Selected quad for the lemma: friend_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
friend_n appear_v love_n love_v 792 5 6.1776 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A26896 The Christians converse with God, or, The insufficiency and uncertainty of human friendship and the improvement of solitude in converse with God with some of the author's breathings after him / by Richard Baxter ... Baxter, Richard, 1615-1691.; Baxter, Richard, 1615-1691. Divine life. 1693 (1693) Wing B1222; ESTC R14884 71,442 184

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covetous_a ambitious_a self-seeking_a person_n in_o the_o world_n or_o else_o cure_v their_o disease_n and_o possess_v their_o mind_n with_o perfect_a c●●rity_n then_o ●ll_v the_o 〈…〉_z have_v over_o and_o over_o again_o give_v 〈…〉_z as_o full_a and_o sad_a demonstration_n of_o th●_n 〈◊〉_d of_o cross_a opinion_n to_o alienate_v 〈◊〉_d and_o make_v division_n as_o most_o age_n of_o the_o world_n have_v ever_o have_v if_o your_o friend_n 〈◊〉_d proud_a it_o be_v wonderful_a how_o he_o will_v ●ligh●_n you_o and_o withdraw_v his_o love_n if_o you_o 〈◊〉_d not_o of_o his_o mind_n if_o he_o be_v zealous_a he_o be_v easy_o tempt_v to_o think_v it_o a_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n to_o god_n to_o disow_v you_o if_o you_o differ_v from_o he_o as_o take_v you_o for_o one_o that_o disow_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o one_o that_o god_n himself_o disow_v or_o at_o least_o to_o grow_v cold_a in_o his_o affection_n towards_o you_o and_o to_o decline_v from_o you_o as_o he_o that_o think_v you_o do_v from_o god_n as_o agreement_n in_o opinion_n do_v strange_o reconcile_v affection_n so_o disagreement_n do_v secret_o and_o strange_o alienate_v they_o even_o before_o you_o be_v well_o aware_a your_o friend_n have_v lose_v possession_n of_o your_o heart_n because_o of_o a_o unavoidable_a diversity_n of_o apprehension_n when_o all_o your_o friend_n have_v the_o same_o intellectual_a complexion_n and_o temperature_n and_o measure_n of_o understanding_n with_o yourselves_o than_o you_o may_v have_v hope_n to_o escape_v the_o rupture_n which_o unlikeliness_n and_o difference_n of_o apprehension_n may_v else_o cause_v 6._o moreover_o some_o of_o your_o friend_n may_v so_o far_o overgrow_v you_o in_o wisdom_n or_o wealth_n or_o honour_n or_o worth_n in_o their_o own_o conceit_n that_o they_o may_v begin_v to_o take_v you_o to_o be_v unsuitable_a for_o they_o and_o unmeet_a for_o their_o further_a special_a friendship_n alas_o poor_a man_n they_o will_v pity_v thou_o that_o thou_o be_v no_o wise_a and_o that_o thou_o have_v no_o great_a light_n to_o change_v thy_o mind_n as_o fast_o as_o they_o or_o that_o thou_o be_v so_o weak_a and_o ignorant_a as_o not_o to_o see_v what_o seem_v to_o they_o so_o clear_a a_o truth_n or_o that_o thou_o be_v so_o simple_a to_o cast_v away_o thyself_o by_o cross_v they_o that_o may_v prefer_v thou_o or_o to_o f●ll_v under_o the_o displeasure_n of_o those_o that_o have_v power_n to_o raise_v or_o ruin_v thou_o but_o if_o thou_o be_v so_o simple_a thou_o may_v be_v the_o object_n of_o their_o lamentation_n but_o be_v no_o familiar_a friend_n for_o they_o they_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o close_v and_o converse_v with_o those_o of_o their_o own_o rank_n and_o stature_n and_o not_o with_o such_o shrub_n and_o child_n that_o may_v prove_v their_o trouble_n and_o dishonour_n 7._o and_o some_o of_o your_o friend_n will_v think_v that_o by_o a_o more_o through_o acquaintance_n with_o you_o they_o have_v find_v out_o more_o of_o your_o infirmity_n or_o fault_n and_o therefore_o have_v find_v that_o you_o be_v less_o aimable_fw-fr and_o valuable_a than_o at_o first_o they_o judge_v you_o they_o will_v think_v that_o by_o distance_n unacquaintedness_n and_o a_o overhasty_a love_n and_o judgement_n they_o be_v mistake_v in_o you_o and_o that_o now_o they_o see_v reason_n to_o repent_v of_o the_o love_n which_o they_o think_v be_v guilty_a of_o some_o error_n and_o excess_n when_o they_o come_v near_o you_o and_o have_v have_v more_o trial_n of_o you_o they_o will_v think_v they_o be_v fit_a to_o judge_v of_o you_o than_o before_o and_o indeed_o our_o defect_n be_v so_o many_o and_o all_o our_o infirmity_n so_o great_a that_o the_o more_o man_n know_v we_o the_o more_o they_o may_v see_v in_o we_o that_o deserve_v pity_n or_o reproof_n and_o as_o picture_n we_o appear_v less_o beautiful_a at_o the_o near_a view_n though_o this_o will_v not_o warrant_v the_o withdraw_n of_o that_o love_n which_o be_v due_a to_o friend_n and_o to_o virtue_n even_o in_o the_o imperfect_a nor_o will_v excuse_v that_o alienation_n and_o decay_n of_o friendship_n that_o be_v cause_v by_o the_o pride_n of_o such_o as_o overlook_v perhaps_o much_o great_a fail_n and_o weakness_n in_o themselves_o which_o need_v forgiveness_n 8._o and_o perhaps_o some_o of_o your_o friend_n will_v grow_v weary_a of_o their_o friendship_n have_v that_o infirmity_n of_o humane_a nature_n not_o to_o be_v much_o please_v with_o one_o thing_n long_o their_o love_n be_v a_o flower_n that_o quick_o wither_v it_o be_v a_o short_a live_v thing_n that_o soon_o grow_v old_a it_o must_v be_v novelty_n that_o must_v feed_v their_o love_n and_o their_o delight_n 9_o and_o perhaps_o they_o may_v have_v get_v some_o better_a friend_n in_o their_o apprehension_n that_o may_v have_v so_o much_o interest_n as_o to_o take_v they_o up_o and_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o ancient_a friend_n it_o may_v be_v they_o have_v meet_v with_o those_o that_o be_v more_o suitable_a or_o can_v be_v more_o useful_a to_o they_o that_o have_v more_o learning_n or_o wit_n or_o wealth_n or_o power_n than_o you_o have_v and_o therefore_o seem_v more_o worthy_a of_o their_o friendship_n 10._o and_o some_o of_o they_o may_v think_v when_o you_o be_v in_o a_o low_a and_o suffer_a state_n and_o in_o danger_n of_o worse_a that_o it_o be_v part_n of_o their_o duty_n of_o self-preservation_n to_o be_v strange_a to_o you_o though_o in_o heart_n they_o wish_v you_o well_o they_o will_v think_v they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o hazard_v themselves_o upon_o the_o displeasure_n of_o superior_n to_o own_o or_o befriend_v you_o or_o any_o other_o though_o they_o must_v not_o desert_n christ_n they_o think_v they_o may_v desert_v a_o man_n for_o their_o own_o preservation_n to_o avoid_v both_o extreme_n in_o such_o a_o case_n man_n must_v both_o