give_v of_o your_o repentance_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o your_o youth_n be_v a_o watchful_a care_n against_o the_o sin_n of_o your_o old-age_n otherwise_o your_o sin_n be_v not_o forsake_v but_o change_v withal_o if_o your_o repentance_n be_v sound_a it_o be_v attend_v with_o a_o will_n and_o endeavour_v to_o make_v restitution_n wherein_o you_o have_v injure_v any_o in_o their_o soul_n body_n name_n or_o estate_n this_o will_v be_v as_o letter_n testimonial_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o your_o repentance_n you_o must_v not_o nay_o you_o can_v be_v quiet_a if_o your_o repentance_n be_v sound_a until_o you_o have_v serious_o endeavour_v as_o far_o as_o in_o you_o lie_v to_o recover_v the_o soul_n to_o restore_v the_o body_n to_o heal_v the_o reputation_n and_o to_o repair_v the_o estate_n which_o you_o have_v injure_v without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a repentance_n on_o earth_n and_o without_o which_o there_o will_v be_v no_o remission_n in_o heaven_n 10._o sect_n ii_o another_o work_n of_o old-age_n be_v obtain_v assurance_n assurance_n of_o salvation_n i_o mean_v hereby_o not_o only_o a_o general_n certainty_n that_o some_o good_a people_n shall_v be_v save_v for_o the_o devil_n believe_v this_o and_o rage_n at_o it_o which_o i_o think_v be_v the_o same_o with_o objective_a certainty_n nor_o that_o assurance_n which_o may_v come_v by_o special_a and_o extraordinary_a revelation_n since_o we_o find_v few_o or_o no_o example_n in_o scripture_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n but_o rather_o that_o the_o apostle_n paul_n himself_n ground_n his_o assurance_n of_o the_o crown_n upon_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n which_o he_o extend_v to_o all_o they_o that_o love_n christ_n appear_v 2_o tim._n 4._o 8._o neither_o do_v i_o mean_v a_o conjectural_a hope_n of_o salvation_n which_o admit_v both_o of_o anxiety_n and_o of_o slavish_a fear_n fith_o the_o scripture_n represent_v it_o by_o faith_n and_o full_a assurance_n and_o produce_v earnest_n and_o seal_n for_o confirmation_n nor_o last_o be_v this_o assurance_n confine_v to_o grace_n at_o present_a but_o extend_v to_o final_a salvation_n thus_o the_o apostle_n 2_o tim._n 1._o 12._o i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v believe_v there_o be_v assurance_n of_o his_o present_a state_n but_o be_v he_o certain_a of_o his_o perseverance_n yes_o that_o follow_v and_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v that_o which_o i_o have_v commit_v unto_o he_o against_o that_o day_n that_o such_o assurance_n have_v be_v attain_v be_v clear_a enough_o from_o the_o instance_n of_o job_n 19_o 25_o 26._o of_o david_n psal._n 16._o 9_o 10._o of_o paul_n 2_o tim._n 4._o 7_o 8._o and_o many_o other_o that_o it_o may_v be_v attain_v be_v as_o clear_v since_o there_o be_v no_o intimation_n that_o these_o or_o the_o rest_n have_v any_o extraordinary_a discovery_n thereof_o unto_o they_o but_o arrive_v thereat_o in_o the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n and_o by_o the_o consignation_n of_o that_o spirit_n unto_o which_o we_o have_v access_n as_o well_o as_o they_o and_o the_o apostle_n do_v express_o comprehend_v the_o generality_n of_o believer_n in_o this_o privilege_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 1._o for_o we_o know_v that_o if_o our_o earthly_a house_n of_o this_o tabernacle_n be_v dissolve_v we_o have_v a_o build_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v endeavour_v by_o all_o true_a christian_n be_v most_o evident_a from_o the_o plain_a command_n to_o that_o purpose_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 10._o wherefore_o the_o rather_o brethren_n give_v diligence_n to_o make_v your_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a etc._n etc._n that_o few_o do_v labour_n to_o attain_v it_o think_v it_o to_o be_v impossible_a or_o unnecessary_a be_v to_o be_v bewail_v that_o many_o deceive_v themselves_o with_o a_o false_a persuasion_n of_o present_a grace_n and_o future_a glory_n be_v manifest_a by_o scripture_n and_o daily_a experience_n and_o that_o it_o be_v most_o proper_a and_o needful_a for_o old_a people_n the_o 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shall_v be_v on_o sure_a ground_n for_o eternity_n and_o then_o the_o day_n of_o death_n will_v be_v better_o than_o the_o day_n of_o their_o birth_n you_o know_v how_o much_o of_o your_o life_n be_v already_o spend_v you_o can_v see_v the_o sand_n that_o be_v run_v into_o the_o nether_a end_n of_o the_o glass_n but_o the_o upper_a part_n be_v cover_v with_o a_o mantle_n you_o know_v not_o how_o few_o sand_n be_v leave_v there_o to_o run_v nay_o you_o can_v but_o perceive_v that_o death_n be_v approach_v very_o near_o you_o you_o be_v fill_v with_o wrinkle_n which_o be_v a_o witness_n against_o you_o and_o your_o leanness_n rise_v up_o in_o you_o bear_v witness_n to_o your_o face_n as_o it_o be_v job_n 16._o 8._o for_o as_o it_o be_v observe_v of_o all_o man_n that_o they_o be_v mortales_fw-la apt_a to_o die_v and_o of_o all_o good_a man_n that_o they_o be_v mortificati_fw-la die_v to_o sin_n so_o it_o be_v of_o all_o old_a man_n that_o they_o be_v morituri_fw-la about_o to_o die_v and_o for_o such_o to_o have_v