a_o discourse_n of_o friendship_n preach_v at_o the_o wiltshire-feast_n in_o st._n mary_n le-bow-church_n december_n the_o one_a 1684._o by_o samuel_n master_n b._n d._n preacher_n to_o the_o hospital_n and_o precinct_n of_o bridwell_n in_o london_n 6_o eccles_n 14_o 15_o 16._o a_o faithful_a friend_n be_v a_o strong_a defence_n and_o he_o that_o have_v find_v such_o a_o one_o have_v find_v a_o treasure_n nothing_o do_v countervail_v a_o faithful_a friend_n and_o his_o excellency_n be_v in_o valuable_a a_o faithful_a friend_n be_v the_o medicine_n of_o life_n and_o they_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n shall_v find_v he_o london_n print_v by_o t._n b._n for_o marm._n foster_n and_o awnsham_n churchill_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o the_o black_a swan_n at_o amen-corner_n mdclxxxv_o to_o the_o worthy_a steward_n of_o the_o wiltshire-feast_n mr._n john_n eyles_n mr._n richard_n holford_n mr._n paul_n methwen_n mr._n william_n gardiner_n mr._n henry_n lamb_n mr._n thomas_n phipp._n mr._n john_n slater_n mr._n john_n rutland_n mr._n john_n wait_v mr._n edward_n smith_n and_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o my_o countryman_n of_o wiltshire_n sir_n when_o i_o be_v first_o desire_v by_o some_o of_o you_o to_o publish_v this_o discourse_n i_o take_v it_o but_o for_o a_o customary_a compliment_n of_o respect_n to_o which_o i_o intend_v to_o make_v no_o far_o answer_v than_o my_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n but_o the_o same_o request_n be_v since_o reinforce_v by_o some_o other_o who_o may_v plead_v that_o friendship_n which_o the_o sermon_n recommend_v i_o be_v oblige_v to_o comply_v many_o argument_n occur_v to_o dissuade_v we_o bâ—t_v i_o thoâ—ght_v of_o this_o one_o for_o my_o encouragement_n that_o in_o cross_v my_o own_o humour_n so_o much_o to_o gratify_v my_o friend_n i_o shall_v give_v one_o instance_n of_o practise_v what_o i_o preach_v and_o perchance_o gain_v the_o reputation_n of_o be_v one_o who_o will_v on_o all_o good_a occasion_n approve_v himself_o your_o faithful_a friend_n and_o humble_a servant_n samvel_n master_n a_o discourse_n of_o friendship_n etc._n etc._n proverb_n 17.17_o a_o true_a friend_n will_v love_v at_o all_o time_n and_o a_o brother_n be_v bear_v for_o adversity_n when_o i_o consider_v that_o nature_n design_v we_o to_o be_v friend_n by_o make_v we_o countryman_n and_o that_o the_o chief_a design_n of_o our_o present_a meeting_n be_v to_o enlarge_v and_o endear_v our_o mutual_a friendship_n i_o can_v think_v of_o a_o subject_a which_o may_v yield_v a_o more_o suitable_a entertainment_n than_o the_o excellent_a virtue_n of_o friendship_n which_o though_o seldom_o discourse_v of_o from_o the_o pulpit_n be_v yet_o no_o inconsiderable_a part_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o though_o very_o rare_a to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n be_v certain_o a_o very_a great_a advantage_n delight_n and_o ornament_n of_o human_a conversation_n in_o pursuance_n of_o this_o design_n i_o here_o present_v you_o the_o fair_a and_o lively_a pourtraicture_n of_o a_o true_a friend_n draw_v by_o the_o most_o skilful_a hand_n in_o this_o divine_a aphorism_n of_o the_o text_n wherein_o we_o may_v observe_v 1._o the_o essential_a form_n or_o principle_n of_o a_o friend_n which_o be_v love_n a_o true_a friend_n will_v love_v 2._o his_o genuine_a feature_n or_o property_n which_o be_v chief_o these_o two_n 1._o a_o immutable_a constancy_n of_o affection_n he_o will_v love_v at_o all_o time_n 2._o a_o generous_a faithfulness_n in_o the_o most_o needful_a time_n of_o trouble_n he_o be_v a_o brother_n bear_v for_o adversity_n in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o draw_v a_o true_a copy_n