes into judgement , doth most and best agree with those blessed expressions , of his casting their sinnes into the depth of the Sea , and of his casting them behind his back . Mich. 7.19 Hee will turn again , hee will have compassion upon us , hee will subdue our iniquities , and thou wilt cast all their sinnes into the depths of the Sea , where sinne is once pardoned , the remission stands never to be repeated , pardoned sinnes shall never come in account against the pardoned man , before God any more , for so much doth this borrowed speech import , if a thing were cast into a River , it might bee brought up again , or if it were cast upon the sea , it might be discerned , and taken up again , but when it is cast into the depths , the bottome of the Sea , it can never bee boyed up again .

By the Metaphor in the Text , the Lord would have us to know , that sinnes pardoned shall rise no more , they shall never be seen more , they shall never come on the account more , hee will so drown their sinnes , that they shall never come up before him the second time ; And so much that other Scripture imports . Isa. 38.17 Behold for peace I had great bitterness , but thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption ; for thou hast cast all my sins behinde thy back : these last words are a borrowed speech taken from the manner of men , who are wont to cast behinde their backs , such things as they have no minde to see , regard , or remember . A gracious soul hath alwayes his sins before his face ( I acknowledge my transgressions , Psal. 51.3 . and my sin is ever before mee ; ) and therefore no wonder if the Lord cast them behinde his back . The Father soon forgets , and casts behinde his back those faults that the child remembers , and hath alwaies in his eyes ; so doth the Father of spirits .

Fourthly , His not bringing their sins into judgement , doth best agree with that sweet , and choice expression of Gods pardoning the sins of his people ; And I will cleanse them from all their iniquity , Jer. 33.8 . whereby they have sinned against mee ; and I will pardon all their iniquities , whereby they have sinned , and whereby they have transgressed against mee . So Micha . Who is a God like unto thee that pardoneth iniquity , and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage ( as though hee would not see it , Mic. 7.18 . but wink at it ) hee retaineth not his anger for ever , because hee delighteth in Mercy . The Hebrew word ( Nose from Nasa ) that is here rendred pardoneth , signifies a taking away ; when God pardons sin , hee takes it sheere away ; that if it should bee sought for , yet it could not bee found , as the Prophet speaks ; In those daies , and in that time , Jer. 50.20 . saith the Lord , the iniquity of Israel shall bee sought for , and there shall bee none ; and the sins of Judah , and they shall not bee found , for I will pardon them whom I reserve ; and those words , and passeth by , in the ( aforecited ) seventh of Micha , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 and the 18. according to the Hebrew ( Vegnober Gnal ) is , Gnabar hee passed over . and passeth over ; God passeth over the transgression of his heritage ; that is , hee takes no notice of it , as a man in a deep muse , or as one that hath haste of businesse , seeth not things before him , his mind being busied about other matters , hee neglects all to minde his businesse . As David , when hee saw in Mephibosheth the feature of his friend Jonathan , took no notice of his lamenesse , or any other defect , or deformity . So God beholding in his people the glorious image of his Son , winks at all their faults and deformities , which made Luther say , do with mee what thou wilt , since thou hast pardoned my sin ; and what is it to pardon sin , Isa. 40.1 , 2. but not to mention sin .

Fifthly , in his not bringing their sins into the Judgement of discussion , and discovery , doth best agree to those expressions of forgiving , and covering , Blessed is hee whose transgression is forgiven , whose sin is covered . Psal. 32.1 . In the original it is in the plural . Blessednesses , loe , here is a plurality of blessings , a chain of pearls .

The like expression you have in the 85. Psalm and the 2. vers . Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people , thou hast covered all their sin . Selah . For the understanding of these Scriptures aright ; take notice that to cover , is a Metaphorical expression ; covering is such an action , Sic velantur , ut in judicio non revelentur . which is opposed to disclosure ; to bee covered , is to bee so hid and closed , as not to appear . Some make the Metaphor from filthy loathsome objects , which are covered from our eyes , as dead carkasses are buried under the ground ; some from garments , that are put upon us to cover our nakedness , others from the Egyptians that were drowned in the red Sea , and so covered with water ; others from a great gulf in the earth , that is filled up and covered with earth , injected into it : And others make it in the last place an allusive expression to the Mercy-seat , over which was a covering , now all these Metaphors in the general tend to shew this , that the Lord will not look , he will not see , hee will not take notice of the sins hee hath pardoned , to call them any more to a judicial account .

As when a Prince reads over many treasons , and rebellions , and meets with such and such which he hath pardoned , he reads on , he passeth by , hee takes no notice of them , the pardoned person shall never hear more of them , hee will never call him to account for those sins more . So here , &c. When Caesar was painted , hee put his finger upon his scar , his wart . God puts his fingers upon all his peoples scars , and warts , upon all their weaknesses , and infirmities that nothing can bee seen but what is fair and lovely ; Thou art all fair , my Love , and there is no spot in thee , Can. 4.7 .

Sixthly , it best agrees to that expression of not imputing of sin . Psal. 32.2 . Blessed is the man to whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity , and in whose spirit there is no guile . So the Apostle in that , Rom. 4.6 , 7 , 8. now not to impute iniquity , is not to charge iniquity , not to set iniquity upon his score , who is blessed and pardoned , &c.

Seventhly and lastly , it best agrees with that expression that you have in the 103. Psalm . and the 11 , and 12. vers . For as the Heaven is high above the Earth , so great is his mercy towards them that fear him : As far as the East is from the West ; so far hath hee removed our transgressions from us . What a vast distance is there betwixt the East and the West ? of all visible latitudes , this is the greatest ; and thus much for the third Argument . The

Fourth Argument , that prevails with mee to judge that Jesus Christ will not bring the sins of the Saints into the judgement of discussion , and discovery in the great day , is , because it seems unsutable to three considerable things , for Jesus Christ to proclaim the infirmities , and miscarriages of his people to all the world .

First , It seems to bee unsutable to the glory and solemnity of that day , which to the Saints will bee a day of refreshing , a day of restitution , a day of redemption , a day of coronation , as hath been already proved ; now how sutable to this great day of solemnity , the proclamation of the Saints sins will be , I leave the Reader to judge .

Secondly , It seems unsutable to all those near and dear relations , that Jesus Christ stands in towards his , Isa. 9 6. Heb. 2.11 , 12 Ephes. 1.21 , 22 , Rev. 19.7 . John 15.1 . John 2.1 , 2● hee stands in therelation of a Father , a Brother , a head , a Husband , a Friend , an Advocate ; now are not all these by the law of relations bound rather to hide and keep secret ( at least from the world ) the weaknesses and infirmities of their near and dear relations , and is not Christ ? is not Christ much more ? by how much hee is more a Father , a Brother , a Head , a Husband , &c. in a spiritual way than any others can bee in a natural way , &c.

Thirdly ; It seems very unsutable to what the Lord Jesus requires of his in this world , the Lord requires that his people should cast a mantle of love , of wisdome , of silence , and secresie over one anothers weaknesses and infirmities . Prov. 10.12 . 1 Pet. 4.8 . Hatred stirreth up strifes ; but love covereth all sins ; loves mantle is very large ; love will finde a hand , a plaister to clap upon every sore . Flavius Vespasianus ( the Emperour ) was very ready to conceal his friends vices , and as ready to reveal their vertues : So is divine love in the hearts of the Saints . If thy Brother offend thee , Mat. 18.15 . go and tell him his fault between him and thee alone ; if he shall hear thee , thou hast gained thy Brother . As the Pills of reprehension are to bee gilded and sugred over with much gentlenesse , and softnesse ; so they are to bee given in secret , tell him between him and thee alone . Tale-bearers , and Tale-hearers are alike abominable , Heaven is too hot , and too holy a place for them , Psal. 15.3 . now will Jesus Christ have us carry it thus towards offending Christians , and will hee himself act otherwise ? nay , is it an evil in us to lay open the weaknesses and infirmities of the Saints to the world ? and will it bee an excellency , a glory , a vertue in Christ , to do it in the great day ? &c.

A fifth Argument is this , it is the glory of a man to passe over a transgression . Prov. 19.11 . The discretion of a man deferreth his anger , and it is his glory to passe over a transgression ; or to passe by it , Non amo quenquam nisi offendam , said a Heathen . as wee do by persons or things , wee know not , or would take no notice of . Now is it the glory of a man to passe over a transgression , and will it not much more bee the glory of Christ , silently to passe over the transgressions of his people , in that great day ? The greater the treasons and rebellions are that a Prince passes over , and takes no notice of , the more is it his honour , and glory ; and so doubtlesse it will be Christs in that great day . To pass over all the treasons and rebellions of his people , to take no notice of them , to forget them , as well as forgive them .

The Heathens have long since observed , that in nothing man came nearer to the glory and perfection of God himself , than in goodness and clemency . Surely if it bee such an honour to man , to passe over a transgression , it cannot bee a dishonour to Christ , to pass over the transgressions of his people , hee having already buried them in the Sea of his blood . Again saith Solomon , It is the glory of God to conceal a thing . Pro. 25.2 . And why it should not make for the glory of divine love to conceal the sins of the Saints , in that great day , I know not : and whether the concealing the sins of the Saints in that great day , will not make most for their joy , and wicked mens sorrow , for their comfort and wicked mens terrour and torment . I will leave you to judge , and time and experience to decide ; And thus much for the resolution of that great question . Having done with the Motives that may incourage and provoke young men to bee good betimes , to know , love , seek , and serve the Lord in the spring and morning of their dayes .

I shall now come to those directions and helps , that must ( by assistance from Heaven ) bee put in practice , if ever you would bee good betimes , and serve the Lord in the Prim-rose of your dayes . Now all that I shall say , will fall under these two heads . First , Some things you must carefully and warily decline , and arm your selves against ; and secondly , there are other things that you must prosecute and follow . First ; there are some things that you must warily decline , and they are these ,

First , If ever you would bee good betimes , if you would bee gracious in the spring and morning of your youth , Oh then take heed of putting the day of death far from you . Amos 6.3 . Young men are very prone to look upon death afar off , to put it at a great distance from them , they are apt to say to death , Exod. 10.28 . as Pharaoh said to Moses , Get thee from mee , and let mee see thy face no more ; if old men discourse to them of death , they are ready to answer as the High-Priest did Judas ( in a different case ) what is that to us , Mat. 27.4 . look you unto it ? wee know sicknesse will come , and death is a debt that wee must all pay , but surely these guests are a great way from us , for doth not David say , Psal. 90.10 . The daies of a man are threescore years and ten ? wee have calculated our nativities , and wee cannot abate a day , a minute , a moment of threescore and ten ; and therefore it is even a death to us to think of death , there being so great a distance between our birth-day , and our dying-day , as wee have cast up the account .

Ah young men ! it is sad , it is very say , when you are so wittily wicked , as to say with those in Ezekiel , Behold they of the house of Israel say , Ezek. 12.27 the vision that hee seeth is for many dayes to come , and hee prophecyeth of the times that are afar off .

Ah young men ! young men , by putting far away this day , you gratifie Satan , you strengthen sin , you provoke the Lord , you make the work of faith and repentance more hard and difficult , you lay a sad foundation for the greatest fears and doubts .

Ah! how soon may that sad word bee fulfilled upon you . The Lord of that servant that saith , Mat. 24.48 , 49 , 50 , 51. his Lord delayeth his coming , shall come in a day when hee looketh not for him , and in an hour that hee is not aware of , and shall cut him asunder ( or cut him off ) and appoint him his portion with Hypocrites , there shall bee weeping and gnashing of teeth . When Sodom , when Pharaoh , when Agag , when Amalek , when Haman , when Herod , when Nebuchadnezzar , when Belshazzar , when Dives , when the fool in the Gospel were all in their prime , their pride , when they were all in a flourishing state , and upon the very top of their glory , how strangely , how suddenly , how sadly , how fearfully , how wonderfully , were they brought down to the grave , to Hell !

Good Couns to Young men

Ah young man ! who art thou , and what is thy name , or fame , what is thy power or place , what is thy dignity or glory , that thou darest promise thy self an exemption from sharing in as sad a portion as ever Justice gave to those who were once very high , who were seated among the stars , but are now brought down to the sides of the pit ? ●sa. 13.10 , 11 , ●2 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17. I have read a story of one , that gave a young Prodigal a Ring with a deaths head , on this condition , that hee should one hour daily for seven daies together , look and think upon it , which bred a great change in his life .

Ah young men ! the serious thoughts of death may do that for you , that neither friends , counsel , examples , prayers , Sermons , tears hath not done to this very day . Well , remember this , to labour not to die , is labour in vain , and to put this day far from you , Senibus mors in januis , adolescentibus in insidiis . Bernard . De convers . ad Cler. c. 14. and to live without fear of death , is to die living . Death seizeth on old men , and laies wait for the youngest . Death is oftentimes as near the young mans back , as it is to the old mans face .

It is storied of Charles the fourth , King of France , that being one time affected with the sense of his many and great sins , hee fetcht a deep sigh , and said to his wife , by the help of God , I will now so carry my self all my life long , that I will never offend him more ; which words hee had no sooner uttered , but hee fell down dead , and died .

Do not young men put this day far from you , least you are suddenly surprized , and then you cry out ( when too late ) a Kingdome for a Christ , a Kingdome for a Christ ; as once Crookt-back Richard the third in his distresse , a Kingdome for a horse , a Kingdome for a horse .

Ah young men ! did you never hear of a young man that cryed out ; Oh! I am so sick that I cannot live , and yet ( woful wretch that I am ) so sinful , that I dare not die ; Oh that I might live ! Oh that I might die ! Oh that I might do neither . Well young men , remember this , the frequent , the serious thoughts of death will prevent many a sin , 2 Pet. 1. 13 , 14. Eccles. 9.10 . it will arm you against many temptations , it will secure you from many afflictions , it will keep you from doting on the World , it will make you do much in a little time , it will make death easy when it comes , and it will make you look out betimes for a Kingdome that shakes not , for riches that corrupt not , and for glory that fadeth not away . Therefore do not , O do not put the day of death farre from you . Take heed of crying , Cras , Cras , to morrow , to morrow , saith Luther , for a man lives forty years before hee knows himself to bee a fool , and by that time hee sees his folly , his life is finished , so men dye before they begin to live .

Secondly , If you would bee good betimes , then take heed of leaning to your own understanding .

This Counsell wise Solomon gives to his son ( or the young men in his time ) My sonne forget not my Law , Prov. 3.1.5 Lean not , is a Metaphor from an old or sick man leaning on his staff , &c. but let thy heart keep my Commandements : Trust in the Lord with all thy heart , and lean not to thy own understanding .

Youth is the age of folly , of vain-hopes , and over-grown confidence . Ah! how wise might many have been ; had they not been too early wise in their own opinion .

Rehoboams young Counsellors proved the overthrow of his Kingdome . T is brave for youth in all things to bee discreet and sober minded . Three vertues they say are prime ornaments of youth , modesty , silence , and obedience .

Ah! Young men , keep close in every action to this one principle , viz. in every action resolve to bee discreet and wise , rather than affectionate and singular .

I Remember that a young Gentleman of Athens being to answer for his life , hired an Orator to make his defence , and it pleased him well at his first reading , but when the young man by often reading it , that hee might recite it publikely by heart , begunne to grow weary and displeased with it , the Orator bid him consider that the J●dges and the People were to h●ar it but once , and then it was l●kely that they at the first instant might bee as well pleased as he .

Ah! Young men , your leaning upon your selves , or upon others , will in the end bee bitternesse and vexation of spirit ; Young men are very apt to lean on their own Wit , Wisdome , Arts , parts , as old men are to lean on a staffe to support them ; 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ( as the Hebrew word signifies , that is rendered lean , Shagnan . in that of Prov. 3.5 . ) this hath been the bane of many a choice Wit , the loss of many a brave head , the ruine of many a subtile pate .

Ajax thought it was for cowards and weaklings to lean upon the Lord for succour , not for him , whence hee was foiled ; lean not to great parts , lean not to natural or acquired accomplishments , least you loose them and your selves too . Leaning to natural , or moral excellencies is the ready way to bee stript o● all . Babylon that bore her sel● bold upon her high Towers thick walls , and twenty year● provision laid in for a siege , wa● surprized by Cyrus .

T was said of Caesar , that hee received not his wounds from the swords of enemies , but from the hands of friends , that is , from trusting in them .

Ah! How many young men have been wounded , yea , slain by trusting to their own understanding , their own abilities . T was an excellent saying of Austin ( in te stas , et non stas ) he that stands upon his own strength shall never stand . A Creature if like a single drop left to it self , it spends and wastes it self presently , but if like a drop in the fountain and Ocean of being , it hath abundance of security .

Ah! Young men , Young men , 2 Pet. 1.4 Psal. 27.1 if you will needs be leaning , then lean upon precious Promises , lean upon the rock that is higher than your selves , lean upon the Lord Jesus Christ as John did , who was the youngest of all the Disciples , and the most beloved of all the Disciples . John 21.20 . ch. 13.23 . John leaned much , and Christ loved him much . O lean upon Christs wisdome for direction , lean upon his power for protection , Can. 8.5 lean upon ( his Purse ) his fulness for Provision , lean upon his eye for approbation , lean upon his righteousness for justification , lean upon his blood for remission , lean upon his merits for salvation . As the young Vine without her wall to support her , will fall and sink : So will you young men without Christ puts under his everlasting armes to support you , and uphold you ; therefore above all leanings , lean upon him , by leaning on him you will engage him ; by leaning on him you will gain more honor than you can give ; by leaning on him , you may even command him , and make him eternally yours , &c.

Thirdly , If you would bee good betimes , if you would seek and serve the Lord in the spring and morning of your dayes , then take heed of flatterers and flatterie . Ah! how many Young men might have been very good , who are now exceeding bad , by hearkning to flatterers , and affecting flattery . Flattery undid young Rehoboam , 1 Kin. 12. and ch. 22. Act. 12.22.23 , 24. Ahab , Herod , Nero , Alexander , &c. Flatterers are soul-murderers , they are soul-undoers , they are like evil Chyrurgions that skin over the wound , but never heal it .

Anastatius the Emperours motto was ( mellitum venenum blanda oratio ) smooth talk proves often sweet Poyson ; Flattery is the very spring and mother of all impiety , it blows the Trumpet and draws poor souls into rebellion against God , as Sheba drew Israel to rebel against David , it put our first Parents upon tasting the forbidden fruit , it put Absolou upon dethroning of his father , it put Haman upon plotting the ruine of the Jews , it put Corah , Dathan , and Abiram upon rebelling against Moses ; it makes men call evil good , and good evil , darknesse light , and light darkness , &c. it puts persons upon neglecting the means of Grace , upon undervaluing the means of Grace , and upon contemning the means of Grace ; it puts men upon abasing God , slighting Christ , and vexing the spirit , it unmans a man , it makes him call black , white , and white black , it makes a man change Pearls for Pebles , and Gold for Counters , The Flatterers told Dionysius that his spittle was as sweet as honey . Rev. 3.17 , 18 it makes a man judge himself wise , when hee is foolish ; knowing , when hee is ignorant ; holy , when hee is Prophane ; free , when hee is a Prisoner ; rich , when hee is Poor ; high , when hee is low ; full , when hee is empty ; happy , when he is miserable . Ah! Young men , young men , take heed of Flatterers , they are the very worst of sinners , they are left of God , blinded by Satan , hardned in sin , and ripened for hel . God declares sadly against them , and that in his word , and in his works ; in his word , as you may see by comparing these scriptures together , Deut. 29.18 , 19 , 20. Psal. 78.36 Psal. 36.1.2 . Job . 17.5 . Ezek. 12.24 . Dan. 11.21 , 32 , 34. Ps. 12.2 , 3. They speak vanity every one with his neighbour , with flattering lips , and with a double heart , do they speak . Karath signifies any cutting off , either by death or banishment , &c. The Lord shall cut off all flattering lips , and the tongue that speaketh proud things ; And as God declares sadly against them in his word , so hee hath declared terribly against them in his works , as you may runne and read in his judgements executed upon Ahabs flattering Prophets , and upon Haman , and upon Daniels ( Princely ) false accusers , &c. And why then will not you stop your ears against those wretches , that the hand and heart of God is so much against ?