oil_n to_o seek_v when_o they_o shall_v have_v it_o to_o use_v evidence_n to_o procure_v when_o they_o shall_v have_v they_o to_o produce_v be_v a_o unexcusable_a neglect_n especial_o know_v that_o your_o last_o breath_n waft_v you_o into_o a_o unalterable_a estate_n what_o journey_n and_o present_n be_v heretofore_o make_v to_o the_o oracle_n to_o assure_v the_o votary_n concern_v the_o event_n of_o some_o temporal_a affair_n and_o how_o many_o do_v now_o hazard_v their_o soul_n by_o seek_v to_o necromancer_n to_o know_v the_o success_n of_o their_o marriage_n voyage_n and_o such_o like_a and_o yet_o a_o miscarriage_n in_o these_o thing_n be_v remediable_a there_o may_v be_v some_o alleviation_n in_o they_o there_o may_v be_v some_o end_n of_o they_o but_o you_o be_v launch_v into_o the_o ocean_n of_o eternity_n and_o be_v at_o no_o certainty_n whether_o it_o be_v eternal_a happiness_n or_o eternal_a misery_n what_o a_o anxious_a and_o uncomfortable_a state_n must_v this_o be_v if_o you_o be_v not_o loose_v in_o your_o belief_n of_o future_a thing_n you_o will_v be_v restless_a in_o this_o condition_n you_o owe_v your_o ease_n to_o your_o letâ—…argy_n if_o you_o be_v not_o half_a infidel_n you_o will_v be_v more_o than_o half_o distract_v which_o bring_v to_o mind_v the_o course_n which_o some_o eminent_a person_n among_o the_o heathen_n chesilaâ—…s_n take_v they_o dare_v not_o die_v sober_a but_o drink_v great_a draught_n oâ—…_n wine_n say_v that_o no_o voluptuous_a person_n can_v go_v in_o his_o wit_n into_o a_o invisible_a estate_n with_o what_o poor_a comfort_n must_v that_o man_n die_v that_o must_v cry_v out_o with_o that_o old_a philosopher_n i_o die_v in_o great_a doubt_n and_o know_v not_o whither_o i_o be_o go_v yet_o out_o the_o soul_n must_v go_v ready_a or_o unready_a then_o will_v the_o careless_a sinner_n gnash_v his_o tooth_n for_o rage_n at_o his_o slothful_a and_o sinful_a life_n which_o he_o have_v spend_v as_o a_o tale_n that_o be_v tell_v then_o will_v he_o have_v time_n enough_o to_o curse_v all_o the_o worldly_a business_n or_o wicked_a company_n that_o have_v devour_v his_o precious_a time_n and_o leave_v his_o soul_n to_o shift_v for_o itself_o for_o ever_o do_v not_o we_o in_o all_o other_o case_n strive_v to_o be_v at_o a_o point_n will_v maybe's_a and_o peradventure_n satisfy_v we_o in_o any_o material_a humane_a affair_n the_o tenant_n who_o be_v warn_v out_o of_o one_o house_n can_v enjoy_v himself_o until_o he_o be_v sure_a of_o another_o the_o steward_n that_o be_v discharge_v of_o his_o office_n luk._n 16._o take_v present_a course_n to_o be_v provide_v of_o some_o other_o subsistence_n the_o poor_a man_n be_v uneasy_a when_o his_o old_a suit_n of_o clothes_n be_v wear_v out_o till_o he_o have_v a_o
weed_n be_v conversant_a most_o at_o home_n in_o their_o own_o soul_n they_o have_v in_o their_o long_a experience_n discover_v so_o much_o vanity_n and_o iniquity_n there_o that_o they_o be_v be_v very_o charitable_a judge_n of_o all_o other_o person_n they_o grow_v like_o the_o famous_a pliny_n who_o so_o pass_v by_o other_o offence_n as_o if_o himself_o have_v be_v the_o great_a offender_n and_o yet_o be_v so_o severe_a to_o himself_o as_o if_o he_o will_v pardon_v no_o body_n their_o charity_n cover_v a_o multitude_n of_o sin_n in_o short_a their_o age_n and_o affliction_n have_v so_o happy_o humble_v they_o that_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o esteem_v every_o one_o better_a than_o themselves_o and_o so_o they_o be_v far_o from_o that_o uncharitable_a censoriousness_n which_o tear_n man_n name_n in_o piece_n and_o keep_v up_o a_o continual_a civil_a war_n among_o mankind_n and_o then_o for_o other_o act_n of_o charity_n who_o shall_v be_v more_o ready_a to_o give_v a_o part_n than_o they_o that_o know_v they_o must_v short_o leave_v the_o whole_a who_o shall_v be_v good_a in_o his_o stewardship_n but_o he_o that_o be_v sure_a he_o must_v short_o be_v out_o of_o it_o but_o the_o noble_a charity_n be_v that_o which_o respect_v the_o soul_n which_o consist_v in_o counsel_v persuade_v reprove_v and_o pray_v for_o other_o and_o old-age_n be_v evident_o qualify_v for_o these_o above_o the_o young_a their_o wisdom_n and_o authority_n give_v they_o a_o great_a advantage_n herein_o and_o they_o have_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o sometime_o a_o word_n of_o good_a counsel_n and_o charitable_a reproof_n fit_o speak_v have_v be_v like_o apple_n of_o gold._n and_o then_o for_o prayer_n it_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o charity_n of_o young_a person_n therein_o do_v begin_v and_o end_v at_o themselves_o whereas_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o age_a be_v much_o employ_v for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o few_o child_n pray_v for_o their_o parent_n as_o the_o parent_n pray_v for_o their_o child_n yea_o they_o have_v learn_v to_o love_n and_o pray_v for_o their_o enemy_n as_o well_o as_o for_o their_o friend_n and_o for_o the_o ungodly_a as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o godly_a and_o the_o poor_a old_a man_n or_o woman_n may_v be_v rich_a in_o these_o act_n of_o charity_n therefore_o as_o you_o abound_v in_o every_o thing_n in_o faith_n in_o utterance_n and_o knowledge_n