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A call from heaven to the present and succeeding generations or A discourse wherein…A call from heaven to the present and succeeding generations or A discourse wherin…Increase Mather, 1679

Sermon

pp. 95–11441 passagespart 1 of 2

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.

:163p. 95

ECCLES. XII. I. Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy Youth.

ECCLES. XII. I. Remember now thy Creator in the dayes of thy Youth.

:164p. 95

Solomon in this Context doth apply himself to speak unto Young men, whom he doth, 1.Dehort. 2. Exhort.

Solom•n in this Context doth apply himself to speak unto Young men, whom he doth, 1.Dehort. 2. Exhort.

:165p. 95–96

His Dehortation is in the two last verses of the former Chapter. And it is 1. Ironically propounded, v. •9. Rejoice o• young man in thy Youth, &c. It is such another form of speech as that of the Prophet unto Ahab, 1 King.22.15. Go and prosper. ^[a]He saw that Ahab was set upon his design, & therefore by way of Irony bids him go, and see what would come of it. Thus Solomon here, I see Young man (•aith he) that thou art resolved to follow the pleasures and vanities, whatever the event shall be, Do so, and see what will come of it. Wherefore he addeth, Walk in the ways of thy heart, and in the sight of thine eyes. This is expressly forbidden elsewhere in the Scripture ^[b]A clear evidence that the wise man here speaketh by way of holy derision, & thence it is urther added, Know thou that for these things God will bring thee to judgement. q. d. Though its possible thou mayest escape judgement from men, parents, Magistrates, &c. yet not from the Lord. 2. This Dehortation is plainly expressed in the Verse immediately preceding this Text. Remove sorrow from thy heart. The Hebrew word translated sorrow, […]: d. Beware of inordinate passions which

:173p. 97–98¶2

2. This Remembrance which the Text speaketh of, doth imply Service and Obedience. Psal. 119. 55. I have remembered thy name, and have •ept thy law. As they that neglect the worship and Service which they owe to the blessed God, are said to forget him▪ Psal.9.17. The wicked shall be turned into d••ll, and all the Nations that forget God. That is to say, they that do not serve God. When the Children of Israel had forsaken the ways, and corrupted the worship of God, it was said, Israel hath forgotten his Ma•er▪ Hos.8.14. So on the other hand, the Service of God is noted by that of Remembering him▪ Remember thy Creator in the days of thy Youth, h.e. Seek and serve him betimes. As David exhorted his Son Solomon, ⟨p. 98⟩whilst yet in his Youth, 1.Chron.28.9.Know, and serve the Lord with a perfect heart and a willing mind. Hence the Performance of all religious duties, especially that great duty of Prayer, is implied in this Remembering which the Text speaketh of. Jon.2.7. I Remembered the Lord▪ (•aith the Prophet) and how was that? it followeth, my Prayer came unto thee, into thine holy Temple. We read in the Gospel of Children that prayed unto the Lord, they said Hosanna, i. e. Save now we beseech thee. Math. 21. 15. That is implied in Remembering God the Creator,

2. This Remembrance which the Text speaketh of, doth imply Service and Obedience. Psal. 119. 55. I have remembred thy name, and have •ept thy law. As they that neglect the worship and Service which they owe to the blessed God, are said to forget him▪ Psal.9.17. The wicked shall be turned into d••ll, and all the Nations that forget God. That is to say, they that doe not serve God. When the Children of Israel had forsaken the wayes, and corrupted the worship of God, it was said, Israel hath forgotten his Ma•er▪ Hos.8.14. So on the other hand, the Service of God is noted by that of Remembring him▪ Remember thy Creator in the dayes of thy Youth, h.e. Seek and serve him betimes. As David exhorted his Son Solomon, ⟨p. 98⟩whilst yet in his Youth, 1.Chron.28.9.Know, and serve the Lord with a perfect heart and a willing mind. Hence the Performance of all religious dutyes, especially that great duty of Prayer, is implyed in this Remembring which the Text speaketh of. Jon.2.7. I Remembred the Lord▪ (•aith the Prophet) and how was that? it followeth, my Prayer came unto thee, into thine holy Temple. We read in the Gospel of Children that prayed unto the Lord, they said Hosann•, i. e. Save now we beseech thee. Math. 21. 15. That is implyed in Remembring God the Creator,

:177p. 99¶2

2. The Truth of this Doctrine is evident, in that Parents are bound to teach their Children the fear of the Lord whilst they are young, Deut.6▪6,7. The words which I command thee, thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy Children. Again, it is said, Train up a Child in the way be should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it, Prov.22.6. To the same purpose is that of the Apostle, Eph.6.4. Ye Fathers bring up your Children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. And according unto this hath been the practice of Saints. The Lord himself doth testify concerning Abraham, that he would command his Children to keep the ways of the Lord, Gen. 18. 19. And Solomon doth acknowledge that his Father David was careful to instruct him, and put him in mind of God, whilst he was yet in the days of his Youth, Prov.4.3,4. I was my Fathers Son, he taught me, and said unto me, let thi•• heart retain my words. Yea, not only his Father, but his Mother also taught him the fear of the Lord, Prov.31.1,2. The words of King Lemuel, the Prophesy that his Mother taught him, what my Son! and what the Son of my womb! and what the Son of my vows! Now to what end were it, to teach Children and young ones to fear the Lord, if they were not bound to learn and do accordingly.

2. The Truth of this Doctrine is evident, in that Parents are bound to teach their Children the fear of the Lord whilst they are young, Deut.6▪6,7. The words which I command thee, thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy Children. Again, it is said, Train up a Child in the way be should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it, Prov.22.6. To the same purpose is that of the Apostle, Eph.6.4. Ye Fathers bring up your Children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. And according unto this hath been the practice of Saints. The Lord himself doth testify concerning Abraham, that he would command his Children to keep the wayes of the Lord, Gen. 18. 19. And Solomon doth acknowledge that his Father David was careful to instruct him, and put him in mind of God, whilst he was yet in the dayes of his Youth, Prov.4.3,4. I was my Fathers Son, he taught me, and said unto me, let thi•• heart retain my words. Yea, not only his Father, but his Mother also taught him the fear of the Lord, Prov.31.1,2. The words of King Lemuel, the Prophes• that his Mother taught him, what my Son! and what the Son of my womb! and what the Son of my voms! Now to what end were it, to teach Children and young ones to fear the Lord, if they were not bound to learn and do accordingly.

