mpics. The
rapid courses of the heavenly bodies are rather imitable by our
thoughts than our corporeal motions; yet the solemn motions of our lives
amount unto a greater measure than is commonly apprehended. Some few men
have surrounded the globe of the earth; yet many, in the set locomotions
and movements of their days, have measured the circuit of it, and twenty
thousand miles have been exceeded by them. Move circumspectly, not
meticulously, and rather carefully solicitous than anxiously
solicitudinous. Think not there is a lion in the way, nor walk with
leaden sandals in the paths of goodness; but in all virtuous motions let
prudence determine thy measures. Strive not to run, like Hercules, a
furlong in a breath: festination may prove precipitation; deliberating
delay may be wise cunctation, and slowness no slothfulness.

Despise not the obliquities of younger ways, nor despair of better
things whereof there is yet no prospect. Who would imagine that
Diogenes, who in his younger days was a falsifier of money, should, in
the after course of his life, be so great a contemner of metal? Some
negroes, who believe the resurrection, think that they shall rise white.
Even in this life regeneration may imitate resurrection; our black and
vicious tinctures may wear off, and goodness clothe us with candor. Good
admonitions knock not always in vain. There will be signal examples of
God's mercy, and the angels must not want their charitable rejoices for
the conversion of lost sinners. Figures of most angles do nearest
approach unto circles, which have no angles at all. Some may be near
unto goodness who are conceived far from it; and many things happen not
likely to ensue from any promises of antecedencies. Culpable beginnings
have found commendable conclusions, and infamous courses pious
retractations. Detestable sinners have proved exemplary converts on
earth, and may be glorious in the apartment of Mary Magdalen in heaven.
Men are not the same through all divisions of their ages: time,
experience, self-reflections, and God's mercies, make in some
well-tempered minds a kind of translation before death, and men to
differ from themselves as well as from other persons. Hereof the old
world afforded many examples to the infamy of latter ages, wherein men
too often live by the rule of their inclinations; so that, without any
astral prediction, the first day gives the last: men are commonly as
they were; or rather, as bad disposition