study_v to_o understand_v which_o way_n be_v most_o serviceable_a to_o christ_n and_o to_o his_o church_n and_o withal_o to_o be_v able_a to_o deny_v themselves_o and_o also_o must_v study_v to_o understand_v what_o christ_n mean_v in_o his_o final_a sentence_n in_o as_o much_o as_o you_o do_v it_o or_o do_v it_o not_o to_o one_o of_o the_o least_o of_o these_o my_o brethren_n you_o do_v it_o or_o do_v it_o not_o to_o i_o as_o if_o it_o be_v to_o visit_v the_o contagious_a we_o must_v neither_o cast_v away_o our_o life_n to_o do_v no_o good_a or_o for_o that_o which_o in_o value_n hold_v no_o proportion_n with_o they_o nor_o yet_o must_v we_o deny_v to_o run_v any_o hazard_n when_o it_o be_v indeed_o our_o duty_n so_o be_v it_o in_o our_o visit_v those_o that_o suffer_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n but_o that_o here_o the_o own_v they_o be_v the_o confess_v of_o he_o we_o need_v more_o seldom_o to_o fear_v be_v too_o forward_o 11._o and_o some_o of_o your_o friend_n may_v cover_v their_o faithfulness_n with_o the_o pretence_n of_o some_o fault_n that_o you_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o some_o error_n that_o you_o hold_v or_o some_o unhansom_a or_o culpable_a act_n that_o you_o have_v do_v or_o some_o duty_n that_o you_o have_v leave_v undo_v or_o fail_v in_o for_o they_o think_v there_o be_v not_o a_o better_a shelter_n for_o their_o unfaithfulness_n then_o to_o pretend_v for_o it_o the_o name_n and_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o so_o to_o make_v a_o duty_n of_o their_o sin_n who_o will_v not_o justify_v they_o if_o they_o can_v but_o prove_v that_o god_n require_v they_o and_o religion_n oblige_v th●m_n to_o forsake_v you_o f●r_v your_o fault_n there_o be_v few_o crime_n in_o the_o world_n that_o by_o some_o be_v not_o father_v on_o god_n that_o most_o hate_v they_o as_o think_v no_o name_n can_v so_o much_o honour_v they_o false_a friend_n therefore_o use_v this_o mean_n as_o well_o as_o other_o hypocrite_n and_o though_o god_n be_v love_n and_o condemn_v nothing_o more_o than_o uncharitableness_n &_o malice_n yet_o these_o be_v common_o by_o falsha●ted_a hypocrite_n call_v by_o pious_a virtuous_a name_n and_o god_n himself_o be_v entitle_v to_o they_o so_o that_o few_o worldling_n ambitious_a person_n or_o timeserver_n but_o will_v confident_o pretend_v religion_n for_o all_o their_o falsehood_n to_o their_o friend_n or_o bloody_a cruelty_n to_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n that_o comply_v not_o with_o their_o carnal_a interest_n 12._o perhaps_o some_o of_o your_o friend_n may_v real_o mistake_v your_o case_n and_o think_v that_o you_o suffer_v as_o evil_a doer_n and_o instead_o of_o comfort_v you_o may_v be_v your_o sharp_a censurer_n this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o notable_a thing_n set_v out_o to_o our_o observation_n in_o the_o book_n of_o job_n it_o be_v not_o the_o small_a part_n of_o his_o affliction_n that_o when_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v heavy_a upon_o he_o
and_o then_o if_o ever_o be_v the_o time_n for_o his_o friend_n to_o have_v be_v his_o comforter_n and_o friend_n indeed_o on_o the_o contrary_n they_o become_v his_o scourge_n and_o by_o unjust_a accusation_n and_o misinterpretation_n of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v great_o add_v to_o his_o affliction_n when_o god_n have_v take_v away_o his_o child_n wealth_n and_o health_n his_o friend_n will_v take_v away_o the_o reputation_n and_o comfort_n of_o his_o integrity_n and_o under_o pretence_n of_o bring_v he_o to_o repentance_n do_v charge_v he_o with_o that_o which_o he_o be_v never_o guilty_a of_o they_o wound_v his_o good_a name_n and_o will_v have_v wound_v his_o conscience_n and_o deprive_v he_o of_o his_o inward_a peace_n censorious_a false_a accuse_a friend_n do_v cut_v deep_a than_o malicious_a slander_a enemy_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o stranger_n or_o enemy_n do_v misjudge_v and_o misreport_v our_o action_n but_o when_o your_o bosom_n friend_n that_o shall_v most_o intimate_o know_v you_o and_o be_v the_o chief_n witness_n of_o your_o innocency_n against_o all_o other_o shall_v in_o their_o jealousy_n or_o envy_n or_o peevishness_n or_o fall_a out_o be_v your_o chief_a reproacher_n and_o unjust_a accuser_n as_o it_o make_v it_o serve_v more_o credible_a to_o other_o so_o it_o will_v come_v near_o to_o yourselves_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o must_v be_v expect_v yea_o even_o your_o most_o self-denying_a act_n of_o obedience_n to_o god_n may_v be_v so_o misunderstand_v by_o godly_a man_n and_o real_a friend_n as_o by_o they_o to_o be_v take_v for_o your_o great_a miscarriage_n and_o turn_v to_o your_o rebuke_n as_o david_n dance_v before_o the_o ark_n be_v by_o his_o wife_n which_o yet_o do_v but_o make_v he_o resolve_v to_o be_v yet_o more_o vile_a if_o you_o be_v cast_v into_o poverty_n or_o disgrace_n or_o prison_n or_o banishment_n for_o your_o necessary_a obedience_n to_o christ_n perhaps_o your_o friend_n or_o wife_n may_v become_v your_o accuser_n for_o this_o great_a service_n and_o say_v this_o be_v your_o own_o do_v your_o rashness_n or_o indiscretion_n or_o self-conceitedness_n or_o wilfulness_n have_v bring_v it_o upon_o you_o what_o need_n have_v you_o to_o say_v such_o word_n or_o to_o do_v this_o or_o that_o why_o can_v not_o you_o have_v yield_v in_o so_o small_a a_o matter_n perhaps_o your_o costly_a and_o most_o excellent_a obedience_n shall_v by_o your_o near_a friend_n be_v call_v the_o fruit_n of_o pride_n or_o humour_n or_o passion_n or_o some_o corrupt_a affection_n or_o at_o least_o of_o folly_n and_o inconsiderateness_n when_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v long_o be_v strive_v in_o you_o against_o your_o duty_n and_o say_v do_v not_o cast_v away_o thyself_o o_o serve_v not_o god_n at_o so_o dear_a a_o rate_n god_n do_v not_o require_v thou_o to_o undo_v thyself_o why_o shall_v thou_o not_o avoid_v so_o great_a inconvenience_n when_o with_o much_o ado_n you_o have_v conquer_v all_o your_o carnal_a reason_n and_o deny_v yourselves_o and_o your_o carnal_a interest_n you_o must_v expect_v even_o from_o some_o religious_a friend_n to_o be_v accuse_v for_o these_o very_a action_n and_o perhaps_o their_o accusation_n may_v fasten_v such_o a_o blot_n upon_o your_o name_n as_o shall_v never_o be_v wash_v out_o till_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n by_o difference_n of_o interest_n