follow_v v._o 6._o his_o left_a hand_n be_v under_o my_o head_n and_o his_o right_a hand_n embraccth_v i_o she_o no_o soon_o belong_v for_o he_o but_o feel_v his_o embracement_n yea_o he_o belong_v for_o she_o as_o much_o or_o infinite_o more_o than_o she_o belong_v for_o he_o oh_o what_o a_o please_a pain_n be_v it_o to_o be_v pain_v with_o desire_n after_o christ_n what_o a_o sweet_a live_v death_n be_v it_o to_o die_v with_o long_n after_o he_o o_o what_o monstrous_a unkindness_n be_v it_o that_o christ_n shall_v long_o after_o his_o friend_n and_o yet_o they_o not_o long_o after_o he_o o_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o christ_n hunger_n after_o his_o grace_n thirst_v after_o christ_n love_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o hunger_n after_o his_o person_n yea_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o spiritual_a hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o christ_n there_o be_v a_o young_a heaven_n in_o hunger_n and_o thirst_v after_o christ_n none_o enjoy_v more_o of_o christ_n at_o least_o of_o his_o spiritual_a and_o gracious_a presence_n than_o such_o as_o have_v most_o infinite_a thirst_v and_o long_n of_o soul_n after_o he_o get_v as_o near_o christ_n as_o thou_o may_v by_o thy_o desire_n if_o they_o can_v run_v let_v they_o creep_v towards_o christ_n never_o leave_v '_o till_o thy_o heart_n be_v chain_v and_o fetter_v to_o christ_n by_o desire_n if_o not_o by_o more_o sensible_a fruition_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o spouse_n cant._n 3.3_o he_o cant._n 3.3_o he_o see_v you_o he_o who_o my_o soul_n love_v saw_n you_o he_o there_o be_v a_o great_a emphase_n and_o efficace_n in_o this_o manner_n of_o speech_n loc_n speech_n vis_fw-fr max_fw-la ima_fw-la est_fw-la in_o co_fw-la dicendi_fw-la genere_fw-la nam_fw-la relativum_fw-la sine_fw-la antecedente_fw-la est_fw-la maximè_fw-la emphaticum_fw-la sanctius_n in_o loc_n here_o be_v a_o relative_n he_o without_o a_o antecedent_n which_o argue_v the_o force_n and_o stength_n of_o her_o desire_n she_o think_v all_o the_o world_n know_v who_o she_o mean_v and_o desire_v after_o her_o desire_n be_v so_o ardent_a as_o that_o they_o will_v not_o permit_v she_o to_o express_v his_o name_n all_o that_o she_o can_v say_v be_v see_v you_o he_o etc._n etc._n he_o what_o he_o do_v she_o mean_a must_v the_o watchman_n needs_o understand_v her_o break_a language_n yes_o her_o desire_n be_v so_o press_v as_o that_o she_o have_v not_o leisure_n to_o say_v more_o than_o this_o see_v you_o he_o who_o my_o soul_n love_v the_o like_a affectionate_a desire_n after_o christ_n we_o find_v in_o marie_n joh_n 20.15_o sir_n if_o thou_o hastborne_v he_o hence_o 20.15_o joh._n 20.15_o tell_v i_o where_o thou_o have_v lay_v he_o and_o i_o will_v take_v he_o away_o here_o be_v nothing_o but_o he_o and_o he_o and_o he_o her_o desire_n after_o christ_n be_v so_o vehement_a as_o that_o she_o have_v not_o time_n to_o express_v who_o she_o mean_v she_o say_v tell_v i_o where_o thou_o have_v lay_v he_o and_o i_o will_v take_v he_o away_o alas_o poor_a woman_n the_o strength_n of_o her_o desire_n make_v she_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o rational_a discourse_n sure_o nothing_o that_o be_v duty_n seem_v impossible_a or_o burdensome_a to_o affectionate_a desire_n after_o christ_n the_o strong_a our_o desire_n after_o christ_n be_v the_o strong_a and_o more_o invincible_a will_v our_o amity_n with_o he_o be_v 3._o absence_n 3._o grief_n for_o christ_n absence_n again_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n shall_v labour_v after_o a_o more_o conjugal_a grief_n for_o and_o bitter_a sense_n of_o christ_n absence_n especial_o for_o and_o of_o sin_n the_o cause_n thereof_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n when_o they_o have_v not_o the_o sweet_a sense_n of_o a_o felt_n and_o enjoy_v christ_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v the_o bitter_a sense_n of_o a_o absent_a displease_v christ_n a_o true_a conjugal_a friend_n of_o christ_n know_v no_o wound_n no_o pain_n no_o torment_n like_o those_o of_o a_o angry_a withdraw_v christ_n ruth_n christ_n to_o love_n christ_n and_o to_o want_v he_o want_v little_a of_o hel._n ruth_n death_n and_o hell_n to_o he_o consist_v in_o separation_n and_o distance_n from_o christ_n the_o sense_n of_o loss_n to_o he_o be_v worse_a than_o the_o sense_n of_o pain_n yea_o it_o be_v his_o great_a pain_n that_o he_o have_v lose_v his_o best_a friend_n he_o see_v all_o the_o curse_n and_o plague_n of_o god_n wrap_v up_o in_o the_o loss_n of_o christ_n 5.6_o cant._n 5.6_o so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o spouse_n cant._n 5.6_o i_o open_v to_o my_o belove_a but_o my_o beloved_a have_v withdraw_v himself_o and_o be_v go_v my_o soul_n fail_v when_o he_o speak_v etc._n etc._n my_o soul_n fail_v christ_n part_a farewell_n put_v his_o spouse_n into_o a_o faint_a swoon_a die_a fit_a her_o heart_n be_v go_v when_o her_o lord_n be_v go_v when_o he_o leave_v she_o she_o leave_v herself_o her_o spirit_n evaporate_v oh_o what_o languishment_n what_o swound_n and_o failure_n of_o spirit_n shall_v the_o friend_n of_o christ_n have_v when_o he_o bid_v adieu_o to_o they_o especial_o if_o their_o sin_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o departure_n from_o they_o shall_v they_o not_o be_v great_o afflict_v in_o spirit_n that_o christ_n withdrawment_n from_o they_o be_v occasion_v by_o the_o withdrawment_n of_o their_o heart_n from_o christ_n what_o shall_v wound_v and_o grieve_v they_o if_o not_o this_o that_o they_o have_v wound_v and_o grieve_v their_o best_a friend_n and_o so_o make_v he_o at_z least_o seem_o to_o turn_v against_o they_o as_o a_o enemy_n can_v there_o be_v a_o worse_a hell_n on_o this_o