from_o this_o original_n but_o more_o large_a that_o its_o beauty_n may_v be_v more_o display_v to_o your_o view_n and_o that_o i_o may_v not_o miss_v in_o the_o principal_a stroke_n i_o shall_v keep_v within_o the_o line_n of_o the_o text._n 1._o i_o shall_v describe_v that_o love_n which_o constitute_v a_o true_a friend_n 2._o i_o shall_v represent_v those_o admirable_a property_n of_o a_o immutable_a constancy_n of_o affection_n and_o a_o generous_a faithfulness_n in_o a_o time_n of_o adversity_n which_o complete_a and_o adorn_v he_o 3._o i_o shall_v review_v the_o draught_n in_o some_o useful_a reflection_n 1._o i_o begin_v to_o describe_v that_o love_n which_o frame_v and_o constitute_v a_o true_a friend_n it_o must_v be_v premise_v that_o i_o do_v not_o here_o consider_v a_o friend_n in_o that_o large_a sense_n wherein_o the_o vulgar_a apply_v the_o name_n to_o any_o neighbour_n or_o acquaintance_n that_o be_v not_o a_o enemy_n but_o in_o the_o strict_a sense_n as_o he_o be_v denominate_v such_o from_o that_o particular_a virtue_n which_o we_o proper_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o friendship_n and_o of_o this_o i_o design_n to_o discourse_v rather_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o religion_n than_o the_o mean_a and_o imperfect_a notion_n of_o the_o ancient_a moralist_n that_o this_o friendship_n be_v a_o genuine_a offspring_n of_o love_n be_v too_o evident_a to_o need_v a_o proof_n and_o what_o kind_n or_o sort_n of_o love_n it_o be_v which_o proper_o assume_v the_o form_n and_o name_n of_o friendship_n we_o shall_v easy_o discover_v by_o observe_v some_o of_o those_o modification_n whereby_o the_o great_a and_o eminent_a grace_n of_o christian_a charity_n branch_v itself_o into_o a_o great_a variety_n of_o particular_a virtue_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n into_o this_o of_o friendship_n such_o be_v the_o various_a object_n about_o which_o it_o be_v conversant_a the_o different_a degree_n to_o which_o it_o be_v advance_v and_o the_o several_a good_a office_n in_o which_o it_o be_v employ_v in_o a_o distinct_a view_n of_o these_o we_o shall_v discern_v how_o love_n be_v shape_v and_o determine_v into_o the_o specific_a form_n of_o friendship_n 1._o we_o observe_v that_o love_n take_v up_o various_a form_n and_o name_n from_o the_o various_a object_n to_o which_o it_o be_v address_v as_o the_o sea_n take_v different_a name_n from_o the_o several_a shore_n it_o salute_v thus_o love_n as_o it_o look_v upward_o to_o superior_n be_v piety_n to_o a_o parent_n duty_n to_o a_o governor_n and_o gratitude_n to_o a_o benefactor_n as_o it_o look_v downward_o on_o inferior_n it_o become_v mercy_n to_o a_o offender_n charity_n to_o the_o indigent_a and_o pity_n to_o the_o distress_a as_o it_o look_v round_o about_o on_o equal_n we_o call_v it_o kindness_n and_o if_o among_o these_o it_o meet_v with_o any_o fit_o qualify_v to_o reciprocate_v the_o office_n of_o kindness_n it_o become_v friendship_n the_o principal_a qualification_n which_o fit_v a_o person_n to_o become_v a_o object_n of_o friendship_n be_v moral_a goodness_n especial_o that_o he_o be_v competent_o endue_v with_o probity_n and_o integrity_n with_o true_a wisdom_n and_o courage_n with_o ingenuity_n and_o modesty_n with_o meekness_n and_o humility_n with_o a_o large_a soul_n and_o a_o tender_a heart_n with_o a_o pleasant_a temper_n and_o a_o cheerful_a spirit_n for_o if_o these_o disposition_n be_v want_v either_o we_o shall_v not_o love_v or_o our_o love_n must_v be_v call_v by_o some_o other_o name_n than_o friendship_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o there_o will_v be_v far_a requisite_a such_o a_o combination_n of_o external_a circumstance_n as_o may_v fit_v a_o person_n for_o maintain_v