Again , A preacher in Constantines time , presumed to call the Emperour Saint to his face , but he went away with a check . Euseb. de vit. Const l. 4.4 As God declares against them , so good men detest them , and declare against them , as you may see by comparing these Scriptures together , Psal. 5.8 , 9 , 10. Prov. 2.16 . Prov. 7.21 . Prov. 28.23 . Job 32.21 , 22. 1 Thess. 2.5.20 . Prov. 20.19 . Meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips ? Why so ? why , because a man that flattereth his Neighbour , spreadeth a net for his feet , Prov. 29.5 . The Hebrew word ( Mahhalik from hhalak ) that is here rendred flatterer , signifies a smooth boots , a soft butter-spoken man , because flatterers useth smooth soft speeches . Also the word signifies to divide , because a Flatterers tongue is divided from his heart . Flatterers have their nets , and those that give ear to them will bee taken to their ruine . A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it , The Hebrew word and a flattering mouth worketh ruine , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Prov. 26. ult. A flattering mouth ruines name , Dahbah , signifies such aviolent forceing of one , as he cannot stand , it signifies to throw down , to drive on forwards till a man fall into destruction . same , estate , body , soul , life .

Valerian the Roman Emperour used to say ( Non acerba sed blanda ) not bitter , but flattering words do all the mischeif . When Alexander the Great , was hit with an Arrow in the siege of an Indian City which would not heal , hee said to his Parasites , you say that I am Jupiters son , but this wound cryes that I am but a man .

Now shall good men detest them , and abhor them as they are the pest of pests , the plague of plagues , and will you own them , will you take pleasure in them , to your ruine here and hereafter , the Lord forbid ? Oh say to all flatterers , as hee to his Idols , Hos. 14.8 Get you hence , for what have I more to do with you .

Nay once more consider , that not onely the good , but the bad , not onely the best , but ( some of ) the worst of men have manifested their detestation of Flatterers and flattery .

Leo the Emperour used to say , ( occulti inimici pessimi ) a close enemy is farre worse than an open . When a Court Parasite praised Sigismund the Emperour above measure , the Emperour gave him a sound box on the ear .

When Aristobulus the Historian presented to Alexander the Great book that hee had written of his glorious acts , wherein hee had flatteringly made him greater than he was , Alexander ( after he had read the book ) threw it into the River Hydaspes , and said to the Author , it were a good deed to throw thee after it .

When the Flatterers flattered Antigonus , hee cryed out ( mentiris , mentiris in gutture , Hae virtutes non laetent in me ) thou liest , thou liest in thy throat , these vertues that thou speakest of , I have not in me , but I am like a Leopard that have ten black spots to one white .

Augustus Caesar , and Tiberius Caesar , were deadly enemies to flatterers , insomuch that they would not bee called Lords by their own children .

A good Symbole is attributed to Trebonianus Gallus , viz. ( Nemo amicus idem et adulator ) no Flatterer can be a true friend .

Aristippus ( the Philosopher ) seeing Diogenes washing of herbs for his dinner , said , if Diogenes knew how to make use of Kings , hee need not live upon raw herbs as he doth , to which Diogenes replyed , that if Aristippus could content himself with herbs , hee need not to turn Spaniel , or to flatter King Di nysius for a meals meat .

Ah! Young men , Young men , shall God , shall good men , shall bad men , detest and declare against Flatterers and flattery , and will not you turn a deaf ear upon them , yea fly from them , as from a Serpent , and shun them as you would shun hell it self , if you do not , the very Heathens but now cited , will rise in judgement against you .

Flatterers are the very worst of sinners . The Flatterers told Caesar that his freckles in his face , were like the starres in the Firmament , they bought and sold Aurelius the Emperour at pleasure . And Augustus complained when Varrus was dead , that hee had none now left that would deal plainly and faithfully with him .

So men may gain by Flattery they will bee like Harpaelus , who said ( Quod Regi placet , mihi placet ) that which pleaseth the King , pleaseth mee ,

When Astyages set his own Sonne before him to feed upon him ; O but let every young man say , ( into whose hands this treatise shall fall ) Quod Deo placet mihi placet ) that which pleaseth God pleaseth mee . I have been the longer upon this out of love to young mens souls , Whilest an Asse is stroaked under the belly you may lay on his back what burden you please . who are so apt to bee insnared in the Flatterers net , if ever you would bee good in good earnest , you must abhor Flatterers as the first born of the Devil , and as such that are most pernitious to mens happinesse both here and hereafter .

It is reported of one Oramazes that hee had an enchanted Egg , in which ( as hee boasted himself ) hee had inclosed all the happiness of the World , but being broken , nothing was found in it but Wind. Flatterers are the greatest cheaters , the greatest deceivers , in the world .

They say of the Crocodile , that when hee hath killed a man , he will weep over him , as if hee were sorry ; and did repent for what he had done , the Application is easy .

Fourthly , If you would bee good betimes , if you would seek and serve the Lord in the spring and morning of your dayes , then take heed of engageed affections to the things of the World . The Young man in the Gospel took many a step towards heaven , Mat. 19 . 16-24 All these things have I kept from my Youth up , what lack I yet ? Christ makes a very fair offer to him in the next words , Jesus said unto him , if thou wilt be perfect , go and sell that thou hast , and give to the Poor , and thou shalt have treasure in heaven , and come and follow mee ; thou shalt have heaven for earth , a Sea for a drop , a treasure for a mite , a crown for a crum . I but the young mans affections were strongly engaged to the things of the world , Multi amando res noxias sunt miseri , babend● miseriores . August . in Psal. 26. and therefore he turns his back upon Christ , and goes away sorrowful , because he had great possessions . O the madness , the folly of this young man , who to enjoy a little temporal felicity , hath bid an everlasting farewell to Christ and Glory , in that Gen. 13.2 . it is said that Abraham was very rich in Cattel , in silver , and in gold , the Hebrew word ( Cabedh ) that is here rendred rich , signifies heavy , it signifies a burden , to shew us that riches are a heavy burden , and a hinderance many times to heaven and happinesse , and this young man in the Gospel found it so to his eternal undoing . Though the Load-stone cannot draw the Iron when the Diamond is in presence , yet earthly possessions did draw this young mans soul away , when Christ the Pearl of price was present , the World is a silken net , and this young man found it so ; the world is like Golden fetters , and this young man found it so ; the world is like sweet poyson , and this young man found it so ; They are dulce venenum , a sweet poyson . Bern. for hee had drunk so large a draught of it , that there was no room in his soul for Christ or heaven , for grace , or glory . Some say that when the Serpent Scytale cannot overtake the flying Passengers , shee doth with her beautiful colours so astonish and amaze them , that they have no power to pass away , till she have stung them ; such a Serpent the World proved to the young man in the Gospel , it did so affect him and take him , so amaze him , and amuze him , that hee could not stir till it stung him to death . When the Moon is fullest it is furthest from the Sun , so the more men have of the World , the further ( commonly ) they are from God , and this the young man in the Gospel made good .

Many have ventured life and limb , If money were thrown to the dogs , they would not so much as smell at it , the greater is their folly and madnesse that will go to hells gates for it . and many a better thing to gain the things of this World , and yet after all , they have got nothing at all . Achans golden wedge , proved a wedge to cleave him , and his garment , a garment to shrow'd him .

The whole world is circular , the heart of man is triangular , and wee know a circle cannot fill a triangle ; yea if it be not filled with the three persons in Trinity , it will bee filled with the world , the Flesh , and the Devil . The World may be resembled to the fruit that undid us all , which was fair to the sight , smooth in handling , sweet in taste , but deadly in effect and operation .

Ah! Young men , young men , have none of you found it so ?

The World in all its bravery is no better than the Cities which Solomon gave to Hiram , 1 King . 9.13 which hee called Cabul , that it to say , displeasing — or dirty , the World will afford nothing but trivial Flowers , surrounded with many bryers : O the Vanity ! the uncertainty , the imperfection of all things below , if a man should weigh his pay and his pains together , his miseries , and his pleasures together , his joys and his sorrows together , his mercies , and his crosses together , his good daies , and his bad dayes together , will he not conclude vanity of Vanity , and all is Vanity ?

It was a wise and Christian Speech of Charles the fift , In my other Trearises you may read more of the vanity , insufficiency , impotency , mutability , uncertainty , and inconstancy of the World , and to them I refer you . to the Duke of Venice , who when hee had shew'd him the glory of his Princely Palace and earthly Paradise , instead of admiring it or him for it , onely returned him this grave and serious memento ( Haec sunt quae faciunt invitos mori ) these are the things which make us unwilling to dye , it was a good saying of one to a great Lord ( upon his shewing him his stately house and pleasant Gardens ) Sir you had need make sure of heaven , or else when you dye , you will bee a very great looser .

Ah! Young men , Young men , t is onely heaven that is above all winds , stormes , and tempests , nor hath God cast man out of Paradise for him to think to finde out another Paradise in this world , the main reason , why many young men dote upon the world , is because they are not acquainted with a greater glory ; men ate Acorns till they were acquainted with the use of Wheat . Rev. 12.1 The woman had the Moon under her feet when shee was cloathed with the Sun , and had a Crown of twelve stars upon her head .

Ah! Young men , were you but cloathed with the Sunne of Righteousness , and had you a crown set upon your heads , by the hand of faith , you would have all the things of this world which are as low , Heb. 11.24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 35. ch. 10.34 . bespotted , and mutable , as the Moon , under your feet ; well young men , as ever you would be good betimes , sit loose from the things of this world , be no longer worshippers of this Golden calf , and never let the World , that should bee but your Servant , become your Lord ; O Oh let not the Devil and the World have more service for an ounce of gold ! than Christ shall have for the Kingdome of Heaven .

Ah young men ! the world and you must part , or Christ and you will never meet ; you cannot serve God , and Mammon . Mat. 6.24 . The two poles shall sooner meet , than the love of Christ , and the love of the world .

Fifthly , if you would be good betimes if you would know , seek , and serve the Lord in the spring and morning of your youth ; then take heed betimes of carnal reason , Gal. 1.15 , 16. take heed of consulting with flesh and blood ; many a hopeful young man hath been undone temporally , and undone eternally by hearkening to those evil counsellors . Cicero a Heathen could say , that man would not bee so wicked , and do so wickedly , were it not for his reason .

Carnal reason is an enemy , yea an utter enemy , nay , it is not only an utter enemy , but it is enmity , yea enmities , Rom. 8.7 . An enemy may bee reconciled , but enmity can never bee reconciled . Carnal Reason is not only averse , but it is utterly averse to all goodnesse ; it builds strong holds and syllogisms against the most glorious Gospel-truths , and accounts the precious things of Christ as a strange thing ; carnal Reason will make God and Gospel do homage to it ; when carnal Reason is in the Throne , Christ and his truths must all bow , or bee judged before its bar .

Ah young men , young men ! as ever you would bee good betimes , stop your ears against all carnal Reasonings within you ; carnal Reason judges the choicest things of the Gospel to bee meer foolishnesse ; 1 Cor. 1.23 . it is purblinde , and cannot see how to make a right judgement of Christ , his word , his waies , and yet will controule all .

If you are resolved to bee still scholars to this Master , then you must resolve to bee unhappy here , and miserable hereafter . But

It is safer and better for you to imitate those young men , who in the morning of their daies have graciously , wisely , and resolutely withstood those evil Counsellors ; carnal Reason , flesh and blood ; Joseph and Moses , Daniel , Gen. 39.7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , &c. Heb. 11.24 , 25 , 26. Dan. 1. Shadrach , Meshach , and Abednego ; all these in the Prim-rose of their youth were good , at turning the deaf ear to carnal counsel , and carnal counsellors .

Cassianus reports of a young man that had given himself up to a Christian life , and his Parents mis-liking that way , they wrote letters to him , to perswade him from it ; and when hee knew there were letters come from them , hee would not open them , but threw them into the fire ; this example is worth a following .

Another famous example you have in the story of King Edward the sixth , when Cranmer and Ridly came to him , and were very earnest to have him give way to his Sister the Lady Mary to have Masse ; hee stood out and pleaded the case with them that it was a sin against God , and provoking to the eyes of his glory , &c. but they still continued to use many carnal arguments to perswade the King ( who was but a child about fifteen years of age ) but hee withstood them a great while , but at length when hee saw hee could not prevail with all his pleading against those grave men , but that they still continued their suit , hee burst out into bitter weeping , and sobing , desiring them to desist ; the motioners , seeing his zeal and constancy wept as fast as hee , and being overcome , they went away , and told one that the King had more divinity in his little finger , than they had in all their bodies . Ah young men ! it will bee your safety , and your glory to write after this princely coppy , when you are surrounded with carnal reason , and carnal counsellors , &c.

Sixthly , and lastly , If you would bee good betimes , then take heed of comparing your selves with those that are worse than your selves . Joh. 9.39 , 40. Young men are very apt to compare themselves with those that are worse than themselves , and this proves a snare unto them , yea oftentimes their bane , their ruine ; As it did the young Pharisee in the Gospel , Luk. 18.11 , 12 , 13 , 14. Thales one of the seven sages being asked what was the easiest thing in the world to do , answered , to know other mens faults , and none of our own . who pleaded his negative Righteousnesse , hee was not as other men are , extortioners , unjust , adulterers , and stood on his comparative goodnesse , nor as this Publican ; hee stands not only upon his comparisons , but upon his disparisons , being blind at home , and too quick-sighted abroad , hee contemneth and condemneth the poor Publican who was better than himself ; making good , that saying of Seneca the nature of man , saith hee , is very apt ( utimur perspicillis magis quam speculis ) to use spectacles to behold other mens faults , rather than looking-glasses to behold our own ; such Pharisees do justly incur the censure which that sowre Philosopher past upon Grammarians , Diogenes apud L●●ium . l. 6. that they were better acquainted with the evil of Ulysses , than with their own .

Ah young men , young men ! you know , hee that drinks poison , though hee drinks not so much as another , and hee that commits treason , though not so great , so high treason as another , shall yet as certainly bee poisoned , and hanged , as hee that hath drunk a greater quantity of poison ; and committed higher acts of treason .

Sirs , do not delude and befool your own souls , if you are not as wicked as others , Mat. 11.22 , 23 , 24 , 25. As in Heaven one is more glorious than another , so in Hell one shall bee more miserable than another . Aug. you shall not bee as much tormented as others , but yet you shall bee as certainly damned as others , you shall as certain to hell as others , you shall as sure bee shut out for ever from God , Christ , Saints , Angels , and all the treasures , pleasures , and glories of Heaven , as others , except it bee prevented , by timely repentance on your side , and pardoning mercy on Gods . Wilt thou count it madnesse Oh young man in him that is sick to reason thus , I am not so sick as such and such , and therefore I will not send to the Physitian , and in the wounded man to say , I am not so desperately wounded as such and such , and therefore I will not send to the Surgeon ; and in the traitor to say , I am not guilty of so many foul and hainous treasons as such and such , and therefore I will not look after a pardon ; and in the necessitous man , to say , I am not so hard put to it as such and such , and therefore I will not welcome a hand of charity ? and wilt thou not count it the greatest madnesse in the world for thee to put off thy repentance , and thy returning to the Lord in the spring and morning of thy youth , because that thou art not as sinful as wicked as such and such , if to have a softer bed , a milder punishment in hell , than others , will satisfy thee , then go on ; but if thou art afraid of the worm that never dyes , and of the fire that never goes out , being like that stone in Arcadia , which being once kindled , could not be quenched ; O then begin to bee good betimes ; O seek and serve the Lord in the spring and morning of your dayes ! Chrysost. Hom. 44. in Matth.

To think often of Hell , is the way to be preserv'd from falling into hell . Ah! Young men , Young men , that you would often consider of the bitterness , of the damneds torments , and of the pittilesness of their torments , and of the diversity of their torments , and of the easelesnes of their torments , and of the remedilesness of their torments . ( Momentaneum est quod delectat , Aeternum quod cruciat . ) The sinners delight here is momentany , that which torments hereafter is perpetual ; when a Sinner is in hell , dost thou think Oh young man , that another Christ shall be found to dye for him , or that the same Christ will bee crucifyed again for him , or that another Gospel should bee preached to him , Surely no.

Ah , Why then wilt thou not betimes return and seek out after the things that belong to thy everlasting Peace . Jac. Rev. hist. Pontif. Rom. 199. I have read of Pope Clement the fifth , that when a young Nephew of his dyed , hee sent his Chaplain to a Necromancer , to know of him how it fared with him in the other World , the Conjurer shewed him to the Chaplain lying in a fiery bed in hell , which when the Pope understood , hee never joyed more , &c.

Ah! Young man , that these occasional hints of hell , may bee a means to preserve thee from lying in those everlasting Flames .

Bellarmine tells us of a certain advocate of the Court of Rome , that being at the point of death , Bellar. de arte moriendi . l. 2. c. 10. was stirred up by them that stood by to repent and call upon God for mercy , hee with a constant countenance , and without signe of fear , turned his speech to God , and said , Lord , I have a desire to speak unto thee , not for my self , but for my wife and Children , for I am hastening to hell , neither is there any thing that thou shouldest do for mee ; and this he spake saith Bellarmine ( who was present and heard it ) as if hee had spoke of a journey to some Village , or Town , and was no more affrighted .

Sir Francis Bacon also in his History of Henry the Seventh , relates how it was a common by-word of the Lord Cordes , that hee would bee content to lye seven years in hell , so hee might win Calice from the English ; but if thou O young man art given up to such desperate Atheisme , and carnal Apprehensions of Hell ; I am affraid God will confute thee one day by fire and brimstone , but I would willingly hope better things of all those young persons , into whose hands this Treatise shall fall , and thus you see what things must bee declined and avoided , if ever you would be good betimes , if ever you would seek and serve the Lord in the spring and morning of your daies .

But in the second place , as those things must bee declined , so other things must carefully and diligently bee practised , if ever you would be good betimes . I shall instance onely in those that are most considerable and weighty , as

First , if ever you would bee good betimes , &c. then you must labour to bee acquainted with four things betimes ,

First , You must labour to acquaint your selves with the Scripture betimes , you must study the Word betimes , David studied the Word in the morning of his dayes in the primrose of his youth , Psal. 119.97 ; 98 99 , 100 , 101 , 102 , 103 and this made him wiser than his enemies , yea , than his teachers , this made him as much excel the Ancients , as the Sunne excels the Moon , or as the Moon excels the twinkling stars . Timothy was good betimes , and no wonder , for in the prime-rose of his dayes , 2 Tim. 3.15 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . from a suckling . hee was acquainted with the Scripture , hee was inured to the Word from his child-hood , yea from his infancy , as the word properly signifies , so in that 119 Psalm the 9. Wherewithall shall a young man cleanse his way ? by taking heed according to thy Word ; there is no way to a holy heart , and a clean life , but by acquainting of your selves with the Word betimes ; one hath long since observed , Aug. that God hath bowed down the Scriptures to the capacity even of babes and sucklings , that all excuse may be taken away ; and that young men may bee encouraged to study the Scripture betimes . Ah! Adoro Plenitudinem Scripturarum . Tertullian . Young men , no Histories are comparable to the Histories of the Scriptures , 1 for Antiquity . 2 Rarity . 3 Variety . 4 Brevity . 5 Perspicuity . 6 Harmony . 7 Verity . All other books cannot equal Gods , either in age , or authority , in dignity , or excellency , in sufficiency , or glory .

Moses is found more ancient and more honourable , than all those whom the Grecians make most ancient and honourable ; as Homer , Hesiod , and Jupiter himself , whom the Greeks have seated in the top of their divinity .

The whole Scripture is but one intire love letter , Gregory , calls the Scripture ( Cor & animam Dei ) the heart and soul of God . dispatcht from the Lord Christ to his beloved Spouse , and who then but would still be a reading in this love letter ? Like Caecilia a Roman maiden of Noble Parentage , who carried alwaies about her the New-Testament , that shee might still be a reading in Christs love letter , and behold the sweet workings of his love , and heart , towards his dear and precious ones .