or_o apprehension_n and_o b●_n unacquaintedness_n with_o your_o heart_n and_o action_n the_o righteousness_n of_o of_o the_o righteous_a may_v be_v thus_o take_v from_o he_o and_o friend_n may_v do_v the_o work_n of_o enemy_n yea_o of_o satan_n himself_o the_o accuser_n of_o the_o brethren_n and_o may_v prove_v as_o thorn_n in_o your_o bed_n and_o gravel_n in_o your_o shoe_n yea_o in_o your_o eye_n and_o wrong_v you_o much_o more_o than_o open_a adversary_n can_v have_v do_v how_o be_v it_o like_v to_o go_v with_o that_o man_n reputation_n you_o may_v easy_o judge_v who_o friend_n be_v like_o job_n and_o his_o enemy_n like_o david_n that_o lie_v snare_n before_o he_o and_o diligent_o watch_v for_o matter_n of_o reproach_n yet_o this_o may_v befall_v the_o best_a of_o man_n 13._o you_o may_v be_v permit_v by_o god_n to_o fall_v into_o some_o real_a crime_n and_o then_o your_o friend_n may_v possible_o think_v it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o disow_v you_o so_o far_o as_o you_o have_v wrong_v god_n when_o you_o provoke_v god_n to_o frown_v upon_o you_o he_o may_v cause_v your_o friend_n to_o frown_v upon_o you_o if_o you_o fall_v out_o with_o he_o and_o grow_v strange_a to_o he_o no_o marvel_n if_o your_o true_a friend_n fall_v out_o with_o you_o and_o grow_v strange_a to_o you_o they_o love_v you_o for_o your_o godliness_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o must_v abate_v their_o love_n if_o you_o abate_v your_o godliness_n and_o must_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n be_v displease_v with_o you_o for_o your_o sin_n and_o if_o in_o such_o a_o case_n of_o real_a guilt_n you_o shall_v be_v displease_v at_o their_o displeasure_n and_o shall_v expect_v that_o your_o friend_n shall_v befriend_v your_o sin_n or_o carry_v himself_o towards_o you_o in_o your_o guilt_n as_o if_o you_o be_v innocent_a you_o will_v but_o show_v that_o you_o understand_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o true_a friendship_n nor_o the_o use_n of_o a_o true_a friend_n and_o be_v yet_o yourselves_o too_o friendly_a to_o your_o sin_n 14._o moreover_o those_o few_o friend_n that_o be_v true_a to_o you_o may_v be_v utter_o unable_a to_o relieve_v you_o in_o your_o distress_n or_o to_o give_v you_o ease_n or_o do_v you_o any_o good_a the_o case_n may_v be_v such_o that_o they_o can_v but_o pity_v you_o and_o lament_v your_o sorrow_n and_o weep_v over_o you_o you_o may_v see_v in_o they_o that_o man_n be_v not_o as_o god_n who_o friendship_n can_v accomplish_v all_o the_o good_a that_o he_o desire_v to_o his_o friend_n the_o wise_a and_o great_a and_o best_a of_o man_n be_v silly_a comforter_n and_o uneffectual_a help_n you_o may_v be_v sick_a and_o pain_v and_o grieve_v and_o distress_a notwithstanding_o any_o thing_n that_o they_o can_v do_v for_o you_o nay_o perhaps_o in_o their_o ingnorance_n they_o may_v increase_v your_o misery_n while_o they_o desire_v your_o relief_n and_o by_o strive_v indirect_o to_o help_v and_o ease_v you_o may_v tie_v the_o knot_n fast_o and_o make_v you_o worse_o they_o may_v provoke_v those_o more_o against_o you_o that_o oppress_v you_o while_o they_o think_v they_o speak_v that_o which_o will_v tend_v to_o set_v you_o free_a they_o may_v think_v to_o ease_v your_o trouble_a mind_n by_o such_o word_n as_o shall_v increase_v the_o trouble_n or_o to_o deliver_v you_o as_o peter_n will_v have_v deliver_v christ_n and_o save_v his_o saviour_n first_o by_o carnal_a counsel_n math._n 16.22_o be_v it_o far_o from_o thou_o lord_n this_o shall_v not_o be_v unto_o thou_o and_o then_o by_o carnal_a unjust_a force_n by_o draw_v his_o 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you_o can_v thankful_o take_v your_o food_n from_o any_o hand_n that_o your_o father_n send_v it_o by_o it_o be_v a_o correction_n very_o suitable_a to_o your_o sin_n 9_o do_v you_o so_o high_o value_v your_o friend_n for_o god_n or_o for_o they_o or_o for_o yourselves_o in_o the_o final_a consideration_n if_o it_o be_v for_o god_n what_o reason_n of_o trouble_n have_v you_o that_o god_n have_v dispose_v of_o they_o according_a to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o unerring_a will_n shall_v you_o not_o then_o be_v more_o please_v that_o god_n have_v they_o and_o employ_v they_o in_o his_o high_a service_n than_o displease_v that_o you_o want_v they_o but_o if_o you_o value_v they_o and_o love_v they_o for_o themselves_o they_o be_v now_o more_o lovely_a when_o they_o be_v more_o perfect_a and_o they_o be_v now_o fit_a for_o your_o content_n and_o joy_n when_o they_o have_v themselves_o unchangeable_a content_n and_o joy_n than_o they_o can_v be_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o sorrow_n but_o if_o you_o 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their_o felicity_n with_o who_o we_o be_v so_o near_o one_o 3._o the_o state_n and_o felicity_n of_o the_o church_n hereafter_o be_v frequent_o describe_v in_o scripture_n as_o consistent_a in_o society_n it_o be_v a_o kingdom_n the_o city_n of_o god_n the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n and_o it_o be_v mention_v as_o part_v of_o our_o happiness_n to_o be_v of_o that_o society_n heb._n 12.22_o 23_o 24_o etc._n etc._n 4._o the_o saint_n be_v call_v king_n themselves_o and_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o shall_v judge_v the_o world_n and_o the_o angel_n and_o judge_v in_o scripture_n be_v frequent_o put_v for_o govern_v therefore_o whether_o there_o will_v be_v another_o world_n of_o mortal_n which_o they_o shall_v govern_v as_o angle_n now_o govern_v man_n or_o whether_o the_o misery_n of_o damn_a man_n and_o angel_n will_v partly_o consist_v in_o as_o base_a a_o subjection_n to_o the_o glorify_a saint_n as_o dog_n now_o have_v to_o man_n or_o wicked_a reprobate_n on_o earth_n to_o angle_n or_o whether_o in_o respect_n of_o both_o these_o together_o the_o saint_n shall_v then_o be_v king_n and_o rule_n and_o judge_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v only_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v call_v a_o kingdom_n i_o will_v not_o here_o determine_v but_o it_o be_v most_o clear_a that_o they_o will_v have_v a_o distinct_a particular_a knowledge_n of_o the_o world_n which_o they_o themselves_o must_v judge_v and_o some_o concernment_n in_o that_o work_n 5._o it_o be_v put_v into_o the_o description_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o saint_n that_o they_o shall_v come_v from_o the_o east_n and_o from_o the_o west_n and_o shall_v sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o