:182p. 100–101

Answ. Because youth is the fittest season to remember God in, ¹wherefore it is added in the Context, before the evil days come, when thou shalt say I have no pleasure in them. Old age is an evil time: and therefore (saith the wise man) thou must Remember and serve God in thy good days, if thou wouldest have him to remember and accept of thee in thy evil days: if thou neglectest God in the spring of thy years, what reason is there to think that he will regard thee when winter Age is come upon thee? Moreover, it is not easy to Turn unto the Lord in old age: A young plant is more easily plucked up then an old tree; so are young men with less difficulty transplanted, and ••ucked up out of the Soil of nature, then they that are grown old in the ways of sin. Old Diseases are hardly cured: so when men by a long continuance in a course of sin, have contracted almost incurable habits of sin, how hard a work will it be to convert them? were it not that all things with God are possible, it could not be. Wherefore the Scripture saith, can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the Leopard his spots? then may you also d•e good, that are accustomed to do evil. Jer. 13.23. When Satan hath hel• possession a long-time, it is not an easy work to out […], and ⟨p. 101⟩disposes him. We read of one in the Gospel that had a most terrible dispossession, Mark 9.25,26. Jesus rebuked the foul spirit, saying, I charge thee come out of him and enter no more into him: and the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him, and he was as one dead, insomuch that many said, he is dead. How difficult and how painful was this Dispossession? Why? v.21. It is noted that the Father of that young man being enquired of, how long he had been in that condition, he said, Of a child. Truly, they that spend their childhood in the Service of Satan, if ever they be converted, are wont to have dreadful Conversions at last. Therefore Young men should turn to God betimes, that so they may escape those bitter pangs, which otherwise they must expect to undergo if ever good come of them.

Answ. Because youth is the fittest season to remember God in, ¹wherefore it is added in the Context, before the evil dayes come, when thou shalt say I have no pleasure in them. Old age is an evil time: and therefore (saith the wise man) thou must Remember and serve God in thy good dayes, if thou wouldest have him to remember and accept of thee in thy evil dayes: if thon neglectest God in the spring of thy years, what reason is there to think that he will regard thee when winter Age is come upon thee? Moreover, it is not easy to Turn unto the Lord in old age: A young plant is more easily plucked up then an old tree; so are young men with less difficulty transplanted, and ••ucked up out of the Soyl of nature, then they that are grown old in the wayes of sin. Old Diseases are hardly cured: so when men by a long continuance in a course of sin, have contracted almost incurable habits of sin, how hard a work will it be to convert them? were it not that all things with God are possible, it could not be. Wherefore the Scripture saith, can the AEthiopian change his skin, or the Leopard his spots? then may you also d•e good, that are accustomed to doe evil. Jer. 13.23. When Satan hath hel• possessi•n a long-time, it is not an easy work to out 〈…〉, and ⟨p. 101⟩disposses him. We read of one in the Gospel that had a most terrible dispossession, Mark 9.25,26. Jesus rebuked the foul spirit, saying, I charge thee come out of him and enter no more into him: and the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him, and he was as one dead, insomuch that many said, he is dead. How difficult and how painfull was this Dispossession? Why? v.21. It is noted that the Father of that young man being enquired of, how long he had been in that condition, he said, Of a child. Truly, they that spend their childhood in the Service of Satan, if ever they be converted, are wont to have dreadfull Conversions at last. Therefore Young men should turn to God betimes, that so they may escape those bitter pangs, which otherwise they must expect to undergoe if ever good come of them.

1[…] eas.I.〈…〉 eas.I.

:183p. 101–102

From the good and benefit which doth follow upon Remembering and Turning to God betimes: ¹as it is said, Lam.3.27. It is good for a man to bear the yoke in his Youth: so it is good for a man to turn to God, and to put his neck under his yoke in his Youth. It was the Saying of one, that if it were lawful fo• him to envy the happiness of any, he would envy the happiness of those that turn to God betimes, because they are freed from a world of sin and sorrow, which otherwise they would become subject unto. And this is the way to become eminent for God. There is a wretched Proverb in the world, viz. That a young Saint will prove an old Devil. I remember ^[c]Erasmus saith, the Devil was the Author of that Proverb: For nothing can be more contrary to the Scriptu••. The most eminent Saints that we read of there, were such as did Remember God in the days of their Youth. As now, Joseph proved an eminent good man: There ⟨p. 102⟩is reason to think that all Jacobs Children were good men before they dyed, but none of them to be compared with Joseph: and though he were the youngest but one, yet it seemeth evident that he was converted before any of his Brethren who were older then he. Job was an eminent Saint, not a man upon the face of the whole earth so good as he; and Job was one that made Conscience of his ways even from his Youth. Job 31.18. David was a man that attained a great measure of Grace before •e dyed, and he was godly even from his Childhood. Therefore doth he speak as in Psal.71.5. Thou art my hope O Lord God, thou art my trust from my youth. & again, v.17. O God thou hast taught me from my Youth & hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works. So that David had Faith in Christ, and was savingly taught of God even from his Youth. Obadiah was an eminent Servant of God, and he could say, I fear the Lord from my Youth. 1.King.18.22. Josiah was eminent for God, and of him we read, that while he was young he began to seek after the Lord God of David his Father. He was truly converted when he was but sixteen years old.2.Chr.34.3. Timothy was an eminent Minister, & (as Ecclesiastical Story reports) at last he dyed a Martyr of Jesus Christ; now he was savingly acquainted with the holy Scriptures [apo•rephous] from a little child. 2.Tim.3.•5. Thus we s•e how God hath owned and blessed those that have Remembered their Creator in the days of their Youth.