see_v that_o you_o abound_v in_o this_o grace_n of_o charity_n also_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n exhortation_n 2_o cor._n 8._o 7._o we_o use_v to_o say_v that_o in_o winter_n the_o natural_a heat_n retreat_v inward_a and_o there_o reside_v about_o the_o vital_a part_n you_o that_o be_v in_o the_o winter_n quarter_n of_o your_o life_n let_v this_o warm_a grace_n dwell_v rich_o in_o your_o heart_n and_o then_o it_o will_v influence_n all_o your_o word_n and_o action_n it_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n for_o god_n be_v love_n it_o be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n and_o it_o be_v the_o great_a command_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o though_o you_o have_v knowledge_n faith_n wisdom_n riches_n etc._n etc._n yet_o if_o you_o have_v not_o charity_n you_o be_v nothing_o you_o be_v go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n now_o be_v your_o time_n to_o exercise_v this_o grace_n in_o the_o world_n where_o you_o be_v go_v there_o will_v be_v no_o infirmity_n to_o cover_v no_o poor_a to_o relieve_v no_o injury_n to_o forgive_v no_o ignorant_a person_n to_o instruct_v no_o miserable_a creature_n to_o pray_v for_o and_o you_o have_v but_o a_o short_a time_n for_o these_o employment_n yea_o perhaps_o you_o be_v reprieve_v all_o this_o while_n for_o these_o service_n and_o to_o be_v useful_a in_o these_o and_o such_o like_a way_n be_v the_o great_a happiness_n on_o earth_n it_o be_v the_o next_o step_n to_o eternal_a glory_n yea_o nothing_o shall_v hire_v a_o old_a person_n or_o make_v he_o content_a to_o live_v out_o of_o heaven_n with_o such_o a_o body_n of_o sin_n about_o he_o but_o only_o that_o they_o may_v do_v god_n and_o man_n that_o service_n which_o can_v be_v do_v in_o heaven_n and_o for_o the_o obtain_v this_o sweet_a grace_n the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v a_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n gal._n 5._o 22._o and_o there_o it_o be_v rank_v in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o must_v be_v seek_v then_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o vehicle_n of_o the_o spirit_n where_o it_o be_v careful_o read_v and_o hear_v we_o shall_v find_v a_o account_n of_o the_o infinite_a love_n of_o god_n to_o we_o and_o of_o the_o stupendous_a love_n of_o christ._n there_o we_o shall_v discern_v how_o near_o we_o be_v relate_v to_o all_o man_n especial_o to_o all_o christian_n and_o how_o unnatural_a it_o be_v for_o one_o hand_n to_o be_v unkind_a to_o the_o other_o and_o in_o short_a we_o shall_v there_o find_v that_o love_n and_o charity_n be_v still_o the_o character_n of_o good_a man_n and_o hatred_n and_o uncharitableness_n of_o the_o bad_a and_o you_o must_v beg_v this_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n will_v plant_v this_o grace_n of_o love_n in_o your_o heart_n you_o will_v feel_v your_o heart_n warm_v as_o you_o be_v pray_v and_o the_o lord_n will_v fill_v you_o with_o this_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfectness_n and_o so_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o virtue_n and_o excellency_n of_o old-age_n whereby_o you_o may_v perceive_v that_o all_o old_a thing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v cast_v away_o but_o as_o old_a wood_n be_v best_a to_o burn_v old_a wine_n best_o to_o drink_v old_a author_n best_a to_o read_v and_o old_a friend_n best_o to_o trust_v so_o old_a people_n if_o they_o have_v improve_v their_o time_n aright_o be_v good_a for_o something_o proverb_n yea_o be_v eminent_o good_a for_o their_o knowledge_n for_o their_o faith_n for_o their_o wisdom_n for_o their_o patience_n for_o their_o steadfastness_n for_o their_o temperance_n and_o for_o their_o charity_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o four_o point_n concern_v old-age_n viz._n the_o grace_n most_o proper_a for_o it_o chap._n v._o the_o inconvenience_n of_o old-age_n i_o be_o come_v now_o in_o the_o five_o place_n to_o old-age_n examine_v the_o inconvenience_n and_o disadvantage_n of_o old-age_n add_v withal_o somewhat_o towards_o the_o mitigation_n thereof_o as_o i_o pass_v along_o some_o here_o set_v themselves_o with_o immoderate_a vehemence_n to_o cry_v down_o old-age_n and_o to_o load_v it_o with_o such_o intolerable_a misery_n as_o may_v affright_v one_o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n they_o muster_v all_o the_o evil_n which_o be_v either_o the_o effect_n of_o man_n vice_n or_o other_o separable_a accident_n of_o their_o age_n and_o put_v all_o these_o upon_o its_o score_n to_o inflame_v the_o reckon_n bonâ_fw-la insomuch_o that_o some_o of_o the_o old_a philosopher_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o quarrel_v with_o providence_n for_o give_v man_n life_n and_o thereby_o involve_v he_o in_o a_o continual_a state_n of_o misery_n and_o all_o this_o partly_o out_o of_o their_o ignorance_n of_o man_n primitive_a happiness_n and_o woeful_a fall_n and_o partly_o out_o of_o their_o dimsightedness_n about_o his_o endless_a felicity_n about_o all_o which_o material_a point_n they_o live_v in_o great_a uncertainty_n other_o on_o the_o contrary_a have_v be_v ready_a so_o to_o mince_v the_o matter_n as_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o