god_n therefore_o they_o shall_v know_v they_o and_o take_v some_o comfort_n in_o their_o presence_n 6._o love_n even_o to_o the_o saint_n as_o well_o as_o unto_o god_n be_v one_o of_o the_o grace_n that_o shall_v endure_v for_o ever_o 1_o cor._n 13._o it_o be_v exercise_v upon_o a_o immortal_a object_n the_o image_n and_o child_n of_o the_o most_o high_a and_o therefore_o must_v be_v one_o of_o the_o immortal_a grace_n for_o grace_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o die_v not_o and_o therefore_o if_o the_o object_n cease_v not_o how_o shall_v the_o grace_n cease_v unless_o you_o will_v call_v its_o perfect_a a_o cease_n it_o be_v a_o state_n too_o high_a for_o such_o as_o we_o and_o i_o think_v for_o any_o mere_a creature_n to_o live_v so_o immediate_o and_o only_o upon_o god_n as_o to_o have_v no_o use_n for_o any_o fellow_n creature_n nor_o no_o comfort_n in_o they_o god_n can_v make_v use_n of_o glorify_a creature_n in_o such_o subserviency_n and_o subordination_n to_o himself_o as_o shall_v be_v no_o diminution_n to_o his_o all-sufficiency_n or_o honour_n nor_o to_o our_o glory_n and_o felicity_n we_o must_v take_v heed_n of_o fancy_v even_o such_o a_o heaven_n itself_o as_o be_v above_o the_o capacity_n of_o a_o creature_n as_o some_o very_a wise_a divine_n think_v they_o have_v ●one_n that_o tell_v we_o we_o shall_v immediate_o see_v god_n essence_n his_o glory_n be_v that_o which_o be_v provide_v for_o our_o intuition_n and_o felicity_n and_o be_v distinct_a from_o his_o essence_n be_v not_o every_o where_o as_o his_o essence_n be_v and_o as_o those_o do_v that_o tell_v we_o because_o that_o god_n will_v be_v all_o in_o all_o therefore_o we_o shall_v there_o have_v none_o of_o our_o comfort_n by_o any_o creature_n though_o flesh_n and_o blood_n shall_v not_o enter_v into_o that_o kingdom_n but_o our_o body_n will_v then_o be_v spiritual_a body_n yet_o will_v they_o be_v real_o the_o same_o as_o now_o and_o distinct_a from_o our_o soul_n and_o therefore_o must_v have_v a_o felicity_n suitable_a to_o a_o body_n glorify_v and_o if_o the_o soul_n do_v immediate_o see_v god_n essence_n yet_o as_o no_o reason_n can_v conclude_v that_o it_o can_v see_v nothing_o else_o or_o that_o it_o can_v see_v even_o create_v good_a and_o not_o love_v it_o so_o the_o body_n however_o must_v have_v object_n and_o felicity_n fit_a for_o a_o body_n obj._n but_o it_o be_v say_v if_o we_o know_v christ_n after_o the_o flesh_n henceforth_o know_v we_o he_o no_o more_o answ._n no_o doubt_v but_o all_o the_o carnality_n in_o principle_n matter_n manner_n and_o end_n of_o our_o knowledge_n will_v then_o cease_v as_o its_o imperfection_n but_o that_o a_o carnal_a knowledge_n be_v turn_v into_o a_o spiritual_a be_v no_o more_o a_o diminution_n to_o it_o than_o it_o be_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o body_n to_o be_v make_v like_o the_o star_n in_o the_o firmament_n of_o our_o father_n obj._n but_o then_o i_o shall_v have_v no_o more_o comfort_n in_o my_o present_a friend_n than_o in_o any_o other_o answ._n 1._o if_o you_o have_v none_o in_o they_o it_o be_v no_o diminution_n to_o our_o happiness_n if_o indeed_o we_o shall_v have_v all_o in_o god_n immediate_o and_o alone_o 2._o but_o if_o you_o have_v as_o much_o in_o other_o that_o you_o never_o know_v before_o that_o will_v not_o diminish_v any_o of_o your_o comfort_n in_o your_o ancient_a friend_n 3._o but_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a to_o we_o that_o as_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a object_n for_o our_o love_n in_o the_o glorify_a saint_n one_o be_v their_o holiness_n and_o the_o other_o be_v the_o relation_n which_o they_o stand_v in_o between_o god_n and_o we_o be_v make_v his_o instrument_n for_o our_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n so_o that_o we_o shall_v love_v saint_n in_o heaven_n in_o both_o respect_n and_o in_o the_o first_o respect_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a we_o shall_v love_v those_o most_o that_o have_v most_o of_o god_n and_o the_o great_a glory_n though_o such_o as_o we_o never_o know_v on_o earth_n and_o in_o the_o second_o respect_n we_o shall_v love_v those_o most_o that_o be_v employ_v by_o god_n for_o our_o great_a good_a and_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o there_o lay_v by_o so_o much_o respect_n to_o ourselves_o as_o to_o forget_v or_o disregard_n our_o benefactor_n be_v manifest_a 1._o in_o that_o we_o shall_v forever_o remember_v christ_n and_o love_v he_o and_o praise_v he_o as_o one_o that_o former_o redeem_a we_o and_o wash_v we_o in_o his_o blood_n and_o have_v make_v we_o king_n and_o priest_n to_o god_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v also_o in_o just_a subordination_n to_o christ_n remember_v they_o with_o love_n and_o thankfulness_n that_o be_v his_o instrument_n for_o the_o collation_n of_o these_o benefit_n 2._o and_o this_o kind_n of_o self-love_n to_o be_v sensible_a of_o good_a and_o evil_a to_o ourselves_o be_v none_o of_o the_o sinful_a or_o imperfect_a selfishness_n to_o be_v renounce_v or_o lay_v by_o but_o part_n of_o our_o very_a nature_n and_o as_o inseparable_a from_o we_o as_o we_o be_v from_o ourselves_o much_o more_o be_v it_o not_o digressive_v may_v be_v say_v on_o this_o subject_n but_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o as_o god_n do_v draw_v we_o to_o every_o holy_a duty_n by_o show_v we_o the_o excellency_n of_o that_o duty_n and_o as_o perpetuity_n be_v not_o the_o small_a excellency_n so_o he_o have_v purposely_o mention_v that_o love_n endure_v for_o ever_o when_o he_o have_v describe_v the_o love_n of_o one_o another_o as_o a_o principle_n motive_n to_o kindle_v and_o increase_v this_o love_n and_o therefore_o those_o that_o think_v they_o shall_v have_v no_o personal_a knowledge_n of_o one_o another_o nor_o personal_a love_n to_o one_o another_o for_o we_o can_v love_v personal_o if_o we_o know_v not_o personal_o do_v take_v a_o most_o effectual_a course_n to_o destroy_v in_o their_o soul_n all_o holy_a special_a love_n to_o saint_n by_o cast_v away_o that_o principal_a or_o very_a great_a motive_n give_v they_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n i_o a●_n not_o ●ble_n to_o love_n mu●h_v where_o i_o foreknow_v that_o i_o shall_v not_o love_v long_o i_o can_v love_v a_o comely_a inn_n so_o well_o as_o a_o near_a dwelling_n of_o my_o own_o because_o