side_n hell_n to_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n than_o this_o that_o their_o departure_n from_o christ_n have_v make_v he_o depart_v from_o they_o and_o leave_v they_o under_o a_o wildernes-condition_n of_o many_o tentation_n desertion_n difficulty_n &_o c_o o_o mourn_n mourn_n for_o christ_n absence_n and_o for_o sin_n the_o cause_n thereof_o as_o the_o worst_a hel._n 4._o return_n 4._o lively_n hope_n of_o christ_n return_n as_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n shall_v maintain_v a_o deep_a bitter_a sense_n of_o and_o grief_n for_o christ_n absence_n so_o ought_v they_o no_o less_o to_o keep_v up_o a_o wel-grounded_n lively_a hope_n of_o his_o return_n hope_n be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n stile_n the_o anchor_n of_o the_o soul_n heb._n 6.19_o if_o this_o fail_v 6.19_o heb._n 6.19_o how_o soon_o will_v the_o heart_n fail_v and_o sink_v down_o into_o the_o gulf_n of_o despair_n in_o time_n of_o desertion_n satan_n and_o our_o own_o unbelieving_a heart_n make_v many_o black_a lie_n and_o raise_v many_o slander_n on_o christ_n therefore_o if_o hope_n die_v all_o die_v wel-grounded_n hope_n be_v a_o seed_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v a_o good_a prophet_n which_o always_o prophecy_n glad_a tiding_n of_o christ_n return_n yea_o take_v a_o friend_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o low_a ebb_n of_o comfort_n and_o dark_a mist_n of_o desertion_n and_o tentation_n yet_o even_o then_o he_o have_v some_o insensible_a negative_a hope_n so_o that_o he_o dare_v not_o say_v peremtory_o christ_n will_v never_o return_v or_o if_o he_o say_v it_o it_o be_v but_o in_o a_o fit_a of_o unbelief_n and_o therefore_o he_o soon_o recollect_n himself_o again_o and_o can_v but_o cherish_v some_o secret_a hope_n which_o though_o not_o perceptible_a or_o sensible_a yet_o he_o will_v not_o part_v with_o they_o for_o a_o thousand_o world_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o jonah_n ch_n 2._o v._n 4._o though_o i_o say_v 2.4_o jonahâ—_n 2.4_o i_o be_o cast_v out_o of_o thy_o sight_n yet_o i_o will_v look_v towards_o thy_o holy_a temple_n jonah_n in_o the_o whale_n belly_n cast_v a_o wist_v eye_n of_o hope_n towards_o the_o temple_n the_o symbol_n of_o christ_n which_o keep_v up_o his_o soul_n from_o sink_v when_o his_o body_n be_v sink_v unto_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o sea_n thence_o say_v david_n 119.81_o ps_n 119.81_o psal_n 119.81_o my_o soul_n faint_v for_o thy_o salvation_n but_o i_o hope_v in_o thy_o word_n he_o have_v long_o expect_v salvation_n and_o shall_v have_v give_v up_o all_o for_o lose_v have_v he_o not_o hope_v in_o god_n word_n of_o promise_n christ_n breathe_v in_o a_o word_n of_o promise_n into_o his_o heart_n and_o he_o breathe_v forth_o fresh_a and_o lively_a hope_n every_o day_n into_o christ_n bosom_n the_o friend_n of_o christ_n must_v remember_v that_o the_o cable_n to_o which_o the_o anchor_n of_o their_o hope_n be_v fasten_v be_v not_o their_o own_o mutable_a ambulatorie_a will_n or_o the_o fallible_a word_n of_o man_n but_o the_o immutable_a oath_n and_o infallible_a word_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n who_o be_v veracitie_n itself_o heb._n 6.17_o 18._o oh_o what_o a_o strong_a foundation_n what_o a_o immobile_a rock_n be_v here_o for_o our_o hope_n to_o anchor_n on_o how_o
to_o elect_v and_o inviolable_o adhere_v to_o christ_n because_o hereby_o it_o will_v in_o its_o measure_n participate_v of_o eternity_n itself_o and_o eternal_a enjoyment_n 3._o another_o commun_n place_n of_o argument_n christ_n mot._n 3._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o amity_n with_o christ_n to_o enforce_v this_o exhortation_n be_v take_v from_o the_o genuine_a idea_n and_o nature_n of_o amity_n with_o christ_n what_o be_v friendship_n with_o christ_n but_o a_o divine_a confederation_n alligation_n or_o bind_v of_o the_o heart_n to_o god_n by_o a_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n of_o friendship_n and_o can_v there_o be_v a_o great_a felicity_n than_o to_o have_v the_o soul_n bind_v by_o a_o inviolable_a covenant_n of_o amity_n to_o the_o great_a jehovah_n what_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o a_o rational_a creature_n shall_v refuse_v such_o a_o sweet_a and_o divine_a obligation_n as_o this_o of_o friendship_n with_o christ_n be_v not_o these_o silken_a and_o golden_a chain_n whereby_o a_o rational_a soul_n be_v bind_v fast_o to_o his_o chief_a good_a more_o desirable_a than_o the_o iron_n chain_n whereby_o the_o heart_n be_v fetter_v to_o sensibled_a good_a be_v there_o any_o loss_n or_o pain_n to_o be_v fear_v by_o have_v the_o soul_n inseparable_o glue_v and_o knit_v to_o such_o a_o excellent_a friend_n as_o christ_n be_v be_v it_o not_o a_o sweet_a and_o delightsome_a death_n to_o die_v with_o long_n for_o and_o soul-satisfying_a conversation_n with_o christ_n our_o best_a friend_n what_o be_v hell_n but_o separation_n from_o christ_n psal_n 73.27_o and_o therefore_o what-great_a heaven_n may_v we_o expect_v or_o desire_v than_o a_o immutable_a and_o intimate_v union_n and_o communion_n with_o christ_n as_o our_o best_a friend_n psal_n 73.28_o be_v it_o not_o strange_a then_o that_o human_a nature_n endue_v with_o judgement_n and_o will_n shall_v be_v so_o averse_a to_o a_o covenant_n of_o friendship_n with_o christ_n what_o not_o adhere_v and_o cleave_v to_o christ_n who_o be_v so_o good_a a_o friend_n yea_o sometime_o a_o only_a friend_n do_v the_o soul_n receive_v any_o damage_n by_o enter_v into_o a_o strict_a amity_n with_o christ_n be_v it_o any_o shame_n or_o disgrace_n for_o human_a nature_n to_o be_v fetter_v and_o chain_v to_o christ_n the_o lord_n of_o glory_n will_v any_o thing_n render_v thou_o