a_o actual_a intercourse_n of_o friendship_n for_o though_o we_o can_v but_o love_v and_o honour_v every_o virtuous_a man_n we_o see_v and_o hear_v of_o yet_o we_o contract_v our_o friendship_n only_o with_o those_o who_o be_v place_v within_o the_o sphere_n of_o our_o acquaintance_n who_o be_v most_o like_o we_o in_o age_n temper_n and_o condition_n of_o life_n who_o may_v be_v most_o near_o adapt_v to_o we_o as_o a_o second_o self_n and_o with_o who_o we_o may_v have_v the_o most_o frequent_a intimate_a and_o delightful_a as_o well_o as_o the_o most_o useful_a conversation_n it_o may_v be_v necessary_a to_o add_v that_o though_o friendship_n do_v thus_o contract_v our_o love_n to_o a_o few_o select_a object_n yet_o it_o will_v no_o way_n impair_v or_o hinder_v the_o great_a duty_n of_o christian_a charity_n or_o make_v any_o schism_n or_o faction_n among_o christian_a brethren_n for_o christian_a charity_n can_v like_o the_o sun_n shine_v on_o all_o mankind_n though_o it_o strike_v on_o some_o with_o a_o more_o direct_a and_o warm_a ray_n or_o like_o a_o well-drawn_a picture_n it_o can_v cast_v a_o look_n on_o all_o about_o it_o not_o overlook_v a_o enemy_n or_o a_o stranger_n though_o it_o may_v have_v a_o peculiar_a aspect_n for_o a_o friend_n who_o be_v situate_v in_o the_o fit_a place_n and_o distance_n to_o it_o the_o great_a apostle_n suppose_v a_o different_a communication_n of_o love_n in_o that_o advice_n 10._o 6_o gal._n 10._o as_o we_o have_v opportunity_n let_v we_o do_v good_a to_o all_o man_n
which_o it_o be_v employ_v 2._o i_o proceed_v to_o represent_v those_o admirable_a property_n of_o a_o true_a friend_n which_o complete_a and_o adorn_v he_o they_o be_v chief_o these_o two_o mention_v in_o the_o text_n a_o immutable_a constancy_n of_o affection_n and_o a_o generous_a faithfulness_n in_o a_o time_n of_o adversity_n 1._o a_o true_a friend_n be_v immutable_o constant_a in_o his_o affection_n he_o will_v love_v always_o or_o at_o all_o time_n the_o contract_n of_o friendship_n be_v so_o solemn_a and_o sacred_a that_o a_o friend_n may_v not_o violate_v it_o if_o he_o will_v and_o so_o useful_a and_o pleasant_a that_o he_o will_v not_o if_o he_o may_v break_v this_o bond_n asunder_o or_o cast_v away_o this_o cord_n of_o love_n from_o he_o the_o slight_a friendship_n of_o the_o vulgar_a be_v indeed_o mutable_a and_o uncertain_a as_o that_o fickle_a humour_n or_o fortune_n be_v on_o which_o they_o depend_v but_o that_o friendship_n which_o be_v build_v on_o solid_a virtue_n conduct_v with_o true_a wisdom_n and_o fix_v in_o the_o strong_a inclination_n or_o love_n can_v but_o be_v permanent_a and_o pepetual_a such_o a_o friendship_n be_v seat_v too_o deep_a to_o be_v at_o all_o vary_a with_o that_o variety_n of_o circumstance_n which_o happen_v without_o for_o as_o a_o change_n of_o fortune_n like_o a_o change_n of_o garment_n will_v make_v no_o alteration_n in_o the_o man_n so_o neither_o will_v it_o in_o the_o friend_n and_o he_o who_o do_v not_o at_o first_o love_v his_o friend_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o good_a fortune_n will_v not_o afterward_o plead_v the_o want_n of_o it_o for_o a_o forfeiture_n or_o discharge_v of_o his_o friendship_n if_o therefore_o one_o friend_n be_v advance_v in_o prosperity_n he_o will_v reach_v out_o a_o kind_a hand_n to_o raise_v up_o the_o other_o to_o he_o or_o stoop_v himself_o down_o to_o his_o level_n but_o he_o will_v never_o think_v himself_o too_o great_a for_o that_o friendship_n which_o be_v itself_o the_o great_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n likewise_o if_o a_o worthy_a friend_n fall_v into_o disgrace_n or_o distress_n though_o this_o may_v vary_v the_o office_n of_o friendship_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o