i_o must_v be_v go_v to_o morrow_n therefore_o must_v i_o love_v my_o bible_n better_o than_o my_o lawbook_n or_o physickbook_n etc._n etc._n because_o it_o lead_v to_o eternity_n and_o therefore_o i_o must_v love_v holiness_n in_o myself_o and_o other_o better_o than_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o wealth_n and_o honour_n and_o beauty_n and_o pleasure_n because_o it_o must_v be_v love_v for_o ever_o when_o the_o love_n of_o these_o must_v needs_o be_v transitory_a as_o they_o be_v transitory_a i_o must_v profess_v from_o the_o very_a experience_n of_o my_o soul_n that_o it_o be_v the_o belief_n that_o i_o shall_v love_v my_o friend_n in_o heaven_n that_o principal_o kindle_v my_o love_n to_o they_o on_o earth_n and_o if_o i_o think_v i_o shall_v never_o know_v they_o after_o death_n and_o consequent_o never_o love_v they_o more_o when_o this_o life_n be_v end_v i_o shall_v in_o reason_n number_v they_o with_o temporal_a thing_n and_o love_v they_o comparative_o but_o a_o little_a even_o as_o i_o love_v other_o transitory_a thing_n allow_v for_o the_o excellency_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o grace_n but_o now_o i_o converse_v with_o some_o delight_n with_o my_o godly_a friend_n as_o believe_v i_o shall_v converse_v with_o they_o for_o ever_o and_o take_v comfort_n in_o the_o very_a dead_a and_o absent_a as_o believe_v we_o shall_v short_o meet_v in_o heaven_n and_o i_o love_v they_o i_o hope_v with_o a_o love_n that_o be_v of_o a_o heavenly_a nature_n while_o i_o love_v they_o as_o the_o heir_n of_o heaven_n with_o a_o love_n which_o i_o expect_v shall_v there_o be_v perfect_v and_o more_o full_o and_o for_o ever_o exercise_v 12._o the_o last_o reason_n that_o i_o give_v you_o to_o move_v you_o to_o bear_v the_o loss_n or_o absence_n of_o your_o friend_n be_v that_o it_o give_v you_o the_o loud_a call_n to_o retire_v from_o the_o world_n and_o to_o converse_v with_o god_n himself_o and_o to_o long_o for_o heaven_n where_o you_o shall_v be_v separate_v from_o your_o friend_n no_o more_o and_o your_o forsake_a state_n will_v somewhat_o assist_v you_o to_o that_o solitary_a converse_n with_o god_n which_o it_o call_v you_o to_o but_o this_o bring_v we_o up_o to_o the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o text._n and_o yet_o i_o be_o not_o alone_a because_o the_o father_n be_v with_o i_o doct._n when_o all_o forsake_v we_o and_o leave_v we_o as_o to_o they_o alone_a we_o be_v far_o from_o be_v simple_o alone_a because_o god_n be_v with_o we_o he_o be_v not_o
i_o against_o i_o do_v they_o devise_v my_o hurt_n a_o evil_a disease_n say_v they_o cleave_v fast_o unto_o he_o and_o now_o that_o he_o lie_v he_o sh●ll_v rise_v up_o no_o more_o yea_o my_o own_o familiar_a friend_n in_o who_o i_o trust_v that_o do_v eat_v of_o my_o bread_n have_v lift_v up_o his_o heel_n against_o i_o yet_o we_o may_v add_v a●_n he_o v_o 12._o and_n as_o for_o i_o thou_o upholde_v i_o in_o my_o integrity_n and_o set_v i_o before_o thy_o face_n forever_o though_o as_o psal._n 35.7_o etc._n etc._n without_o cause_n they_o have_v hide_v for_o i_o their_o net_n in_o a_o pit_n which_o without_o cause_n they_o have_v dig_v for_o my_o soul_n 11._o and_o false_a witness_n do_v rise_v up_o they_o lay_v to_o my_o charge_n thing_n that_o i_o know_v not_o they_o reward_v i_o evil_n for_o good_a 15_o 16._o in_o my_o adversity_n they_o rejoice_v and_o gather_v themselves_o together_o the_o object_n gather_v themselves_o together_o against_o i_o and_o i_o know_v it_o not_o they_o do_v tear_v and_o cease_v not_o with_o hypocritical_a mocker_n in_o feast_n they_o gnash_v upon_o i_o with_o their_o tooth_n 20._o for_o they_o speak_v not_o peace_n but_o they_o devise_v deceitful_a matter_n against_o they_o that_o be_v quiet_a in_o the_o land_n yet_o verse_n 9_o my_o soul_n shall_v be_v joyful_a in_o the_o lord_n it_o shall_v rejoice_v in_o his_o salvation_n 10._o all_o my_o bone_n shal●_n say_v lord_n who_o be_v like_a unto_o thou_o who_o deliver_v the_o poor_a from_o he_o that_o be_v too_o strong_a for_o he_o yea_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o needy_a from_o he_o that_o spoil_v he_o though_o friend_n be_v far_o off_o the_o lord_n be_v nigh_o to_o they_o that_o be_v of_o a_o broken_a heart_n and_o save_v such_o as_o be_v of_o a_o contrite_a spirit_n many_o be_v the_o affliction_n of_o the_o righteous_a but_o the_o lord_n deliver_v he_o out_o of_o they_o all_o psal._n 34.18_o 19_o the_o lord_n redeem_v the_o soul_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o none_o of_o they_o that_o trust_v in_o he_o shall_v be_v desolate_a v._n 22._o therefore_o i_o will_v be_v glad_a and_o rejoice_v in_o his_o mercy_n for_o he_o have_v consider_v my_o trouble_n and_o have_v know_v and_o own_a my_o soul_n in_o adversity_n and_o have_v not_o shut_v i_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o enemy_n when_o my_o life_n be_v spend_v with_o grief_n and_o my_o year_n with_o sigh_v my_o strength_n fail_v because_o of_o my_o iniquity_n and_o my_o bone_n be_v consume_v i_o be_v a_o reproach_n among_o all_o my_o enemy_n but_o especial_o among_o my_o neighbour_n and_o a_o fear_n to_o my_o acquaintance_n they_o that_o do_v see_v i_o without_o flee_v from_o i_o i_o be_v forget_v and_o as_o a_o dead_a man_n out_o of_o mind_n i_o be_v like_o a_o break_a vessel_n i_o hear_v the_o slander_n of_o many_o fear_n be_v on_o every_o side_n while_o they_o take_v counsel_n together_o against_o i_o they_o devise_v to_o take_v away_o my_o life_n but_o i_o trust_v in_o thou_o o_o lord_n i_o say_v thou_o be_v my_o god_n my_o time_n be_v in_o thy_o hand_n deliver_v i_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o my_o enemy_n and_o from_o they_o that_o persecute_v i_o make_v thy_o face_n to_o shine_v upon_o thy_o servant_n save_v i_o for_o thy_o mercy_n sake_n o_o how_o great_a be_v thy_o goodness_n which_o thou_o have_v lay_v up_o for_o they_o that_o fear_v thou_o which_o thou_o have_v wrought_v for_o they_o that_o trust_v in_o thou_o before_o the_o son_n of_o man_n thou_o shall_v hide_v they_o in_o the_o secret_a of_o thy_o presence_n from_o the_o pride_n of_o man_n thou_o shall_v keep_v they_o secret_o in_o a_o pavilion_n from_o the_o strife_n of_o tongue_n psal._n 31._o thus_o god_n be_v with_o we_o when_o man_n be_v far_o from_o we_o or_o against_o we_o his_o people_n find_v by_o happy_a experience_n that_o they_o be_v not_o alone_o because_o he_o be_v nigh_o they_o evil_a shall_v not_o come_v nigh_o they_o