A41668:13
The young man's guide through the wilderness of this world to the heavenly Canaan…
The young man's guide through the wilderness of this world to the heavenly Canaan showing him how to carry himself Christian-like in the whole course of his life / by Tho. Gouge ...The young man's guide through the wilderness of this world to the heavenly Canaan shewing him how to carry himself Christian-like in the whole course of his life / by Tho. Gouge ...
London: printed by S. and B.G. for Nevil Simmons, 1676
Dedication: The Epistle Dedicatory to the Youth of England; especially to those who are in or about…
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
My self, and others, that stand upon the Brink of Eternity, by reason of Age, can see better than your selves (because we have had experience of it) that your Youthful time is a dangerous time; wherein, however you may now rejoice, yet if you take not heed, you may contract such guilt to your Souls, as may make you to mourn hereafter, yea for ever, Prov. 5. 11, 12, 13.
My self, and others, that stand upon the Brink of Eternity, by reason of Age, can see better than your selves (because we have had experience of it) that your Youthful time is a dangerous time; wherein, however you may now rejoyce, yet if you take not heed, you may contract such guilt to your Souls, as may make you to mourn hereafter, yea for ever, Prov. 5. 11, 12, 13.
You are apt to put by Convictions, and the Calls of Grace, in hope of longer life; and so to be unwilling yet to repent, because you are too confident that ye• you shall not die; as if Holiness were not a thing in season for such as you are.
But doth God put off doing good to you, till you are Old? Is he not Now preserving of you, and providing for you while you are Young? Why then will you put off the doing service to him till you are Old? What horrible unthankfulness is this to God? What ground have you to think, that you shall live so long? or that you shall without fail die Gods Servants, if you live Slaves to Sin and Satan?