its_o nature_n it_o may_v excite_v pity_n and_o compassion_n but_o no_o slight_a or_o contempt_n it_o will_v rather_o by_o irritation_n heighten_v the_o love_n of_o friendship_n than_o abate_v or_o extinguish_v it_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o external_a circumstance_n which_o at_o first_o invite_v a_o friendship_n may_v afterward_o so_o vary_v as_o to_o incommode_v and_o interrupt_v its_o intercourse_n by_o long_a distance_n frequent_a absence_n different_a affair_n etc._n etc._n but_o these_o thing_n be_v too_o slight_a to_o dissolve_v that_o bond_n which_o even_o the_o stroke_n of_o death_n can_v scarce_o cut_v asunder_o sometime_o also_o friendship_n may_v mistake_v its_o object_n and_o address_v to_o a_o person_n who_o afterward_o prove_v unworthy_a and_o uncapable_a of_o the_o correspondence_n in_o which_o case_n a_o friend_n be_v compare_v by_o plutarch_n to_o one_o who_o have_v take_v unwholesome_a food_n into_o his_o stomach_n which_o he_o can_v neither_o cast_v up_o without_o pain_n nor_o retain_v without_o danger_n and_o though_o in_o such_o a_o case_n a_o friend_n may_v lawful_o sue_v out_o a_o divorce_v yet_o his_o ingenuity_n will_v dispose_v he_o rather_o decent_o to_o untie_v than_o rough_o to_o break_v asunder_o the_o bond_n of_o his_o friendship_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v also_o that_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a friend_n be_v but_o man_n subject_n to_o many_o surprise_v and_o infirmity_n which_o may_v too_o much_o impair_v and_o obstruct_v their_o friendship_n who_o yet_o if_o true_a friend_n can_v be_v very_o ingenious_a in_o excuse_v very_o patient_a in_o bear_v and_o very_o ready_a in_o forgive_a the_o fault_n one_o of_o another_o and_o if_o their_o friendship_n be_v of_o the_o right_a kind_n they_o will_v be_v able_a not_o only_o to_o endure_v these_o discouragement_n but_o also_o to_o survive_v they_o with_o advagtage_n like_o tree_n which_o after_o a_o shake_a wind_n take_v the_o deep_a root_n or_o like_o skilful_a music_n which_o can_v improve_v the_o great_a discord_n into_o the_o most_o graceful_a and_o delightful_a harmony_n and_o though_o solomon_n inform_v we_o far_o that_o there_o be_v froward_a man_n who_o will_v sow_v strife_n 28._o 16._o pr._n 28._o and_o whisperer_n who_o will_v separate_v chief_a friend_n by_o who_o accurse_a practice_n the_o devil_n endeavour_v to_o destroy_v the_o great_a good_a and_o delight_n of_o mankind_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o easy_o or_o often_o prevail_v for_o true_a friendship_n will_v not_o be_v soon_o tincture_v with_o jealousy_n nor_o light_o yield_v up_o a_o friend_n to_o the_o malice_n of_o a_o detractor_n but_o first_o or_o last_o the_o truth_n of_o friendship_n will_v triumph_v over_o the_o falsehood_n of_o the_o calumny_n after_o all_o these_o vain_a attempt_n to_o vanquish_v the_o constancy_n of_o a_o true_a friendship_n we_o can_v suspect_v that_o it_o will_v tire_v or_o wear_v out_o with_o length_n of_o time_n so_o little_o be_v it_o subject_a to_o decay_v that_o like_o our_o most_o generous_a liquor_n it_o will_v gain_v strength_n and_o sweetness_n by_o age._n a_o friend_n like_o a_o garment_n become_v more_o fit_a and_o suitable_a by_o daily_a use_n and_o that_o cement_n of_o love_n which_o time_n have_v season_v and_o approve_v be_v the_o strong_a and_o most_o durable_a wherefore_o our_o wise_a man_n advise_v we_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o forsake_v a_o approve_a friend_n especial_o not_o a_o father_n friend_n for_o the_o old_a he_o be_v always_o the_o better_a 10._o 27_o pr._n 10._o 2._o the_o other_o property_n of_o a_o true_a friend_n be_v his_o generous_a faithfulness_n in_o the_o most_o needful_a time_n of_o trouble_n