more_o happy_a than_o the_o eternal_a bless_a vision_n and_o fruition_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o be_v not_o this_o appendent_a to_o yea_o formal_o contain_v in_o friendship_n with_o christ_n 4._o christ_n mot._n 4._o from_o the_o effect_n of_o friendship_n with_o christ_n last_o to_o provoke_v our_o spirit_n to_o a_o entire_a election_n of_o christ_n as_o our_o friend_n let_v we_o consider_v a_o little_a the_o bless_a effect_n of_o such_o a_o election_n life_n 1._o divine_a life_n 1._o be_v not_o life_n a_o very_a eligible_a thing_n do_v not_o satan_n speak_v the_o truth_n when_o he_o say_v skin_n for_o skin_n and_o all_o that_o a_o man_n have_v for_o his_o life_n and_o be_v not_o the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o desirable_a than_o the_o life_n of_o the_o body_n by_o how_o much_o more_o excellent_a the_o soul_n be_v than_o the_o body_n now_o wherein_o consist_v the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o in_o friendship_n with_o christ_n as_o the_o life_n of_o the_o body_n consist_v in_o its_o union_n with_o the_o soul_n so_o do_v not_o the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n consist_v in_o union_n with_o christ_n as_o its_o friend_n what_o be_v spiritual_a death_n but_o disunion_n from_o christ_n can_v there_o be_v a_o more_o natural_a uniform_a equal_a permanent_a excellent_a noble_a and_o perfect_a life_n than_o that_o which_o consist_v in_o conversation_n with_o christ_n our_o choice_a friend_n be_v not_o all_o other_o life_n though_o never_o so_o seem_o splendid_a and_o glorious_a but_o a_o dream_n and_o metaphor_n of_o life_n or_o rather_o a_o shadow_n of_o death_n if_o compare_v with_o this_o life_n yea_o do_v not_o this_o bring_v health_n out_o of_o sickness_n life_n out_o of_o death_n heaven_n out_o of_o hell_n 2._o strength_n 2._o strength_n wherein_o consist_v the_o vigour_n and_o strength_n of_o human_a nature_n but_o in_o election_n of_o and_o adhesion_n to_o christ_n as_o our_o friend_n do_v not_o all_o infirmity_n and_o imbecility_n of_o body_n spring_n from_o some_o dis-union_n obstruction_n or_o distance_n between_o the_o part_n and_o the_o whole_a and_o do_v not_o all_o our_o infirmity_n of_o soul_n arise_v from_o dis-union_n or_o distance_n from_o christ_n our_o head_n be_v not_o the_o soul_n most_o firm_a and_o strong_a when_o it_o adher_v most_o firm_o to_o christ_n its_o first_o principle_n 3._o honor._n 3._o honor._n what_o be_v true_a nobility_n honour_n and_o dignity_n but_o adhesion_n to_o and_o participation_n of_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o honour_n now_o as_o the_o king_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o honour_n in_o his_o kingdom_n so_o be_v not_o christ_n the_o fountain_n of_o honour_n in_o his_o kingdom_n and_o can_v there_o be_v a_o high_a piece_n of_o honour_n among_o subject_n than_o to_o be_v the_o king_n favourite_n and_o friend_n to_o have_v his_o eye_n and_o ear_n and_o power_n to_o command_v and_o be_v not_o this_o honour_n vouchsafe_v to_o all_o christ_n friend_n have_v they_o not_o his_o ear_n yea_o heart_n to_o command_n as_o c._n 6._o s._n 5._o 4._o liberty_n 4._o liberty_n wherein_o consist_v the_o formal_a idea_n of_o divine_a liberty_n but_o in_o a_o divine_a amplitude_n or_o enlargement_n of_o state_n and_o act_n arise_v from_o subjection_n to_o god_n and_o the_o use_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n in_o subordination_n to_o he_o and_o be_v not_o this_o the_o immediate_a and_o essential_a product_n of_o amity_n with_o christ_n as_o before_o c._n 6._o s._n 5._o 5._o riches_n 5._o riches_n what_o be_v riches_n but_o the_o affluence_n of_o many_o useful_a and_o precious_a good_n now_o if_o christ_n be_v your_o friend_n be_v not_o all_o thing_n you_o 1_o cor._n 3.22_o 23_o yea_o have_v not_o he_o a_o admirable_a faculty_n of_o spiritualize_a temporal_a mercy_n be_v not_o the_o very_a commun_n good_n of_o his_o friend_n sugar_a and_o water_v with_o special_a favour_n dip_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o do_v not_o this_o turn_n curse_n into_o blessing_n poverty_n into_o riches_n salt_n cross_n into_o sweet_a mercy_n whereas_o to_o such_o as_o be_v not_o friend_n of_o christ_n their_o best_a blessing_n be_v salt_v with_o the_o curse_n of_o god_n the_o sweet_a comfort_n want_v spirit_n and_o blood_n without_o christ_n but_o to_o such_o as_o be_v his_o friend_n there_o can_v be_v no_o want_n a_o uncovered_a tent_n a_o straw_n bed_n a_o pillow_n of_o stone_n a_o empty_a purse_n be_v great_a riches_n to_o such_o yea_o by_o elect_v christ_n for_o thy_o friend_n thou_o come_v to_o share_v in_o fountain-goodnes_n and_o be_v not_o all_o thing_n most_o pure_a most_o sweet_a and_o most_o copious_a in_o their_o fountain_n can_v he_o want_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a who_o enjoy_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o see_v c._n 6._o s._n 5._o 6._o peace_n 6._o peace_n wherein_o consist_v true_a peace_n joy_n and_o comfort_n but_o in_o a_o sweet_a harmony_n uniformity_n order_n and_o agreement_n of_o all_o part_n and_o whence_o spring_v this_o harmony_n and_o agreement_n in_o the_o soul_n but_o from_o its_o firm_a adherence_n to_o christ_n as_o its_o friend_n 7._o interest_n 7._o interest_n what_o be_v the_o supreme_a interest_n of_o a_o rational_a creature_n but_o to_o use_v and_o refer_v all_o inferior_a concern_v to_o his_o last_o end_n and_o be_v not_o this_o also_o the_o immediate_a and_o proper_a issue_n of_o friendship_n with_o christ_n do_v any_o more_o effectual_o promote_v their_o supreme_a interest_n and_o last_o end_n than_o such_o as_o elect_a and_o adhere_v to_o christ_n as_o their_o best_a friend_n thus_o we_o see_v what_o demonstrative_a argument_n reason_n and_o motive_n