Luther found so much sweetnesse in the Word , in Christs love letter , that made him say , he would not live in Paradise if he might , without the word ( at cum verbo etiam in inferno facile est vivere ) but with the Word hee could live in hell it self .

The Word is like the stone Garamantides , that hath drops of Gold in it self , enriching of the beleeving soul . This the Martyrs found , which made them willing to give a load of hay for a few leaves of the Bible in English .

Augustine professeth that the Sacred Scriptures were his holy delight ; Hier. Epistola . ad Heliod. in Epitaphium Nepotiani . And Hierom tells ( us ) of one Nepotianus , who by long and assiduous meditation on the holy Scriptures , had made his breast the library of Jesus Christ . And Rabbi Chiia in the Jerusalem Talmud , saith , that in his account all the World is not of equal value with one word out of the Law . That which a Papist reports lyingly of their Sacrament , of the Mass , viz. that there are as many mysteries in it , as there bee drops in the Sea , dust on the earth , Angels in heaven , stars in the skye , Atomes in the Sun-beams , or sand on the Sea-shore , &c. may be truly asserted of the holy Scriptures .

Oh the mysteries , the excellencies , the glories , that are in the Word ; Ah , no book to this book , none so useful , none so needful , none so delightful , none so necessary to make you happy , and to keep you happy , as this . It is said of Caesar , ( major fuit cura Caesari libellorum quam purpurae ) that he had greater care of his books , than of his Royal Robes , for swimming thorow the waters to escape his enemies , hee carried his books in his hand above the waters , but lost his Robe , now what are Caesars books to Gods books ?

Ah! Ps. 119 Young men , young men , the Word of the Lord is a light to guide you ; a Counsellor to counsel you , a comforter to comfort you , a staffe to support you , a sword to defend you , and a Physitian to cure you , the word is a Mine to enrich you , a Robe to cloath you , and a Crown to crown you , it is bread to strengthen you , and wine to cheere you , and a honey-comb to feast you , and musick to delight you , and a Paradise to entertain you .

Oh! The Jewish Rabbins were wont to say , that upon every letter of the saw , there hangs mountains of profitable matter . Therefore before all , and above all , search the Scripture ; study the Scripture , dwell on the Scripture , delight in the Scripture , treasure up the Scripture , no wisdome to scripture Wisdome , no knowledge to Scripture knowledge , no experience to Scripture experience , no comforts to Scripture comforts , no delights to Scripture delights , no convictions to Scripture convictions , nor no conversion to scripture conversion .

Augustin hearing a voice from heaven , Tolle lege . that bad him take and read , whereupon turning open the new-Testament , hee fell upon that place , Rom. 13.13 , 14 Let us walk honestly , as in the day , not in rioting and drunkennesse , not in chambering and wantonnesse , not in strife , and envying . But put yee on the Lord Jesus Christ , and make not provision for the flesh , to fulfil the lusts thereof . This Scripture so sunk into his heart , as that it proved the means of his conversion , as himself reports ; Lib. 8. conf. cap. 12. this Augustin as hee was once Preaching , his memory failing of him contrary to his purpose , he fell upon reproving the Manicheans , and by a scripture or two not before thought of , Poffidon de vita , Augustin . to confute their heresies , he converted Firmus a Manichaean , as he after acknowledged to Augustin , blessing God for that sermon .

It is reported of one Adrianus , who seeing the Martyrs suffer such grievous things in the cause of God , hee asked what was that which caused them to suffer such things , and one of them named that text , Cor. 2.9 Eye hath not seen , nor ear heard , neither hath it entred into the heart of man to conceive the things which God hath prepared for them that love him , and this text was set home , with such a power upon him , as that it converted him , and made him to profess Religion , and not onely to profess it , but to dye a martyr for it .

Cyprian was converted by reading the Prophecy of Jonah . Junius was converted by reading the 1 Chapter of John the Evangelist .

I have read of a scandalous Minister that was struck at the heart , and converted in reading that scripture , Rom. 2.21 Thou which teachest another , teachest thou not thy self , & c ?

Wee read that Paphnutius converted Thais and Ephron , two famous strumpets from uncleannesse , only with this Scripture Argument , That God seeth all things in the dark , Heb. 4.13 . when the doors are fast , the windows shut , the Curtains drawn , &c.

I have read of a poor man , who perswaded a young Scholler to leave reading of Poetry , &c. and fall upon reading of the Scripture , which accordingly hee did ; and it pleased the Lord , before hee had read out Genesis , to change his heart , and to turn him to the Lord in the Primrose of his daies , hee being then but twenty years of age .

I have read of a young Lady , Origen was her Schoolmaster . called Potamia , of a very illustrious family , who endured very much in her Martyrdome , by the extream cruelty of Basilides her executioner , yet after her death hee bethinking himself of the holy words , and Scripture expressions that were uttered by her , during her cruel torments , became a Christian , and within few daies after , was himself likewise crowned with Martyrdome .

James Andreas a godly Minister , hearing of a Jew , that for theft was hanged by the heels , with his head downward , having not seen that kinde of punishment , hee went to the place where hee was hanging between two Dogs that were alwaies snatching at him to eat his flesh , the poor wretch repeated in Hebrew some verses of the Psalms , wherein hee cryed to God for mercy , whereupon Andreas went near to him , and instructed him in the Principles of Christian Religion , about Christ the Messiah , &c. Exhorting him to beleeve in him , A miracle of mercy . and it pleased God so to blesse his Scripture exhortations to him , that the Dogs gave over tearing of his flesh , and the poor Jew desired him to procure that hee might bee taken down and baptized , and hung by the neck for the quicker dispatch which was done accordingly .

I might produce other instances , but let these suffice to provoke all young persons to a speedy , serious , diligent , and constant study of the Scripture . Much in the word is wrap't up in a little . It is more to bee admired , than to have Homers Iliads comprized in a nut shel . Heb. 9.4 . Ah sirs ! you do not know how soon your blinde mindes may bee enlightened , your hard hearts softened , your proud spirits humbled , your sinful natures changed , your defiled consciences purged , your distempered affections regulated , and your poor souls saved , by searching into the Scriptures , by reading the Scripture , and by pondering upon the Scripture ; you should lay up the Manna of Gods word in your hearts , as Moses laid up the Manna in the golden pot . And as Tamar did with the staff and signet that shee received from Judah , Gen. 38.18 . — 36. shee laid them up till shee came to save her life , and did save her life by it , as you may see in holy story . The laying up of the word now , may bee the saving of your souls another day .

I have read of little Bees , that when they go out in stormy weather , they will carry a little of their comb or gravel with them , that they may bee ballanced , and not carried away with the winde .

Ah young men , young men ! you had need to have your thoughts and hearts ballanced with the precious word , that you may not bee carried away with every winde of Doctrin , as many have been in these daies , to their destruction and confusion .

Narcissus a beautiful youth , though hee would not love them that loved him , yet afterwards fell in love with his own shadow : Ah! how may young men in these daies , 2 Thes. 2.10 , 11 , 12. who were once lovely and hopeful , are now fallen in love with their own and others shadows , with high empty aiery notions , and with strange monstrous speculations to their own damnation .

Holy Melancthon being newly converted , thought it impossible for his hearers to withstand the evidence of the Gospel , but soon after , hee complained that old Adam was too hard for young Melancthon .

Ah young men , young men ! if you do not in good earnest give up your selves to the reading , to the studying , to the pondering , to the beleeving , to the affecting , to the applying , and to the living up to the Scripture , Satan will bee too hard for you , the world will bee too hard for you , your lusts will bee too hard for you , temptations will bee too hard for you , and deceivers will bee too hard for you , and in the end you will bee miserable ; and thus much for the first thing , &c.

Secondly , if you would bee good betimes , then you must acquaint your selves with your selves betimes ; if you would bee gracious in the spring , and morning of your daies : then you must see betimes how bad you are , how vile , how sinful , how wretched you are ? no man begins to bee good , till hee sees himself to bee bad ; the young Prodigal never began to mend , Luk. 15.12 , ●● 22. hee never thought of returning to his Father , till hee came to himself , till hee began to return into his own soul , and saw himself in an undone condition .

Ah! Young men , Young men , you must see your selves to bee children of Wrath , Ephes. 2.1 , 2 , 3.12 , 13. Rom. 6.16 . John 8.44 . 2 Tim. 2.26 . to bee Enemies , to bee Strangers , to bee afar off from God , from Christ , from the Covenant , from heaven , to bee Sinnes servants , and Satans bond slaves , the ready way to bee found , is to see your selves lost , the first step to mercy , is to see your misery , the first step towards Heaven is to see yourselves neer to hell , you won't look after the Physitian of souls , Austin saith , he would willingly go thorow hell to Christ , so will all that see their need of Christ . you won't prize the Physitian of souls , you won't desire the Physitian of souls , you won't match with the Physitian of souls , you won't fall in love , in league with the Physitian of souls , you won't resign up your selves , to the Physitian of souls , till you come to see your wounds , till you come to feel your disease , till you see the tokens , the plague sores of divine wrath , and displeasure upon you ; as the whole do not need the Physitian , so they do not desire , they do not care for the Physitian .

Ah! Young men , Zanche writ a Tractat , Quod nihil scitur . as you would bee good betimes , begin to acquaint your selves with your sinful selves betimes , begin to acquaint your selves betimes with your natural and undone condition .

There is a threefold self .

1 There is a natural self , as a mans parts , wit , reason , will , affections , and inclinations , &c.

2 A Religious self , and so a mans duties , graces , obedience , righteousness , holiness , are called ones self .

3 There is a sinful self , Luther said , that if a man could perfectly see his own faults , the sight thereof would be a very hell unto him . and so a mans corruptions , lusts , sinful nature and dispositions are called ones self , now if ever you would bee good betimes , you must acquaint your selves with your sinful selves betimes .

Demonicus being asked at what time hee beganne to bee a Philosopher , answered , when I began to know my self . So a man never beginnes to bee a Christian , till he begins to know himself . And indeed for a man to know himself , to acquaint himself with himself , is one of the hardest works in all the World . For as the eye can see all : things but it self , so most can discern all faults but their own . Henry the Fourth Emperor of Germany his usual speech was ( Multi multa sciunt , se autem nemo ) many know much , but few know themselves .

The very heathens did admire that saying as an Oracle ( nosce teipsum ) know and bee acquainted with thy own self . The main exhortation of Chilo one of the seven Sages , was , know thy self . And Plato recordeth , that this saying of Chilo , know thy self , was written in letters of Gold , upon the Portal of Apolloes Temple .

Juvenal saith , that this saying know thy self came from heaven . Macrobius saith , that the Oracle of Apollo being demanded what course should bee taken for attaining to felicity ? answered , onely teach a man to know himself .

Thus you see that both Divinity and Philosophy doth agree in this , that the best and surest way to true felicity , is , to know our selves , to acquaint our selves with our selves .

This duty the Apostle charges upon the Ephesians , Remember that you being in times past Gentiles in the flesh , Eph. 2.11.12 Of dull and insensible men , one long since thus complained ( patientius ferre Christi jacturam , quam suam ) that they did more calmly pass by the injuries done to Christ , then those that were done unto themselves ; O the plague of unsensiblenesse . that at that time yee were without Christ , aliens from the Common-wealth of Israels and strangers from the covenant of Promise , having no hope , and without God in the world . Here are five withouts , without Christ , without the Church , without the Promise , without hope , and without God in the world ; man in his natural state is afar off ( hee is without ) three manner of wayes .

1 In point of opinion and apprehension . 2 In point of fellowship and communion . 3 In point of grace and conversion .

As you would be good betimes , dwell much upon your corrupt nature betimes ; Ah! Such is the corruption of our nature , that propound any divine good to it , it is entertained as fire by water , or wet wood , with hissing ; propound any evil , then it is like fire to straw , it is like the foolish Satyre , that made haste to kiss the fire , it is like that unctious matter , which the naturalists say , sucks and snatches the fire to it , with which it is consumed ; till you come to bee sensible of this , you will never beginne to be good , you will never look to have your hearts changed , and your souls saved .

The Ethiopians paint Angels black , and Devils white , in favour of their own complexion , & they say , that if the bruite creatures could draw a picture of the divine nature , they would make their shape the Copy , and thus they flatter and delude themselves ; take heed young men , take heed , that you don't put the like cheats upon your own souls , take heed that you bee not like those Limners , who so as they can make a mans picture gay and gaudy , care not to draw it , so as to resemble him , it is safest and best O young man ! to know the worst of thy self , and to know thy self as thou art in thy self , and not as thy own flattering heart , or as other flatterers may represent thee to thy self .

Thirdly , If you would bee good betimes , then you must acquaint your selves with Jesus Christ betimes , you must know him betimes , a man never beginnes to bee good , till he begins to know him that is the fountain of all goodness ; John 17.3 This is life eternal to know thee , the onely true God , and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent .

The knowledge of Christ is the beginning of eternal life , it is the way to eternal life , it is a taste of eternal life , it is a sure pledge and pawn to the soul of eternal life .

The Spaniards say of Aquinas , that hee that knows not him , knows not any thing , but hee that knows him , knows all things ; he that knows Jesus Christ , not notionally onely , but practically , not apprehensively onely , but affectively , hee knows all things that may make him happy ; but hee that knows not Jesus Christ , knows nothing that will stand him in stead when hee shall lye upon a dying bed , and stand before a judgement seat .

Justin Martyr relates , that when in his discourse with Tryphon , he mentioned the knowledge of Christ , as conducing to our happiness , and perfection ; Tryphons friends laught at it ; but I hope better things of all those into whose hands this treatise shall fall .

Sirs , the Sunne is not more necessary to the world , the eye to the body , the Pilate to the ship , the General to the army , &c. then the knowledge of Christ betimes , is necessary for all those that would be good betimes .

Dear hearts , as ever you would be good betimes , you must labour even as for Life , to know and bee thorowly acquainted with these six things , concerning Jesus Christ betimes .

First , If you would bee good betimes , then you must know betimes that there is every thing in Christ , that may incourage you to seek him , and serve him , to love him , Nec Christus , acc ●oelum , patilur hyperbolen . and obey him , to beleeve on him , and to marry with him . If you look upon his names , his natures , his offices , his graces , his dignities , his excellencies , his royalties , his glories , his fulnesses , they all speak out as much . Are you poor ? why Christ hath tryed Gold to enrich you ; Rev. 3.18 are you naked ? Christ hath white rayment to cloathe you ; are you spiritually blind ? Christ hath eye-salve that will enlighten you ; are you in straits ? hee hath wisdome to Counsell you ; 1 Cor. 1.30 are you unrighteous ? hee will bee righteousness to you ; are you unholy ? hee will bee holiness and sanctification to you ; are you hungry ? John . 6 48 Isa. 55.1 Mat. 11.28 Mat. 9.12 hee is bread to feed you ; are you thirsty ? hee is wine and milk to satisfy you ; are you weary ? hee is a bed , a seat , to rest you ; are you sick ? why , hee is a Physitian to cure you , &c. ( Omne bonum in summo bono ) all good is in the chiefest good . The Creatures have their particular goodness , health hath its particular goodness , and wealth hath its particular goodness , and learning hath its , and the favour of the Creature hath its , &c. but now Jesus Christ hee is an universal good , Christ is the Bonum in quo omnia bona . all the petty excellencies that are scattered abroad in the Creatures , are united to Christ ; yea all the whole volume of perfections which is spread thorow heaven and earth is epitomized in him . ( Ipse unus erit tibi omnia , quia in ipso uno bono , bona sunt omnia . Aug. One Christ will bee to thee instead of all things else , because in him are all good things to be found . Abrahams servant brought forth jewels of silver , Gen. 24.53 and jewels of gold to win Rebeccah's heart to Isaac ; so should you , O young men , be often in presenting to your own view , all those amiable and excellent things that bee in Christ , to win your hearts over to Christ betimes .

Secondly , If you would bee good betimes , Heb 7.25 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Perpetually , Constantly . Mat. 9.28 Isa. 63.1 Mighty to save then you must know betimes that Jesus Christ is mighty to save , hee is able to save to the uttermost , all them that come unto him , that beleeve in him , that cast themselves upon him . The Lord hath laid help upon one that is mighty , Christ saves perfectly , thorowly , perpetually , them that come unto him .

The three tongues that were written upon the Cross , in Greek , Latin , and Hebrew , to witness Christ to bee the King of the Jews , do each of them in their several Ideoms avouch this Axiome , that Christ is an all-sufficient Saviour , and a threefold cord is not easily broken . They say it is true of the Oyle at Rhemes , that though it be continually spent in the auguration of their Kings of France , yet it never wasteth ; Christ is that pot of Mannah , that cruse of Oyle , Christ is never vacuis manibus , empty-handed . that bottomeless Ocean , that never fails his people ; there is in Christ an all-sufficiency , for all Creatures at all times , in all places .

The great Cham is said to have a tree full of pearls hanging by ●●●sters , but what is the great ●●ams tree , Rev. 22.2 Christ is like the trees of the sanctuary , which were both for meat and for medicine . Ezek. 47.12 to Christ our tree of Life , who hath all variety and plenty of fruit upon him ; the happinesses that comes to beleevers by Christ are so many , that they cannot bee numbred , so great that they cannot bee measured , so copious that they cannot bee defined , so precious that they cannot bee valued , all which speaks out the fulness and all-sufficiency of Christ .

There is in Christ ( plenitudo abundantiae , and plenitudo redundantiae ) a fulness of abundance , and a fulnesse of redundancy , as well as a fulness of sufficiency .

There is in Christ . 1 The fulness of the spirit . 2 The fulness of grace . 3 The fulness of the Image of God . 4 The fulness of the Godhead . 5 The fulness of glory .

But I must not now open , nor dilate on these things , least I should tire both my self , and ●e Reader .

Plutarch in the Life of Phocion , tells us of a certain Gentlewoman of Jonia , who shewed the wife of Phocion all the rich jewels and precious stones shee had ; she answered her again , all my riches and jewels is my husband Phocion ; so may a penitent sinner say of his blessed Saviour . Christ is all my jewels , my riches , my Treasures , my pleasures , &c. his sufficiency is all these , and more then these to me .

The Spanish Ambassadour comming to see the treasury of Saint Mark ( in Venice ) which is cryed up thorow-out the World , fell a groping to finde whether it had any bottome , and being asked why , answered in this amongst other things , my great Masters treasure differs from yours , in that his hath no bottome , as I find yours to have , alluding to the Mines in Mexico , and Potosy ▪ but what are the Spaniards Treasures to Christs Treasures ; a man may without much groping finde the bottome of all earthly treasures , Ipse Deus sufficit ad praemium . Bern. but who can finde the bottome of Christs treasures ? should all created excellencies meet in one glorified breast , yet they could not inable that glorious God-like creature to sound the bottome of those riches and treasures which are in Christ , Ephes. 3.8 . All which speaks out Christs all-sufficiency , and thus much for the second thing .

Thirdly , If you would be good betimes , then you must know betimes that there is a marvellous willingness & readiness in Christ , to imbrace , to entertain , to welcome returning sinners , and to shew mercy and favour to them . Luk. 15.20 , 21 , 22. The young Prodigal did but think of returning to his father , and he ran and met him , and instead of kicking or killing him , hee kist him , and imbrac't him ; his bowels rolled within him , and his compassions flowed out freely to him . Isa. 55.1 The meaning is , sell thy self , thine own wit , reason , self-worth , and that is all Christ desires , saith Augustin upon the words . Ho every one that thirsteth , come ye to the waters , and hee that hath no money , come yee , buy , and eat , yea , come buy wine , and milk , without mony , and without price . Nazianzen improveth this place thus , Oh this easy way of contract , hee giveth more willingly than others sell , if thou wilt but accept , that 's all the price , though you have no merits , though you have nothing in your selves to incourage you , yet will you accept ? if you will , all is freely yours ; the waters shall be yours to cleanse you , and the milk yours to nourish you , and the bread yours to strengthen you , and the wine yours to comfort you ; here poor Sinners are called three times to come ; come saith Christ , come , come , to shew how marvellous ready and willing hee is , that poor sinners should taste of Gospel delicates , so in that John 7.37 . Jesus stood and cryed , if any man thirst , let him come to mee and drink . So in that Rev. 22.17 . Let him that is a thirst come , and whosoever will , let him take the water of life freely ; so in that Rev. 3.20 . Cant. 2.8 Christ comes leaping upon the Mountains , and skipping upon the hills ; to shew his readinesse and willingness to do good to souls . Behold ; I stand at the door and knock , if any man hear my voice , and open the door , I will come in to him , and will sup with him , and hee with mee ; and so in that Luk. 14.21 . The Master of the house , said to his Servant , go out quickly into the streets , and lanes of the City , and bring in hither the Poor , and the maimed , and the halt , and the blinde . Here is no man of quality , of dignity , of worldly pomp , or glory , or of any self-sufficiency , that is invited to the feast , but a company of poor raged , deformed , slighted , neglected , impoverished , wounded sinners , these are invited to feast with Christ .

