A41668:73
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.
CHAP. III. Containeth a sharp reproof of those who devote their Flower and Prime to the service of Satan, and their sinful lusts, and reserve their decayed strength for God.
Use 1. IS it a duty incumbent upon all Young Men to consecrate themselves to the service of God? then such are to be reproved, who devote their Flower and Prime to the service of Satan, and their sinful lusts; and reserve their decayed strength for God, and his service, accounting the very dregs, and refuse of all, to be good enough for him, for whom the best and principal is not worthy.
Under the Law they were forbidden to offer any thing unto the Lord that had a blemish, or that were lame and blind, Lev. 3. 1. 22. 18, 19, 20. and Deut. 15. 21. And for transgressing this Law, the Lord reprehended his people by the Prophet, Malachi 1. 8. If ye offer the blind for Sacrifice, is it not evil? and if ye offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? Offer it now to thy Governor, will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person, saith the Lord of Hosts. Was the Lord greatly offended, when as men reserved the best of the Flocks to themselves, and offered the old, the blind, and the lame unto him? And will he be well pleased, that thou shouldst dedicate thy best unto Satan, and reserve for him only thy decrepit, lame, and withered age, when as thy body is full of diseases, and thy mind of infirmities? Will God accept the Devils leavings? Shall sin have thy blood, and thy spirits, and thy marrow, and thy God be put off with skin and bones? He that hath had the best, may even take all: God will laugh