CXLV expository sermons upon the whole 17th chapter of the Gospel according to St.…

Use. In the first place of Instruction. Though zealous beginnings may terribly degenerate, yet it's a blessed, and an happy thing to be working for God betimes; Though a man called at the twelfth hour into the Vineyard, shall be rewarded, yet it is a blessed thing to be one of the first in Gods Vineyard; to be as Timothy was, godly in the youth. The wicked world, as they have many Proverbs to encourage themselves in their wickedness, so this is none of the vilest, A young Saint an old Devil: This Gerson calls a blasphemous Proverb, and saith, His heart did often tremble to hear men say, Angelicus Juvenis senibus satanizat in Annis. Men take up this ungodly Proverb to procrastinate their conversion, to delay their repentance, to discourage early lookings towards heaven, as if all that did begin so soon, would turn devils at last. Though Judas did thus play the hypocrite, yet Timothy, godly from the youth, did not. Therefore begin even this day, this hour, only look thy beginnings be sound and sincere.

Use. In the first place of Instruction. Though zealous beginnings may terribly degenerate, yet it's a blessed, and an happy thing to be working for God betimes; Though a man called at the twelfth hour into the Vineyard, shall be rewarded, yet it is a blessed thing to be one of the first in Gods Vineyard; to be as Timothy was, godly in the youth. The wicked world, as they have many Proverbs to encourage themselves in their wickednesse, so this is none of the vilest, A young Saint an old Devil: This Gerson cals a blasphemous Proverb, and saith, His heart did often tremble to hear men say, Angelicus Juvenis senibus satanizat in Annis. Men take up this ungodly Proverb to procrastinate their conversion, to delay their repentance, to discourage early lookings towards heaven, as if all that did begin so soon, would turn devils at last. Though Judas did thus play the hypocrite, yet Timothy, godly from the youth, did not. Therefore beginne even this day, this hour, onely look thy beginnings be sound and sincere.

2. Use of Exhortation, To take heed of proving a Judas, How odious is his name? It's a Proverb to express a treacherous, false hearted man, to say, He is another Judas, and Judas his name is so abominated, that though in it self it be a good name, signifying as much as one that confesseth and praiseth God, yet I think there was scarce ever any Christian would name his child Judas, his actions are so abhorred, and yet for all this, How many are like Judas,