Concerning this willingness of Christ , I shall speak more when I come to deal with Old sinners in the close of this discourse , and to that I refer you , for further and fuller satisfaction , concerning the great readiness and willingness of Jesus Christ , to entertain returning Sinners .

Fourthly , If you would bee good betimes , then you must know betimes that Jesus Christ is designed , sealed , and appointed by the Father , to the office of a Mediatour . John 6.27 The father sealed , even God , so the Greek hath it . Labour not for the meat which perisheth , but for that meat which endureth to everlasting life , which the Son of man shall give unto you , for him hath God the father sealed : God the father hath made Christs Commission authentical , as men do theirs by their Seal . It is a metaphor , a simile taken from them who give Commissions under hand and seal . God the father hath given it under his hand and seal , that Jesus Christ is the onely person that he hath appointed , and sealed allowed , and confirmed to the office of our redemption . If Jesus Christ were never so able to save , and never so willing , and ready to save poor Sinners , yet if hee were not appointed , designed , and sealed , for that work , the awakened Sinner would never look out after him , nor desire union with him , nor interest in him , and therefore it is of very great consequence to know that God the father hath sent and sealed Christ to be a Saviour to his people , him hath God the father sealed ; sealed by way of destination , and sealed by way of qualification , sealed by his doctrin , sealed by his miracles , sealed by his baptism , sealed by his Resurrection , but above all , sealed by his glorious unction . Isa. 61.1 , 2 , 3 Luk. 4.18 Christ was anointed of God , 1 By way of designation . 2 By way of Qualification . 3 By way of Inauguration . This annointing was ordinarily used in the installing men to offices of any eminence . The spirit of the Lord is upon mee , because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tydings unto the meek , hee hath sent mee to bind up the broken hearted , to proclaim liberty to the captives , and the opening of the Prison to them that are bound . To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord , and the day of vengeance of our God ; to comfort all that mourn , to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion , to give unto them beauty for ashes , the oyle of joy for mourning , the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness , that they might bee called trees of righteousness , the planting of the Lord , that hee might bee glorified , neither Saints , nor Angels , are sealed and anointed to the great work of redemption , but the Lord Jesus is , you should always look upon the Lord Jesus as sealed and anointed to the Office of a Mediatour , and accordingly plead with him .

Ah Lord ! It is thy Office as thou art a sealed and an anointed Saviour , and Redeemer to subdue my sinnes , to change my nature , to sanctify my heart , to reform my life , and to save my soul , and therefore do it for thy names sake , O do it for thy Office sake , do it for thy glories sake . Psal. 41.8 Act. 4.27 Thou art anointed with the Oile of gladness above thy fellows ; thou hast a larger effusion of the spirit upon thee than others , thou art anointed with the Holy-Ghost , Act. 10.38 and with power after an extraordinary measure and manner , thou art indued with all Heroical gifts and excellencies , plentifully , John 1.16 John 3.34 abundantly , transcendently , thou art sealed , and predestinated , thou art invested into this office of Mediatorship under the fathers hand and seal , and therefore whether should I go for salvation , for remission , for redemption , for grace , for glory , but to thee ?

Fi●thly , If you would bee good betimes , then you must know betimes , that there is no way to salvation but by Jesus Christ , Act. 4.12 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 that is by or thorow the mediation of any other . neither is there salvation in any other ( speaking of Christ ) for there is none other name under heaven , given among men , whereby we must be saved ; if ever you are saved , you must bee saved by him , and him onely , you must not look for another Saviour , nor you must not look for a co-saviour , you must be saved wholly by Christ , and onely by Christ , or you shall never be saved ; Act. and Mon. you must cry out as Lambert did ( when hee was in the fire , and lifted up his hands , and fingers ends flaming ) none but Christ , none but Christ . When Augustus Caesar desired the Senate to joyn two Consuls with him for the better government of the State , Suetonius . the Senate answered , that they held it as a diminution of his dignity , and a disparagement of their own judgement , to joyn any with so incomparable a man as Augustus .

Ah Friends , It is a dimiuntion of Christs dignity , sufficiency , and glory , in the business of your salvation , to joyn any thing with the Lord Jesus , and it is the greatest disparagement in the World to your own judgments , knowledge , Prudence , and wisdome , to yoak any with Christ in the work of Redemption , in the business of salvation .

Augustin saith , that Mercellina hung Christs picture , and the picture of Pithagoras together , many there are not only in Rome , but in England ( yea I am afraid in London ) who joyn Christ , and their works together , Christ and their Prayers together , Christ and their Teachers together , Christ and their mournings together , Christ and their hearings together , Christ and their Alms together .

Ah! what a poor , what a weak , what an impotent , what an insufficient Saviour doth these men make Jesus Christ to bee . Except these men come off from these things , and come up onely to Jesus Christ in the great businesse of salvation , they will as certainly , and as eternally perish ( notwithstanding their hearing , knowing , and talking much of Christ ) as those that never heard of Jesus Christ .

In the Old Testament , Deut. 22.11 . ch. 19. v. 19 God commands them not to wear a Garment of diverse sorts , as of woollen and linnen together . Neither shall a garment mingled of Linnen and woollen come upon thee .

This Law was figurative , and shews us that in the case of our justification , acceptation , and salvation , wee are not to joyn our works , our services , with the righteousness of Christ ; Phil. 3.9 , 10 Rev. 19.8 Gal. 3.28 . c. 2.16 God abhors a linsy-woolsy righteousnesse . And as by the Letter of this Law in the Hebrews account , one threed of wool in a Linnen garment , or one Linnen threed in a Woollen garment , made it unlawful ; So the least manner of mixture in the business of justification , makes all null and void . And if by grace , then it is no more of works : otherwise grace is no more grace ; Rom. 11.6 Eph. 2.5 Rom 5.15 , 16 , 8 But if it bee of works , then it is no more grace : otherwise work is no more work ; hee that shall mix his Righteousness with Christs , hee that shall mix his puddle with Christs purple bloud , his rags with Christs royal Robes ; his copper with Christs Gold , his water with Christs wine , &c. is in the ready way to perish for ever .

On earth Kings love no consorts , power is impatient of participation . Christ will bee Alexander or ( Nemo ) no body , hee will bee all in all in the businesse of Justification , 1 Cor. 1.30 Rom. 5.19 , 20 or hee will bee nothing at all ; wee must say of Christ , as it was once said of Caesar ( socium habet neminem ) hee may have a companion , &c. but hee must not have a competitor .

Let us say of Christ , as the Heathen once said of his Petty gods ( contemne minutulos istos Deos , modo Jovem propitium habeam ) so long as hee had his Jupiter to friend , hee regarded them not ; So , so long as wee have our Jesus to friend , Eph. 3.9 , 10 Psal. 71.15 , 16 , 19 , compared . and his righteousness and bloud to friend , we should contemn all other things , and abhor the bringing of any thing into competition with him ; a real Christian cares not for any thing that hath not ( aliquid Christi ) Something of Christ in it . Hee that holds not wholly with Christ , doth very shamefully neglect Christ ; Aut totum mecum tene , aut totum omitte , saith Gregory Nazienzen .

There is no other name , no other nature , no other blood , no other merits , no other person to bee justified and saved by but Jesus Christ ; Isa. 55.2 . Rom. 10.3 . you may run from Creature to Creature , and from duty to duty , and from Ordinance to Ordinance ; and when you have wearied and tyred out your selves in seeking ease and rest , satisfaction and remission , justification and salvation , in one way and another , you will bee forc'd after all to come to Christ , and to cry out , Ah! none but Christ , none but Christ . Ah! none to Christ , none to Christ , no works to Christ , no duties , no services to Christ , no prayers , no tears to Christ , no righteousnesse , no holiness to Christ . Well friends , remember this , that all the tears in the world cannot wipe off ( meritoriously ) one sin nor all the grace and holiness that is in Angels and men , buy out the pardon of the least transgression . All remission is only by the blood of Christ .

Sixthly and lastly , If you would bee good betimes , then you must know betimes , that the heart of Jesus Christ is as much set upon sinners now hee is in Heaven , as ever it was when hee was upon earth . Christ is not lesse loving , lesse mindful , less desirous of sinners eternal welfare now hee is in Heaven ( in a far Country ) than hee was when hee lived on earth : 2 Cor. 5.20 . witnesse his continuing the Ministery of Reconciliation among poor sinners , in all ages ; witnesse the constant Treatise that by his Embassadors and Spirit hee still hath with poor sinners , about the things of their peace , the things of eternity ; Rev. 3.20 . Isa. 16.4 . Isa. 27.5 . witnesse his continual knockings , his continual callings upon poor sinners by his word , Rod , Spirit , to open , to repent , to lay hold on mercy , and to be at peace with him ; witness his continual wooing of poor sinners in the face of all neglects , Cant 1.2 , 3. Luk , 14. and put offs , in the face of all delaies and denials ; Pro. 6.9 . Mat. 22.4.23 , 37. in the face of all harsh entertainment and churlish answers ; in the face of all gain-sayings and carnal reasonings ; in the face of all the scorn and contempt that wretched sinners put upon him ; and witnesse that plain word , Jesus Christ the same , yesterday , Heb. 13.8 . and to day , and for ever . Christ is the same aforetime , in time , and after time , hee is unchangeable in his essence , in his promises , and in his affections . I am Alpha and Omega , Re. 1.8 , 11. ch. 21.6 . ch. 22.13 , the beginning and the ending , saith the Lord , which is , and which was , and which is to come . The phrase is taken from the Greek letters , whereof Alpha is the first and Omega the last ; It was a custome among the Turks to cry out every morning from an high Tower God alwaies was , and alwaies will bee , and so salute their Mahomet . the first and last letter of the Greek Alphabet is a description of mee , saith Christ , who am before all , and after all , who am above all , and in all , who am unchangeable in my self , and in my thoughts and good-will to poor sinners ; therefore do not poor souls , entertain any hard thoughts concerning Jesus Christ , as if hee was lesse mindful , lesse pittiful , and lesse merciful to poor souls now hee is in Heaven , than hee was when his abode was in this world : And thus I have gone over those six things that you must know concerning Christ betimes , if ever you would bee good betimes . When Pope Leo lay upon his death bed , Cardinal Bembus citing a text of Scripture to comfort him , hee replied ( Apage has nug as de Christo ) away with these bawbles concerning Christ ; but I hope better things of you , and do desire that you will say of all things below this knowledge of Christ ( that I have opened to you ) as that devout Pilgrim , who travelling to Jerusalem , and by the way visiting many brave Cities , with their rare monuments , and meeting with many friendly entertainments , would often say , I must not stay here , this is not Jerusalem . Ah! so do you young men and women , in the midst of all your worldly delights and contents , cry out , Oh wee must not stay here , this is not Jerusalem , this is not that knowledge of Christ that I must have , if ever I am happy here , and blessed hereafter .

Fourthly and lastly , If you would bee good betimes , then you must acquaint your selves with those that are good betimes ; if you would bee gracious in the spring and morning of your youth , then you must begin betimes to bee much in with them , who are much in with Christ , who lye near his heart , and knows much of his mind : pro. 13.20 . Hee that walketh with wise men shall bee wise , but a companion of fools shall bee destroyed , or as the Hebrew hath it , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 shall bee broken in peeces , Shall be broken , or shall be worse from 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 to be naught . as when an army is broken and routed by an enemy . ( Holech from Halach ) walking with the wise , hee shall bee wise , for so the Original hath it ; 'T was the saying of one , as oft as I have been among wicked men , I return home , lesse a man than I was before . it is not talking with the wise , but walking with the wise that will make you wise ; it is not your commending , and praising of the wise , but your walking with the wise , that will make you wise ; it is not your taking a few turns with the wise , that will make you wise , but your walking with the wise , that will make you wise ; there is no getting much good by them that are good , but by making them your ordinary and constant companions .

Ah friends ! you should do as Joseph in Egypt , of whom the Scriptures saith , Psal. 105.22 . ( according to the Hebrew phrase ) that hee tied the Princes of Pharaohs Court about his heart : If ever you would gain by the Saints , you must binde them upon your souls , you must labour to have very near , close , and intimate communion with them . The Jews have a Proverb , that two drye sticks put to a green one will kindle it ; the best way to bee in a flame God-ward , Christ-ward , Heaven-ward , and Holinesse-ward , is to bee among the dry sticks , the kindle-coals , the Saints , for as live coals kindle those that are dead , so lively Christians will heat and enliven those that are dead God-wards , Christ-wards , Heaven-wards , and holinesse-wards . As Iron sharpeneth Iron , so doth the face of a man his friend . Mens wits , Prov. 27.17 . parts , gifts , and industry , commonly grow more strong , vigorous , and quick , by friendly conference , and communion . And as hee that comes where sweet spices and ointments are stirring , carries away a sweet savour with him , so hee that converseth with those that are good , shall carry away that goodnesse and sweetnesse with him , that shall render him sweet , desirable , and delectable to others . Polemon that Augustine speaks of , Arg. Ep. 130. who was all for Wine and play , &c. became a brave man when hee came acquainted with the Philosophers School . So many young men , that have been all for Wine and women , for playing and toying , for vanity and folly , have become brave men , precious men , by the company , counsel , and example of those who were gracious . Doctor Taylor the Martyr rejoyced that ever hee came into prison , because hee came thither to have acquaintance with that Angel of God , John Bradford ( as hee calls him , ) So doubtlesse many young persons there bee that have much cause to rejoyce , and for ever to blesse the Lord that ever they came acquainted with such and such ( who fear the Lord , and who walk in his waies ) for the good that they have received by them .

Algerius an Italian Martyr said , hee had rather bee in prison with Cato , Moses was of the same mind , and mettal . Heb. 11.24 , 25 , 26 , 27. than with Caesar in the Senate-house .

Ah young men , young men ! you were better bee with the people of God , when they are in the lowest and most contemptible condition , than with the great ( wicked ) ones of the world ; when they are in all their Royalty and glory ; in the day of account you will finde that they have made the best Market , who have rather chosen to keep company with Lazarus , though in his raggs , then they would ( with others ) keep company with Dives , though in his purple Robes .

Well young men , remember this , cloaths and company do often times tell tales in a mute , but significant language . Those that keep ill company , are like those that walk in the Sun , who are tan●d insensibly . Tell mee with whom thou goest , and I will tell thee what thou art , saith the Spanish Proverb . Cicero ( though a Heathen ) had rather to have no companion , than a bad one ; the Lord grant that this Heathen ( and others among them that were of the same minde with him ) may never rise up in judgement against any of you , into whose hands this Treatise may fall . And thus I have dispatcht those four things that you must bee acquainted with betimes , ( viz. the Scripture , your own hearts and conditions , the Lord Jesus Christ , and those that fear him ) if ever you would bee good betimes .

Secondly , If you would bee good betimes , if you would seek and serve the Lord in the spring and morning of your daies , then you must shun the occasions of sin betimes ; a man will never begin to bee good , till bee begin to decline those occasions that have made him bad , We must shun ( quicquid fuerit male coloratum ) whatsoever looks but ill-favouredly , as Bernard hath● i● . 1 Thes. 5.22 . Abstain from all appearance of evil . You must shun and be shie of the very appearance of sin , of the very shews and shadows of sin . The word 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , which is ordinarily rendred ; appearance , signifies kind , or sort ; and so the meaning of the Apostle seems to bee this , abstain from all sort , or the whole kinde of evil ; from all , that is truly so , bee it never so small . The least sin is dangerous ; Caesar was stab'd with Bodkins , and many have been eaten up of Mice , and Lice . The least spark may consume the greatest house ; the least leak may sink the greatest ship ; the least sin is enough to undo thy soul , and therefore shun all the occasions that leads unto it . Job 31.1 . Gen. 39.10 . Job made a covenant with his eyes ; Joseph would not bee in the room where his Mistris was ; Psa. 26.3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7. and David ( when himself ) would not sit with vain persons . As long as there is fuel in our hearts for a temptation , wee cannot bee secure ; hee that hath Gunpowder about him , had need keep far enough off from sparkles ; hee that is either tender of his credit abroad , or comfort at home , had need shun , and bee shie of the very shew and shadow of sin ; hee that would neither wound conscience , nor credit , God , Jude 23. nor Gospel , had need hate the Garment spotted with the flesh . The sin , and the coat of the sin is to be hated , saith Ambrose . In the Law God commanded his people , not only that they should worship no Idol , but that they should demolish all the monuments of them , and that they should make no covenant nor affinity with those who worshiped them , and all , least they should bee drawn by these occasions to commit Idolatry with them ; Latet anguis in herba . Snakes are found among Roses . Num. 6.3 , 4. hee that would not taste of the forbidden fruit , must not so much as gaze on it ; and hee that would not bee bit by the Serpent , must not so much as parley with the Serpent .

It is very observeable , that in the Law the Nazarite was not only commanded to abstain from wine and strong drink , Quid est vitare peccata , nifi vitare occasiones peccatorum ? Melanct. but also hee might not eat Grapes , whether moist or drie , nor any thing that is made of the Vine tree , What is it to avoid sin , but to avoid the occasions of sins ? from the kernels , even to the husk ; but why not these small things , in which there could bee no danger of drunkenness ? surely least by the contentment of these , hee might bee drawn to desire the wine , and so bee brought on to sin , to break his vow , ( and so make work for Hell , or for the Physitian of souls . ) God here by forbidding the most remote occasions , shews how wary , and exactly careful men should bee to shun , and avoid all occasions , provocations , and appearances of evil ; and indeed wee had need to keep off from slippery places , who can hardly stand fast on dry ground ; hee that ventures upon the occasion of sin , and then prayes , Lord lead mee not into temptation , is like him that thrusts his finger into the fire , and then prayes that it may not bee burnt ; or like him that is resolved to quench the fire with oil , which instead of quenching it , is as fuel to feed it , and increase it . It was a notable saying of one , Bernard in Cant. Serm. 65. ( Majus est miraculum inter vehementes occasiones non cadere , quam mortuos suscitare ) it is a greater miracle not to fall , being among strong occasions , than it is to raise up the dead ; hee that would not bee defiled must not touch pitch , hee that would not bee burnt must not carry fire in his bosome , Prov 6.27 , 28 , 29. hee that would not cat the Meat , Nondiu intus est , periculo pronimus Cypr. Hee is not long safe that is near to danger . must not meddle with the broth , hee that would not fall into the pit , must not dance upon the brink ; hee that would not feel the blow must keep off from the train ; keep thee far from a false matter . Exod. 23.7 . Hee that will not flye from the occasions and allurements of sin ( though they may seem never so pleasant to the eye , or sweet to the taste ) shall finde them in the end to bee more sharp than Vinegar , more bitter than Worm-wood , more deadly than poison .

There is a great truth in that saying of the son of Syrach , Hee that loveth danger , Eccles. 3 , 26 , 27. shall perish therein ; hee that will not decline danger , shall not bee able to decline destruction .

Socrates speaks of two young men that flung away their belts , when being in an Idol Temple , the lustrating water fell upon them , detesting ( saith the Historian ) the Garment spotted by the flesh ! and will you , O young men play and toy with the occasions of sin ? the Lord forbid .