unless_o as_o it_o work_v for_o their_o good_a he_o be_v their_o hide_v place_n to_o preserve_v they_o from_o trouble_n the_o great_a water-flood_n shall_v not_o come_v nigh_o they_o he_o will_v compass_v they_o about_o with_o song_n of_o deliverance_n psal._n 32.6_o 7._o 3._o and_o as_o god_n be_v with_o we_o thus_o relative_o and_o efficient_o so_o also_o objective_o for_o our_o holy_a converse_n wherever_o our_o friend_n be_v god_n be_v still_o at_o hand_n to_o be_v the_o most_o profitable_a honourable_a and_o delightful_a object_n of_o our_o thought_n there_o be_v enough_o in_o he_o to_o take_v up_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o my_o soul._n he_o that_o be_v but_o in_o a_o well_o furnish_v library_n may_v find_v great_a and_o excellent_a employment_n for_o his_o thought_n many_o year_n together_o and_o so_o may_v he_o that_o live_v in_o the_o open_a world_n and_o have_v all_o the_o visible_a work_n of_o god_n to_o meditate_v upon_o but_o all_o this_o be_v nothing_o if_o god_n be_v not_o the_o sense_n of_o book_n and_o creature_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o all_o these_o noble_a study_n he_o that_o be_v alone_o and_o have_v only_a god_n himself_o to_o study_v have_v the_o matter_n and_o sense_n of_o all_o the_o book_n and_o creature_n in_o the_o world_n to_o employ_v his_o thought_n upon_o he_o never_o need_v to_o want_v matter_n for_o his_o meditation_n that_o have_v god_n to_o meditate_v on_o he_o need_v not_o want_v matter_n of_o discourse_n whether_o mental_a or_o vocal_a that_o have_v god_n to_o talk_v of_o though_o he_o have_v not_o the_o name_n of_o any_o other_o friend_n to_o mention_v all_o our_o affection_n may_v have_v in_o he_o the_o high_a and_o most_o pleasant_a work_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n can_v have_v a_o more_o sweet_a and_o excellent_a work_n than_o to_o love_v he_o he_o want_v neither_o work_n nor_o pleasure_n that_o in_o his_o solitude_n be_v take_v up_o in_o the_o believe_a contemplation_n of_o eternal_a love_n and_o of_o all_o his_o bless_a attribute_n and_o work_n o_o then_o what_o happy_a and_o delightful_a converse_n may_v a_o believer_n have_v with_o god_n alone_o he_o be_v always_o present_a and_o always_o at_o leisure_n to_o be_v speak_v with_o and_o always_o willing_a of_o our_o access_n and_o audience_n he_o have_v no_o interest_n cross_n to_o our_o felicity_n which_o shall_v move_v he_o to_o reject_v we_o as_o worldly_a great_a one_o often_o have_v he_o never_o misunderstand_v we_o nor_o charge_v that_o upon_o we_o which_o we_o be_v never_o guilty_a of_o if_o we_o converse_v with_o man_n their_o mistake_v and_o interest_n and_o passion_n and_o insufficiency_n do_v make_v the_o trouble_n so_o great_a and_o the_o benefit_n so_o small_a that_o many_o have_v become_v thereby_o weary_a of_o the_o world_n or_o of_o human_a society_n and_o have_v spend_v the_o rest_n of_o their_o day_n alone_o in_o desert_n place_n indeed_o so_o much_o of_o god_n as_o appear_v in_o man_n so_o much_o be_v their_o converse_n excellent_a and_o delightful_a and_o they_o be_v the_o best_a that_o have_v most_o of_o god_n but_o there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o vanity_n and_o self_n and_o flesh_n and_o sin_n in_o the_o most_o or_o all_o of_o of_o we_o as_o very_o much_o darkness_n our_o light_n and_o damp_v the_o pleasure_n and_o blast_v the_o fruit_n of_o our_o society_n and_o converse_n o_o how_o oft_o have_v i_o be_v solace_v in_o god_n when_o i_o find_v nothing_o but_o deceit_n and_o darkness_n in_o the_o world_n how_o oft_o have_v he_o comfort_v i_o when_o it_o be_v pass_v the_o power_n of_o man_n how_o oft_o have_v he_o relieve_v and_o deliver_v i_o when_o all_o the_o help_n of_o man_n be_v vain_a it_o have_v be_v my_o stay_n and_o rest_v to_o look_v to_o he_o when_o the_o creature_n have_v be_v a_o break_a staff_n and_o deceitful_a ●_z have_v be_v but_o as_o a_o break_a tooth_n or_o a_o foot_n that_o be_v out_o of_o joint_n as_o solomon_n speak_v of_o confidence_n in_o a_o unfaithful_a man_n in_o time_n of_o trouble_n prov._n 25.29_o very_o as_o the_o world_n be_v but_o a_o horrid_a dungeon_n without_o the_o sun_n so_o it_o be_v a_o howl_a wilderness_n a_o place_n of_o no_o considerable_a employment_n or_o delight_n be_v it_o not_o that_o in_o it_o we_o may_v live_v to_o god_n and_o do_v he_o service_n and_o sometime_o be_v refresh_v with_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n and_o the_o communication_n of_o his_o love_n but_o of_o this_o more_o ano●_n use_v 1_o we_o see_v our_o example_n and_o our_o encouragement_n let_v we_o now_o as_o follower_n of_o christ_n endeavour_v to_o imitate_v he_o in_o this_o and_o to_o live_v upon_o god_n when_o man_n forsake_v we_o and_o to_o know_v that_o while_n god_n be_v with_o we_o we_o be_v not_o
friend_n on_o earth_n be_v nothing_o to_o his_o love_n o_o how_o plain_o have_v he_o declare_v that_o he_o love_v i_o in_o the_o strange_a condescension_n the_o suffering_n death_n and_o intercession_n of_o his_o son_n what_o love_n have_v he_o declare_v in_o the_o communication_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o near_a relation_n into_o which_o he_o bring_v i_o what_o love_n have_v he_o declare_v in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o many_o and_o wonderful_a preservation_n and_o deliverance_n in_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o in_o a_o life_n of_o mercy_n what_o love_n appear_v in_o his_o precious_a promise_n and_o the_o glorious_a provision_n he_o have_v make_v for_o i_o with_o himself_o to_o all_o eternity_n o_o my_o lord_n i_o be_o ashamed_a that_o thy_o love_n be_v so_o much_o lose_v that_o it_o have_v no_o better_a return_n from_o a_o unkind_a unthankful_a heart_n that_o i_o be_o not_o more_o delight_v in_o thou_o and_o swallow_v up_o in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o thy_o love_n i_o can_v content_o let_v go_v the_o society_n and_o converse_n of_o all_o other_o for_o the_o converse_n of_o some_o one_o bosom_n friend_n that_o be_v dear_a to_o i_o than_o they_o all_o as_o jonathan_n to_o david_n and_o can_v i_o not_o much_o more_o be_v satisfy_v in_o thou_o alone_o and_o let_v go_v all_o if_o i_o m●y_v continue_v with_o thou_o my_o very_a dog_n will_v glad_o forsake_v all_o the_o town_n and_o all_o person_n in_o the_o world_n to_o follow_v i_o alone_o and_o have_v i_o not_o yet_o find_v so_o much_o love_n and_o goo●_n ness_n in_o thou_o my_o dear_a and_o bless_a god_n