This is the state of mortal man here below, yet within him dwelleth an immortal soul, that points out an hereafter unto him and if not very attentively modelled and particular care paid to him, when reason first enters his tender mind, in all probability his irregular and unruly passions being numerous will get the better of him, and the inconsiderate actions of his younger days will bring his grey hairs with grief and sorrow to the grave, the end of that journey from whence no traveller ever returns. Many there are at this present time perhaps among us, who are living in the deceitful scenes of sin and wickedness, and running where they would be very sorry to be told, a very swift, and sure race of destruction and ruin, despising what the aged aged parent or faithful and experienced friend and companion, hath often admonished, never as yet having felt the timely correction of God, by sickness or adversity, but day after day rolling on, and continually seeking the societies of the profligate, the abandoned, and the wicked. Man it is allowed, and its true, is formed for societies, for intercourse, but for such as either improve, or inform, the mind and understanding; he was made and brought into the world of such noble and glorious materials, having the image of his maker in an inferior degree, to pass his whole time in feasting and idle talking, spending the beginning of the day in ludicrous and unprofitable company and the latter in crimes of excessive intemperance, excessive indelicacies and irregularities: such my younger part of this congregation, is too much the fashion and the custom, and the practice of the present time, yet it is to be hoped the young will stop their career and race, and have a due sense of God’s love and affection, and call upon him in the time of trouble and need, and at a time when he may be heard, and that is right instantly, for he has declared he is ever ready to listen and even willing to pardon and receive the returning and penitent sinner. May you all escape divine wrath and vengeance and punishment, beholding with your eyes, and being fully convinced in your hearts, of the numbers that are likely to perish, yet may be spared, if they will but imitate the blessed example of our Saviour’s faithful disciples in my text, who being warned of their danger, cried out in time, Lord save us, we perish: may sincere repentance work out your own salvation, may you all have that timely notice, that not one of you may perish: may the prodigal if there is any one among you be convinced of his error of life, and with firm resolution of amendment return to his afflicted and forgiving father: may the adulterer miss no opportunity of bewailing his past sins, which are of the highest degree, implore for pardon and forgiveness: may you all individually receive that impression in your hearts and minds, that early repentance will get the dominion and conquer sin: and that you may all be serene and calm when the awful and