There are stories of several Heathens that have shun'd and avoided the occasions of sin , and will you dare to venture upon the occasions of sin ?

Alexander would not see the woman after whom hee might have lusted .

Scipio Africanus warring in Spain , took new Carthage by storm , at which time a beautiful and noble Virgin fled to him for succour , to preserve her chastity , hee being but four and twenty years old ( and so in the heat of youth ) hearing of it , Aure , victor . would not suffer her to come into his sight , Dio. in vita . for fear of a temptation , but caused her to bee restored in safety to her Father .

Livia counselled her Husband Augustus , not only not to do wrong , but not to seem to do so , &c.

Caesar would not search Pompeyes Cabinet , least hee should finde new matters of revenge .

Plato mounted upon his horse , and judging himself a little moved with pride , did presently light from his horse , least hee should bee overtaken with loftiness in riding .

Thesius is said to cut off his golden locks , least his enemies should take advantage by taking hold of them .

Ah young men , young men ! shall the very Heathen thus shun and flye from the occasions of sin , and will not you ? will not you , who sit under the Sun-shine of the Gospel ; these will in the great day of account bee sad , and sore witnesses against those that dally and play with the occasions of sin .

To prevent carnal carefulness , Christ sends his Disciples to school , to the irrational Creatures , Mat. 6.26 , — 32. And to prevent your closing with the occasions of sin , let mee send you to school to the like Creatures , that you may learn by them to shun and avoid the occasions of sin .

The Sepiae , a certain kind of fish perceiving themselves in danger of taking , by an instinct which they have , they do darken the water ; and so many times escape the net , which is laid for them .

Geese ( they say ) when they flye over Taurus , they keep stones in their mouthes , lest by gagling they should discover themselves to the Eagles which are amongst the mountains waiting for them ; now if all these considerations put together , will not work you to decline the occasions of sin , I know not what will . There is a truth in that old saying , Hee that will no evil do , Must do nothing that belongs thereto .

The Israelites must have no leaven in their houses , Exod. 22.19 . till the passeover bee done , lest they should bee tempted to eat of it .

Thirdly , If you would bee good betimes , then you must remember the eve of God betimes , if you would seek and serve the Lord in the spring and morning of your daies then you must study Gods omnipresence betimes . Psal. 139.2.14 . Doth not hee see my wayes , Job 31.4 . ch. 34.21 , 12 , &c. and count all my steps ; for his eyes are upon the wayes of man , and hee seeth all his goings ? There is no darkness , nor shadow of death , where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves .

I have read that Paphnutius converted two famous young strumpets , Thais and Ephron , Non se putent adulteri noctis tenebris , vel parietum obtegi . Beda . from uncleanness , only with this argument , that God seeth all things in the dark , when the doors are fast , the windows shut , and the curtains drawn . By this very Argument Solomon labours to take off his young man from carnal and sinful courses ; Pro. 5.20 , 21. Noli peccare , Deus videt , angeli a●ant . &c , Take heed what thou doest , God beholds thee , Angels observe thee . And why wilt thou my Son bee ravish't with a strange woman , and embrace the bosome of a stranger ? for the wayes of man are before the eyes of the Lord , and hee pondereth all his goings . Thou mayest deceive all the World , like that counterfit Alexander in Josephus his story , but Augustus will not bee deceived , hee hath quicker and sharper eyes .

Ah young men , young men ! you may deceive this man and that , and as easily deceive your selves , but you cannot deceive him who is ( 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , totus oculus ) all-eye . As the eyes of a well drawn picture are fastened upon thee which way soever thou turnest , so are the eyes of the Lord . I have read of one , who being tempted to Adultery , said , they could not bee private enough , and being carried from room to room , answered , wee are not yet private enough , God is here . Jer. 12.27 . ch. 29.23 . Ah friends ! his eyes which are ten thousand times brighter than the Sun , compasseth thy words , thy waies , thy works , thy thoughts , thy bed , thy board , thy bench . The Egyptian Hieroglyphick for God , was an eye on a Scepter , shewing that hee sees and rules all things .

Ah friends ! all thoughts , words , hopes , and hearts , are naked , Heb. 4.13 . Tetra helismena . opened , dissected and quartered before that God , with whom you have to do . God is very curious , and exact in marking and observing what is done by men , that he may render to every man according to his works .

Augustin speaks of an old Comaedian , Aug. de civ . De● . l. 6. c. 10 when having no other spectators , went usually into the Theatre , and acted before the Statues of the Gods .

Ah! Young men , and women , the eye of God should bee more to you than all the World besides ; O , that that Scripture might bee written with the pen of a Diamond upon your hearts . Hear yee not mee ( saith the Lord ) and will you not tremble at my presence ? Jer. 5.21 , 22 There is a great truth in that saying of his ( Magna nobis ex hac indita est probitatis necessitas , Boetius de consol . l. 5 quia omnia ante oculos judicis facimus cuncta cernentis , ) A great necessity of goodnesse is from hence put into us , because wee do all things before the eyes of a judge , that sees all things .

Fourthly , If you would bee good betimes , then you must hearken to the voice of Conscience 2 Tim. 1.3 betimes ; a man will never beginne to bee good , till hee beginnes to hearken to what Conscience speaks ; So long as a man turns a deaf ear to Conscience , Psal. 58.4 Joh. 3.20 , 21 he is a safe prisoner to Satan , and a sure enemy to good .

Ah how good might many have been , had they but begunne betimes to hearken to Conscience ?

Ah Young men , do not daily with Conscience , do not play , do not trifle with Conscience , do not stop your ears against Conscience , hee that will not in his Youth give Conscience audience , Such shall find Conscience to be index , judex , vindex . shall at last bee forced to hear such lectures from conscience , as shall make his life a very hell . A sleepy Conscience is like a sleepy Lyon , when hee awakes hee roars and tears , so will conscience , Mar. 9.22 . Conscience is ( mille testes ) a thousand witnesses for or against a man ; hee that hath long turned the deaf ear to Conscience , shall at last finde his Conscience like Prometheus's vulture , that lyes ever a gnawing . Judas found it so , and Spira found it so , and Blaer a great Counsellor of Scotland , found it so .

I have read of one John Hofmeister , that fell sick in his Inne , Jo. Wolf . lect. memor . To. 2. ad an 1547 as hee was travelling towards Auspurge in Germany , and grew to that horror of Conscience , that they were fain to bind him in his bed with chains , where hee cryed out , that hee was for ever cast off by God , and that the promises that were set before him would do him no good , and all because hee had wounded his Conscience , and turned a deaf ear to conscience .

Well young men , if you will not betimes hearken to Conscience , you shall at last hear Conscience saying to you , as the probationer Disciple said to Christ , Mat. 8.19 Master I will follow thee whither soever thou goest ; so saith Conscience , Sinner I have called upon thee many a thousand times , and told thee that I must by commission , bee thy best friend , or thy worst enemy ; but thou wouldest not hear , and therefore now I will follow thee , whither ever thou goest ; fast , and I will follow thee , and fill thee with horrours , and terrors ; feast , and I wil follow thee , and shew thee such a hand writing upon the wall , as shall cause thy countenance to change , thy thoughts to bee troubled , Dan. 5.5 , 6 Tolle conscientiam , tolle omnia . Take away Conscience , and take away all , said the Heathen . the joints of thy loins to bee loosed , and thy knees dashed one against another ; stay at home , and I will follow thee , from bed to board ; go abroad , and I will follow thee into all places and companies ; and thou shalt know that it is an evil and a bitter thing , that thou hast so often and so long neglected my calls , and disobeyed my voice , and walkt contrary to me ; now thou shalt finde a truth in that saying of Luther ( una guttula malae conscientiae totum mare , &c. ) one drop of an evill Conscience swallows up the whole Sea of worldly joy .

Well Young men ! There is a day a comming , wherein a good Conscience will bee better than a good purse , for then the Judge will not bee put off with a suit of Complements , or fair words , nor drawn aside with hope of reward ; and therefore as you would be able to hold up your heads in that day , make conscience of hearkning to the voice of Conscience in this your day .

Fifthly , if you would be good betimes , then you must know betimes , wherein true happinesse lyes ; for a man will never begin to bee good , till hee begins to understand wherein his happiness consists .

The Philosophers speaking of happiness , Quot homines tot sententiae , so many men , so many minds were divided into two hundred eighty eight opinions , every one intending something , and yet resolving nothing . Therefore the man in Plutarch , hearing them wrangle about mans ( Summum bonum ) chiefest good ; one placing it in this , and another in that , hee went to the market and bought up all that was good , hoping among all he should not miss of it , but he did ; many look for happiness in sinne , Isa. 56.12 Job 28.14 others look for it in the Creatures , but they must all say it is not in us , ( Nil dat quod non habet ) nothing can give what it hath not , if the Conduit Pipe hath no water , it can give no water ; if a man hath no money , he can give no mony ; if the Creatures have no happiness , they can give no happiness ; Now this jewel , this pearl , happiness , is not to bee found in the breast , in the bosome of creatures , in a word , because I must hasten to a close , mans happiness lys ,

First , In his communion with God ? as experience and Scripture demonstrates . Happy is that people , Psal. 144.15 that is in such a case ( but give mee that word again ) yea , happy is that people , whose God is the Lord . A man whose soul is in communion with God , shall finde more pleasure in a desert , in a dungeon , in a den , yea , in death , than in the Palace of a Prince ; than in all worldly delights , and contents , &c.

Secondly , In pardon of Sin ; Blessed is hee whose transgression is forgiven , whose Sinne is covered . Psal. 32.1 , 2 Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity , and in whose spirit there is no guile . It is not blessed is the honourable man , but blessed is the pardoned man ; it is not blessed is the rich man , but blessed is the pardoned man ; it is not blessed is the learned man , but blessed is the pardoned man ; it is not blessed is the politick man , but blessed is the pardoned man ; it is not blessed is the victorious man , but blessed is the pardoned man ; Do with me what thou wilt , since thou hast pardoned my sins , saith Luther .

Thirdly , In a compleat fruition and enjoyment of God , when wee shall be here no more . Blessed are the pure in heart , Mat. 5.8 for they shall see God . Now they see him but darkly , 1 Cor. 13.12 but in heaven they shall see him face to face , they shall know as they are known ; but of these things I have spoken largely elsewhere , and therefore shall satisfy my self with these hints .

Lastly , If you would be good betimes , then you must break your covenant with sin betimes , you must fall out with your lusts betimes ; you must arme and fence your selves against Sin betimes ; Isa. 28 , 15.18 a man never beginnes to fall in with Christ , till hee beginnes to fall out with his Sins , till sin and the soul bee two , Christ and the soul cannot be one ; Now to work your hearts to this , you should alwayes look upon sin under these notions :

First , If you would have the league dissolved betwixt sin and your souls betimes , then look upon sin under the notion of an enemy betimes .

Dearly beloved , 1 Pet. 2.11 Sins especially against knowledge ( are peccata vulner antia et divastantia ) wounding and wasting . I befeech you as strangers and Pilgrims , abstain from fleshly lusts , which warre against the soul . As the Viper is killed by the young ones in her belly ; so are poor Sinners betraied and killed by their own lusts , that are nourished in their bosomes .

Pittacus a Philosopher , challenging Phlyon the Athenian Captain ( in their warres against them ) to single combate , carried a net privily , and so caught him , and overcame him ; So doth Sin with poor Sinners , the dangerous , pernicious malignant nature of Sinne , you may see in the story of the Italian , who first made his Enemy deny God , and then stabbed him to the heart , and so at once murdered both body , and soul . Sin betrayes us into the hand of the Devil , as Dalilah did Sampson into the hands of the Philistims .

Sugred poysons go down pleasantly ; Oh! But when they are down , they gall and gnaw , and gripe the very heart-strings asunder , it is so with sin ; Ah! Souls have not you often found it so ?

When Phocas the Murderer , thought to secure himself by building high-walls , he heard a voice from heaven telling him , that though he built his bulwarks ever so high , yet Sinne within , would soon undermine all .

Ambrose reports of one Theotimus , that having a disease upon his body , the Physitian told him , that except hee did abstain from intemperance , Drunkenness , Uncleanness , he would loose his eyes ; his heart was so desperately set upon his Sins , that he crys out , then ( vale lumen amicum ) farewel sweet light .

Ah! how did his lusts warre both against body and soul .

The Old man is like a treacherous friend , and a friendly Traitour ; though it be a harder thing to fight with a mans lusts , than it is to fight with the Cross ; yet you must fight or dye , if you are not the death of your Sins , they will prove the death of your souls .

The Oracle told the Cirrheans ( diesque belli gerendum ) they could not be happy unless they waged warre night and day ; As one of the Dukes of Venice dyed fighting against the Nauratines with his weapons in his hand . no more can wee , except wee live and dye fighting against our lusts .

Ah Young men ! Can you look upon Sin under the notion of an enemy , and not break with it , and not arm against it ?

Well , remember this , the pleasure and sweetness that follows victory over sin , is a thousand times beyond that seeming sweetnesse that is in sin , and as victory over sin is the sweetest victory , so it is the greatest victory , there is no conquest to that which is gotten over a mans own corruptions . Hee that is slow to anger , is better than the mighty , and hee that ruleth his spirit , than hee that taketh a City . It is noble to overcome an enemy without , but it is more noble to overcome an enemy within ; it is honourable to overcome fiery flames , but it is far more honourable to overcome fiery lusts .

When Valentinian the Emperour was upon his dying-bed , among all his victories only one comforted him , Rom. 7.22 , 23 2 Cor. 10.3 , 4 , 5 , 6. Gal. 5.17 . and that was victory over his worst enemy , viz. his own naughty heart .

Ah young men , young men ! your worst enemies are within you , and all their plots , designs , and assaults are upon your souls , your most noble part ; they know if that fort Royal bee won , all is their own , and you are undone , and shall bee their slaves for ever ; and therefore it stands you upon , to arm your selves against these inbred enemies , and if you ingage Christ in the quarrel , you will carry the day , and when you shall lye upon your dying-beds , you will then finde that there is no comfort to that , which ariseth from the conquests of your own hearts , your own lusts .

Secondly , If you would break covenant with sin , if you would arme and fence your selves against sin betimes , 2 Pet. 3.6 . Gal. 3.10 . Joh. 8.34 . then look upon sin as the souls bonds , for as bonds tie things together , so doth sin tie the sinner , and the curse together , it bindes the sinner and wrath together , it links the sinner and hell together . I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitternesse , and in the bond of iniquity ; iniquity is a chain , a bond ; now bonds and chains gall the body , and so do sin the soul , and as poor captives are held fast in their chains , so are sinners in their sins ; they cannot redeem themselves by price , 2 Tim. 2. uit . nor by power .

Ah young men , young men ! no bondage to soul-bondage , no slavery to soul-slavery ; the Israelites bondage under Pharaoh , and the Christians bondage under the Turks , Augustine saith of Rome , that shee was the great Mistriss of the world , and the great drudge of sin . is , but the bondage of the body , of the baser and ignoble part of man , but yours is soul-bondage , soul-slavery , which is the saddest and greatest of all .

Ah friends ! You should never look upon your sins , but you should look upon them as your bonds ; yea as the worst bonds that ever were ; all other chains are golden chains , chains of Pearl , compared to those chains of Iron and Brasse ; those chains of lusts with which you are bound . Ah! who can thus look upon his chains , his sins , and not loathe them , and not labour for freedome from them ? Justinus the Emperours Motto was ( Libert as res inestimabilis ) liberty is unvaluable ; if civil liberty bee , surely spiritual liberty is much more ; if you ask souls that were once in a state of bondage , but are now Christs free-men , they will tell you so .

It was a good observation of Chrysostome , Chrysost. Hom. 19. in prior . Epist. ad Corinth . that Joseph was the free-man , and his Mistrisse was the servant , when shee was at the beck of her own lusts , when shee tempted , and hee refused . Such as live most above sin and temptation are the greatest freemen , others that live under the power of their lusts , are but slaves , and in bonds , though they dream and talk of freedome , Tit. 3.3 .

Thirdly , If you would break league with sin , and arm and fence your selves against it , then look alwayes upon sin under the notion of fire . Jude 23. Arpazontes signifies a violent snatching , as the tender-hearted Mother to save the life of her child pulls it hastily , and with violence out of the fire . And others save with fear , pulling them out of the fire . Oh! snatch them out of their sins , as you would snatch a child , a friend out of the fire ; or as the Angel snatch't Lot out of Sodom , hastily , and with a holy violence ; natural fire may burn the house , the goods , the treasure , the servant , the child , the wife , the body , but this fire burns the soul , it destroies and consumes that noble part , which is more worth than all the treasures of a thousand worlds ; every man hath a hand , and a heart to quench the fire which burns his neighbours house , but few men have either hands or hearts to quench the fire that burns their neighbors souls , this is , and this shall bee for a lamentation . D. Denisons theeefold resolution . part . 2. Sect. 2.

I have read of one , who upon the violence of any temptation to sin , would lay his hand on burning coals , and being not able to abide it , would say to himself , Oh how unable shall I be to indure the pains of hell ? and this restrained him from evil ; but what is the fire of hell , to the fire of sin ; now to provoke you to look upon sin under the notion of fire , consider with mee the sundry resemblances between material , & immaterial fire , between corporal common fire , and between this spiritual fire . Sin , As

First , Fire is terrible and dreadful ; a ship on fire , a house on fire , Oh how dreadful is it ! so sin set home upon the conscience is exceeding terrible and dreadful . Mine iniquity ( so the Hebrew ) is greater than I can bear ; sin or iniquity is often put for the punishment of sin , by a Metonymie of the efficient for the effect ; Gen. 4.13 . Mentiris Cain , thou lyest Cain , saith one on the Text. for sin is the natural Parent of punishment . Mine iniquity saith Cain , is so great , and lies so heavy , so terrible and dreadful upon my conscience , that it cannot bee forgiven ; and thus by his diffidence , hee stabs two at once , the mercy of God , and his own soul . So Judas , Mat. 27.3 , 4 , 5. I have sinned , in that I have betrayed innocent blood , and hee went and hanged himself . As there is no fighting with a mighty fire , so there is no bearing up , when God sets home sin upon the conscience ; a man will then chuse strangling , or hanging , rather than living under such wounds and lashes of conscience . Histories abounds with instances of this nature , but I must hasten to a close .

Secondly , Fire is most dangerous and pernicious when it breaks forth of the chimny , or of the house , so it is with sin . Sin is bad in the eye , 2 Sam. 12.9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15. worse in the tongue , worser in the heart , but worst of all in the life . Fire , when out of its proper place , may do much hurt in the house , but when it flames abroad , then it doth most mischief to others ; Sin in the heart may undo a man , but sin in the life may undo others , as well as a mans self . Set a guard upon thy eye , Job . 31.1 . Prov. 4.23 . Ephes. 5.15 . a greater upon thy heart , but the greatest of all upon thy life .

Salvian relates how the Heathen did reproach some Christians , Salvianus de G. D. l. 4. who by their lewd lives made the Gospel of Christ to be a reproach ; where ( said they ) is that good Law which they do beleeve ? where are those rules of godlinesse which they do learn ? they read the holy Gospel , and yet are unclean ; they hear the Apostles writings , and yet are drunk , they follow Christ , and yet disobey Christ , they professe a holy Law , and yet do lead impure lives .

But the lives of other Christians have been so holy , that the very Heathens observing them have said , surely this is a good God , whose servants are so good . It is brave when the life of a Christian is a commentary upon Christs life . One speaking of the Scripture , Augustin . saith ( verba vivenda , non legenda ) they are words to bee lived , and practised , not read only . Plutarch . A Heathen adviseth us to demean our selves , so circumspectly , as if our enemies did alwaies behold us . And saith another , for shame , Epictetus . either live as Stoicks , or leave off the name of stoicks . Sirs , live as Christians , or lye down the name of Christians .