From the good and benefit which doth follow upon Remembring and Turning to God betimes: ¹as it is said, Lam.3.27. It is good for a man to bear the yoke in his Youth: so it is good for a man to turn to God, and to put his neck under his yoke in his Youth. It was the Saying of one, that if it were lawfull fo• him to envy the happiness of any, he would envy the happiness of those that turn to God betimes, because they are freed from a world of sin and sorrow, which otherwise they would become subject unto. And this is the way to become eminent for God. There is a wretched Proverb in the world, viz. That a young Saint will prove an old Devill. I remember ^[c]Erasmus saith, the Devill was the A•thor of that Proverb: For nothing can be more contrary to the Scriptu••. The most eminent Saints that we read of there, were such as did Remember God in the dayes of their Youth. As now, Joseph proved an eminent good man: There ⟨p. 102⟩is reason to think that all Jacobs Children were good men before they dyed, but none of them to be compared with Joseph: and though he were the youngest but one, yet it seemeth evident that he was converted before any of his Brethren who were older then he. Job was an eminent Saint, not a man upon the face of the whole earth so good as he; and Job was one that made Conscience of his wayes even from his Youth. Job 31.18. David was a man that attained a great measure of Grace before •e dyed, and he was godly even from his Childhood. Therefore doth he speak as in Psal.71.5. Thou art my hope O Lord God, thou art my trust from my youth. & again, v.17. O God thou hast taught me from my Youth & hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works. So that David had Faith in Christ, and was savingly taught of God even from his Youth. Obadiah was an eminent Servant of God, and he could say, I fear the Lord from my Youth. 1.King.18.22. Josiah was eminent for God, and of him we read, that while he was young he began to seek after the Lord God of David his Father. He was truely converted when he was but sixteen years old.

1Reas.•
[c]Inpietate Juven. Angelicus Javen is se•bus […] in and is v. Heidfeldii sph•• Philos.p.395.Inpietate Juven. Angelicus Javen is se•bus 〈…〉 in and is v. Heidfeldii sph•• Philos.p.395.

:185p. 102–103

[…]. 3. Young men are subject to the stroke of Death as well as others, Job.21.23. One dyeth in his full strength. The young man of Nain whom Christ restored to life; notwithstanding his Youth, was subject to the stroke of Death, Luk.7.14. And Jairus his daughter was but about twelve years of Age, when she lay a dying, Luk.8.42. was not Eutichus a young man? ⟨p. 103⟩and yet he fell down from an upper Chamber, and was taken up dead, Act.20.9. were not Jobs Children young men? and yet they dyed suddenly. Was not Absalom a young man, and his brother Adonijah a young man when death surprised them? Did not Ely's Sons dye in the flower of their Age? 1 Sam.2.33. Now if young men Remember their Creator so as to repent of sin, and make sure of an Interest in Christ before death cometh, then happy shall they be. As Jeroboam's good Son, though he were a child •e dyed; 1 King.14.17. but inasmuch as in him there was found some good thing toward the Lord God of Israel, death did him no hurt, only he was taken away from the evil to come, that his eyes might not behold the miserable ruin, that was coming upon his Fathers Family. But if death find a young man in his sins, in an unconverted, Christless estate, woe to him that ever he was born! His naked Soul must appear before God his Creator, and receive a Sentence of eternal Damnation.

〈…〉. 3. Young men are subject to the stroke of Death as well as others, Job.21.23. One dyeth in his full stren•th. The young man of Naim whom Christ restored to life; notwithstanding his Youth, was subject to the stroke of Death, Luk.7.14. And Jairus his daughter was but about twelve years of Age, when she lay a dying, Luk.8.42. was not Eutichus a young man? ⟨p. 103⟩and yet he fell down from an upper Chamber, and was taken up dead, Act.20.9. were not Jobs Children young men? and yet they dyed suddenly. Was not Absalom a young man, and his brother Adonijah a young man when death surprized them? Did not Ely's Sons dye in the flower of their Age? 1 Sam.2.33. Now if young men Remember their Creator so as to repent of sin, and make sure of an Interest in Christ before death cometh, then happy shall they be. As Jeroboams good Son, though he were a child •e dyed; 1 King.14.17. but inasmuch as in him there was found some good thing toward the Lord God of Israel, death did him no hurt, only he was taken away from the evil to come, that his eyes might not behold the miserable ruine, that was coming upon his Fathers Family. But if death find a young man in his sins, in an unconverted, Christle•s estate, woe to him that ever he was born! His naked Soul must appear before God his Creator, and receive a Sentence of eternal Damnation.

:188p. 103–104

Consider, ¹what special Reason they that are of the younger Rising Generation in New-England have to Remember their Creator. Now there is cause for it more then ever, In that there are so few that do so. Multitudes of young men are risen up in this Land, who have been forgetting God all their days; unto whom the ⟨p. 104⟩Lord may say as Jer.22.21. This hath been thy ••• ner from thy youth, that thou obeyest not my voice. And as it was said, concerning them of old, the Children of Israel, and the Children of Ju•a• have only done evil before […] from their Youth; Jer.32.30. It is true, that there are some young ones that are Remembering, & turning to the Lord, which ought to be acknowledged to the praise of his glorious grace, yet it must be said with lamentation, that the generality of the Youth in this Land, walk in ways of looseness, profaneness, pride, drinking, gaming, o• in a careless neglect of God, and of their own Souls. Hence the Lord doth not seem to take pleasure in many of the Youth of this Country. • it is a sad word that is spoken, Isai.9.17 The Lord shall have no joy in their young men. How many young men even in New-England, that have been cut off either by Sword or sickness within these two years? now shall the Lord have cause to complain as he doth by the Prophet, (Amos 4.10.) your young men have I slain with the Sword, yet have you not returned unto me. Moreover, young men in this Country enjoy means of grace plentifully dispensed, God is calling from Heaven to them, and striving with them, in the days of their youth, and therefore if they forget him, they will be left most inexcusable before his Judgement Seat. Yea, and many are the Children of godly Parents, ²and in that respect under peculiar engagement to seek and serve the Lord, who is not only their Creator, but the God of their Fathers. Their God not only by right of Creation, but in respect of his holy Covenant.