there_o be_v to_o induce_v and_o provoke_v man_n unto_o a_o complete_a closure_n with_o christ_n as_o their_o friend_n and_o oh_o what_o a_o prodigious_a piece_n of_o folly_n be_v it_o after_o all_o this_o for_o man_n to_o persist_v in_o open_a enmity_n against_o or_o false_a friendship_n towards_o christ_n sect_n 3._o direction_n for_o such_o as_o be_v open_a enemy_n or_o hypocritick_n friend_n of_o christ_n to_o come_v to_o a_o cordial_a and_o complete_a friendship_n with_o he_o we_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o use_n christ_n divection_n for_o attain_v to_o a_o complete_a friendship_n with_o christ_n namely_o the_o direction_n for_o attain_v unto_o a_o complete_a amity_n with_o christ_n be_v thou_o firm_o resolve_v or_o well_o incline_v to_o become_v a_o friend_n of_o christ_n but_o be_v thou_o indeed_o and_o in_o good_a earnest_n dispose_v
a_o contradiction_n in_o christianity_n what_o a_o friend_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o reserve_v secret_a haunt_n for_o belove_a lust_n a_o friend_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o indulge_v thyself_o in_o secret_a if_o not_o open_a sin_n a_o friend_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o one_o that_o do_v allow_v thyself_o in_o know_v provocation_n against_o christ_n a_o friend_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o as_o vain_a in_o thy_o apparel_n and_o gesture_n as_o frothy_a in_o thy_o discourse_n as_o voluptuous_a and_o flesh-pleasing_a in_o thy_o use_n of_o the_o creature_n as_o proud_a and_o scornful_a in_o thy_o behaviour_n as_o vainglorious_a in_o self-exaltation_n as_o worldly_a and_o greedy_a of_o lucre_n as_o other_o worldling_n oh_o what_o a_o monstrous_a contradiction_n be_v this_o again_o be_v thou_o a_o pretender_n to_o friendship_n with_o christ_n or_o yet_o a_o frequent_a yea_o wilful_a neglecter_n of_o christian_a duty_n both_o private_a in_o thy_o alone_a or_o retirement_n and_o more_o public_a in_o thy_o relation_n be_v thou_o a_o angel_n in_o the_o church_n but_o a_o devil_n in_o thy_o family_n at_o least_o in_o thy_o own_o heart_n certain_o if_o this_o be_v good_a friendship_n with_o christ_n than_o hell_n be_v crowd_v with_o a_o world_n of_o good_a friend_n of_o christ_n such_o false_a friend_n be_v those_o apostatise_v jew_n zeph._n 1.5_o who_o swear_v by_o the_o lord_n 1.5_o zeph._n 1.5_o and_o by_o malcham_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d unto_o not_z by_z the_o lord_n and_o to_o malcham_n i._n e._n they_o profess_v friendship_n to_o god_n yea_o bound_v themselves_o to_o he_o by_o a_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n and_o supremacy_n to_o be_v for_o he_o and_o for_o none_o other_o but_o yet_o under_o hand_n they_o swear_v also_o to_o malcham_n i._n e._n their_o idol_n molock_n to_o who_o they_o give_v allegiance_n and_o homage_n as_o well_o as_o to_o god_n which_o indeed_o be_v a_o flat_a contradiction_n for_o god_n and_o baal_n can_v no_o more_o be_v reconcile_v than_o heaven_n and_o hel._n this_o be_v the_o commun_n case_n of_o a_o world_n of_o seem_a friend_n they_o swear_v both_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o malcham_n they_o profess_v conjugal_a friendship_n to_o christ_n and_o yet_o retain_v some_o idol-lust_n some_o image_n of_o jealousy_n which_o must_v go_v half_n with_o christ_n thus_o do_v many_o false_a friend_n of_o christ_n study_n and_o meditate_v how_o they_o may_v mediate_v a_o league_n between_o christ_n and_o lust_n christ_n they_o must_v have_v to_o quiet_a the_o clamour_n of_o conscience_n and_o lust_n they_o must_v have_v to_o quiet_a and_o content_a their_o heart_n hence_o they_o compound_v all_o difference_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o lust_n this_o be_v a_o hellbred_n friendship_n yet_o too_o commun_v among_o the_o crowd_n of_o professor_n sin_n how_o far_o a_o false_a friend_n of_o christ_n may_v proceed_v in_o the_o reprobation_n of_o sin_n neither_o will_v every_o lax_n and_o partial_a reprobation_n of_o sin_n suffice_v to_o constitute_v a_o sincere_a election_n of_o and_o conjugal_a friendship_n with_o christ_n many_o a_o seem_a friend_n of_o christ_n may_v proceed_v very_o far_o in_o turn_v from_o sin_n and_o yet_o never_o turn_v to_o christ_n yea_o continue_v still_o a_o secret_a and_o at_o last_o turn_v a_o open_a enemy_n to_o he_o how_o far_o do_v herod_n go_v in_o joyful_a attendence_n on_o john_n ministry_n and_o reformation_n till_o it_o come_v to_o part_v with_o his_o herodias_n and_o than_o he_o choose_v to_o part_v with_o john_n head_n and_o life_n by_o christ_n rather_o than_o with_o she_o as_o marc._n 6.10_o luke_n 3.18_o do_v not_o demas_n proceed_v far_o and_o cleave_v long_a to_o christ_n be_v he_o not_o much_o estimed_a by_o the_o apostle_n do_v they_o not_o make_v honourable_a mention_n of_o he_o in_o their_o writing_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n so_o far_o prevail_v upon_o he_o as_o that_o at_o last_o he_o leave_v paul_n and_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o turn_v merchant_n 2_o tim._n 4.10_o he_o have_v forsake_v i_o and_o love_v this_o present_a world_n he_o forsake_v christ_n and_o christ_n forsake_v he_o judgement_n 1._o as_o to_o judgement_n 1._o a_o false_a friend_n of_o christ_n may_v have_v many_o dreadful_a apprehension_n of_o the_o damn_v nature_n of_o sin_n yea_o he_o may_v feel_v some_o scorch_a terror_n and_o heat_n of_o divine_a wrath_n in_o his_o conscience_n for_o sin_n which_o may_v fill_v he_o with_o great_a indignation_n against_o sin_n so_o far_o as_o it_o carry_v a_o sting_n and_o torment_v in_o it_o and_o yet_o all_o this_o while_n he_o allow_v and_o approve_v of_o it_o in_o his_o 〈◊〉_d as_o sweet_a or_o profitable_a he_o may_v have_v â—â—â—â—gement_n of_o