The truly blessed man, or, The way to be happy here, and forever being…

9. The longer you delay, the harder work you will find of it. It is the most unhappy way of arguing, for men to plead, they shall be better disposed afterward, when they grow into years, or their youthful lusts are tired out, or worldly business a little over, and in better order, &c. Assure your selves, he that is not ready to day, will be more unready to morrow: it is the deceitfulness of sin, to use delays on such pretences, while sin taketh faster hold, and gets deeper rooting; and custom in sin adds a second nature. When lust pleads hereafter, the true meaning is never. For helps in this affair;

1. Resolve in this to be the first and most necessary thing. It is a point of prudence to be rightly informed in this matter. The most that perish for […], have this plea to make for themselves, that they minded that which they accounted most necessary, yielding to the pleadings, and importunities of the flesh; but weigh things in an equal allance: enquire what will be of greatest moment •o you when come to part with time, and •hink that to be so now: And I am sure that will •• the favour of God.

1. Resolve in this to be the first and most necessary thing. It is a point of prudence to be rightly informed in this matter. The most that perish for 〈…〉, have this plea to make for themselves, that they minded that which they accounted most necessary, yielding to the pleadings, and importunities of the flesh; but weigh things in an equal allance: enquire what will be of greatest moment •o you when come to part with time, and •hink that to be so now: And I am sure that will •• the favour of God.