A41668:703
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. Nothing temporal can be made sure. This World is a World of uncertainties; The riches of it are uncertain riches, 2 Tim. 6. 17. The pleasures of it are uncertain pleasures, worldly Friends are uncertain Friends.
The Wheel of Providence is ever turning: Now one's at the top of the Wheel, and then another and another; and he that was just now at the top, by and by tumbles down, and the Wheel runs over him. How often do rich men break, and poor men get up in their rooms, and then tumble down after them, and give place to him that comes next. To day thou hast an Estate, but who can tell what thou mayst have to morrow? Such an uncertain World this is, and at such uncertainties are the things thereof, and there's no preventing it.
It's good to be sure of something. Since Earth can never be made sure, thou art the more concerned to make sure of Heaven. To have all at uncertainties, both here and hereafter, this is such a misery, as every one that is wise will do what he can to prevent.
2. If things Eternal be made sure, it's no great matter though things Temporal be at the greatest uncertainties. This world is uncertain; a world of changes, of disappointments, vexations, and all kinds of troubles: Why, let it be so; so Heaven be sure, no matter for all these lower uncertainties.