old-age_n but_o what_o be_v desirable_a guild_v its_o hair_n and_o smooth_a all_o its_o wrinkle_n as_o if_o the_o spiritual_a advantage_n do_v annihilate_v the_o corporal_a burden_n the_o truth_n dwell_v as_o i_o conceive_v between_o these_o extreme_n and_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o as_o the_o dregs_n of_o the_o pure_a wine_n be_v leave_v in_o the_o bottom_n so_o old-age_n have_v many_o inconvenience_n peculiar_a to_o it_o plaut_n for_o which_o cause_n those_o day_n be_v call_v evil_a day_n wherein_o the_o man_n have_v no_o pleasure_n or_o with_o which_o he_o be_v great_o displease_v loc_n eccles._n 12._o 1._o but_o yet_o the_o same_o old-age_n have_v divers_a privilege_n to_o balance_v they_o and_o their_o pressure_n be_v not_o proper_o misery_n because_o there_o be_v abundance_n of_o comfort_n and_o benefit_n which_o mitigate_v they_o consolationis_fw-la we_o have_v a_o elegant_a description_n of_o many_o of_o they_o in_o that_o twelve_o chapter_n of_o ecclesiastes_n vers_fw-la 2_o 3_o etc._n etc._n then_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o light_n and_o the_o moon_n and_o the_o star_n will_v be_v darken_v that_o be_v all_o outward_a comfort_n or_o prosperity_n whether_o by_o day_n or_o by_o night_n will_v be_v eclypse_v and_o withdraw_v from_o we_o and_o the_o cloud_n will_v return_v after_o the_o rain_n that_o be_v one_o bodily_a distemper_n and_o outward_a trouble_n will_v successive_o follow_v another_o then_o
will_v the_o keeper_n of_o the_o house_n tremble_v that_o be_v the_o arm_n and_o hand_n which_o defend_v the_o body_n will_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o cold_a and_o dry_a temper_n shake_v and_o quiver_n and_o the_o strong_a man_n will_v bow_v themselves_o that_o be_v the_o thigh_n and_o leg_n which_o have_v strong_o bear_v up_o the_o structure_n of_o the_o body_n will_v be_v weak_a and_o need_v the_o support_n of_o a_o staff_n to_o assist_v they_o and_o the_o grinder_n will_v cease_v because_o they_o be_v few_o that_o be_v the_o tooth_n which_o chew_v and_o grind_v our_o meat_n will_v break_v rot_v and_o fall_v out_o so_o that_o be_v reduce_v to_o a_o few_o they_o will_v be_v unable_a to_o do_v their_o office_n and_o those_o that_o look_v out_o of_o the_o window_n will_v be_v darken_v that_o be_v the_o eyesight_n will_v fail_v the_o organ_n of_o the_o eye_n through_o which_o as_o through_o a_o window_n the_o soul_n look_v out_o be_v dry_v up_o and_o weaken_v and_o the_o door_n shall_v be_v shut_v in_o the_o street_n that_o be_v the_o lip_n and_o mouth_n will_v be_v disable_v from_o speak_v or_o eat_v when_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o grind_n be_v low_a that_o be_v digestion_n which_o be_v further_v by_o chew_v and_o perfect_v in_o chylification_n sanguification_n etc._n etc._n will_v be_v obstruct_v and_o he_o shall_v rise_v up_o at_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o bird_n that_o be_v our_o sleep_n will_v be_v so_o shallow_a that_o the_o least_o noise_n will_v awake_v we_o and_o so_o short_a that_o it_o will_v prevent_v the_o cock-crowing_a and_o all_o the_o daughter_n of_o music_n shall_v be_v bring_v low_a that_o be_v our_o ear_n will_v grow_v dull_a so_o that_o as_o we_o can_v so_o we_o care_v not_o for_o the_o sweet_a music_n also_o they_o shall_v be_v afraid_a of_o that_o which_o be_v high_a that_o be_v we_o shall_v by_o reason_n of_o weariness_n dizziness_n or_o short-windedness_a be_v afraid_a of_o mount_v up_o to_o high_a place_n and_o attempt_v such_o high_a thing_n as_o in_o youth_n we_o adventure_v upon_o and_o fear_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o way_n that_o be_v we_o shall_v be_v afraid_a of_o and_o in_o our_o journey_v lest_o we_o dash_v our_o weak_a and_o weary_a foot_n against_o a_o stone_n and_o the_o almond-tree_n shall_v flourish_v that_o be_v our_o head_n will_v grow_v hoary_a like_o the_o almond_n tree_n which_o soon_o ripen_v and_o the_o grasshopper_n shall_v be_v a_o burden_n that_o be_v the_o least_o weight_n shall_v load_v our_o infirm_a body_n yea_o we_o be_v then_o like_o enough_o to_o grasshopper_n will_v grow_v burden_n to_o ourselves_o and_o other_o and_o desire_n shall_v fail_v that_o be_v our_o appetite_n to_o meat_n and_o our_o desire_n to_o marriage-imbrace_n will_v be_v cool_v and_o cease_v by_o degree_n at_o length_n the_o silver_n cord_n will_v be_v loose_v that_o be_v the_o chine-bone_n with_o its_o marrow_n and_o the_o nerve_n and_o fibre_n thereunto_o belong_v will_v be_v resolve_v and_o weaken_a and_o the_o golden_a bowl_n will_v be_v break_v that_o be_v the_o vessel_n and_o membrane_n that_o contain_v the_o brain_n which_o be_v apt_o call_v golden_a both_o for_o its_o colour_n and_o value_n will_v at_o last_o be_v shatter_v and_o the_o pitcher_n will_v be_v break_v at_o the_o fountain_n that_o be_v the_o vein_n will_v cease_v from_o do_v their_o office_n at_o the_o right_a ventricle_n of_o the_o heart_n which_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o life_n and_o so_o our_o blood_n stagnate_v we_o be_v soon_o extinguish_v and_o the_o wheel_n will_v be_v break_v at_o the_o cistern_n that_o be_v the_o great_a artery_n which_o be_v knit_v to_o the_o left_a side_n of_o the_o heart_n by_o which_o the_o blood_n be_v derive_v