A41668:695
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.
1. To look more after righteousness, than after riches; to inquire more after her Piety, than after her Portion; to know rather with what Religion she is endued, than with what Estate she is endowed. Alas what is the richest ⟨p. 155⟩Portion, the most exquisite Beauty, and the rarest parts, in comparison of a mind ennobled with Grace and Ver•ue?
1. To look more after righteousness, than after riches; to inquire more after her Piety, than after her Portion; to know rather with what Religion she is indued, than with what Estate she is indowed. Alas what is the richest ⟨p. 155⟩Portion, the most exquisite Beauty, and the rarest parts, in comparison of a mind inobled with Grace and Ver•ue?
A Wife, as well as an Husband, is the greatest outward comfort or cross in the world: So that to err once in the choice of a Wife, is in a manner to be undone for ever. Therefore, O Young Man, be sure thou seek unto God by Prayer, for his direction and assistance in this great work, upon which much of thy future happiness or misery doth depend.
2. Next to Piety, Prudence and Discretion is to be looked at in a Wife. For wisdom exceeds folly, as much as light exceeds darkness, Eccles. 2. 13. And indeed what is Beauty without discretion, but as a Jewel of Gold in a Swines snout,