Thirdly , Fire hardens , it makes the weak and limber clay to become stiff and strong for the Potters use . So sin hardens , it hardens the heart against the commands of God , the calls of Christ , Jer. 5.3 . ch. 19. ult. Isa. 9.13 . and the wrestlings of the Spirit . As you see in Pharaoh , the Jews , and most that are under the sound of the Gospel . Ah! how many hath this fire ( sin ) hardened in these daies , by working them to slight soul-softening means , Jer. 2.25 . ch. 18.12 . and by drawing them to entertain hardening-thoughts of God , and to fall in with soul-hardening company , and soul-hardening Principles , and soul-hardening examples , of hardened and unsensible sinners ; one long since thus complained that they did ( patientius ferre Christi jacturam , quam suam ) more calmly passe by the injuries done to Christ , than those which are done unto themselves ; this age is full of such hardened unsensible souls .

Fourthly , Fire is a lively active element , so is sin . Gen. 22. Psal. 51. Job 3. Mat. 26. Rom. 1.15 , &c. Ah how lively and active was this fire in Abraham , David , Job , Peter , Paul , and other Saints ? though Christ by his death hath given it its mortal wound , yet it lives , and is , and will be active in the dearest Saints . Though sin and grace were not born together , neither shall they dye together ; yet while beleevers live in this world , they must live together . There is a History that speaks of a Fig-tree that grew in a stone wall , and all means was used to kill it , they cut off the branches , and it grew again , they cut down the body , and it grew again , Isedore the Monk was very much out , who vaunted that hee had felt in himself no motion to sin forty years together . they cut it up by the root , and still it lived , and grew untill they pulled down the stone-wall ; till death shall pull down our stone-walls ; Sin will live , this fire will burn .

Wee may say of sin , as some say of Cats , that they have many lives ; kill them and they will live again , kill them again , and they will live again ; so kill sin once , and it will live again , kill it again , and it will live again , &c. Sin oftentimes is like that Monster Hydra cut off one head , and many will rise up in its room .

Fifthly , Fire is of a penetrating nature , Isa. 1.5 , 6. Rom. 7.13.17 . Sin is ( malum Catholicum ) A Catholick evil ( Quodcunque in peccato , peccatum est ) whatsoever is in sin , is sin . it peirceth and windeth it self into every corner and chinck , and so doth sin winde it self into our thoughts , words , and works ; it will winde it self into our understandings , to darken them ; and into our judgements , to pervert them ; and into our wills , to poison them ; and into our affections , to disorder them ; and into our consciences , to corrupt them ; and into our carriages , to debase them . Sin will winde it self into every duty , and every mercy , it will winde it self into every one of our enjoyments and concernments .

Hannibal having overcome the Romans , put on their armour on his shoulders , and so by that policy they being taken for Romans , won a City ; but what are Hannibals wiles , to sins wiles , or Satans wiles ? if you have a minde to bee acquainted with their wiles , look over my Treatise called Precious Remedies against Satans Devices .

Sixthly and lastly , Fire is a devouring , a consuming Element , Psal. 21.9 . it turns all fuel into ashes ; It is a Woolf that eats up all , 2 Pet. 2.5 , 6. Pro. 6.32 . Eccles. 9.18 . Prov. 13.13 . ch. 20.29.1 . Pro. 11.3 . ch. 15.25 . ch. 21.7 so Sin is a fire that devours and consumes all , it turned Sodom and Gomorah into ashes , it hath destroyed the Caldaean , Persian , and Graecian Kingdomes , and will at last destroy the Roman Kingdome also ; this Woolf ate up Sampsons strength , Absoloms beauty , Achitophels policy , and Herods glory , &c. It hath drowned one world already , and will at last burn another , even this . Oh the hopes , the hearts , the happinesse , the joyes , the comforts , the souls that this fire ( Sin ) hath consumed and destroyed ! &c.

Peter Camois Bishop of Betty in France , in his draught of Eternity , Num. 75. tells us that some devout personages caused those words of the Prophet Isaiah ( to bee written in letters of gold upon their chimny peeces ) Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire ? Isa. 33.14 . who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings ?

Ah young men , young men ! I desire that you may alwaies look upon sin under the notion of fire , yea as such fire as laies the foundation for everlasting fire , for everlasting burnings , and this may work when other things will not .

I have read of a grave and chaste Matron , who being moved to commit folly with a lew'd Russian , after some discourse , shee call'd for a pan of burning coals , requesting him for her sake to hold his finger in them but one hour , hee answered , it is an unkind request , to whom she replyed , that seeing hee would not do so much as to put one finger upon the coals for one hour , she could not yeild to do that , for which shee should bee tormented both body and soul in hell fire for ever . The application is easy , &c.

Fourthly , If you would break with Sin betimes , if you would arm against Sin in the spring and morning of your dayes , then you should look upon Sin under the notion of a Thief , and indeed Sin is the greatest Theif , the greatest Robber in the World , it robbed the Angels of all their glory , 2 Pet. 2 , 4 Gen. 3 it robbed Adam of his Paradise , and felicity , and it hath robbed all the Sons of Adam of five precious Jewels , the least of which was more worth than heaven and earth .

1 It hath robbed them of the holy and glorious Image of God , which would have been fairly engraven upon them , had Adam stood , &c.

2 It hath robbed them of their son-ship , and of sons have made them slaves .

3 It hath robbed them of their friendship , Well did one of the fathers call Pride and Vain-glory the sweet spoiler of spiritual excellencies , and a pleasant theif and made them enemies .

4 It hath robbed them of their communion and fellowship with Father , Son , and Spirit , and made them Strangers and Aliens .

5 It hath robbed them of their glory , and made them vile and miserable . It hath robbed many a nation of the Gospel , and many a parish of many a happy guide ; and many a Christian of the favour of God , the joyes of the spirit , and the Peace of Conscience .

Oh the health , the wealth , the honor , the friends , the relations , that Sin hath robbed thousands of .

Nay , It hath robbed many of their gifts , their arts , their parts , their memory , their judgement ; yea their very reason , as you may see in Pharoah , Nebuchadnezzar , Belshazzar , Achitophel , Haman , Herod , and those Babylonish Princes that accused Daniel . And so in Menipus of Phenicia , who having lost his goods , strangled himself . And so Dinarcus Phidon at a certain losse ; cut his own throat to save the charge of a cord . And so Augustus Caesar ( in whose time Christ was born ) was so troubled and astonished at the relation of an overthrow from Varrus , Suetonius . that for certain months together , he let the hair of his beard and head grow still , and wore it long ; yea and other whiles would run his head against the doors , crying out Quintilius Varrus , deliver up my Legions again ; by all which , it is most apparent , that Sin is the greatest thief in all the World . Oh then who would not break league and covenant with it , and be still in pressing of God , to do justice upon it ? &c.

Fifthly , Nah. 1.1 Hab. 1.1 Mal. 11 If you would break with Sin , and arm and fence your selves against Sin betimes , then you must look upon sinne under the notion of a burden betimes ; and indeed sin of all burdens is the heaviest burden in all the world . Innumerable evils have compassed me about , Psal 40.12 mine iniquities have taken hold upon mee ; so that I am not able to look up ; they are more than the hairs of my head , therefore my heart faileth me ; and again , Mine iniquities are gone over my head ( saith the same person ) as an heavy burden , Psal. 38.4 they are too heavy for mee to bear . Sin is a weight that easily besets poor souls , Heb. 12.1 it is a burden that so troubles them , and puzzles them , that so curbs them , and girds them , Rom. 7.13 . ult. that so presses and oppresses them , as that it wrings many bitter tears from their eyes , and many sad and grievous sighs and groans from their hearts .

Again , As Sin is a burden to Christians , so it is a burden to heaven , Jud● 6 it made heaven weary to bear the Angels that fell ; no sooner had they sinned , but heaven groans to be eased of them ; and it never left groaning till justice had turned them a groaning to hell .

Again , Numb. 16.26.35 . as Sin is a burden to Heaven , so it is a burden to the earth , witness her swallowing up , Korah , Dathan , and Abiram , their Wives , children , Goods , servants , &c. Ah! Sinners your sins makes the very earth to groan ; they make the earth weary of bearing you . Oh! How doth the earth groan and long to swallow up those earthly wretches , whose hopes , whose hearts are buried in the earth , these shall have little of heaven , but enough of earth when they come to dye .

Cornelius Alapide , tells a story , that he heard of a famous Preacher , Rom. 8.19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 who shewing the bondage of the Creature , brings in the Creature complaining thus ; Oh! that wee could serve such as are Godly ; Oh! that our substance and our flesh , might bee incorporated into godly people , that so wee might rise into glory with them ; Oh! that our flesh might not bee incorporated into the flesh of sinners , for if it bee , we shall go to hell , and would any creatures go to hell ? Oh! we are weary of bearing sinners , wee are weary of serving of sinners ; thus the creatures groan , thus the creatures complain , the Sinners sins forcing them to it , &c.

Again , Sin is a burden to God , Behold I am pressed under you , Amos. 2.13 as a cart is pressed that is full of shcaves , by this plain pithy countrey comparison , God shews how sadly hee is pressed and oppressed , how sorely hee is wearied and tired with those peoples Sins ; Divine patience is even worn out ; Justice hath lift up her hand , and will bear with them no longer . God seems to groan under the pressure of their Sinnes , as a Cart seems to do under a heavy load ; of this God complains by the Prophet Isaiah , Isa. 43.24 Thou hast made me to serve with thy sins , thou hast wearied mee with thine iniquities . I am as weary of your Sins , as a Travelling woman is weary of her pains , saith God . Sin was such a burden to God , that he sweeps it off with a sweeping Floud , Gen. 7. &c.

Again , Luk. 22.44 A strange watering of a garden . Bern. 1 Pet. 2.24 Sin is a burden to Christ , it made him sweat , as never man sweat ; it made him sweat great drops of clotted or congealed bloud ; Sin put Christs whole body into a bloudy sweat , it made him groan pittiously when he bare our Sins in his body on the Tree . Sin made his soul heavy even to the death , and had he not been one that was mighty , Isa. 6.6 yea , that was all-mighty , he had fainted and failed under his burthen . And thus you see what a burthen Sin is , to man , to the Creatures , to heaven , to earth , to God , to Christ ; and therefore as you would break with Sin betimes , look alwayes upon it as a burden , yea , as the greatest and heaviest burden in all the world , &c.

Sixthly and Lastly , If you would break Covenant with Sin , and arm , and fence your selves against it betimes , then you must look upon it betimes under the notion of a Tyrant , Tit. 3.3 and indeed Sin is the worst and greatest Tyrant in the world . Other Tyrants can but Tyranize over our bodies , but Sin is a Tyrant that tyranizes over both body and soul , as you may see in the sixth and seventh of the Romans , Sin is a Tyrant that hath a kinde of jurisdiction in most mens hearts ; it sets up the Law of Pride , the Law of Passion , the Law of Oppression , the Law of Formality , the Law of Hypocrisy , the Law of Carnality , the Law of Self-love , the Law of Carnal-Reason , the Law of unbeleef , and strictly Commands , Subjection to them , and proclaims fire and sword to all that stand out ; this Saints , and sinners , good men and bad , do sufficiently experience .

Sin is a Tyrant of many thousand years standing , Thales one of the seven Sages , used to say that few Tyrants lived to be old ; but it is far otherwise with this Tyrant Sin . Prov. 4.16 and though it hath had many a wound , and many a foil , and received much opposition , yet still it playes the Tyrant all the World over . O! the hearts that this Tyrant makes to ake , the souls that this Tyrant makes to bleed .

Pharoahs Tyranny was nothing to Sins Tyranny , this Tyrant will not so much as suffer his slaves to sleep . They sleep not except they have done mischief ; & their sleep is taken away , unless they cause some to fall . The wicked are like the troubled sea , when it cannot rest , whose waters cast up mire and dirt . Isa. 57.20 , 21. There is no peace to the wicked , saith my God .

Other Tyrants have been brought down , and brought under by a humane power , but this cannot , but by a divine ; the power of man hath brought down many of the Tyrants of this World ; but it is onely the power of Christ , that can bring down this Tyrant , that can cast down his strong holds , 2 Cor. 10.3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , &c. therefore ingage Christ in the conflict , draw him into the battle , and in the end the conquest will be yours .

Vitellius , who had been Emperor of all the World , yet was driven thorow the streets of Rome stark naked , and thrown into the River Tyber , &c.

Andronicus the Emperor , for his cruelty towards his People , was by them at last shamefully deposed , and after many contumelies hanged up by his heels .

Ptolomy was put on a Cross . Bajazet in an iron Cage . Phoras broken on the Wheel . Lycam cast to the Dogs ( as well as Jezabel . ) Attales thrust into a Forge . King Gath into a Beer-barrel , &c. But none of these that have tameed these Tyrants , that have brought down these mighty Nimrods , have been able to tame , to bring under the Tyrants , the sins , the lusts , that hath been in their own bosomes ; many a man hath had a hand in bringing down of worldly Tyrants , who notwithstanding have dyed for ever by the hand of a Tyrant within , &c.

And thus much for the directions that young men must follow , if they would bee good betimes , if they would seek and serve the Lord in the spring and morning of their dayes .

The Young mans objections Answered

I shall now give some brief Answers to the Young mans Objections , and the Old mans scruples , and so close up this discourse .

Ob. But some young men may object and say ; you would have us to bee good betimes , and to seek and serve the Lord in the Prime-rose of our dayes , but it may be time enough hereafter to follow this Counsel ; wee are young , and it may bee time enough for us to minde these things hereafter , when wee have satisfied the flesh so and so , or when wee have got enough of the world , and laid up something that will stand us instead , and that may oil our joynts when wee are old . Now

To this Objection I answer .

First , That it is the greatest folly and madnesse in the world to put off God , and the great things of eternity with may-bees , what Trades-man , what Merchant , what Marriner so mad , so foolish , so blockish , as to put off a present season , a present opportunity of profit and advantage upon the account of a may-bee ? It may bee I may have as good a season , it may bee I shall have as golden an opportunity to get , and to inrich my self as this is ; and therefore farewell to this . No men that are in their right minds will argue thus ; and why then should you especially in the things that are of an everlasting concernment to you ?

I have read of one Monarcho a frantick Italian , who thought that all the Kings of the Earth were his Vassals , and as frantick are they , who wilfully neglect present seasons of grace , upon the account of a future may-bee , &c.

Secondly , I answer , it may bee if thou neglectest this present season , and opportunity of grace , thou mayest never have another ; Young men , if you will but go into burial places , you shall finde graves exactly of your length . it may bee mercy may never knock more , if thou dost not now open ; it may bee Christ shall never bee offered to thee more , if now thou dost not close with him , and accept of him ; it may bee the Spirit will never strive more with thee , if now thou dost resist him , and withstand him ; it may bee a pardon shall never bee offered to thee more , if now thou wilt not take it ; it may bee the Gospel shall never sound more in thy ears , if now thou wilt not hear it ; now set one may-bee against another may-bee , set Gods may-bee against thine own may-bee , but

Thirdly , Doubtlesse there are many thousand thousands now in Hell , who have pleased themselves , and put off God , and the seasons of grace with a may-bee , hereafter may bee time enough . It may bee when I have gratified such a lust , It was an unspeakable vexation to King Lysamachus , that his staying to drink one draught of water lost him his Kingdome . and when I have treasured up so much of the world , I will return and seek , and serve the Lord , but before ever this season or opportunity came , justice hath cut the threed of their lives , and they are now miserable for ever ; and now they are still a cursing themselves , because they have slipt their golden opportunities upon the account of a may-bee , &c. But

Fourthly and lastly , This putting off of God , and the present seasons of grace with a may-bee , is very provoking to God , as you may see if you will but read from the 20. verse to the 33. of the first of Proverbs . Nothing stirs and provokes a Master more , than his servants putting off his service , or his commands with a may-bee ; it may bee I will , it may bee I may do this and that , nothing puts a Master sooner into a heat , a flame , than this ; nor nothing puts God more into a flame than this , as you may see by comparing Psal. 95. ver. 6. to the end ; with that 3. of the Hebrews and the 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19. read the words , and tremble at the thought of a may-bee , at the thoughts of putting off of God , and the seasons of grace .

I have read of two , who cut off their right hand one for another , and then made it an excuse , a put off , they were lame , and so could not serve in the Gallies of Francis the first , King of France , but this practise of theirs did so insense and provoke the King , that hee sent them both to the Gallows . I suppose the reader is not so young , but knows how to apply it .

Object . If I should begin to bee good betimes , and to seek and serve the Lord in the spring and morning of my daies , I should lose my friends , I should lose their favour , for they are carnal and worldly , and had rather I should seek after gold , than God , the Creature , than Christ , Earth , than Heaven , &c.

Now to this I answer , Surely you are out , for

First , This is the high way , the ready way to gain the best , the surest , and the soundest friends . Prov. 16.7 . When a mans wa●es please the Lord , hee maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him . Job ●● 23 , ●,28 . When a man falls in with God , God will work the Creatures to fall in with him . Joseph found it so , and Jacob found it so , and Job found it so , the three Children found it so , and Daniel found it so , as you all know that have but read the Scripture . And many in this age ( as bad as it is ) have found that the best way to make friends , is first , to make God our friend . Ah young men , young men ! you shall not lose your friends ( by seeking and serving of the Lord in the spring and morning of your daies ) but only exchange bad ones for good ones , the worst for the best ; hee that gives up himself betimes to the Lord , shall have God for his friend , and Christ for his friend , and the Angels for his friends , and the Saints for his friends ; Christ will bee to such , First , An omnipotent friend . Secondly , An omniscient friend . Thirdly , An omnipresent friend . Fourthly , An indeficient friend . Fifthly , Luk. 15.7.10 . Isa. 6.7 , 8 , 9. Heb. 4 13. Isa. 59.16 , 17 Isa. 44.24 , Mal. 3.6 , Psa. 121.4 , ● . An independant friend . Sixthly , An immutable friend . Seventhly , A watchful friend . Eighthly , A loving friend .

Ninethly , A faithful friend . Tenthly , 1 John 4.16 Tit 1.2 . Isa. 63.9 A compassionate friend . Eleventhly , A close friend . There is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother , Prov. 18.24 . such a friend is Christ , and such a friend is as ones own soul , a rare happiness , hardly to bee matcht . Twelfthly , An universal friend , a friend in all cases , and a friend in all places . Christ is so a friend to every one of his , as if he were a friend to none besides ; hence it is that they say , not onely our Lord our God , but my Lord , and my God . Luk. 1.43 John 20.28 Phil. 4.19 Christ is such an universal friend , as that he supplies the place , and acts the part of every friend .

Thirteenthly , He is our first friend , Psal. 90.1 . before we had a friend in all the World , he was our friend , John 13.1 Alexander the Great cannot cut that knot of friendship that is tyed betwixt Christ and his . Prov. 8.21 .

Lastly , He is a constant friend , whom he loves hee loves to the end .

Augustus Caesar would not suddenly entertain a league of friendship with any , but was a constant friend to those hee loved ( Amare nec cito desisto , nec temere incipio ) late ere I love , as long ere I leave ; Where Christ beginnes to love , he always loves . Jer. 31.3 . I have loved thee with an everlasting love ; Now who would not venture the loss of all friends in the world , to gain such a friend as this is ?

Ah! Young men , and women , let mee say to you what Seneca said to his friend Polibius ( Fas tibi non est de fortuna conqueri , salvo Caesare ) never complain of thy hard fortune , as long as Caesar is thy friend ; so say I , never complain of your loss of Friends , so long as by loosing of them , you gain Christ to be your friend .

Secondly , Thou were 't better be without their friendship and favour , than to enjoy it upon any sinful and unworthy accounts , thou were 't better run the hazard of loosing thy friends , and their favour , by seeking and serving the Lord in the Primerose of thy dayes , then to run the hazard of losing God , Christ , heaven , Mat. 16.26 Mark . 8.36 eternity , and thy soul for ever , by neglecting the things of thy peace .

It was a gallant return which the noble Rutilius made his friend , requesting of him an unlawfull favour , in such language as this , I had as good bee without such a friend , as with him who will not let mee speed in what I ask ; to whom hee replyed , I can want such a friend as you , if for your sake , I must do that which is not honest . The application is easy .