conviction_n and_o discretion_n against_o 〈◊〉_d as_o it_o be_v the_o fuel_n of_o divine_a wrath_n or_o heâ—â—â—re_o and_o yet_o he_o may_v have_v a_o judgement_n of_o approbation_n for_o sin_n as_o please_v to_o corrupt_v nature_n wil._n 2._o as_o to_o wil._n 2._o neither_o may_v the_o false_a friend_n of_o christ_n have_v his_o judgement_n only_o turn_v against_o sin_n but_o his_o heart_n also_o may_v in_o some_o measure_n by_o many_o faint_a wish_n partial_a vow_n and_o legal_a covenant_n against_o sin_n very_o far_o depart_v from_o it_o how_o many_o pretend_v friend_n of_o christ_n be_v there_o who_o make_v solemn_a vow_n against_o their_o sin_n but_o after_o their_o vow_n make_v inquiry_n as_o solomon_n observe_v how_o they_o may_v reconcile_v their_o lust_n and_o christ_n do_v not_o many_o with_o solemn_a protestation_n turn_v out_o sin_n at_o the_o street_n door_n as_o a_o rebellious_a son_n and_o yet_o soon_o after_o take_v it_o in_o again_o at_o some_o backdoor_n be_v not_o many_o man_n covenant_n against_o sin_n 1._o either_o extort_a and_o wring_v from_o they_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o heat_n and_o gall_n of_o their_o conscience_n 2._o or_o partial_a they_o covenant_n against_o some_o sin_n that_o so_o they_o may_v retain_v other_o sin_n with_o more_o security_n 3._o or_o legal_a they_o covenant_n against_o sin_n in_o their_o own_o strength_n and_o so_o soon_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o that_o sin_n they_o covenant_n against_o 4._o or_o conditional_a they_o covenant_n to_o quit_v sin_n provide_v it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o more_o dutiful_a obedient_a servant_n 5._o yea_o do_v not_o the_o most_o of_o man_n covenant_n against_o sin_n serve_v as_o a_o blind_a to_o conceal_v their_o sin_n yea_o as_o food_n to_o nourish_v strengthen_v and_o improve_v sin_n at_o least_o inward_a heart-lust_n thus_o do_v many_o seem_a friend_n of_o christ_n make_v all_o their_o vow_n and_o covenant_n against_o their_o sin_n but_o as_o expedient_n subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o concelement_n strength_n and_o growth_n of_o sin_n in_o brief_a the_o bent_n of_o their_o heart_n be_v towards_o sin_n while_o they_o seem_v with_o many_o protestation_n and_o vow_n to_o reprobate_v the_o same_o they_o have_v fatherly_a bowel_n roll_v towards_o sin_n while_o they_o seem_v most_o displease_v with_o it_o they_o be_v offend_v at_o sin_n not_o because_o god_n be_v offend_v at_o it_o but_o because_o it_o offend_v their_o peace_n and_o trouble_v their_o conscience_n etc._n etc._n sin_n 3._o as_o to_o conflict_n with_o and_o mortificaon_n of_o sin_n 3._o yet_o far_o a_o false_a friend_n of_o christ_n may_v arrive_v not_o only_o to_o some_o faint_a inclination_n and_o protestation_n of_o heart_n against_o sin_n but_o also_o to_o some_o sharp_a combat_n with_o and_o some_o seem_a mortification_n of_o sin_n the_o light_n of_o conscience_n may_v fight_v against_o the_o lust_n of_o his_o heart_n as_o it_o be_v with_o balaam_n numb_a 22.18_o extern_a branch_n of_o sin_n may_v be_v lop_v off_o act_n of_o sin_n may_v be_v suspend_v some_o sin_n may_v be_v pursue_v even_o to_o death_n yea_o not_o only_o outward_a act_n but_o inward_a lusting_n may_v be_v in_o part_n quench_v yea_o the_o root_n of_o sin_n may_v seem_v very_o far_o wither_v and_o all_o this_o but_o feign_a conflict_n and_o superficial_a mortification_n of_o sin_n which_o determine_v in_o the_o great_a prevalence_n and_o sovereignty_n of_o sin_n for_o all_o their_o combat_n and_o struggle_n against_o sin_n do_v but_o more_o miserable_o entangle_v they_o in_o sin_n while_o the_o act_n of_o sin_n grow_v more_o feeble_a and_o weak_a the_o inward_a dominion_n of_o sin_n grow_v strong_a and_o more_o violent_a like_o a_o torrent_n pen_v up_o with_o bank_n the_o more_o emty_a the_o stream_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o full_a be_v the_o fountain_n when_o sin_n seem_v most_o asleep_a it_o be_v oft_o least_o mortify_v and_o most_o lively_o within_o as_o in_o malignant_a disease_n when_o the_o humour_n strike_v in_o it_o grow_v more_o incurable_a mat._n 22.25_o 28._o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o a_o seem_a friend_n of_o christ_n but_o now_o
vouchsafe_v to_o his_o creature_n and_o the_o most_o admirable_a miracle_n of_o sovereign_a mercy_n towards_o sinner_n that_o ever_o be_v or_o may_v be_v the_o bless_a god_n have_v take_v great_a delight_n on_o all_o occasion_n to_o vouchsafe_v sensible_a demonstration_n and_o argument_n of_o his_o divine_a philanthropie_n or_o bounty_n and_o good_a nature_n towards_o man_n yea_o all_o those_o rich_a ornament_n and_o gracious_a accomplishment_n or_o vouchsafement_n confer_v on_o adam_n in_o innocence_n be_v but_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o free_a grace_n though_o in_o some_o regard_n they_o may_v be_v term_v natural_a to_o adam_n first_o state_n and_o since_o the_o fall_n the_o bless_a lord_n have_v not_o cease_v to_o vouchsafe_v large_a token_n of_o his_o divine_a philanthropie_n or_o bounty_n to_o his_o rebellious_a creature_n ay_o but_o this_o unparallelled_a gift_n of_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n be_v the_o high_a mark_n of_o favour_n and_o the_o rich_a manifestation_n of_o infinite_a love_n free_a grace_n and_o mercy_n that_o poor_a sinner_n be_v capable_a to_o receive_v well_o therefore_o may_v our_o emmanuel_n cry_v out_o joh._n 3.16_o for_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n this_o little_a s_n o_o be_v such_o a_o great_a note_n and_o mark_v of_o divine_a philanthropie_n as_o that_o the_o length_n breadth_n depth_n and_o height_n of_o this_o love_n can_v be_v express_v or_o conceive_v as_o they_o ought_v to_o all_o eternity_n formal_o 2._o formal_o 