A41668:570
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 23: Of Moderation in Sports and Recreations.
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.
1. Consider the shortness and uncertainty of that time which is allotted to thee here, for the doing of all that is to be done for Eternity. Thy life here is but for a moment, in comparison of that which follows after; yet upon this moment depends thine Eternal state. Thou art in this World but a Probationer for the other ⟨p. 127⟩World. Look as thou behavest thy self here, either in well improving thy Time and Talent to the glory of God, or in mis-spending it in fruitless sports and recreations, and in satisfying thy carnal Lusts, accordingly will be thy state and condition hereafter to all Eternity.
O Young man, what a folly then must it needs be, to deprive thy self of that fullness of joy, which is at Gods right hand to all Eternity, for the enjoyment of a few pleasures here, which last but for a moment?
O Young man, what a folly then must it needs be, to deprive thy self of that fulness of joy, which is at Gods right hand to all Eternity, for the enjoyment of a few pleasures here, which last but for a moment?
2. Consider that the time here spent in vanity and pleasure will yield thee little comfort on thy death-bed. What was it wherewith Hezekiah comforted himself on his supposed death-bed? Not with calling to mind his former glory, pleasures and delights; but his serving God in integrity and uprightness of heart, Isa. 38. 1. Remember, O Lord, how I have walked before thee in truth and with an upright heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. This was that which then yielded hi• much peace and comfort.