Well Young man , remember this , the torments of a thousand hells were there so many , comes far short of this one vice to bee turned out of Gods presence with a ( Non novi vos ) I know you not . Mat. 7.23

Ah! Young man , Young man , thou wer 't better ten thousand , thousand times to bee cast out of the thoughts and hearts of thy carnal friends , and relations , than to bee cast out of Gods presence with cursed Cain for ever , Gen. 4 than to be excommunicated out of the general Assembly of the Saints , Heb. 12.23 . and Congregation of the first-born which are writen in heaven , and therefore away with this objection ; but

Thirdly , The favour and friendship of such carnal persons , is very fickle and inconstant , it is very fading and withering ; Now they stroak , and anon they strike , now they lift up , and anon they cast down , now they smile , and anon they frown ; now they kiss , and anon they kill ; now they cry Hosanna , Hosana , & anon they cry Crucify him , crucify him ; Haman is one day feasted with the King , and the next day made a feast for Crows ; Esth. 7. The Princes of Babylon were highly in King Darius his favour one day , Dan. 6 and cast into the Lyons den the next ; The Scribes and Pharisees that cryed up Judas one day , did in effect bid him go and hang himself the next day . Mat. 27.3 , 4.5

Such mens favour and friendship , Valerian , Valens . Belisareus . Baj●zet . Pythias . Dionysius . Pompey William the Conqueror , and many other , have found it so . are as Venice Glasses quickly broken , and therefore not much to bee prized or minded . Histories abounds with instances of this nature , but I must hasten , onely remember this , that every dayes experience tells us , that wicked men can soon turn Tables , and cross their books , their favour and friendship is usually like to a morning cloud , or like to Jonahs Gourd , one hour flourishing , and the next hour withering ; and why then shouldest thou set thy heart upon that which is more changeable than the moon , Glaucus who changed his Armour of Gold with Diomedes , for his Armour of Brass , stands upon record for a fool . &c. But

Fourthly , and Lastly , who but a mad man would adventure the loss of the Kings favour to gain the favour of his Page ? who but a stark Bedlam would run the hazard of loosing the Judges favour upon the Bench , to purchase the good will of the Prisoner at the Barre ?

Socrates preferred the Kings countenance before his Coyn ; and so must you prefer the favour of God , Psal. 4.6 , 7 the countenance of Christ , and the things of eternity , above all the favour and friendship of all the men in the World ; when your nearest friends and dearest relations stands in competition , Psal. 45.10 Mat. 10.37 Luk. 14.26 , 27 with Christ or the things above , you must shake them off , you must turn your backs upon them , and welcome Christ and the things of your Peace ; hee that forsakes all relations for Christ , shall certainly finde all relations in Christ , hee will bee father , friend , husband , Child , hee will bee every thing to thee , who takest him for thy great all .

Object . 3. I but I shall meet with many reproaches from one and other , if I should labour to bee good betimes ; if I should seek and serve the Lord in the spring and morning of my youth ; now to this I answer .

First , What are reproaches to the great things that others have suffered , for Christ , his Gospel , Heb●ews ch. 10. ●● . read the ten persecutions . and the maintaining of a good conscience ; what is a prick of a pin to a stab at the heart , what is a chiding to a hanging , a whipping to a burning ; no more are all the reproaches thou canst meet with , to the great things that others have suffered for Christs sake .

Ah! Young men , you should be like the Scythian that went naked in the Snow , and when Alexander wondred how hee could endure it ; Answered , I am not ashamed , for I am all forehead . So should you in the cause and way of Christ , you should not bee ashamed , you should be all forehead , you should bee stout and bold . Colonus the dutch Martyr under all his reproaches , called to the judge that had sentenced him to death , and desired him to lay his hand upon his heart , and then asked him , whose heart did most beat , his or the Judges ; All the reproaches in the world , should not so much as make a Christians heart beat , they should not , in the least , trouble him , nor disturb him ; but

Secondly I Answer ; That all the reproaches thou meetest with in the way of Christ , and for the sake of Christ , they do but adde Pearls to thy Crown , they are all additions to thy happiness and blessedness . 1 Pet. 4.14 If yee be reproached for the name of Christ , happy are yee ; for the spirit of glory , and of God resteth upon you ; on their part , hee is evil spoken of , but on your part hee is glorified ; the more you are reproached for Christs sake on earth , Mat. 5.11 , 12 the greater shall bee your reward in heaven ; they that are most loaded with reproaches here , shall bee most laden with glory hereafter . Christ hath written their names in golden letters in his book of life , that are written in black letters of reproach for his sake on earth . T was a good saying of one , Chrysostom . a Reproacher ( saith hee ) is beneath a man , but the reproached that bear it well , are equal to Angells ; of all Crowns the reproached mans Crown , will weigh heaviest in heaven . But

Thirdly , So was Joseph , Mephibosheth , Naboth , and in latter times . Luther whom they said dyed despairing , when hee was alive to confute it . And that Beza run away with another mans wif● . And that Calvin was branded on the shoulder for a Rogue , but there would be no end of this stuff , should I say all that might be said . I Answer , the best men have been mostly reproached , David was , Psal. 69.7 . Psal. 89.50 . Psal. 119.22 . Psal. 31.11 . Psal. 109.25 . and Job was . Job 19 , 35. ch. 20.3 . Job . 16.10 . and Jeremiah was , Jer. 20.7.10 . Yea , this hath been the common portion of the people of God in all ages of the World ; in Nehemiahs time it was so , Neh. 1.3 . And they said unto mee , the remnant that are left of the captivity , are in great affliction and reproach . In Davids time it was so , Psal. 79.4 . and Psal. 44.13 , 14. And in Jeremiahs time it was so , Lam. 5.1 . Remember , O Lord , what is come upon us : Consider and behold our reproach . And in Daniels time it was so , Dan. 9.16 . Thy people are become a reproach , to all that are about us ; and it was so in the Apostles time ; Rom. 3.8 . And not rather as we be slanderously reported , as some affirm , that wee say , let us do evil , that good may come : whose damnation is just , 2 Cor. 6.8 . By honour , and dishonour , by evill report , and good report , as Deceivers , and yet true : so in that 1 Tim. 4.10 . for therefore wee both labour and suffer reproach , because wee trust in the living God , &c. And it was so in the Primitive times , for when the Christians met together before Sun to pray , the Heathens reported of them , that they worshiped the Sun , Tertullian . and aspired after Monarchy , and committed Adulteries , and unnatural uncleannesses ; Now who is troubled , who complains of that which is a common lot , as Cold , Winter , Sickness , Death , &c. No more should any complain of reproaches , it being the common lot of the people of God in all ages ; yea , Christ himself was sadly reproached , falsly accused , and strangely traduced , disgraced , and scandalized ; hee was called a Glutton , a Drunkard , a friend of Publicans and Sinners , and judged to use the Black Art , casting out Devils by Belzebub , the Prince of Devils ; Mat. 9.34 . ch. 12.24 Christ hath suffered the greatest , and the worst reproaches , why then should you be afraid to wear that Crown of Thorns that Christ hath wore before you ? ( there is a great truth in what hee said ( Non potest qui pati timet , ejus ess● qui passus est ) hee that is afraid to suffer , Tertul. de fuga in persecut. cannot bee his Disciple , who suffered so much ; if the Master hath been marked with a black coal , let not the servant think to go free . I am heartily angry ( saith Luther ) with those that speak of my sufferings , which if compared with that which Christ suffered for me , are not once to be mentioned in the same day ; But

Fourthly , I Answer , that all reproachers shall at last be arraigned at the highest bar of justice , for all the reproaches that they have cast upon the people of God . They think it strange ( or they think it a new world ) that you run not with them to the same excrss of riot , 1 Pet. 4.4 Xenizontai Blasphemountes . Wonder and Blaspheme . speaking evil of you : who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead . I am in an extasy ( saith Picus Myrandula ) to think how prophane men rail upon those now , whom one day they will wish they had imitated . It was excellent Counsell that the Heathen Oratour gave his hearers . ( ita vivamus , Cic. 4. in Verr. ut rationem nobis reddendam arbitremur ) let us live as those that must give an account of all at last .

Chrysostome brings in Christ comforting his Disciples against reproaches , speaking thus unto them ; what , is the wrong grievous to you ? that now they call you Seducers , and Conjurers , it will not be long before they shall openly call you the Saviours and blessings of the whole world , that time that shall declare all things that are now hid , shall rebuke them for their lying words against you , and shall kindle the splendor of your vertue ; Mal. 3.17 Mic. 7.9 , 10 , 11 1 Cor. 6.3 , 4 So they shall bee found Lyers , evil speakers , false accusers of others , but you shall bee more clear and illustrious than the Sun , and you shall have all men witnesses of your glory . Such as wisely and humbly bear reproaches now , shall judge reproachers at last . But

Fifthly , I answer , that God doth many times even in this life , bear sad witness and testimony against the reproachers of his people , Gen 12.3 2 Sam. 16.11 , 12 , 13 I will bless them that bless thee , and I will curse them that curse thee ; Divine Justice is like Vulcans iron net , that took the Gods ; It apprehends and condemns all that are reproachers and enemies to his people God will even in this life curse them with a witness : who curse them that he blesseth ; Pharoah found it so , and Saul found it so , and Jezabel found it so , and Haman found it so and the Princes of Babylon found it so , and the Jews find it so to this very day .

And Oh the dreadful judgements and curses that God hath poured out upon the reproachers of his name , of his Son , of his spirit , of his word , of his Ordinanees , and of his people in these dayes wherein we live . I might give you many sad instances of such in our days , whose feet justice hath taken in the snare , men of abstracted conceits , and sublime speculations ; and indeed such usually prove the great wise fools , who like the larke soareth higher and higher , peering and peering , till at length they fall into the net of the fowler , and no wonder , for such persons usually are as censorious , as they are curious .

Sixthly , I Answer , Paul rejoyced more in his suffering reproaches for Christs sake , than he did in his being wrapt up in the third heaven , 2 Cor. 12.10 . Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities , ( Crudelitas vestra gloria nostra ) your cruelty is our glory said they in Tertullian . Fire , sword , prison , famine , are all delightful to me saith Basil . in reproaches , in necessities , in persecutions , in distresses , for Christs sake , for when I am weak , then am I strong . And therefore you have him often a singing this Song , I Paul a Prisoner of Jesus Christ , not I Paul wrapt up in the third Heaven ; Hee look't upon all his sufferings , as Gods love tokens , he look't upon all reproaches , as pledges and badges of his Son-ship , and therefore joyes and glories under all . Christ shewed his love to him in wraping him up in the third heaven , and he shewed his love to Christ in his joyful bearing of reproaches for his sake . Paul rattles his chain ( which he bears for the Gospel ) and was proud of it , as a woman of her ornaments , saith Chrysostome . Now why should that bee matter of trouble and discouragement to you , that was matter of joy and rejoycing to him ? shall hee look upon reproaches as a Crown of honor , and will you look upon reproaches as a Crown of thorns ? Oh Look upon reproach as a royal-Diadem , Sufferings are the ensigns of heavenly Nobility , saith Calvin . look upon it as Christs livery , and count it your highest ambition in this World , to wear this Livery for his sake , who once wore a Crown of Thorns for your sakes ; When Babylas was to dye , hee required this favour , to have his chains buried with him as the ensigns of his honour . But

Seventhly , I Answer , It was an Observation of Mr. John Lindsay , that the very smoak of Mr. Hamilton , converted as many as it blew upon . That by a wise and gracious behaviour under the reproaches thou meetest with for Christs sake , thou maiest be instrumentall to win others to Christ . It was a notable saying of Luther , ( Ecclesia totum mundum convertit sanguine et oratione ) the Church converted the whole world by bloud and prayer .

Divers have been won to Christ by beholding the gracious carriages of Christians under their sufferings , and reproaches for Christ .

Wee read of Cicilia a poor Virgin , who by her gracious behaviour under all her sufferings and reproaches for Christ , was the means of converting four hundred to Christ .

Adrianus beholding the gracious cheerful carriages of the Martyrs under all their sufferings and reproaches , was converted to Christ , and afterwards suffered Martyrdom for Christ .

Justin Martyr , was also converted by observing the holy and cheerful behaviour of the Saints , under all their sufferings and reproaches for Christ . See also the Hist. of the Councill of Trent . p. 418.2 . Edit. During the cruel persecutions of the Heathen Emperours , the Christian faith was spread thorow all places of the Empire , because the oftner they were mown down ( saith Tertullian ) the more they grew .

And Austin observed , that though there were many thousands put to death for professing Christ ; yet they were never the fewer for being slain .

Ah! Young men , you may by a wise and gracious bearing of reproaches for Christ , be instrumental to win others to Christ ; and therefore never plead there is a Lyon in the way , but I must hasten ; and therefore in the eighth and

Last place , Consider , How bravely several of the very Heathen have bore Reproaches and let that provoke you in the face of all Reproaches , to seek and serve the Lord in the morning of your youth , &c.

When Demosthenes was Reproached by one , I will not saith hee strive with thee in this kind of fight , in which he that is overcome is the better man .

When one came and Reproached Xenophon , sayes hee , you have learned how to reproach , and I have learned how to bear Reproach .

And Aristippus ( the Philosopher ) said , you are fit to cast Reproaches , and I am fit to bear Reproaches .

Demochares an Athenian Oratour , was sent to King Philip as Embassadour , Philip asked him how hee might pleasure the Athenians , for-sooth said he , if you will hang your self ; the Prince patiently sent him home again , and bid him ask whether were more Noble , the patient hearer , or venter of such unseemly language .

When one wondered at the patience of Socrates towards one who reviled and reproached him ; if we should meet one saith hee , whose body were more unsound then ours , should we be angry with him , and not rather pitty him ? why then should we not do the like to him whose soul is more diseased than ours ?

Augustus Caesar , ( in whose time Christ was born ) bid Catullus the railing Poet to Supper , to shew that he had forgiven him .

It is a notable example that wee finde of one Pericles , Plutarch in vita peric . who as he was sitting with others in a great meeting , a foul mouthed fellow , bitterly Reproached him , and railed all the day long upon him , and at night when it was dark , and the meeting up , the fellow followed him , and railed at him , even to his door , and he took no notice of him , but when he came at home , Themistocles professed that if two wayes were shewed him , one to hell , and the other to the bar , he would chuse that which went to hell , and forsake the other . this is all he said , friend it is dark , I pray let my man light you home .

Josephus reports of that Herod that is made mention of in that Act. 12.23 . that when one Simon a Lawyer , had grievously Reproached and scandalized him before the people ; he sent for him , and caused him to sit down next to him , and in a kin●e manner hee spake thus to him . Tell mee I pray thee , what thing thou seest fault worthy , or contrary to the Law in mee . Simon not having any thing to answer , besought him to pardon him , which the King did , and was friends with him , and dismissed him , bestowing gifts on him . Ah young men , young men shall the very Heathen make nothing of reproaches , shall they bear up so prudently and bravely under the greatest loads of reproaches , and will not you ? will not you ? who in your light , in your mercies , and in all Gospel engagements , are so highly advanced above them ? Oh that none of them may bee called to the Bar in the great day , to witnesse against any of you , into whose hands this Treatise shall fall ; and so much by way of answer to the third Objection ; But

Fourthly , The young man objects and saies you presse us to bee good betimes , and to seek and serve the Lord in the spring and morning of our daies ; but wee observe that most men minde not these things , but rather give liberty to themselves , to walk in waies that are most pleasing to the flesh ; and why then should wee bee singular and nice , wee were better do as the most do , &c. Now to this I answer .

1 That though bad examples are dangerous to all , yet usually they prove most dangerous and pernicious to young persons , who are more easily drawn to follow examples , than precepts , especially those examples that tends most to undo them , Praecepta docent , exempla movent , Precepts may instruct , but examples do perswade . 2 King . 15.9 . It is said of Zacharia , the King of Israel , that hee did evil in the sight of the Lord , as his Fathers had done ; hee departed not from the sins of Jeroboam , hee would bee as his Father was , and do as his Father did , whatever came on it . So the Samaritans of whom it is said , 2 King . 17.41 . These Nations feared the Lord , ( that is , they made some kinde of profession of the true Religion , as the ten tribes had done ) and served their graven Images ( too ) both their Children , and their Childrens Children ( did thus ) as did their Fathers , so do they unto this day : By evil examples they were both drawn to Idolatry , and rooted and confirmed in it ; so the main reason why the Kingdome and Church of Judah were so setled in their Idolatry , that there was no hope of reclaiming them , was this , that their Children remembred their Altars , and their groves by the green trees upon the high hills , Jer. 17.1 , 2. Tinder is not apter to take fire , nor Wax the impression of the seal , nor Paper the ink , than youth is to follow ill examples . You may see in Radbod , King of Phrisia , who coming to the Font to bee baptised , asked what was become of his Ancestors ; answer was made , that they dyed in a feareful state unbaptized , hee replyed , that hee would rather perish with the multitude , than go to Heaven with a few .

I remember the Heathen brings in a young man , who hearing of the adulteries , and wickednesses of the gods , said , what , Aethiopians lame themselves , if their King bee lame , saith Diodorus . Elian reports that there was a Whore that did boast that shee could eafily get scholers away from Socrates , but Socrates could get away no scholers from her . do they so ? and shall I stick at it ? no , I will not . Sinful examples are very drawing , and very incouraging , many have found it so to their eternal undoing ; those that have no ears to hear what you say , have many eyes to see what you do . Bad Princes make bad Subjects , bad Masters make bad Servants , bad Parents make bad Children , and bad Husbands make bad Wives ; it is easier for the bad to corrupt the good , than for the good to convert the bad ; it is easier to rundown the hill with company , than to run up the hill alone .

I would desire all young men often to remember that saying of Lactantius ( Qui malum imitatur , bonus esse non potest ) hee who imitates the bad , cannot bee good . Young men , in these professing times , stand between good and bad examples , as Hercules in his dream stood between vertue and vice . Solicited by both , chuse you must who to follow . Oh that you were all so wise as to follow the best ; as a woman that hath many sutors is very carefull to take the best ; so should you , life , Heaven , happinesse , eternity hangs upon it .

But before I come to the second answer , Sin is bad in the eye , worser in the tongue , worser in the heart , but worst of all in the life ; and that because it then indangers other mens souls , as well as a mans own . let mee leave this note or notion with those who make no conscience of undoing others by their examples , viz. That a more grievous punishment is reserved for them who cause others to offend , than for them which sin by their occasion , or example . Thus the Serpent was punished more than Eve , and Eve more than Adam , So Jezabel felt a greater and sorer Judgement than Ahab . To sin ( saith one ) hath not so much perdition in it , as to cause others to sin . Friends , you have sins enough of your own to make you for ever miserable , why should you by giving bad examples to others , make your selves far more miserable ? the lowest , the darkest , the hottest place in hell , will bee for them that have drawn others thither by their example . Mar. 23.15 Dives knew , that if his Brethren were damn'd , hee should bee double damned , Luk. 16 , 28. because hee had largely contributed to the bringing of them to hell by his wicked example ; and therefore hee desires that they might bee kept out of hell ( not out of any love , or good will to them ) but because their coming thither would have made his hell more hot , his torments more insufferable ; But

Secondly , I answer , if you sin with others ; you shall suffer with others ; if you will partake of other mens sins , Rev. 18.4 . Non minus ardebit , qui cum multis ardebit . August . Hee burns no lesse , that burns with company . Gen. 6. Gen. 19. you shall also partake of other mens plagues They that have been ( like Simeon and Levi ) brethren in iniquity , they shall bee brethren in misery ; they that have sinned together impenitently , shall bee sent to hell jointly , they shall perish together eternally . If you will needs bee companions with others in their sins , you shall bee sure to bee companions with them in their sorrows . The old world sin together , and are drowned together ; the Sodomites burning in lusts together , were burnt with fire and brimstone together , Korah , Dathan , and Abiram , they sin together , they murmure and provoke the Lord together , Numb. 16.26 , — 34. and the earth opens her mouth , and swallows them up together . Exod. 14. Pharaoh and his hosts pursue Israel together , Numb. 25. and they are drowned in the Sea together . Zimri and Cozbi commit folly , uncleanness together , and Phineas stabs them both together . The Hebrew Doctors have a very pretty parable to this purpose ; A man planted an Orchard , and going from home , was careful to leave such watch-men as might both keep it from strangers , and not deceive him themselves ; therefore hee appointed one blinde , but strong of his limbs , and the other seeing , but a cripple . These two in their Masters absence conspired together , and the blind took the lame on his shoulders , and so gathered the fruit , their Master returning and finding out their subtilty punished them both together ; so will Justice deal with you at last , who sin with others ; therefore take heed young men of doing as others do . But

Thirdly , I answer , you must not live by examples , but by precepts ; you are not to look so much at what others do , Obedientia non discutit Dei mandata , sed facit . Prosper . as at what God requires you to do , Exod. 23.2 . Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil , neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgement , Rom. 12.2 . fashion not your selves like unto this world , that is , do not fashion and conform your selves to the corrupt customes and courses of wretched worldlings , who have made gold their God , and gain their glory ; the running crosse to a divine command , cost the young Prophet his life ; ( though hee did it under pretence of Revelation from God ) as you may see in that sad story , 1 King . 13. ch. &c. ( Non parentum , aut majorum authoritas , sed Dei docentis imperium ) the command of God must out-weigh all authority and example of men . Jerome . And wee must bee as careful in the keeping of a light commandement , as an heavy commandement : saith a Rabby , Divine commands must bee obeyed against all contrary reasonings , wranglings , and examples . Austin brings in some excusing their complyance with the sinful customes and examples of those times in drinking healths , The complaint is antient in Seneca , that commonly men live not ad rationem , but ad similitudinem . Seneca de vita beata . c. 1. thus . Great personages urged it , and it was at the Kings banquet where they judged of loyalty by luxury , and put us upon this election , drink , or die , the not drinking of a health had been our death ; hee gives this answer , that God who sees that for love to him , and his commands , thou wouldest not conform to their drunken customes , will give thee favour in their eyes , who thus threatneth thee to drink .

