A practical commentary, or an exposition with observations, reasons, and uses upon the first…A practicall commentary, or an exposition with observations, reasons, and vses upon the first…

Use 1. May serve to teach all sorts of men.

Ʋse 1. May serve to teach all sorts of men.

1 Old men; If God hath his number among all ages and conditions of men, then God looks to have his number amongst you that are old men; say not, I have now long lived in another course, but come on to a Christian course, or if you began before, go on; I write unto you Fathers▪ because you have known him that was from the beginning; it may well beseem you to talk of the ancient Promises and Mercy of God; God looks that you should take away the reproach of Religion, that they may not say, none but young he•ds take up this course; do you this, remember that Religion is no point of indiscretion; no, an hoary head is a crown of glory if it be found in a way of righteousness; would you not think it a great misery if it should befall a Mariner after all Tempests, to suffer Shipwreck in the very havens mouth? so is it with old men, when you have run on through all the difficulties of this Life, in your last days, when you should arrive at the Haven of Peace, and Hope, and eternal Happiness, if you should sink and fail, what a misery were it? Tit. 2.1, 2. [Greek or Hebrew], Paul did consider that old age was an old crazy time; their he•ds unhealthful, their stomachs unhealthful, their hearts unhealthful, how should old age get healthful hearts again? why get an healthful spirit, a sound heart, an upright spirit; what a staff would this be to weak age? to have sound faith, to be sound in love, sound in meekness and patience? what a support will it be to them, to uphold all diseases and distempers? how will they be able to bear al• the Sicknesses of this age, when their spirits are lively, and their hearts comfortable, and Gods Spirit upholding them? that will be the staff and crown of old age; as therefore you desire to honour God, to support your old age, as you desire to go to the Grave with a Crown, give up your selves to God, that so the Apostles and Elders may acknowledge you as Fathers in Christ.