2._o the_o love_n mercie_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n shine_v in_o christ_n formal_o as_o he_o be_v a_o perfect_a idea_n or_o miroir_n of_o divine_a love_n and_o grace_n as_o also_o 3_o effective_o 3._o effective_o effective_o as_o all_o the_o love_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n the_o father_n stream_v through_o his_o heart_n unto_o the_o elect_n joh._n 1.16_o 3._o christ_n god_n justice_n shine_v in_o christ_n the_o infinite_a glory_n of_o god_n the_o father_n divine_a justice_n shine_v most_o eminent_o in_o christ_n 1._o objective_o as_o he_o be_v the_o object_n or_o but_o against_o which_o all_o the_o arrow_n of_o god_n fiery_a indignation_n for_o sin_n be_v shoot_v we_o have_v great_a marquis_n of_o divine_a justice_n on_o cain_n and_o judas_n and_o yet_o far_o more_o dreadful_a token_n thereof_o in_o hell_n but_o yet_o we_o may_v safe_o affirm_v that_o all_o the_o black_a curse_n of_o the_o law_n which_o their_o execution_n on_o sinner_n here_o yea_o that_o all_o the_o dreadful_a torment_n of_o the_o damn_a in_o hell_n be_v nothing_o nigh_o so_o clear_a and_o ample_a demonstration_n of_o god_n justice_n and_o severity_n against_o sin_n as_o the_o suffering_n of_o our_o die_a emmanuel_n o_o come_v near_o and_o behold_v the_o sovereign_n pleasure_n of_o god_n the_o father_n in_o bruise_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n and_o make_v his_o soul_n a_o offering_n for_o sin_n esa_n 53.10_o oh_o what_o a_o stand_a glorious_a monument_n of_o divine_a justice_n against_o sin_n be_v this_o red_a glass_n of_o christ_n blood_n herein_o we_o may_v behold_v god_n the_o father_n justice_n as_o it_o be_v triumph_v over_o his_o natural_a essential_a love_n to_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n 2._o again_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n shine_v in_o christ_n formal_o as_o also_o 3_o effective_o in_o that_o all_o justice_n original_o inhere_n in_o and_o flow_v from_o he_o 4._o objective_o god_n holiness_n shine_v in_o christ_n 1_o objective_o the_o infinite_a glory_n of_o god_n holiness_n shine_v with_o a_o most_o transcendent_a brightness_n in_o christ_n 1._o objective_o and_o demonstrative_o as_o god_n by_o make_v his_o soul_n a_o offering_n for_o sin_n give_v the_o high_a demonstration_n that_o can_v be_v of_o his_o infinite_a antipathy_n and_o hatred_n against_o sin_n yea_o it_o be_v suppose_v and_o that_o on_o good_a reason_n that_o if_o infinite_a wisdom_n shall_v set_v itself_o on_o work_n never_o so_o much_o to_o find_v out_o a_o argument_n to_o manifest_a god_n hatred_n of_o sin_n there_o can_v not_o be_v a_o great_a than_o this_o his_o deal_n with_o his_o son_n formal_o 2._o formal_o 2._o god_n holiness_n dwell_v in_o christ_n formal_o as_o he_o be_v a_o perfect_a idea_n miroir_n or_o glass_n of_o all_o holiness_n infinite_o beyond_o glorify_a saint_n or_o angel_n and_o therefore_o style_v the_o holy_a one._n effective_o 3._o effective_o 3._o god_n holiness_n shine_v in_o christ_n effective_o as_o all_o the_o saint_n holiness_n be_v derive_v from_o he_o joh._n 1.16_o 5._o christ_n the_o power_n of_o god_n shine_v in_o christ_n the_o infinite_a glory_n of_o god_n power_n shine_v most_o eminent_o in_o christ_n 1._o objective_o no_o work_n or_o effect_v of_o god_n hand_n have_v such_o visible_a impress_n of_o god_n omnipotence_n stamp_v on_o it_o as_o the_o hypostatick_a union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o human_a nature_n in_o one_o person_n whence_o it_o be_v call_v the_o power_n of_o the_o most_o high_a beside_o infinite_a power_n shine_v most_o glorious_o in_o his_o miracle_n soul-suffering_n death_n and_o resurrection_n more_o than_o in_o the_o creation_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n 2._o the_o omnipotence_n of_o god_n reside_v formal_o in_o christ_n as_o the_o proper_a seat_n thereof_o 3._o the_o omnipotence_n of_o god_n the_o father_n shine_v most_o effective_o in_o all_o christ_n great_a work_n of_o redemtion_n conversion_n conservation_n protection_n and_o gubernation_n of_o his_o church_n etc._n etc._n col._n 1.11_o strenthen_v with_o all_o might_n according_a to_o his_o glorious_a power_n 6._o christ_n the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n shine_v in_o christ_n the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n the_o father_n shine_v most_o glorious_o in_o christ_n 1._o objective_o in_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o great_a promise_n that_o ever_o god_n give_v to_o lose_a sinner_n yea_o in_o he_o all_o the_o promise_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_o so_o that_o in_o send_v he_o into_o the_o world_n to_o die_v for_o sinner_n god_n make_v good_a that_o great_a promise_n make_v four_o thousand_o year_n before_o gen._n 3.15_o yea_o by_o this_o mean_v all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v fulfil_v whence_o the_o veracitie_n and_o fidelity_n of_o god_n appear_v most_o conspicuous_a and_o bright_a in_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o indeed_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a aggravation_n of_o unbelief_n that_o when_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n have_v so_o glorious_o appear_v in_o fulfil_v that_o great_a promise_n of_o send_v his_o son_n the_o accomplishment_n whereof_o be_v attend_v with_o such_o a_o world_n of_o difficulty_n i_o say_v that_o after_o this_o sinner_n shall_v disbelieve_v or_o question_v the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o fulfil_v other_o promise_n which_o have_v their_o yea_o and_o amen_o in_o christ_n gal._n 3.16_o again_o 2._o the_o truth_n of_o god_n appear_v most_o glorious_a in_o christ_n formal_o in_o that_o he_o have_v to_o a_o tittle_n make_v good_a all_o his_o promise_n