Ah young men ! you that dote so much upon examples now , will finde that a stinging , terrifying question , when put home by God , or conscience , who hath required these things at your hands ? Isa. 1 , 12. But

Fourthly , I answer , company and allurements to sin , will bee found no sufficient excuse for sin . If Eve lay her fault on the Serpent , Gen. 3. and Adam lay his on Eve , God will take it off , and lay the curse on both . Sauls provocation by the people ( and by Samuels long stay ) to offer Sacrifice would not bear him out , 1 Sam. 15.14 , 15 , 26 , 27. but for his disobedience hee must lose both his Crown , and life . The young man in the Proverbs , Pro. 7.14 , 15 , 21. though tempted and solicited by the Harlot , yet hath a dart struck thorough his heart ; though Jonah did plead Gods gracious inclinations to shew mercy , and his fear of being disproved , yea and though hee might have pleaded his fear of cruel and savage usage from the Ninevites , ( whose hearts were desperately set upon wickednesse ) And his despair of ever doing good upon a people so blinded , and hardened ; and that they were Gentiles , and hee a Jew , and why should hee then be sent with so strange , so terrible a message , to such a people , nothing being more hateful and distasteful to a Jewish Palate ? but all these pleas and excuses will not bear off the blow ; Jonah must into the Sea for all this , Oculos quos peccatum claudit , paena apperit . Gre. The eyes that sin shuts , affliction opens , and Jonab found it so . yea hee must to the bottom of hell , as himself phrases it ; it is in vain for the bird to complaine , that it saw the corn , but not the pitfall , or for a fish to plead , it saw the bait , but not the hook . So it will bee in vain for sinners at last , when they are taken in an infernal pit-fall , to plead company and allurements by which they have been intised to undo their souls for ever .

Dionysius the Sicilian King , to excuse himself from the present delivery of the golden garment hee took from his God Apollo , answered , that such a robe as that was , could not bee at any season of the year useful to his god , for it would not keep him warm in the winter , and it was too heavy for the summer , and so put off his Idol god ; but the God of spirits , the God of all flesh , will not bee put off with any excuses or pretences , when hee shall try and judge the children of men : But

Fifthly and lastly , Mat. 18.7 . I answer , that it is a very great judgement to bee given up to follow evil examples : a man given up to evil examples , is a man sadly left of God , wofully blinded by Satan , and desperately hardened in sin ; it speaks a man ripe for wrath , for ruine , for hell , Jer. 6.21 . * * This particle Behold is sometimes a note of derision , Gen. 3.22 . 2 A Note of Attention often , Isa. 28.6 . Mal. 1.1 . Luk. 1.20 . 3 A Note of Admiration often . 4 A Note of Asseveration . 5 A Note of Castigation , in all these senses we may take it here . Behold , I will lay stumbling blocks before this people , and the Fathers and the Sons together shall fall upon them ; the neighbour and his friend shall perish . Oh! it is a dreadful thing when God shall make the sinful examples of others to bee stumbling blocks to a people , at which they shall stumble , and fall , and perish for ever ; good had it been for such persons , that they had never been born , as Christ once spake concerning Judas . The Rhodians and Lydians enacted several Laws , that those sons which followed not their Fathers in their vertues , Varro . but followed vicious examples , should bee dis-inherited , and their lands given to the most vertuous of that race , not admitting any impious heir whatsoever to inherit ; and do you think that God will not disinherit all those of Heaven , and happinesse , who follow vicious examples ! doubtlesse hee will , 1 Cor. 10.5 , — 12.

The fifth and last Objection ( I shall mention ) is this , God is a God of mercy , in him are bowels of mercy ; yea a Sea , an Ocean of mercy ; hee loves mercy , hee delights in mercy , and hee is ready to shew mercy to poor sinners , when they are even at the last cast , when there is but a short stride between them and the grave , between them and eternity ; as wee see in his extending mercy to the Theef , and in his giving a pardon into his hand , and the assurance of Paradise into his bosome , when hee was ready to be turned off the Ladder of life ; and therefore I may spend the Prim-rose of my daies in following sin , and the delights , profits , vanities , and contents of this world , and at last cast , I may have mercy as well as the Theef . God is a God made up of mercy , and surely hee will not deny some crums of mercy to a poor sinner in misery , &c.

Now to this Objection I shall give these following answers .

First , God is as just as hee is merciful , witnesse his casting the Angels out of Heaven , and Adam out of Paradise , God is as well all hand to punish , as hee is all grace to pardon . witnesse all the threatnings , the curses , the woes , that the Bible is filled with , from one end , to the other ; witnesse the hell , the horrour , the terrour and amazement that hee raises in the consciences of sinners ; witnesse the devastations that hee hath made of the most stately flourishing Towns , Cities , Countries and Kingdomes , that have been in all the world ; witnesse the variety of diseases , calamities , miseries , dangers , deaths , and hells , that alwaies attends the inhabitants of the world ; but above all witness Christs treading the Wine-press of his fathers wrath ; witness his hiding his face from him , and the pouring out of all his displeasure , and vengeance upon him .

Zaleucus the Locrensian Lawgiver , Valerius lib. 6. cap. 5 thrust out one of his own sons eyes , for his transgressing of a wholesome Law , which hee had enacted , but God the father thrust out both Christs eys for our transgressing of his royal Law ; Oh! the justice & severity of God . But

Secondly , I Answer , that there is not a greater evidence of blindness , prophanenesse , hard-heartedness , spiritual madness , and hellish desperateness in all the World , than to make that an Argument , an incouragement , to sin ( viz. the mercy of God ) which should be the greatest Argument under heaven , to keep a man from Sin , as all know that have but read the scripture ; neither are there any Sinners in the World , that God delights to rain Hell out of Heaven upon , Read Isa. 22 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 and Ezek. 24.11 , 12 , 13 , 14 as upon such , who by their abuse of mercy , turns the God of mercy , into a God of cl●●ts , and goes on out-daring justice it self , Deut. 29.19 , 20. And it come to pass , when he heareth the words of this curse , that he bless himself in his heart , saying , I shall have Peace ( God is a God of mercy ) though I walk in the imagination of my heart , to adde drunkenness to thirst : The Lord will not spare him , but then the Anger of the Lord , and his jealousy , shall smoak against that man , and all the Curses that are written in this book shall lye upon him , and the Lord shall blot out his name from under heaven . In these words you may observe , that God is absolute in threatning , to shew that he will bee resolute in punishing , Psal. 11.5 , A lover of Iniquity is a liver in Iniquity upon choice . 6. The wicked , and him that loveth iniquity ; doth his soul hate . Upon the wicked he shall rain snares , fire and brimstone , and an horrible tempest , this shall be the portion of their cup.

Ah! That all poor sinners would make these two Scriptures their companions , their constant bed-fellows , till they are got above that sad temptation of turning the mercy of God into an incouragement to sin .

Whilst Milo Crotoniates was tearing a sunder the stock of an Oake , his strength failing him , the clift suddenly closing , was held so fast by the hands , that he became a prey to the beasts of the field ; All the abusers of mercy will certainly , and suddenly , become a prey to the justice of God , that will rent and tear them in peices as the Psalmist speaks , Psal. 50.22 . Wo , wo , to that soul that fights against God with his own mercies , that will bee bad , because hee is good ; that will be sinful , because he is merciful ; that will turn all the kindnesses of God ( that should bee as so many silver cords , to tye him to love and obedience ) into arrows , and so shoot them back into the heart of God . Abused mercy will at last turn into a Lyon , a fierce Lyon ; and then wo to the abusers and despisers of it . But

Thirdly , In Answer , to that part of the Objection , concerning the Thief on the Cross , I offer these things briefly to your thoughts .

First , Exemplum latronis servati est admirandum , non imitandum That as one was saved to teach Sinners , not to despair , so another was damned to teach them not to presume . A pardon is sometimes given to one upon the Gallows , but who so trusts to that , the rope may be his hire , it is not good ( saith one ) to put it upon the Psalm of miserere , and the neck verse ; for sometimes hee proves no Clerk , and so hangs for it .

Secondly , It is an example without a promise , here is an example of late repentance , but where is there a promise of late repentance .

Oh! Let not his late and sudden conversion , be to thee a temptation , till thou hast found a promise for late and sudden conversion ; it is not examples , but promises that are foundations for faith to rest on ; he that walks by an example of mercy , without a precept to guide him , and a promise to support him , walks but by a dark Lanthorn , that will deceive him : well young man remember this , examples of mercy increase wrath , when the heart is not bettered by them ; But

Thirdly , This was a rare miracle of mercy , with the glory wherof Christ did honour the ignominy of his Cross , and therfore wee may as well look for another crucifying of Christ , as look for a sinners conversion , when he hath scarce time enough to reckon up , all those particular duties , which make up the integrity of its constitution . But

Fourthly , I Answer , This Theif knew not Christ before , he had not refused , neglected , nor slighted Christ before ; the Sermon on the Cross was the first Sermon that ever he heard Christ preach , and Christs prayer on the Cross , was the first prayer that ever he heard Christ make ; he knew not Christ till hee met him on the Cross ( which proved to him a happy meeting ) his case was as if a Turk , or Heathen , should now be converted to the faith , and therefore thou hast little reason ; O young man , to plead this example to keep Christ , and thy soul asunder , who art every day under the call , the intreaties and wooings of Christ . But

Fifthly , and Lastly , I Answer , The circumstances of time , and place , are rightly to be considered ; Now when Christ was triumphing on the Cross over sin , satan , and the world , when he had made the devils a publik spectacle of scorn and derision , when hee was taking his leave of the world , and entering into his glory ; Now hee puts a pardon into the Theifs hand , and crouds other favours and kindnesses upon him .

As in the Roman Triumphs , the Victor being ascended up to the Capitol in a Chariot of state , used to cast certain peeces of coyn among the people for them to pick up , which hee used not to do at other times ; So our Lord Jesus Christ , in the day of his Triumph , and solemn inauguration into his heavenly kingdome , scatters some heavenly jewels that this Theif might pick up ; which he doth not , nor will not do every day ; Or as in these days it is usual with Princes to save some notorious malefactors at their coronation , when they enter upon their kingdomes in Triumph , which they do not use to do afterwards ; So did Jesus Christ carry it toward this Thief ; but this is not his ordinary way of saving and bringing souls to glory , and therefore do not O young man , let not the Thiefs late conversion , prove a temptation , or an occasion of thy delaying thy repentance , and trifling away the primerose of thy dayes in vanity and folly ; And thus much may suffice to have spoken , by way of Answer , to the Young mans Objections .

The old mans Doubts Resolved

I shall now speak a few words to Old men , and so close up . Now

Is it so commendable , so desirable , and so necessary for young men to be good betimes , to seek and serve the Lord in the spring and morning of their Youth , as hath been sufficiently demonstrated in this Treatise ? Oh then that I could so wooe aged persons as to win them ( who yet have put off this great work ) to seek and serve the Lord , before their glass be out , their Sun set , and their souls lost for ever .

Oh that that counsil of the Prophet might take hold upon your hearts . Jer. 13.16 Give glory to the Lord your God , before hee cause darknesse , and before your feet stumble ( thorow age ) upon the dark mountains , and while yee look for light , he turn it into the shadow of death , and make it gross darkness .

I but aged Sinners may reply , is there any hope , any help for us ? is there any probability , is there any possibility ? that ever such as we are should return and finde mercy and favour with the Lord ? wee who have lived so long without him , we that have sinned so much against him , we that to this day are strangers to him , yea in arms against him ; Is there any hope that we white-headed sinners , who have withstood so many thousand offers of grace , and so many thousand motions of the spirit , and so many thousand checks of conscience , and so many thousand tenders of Christ , and heaven , that ever we should obtain mercy , that ever we should have our old hearts turned , our millions of Sin pardoned , our vile natures changed , and poor souls saved , &c.

I Answer , that there is hope even for such as you are ; all the Angels in heaven , and all the men on earth , cannot tell , but that you , even you , may obtain mercy and favour , that your souls dye not ; with the Lord nothing is impossible , and for the grace of the Gospel , nothing is too hard ; now this I shall make evident by an induction of partilars , thus

First , Mat. 20 . 1●●●17 The Roman penny was seven pence half penny . All were not called nor sent to work in the Vineyard , at the first-hour ; some were called at the third-hour ; others , at the sixth ; others , at the ninth ; and some at the eleventh . God hath his several times of calling souls to himself : the eleventh hour was about five in the afternoon , an hour before Sun-set , when it was even time to leave work : and yet at this hour some were called , imployed , and rewarded , with the rest .

Some of the fathers by the several hours mentioned in this Parable , do understand the several ages of man , viz. Childhood , youth , middle-age , and Old-age , wherein poor souls are called and converted to Christ , the scope of the Parable , is to signify the free-grace of God in the calling of some in the spring and morning of their days , and in the calling of others in their Old-age , in the evening of their days . But

Secondly , Abraham in the Old Testament , Gen. 12.4 Joh. 3.1 , 2 , 3 , 4. ch. 7.50 . and Nicodemus in the New , were called and converted in their old age ; when there were but a few steps between them and the grave , between them and eternity ; therefore let not the gray-headed sinner despair , though his spring be past , his summer over past , and he arrived at the fall of the leaf . But

Thirdly , Divine promises shall be made good to returning souls , to repenting souls , to beleeving souls , Isa. 1.18 Jer. 3.12 . Isa. 43.22 , 23 , 24 , 25 Isa. 57.17 , 18 Jer. 5● . 5 John 3.16 Mar. 16.16 . be they young or old , 2 Chron. 30.9 . The Lord your God is gracious and merciful , and will not turn away his face from you , if you return unto him , Joel 2.13 . And rent your heart , and not your garments , and turn unto the Lord your God : for he is gracious and merciful ; slow to anger , and of great kindness , and repenteth him of the evil , Isa. 55.7 . Let the wicked forsake his way , and the unrighteous man his thoughts , and let him return unto the Lord , and he will have mercy upon him , and to our God , for hee will abundantly pardon : or hee will multiply to pardon . More of this you may see by reading the Scriptures in the margent ; all sorts of sin shall bee pardoned , to all sorts of beleeving and repenting sinners .

The new Jerusalem hath twelve Gates , to shew that there is every way access for all sorts and ranks of Sinners to come to Christ . He was born in an Inn , to shew that hee receives all comers , young and Old , poor , and rich , &c. But

Fourthly , The Lord hath declared by Oath , a greater delight in the conversion and salvation of poor sinners ( whether they are young or old ) than in the destruction and damnation of such , Ezek. 33.11 . As I live saith the Lord God , I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked , but that the wicked turn from his way and live : Turn ye , turn ye , from your evil wayes ? for why will ye dye , O ye house of Israell ; two things make a thing more credible .

1 The quality or dignity of the person speaking .

2 The manner of the speech ; Now here you have the great God , not onely speaking , promising , but solemnly swearing , that hee had rather poor sinners should live than dye , bee happy , than miserable ; therefore despair not , Oh aged sinner , but return unto the Lord , and thou shalt bee happy for ever . But

Fifthly , Vna guttula plus valet , quam caelum & terra . Luther . One little drop is more worth than heaven and earth . there is vertue enough in the precious blood of Jesus Christ to wash and cleanse away all sin ; not only to cleanse away the young mans sins , but also to cleanse away the old mans sins ; not only to cleanse a sinner of twenty years old , but to cleanse a sinner of fifty , sixty , yea a hundred years old , 1 Joh. 1.7 . The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin ; not simply from sin , but from all sin ; there is such a power and efficacie in the blood of Christ , as is sufficient to cleanse all sorts of sinners , from all sorts of sins ; there is vertue in the blood of the Lamb to wash out all the spots that are in the oldest sinners heart ; and therefore let not old sinners despair , let not them say , there is no hope , there is no help , as long as this fountain the blood of Jesus Christ is open , for all sorts of sinners to wash in . But

Sixthly , The call and invitations of Christ in the Gospel , are general , and indefinite , excluding no sort of sinners , Rev. 3.20 Behold , I stand at the door , and knock ; if any man ( mark the indefinitenesse of personal admittance ) hear my voice , and open the door , I will come in to him , and will sup with him , and hee with mee ; let the sinner bee old or young , a green head , or a gray head , if hee will but open the door , Christ will come in , and have communion and fellowship with him . So in that , Mat. 11.28 . Isa. 55.1 . John 7.37 . Rev. 22.17 . turn to these Scriptures , and dwell upon them , they all clearly evidence the call and gracious invitations of Christ to bee to all sinners , to every sinner , hee excepts not a man , no , though never so old , nothing shall hinder the sinner , any sinner , the worst and most aged sinner , from obtaining mercy , if hee bee willing to open to Christ , and to receive him as his Lord and King , John 6.37 . But

Seventhly , Christs pathetical lamentation over all sorts and ranks of sinners , declares his willingnesse to shew mercy to them , O Jerusalem , Jerusalem ( saith Christ , Luk. 19.41 , 42. weaping over it ) that thou hadst known in this thy day the things that belong to thy peace , Psal. 81.13 . &c. O that my people had hearkened unto mee ! Christ weeps over Jerusalem ; so did Titus , and so did Marcellus over Syracuse , and so did Scipio over Carthage ; but they shed tears for them , whose blood they were to shed ; but Christ weeps over the necks of those young and old sinners , who were to shed his blood . As a tender hearted Father weeps over his rebellious Children , when neither smiles , nor frowns , neither counsels , nor intreaties will win them , or turn them from their evil waies . So doth Jesus Christ over these rebellious Jews upon whom nothing would work ; But

Eighthly and lastly , though aged sinners have given Christ many thousand denyals , yet he hath not taken them , but after all , Psal. 65.1 , 2. Rom. 10.21 . and in the face of all denyals , hee still re-inforces his suit , and continues to beseech them by his Spirit , 1 Joh. 5.2 , 3. by his word , by his wounds , by his blood , by his messengers , and by his rebukes , to turn home to him to embrace him , to beleeve in him , and to match with him , that they may bee saved eternally by him ; all which bespeaks gray-headed sinners , not to despair , nor to dispute , but to repent , return , and beleeve that it may go well with them for ever . Consider seriously what hath been spoken and the Lord make you wise for eternity .