Repentance not to be put off till old Age. [ 1236]
WInter-Voyages are very dangerous and uncertain, by reason of the North-wind,* 1.1 which is then let loose upon the Earth; And sure, he were not wise, that might take his journey in the Summer; yet by delaying his opportuni∣ty, would expose himselfe to the durty deepnesse of the way, and inclemency of the weather in winter: Now so it is, that old Age is mans Winter, witnesse that Snow which covers his head,* 1.2 more cold & lasting then the Russian frosts, which the raging Dog-star can scarcely thaw; And Youth is his Summer, wherein the bet∣ter temper of the ayr, the clearnesse of his sky, wherein are fewer clouds, lesse storms to hinder his prospect to Heaven, promise a successfull voyage: Can it be thought then that God, who preceded all time, will take it well at our hands, to be put back unto the last minute of time? How can he that requires the first frui••s of our Lands, be content with the latter harvest of our lives? How can he that expects a sacrifice of sweet smell, but distaste our unsavory zeal, when for a fra∣grant flower,* 1.3 we present him with a dry stalk and withered branch, the lees of our old age for the vintage of our youth? yet by the way, this is not to prejudicate a gray-headed Repentance, though the younger must needs be preferred; That may be true, but this more safe; A Man may hope well of the one, but believe better of the other.