A41668:210
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
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.
Whilst therefore the day of grace lasteth, whilst God stands knocking at the door of thine heart by the motions of his Spirit, and admonitions of his Ministers, speedily open to him, embrace his motions, be willing to follow the dictates of his Spirit in ways of obedience. Thou knowest not when thy day of grace will end. Though some mens day continueth to their old age, ⟨p. 50⟩some to the day of their death: yet some mens day of grace may end in their youth and younger years. Thy first day may be thine only day for Heaven, loiter out that, and thence forth it may be night with thee for ever.
Whilest therefore the day of grace lasteth, whilest God stands knocking at the door of thine heart by the motions of his Spirit, and admonitions of his Ministers, speedily open to him, embrace his motions, be willing to follow the dictates of his Spirit in ways of obedience. Thou knowest not when thy day of graee will end. Though some mens day continueth to their old age, ⟨p. 50⟩some to the day of their death: yet some mens day of grace may end in their youth and younger years. Thy first day may be thine only day for Heaven, loyter out that, and thence forth it may be night with thee for ever.
Therefore, O young man, how doth it concern thee to take the first and present season? Now hearken, now accept and submit to mercy, now give thy self unto God, be his faithful servant, to obey and serve him with all thy heart and strength, or the day may be lost, and thy soul lost for ever. Behold now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation. Thou knowest not what a day may bring forth, thou mayest suddenly be taken from the means of grace, or the means of grace may be suddenly taken from thee. The Sun of heavenly light, which now shineth, may set, and thou be left in darkness. The gate of mercy now opened to thee, may be shut against thee. The things belonging to thy peace may be hid from thee. There is a time coming, and we know not how near it is, in which, (as Christ saith) many shall seek to enter in, and shall not be able,