as_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o converse_v alone_o with_o thou_o all_o man_n delight_v most_o in_o the_o company_n of_o those_o that_o love_v they_o best_o they_o choose_v not_o to_o converse_v with_o the_o multitude_n when_o they_o look_v for_o solace_n and_o content_n but_o with_o their_o dear_a friend_n and_o shall_v any_o be_v so_o dear_a to_o i_o as_o god_n o_o be_v not_o thy_o love_n unworthy_o neglecte●_n by_o a_o unthankful_a heart_n i_o shall_v never_o ●e_v so_o unsatisfied_a in_o thou_o but_o shall_v take_v up_o or_o seek_v my_o comfort_n in_o thou_o i_o shall_v then_o say_v who_o have_v i_o in_o heaven_n but_o thou_o and_o there_o be_v none_o on_o earth_n that_o i_o desire_v beside_o thou_o though_o not_o only_o my_o friend_n but_o my_o flesh_n and_o heart_n themselves_o shall_v fail_v i_o it_o be_v thou_o that_o will_v still_o be_v the_o strength_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o my_o portion_n forever_o it_o be_v good_a therefore_o for_o i_o to_o draw_v near_o to_o thou_o how_o far_o soever_o i_o be_o from_o man_n o_o let_v i_o there_o dwell_v where_o thou_o will_v not_o be_v strange_a for_o thy_o love_a kindness_n be_v better_a than_o life_n instead_o of_o the_o multitude_n of_o my_o turmoil_a thought_n let_v i_o be_v take_v up_o in_o the_o believe_a view_n of_o thy_o reconcile_a face_n and_o in_o the_o glad_a attendance_n upon_o thy_o grace_n or_o at_o least_o in_o the_o multitude_n of_o my_o thought_n within_o i_o let_v thy_o celestial_a comfort_n delight_v my_o soul._n let_v i_o dwell_v as_o in_o thy_o family_n and_o when_o i_o awake_v let_v i_o be_v still_o with_o thou_o let_v i_o go_v no_o whither_o but_o where_o i_o be_o still_o follow_v thou_o let_v i_o ●o_o nothing_o but_o thy_o work_n nor_o serve_v any_o other_o but_o when_o i_o may_v true_o call_v it_o a_o serve_v thou_o let_v i_o hear_v nothing_o ●ut_v thy_o voice_n and_o let_v i_o know_v thy_o voice_n by_o whatever_o instrument_n thou_o shall_v speak_v let_v i_o never_o see_v a●y_a thing_n but_o thyself_o and_o the_o glass_n that_o represent_v thou_o and_o the_o book_n in_o in_o which_o i_o may_v read_v thy_o name_n and_o let_v i_o never_o play_v with_o the_o outside_n and_o gaze_v on_o word_n and_o letter_n as_o insignificant_a and_o not_o observe_v ●hy_a name_n which_o be_v the_o sense_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o company_n or_o in_o solitude_n let_v i_o be_v continual_o with_o thou_o and_o do_v thou_o vouchsafe_v to_o hold_v i_o by_o my_o right_a hand_n and_o guide_v i_o with_o thy_o counsel_n and_o afterward_o receive_v i_o unto_o thy_o glory_n psal._n 73.23_o 24_o 25_o 26_o 28._o psal._n 63.3_o 4._o if_o god_n be_v with_o i_o i_o be_o not_o alone_a for_o i_o shall_v be_v with_o he_o who_o love_n be_v of_o great_a use_n and_o benefit_n to_o i_o than_o the_o love_n of_o all_o my_o friend_n in_o the_o world_n their_o love_n may_v perhaps_o be_v some_o little_a comfort_n as_o it_o flow_v from_o his_o but_o it_o be_v his_o love_n by_o which_o and_o upon_o which_o i_o live_v it_o be_v his_o love_n that_o give_v i_o life_n and_o time_n and_o health_n and_o food_n and_o preservation_n that_o give_v i_o book_n give_v i_o book_n and_o give_v i_o understanding_n that_o give_v i_o provision_n and_o save_v i_o from_o turn_v it_o to_o pernicious_a fleshliness_n and_o excess_n that_o give_v i_o even_o my_o friend_n themselves_o and_o save_v i_o from_o that_o abuse_n which_o may_v make_v they_o to_o i_o worse_o than_o enemy_n the_o sun_n the_o earth_n the_o air_n be_v not_o so_o useful_a or_o needful_a to_o i_o as_o his_o love_n the_o love_n of_o all_o my_o friend_n can_v make_v i_o well_o when_o i_o be_o sick_a it_o can_v forgive_v the_o small_a of_o my_o sin_n nor_o yet_o assure_v i_o of_o god_n forgiveness_n it_o can_v heal_v the_o malady_n of_o my_o soul_n nor_o give_v a_o solid_a last_a peace_n to_o the_o conscience_n which_o be_v trouble_v if_o all_o my_o friend_n stand_v about_o i_o when_o i_o be_o die_v they_o can_v take_v away_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n nor_o secure_v my_o passage_n to_o everlasting_a life_n death_n will_v be_v death_n still_o and_o danger_n will_v be_v danger_n when_o all_o my_o friend_n have_v do_v their_o best_a but_o my_o almighty_a friend_n be_v all_o sufficient_a he_o can_v prevent_v my_o sickness_n or_o rebuke_n and_o cure_v it_o or_o make_v it_o so_o good_a to_o i_o that_o i_o shall_v thank_v he_o for_o it_o he_o can_v blot_v out_o my_o transgression_n and_o forgive_v all_o my_o sin_n and_o justify_v i_o when_o the_o world_n and_o my_o conscience_n do_v condemn_v i_o he_o can_v teach_v i_o to_o believe_v to_o repent_v to_o pray_v to_o hope_v to_o suffer_v and_o to_o overcome_v he_o can_v quiet_v my_o soul_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o trouble_n and_o give_v i_o a_o well_o ground_v everlasting_a peace_n and_o a_o joy_n which_o no_o man_n can_v take_v from_o i_o he_o can_v deliver_v i_o from_o all_o the_o corruption_n and_o distemper_n of_o my_o froward_a heart_n and_o ease_v i_o and_o secure_v i_o in_o the_o troublesome_a war_n which_o be_v daily_o manage_v in_o my_o breast_n he_o can_v make_v it_o as_o easy_a a_o thing_n to_o die_v as_o to_o lie_v down_o and_o take_v my_o rest_n when_o i_o be_o weary_a or_o to_o undress_v i_o at_o night_n and_o go_v to_o bed_n he_o can_v teach_v death_n to_o lay_v by_o its_o terrible_a aspect_n and_o to_o speak_v with_o a_o mild_a and_o comfortable_a voice_n &_o to_o bring_v i_o the_o joyful_a tiding_n that_o ever_o come_v unto_o my_o ear_n and_o to_o preach_v to_o i_o the_o last_o and_o sweet_a sermon_n even_o the_o same_o that_o our_o ●aviour_n preach_v on_o the_o cross_n luke_o 23.43_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o to_o day_n shall_v thou_o be_v with_o christ_n in_o paradise_n and_o be_v this_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o love_n of_o man_n and_o of_o god_n and_o yet_o do_v i_o lament_v the_o loss_n of_o man_n and_o yet_o be_o i_o so_o backward_o to_o converse_v with_o god_n and_o to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o his_o love_n alone_o ah_o my_o god_n how_o just_o may_v thou_o withhold_v that_o love_n which_o i_o thus_o undervalue_v and_o refuse_v that_o converse_n which_o i_o have_v first_o refuse_v and_o turn_v i_o over_o to_o man_n to_o silly_a man_n to_o sinful_a man_n who_o converse_n i_o so_o much_o desire_n till_o i_o have_v learn_v by_o dear_a experience_n the_o difference_n between_o man_n and_o god_n and_o between_o a_o earthly_a and_o a_o heavenly_a friend_n alas_o have_v i_o not_o try_v it_o oft_o enough_o to_o have_v know_v it_o better_o before_o this_o day_n have_v ●_o not_o 〈◊〉_d enough_o sound_v what_o man_n be_v in_o a_o time_n of_o trial_n have_v i_o not_o be_v tol●_n it_o over_o and_o over_o and_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o quick_a by_o deceitful_a friend_n by_o self-seeking_a friend_n by_o mutable_a erroneous_a deceive_v scandalous_a backsld_v friend_n by_o proud_a and_o selfconceited_a friend_n by_o passionate_a quarrelsome_a vexatious_a friend_n by_o self-grieved_n trouble_a