as_o christ_n be_v the_o great_a gift_n and_o promise_v of_o god_n the_o father_n so_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o great_a promise_n and_o gift_n of_o christ_n joh._n 14_o 16_o 17_o 18.26_o and_o be_v not_o christ_n every_o way_n as_o good_a as_o his_o word_n in_o send_v his_o spirit_n be_v there_o any_o one_o promise_n that_o christ_n make_v his_o friend_n at_o his_o departure_n hence_o but_o have_v be_v and_o daily_o be_v fulfil_v to_o a_o tittle_n 3._o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n shine_v in_o christ_n effective_o in_o that_o he_o make_v and_o keep_v all_o his_o friend_n faithful_a and_o steadfast_a in_o their_o covenant_n with_o he_o 7._o omnipresence_n christ_n the_o image_n of_o god_n immensity_n and_o omnipresence_n christ_n be_v a_o glorious_a idea_n and_o image_n of_o the_o immensity_n and_o omnipresence_n of_o god_n as_o joh._n 3.13_o the_o son_n of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n the_o expression_n be_v very_o mysterious_a and_o deserve_v a_o particular_a remark_n how_o be_v the_o son_n of_o man_n in_o heaven_n 3.13_o joh._n 3.13_o be_v he_o not_o then_o on_o earth_n discourse_v with_o they_o or_o can_v he_o be_v both_o in_o heaven_n and_o on_o earth_n at_o the_o same_o time_n yes_o he_o may_v in_o different_a respect_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o hypostatick_a union_n it_o be_v true_a his_o body_n be_v finite_a can_v not_o as_o some_o fond_o dream_n be_v in_o two_o place_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o imply_v no_o less_o than_o a_o contradiction_n ay_o but_o yet_o christ_n god-man_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o personal_a union_n of_o the_o two_o nature_n be_v at_o that_o very_a time_n while_o he_o be_v discourse_v with_o they_o on_o earth_n in_o heaven_n oh_o what_o a_o tremendous_a mystery_n be_v this_o that_o the_o son_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n in_o heaven_n and_o on_o earth_n how_o difficult_a
christ_n than_o they_o who_o suffer_v most_o for_o he_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o piece_n of_o friendship_n more_o difficult_a and_o rare_a than_o such_o as_o be_v attend_v with_o most_o suffering_n for_o christ_n hence_o it_o will_v easy_o appear_v of_o what_o a_o mighty_a use_n faith_n be_v to_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n in_o order_n to_o the_o conserve_n and_o improve_n their_o friendship_n with_o he_o under_o the_o cross_n what_o be_v there_o that_o can_v bring_v to_o the_o suffer_a friend_n of_o christ_n gain_v out_o of_o lesses_z liberty_n out_o of_o slavery_n glory_n out_o of_o shame_n a_o centuple_a or_o hundred_o fold_n out_o of_o all_o deprivement_n yea_o victory_n and_o life_n out_o of_o death_n itself_o but_o this_o victorious_a efficacious_a life_n of_o faith_n what_o be_v it_o that_o keep_v the_o suffer_a friend_n of_o christ_n from_o be_v persecute_v out_o of_o their_o profess_a friendship_n with_o christ_n but_o a_o lively_a faith_n faith_n assure_v the_o soul_n it_o be_v better_a to_o weep_v with_o christ_n than_o to_o rejoice_v with_o the_o world_n to_o be_v poor_a with_o christ_n than_o to_o be_v rich_a with_o worldling_n to_o be_v in_o prison_n with_o christ_n than_o to_o be_v at_o liberty_n with_o his_o enemy_n to_o bleed_v and_o die_v with_o and_o for_o christ_n than_o to_o live_v and_o reign_v with_o man_n faith_n know_v fulwel_a that_o all_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n friend_n be_v transient_a and_o short_a but_o their_o joy_n come_v and_o eternal_a yea_o that_o their_o ill_n work_v for_o good_a whereas_o the_o good_n of_o worldling_n work_v for_o their_o il_fw-fr faith_n alter_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o make_v it_o a_o great_a blessing_n to_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n it_o take_v out_o the_o sting_n and_o poison_n and_o infuse_v a_o medicinal_a virtue_n into_o every_o cross_n such_o with_o many_o other_o be_v the_o advantage_n of_o faith_n in_o all_o suffering_n for_o christ_n but_o now_o to_o get_v this_o divine_a art_n cross_n direction_n for_o a_o life_n of_o faith_n under_o the_o cross_n and_o skill_n of_o faith_n for_o the_o right_a management_n of_o the_o cross_n take_v these_o follow_a direction_n and_o rule_n 1._o cross_n 1._o give_v no_o way_n to_o to_o hard_a thought_n of_o the_o cross_n give_v not_o way_n to_o unbelieving_a hard_a thought_n of_o christ_n cross_n unbelief_n fill_v the_o mind_n with_o many_o dismal_a black_a ugly_a ghastly_a and_o hard_a apprehension_n of_o christ_n cross_n it_o looks-upon_a the_o cross_n as_o a_o bitter_a sour_a black_a fruitless_a crabtree_n and_o therefore_o possess_v the_o heart_n with_o deep_a disgust_n and_o prejudices_fw-la against_o it_o wherefore_o one_o main_a office_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o remove_v the_o scandal_n and_o ill_a report_n that_o unbelief_n bring_v on_o the_o cross_n now_o this_o faith_n do_v by_o discover_v the_o admirable_a benefit_n and_o sweet_a fruit_n of_o the_o cross_n how_o much_o liberty_n of_o spirit_n be_v gain_v by_o bond_n for_o christ_n how_o much_o peace_n of_o conscience_n by_o trouble_n from_o man_n how_o much_o spiritual_a gain_n by_o temporal_a loss_n for_o christ_n how_o much_o christian_a glory_n by_o the_o reproach_n of_o man_n yea_o faith_n teach_v the_o friend_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o worst_a of_o temporal_a cross_n even_o death_n itself_o for_o christ_n be_v better_a than_o the_o most_o flourish_a crown_n or_o treasure_n of_o egypt_n 11.26_o heb._n 11.26_o heb._n 11.26_o estime_v the_o reproach_n of_o christ_n great_a riches_n than_o the_o treasure_n of_o egypt_n moses_n faith_n prefer_v the_o reproach_n tear_n loss_n bond_n sigh_n and_o banishment_n