The four last things viz. death, judgment, heaven, hell, practically considered and applied in…

Secondly, The choice of Eternal Felicity must be early in the prime of our days. The rule of our Duty, and Reason binds us to remember our Creator in our Youth, to pay to him the first fruits of our Time and Strength. When we are surrounded with enticing Objects, and the Senses are entire and most capable to enjoy them, when the electing Powers are in their vigour, then 'tis just we should live to God, obey him as our Law-giver, and prefer the fruition of him in Heaven, the reward of Obedience, before all the pleasures of Vanity. 'Tis very honourable and pleasing to God to give the Heart to him, when the Flesh and the World strongly solicit to withdraw it. 'Tis a high endearment of the Soul to him, when his Excellencies are prevalent in the Esteem and Affections above all the Charms of the Creatures. And 'tis an unspeakable satisfaction to the Spirit of a Man, to declare the truth and strength of his Love to God by despising Temptations when they are most inviting, and the Appetite is ⟨p. 399⟩eager for the enjoyment of them. But alas! how many neglect their Duty, and defer their Happiness? They think it too soon to live for Heaven before the evil Days come, wherein they shall have no pleasure; when they cannot sin, and vainly presume they can repent. The danger of this I have considered in the Discourse of Death, and shall therefore proceed to the next Head.

Secondly, The choice of Eternal Felicity must be early in the prime of our days. The rule of our Duty, and Reason binds us to remember our Creatour in our Youth, to pay to him the first fruits of our Time and Strength. When we are surrounded with inticing Objects, and the Senses are entire and most capable to enjoy them, when the electing Powers are in their vigour, then 'tis just we should live to God, obey him as our Law-giver, and prefer the fruition of him in Heaven, the reward of Obedience, before all the pleasures of Vanity. 'Tis very honourable and pleasing to God to give the Heart to him, when the Flesh and the World strongly solicit to withdraw it. 'Tis a high endearment of the Soul to him, when his Excellencies are prevalent in the Esteem and Affections above all the Charms of the Creatures. And 'tis an unspeakable satisfaction to the Spirit of a Man, to declare the truth and strength of his Love to God by despising Temptations when they are most inviting, and the Appetite is ⟨p. 399⟩eager for the enjoyment of them. But alas! how many neglect their Duty, and defer their Happiness? They think it too soon to live for Heaven before the evil Days come, wherein they shall have no pleasure; when they cannot sin, and vainly presume they can repent. The danger of this I have consider'd in the Discourse of Death, and shall therefore proceed to the next Head.