he_o be_v a_o brother_n bear_v for_o adversity_n a_o true_a friend_n be_v by_o many_o excellent_a quality_n so_o fit_o frame_v and_o provide_v for_o a_o season_n of_o adversity_n that_o he_o be_v not_o only_o able_a to_o endure_v it_o but_o he_o will_v stick_v the_o close_o under_o the_o adverse_a assault_n of_o fortune_n and_o by_o a_o generous_a antiperistasis_n his_o love_n will_v increase_v under_o the_o discouragement_n of_o adversity_n it_o be_v a_o true_a observation_n which_o sylla_n make_v to_o pompey_n that_o more_o do_v adore_v the_o rise_n than_o the_o set_v sun_n and_o solomon_n make_v the_o like_a observation_n that_o wealth_n make_v many_o friend_n 4.7_o 19_o prov._n 4.7_o but_o the_o poor_a be_v separate_v from_o his_o neighbour_n all_o the_o brethren_n of_o the_o poor_a do_v hate_v he_o how_o much_o more_o do_v his_o friend_n go_v far_o from_o he_o he_o pursue_v they_o with_o word_n yet_o they_o be_v want_v to_o he_o there_o be_v friend_n enough_o to_o be_v find_v who_o be_v bear_v for_o prosperity_n who_o will_v feed_v on_o our_o plenty_n and_o share_v in_o our_o joy_n but_o it_o be_v the_o most_o deplorable_a fate_n of_o adversity_n that_o when_o it_o put_v we_o under_o the_o great_a need_n of_o friend_n it_o often_o put_v they_o far_a from_o we_o while_o prosperity_n shine_v on_o a_o man_n crowd_n of_o vulgar_a infect_v will_v flutter_v about_o he_o to_o bask_v in_o its_o heat_n and_o suck_v the_o warm_a influence_n of_o its_o ray_n but_o those_o friend_n be_v too_o excellent_a to_o be_v many_o who_o can_v stand_v firm_a and_o stick_v close_o to_o we_o amid_o the_o storm_n and_o tempest_n of_o adversity_n the_o wiseman_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o who_o be_v become_v a_o brother_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o friendship_n will_v stick_v close_o than_o he_o who_o be_v so_o only_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o he_o advise_v we_o in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o calamity_n 10._o 27._o pr._n 10._o to_o go_v rather_o to_o a_o friend_n than_o to_o the_o house_n of_o a_o brother_n for_o better_a be_v such_o a_o neighbour_n who_o friendship_n have_v make_v near_o than_o a_o brother_n who_o in_o his_o affection_n be_v far_o off_o it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a honour_n of_o a_o true_a friend_n that_o no_o interest_n can_v bribe_v he_o nor_o danger_n affright_v he_o that_o he_o have_v courage_n enough_o to_o make_v any_o attempt_n and_o fortitude_n enough_o to_o bear_v any_o hardship_n for_o a_o avow_a friend_n give_v i_o a_o friend_n say_v seneca_n for_o who_o i_o may_v die_v who_o i_o may_v follow_v into_o banishment_n 13._o de_fw-fr amicum_fw-la pro_fw-la quo_fw-la mari_fw-fr possim_fw-la quem_fw-la in_o exitum_fw-la sequar_fw-la cujus_fw-la i_o morti_fw-la opponam_fw-la &_o impendam_fw-la 15._o john_n 13._o for_o the_o rescue_n of_o who_o life_n i_o may_v expose_v my_o own_o and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n suppose_v the_o love_n of_o friendship_n to_o be_v so_o generous_a that_o a_o man_n may_v even_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o a_o
friend_n and_o sure_o that_o love_n which_o be_v strong_a than_o death_n will_v never_o boggle_v at_o petty_a misfortune_n no_o solomon_n tell_v we_o that_o many_o water_n can_v quench_v love_n 7._o 8._o cant._n 7._o neither_o can_v the_o flood_n drown_v it_o and_o lesser_a sprinkling_n will_v but_o inflame_v it_o true_a friendship_n like_o that_o virtue_n on_o which_o it_o be_v found_v will_v grow_v bright_a and_o strong_a by_o the_o conflict_n of_o adversity_n and_o increase_v its_o love_n as_o fire_n do_v its_o heat_n by_o the_o sharpness_n of_o the_o season_n to_o see_v a_o worthy_a friend_n bow_v under_o the_o weight_n