of_o and_o for_o christ_n before_o the_o glory_n worme-eating_a joy_n gain_n laughter_n and_o delices_fw-la of_o pharaoh_n court._n farther_o faith_n show_v that_o the_o evil_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v but_o imaginary_a and_o transient_a that_o its_o alarm_a fear_n and_o noise_n be_v worse_o than_o itself_o last_o faith_n show_v the_o bless_a fruit_n of_o the_o cross_n how_o full_o of_o divine_a admonition_n and_o instruction_n it_o be_v what_o a_o friend_n it_o be_v to_o grace_n though_o a_o enemy_n to_o nature_n what_o a_o sovereign_a antidote_n against_o sin_n it_o be_v how_o much_o it_o humble_v for_o small_a sin_n how_o much_o the_o scum_n of_o sin_n be_v draw_v off_o by_o this_o furnace_n of_o christ_n what_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o faith_n love_n and_o other_o grace_n grow_v on_o this_o bless_a tree_n how_o much_o free_a grace_n be_v enhance_v hereby_o etc._n etc._n 2._o nature_n 2._o keep_v under_o lawless_a self_n and_o soft_a nature_n another_o office_n of_o faith_n in_o order_n to_o the_o right_a management_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v to_o keep_v under_o lawless_a self_n and_o soft_a nature_n which_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o murmur_v despond_v or_o faint_v under_o the_o cross_n now_o this_o faith_n perform_v by_o discover_v 1._o what_o wise_a and_o infinite_a reason_n there_o be_v why_o christ_n friend_n shall_v cheerful_o submit_v unto_o and_o lie_v level_a before_o his_o cross_n 2._o what_o a_o brutish_a blasphemous_a sin_n discontent_n under_o christ_n cross_n be_v how_o much_o madness_n and_o folly_n lie_v wrap_v up_o herein_o in_o that_o it_o deprive_v man_n of_o themselves_o and_o turn_v reason_n out_o at_o door_n whereas_o divine_a contentement_n keep_v the_o heart_n fix_v in_o the_o great_a storm_n and_o make_v man_n master_n of_o themselves_o which_o be_v the_o great_a security_n 3._o faith_n keep_v down_o self_n and_o soft_a nature_n by_o nail_v they_o to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n and_o thence_o derive_v influence_n for_o their_o destruction_n 3._o cross_n 3._o faith_n must_v espouse_v the_o cross_n faith_n must_v not_o only_o submit_v unto_o but_o cheerful_o espouse_v the_o cross_n of_o christ_n there_o lie_v a_o absolute_a and_o essential_a obligation_n on_o all_o christ_n friend_n to_o espouse_v his_o cross_n as_o well_o as_o his_o person_n this_o faith_n alone_o enable_v they_o to_o perform_v and_o that_o by_o discover_v the_o intimate_a connexion_n there_o be_v between_o christ_n and_o his_o cross_n as_o also_o by_o draw_v down_o influence_n from_o christ_n whereby_o the_o heart_n be_v enable_v ready_o to_o embrace_v delight_n in_o and_o improve_v his_o cross_n thus_o be_v christ_n friend_n marry_v to_o the_o cross_n 4._o cross_n 4._o faith_n must_v triumph_v over_o the_o cross_n another_o main_a office_n of_o faith_n consist_v in_o its_o triumph_n over_o the_o cross_n though_o the_o cross_n be_v never_o so_o broad_a and_o thick_a and_o dark_a yet_o faith_n can_v see_v through_o it_o and_o take_v a_o prospect_n of_o come_v glory_n be_v the_o burden_n of_o suffering_n for_o christ_n never_o so_o heavy_a faith_n can_v make_v it_o as_o light_a as_o a_o feather_n yea_o faith_n convert_v our_o cross_n into_o armour_n of_o proof_n whereby_o we_o prove_v victorious_a it_o make_v our_o suffering_n our_o garland_n and_o crown_n yea_o as_o christ_n by_o die_v overcome_v death_n so_o his_o friend_n by_o faith_n in_o he_o even_o in_o and_o by_o death_n overcome_v death_n in_o and_o by_o weakness_n poverty_n disgrace_n slavery_n and_o want_n they_o overcome_v all_o these_o 5._o cross_n 5._o faith_n must_v improve_v every_o cross_n the_o last_o work_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o make_v a_o wise_a and_o sanctify_a improvement_n of_o all_o cross_n or_o suffering_n for_o christ_n faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n have_v a_o admirable_a dexterity_n and_o miraculous_a art_n for_o the_o improvement_n of_o crossesâ—_n it_o can_v melt_v a_o cross_n of_o lead_n into_o a_o golden_a cross_n of_o humility_n it_o can_v suck_v the_o milk_n of_o medicinal_a grace_n out_o of_o the_o bloody_a breast_n of_o persecution_n it_o can_v by_o the_o fire_n of_o god_n furnace_n transform_v a_o hard_a iron-heart_n into_o a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n the_o cross_n of_o christ_n as_o manage_v and_o improve_v by_o faith_n become_v a_o good_a purgatory_n of_o sin_n and_o food_n for_o grace_n yea_o faith_n in_o christ_n can_v and_o oft_o do_v make_v a_o old_a cross_n long_o out_o of_o date_n become_v as_o new_a and_o green_a in_o fruit-bearing_a and_o use_v as_o at_o beginning_n such_o be_v the_o admirable_a virtue_n of_o faith_n as_o to_o the_o management_n and_o improvement_n of_o the_o cross_n which_o give_v we_o abundant_a demonstration_n of_o what_o great_a use_n this_o life_n of_o faith_n be_v in_o order_n to_o our_o improvement_n of_o friendship_n with_o christ_n i_o have_v now_o finish_v our_o direction_n for_o walk_v with_o christ_n as_o our_o friend_n o_o that_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n will_v resolve_v in_o good_a earnest_n to_o set_v about_o this_o work_n be_v it_o not_o high_a time_n after_o the_o lord_n have_v be_v so_o long_o contend_v with_o we_o from_o heaven_n by_o pestilence_n sword_n and_o fire_n for_o our_o friendship_n and_o choice_a love_n to_o give_v it_o to_o he_o i_o pretend_v not_o to_o a_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n but_o this_o i_o very_o believe_v and_o dare_v avouch_v that_o it_o will_v never_o be_v well_o with_o we_o till_o christ_n have_v more_o of_o our_o thought_n estime_fw-fr dependence_n intention_n friendship_n and_o best_a affection_n finis_fw-la