O that they were wise, [that] they understood this, [that] they would consider their latter end!
Ver. 29. Oh that this people were wise.] Sapiens est, cui res sapiunt prout sunt, saith Bernard.
That they would consider their latter end.] This is a high point of heavenly wisdom. Moses himserf desires to learn it. Psa 90:12 David also would fain be taught it. Psa 39:4 Solomon sets a "better" upon it. Ecc 7:2 "Jerusalem's filthiness was in her skirts, because she remembered not her latter end; therefore also she came down wonderfully." Lam 1:9 The kite by the turning of his tail directs and winds about all his body. Consideratio finis tanquam caudae, ad vitam optime regendam confert, saith Berchorins. I meet with a story of one that gave a prodigal a ring with a death's head, with this condition, that he should one hour daily, for seven days together, look and think upon it, which bred a strange alteration in his life; like that of Thesposius in Plutarch; or that more remarkable of Waldus the rich merchant of Lyons, &c. a
a Mr Ward's Sermons