of_o a_o unjust_a oppression_n will_v strange_o inspirit_v a_o true_a generous_a friendship_n it_o will_v force_v modesty_n to_o speak_v in_o vindication_n of_o his_o innocence_n and_o humility_n to_o contend_v for_o his_o just_a praise_n it_o will_v arm_v the_o timorous_a in_o his_o defence_n and_o instruct_v the_o rude_a tongue_n into_o a_o eloquent_a advocate_n such_o be_v the_o admirable_a force_n of_o friendship_n that_o it_o will_v raise_v a_o man_n in_o the_o service_n of_o a_o friend_n above_o what_o he_o can_v or_o will_v do_v for_o himself_o yea_o oftentimes_o to_o postpone_v his_o own_o interest_n to_o those_o of_o a_o friend_n and_o expose_v himself_o to_o shield_v a_o friend_n from_o a_o approach_a danger_n such_o a_o friend_n be_v jonathan_n to_o david_n who_o neither_o the_o hatred_n of_o a_o father_n nor_o the_o flattery_n of_o a_o crown_n can_v corrupt_v who_o will_v not_o yield_v up_o his_o friend_n though_o saul_n with_o arm_a fury_n storm_v the_o bosom_n which_o entertain_v he_o nor_o will_v let_v go_v his_o friendship_n though_o he_o know_v it_o will_v cost_v he_o the_o reversion_n of_o a_o kingdom_n but_o with_o a_o unshaken_a resolution_n he_o persist_v to_o plead_v david_n cause_n though_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o his_o own_o to_o advance_v his_o praise_n though_o to_o his_o own_o diminution_n and_o to_o secure_v his_o friend_n though_o with_o the_o hazard_n of_o himself_o happy_a be_v the_o man_n who_o be_v strengthen_v with_o such_o a_o alliance_n and_o provide_v of_o so_o useful_a a_o support_n for_o a_o evil_a day_n who_o be_v secure_a of_o a_o faithful_a friend_n to_o adhere_v to_o he_o when_o all_o other_o forsake_v he_o to_o condole_v with_o he_o when_o other_o insult_v over_o he_o to_o plead_v his_o cause_n amid_o the_o loud_a calumny_n and_o solicit_v his_o interest_n when_o most_o desperate_a and_o deplorable_a have_v now_o finish_v the_o draught_n i_o design_v though_o with_o a_o much_o rude_a pencil_n than_o it_o deserve_v let_v we_o stand_v a_o while_n and_o review_v it_o in_o some_o useful_a reflection_n 1._o if_o the_o face_n of_o a_o true_a friend_n be_v true_o represent_v in_o this_o text_n than_o the_o reverse_n and_o opposite_a of_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v false_a and_o counterfeit_a i_o shall_v not_o have_v make_v this_o reflection_n but_o that_o i_o observe_v how_o the_o many_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o plutarch_n call_v the_o false_a image_n and_o counterfeit_n of_o friendship_n do_v reflect_v no_o small_a disgrace_n on_o this_o excellent_a virtue_n such_o be_v the_o mercenary_a friendship_n of_o the_o vulgar_a who_o choose_v their_o friend_n as_o they_o do_v their_o cattle_n the_o strong_a for_o labour_n or_o the_o fat_a for_o sale_n who_o keep_v or_o part_n with_o their_o friend_n as_o will_v make_v most_o for_o their_o interest_n who_o friendship_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o traffic_n and_o commerce_n such_o also_o be_v the_o vain_a friendship_n of_o fond_a amourist_n which_o spend_v themselves_o in_o soft_a dalliance_n and_o imaginary_a delight_n which_o can_v no_o more_o engage_v a_o wise_a and_o generous_a mind_n than_o samson_n can_v be_v fetter_v with_o the_o rope_n and_o with_o his_o of_o his_o daliah_n nay_o some_o have_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o profane_v the_o sacred_a name_n of_o friendship_n by_o ascribe_v it_o to_o the_o good_a fellowship_n of_o debauchery_n to_o combibation_n of_o fraud_n and_o violence_n or_o to_o conspiracy_n of_o faction_n and_o treason_n such_o be_v indeed_o like_o simeon_n and_o levi_n brethren_n in_o iniquity_n 5.6_o 49._o gen._n 5.6_o but_o oh_o my_o soul_n come_v not_o thou_o into_o their_o secret_n unto_o their_o