into_o the_o part_n cease_v its_o action_n and_o the_o pulse_n with_o it_o which_o be_v the_o immediate_a forerunner_n of_o death_n and_o then_o the_o dust_n return_v to_o the_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v and_o the_o spirit_n return_v unto_o god_n who_o give_v it_o thus_o you_o see_v man_n body_n like_o some_o curious_a edifice_n first_o batter_v by_o various_a storm_n at_o length_n the_o roof_n and_o wall_n decay_v and_o at_o last_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n but_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n have_v provide_v for_o the_o inhabitant_n a_o house_n not_o make_v with_o hand_n eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n sect_n i._o and_o now_o let_v we_o more_o distinct_o survey_v pleasure_n the_o inconvenience_n of_o old-age_n the_o chief_a whereof_o be_v these_o follow_v first_o the_o age_a be_v deprive_v of_o many_o pleasure_n they_o can_v divert_v themselves_o by_o hunt_v hawk_v fish_v they_o can_v neither_o well_o ride_v abroad_o nor_o walk_v about_o home_n they_o have_v do_v with_o visit_n and_o feast_n and_o music_n all_o the_o recreation_n of_o sense_n be_v general_o tasteless_a to_o they_o yea_o they_o have_v scarce_o any_o pleasure_n in_o their_o meat_n and_o drink_v and_o sleep_v so_o that_o their_o condition_n seem_v to_o be_v sad_a and_o lamentable_a and_o we_o have_v the_o substance_n of_o all_o this_o confess_v by_o a_o old_a man_n himself_o namely_o barzillai_n 2_o sam._n 19_o 35._o i_o be_o this_o day_n fourscore_o year_n old_a and_o can_v thy_o servant_n taste_v what_o i_o eat_v or_o what_o i_o drink_v can_v i_o hear_v any_o more_o the_o voice_n of_o sing_v man_n and_o sing_a woman_n q._n d._n these_o thing_n will_v signify_v nothing_o to_o i_o they_o have_v forsake_v i_o and_o i_o value_v they_o as_o little_a here_o you_o have_v the_o verdict_n which_o barzillai_n bring_v in_o the_o case_n yea_o instead_o of_o pleasure_n a_o constant_a sadness_n take_v place_n in_o their_o countenance_n without_o and_o as_o may_v be_v judge_v in_o their_o heart_n within_o sob_n and_o sigh_n be_v the_o accent_n of_o their_o language_n and_o their_o complaint_n be_v frequent_o mix_v with_o tear_n their_o condition_n then_o must_v needs_o be_v miserable_a when_o they_o have_v such_o constant_a heaviness_n within_o and_o no_o recreation_n without_o to_o alleviate_v it_o company_n burden_v they_o and_o solitariness_n sadden_v they_o yea_o they_o be_v loath_a that_o any_o body_n shall_v be_v merry_a about_o they_o so_o that_o they_o seem_v to_o lead_v a_o dolorous_a life_n and_o to_o be_v estrange_v from_o all_o manner_n of_o pleasure_n now_o pleasure_n be_v the_o life_n of_o life_n what_o be_v life_n without_o delight_n why_o do_v man_n toil_n to_o get_v estate_n but_o for_o the_o pleasure_n they_o take_v in_o they_o why_o do_v other_o hunt_v for_o applause_n and_o climb_v for_o honour_n but_o to_o please_v their_o fancy_n and_o their_o humour_n even_o the_o scholar_n will_v take_v leave_n of_o his_o book_n if_o he_o have_v not_o delight_n in_o they_o so_o that_o pleasure_n act_v all_o mankind_n and_o rule_v the_o world_n now_o those_o year_n be_v lamentable_a wherein_o a_o man_n shall_v say_v i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o they_o and_o this_o make_v some_o old_a people_n weary_a of_o their_o life_n they_o reckon_v that_o a_o life_n strip_v of_o joy_n and_o comfort_n be_v not_o worth_a the_o keep_n nevertheless_o old-age_n may_v support_v itself_o very_o well_o under_o this_o inconvenience_n inasmuch_o as_o the_o pleasure_n they_o be_v deprive_v of_o be_v in_o themselves_o and_o to_o their_o experience_n dangerous_a enjoyment_n for_o nothing_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o disorder_n and_o full_o the_o soul_n than_o carnal_a pleasure_n those_o very_a recreation_n which_o may_v be_v harmless_a in_o themselves_o yet_o too_o common_o lead_v to_o intemperance_n to_o lasciviousness_n to_o quarrel_n and_o other_o mischief_n now_o if_o a_o dish_n be_v never_o so_o palatable_a yet_o if_o there_o be_v but_o danger_n of_o poison_n in_o it_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v meddle_v with_o it_o therefore_o tully_n bring_v in_o cato_n congratulate_v with_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o slavery_n of_o pleasure_n and_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v a_o singular_a privilege_n of_o old-age_n that_o it_o free_v we_o from_o that_o which_o be_v most_o pernicious_a in_o youth_n cicer._n and_o whatever_o regard_v weak_a man_n may_v have_v to_o these_o vanity_n the_o wise_a among_o the_o very_a heathen_n have_v conclude_v that_o there_o be_v no_o plague_n so_o deadly_a to_o man_n as_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o body_n tarent_n and_o that_o come_v to_o pass_v through_o the_o depravation_n of_o our_o nature_n whereby_o we_o can_v hardly_o enjoy_v they_o but_o we_o run_v mad_a upon_o they_o we_o exceed_v the_o limit_n and_o miss_v the_o end_n which_o shall_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o wherefore_o cicero_n tell_v of_o sophocles_n who_o be_v askâ—…d_v whether_o he_o do_v still_o converse_v with_o womankind_n answer_v the_o god_n have_v do_v better_a for_o i_o i_o have_v willing_o leave_v that_o furious_a master_n senect_n indeed_o the_o great_a