Consider, ¹what special Reason they that are of the younger Rising Generation in New-England have to Remember their Creator. Now there is cause for it more then ever, In that there are so few that do so. Multitudes of young men are risen up in this Land, who have been forgetting God all their dayes; unto whom the ⟨p. 104⟩Lord may say as Jer.22.21. This hath been thy ••• ner from thy youth, that thou obeyest not my voice. And as it was said, concerning them of old, the Children of Israel, and the Children of Ju•a• have only done evil before 〈…〉 from their Youth; Jer.32.30. It is true, that there are some young ones that are Remembring, & turning to the Lord, which ought to be acknowledged to the praise of his glorious grace, yet it must be said with lamentation, that the generality of the Youth in this Land, walk in wayes of loosness, profaneness, pride, drinking, gaming, o• in a careless neglect of God, and of their own Souls. Hence the Lord doth not seem to take pleasure in many of the Youth of this Country. • it is a sad word that is spoken, Isai.9.17 The Lord shall have no joy in their young men. How many young men even in New-England, that have been cut off either by Sword or sickness within these two years? now shall the Lord have cause to complain as he doth by the Prophet, (Amos 4.10.) your young men have I slain with the Sword, yet have you not returned unto me. Moreover, young men in this Country enjoy means of grace plentifully dispensed, God is calling from Heaven to them, and striving with them, in the dayes of their youth, and therefore if they forget him, they will be left most inexcusable before his Judgement Seat. Yea, and many are the Children of godly Parents, ²and in that respect under peculiar engagement to seek and serve the Lord, who is not only their Creator, but the God of their Fathers. Their God not only by right of Creation, but in respect of his holy Covenant.

1Mot.
2[…] the […] Chron. […]. 9.〈…〉 the 〈…〉 Chron. 〈…〉. 9.

:189p. 104–105¶2

2. Consider, How pleasing it will be to the Lord, if you do indeed Remember him in the days of your Youth, Jer.2.2. I remember the kindness of thy Youth. You heard but now, how the Lord is pleased with first, fruits, When Abel brought of the fir••••ngs of his Flock ⟨p. 105⟩the Lord […] respect to Abel and his offering, Gen.14.4. we read also, how the Lord chose the Almond Tree, Numb. 17. 8. now that's the first Tree that blossoms. The fruit of it is ripe in the Spring; ^[d]yea, (as •riters affirm) in the first month of the year. So when young men shall bring forth the fruit of Repentance, Faith, and holiness, that pleaseth the Lord. He hath a sp• cial delight in young men who truly fear and serve him, Hos. 11.1. When Israel was a Child then I loved him: One of the Ancients observeth that Christ loved his youngest Disciple best. John was the beloved Disciple, and he is reported to be younger at his first calling, then any of the Disciples of the Lord Jesus. And we find in the Scripture how the Lord blessed little Children when they came to him, or were brought to him, Mar. 10.13,14,16. They brought young Children to him, and when Jesus saw it, he said, suffer little Children to come unto me, and for bid them not—and He took them up in his Arms, and blessed them. You young ones hearken, would you not have the Son of God to bless you, O come to him, now in the days of your Youth, and he will surely bless you, for his Arms are open to receive you. And such are the special Subjects of a gracious promise, Prov.8.17. They that seek me early shall find me. If you will be persuaded to seek the Lord whilst it is yet early days with you, Christ hath promised, that you shall find him, and Everlasting Life and happiness by him.

2. Consider, How pleasing it will be to the Lord, if you do indeed Remember him in the dayes of your Youth, Jer.2.2. I remember the kindness of thy Youth. You heard but now, how the Lord is pleased with first, fruits, When Abel brought of the fir••••ngs of his Flock ⟨p. 105⟩the Lord 〈…〉 respect to Abel and his offering, Gen.14.4. we read also, how the Lord chose the Almond Tree, Numb. 17. 8. now that's the first Tree that blossoms. The fruit of it is ripe in the Spring; ^[d]yea, (as •riters affirm) in the first moneth of the year. So when young men shall bring forth the fruit of Repentance, Faith, and holiness, that pleaseth the Lord. He hath a sp• cial delight in young men who truly fear and serve him, Hos. 11.1. When Israel was a Child then I loved him: One of the Antients obser••th that Christ loved his youngest Disciple best. John was the beloved Disciple, and he is reported to be younger at his first calling, then any of the Disciples of the Lord Jesus. And we find in the Scripture how the Lord blessed little Children when they came to him, or were brought to him, Mar. 10.13,14,16. They brought young Children to him, and when Jesus saw it, he said, suffer little Children to come unto me, and for bid them not—and He took them up in his Arms, and blessed them. You young ones hearken, would you not have the Son of God to bless you, O come to him, now in the dayes of your Youth, and he will surely bless you, for his Arms are open to receive you. And such are the special Subjects of a gracious promise, Prov.8.17. They that seek me early shall find me. If you will be perswaded to seek the Lord whilst it is yet early dayes with you, Christ hath promised, that you shall find him, and Everlasting Life and happiness by him.