assembly_n my_o honour_n be_v not_o thou_o unite_v but_o the_o most_o common_a and_o dangerous_a imposter_n in_o friendship_n be_v the_o flatterer_n who_o like_o jacob_n appear_v in_o the_o dress_n of_o a_o brother_n and_o with_o a_o smooth_a voice_n supplant_v and_o betray_v he_o all_o who_o officious_a address_n be_v no_o better_a than_o the_o crafty_a art_n of_o a_o fowler_n to_o allure_v and_o decoy_n a_o friend_n into_o a_o prey_n but_o time_n will_v discover_v the_o false_a friend_n at_o least_o in_o a_o sharp_a season_n of_o adversity_n his_o disguise_n of_o friendship_n will_v drop_v off_o like_o wither_a leave_n at_o the_o approach_n of_o winter_n 2._o if_o so_o much_o be_v necessary_a to_o constitute_v and_o complete_a a_o true_a friend_n we_o see_v reason_n enough_o why_o true_a friendship_n be_v so_o great_a a_o rarity_n in_o the_o world_n some_o have_v think_v it_o matter_n of_o complaint_n and_o wonder_n that_o so_o excellent_a and_o useful_a a_o virtue_n shall_v scarce_o be_v meet_v with_o any_o where_o but_o in_o the_o notional_a rule_n of_o philosophy_n or_o the_o feign_a example_n of_o some_o imaginary_a history_n but_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v strange_a that_o what_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o very_a difficult_a shall_v be_v scarce_o and_o uncommon_a in_o the_o world_n a_o virtuous_a friendship_n must_v needs_o be_v rare_a when_o virtue_n itself_o be_v so_o they_o be_v but_o few_o who_o soul_n be_v refine_v with_o purity_n adorn_v with_o modesty_n supplee_v with_o meekness_n sweeten_v with_o kindness_n and_o enlarge_v with_o goodness_n which_o may_v render_v they_o capable_a of_o entertain_v so_o great_a a_o virtue_n the_o most_o we_o may_v observe_v be_v too_o selfish_a to_o love_v any_o beside_o themselves_o too_o rugged_a in_o their_o temper_n to_o admit_v of_o so_o close_a a_o union_n too_o vain_a and_o humoursome_a to_o be_v constant_a and_o too_o mean_a and_o abject_a of_o spirit_n to_o endure_v a_o trial_n of_o adversity_n and_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o a_o true_a friend_n be_v as_o great_o admire_v and_o as_o rare_o see_v among_o we_o as_o the_o stoic_n wise_a man_n be_v among_o the_o philosopher_n of_o old_a yet_o if_o the_o virtue_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v as_o much_o in_o practice_n as_o they_o may_v and_o shall_v be_v friendship_n will_v easy_o result_v of_o themselves_o be_v every_o one_o but_o fit_a to_o be_v a_o friend_n nobody_o can_v be_v long_o without_o one_o but_o alas_o in_o our_o day_n christian_a charity_n be_v not_o only_o wither_v in_o these_o upper_a branch_n but_o decay_v at_o the_o very_a root_n and_o so_o little_a can_v we_o endure_v the_o strict_a bond_n of_o friendship_n that_o even_o the_o large_a bond_n of_o peace_n can_v scarce_o contain_v we_o 3._o let_v we_o once_o more_o reflect_v on_o a_o true_a friend_n to_o behold_v in_o he_o that_o excellency_n of_o worth_n and_o those_o endear_n property_n which_o may_v just_o recommend_v he_o to_o our_o embrace_n and_o imitation_n how_o many_o and_o how_o eminent_a be_v the_o virtue_n which_o meet_v in_o the_o composition_n of_o a_o true_a friend_n to_o how_o many_o and_o important_a use_n will_v a_o true_a friendship_n serve_v it_o be_v the_o ornament_n of_o our_o prosperity_n and_o the_o relief_n of_o our_o adversity_n it_o sweeten_v our_o sorrow_n and_o our_o joy_n too_o and_o be_v the_o most_o delightful_a solace_n of_o our_o life_n in_o a_o word_n true_a friendship_n be_v the_o high_a improvement_n of_o humanity_n and_o the_o great_a advance_v of_o christian_a charity_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o in_o our_o present_a state_n what_o great_a virtue_n can_v i_o recommend_v or_o what_o great_a happiness_n