serve_v their_o generation_n some_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n inflict_v such_o distemper_n on_o their_o mind_n or_o body_n as_o have_v make_v they_o useless_a in_o their_o place_n some_o by_o the_o procurement_n of_o man_n by_o who_o many_o in_o the_o prime_n of_o their_o time_n have_v be_v lay_v aside_o sometime_o just_o sometime_o unjust_o and_o all_o opportunity_n take_v from_o they_o of_o do_v good_a in_o the_o world._n neither_o be_v all_o age_a person_n render_v useless_a for_o many_o there_o be_v of_o both_o sex_n that_o persevere_v in_o well-doing_n to_o the_o last_o cato_n plead_v cause_n when_o he_o be_v pass_v fourscore_o year_n and_o isocrates_n write_v excellent_a thing_n at_o fourscore_o and_o fourteen_o year_n of_o age_n and_o not_o only_o the_o tongue_n but_o the_o hand_n of_o very_a many_o old_a people_n be_v find_v as_o nimble_a to_o good_a work_n as_o of_o young_a person_n they_o that_o have_v be_v useful_a in_o their_o strength_n will_v scarce_o ever_o become_v useless_a in_o their_o weakness_n plutarch_n observe_v that_o a_o industrious_a bee_n never_o degenerate_v into_o a_o drone_n in_o its_o old-age_n too_o many_o there_o be_v of_o every_o age_n that_o live_v only_o to_o themselves_o that_o neither_o serve_v god_n nor_o observe_v man_n but_o in_o order_n to_o their_o own_o interest_n or_o appetite_n these_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o young_a or_o old_a but_o they_o that_o understand_v and_o embrace_v the_o true_a end_n of_o life_n will_v be_v useful_a one_o way_n or_o other_o to_o their_o life_n end_v and_o the_o great_a service_n that_o the_o ancient_n do_v perform_v be_v by_o their_o sage_a advice_n when_o the_o levite_n be_v at_o fifty_o release_v from_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n they_o be_v say_v yet_o to_o be_v judge_n in_o their_o city_n so_o that_o although_o they_o can_v do_v that_o service_n which_o young_a person_n may_v yet_o they_o do_v great_a for_o the_o great_a thing_n be_v compass_v not_o by_o strength_n but_o counsel_n they_o can_v be_v count_v useless_a say_v tully_n that_o prescribe_v to_o the_o more_o raw_a and_o ignorant_a their_o work_n like_a as_o a_o pilot_n who_o tho'_o he_o run_v not_o up_o and_o down_o the_o ship_n but_o sit_v at_o the_o helm_n yet_o be_v the_o most_o useful_a person_n in_o the_o ship_n so_o the_o age_a head_n be_v the_o most_o useful_a part_n in_o a_o family_n or_o commonwealth_n though_o it_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o fire_n side_n cicer._n hence_o homer_n bring_v in_o agamemnon_n wish_v rather_o for_o ten_o nestor_n a_o age_a wise_a man_n among_o the_o greek_n than_o so_o many_o ajax_n who_o be_v a_o man_n of_o arm_n for_o the_o win_n of_o troy._n and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o grand_a magistrate_n both_o in_o greece_n and_o rome_n be_v the_o ancient_n of_o their_o city_n and_o thereupon_o they_o be_v call_v senator_n and_o the_o great_a council_n of_o rome_n the_o senate_n be_v compose_v of_o age_a man_n yea_o if_o they_o shall_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o age_n be_v whole_o unserviceable_a yet_o their_o example_n be_v useful_a to_o see_v a_o man_n or_o woman_n deprive_v of_o all_o outward_a comfort_n and_o respect_n and_o lade_v with_o heavy_a distemper_n yet_o patient_a and_o thankful_a serious_a and_o devout_a it_o be_v a_o powerful_a lecture_n to_o all_o the_o spectator_n and_o may_v teach_v they_o to_o be_v do_v their_o own_o great_a work_n with_o all_o their_o might_n to_o be_v thankful_a to_o god_n for_o their_o present_a strength_n and_o ease_n to_o beware_v of_o slothfulness_n and_o selfishness_n that_o when_o they_o arrive_v at_o that_o decrepit_a estate_n they_o may_v have_v the_o pleasant_a prospect_n of_o a_o fruitful_a life_n behind_o they_o and_o the_o joyful_a prospect_n of_o a_o bless_a life_n before_o they_o sect_n ix_o the_o nine_o disadvantage_n of_o old-age_n exercise_n be_v that_o it_o be_v unfit_a for_o religious_a exercise_n when_o we_o be_v in_o year_n we_o be_v indispose_v to_o prayer_n and_o fast_v to_o hear_v or_o read_v and_o in_o general_a to_o all_o such_o spiritual_a employment_n wherein_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n must_v concur_v they_o need_v these_o help_n as_o much_o as_o other_o and_o perhaps_o desire_v they_o as_o much_o as_o other_o but_o the_o dead_a weight_n of_o a_o crazy_a body_n sink_v down_o the_o tower_a of_o their_o precious_a soul_n to_o will_n be_v present_a with_o they_o but_o how_o to_o perform_v the_o same_o they_o find_v not_o and_o no_o wonder_n have_v not_o only_o a_o law_n of_o sin_n within_o they_o but_o a_o body_n of_o death_n without_o they_o their_o sense_n be_v grow_v weak_a their_o faculty_n weak_a their_o spirit_n weak_a how_o then_o shall_v they_o wrestle_v with_o god_n in_o prayer_n or_o continue_v instant_a therein_o let_v the_o rider_n be_v never_o so_o good_a a_o horsman_n yet_o he_o must_v travel_v as_o his_o horse_n will_v give_v he_o leave_v so_o let_v the_o soul_n be_v never_o so_o active_a it_o can_v operate_v only_o as_o the_o organ_n of_o the_o body_n will_v permit_v it_o instead_o of_o take_v pain_n about_o their_o soul_n they_o be_v force_v to_o prop_v up_o their_o