[d]The Hebrew word for Almond Tree is Sheked, […] cometh from a Verb signifying make hast, Jer.1.11. […] that Tree above all others in maketh haste to bear fruit. Floomnium prima Amygd Mense Januario Martio […] pomum maturat. Bochar […] Plin. Nat. Hist. 1. 16.c. Drus. Miscell Ce••. 1. c. R. Kimchi in verbo ShakeThe Hebrew word for Almond Tree is Sheked, 〈…〉 cometh from a Verb signifying make hast, Jer.1.11. 〈…〉 that Tree above all others in maketh haste to bear fruit. Floomnium prima Amygd Mense Januario Martio 〈…〉 pomum maturat. Bochar 〈…〉 Plin. Nat. Hist. 1. 16.c. Drus. Miscell Ce••. 1. c. R. Kimchi in verbo Shak

:190p. 105–106¶3

3. Consider the danger of neglecting God in the days of Youth. It may be it will cost thee thy life, yea, the ⟨p. 106⟩life of thy Soul for ever. Who knoweth but that the Time of Youth is the only time which the Lord will allow you to repent, and make your peace with God in, through Jesus Christ? If these golden days be lost, probably thou wilt be undone for ever. I must needs tell you, that for the most part it is so, that men are either converted in youth or not at all. We read but of one that was called at the eleventh hour. If a Tree do not blossom in the Spring▪ it is commonly dead all the year after. So they that are not converted in the Spring of their Age, are rarely converted at all. Now and then one is converted in old Age, but such Examples are exceeding rare. Especially, it is true with respect unto those that have in the days of their youth lived under the means of grace, heard many Sermons, experienced frequent strivings of the Spirit of God with their hearts, if they remain unconverted until the days of their Youth are past and gone, the Lord usually giveth them up to Judicial hardness of heart, that they shall never be converted, never saved. Young men think sadly of it in the fear of God.

3. Consider the danger of neglecting God in the dayes of Youth. It may be it will cost thee thy life, yea, the ⟨p. 106⟩life of thy Soul for ever. Who knoweth but that the Time of Youth is the only time which the Lord will allow you to repent, and make your peace with God in, through Jesus Christ? If these golden dayes be lost, probably thou wilt be undone for ever. I must needs tell you, that for the most part it is so, that men are either converted in youth or not at all. We read but of one that was called at the eleventh hour. If a Tree do not blossome in the Spring▪ it is commonly dead all the year after. So they that are not converted in the Spring of their Age, are rarely converted at all. Now and then one is converted in old Age, but such Examples are exceeding rare. Especially, it is true with respect unto those that have in the dayes of their youth lived under the means of grace, heard many Sermons, experienced frequent strivings of the Spirit of God with their hearts, if they remain unconverted until the dayes of their Youth are past and gone, the Lord usually giveth them up to Judicial hardness of heart, that they shall never be converted, never saved. Young men think sadly of it in the fear of God.

:191p. 106–107¶4

4. Consider, what Examples have been set before you, of early Conversions. Have you not read or heard of those that have turned to God in the days of their Youth? nay, that in their Childhood, the fear of God hath been planted in their hearts, that they have no sooner began to have the use of Reason, but one might discern signs and effects of grace in their souls. There is a ^[e]Book which many of you have in your houses, that giveth an account of thirteen Children, the eldest of them not above fourteen years old, some of them but seven years old, some not so much, that nevertheless it was evident that the fear of God and unfeigned love to Jesus Christ was wrought in their hearts. And there is a printed Relation of ^[f]a ⟨p. 107⟩Child that dyed not long since in this Country, who for several years before his death, had his heart changed and was made a new Creature. O how may this shame many young ones that are here before the Lord this day, who […] are older then that Child was, it may be fifteen years old, nay, perhaps twenty years old; and for all that, in a natural, Christless Estate to this day. Lamentable is thy condition, that hast lived so▪long under means of grace, and yet continuest an unconverted Creature. God be merciful to thee, and help thee to think of it.

4. Consider, what Examples have been set before you, of early Conversions. Have you not read or heard of those that have turned to God in the dayes of their Youth? nay, that in their Childhood, the fear of God hath been planted in their hearts, that they have no sooner began to have the use of Reason, but one might discern signs and effects of grace in their souls. There is a ^[e]Book which many of you have in your houses, that giveth an account of thirteen Children, the eldest of them not above fourteen years old, some of them but seven years old, some not so much, that nevertheless it was evident that the fear of God and unfeigned love to Jesus Christ was wrought in their hearts. And there is a printed Relation of ^[f]a ⟨p. 107⟩Child that dyed not long since in this Country, who for several years before his death, had his heart changed and was made a new Creature. O how may this shame many young ones that are here before the Lord this day, who 〈…〉 are older then that Child was, it may be fifteen years old, nay, perhaps twenty years old; and for all that, in a natural, Christless Estate to this day. Lamentable is thy condition, that hast lived so▪long under means of grace, and yet continuest an unconverted Creature. God be merciful to thee, and help thee to think of it.

[e]Mr. ••ne•ays ••ken for children.Mr. ••ne•ays ••ken for ••ildren.
[f]John •p.

:192p. 107¶5

5. Consider you have a great work to do before you go out of this world,&but a little time to do it in. As young as you are, you have much sin to repent of, and to obtain the pardon of, Original sin thou art guilty of, and that must be mortified. And who can declare how many actual sins thou hast committed in words, thoughts, and deeds, that have been evil? and all those to repent of, and endeavour that they may be mortified: and but little time to be attending works of this nature: for what is your life? It is but a vapour that appeareth for a little while, and then vanisheth away. Jam. 4. 14. If a man have a long journey to go in a winters day, he had need set out betimes. Thou hast a long journey to go: Is it not a long journey from earth to heaven? and but a winters day to dispatch this journey. When once the short day of thy life is expired, then it will be too late. There is no work in the Grave whether thou art going. O then up betimes, be going, he doing, and the Lord be with thee.

5. Consider you have a great work to doe before you go out of this world,&but a little time to doe it in. As young as you are, you have much sin to repent of, and to obtain the pardon of, Original sin thou art guilty of, and that must be mortified. And who can declare how many actual sins thou hast committed in words, thoughts, and deeds, that have been evil? and all those to repent of, and endeavour that they may be mortified: and but little time to be attending works of this nature: for what is your life? It is but a vapor that appeareth for a little while, and then vanisheth away. Jam. 4. 14. If a man have a long journey to goe in a winters day, he had need set out betimes. Thou hast a long journey to goe: Is it not a long journey from earth to heaven? and but a winters day to dispatch this journey. When once the short day of thy life is expired, then it will be too late. There is no work in the Grave whether thou art going. O then up betimes, be going, he doing, and the Lord be with thee.

