Words of advice to young men delivered in two sermons at two conventions of…

But young men, take heed of being overcome by the wicked one here, of being taken with the bait of profit and worldly advantage. Consider,

1. What the Apostle saith, 1 Tim. 6. 10, 11. They that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown them in perdition and destruction: For the love of money ⟨p. 85⟩is the root of all evil, which while some have coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. And then think with your selves whether there be a conveniency in unlawful gains: Is it convenient to be entangled and drowned? Is it convenient to make shipwreck of faith, and to make shipwreck of the soul? Is it convenient to wound the conscience with guilt, and pierce the heart with many sorrows? Are these things (the attendants of sin by this temptation) more gainful or more hurtful? Is it convenient to steal a Cloak which is infected with the Plague, and will bring death almost as soon as warmth? Is it convenient to gain any thing which shall be mingled with Gods curse, a far worse evil than that of the Plague? Consider, is there nothing lost by sinful gains? What think you of the favour of God, which is b•tter than life; of the peace of conscience, which is a continual feast; of grace here, and glory hereafter, the choicest treasures? Can any sinful gain our-balance that which is lost by sin?

1. What the Apostle saith, 1 Tim. 6. 10, 11. They that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown them in perdition and destruction: For the love of money ⟨p. 85⟩is the root of all evil, which while some have coeted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves thorow with many sorrows. And then think with your selves whether there be a conveniency in unlawful gains: Is it convenient to be entangled and drowned? Is it convenient to make shiowrack of faith, and to make shipwrack of the soul? Is it convenient to wound the conscience with guilt, and pierce the heart with many sorrows? Are these things (the attendants of sin by this temptation) more gainful or more hurtful? Is it convnient to steal a Cloak which is infected with the Plague, and will bring death almost as soon as warmth? Is it convenient to gain any thing which shall be mingled with Gods curse, a far worse evil than that of the Plague? Consider, is there nothing lost by sinful gains? What think you of the favour of God, which is btter than life; of the peace of conscience, which is a continual feast; of grace here, and glory hereafter, the choicest treasures? Can any sinful gain our-ballance that which is lost by sin?