decrepit_a body_n their_o weakness_n keep_v they_o in_o bed_n while_o the_o holy_a zeal_n of_o other_o be_v burn_v in_o devotion_n and_o as_o the_o old_a woman_n in_o plautus_n be_v ask_v why_o she_o go_v no_o fast_o answer_v because_o she_o carry_v so_o great_a a_o load_n to_o wit_n of_o eighty_o four_o year_n on_o her_o back_n so_o the_o load_n on_o old_a people_n back_n either_o hinder_v they_o from_o come_v to_o holy_a assembly_n or_o else_o cause_v they_o to_o travel_v thither_o very_o slow_o so_o that_o they_o be_v constrain_v to_o live_v in_o a_o manner_n without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n now_o this_o affliction_n to_o a_o holy_a heart_n be_v a_o very_a heavy_a burden_n when_o a_o poor_a man_n be_v cut_v short_a in_o all_o his_o other_o comfort_n and_o as_o it_o be_v besiege_v with_o all_o the_o calamity_n of_o this_o life_n yet_o while_o he_o have_v this_o river_n of_o god_n ordinance_n free_a and_o open_a thereby_o he_o receive_v continual_a supply_n from_o heaven_n the_o stream_n thereof_o make_v glad_a the_o city_n of_o god_n but_o when_o this_o be_v stop_v the_o soul_n grow_v sad_a and_o dry_a and_o barren_a hence_o holy_a david_n in_o his_o exile_n never_o mention_v his_o temporal_a loss_n yet_o cry_v out_o psal._n 42._o 4._o when_o i_o remember_v these_o thing_n i_o pour_v out_o my_o soul_n in_o i_o for_o i_o have_v go_v with_o the_o multitude_n to_o the_o house_n of_o god._n this_o go_v near_o to_o his_o heart_n for_o when_o a_o man_n be_v harrass_v with_o care_n and_o trouble_v all_o the_o week_n long_o yet_o he_o be_v relieve_v and_o refresh_v in_o his_o approach_n unto_o god_n upon_o his_o own_o day_n but_o with_o the_o decrepit_a old_a man_n every_o day_n be_v alike_o and_o his_o soul_n be_v leave_v destitute_a of_o spiritual_a supply_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n and_o this_o affliction_n be_v sad_a of_o all_o when_o by_o disuse_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n the_o soul_n grow_v stupid_a and_o unconcern_v in_o the_o matter_n as_o without_o special_a grace_n we_o shall_v be_v apt_a to_o be_v so_o that_o the_o misery_n be_v great_a in_o the_o want_n and_o great_a when_o insensible_a of_o the_o want_n no_o great_a wonder_n therefore_o that_o when_o all_o these_o misery_n meet_v together_o a_o man_n cry_v out_o with_o job_n i_o will_v not_o live_v always_o so_o that_o tiberius_n caesar_n have_v a_o say_n as_o plutarch_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v a_o shameful_a thing_n for_o a_o man_n that_o be_v pass_v sixty_o to_o stretch_v out_o his_o hand_n to_o a_o physician_n reckon_v that_o it_o be_v fit_a he_o shall_v then_o be_v content_a to_o die_v but_o yet_o if_o we_o weigh_v the_o matter_n well_o the_o case_n of_o ancient_a people_n be_v not_o so_o desperate_a as_o it_o seem_v for_o to_o proceed_v in_o our_o former_a method_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o many_o other_o beside_o the_o age_a be_v 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it_o that_o death_n be_v never_o to_o be_v dread_v say_v a_o heathen_a poet_n ennius_n which_o be_v follow_v with_o immortality_n all_o your_o riches_n reputation_n or_o friend_n will_v then_o nothing_o comfort_v you_o like_o a_o lively_a sense_n of_o christ_n in_o you_o the_o hope_n of_o glory_n he_o that_o have_v live_v to_o god_n will_v cheerful_o go_v to_o he_o and_o they_o who_o have_v run_v with_o difficulty_n will_v die_v with_o ease_n 61._o and_o thus_o you_o have_v a_o account_n of_o some_o of_o the_o many_o privilege_n of_o old-age_n for_o beside_o all_o these_o it_o be_v a_o privilege_n to_o attain_v to_o such_o a_o age_n as_o that_o we_o may_v ourselves_o see_v to_o the_o education_n and_o disposal_n of_o our_o child_n and_o also_o to_o have_v the_o comfort_n of_o their_o piety_n and_o prosperity_n thou_o shall_v see_v thy_o child_n child_n and_o peace_n upon_o israel_n psal._n last_o hereupon_o it_o be_v record_v among_o and_o as_o the_o crown_n of_o the_o blessing_n 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accuse_v it_o so_o that_o though_o we_o common_o say_v that_o every_o thing_n be_v worse_a for_o its_o age_n yet_o a_o pious_a old_a person_n be_v the_o better_a and_o therefore_o no_o man_n needs_o to_o be_v as_o too_o many_o be_v ashamed_a of_o their_o gray_a hair_n forasmuch_o as_o old-age_n be_v great_a in_o authority_n than_o any_o other_o age_n rich_a in_o experience_n free_a from_o sin_n proner_n to_o piety_n riper_n in_o its_o fruit_n worthy_a of_o respect_n further_o from_o the_o world_n and_o near_o to_o eternity_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o privilege_n of_o old-age_n which_o be_v the_o six_o point_n to_o be_v handle_v chap._n vii_o the_o work_n of_o old-age_n sect_n i._o and_o so_o i_o come_v in_o the_o seven_o old-age_n and_o last_o place_n to_o treat_v concern_v the_o work_n and_o business_n of_o old-age_n what_o special_a and_o proper_a employment_n beside_o their_o necessary_a and_o ordinary_a affair_n their_o year_n oblige_v they_o unto_o their_o labour_a and_o 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sin_n this_o be_v a_o bitter_a pill_n to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o it_o must_v be_v swallow_v here_o or_o hereafter_o when_o it_o be_v taste_v here_o