:194p. 107–109¶1

1. Beware of those sins especially which they that are in their Childhood and Youth are most subject unto, and apt to be carried away from God by. 2.Tim.2.22. Flee youthful lusts, […], those sins which Youth is mostly exposed ⟨p. 108⟩unto. It is infinite mercy to be kept pure from the corruptions of Youth. If ever you should find grace to repent of the sins of Youth, and so to obtain the pardon of them, yet they will be bitterness and shame to you all your days. Those vanities of Youth, which now thou art so foolish as to delight in, it may be they will be a trouble to thee forty years hence, shouldst thou live so long. Doth not Job complain saying, Thou makest me to possess the iniquities of my youth. Job.13.26. And did not holy David pray, as in Psal.25.7. Remember not the sins of my youth, And doth not converted Ephraim make an humble confession concerning the sins of Youth, Jer. 31. 19. I was ashamed, yea even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my Youth. So it is, that the remembrance of the sins & vanities of Youth, are matter of reproach & shame a long time after: yea the very thought of them doth fill the soul that is truly converted, with an holy confusion of face. Beware then of the sins of Youth▪ To instance in some particulars, Pride is a […] that young ones are very much under the power of Hence we see that young people are strangely addicted to vanity in Apparel: Proud fashions they must and will follow, there's no persuading them to the contrary: but beware of that sin. So for stubbornness and disobedience to Superiors, it is an evil that Youth is very subject unto. You that are Servants, young men and maids that are here before the Lord; have not you been guilty of stubborn, disobedient carriage towards your Masters? though God in his word tells you that you ought to be obedient to them with fear and trembling, Eph.6.5. And you that are Children, have not you disobeyed-your Parents? Thou hast been disobedient to thy Father sometimes, but especially to thy Mother. Thy heart may ache to think what is like to come on thee, if thou ⟨p. 109⟩repent not speedily, Did you ever know any dye upon the Gallows, but they confessed they had been guilty of this sin, and thereby provoked the Lord to leave them unto those things which have brought them to untimely, unhappy ends? And this is but according to what the Scripture speaketh, Prov.30.17.

1. Beware of those sins especially which they that are in their Childhood and Youth are most subject unto, and apt to be carried away from God by. 2.Tim.2.22. Flee youthfull lusts, 〈…〉, those sins which Youth is mostly exposed ⟨p. 108⟩unto. It is infinite mercy to be kept pure from the corruptions of Youth. If ever you should find grace to repent of the sins of Youth, and so to obtain the pardon of them, yet they will be bitterness and shame to you all your dayes. Those vanityes of Youth, which now thou art so foolish as to dellght in, it may be they will be a trouble to thee forty years hence, should'st thou live so long. Doth not Job complain saying, Thou makest me to possess the iniquityes of my youth. Job.13.26. And did not holy David pray, as in Psal.25.7. Remember not the sins of my youth, And doth not converted Ephraim make an humble confession concerning the sins of Youth, Jer. 31. 19. I was ashamed, yea even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my Youth. So it is, that the remembrance of the sins & vanityes of Youth, are matter of reproach & shame a long time after: yea the very thought of them doth fill the soul that is truly converted, with an holy confusion of face. Beware then of the sins of Youth▪ To instance in some particulars, Pride is a 〈…〉 that young ones are very much under the power of Hence we see that young people are strangly addicted to vanity in Apparel: Proud fashions they must and will follow, there's no perswading them to the contrary: but beware of that sin. So for stubborness and disobedience to Superiours, it is an evill that Youth is very subject unto. You that are Servants, young men and maids that are here before the Lord; have not you been guilty of stubborn, disobedient carriage towards your Masters? though God in his word tels you that you ought to be obedient to them with fear and trembling, Eph.6.5. And you that are Children, have not you disobeyed-your Parents? Thou hast been disobedient to thy Father sometimes, but especially to thy Mother. Thy heart may ake to think what is like to come on thee, if thou ⟨p. 109⟩repent not speedily, Did you ever know any dye upon the Galows, but they confessed they had been guilty of this sin, and thereby provoked the Lord to leave them unto those things which have brought them to untimely, unhappy ends? And this is but according to what the Scripture speaketh,

:195p. 109–110¶1

The eye that mocketh at his Father, and despiseth to obey his Mother, the Ravens of the Valley shall pick it out, and the young Eagles shall eat it. Intimating that such Children are like to come unto miserable and shameful deaths at last. Again, lying is a sin, which Childhood and Youth is for the most part deeply guilty of, Psal.58.3. They go astray as soon •s they be born speaking Lies. How natural is it for Children to commit a fault, and then to excuse it by telling a Lye? Art thou a lying Child? then the Devil is thy Father, and except thou repent of this sin, and beware of it for the time to come, when once thy Soul is out of thy body, it must be cast into that Lake which burneth with fire and brimstone which is the second Death, Joh.8.44. Rev▪21.8. So for breaches of the seventh Commandment, they are Youthful Lusts. Wherefore Solomon •aith, that he looked out at the window of his house, and discerned amongst the Youths a young man void of understanding, and he was going to an whore house like an Ox to the slaughter, or a fool to the correction of the Stocks, not knowing that it is for his life, nor considering that her house is the way to Hell, going down to the chambers of Death, Prov. 7.7,&c. Young men whose natures are not changed by the regenerating grace of the Spirit of God, do usually live in some unclean lust or other. Either Fo•ication, or self-pollution, or in secret wanton pranks of darkness. You young men whose Consciences accuse you of guilt before the Lord in respect of these evils, I charge you in the Name of God, ⟨p. 110⟩that you humble your selves deeply in his sight for past transgressions, and sin no more, as ever you desire to escape eternal Damnation. Though these cursed Lusts may be as dear to you as life and limbs, yet better to pluck out thy right eye, to cut off thy right hand, then that thy whole body▪ should be cast into Hell fire, where▪ the worm dieth not, and where the fire never shall be quenched.

