A41668:521
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
THE Young Man's Guide. › Chapter 20: Of the well-ordering our Actions.
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.
2. Let Love be the root of thy life. Let thy duties be the works of Faith, and labours of Love. The love of Christ constraineth us, 2 Cor. 5. 14. Christians love Christ, both his Person, and holy ways; and thence 'tis they follow him so fast. They love to be holy, and therefore follow Holiness; they love to pray, and love to hear, and love to labour for Christ, and to watch with Christ, and walk with him; and therefore 'tis they live a Praying, Hearing, Labouring, Watchful life. Love quickens them to duty, and love sweetens every duty. Young Man, thou wilt never bear through the hard services, and great severities of a godly life, thou wilt never •old out in that constant care, labour, watchfulness, ⟨p. 115⟩self-denial, which Religion will put thee upon, unless thy love to Christ do quicken thee on, and sweeten all to thee.
Carnal Professors, whatever they do, they do all for fear, or from force or fashion; they would be bad enough, or do little enough, if they did dare, if they were not afraid, or ashamed, or were it not from the influence of some things external upon them. Though thou also must make use of fear, and all manner of Arguments and helps to lead and press on thy backward heart, yet see to it, that thy love to Christ be the main Spring that sets all thy Wheels a going: this will both give vigour, and a sweet relish to all thou dost: and according to this, according to what love there is in thy duties, so will thy acceptance be with God.
2. Let the Word and Will of God be the Rule of thy life, Psal. 119. 9. Wherewithal shall a Young Man cleanse his way? The question may be enlarged, wherewithal shall a Young, or Old Man, cleanse and order his way? And the Answer will be the same, By taking heed thereto, according to thy Word. This Word is a Light to the feet, and a Lantern to the steps: it showeth thee what is good, and that good must be done: it showeth thee what is evil, and what evil is to be avoided: it showeth thee what good is to be done, and how; what evils are to be eschewed, and how thou mayst avoid them.