A41668:609
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.
Common experience telleth us, how many hopeful Young Men, who have blossomed fairly, and brought forth some good fruit, yet by frequenting the company of wicked and lewd persons, have proved very profane and debauched. The Philosophers do well observe, that all waters, both in colour and taste, do participate of the nature and disposition of those grounds through which they pass. In like manner men do participate of the disposition and manners of those, with whom they frequently and familiarly converse.
Common experience telleth us, how many hopeful Young Men, who have blossomed fairly, and brought forth some good fruit, yet by frequenting the company of wicked and lewd persons, have proved very prophane and debauch'd. The Philosophers do well observe, that all waters, both in colour and taste, do participate of the nature and disposition of those grounds through which they pass. In like manner men do participate of the disposition and manners of those, with whom they frequently and familiarly converse.
2. It is not for the honour of Gods Children, to hold intimate society and […] with wicked men; men being ⟨p. 135⟩generally reputed to be of their temper and disposition with whom they ordinarily and intimately converse; according to that old Proverb, Birds of a feather will flock together. The company, in which thou delightest, showeth what courses thou lovest, and what spirit thou art of. If therefore thou delightest in the company of lewd and profane persons, thou hast cause to suspect that thine heart is not right. The beloved Disciple John makes it a sign, That we are passed from Death to Life, if we love the Brethren, 1 Joh. 3. 14. And 'tis Love that makes their company delightful. And what sign is it in thee that lovest and associatest with the haters of the Brethren? Search and consider if this do not mark thee out for one whose Soul abideth in death.
2. It is not for the honour of Gods Children, to hold intimate society and with wicked men; men being