The eye that mocketh at his Father, and despiseth to obey his Mother, the Ravens of the Valley shall pick it out, and the young E•gles shall eat it. Intimating that such Children are like to come unto miserable and shameful deaths at last. Again, lying is a sin, which Childhood and Youth is for the most part deeply guilty of, Psal.58.3. They go astray as soon •s they be born speaking Lyes. How natural is it for Children to commit a fault, and then to excuse it by telling a Lye? Art thou a lying Child? then the Devil is thy Father, and except thou repent of this sin, and beware of it for the time to come, when once thy Soul is out of thy body, it must be cast into that Lake which burneth with fire and brimstone which is the second Death, Joh.8.44. Rev▪21.8. So for breaches of the seventh Commandment, they are Youthful Lusts. Wherefore Solomon •aith, that he looked out at the window of his house, and discerned amongst the Youths a young man void of understanding, and he was going to an whore house like an Ox to the slaughter, or a fool to the correction of the Stocks, not knowing that it is for his life, nor considering that her house is the way to Hell, going down to the chambers of Death, Prov. 7.7,&c. Young men whose natures are not changed by the regenerating grace of the Spirit of God, do usually live in some unclean lust or other. Either Fo•ication, or self-pollution, or in secret wanton pranks of darkness. You young men whose Consciences accuse you of guilt before the Lord in respect of these evils, I charge you in the Name of God, ⟨p. 110⟩that you humble your selves deeply in his sight for past transgressions, and sin no more, as ever you desire to escape eternal Damnation. Though these cursed Lusts may be as dear to you as life and limbs, yet better to pluck out thy right eye, to cut off thy right hand, then that thy whole body▪ should be cast into Hell fire, where▪ the worm dieth not, and where the fire never shall be quenched.

:197p. 110–111

Once more: Sinful Company keeping is an evil that young men are apt to be drawn away from God their Creator by. Many an hopeful young man, that hath been well instructed, that hath had great convictions upon his spirit, and friends that wished him him well, have been comforted in him; yet hath afterwards fallen in with bad Company, and that hath proved the eternal ruin of his Soul. I have known young men that upon sick-beds, and death-beds, have ⟨p. 111⟩made lamentable cries, O my sinful Company keeping hath undone me for ever! Therefore let young men remember what the Scripture speaketh to them, My son if sin•••s entice thee consent thou not▪ Walk not thou in way of them, refrain thy foot from their path, Prov.1.10.15. Again, He that walketh with the wise shall be wise▪ but a Companion of Fools shall be destroyed, Prov.13.20. Young man, wouldest thou not be destroyed? then be not a Companion of Fools. Remember also what David faith, and follow his example, Psal.26.4,5,9. I have not sate with vain persons. I have hated the Congregation of evil doers, and will not sit with the wicked. Gather not my Soul with Sinners. When thou dyest, thou wouldst not have thy soul to be gathered to the place where sinners must be for ever▪ then •it not with them, hold not familiarity with them now: For they that are thy Companions and Familiars here, are like to be so to eternity.

Once more: Sinfull Company keeping is an evill that young men are apt to be drawn away from God their Creator by. Many an hopefull young man, that hath been well instructed, that hath had great convictions upon his spirit, and friends that wished him him well, have been comforted in him; yet hath afterwards fallen in with bad Company, and that hath proved the eternal ruine of his Soul. I have known young men that upon sick-beds, and death-beds, have ⟨p. 111⟩made lamentable cryes, O my sinfull Company keeping hath undone me for ever! Therefore let young men remember what the Scripture speaketh to them, My son if sin•••s intice thee consent thou not▪ Walk not thou in way of them, refrain thy foot from their path, Prov.1.10.15. Again, He that walketh with the wise shall be wise▪ but a Companion of Fools shall be destroyed, Prov.13.20. Young man, wouldest thou not be destroyed? then be not a Companion of Fools. Remember also what David faith, and follow his example, Psal.26.4,5,9. I have not sate with vain persons. I have hated the Congregation of evill doers, and will not sit with the wicked. Gather not my Soul with Sinners. When thou dyest, thou would'st not have thy soul to be gathered to the place where sinners must be for ever▪ then •it not with them, hold not familiarity with them now: For they that are thy Companions and Familiars here, are like to be so to eternity.

:198p. 111–112¶2

2. Hearken to good Instruction. In the holy Scriptures God himself instructs you. And therefore let young ones be diligent in reading the Scripture, that is the way to become like unto Timothy, to whom it was said, from a Child thou hast known the holy Scriptures which are able to make thee wi•e •• to Salvation, through the Faith that is in Christ Jesus, 2 Tim.3.15. And when David had propounded that Question, wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? the Answer given is, by taking heed thereto according to thy Word, Psal.119.9. For the most part it is so, that the ways of young men need much cleansing. Youth is commonly the unclean part of a mans Age, but those young men that will make conscience to order their ways and walkings according to the Word of God, shall thereby be cleansed. And, the Word preached, and publicly dispensed, is a means appointed by the Lord for the instruction of young ⟨p. 112⟩ones, that they may learn the fear of God, Deut. 31▪12,13. Gather the People together, men and women, and Children, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the Lord your God, and that their Children which have not known any thing may learn to fear the Lord. And therefore mind seriously what the Ministers of God speak in his Name. Mind it young men, le•t you mourn at last, and say, How have I hated Instruction, and have not obeyed the voice of my Teachers, nor inclined mine Ear to them that instructed me! Yea, and hearken to the good Instructions which you receive from those whom God hath set over you. Have you not Masters, Fathers, Mothers, that admonish you and give you good counsel from day to day! despise them not. Doth not the Scripture say to you, •ear ye Children the Instruction of a Father, Prov.4.1. And again, My Son hear the Instruction of thy Father and forsake not the Law of thy Mother, Chap.1.18.▪ Eternal woe is like to be the portion of those Children that regard not what Father and Mother say to them: Remember Eli his Sons; they were proud and head-strong; their Father reproved them, and exhorted them to amend their ways, it is said, Notwithstanding they hearkened not to the voice of their Father because the Lord would slay them. 1.Sam.2▪25. Art thou the young man that wilt not hearken to the voice of thy Father when he giveth thee good Counsel? This is a sign that the Lord will slay thee:

