A64999:65
Words of advice to young men delivered in two sermons at two conventions of…
Words of advice to young men delivered in two sermons at two conventions of young men, the one Decemb. 25, 1666, the other Decemb. 25, 1667 / by Thomas Vincent ...
London: printed for Thomas Parkhurst, 1668
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. Study the vanity and emptiness of all things here below; hearken to Reason, which will tell you so, because these things are unsuitable, unproportionable, uncertain, of a fading and perishing nature. Believe the report of the Word concerning the World and all things therein: Vanity of vanities saith the Preacher, all is vanity, Eccl. 1. 1. read that book throughout. Take the experience of others, who have tried the world, and after the fullest and most desirable enjoyment of these things, have come off with dissatisfaction. Think how dangerous it will be for you to try: Let the Rocks which others have split themselves upon, be a warning to you to steer your course another way. Never look for, never seek happiness in the World; believe me, it is not there to be found. And therefore do not lay up your treasure on Earth.
1. Study the vanity and emptiness of all things here below; hearken to Reason, which will tell you so, because these things are unsuitable, unproportionable, uncertain, of a fading and perishing nature. Believe the report of the Word concerning the World and all things therein: Vanity of vanities saith the Preacher, all is vanity, Eccl. 1. 1. read that book throughout. Take the experience of others, who have tryed the world, and after the fullest and most desireable enjoyment of these things, have come off with dissatisfaction. Think how dangerous it will be for you to try: Let the Rocks which others have split themselves upon, be a warning to you to steer your course another way. Never look for, never seek happiness in the World; believe me, it is not there to be found. And therefore do not lay up your treasure on Earth.
2. Look into the Word, where life and immortality is brought to light; where the glory and happiness of Heaven, and the things which God hath there prepared for them that love him, are in some measure revealed. Look into the Gospel, which like a Prospective-glass will give you some view of the glory which is above; there you may perceive that Heaven