can_v i_o wish_v to_o you_o my_o dear_a countryman_n than_o such_o a_o mutual_a friendship_n as_o will_v render_v our_o conversation_n wholesome_a and_o secure_a fruitful_a and_o pleasant_a as_o that_o good_a country_n be_v to_o which_o we_o be_v relate_v but_o who_o do_v ever_o dispraise_v friendship_n or_o will_v refuse_v a_o faithful_a friend_n it_o be_v well_o if_o every_o one_o be_v as_o willing_a to_o be_v a_o friend_n as_o to_o have_v one_o and_o will_v be_v content_a to_o correspond_v by_o that_o rule_n of_o equity_n the_o wise_a man_n give_v 24._o 18._o pr._n 24._o that_o he_o who_o have_v friend_n must_v show_v himself_o friendly_a and_o yet_o it_o will_v become_v a_o christian_n to_o do_v somewhat_o more_o to_o importune_v other_o with_o the_o first_o address_n of_o his_o love_n and_o court_v they_o if_o possible_a into_o a_o league_n of_o friendship_n seneca_n think_v every_o good_a man_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o friend_n to_o exercise_v his_o friendship_n ne_fw-la tam_fw-la magna_fw-la virtus_fw-la jaceret_fw-la lest_o so_o great_a a_o virtue_n shall_v be_v neglect_v and_o lose_v in_o the_o world_n it_o will_v much_o more_o concern_v we_o who_o be_v christian_n to_o make_v and_o cherish_v among_o we_o the_o true_a friendship_n because_o it_o be_v the_o most_o eminent_a pitch_n of_o that_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o most_o eminent_a grace_n of_o our_o religion_n some_o have_v be_v vain_o prejudice_v against_o friendship_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o foreign_a virtue_n transplant_v from_o the_o school_n of_o philosophy_n but_o sure_o our_o holy_a institution_n which_o require_v our_o love_n to_o a_o enemy_n and_o a_o stranger_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o disregard_n a_o friend_n our_o religion_n which_o qualify_v person_n with_o the_o high_a atâ—â—inments_n of_o divine_a goodness_n which_o assi_v out_o friendship_n with_o the_o mighty_a aid_n â—f_o that_o holy_a spirit_n who_o be_v the_o true_a god_n of_o love_n which_o honour_v it_o with_o so_o many_o encomium_n and_o encourage_v it_o with_o such_o great_a reward_n can_v do_v more_o â—â—an_z all_o the_o morality_n of_o the_o ancient_n to_o â—eed_n and_o promote_v the_o noble_a friendship_n the_o holy_a jesus_n the_o author_n of_o â—ur_n religion_n have_v his_o belove_a disciple_n use_v express_v a_o particular_a friendship_n to_o â—â—zarus_fw-la and_o his_o sister_n the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v so_o abound_v in_o their_o friendship_n that_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v no_o other_o â—nd_n of_o love_n among_o they_o insomuch_o â—â—at_a the_o heathen_n suspect_v they_o to_o â—â—…ry_a philtrum_n and_o charm_n about_o â—â—em_n to_o beget_v such_o strong_a endearment_n 〈◊〉_d affection_n and_o to_o add_v no_o more_o â—â—e_z have_v reason_n to_o conceive_v one_o part_n of_o â—…e_n glorious_a happiness_n of_o heaven_n to_o â—â—nsist_v in_o the_o most_o refine_a and_o exalt_v friendship_n of_o angel_n and_o saint_n madâ—_n perfect_a above_o where_o the_o poor_a lazâ—rus_n rest_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o great_a â—brabam_fw-la and_o all_o close_o unite_v in_o the_o samâ—_n harmony_n of_o love_n and_o praise_n god_n graâ—â—_n that_o we_o may_v so_o imitate_v their_o holy_a friendship_n here_o that_o we_o may_v be_v admit_v tâ—…_n their_o bless_a society_n hereafter_o throuâ—â—_n the_o merit_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n tâ—â—_n great_a and_o best_a of_o friend_n to_o whoâ—_n with_o the_o almighty_a father_n and_o the_o â—ternal_a spirit_n of_o grace_n be_v glory_n aâ—â—_n honour_n praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n noâ—_n and_o ever_o amen_n the_o end_n