2. Hearken to good Instruction. In the holy Scriptures God himself instructs you. And therefore let young ones be diligent in reading the Scripture, that is the way to become like unto Timothy, to whom it was said, from a Child thou hast known the holy Scriptures which are able to make thee wi•e •• to Salvation, through the Faith that is in Christ Jesus, 2 Tim.3.15. And when David had propounded that Question, wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? the Answer given is, by taking heed thereto according to thy Word, Psal.119.9. For the most part it is so, that the wayes of young men need much cleansing. Youth is commonly the unclean part of a mans Age, but those young men that will make conscience to order their wayes and walkings according to the Word of God, shall thereby be cleansed. And, the Word preached, and publickly dispensed, is a means appointed by the Lord for the instruction of young ⟨p. 112⟩ones, that they may learn the fear of God, Deut. 31▪12,13. Gather the People together, men and women, and Children, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the Lord your God, and that their Children which have not known any thing may learn to fear the Lord. And therefore mind seriously what the Ministers of God speak in his Name. Mind it young men, le•t you mourn at last, and say, How have I hated Instruction, and have not obeyed the voice of my Teachers, nor inclined mine Ear to them that instructed me! Yea, and hearken to the good Instructions which you receive from those whom God hath set over you. Have you not Masters, Fathers, Mothers, that admonish you and give you good counsel from day to day! despise them not. Doth not the Scripture say to you, •ear ye Children the Instruction of a Father, Prov.4.1. And again, My Son hear the Instruction of thy Father and forsake not the Law of thy Mother, Chap.1.18.▪ Eternal woe is like to be the portion of those Children that regard not what Father and Mother say to them: Remember Eli his Sons; they were proud and head-strong; their Father reproved them, and exhorted them to amend their wayes, it is said, Notwithstanding they •earkned not to the voice of their Father because the Lord would slay them.

:200p. 112–114¶3

3. Remember those things which if duly thought on, may cause you to Remember your Creator in the days of your Youth. e.g. Think sadly of the preciousness of Time, that so you may pass the time of your sojourning here in fear. You Young men, are exceeding apt to misspend precious hours, nay days in sin and ⟨p. 113⟩vanity, but it is because you do not consider how precious time is. Are not some that were once your companions in sin, dead, and (as there is cause to fear) dropped down into Hell? They would give Worlds (were it in their power) to enjoy that precious time, that is lost & can never be regained. Shortly your time to remember your Creator in, will be past and gone forever. Remember also the worth of your own souls, what shall a man give in Exchange for his Soul? If he should gain the whole world,&loose his own Soul, what is he profited? young men & children, do you think of this! As young as you are, you have immortal Souls that must be either saved or damned, that when once you are dead, your Souls must go to be either in Heaven or Hell to all Eternity. And remember Death, which may b• on you, ere you be aware of it. Thou knowest not but that this night thy Soul may be taken from thee. It hath been truly said, ^[h]An old man hath death before his face, but in young man hath death behind his back, that may overtake him before he thinks of any such thing. Children may dye as well as others, Rev.2.23. I will […] Children with Death. I remember I have somewhere read, of a serious godly child, that would not speak vain words like other Children, but was careful to improve his time well, and being asked the Reason of his seriousness, O (•aith he) I remember that I must dye. When some replied to him, you are young▪ and may live many a fair day, what should you think of Death for? nay (said he) I was in the burying place,& there I saw a grave, that was shorter then I am. So Children, look into the burying place, and there you will see graves that are shorter then you are; there you will see that those that have been as young as you are, and younger too, have dyed and been put into their graves, and therefore it may be so with you. ⟨p. 114⟩O then Remember your Creator in the days of your Youth. And remember the day of Judgement. As Solomon in this Context •aith, Know O young man; that God will bring thee to Judgement.

3. Remember those things which if duly thought on, may cause you to Remember your Creator in the dayes of your Youth. e.g. Think sadly of the preciousness of Time, that so you may pass the time of your sojourning here in fear. You Young men, are exceeding apt to mi•pend precious hours, nay dayes in sin and ⟨p. 113⟩vanity, but it is because you do not consider how precious time is. Are not some that were once your companions in sin, dead, and (as there is cause to fear) dropped down into Hell? They would give Worlds (were it in their power) to enjoy that precious time, that is lost & can never be regained. Shortly your time to remember your Creator in, will be past and gone forever. Remember also the worth of your own souls, what shall a man give in Exchange for his Soul? If he should gain the whole world,&loose his own Soul, what is he profited? young men & children, do you think of this! As young as you are, you have immortal Souls that must be either saved or damned, that when once you are dead, your Souls must go to be either in Heaven or Hell to all Eternity. And remember Death, which may b• on you, ere you bé aware of it. Thou knowest not but that this night thy Soul may be taken from thee. It hath been truly said, ^[h]An old man hath death before his face, but in young man hath death behind his back, that may overtake him before he thinks of any such thing. Children may dye as well as others, Rev.2.23. I will 〈…〉 Children with Death. I remember I have somewhere read, of a serious godly child, that would not speak vain words like other Children, but was careful to improve his time well, and being asked the Reason of his seriousness, O (•aith he) I remember that I must dye. When some replyed to him, you are young▪ and may live many a fair day, what should you think of Death for? nay (said he) I was in the burying place,& there I saw a grave, that was shorter then I am. So Children, look into the burying place, and there you will see graves that are shorter then you are; there you will see that those that have been as young as you are, and younger too, have dyed and been put into their graves, and therefore it may be so with you. ⟨p. 114⟩O then Remember your Creator in the dayes of your Youth. And remember the day of Judgement. As Solomon in this Context aith, Know O young man; that God will bring thee to Judgement.

[h]Aqun•s.

Reformers309

Puritans1,782

Westminster Assembly24

Evangelicals36