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

I. First seek the Kingdom of God. Here is a Kingdom proffered to you, not an Earthly Kingdom, but the Kingdom of Heaven: here is a Crown set before you, not a Crown of Gold, but that which is infinitely more precious, a Crown of Glory: As mean as you are, you may be all Princes, Sons and Heirs of the King of Heaven, if you will look and seek after it. Some Youths have aspiring minds; like the Eagles they sore aloft, and would set their nests among the stars, as Obad. 4. you cannot aspire to a greater dignity, than to get a title to the Kingdom of God; here you may mount as high as you will in your aim without sin, and attain an eternal Habitation, and Mansion above the Stars, even in the Palace of Heaven. Some young men have covetous desires after the World, and they will spare no labour in seeking after earthly riches, and an Inheritance here below: Let me entreat you to covet earnestly the b•st riches; do not endeavour so much to hoard up riches, as to lay up treasures, I mean treasures in Heaven, which neither mo• nor rust can corrupt, nor thieves break through and steal, Mat. 6. 20. Get a title to the Inheritance which is incorruptible and undefiled, and sadeth not away, which Jesus Christ hath purchased and prepared. Some young men addict themselves to the pleasures of the flesh, they are very jovial and frolic in their youth, walking in the ways of their heart, and in the sight of their eyes, and very desirous of carnal delights, and sensual satisfactions; here are delights ⟨p. 17⟩and pleasures before you of a higher and purer nature, more real and substantial, more durable and lasting. The way•s of God are ways of pleasantness: But Oh what Joys are there laid up in store, what delights are there in Heaven, in the immediate vision and full fruition of God the chief good O seek the Kingdom of God, where there are full and everlasting pleasures.