it_o be_v only_o bitter-sweet_a there_o be_v comfort_n in_o it_o there_o be_v comfort_n after_o it_o it_o be_v like_o the_o pain_n of_o a_o honest_a woman_n in_o travel_n the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o love_a father_n support_v she_o at_o present_a and_o the_o birth_n of_o a_o comely_a child_n revive_v she_o after_o but_o if_o it_o be_v defer_v and_o place_v on_o the_o wrong_a side_n of_o death_n than_o it_o will_v be_v bitter_a bitter_a there_o be_v no_o present_a no_o future_a comfort_n then_o it_o will_v be_v like_o the_o gnaw_a pain_n of_o a_o woman_n with_o a_o cancer_n though_o infinite_o sharp_a and_o infinite_o long_a so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o refer_v to_o the_o old-man_n or_o any_o man_n else_o whether_o he_o will_v repent_v or_o not_o for_o it_o â—…annot_v be_v avoid_v but_o whether_o he_o will_v repent_v for_o a_o time_n or_o repent_v for_o ever_o whether_o he_o will_v repent_v with_o hope_n or_o repent_v with_o despair_n now_o repentance_n may_v be_v consider_v in_o a_o double_a respect_n 1._o initial_o at_o the_o first_o conversion_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n and_o 2._o secondary_o at_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o act_n thereof_o afterward_o it_o concern_v ancient_a people_n to_o be_v acquaint_v respective_o with_o both_o this_o needful_a message_n than_o be_v direct_v 1._o to_o such_o age_a person_n who_o be_v yet_o in_o the_o state_n of_o unrenewed_a nature_n who_o have_v never_o pass_v through_o the_o new-birth_n nor_o know_v any_o thing_n by_o experience_n of_o regeneration_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o old_a nicodemus_n though_o a_o master_n in_o israel_n joh._n 3._o 9_o now_o that_o a_o fundamental_a repentance_n or_o conversion_n call_v it_o how_o you_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o all_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v i_o shall_v think_v be_v past_a dispute_n for_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o we_o come_v into_o the_o world_n in_o a_o sinful_a state_n and_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o baptism_n do_v not_o cure_v the_o soul_n of_o that_o disease_n but_o that_o all_o people_n in_o general_n have_v a_o strong_a propensity_n either_o to_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n or_o to_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n or_o to_o pride_n of_o life_n until_o a_o inward_a change_n be_v wrought_v in_o the_o heart_n which_o be_v the_o effectual_a call_v of_o a_o careless_a sinner_n to_o turn_v to_o god_n and_o godliness_n now_o if_o a_o age_a person_n have_v be_v a_o stranger_n to_o this_o grace_n though_o perhaps_o he_o have_v lead_v a_o sober_a industrious_a just_a yea_o a_o charitable_a life_n and_o also_o have_v comply_v with_o the_o outward_a act_n of_o devotion_n in_o use_n yet_o except_o the_o tree_n have_v be_v make_v good_a by_o regeneration_n it_o can_v have_v its_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n nor_o the_o end_n everlasting_a life_n i_o will_v therefore_o conjure_v all_o such_o 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or_o be_v hurt_v by_o it_o 30._o we_o must_v drink_v this_o cup_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n that_o we_o shall_v take_v some_o foreta_v of_o it_o especial_o consider_v the_o sequel_n of_o it_o that_o it_o set_v we_o on_o a_o everlasting_a shore_n it_o be_v time_n for_o old_a people_n to_o bethink_v they_o well_o since_o a_o crown_n or_o flame_n be_v just_a before_o they_o when_o you_o sit_v trim_v the_o fire_n ponder_v this_o whether_o you_o can_v endure_v the_o fire_n that_o be_v unquenchable_a when_o you_o lift_v up_o those_o dazzle_a eye_n towards_o heaven_n consider_v what_o title_n you_o have_v to_o the_o bless_a mansion_n there_o what_o have_v you_o to_o do_v below_o your_o traffic_v now_o shall_v be_v in_o invisibles_fw-fr you_o have_v study_v long_o enough_o how_o to_o live_v at_o length_n you_o shall_v study_v how_o to_o die_v these_o meditation_n be_v certain_o of_o great_a excellence_n and_o of_o great_a use._n better_a it_o be_v to_o 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and_o of_o any_o place_n in_o the_o world_n rather_o than_o of_o heaven_n but_o shall_v flesh_n and_o blood_n be_v gratify_v rather_o than_o our_o maker_n our_o redeemer_n our_o comforter_n our_o own_o soul_n god_n forbid_v how_o many_o unpleasant_a dose_n do_v we_o take_v to_o preserve_v or_o recover_v the_o health_n of_o the_o body_n but_o here_o the_o health_n and_o happiness_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n be_v concern_v i_o may_v bold_o say_v that_o death_n will_v prove_v a_o bitter_a cup_n to_o those_o that_o live_v at_o ease_n and_o that_o will_v make_v no_o acquaintance_n with_o it_o before_o it_o seize_v upon_o they_o we_o be_v surprise_v with_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v altogether_o new_a but_o frequent_a converse_n make_v the_o most_o fearful_a object_n familiar_a walk_v then_o into_o the_o place_n of_o skull_n make_v room_n for_o your_o coffin_n in_o your_o chamber_n or_o in_o your_o mind_n and_o call_v before_o you_o all_o the_o solemn_a circumstance_n of_o your_o own_o 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