he_o will_v bring_v his_o follower_n to_o the_o full_a knowledge_n of_o themselves_o and_o show_v they_o that_o which_o all_o their_o day_n shall_v keep_v they_o humble_a and_o watchful_a and_o save_v they_o from_o presumption_n and_o trust_n in_o themselves_o when_o we_o have_v make_v any_o full_a confession_n of_o christ_n or_o do_v he_o any_o considerable_a service_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o say_v with_o the_o disciple_n mat._n 19.27_o behold_v we_o have_v forsake_v all_o and_o follow_v thou_o what_o shall_v we_o have_v as_o if_o they_o have_v rather_o be_v giver_n to_o christ_n than_o receiver_n from_o he_o and_o have_v high_o 〈…〉_z his_o hand_n but_o when_o 〈…〉_z he_o and_o the_o rest_n shift_n for_o themselves_o and_o when_o they_o come_v to_o themselves_o after_o such_o cowardly_a and_o ungrateful_a deal_n than_o they_o will_v be●ter_o understand_v their_o weakness_n and_o know_v on_o who_o they_o must_v de●end_v 3._o hereby_o also_o they_o shall_v better_o understand_v what_o they_o will_v have_v be_v if_o god_n have_v le●t_v they_o to_o themselves_o that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v thankful_a for_o grace_v receive_v and_o may_v not_o boast_v themselves_o against_o the_o miserable_a world_n as_o if_o they_o have_v make_v themselves_o to_o differ_v and_o have_v not_o receive_v all_o that_o grace_n by_o which_o they_o excel_v the_o common_a sort_n when_o our_o fall_n have_v hu●t_v we_o and_o shame_v we_o we_o shall_v know_v to_o who_o we_o must_v be_v behold_v to_o support_v we_o 4._o christ_n will_v permit_v his_o disciple_n thus_o far_o to_o forsake_v he_o because_o he_o will_v have_v no_o support_n from_o man_n in_o his_o suffering_n for_o man_n this_o be_v part_n of_o his_o voluntary_a humiliation_n to_o ●e_v deprive_v of_o all_o earthly_a comfort_n and_o to_o be●r_v affliction_n even_o from_o those_o few_o that_o b●t_o late_o be_v his_o faithful_a servant_n that_o man_n deal_v like_o man_n and_o sinner_n while_o he_o be_v do_v like_o god_n and_o as_o a_o saviour_n no_o man_n may_v challenge_v to_o himself_o the_o honour_n of_o contribute_v to_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n so_o much_o as_o by_o encourage_v the_o redeemer_n 5._o christ_n do_v permit_v the_o faith_n and_o courage_n of_o his_o disciple_n thus_o far_o to_o fail_v that_o their_o witness_n to_o he_o may_v be_v of_o the_o great_a credit_n and_o authority_n when_o his_o actual_a resurrection_n and_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o spirit_n shall_v compel_v they_o to_o believe_v when_o all_o their_o doubt_n be_v dissipate_v they_o that_o have_v doubt_v themselves_o and_o yet_o be_v constrain_v to_o believe_v wo●ld_v be_v receive_v as_o the_o most_o impartial_a witness_n by_o the_o doubt_a world_n 6._o last_o by_o the_o desertion_n and_o dissipation_n of_o his_o disciple_n christ_n will_v teach_v we_o whenever_o we_o be_v call_v to_o follow_v he_o in_o suffering_n what_o to_o expect_v from_o the_o best_a of_o man_n even_o to_o know_v that_o of_o themselves_o they_o be_v untrusty_a and_o may_v fail_v we_o and_o therefore_o not_o to_o look_v for_o too_o much_o assistance_n or_o encouragement_n from_o they_o paul_n live_v in_o a_o time_n when_o christian_n be_v more_o self-denying_a and_o steadfast_a than_o they_o be_v now_o and_o paul_n be_v one_o that_o may_v better_o expect_v to_o be_v faithful_o accompany_v in_o his_o suffering_n for_o christ_n than_o any_o of_o we_o and_o yet_o he_o say_v 2_o tim._n 4.16_o at_o my_o first_o answer_n no_o man_n stand_v with_o i_o but_o all_o man_n forsake_v i_o and_o pray_v that_o it_o be_v not_o lay_v to_o their_o charge_n thus_o you_o have_v see_v some_o reason_n why_o christ_n consent_v to_o be_v leave_v of_o all_o and_o permit_v his_o disciple_n to_o desert_n he_o in_o his_o suffering_n yet_o note_v here_o that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o partial_a temporary_a forsake_v that_o christ_n permit_v and_o not_o a_o total_a or_o final_a forsake_v or_o apostasy_n though_o he_o will_v let_v they_o see_v that_o they_o be_v yet_o man_n yet_o will_v he_o not_o leave_v they_o to_o be_v but_o as_o other_o man_n nor_o will_v he_o quite_o cast_v they_o off_o or_o suffer_v they_o to_o perish_v nor_o be_v it_o all_o alike_o that_o thus_o forsake_v he_o peter_n do_v not_o do_v as_o judas_n the_o sincere_a may_v manifest_v their_o infirmity_n but_o the_o hypocrite_n will_v manifest_v their_o hypocrisy_n and_o according_o in_o our_o suffering_n our_o familiar_n that_o be_v fals-hearted_n as_o be_v worldling_n and_o carnal_a at_o the_o heart_n may_v perhaps_o betray_v we_o and_o set_v against_o we_o or_o forsake_v the_o cause_n of_o christ_n and_o follow_v the_o way_n of_o gain_n and_o honour_n when_o our_o tempt_v shrink_a friend_n that_o yet_o may_v have_v some_o sincerity_n may_v perhaps_o look_v strange_a at_o we_o and_o seem_v not_o to_o know_v we_o and_o may_v hide_v their_o head_n and_o show_v their_o fear_n and_o perhaps_o also_o begin_v to_o study_v some_o self-deceiving_a argument_n and_o distinction_n 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unfaithful_a and_o dissembler_n and_o upon_o fall_n out_o or_o matter_n of_o self-interest_n may_v seek_v your_o ruin_n be_v you_o better_o than_o david_n that_o have_v a_o achitophel_n or_o than_o paul_n that_o have_v a_o domas_n or_o than_o christ_n that_o have_v a_o judas_n some_o will_v forsake_v god_n what_o wonder_v then_o if_o they_o forsake_v you_o because_o iniquity_n shall_v abound_v the_o love_n of_o many_o shall_v wax_v cold_a mat._n 24.12_o where_o pride_n and_o vain_a glory_n and_o sensuality_n and_o worldliness_n be_v unmortified_a at_o the_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o trustiness_n in_o such_o person_n for_o their_o wealth_n or_o honour_n or_o fleshly_a interest_n they_o will_v part_v with_o god_n and_o their_o salvation_n much_o more_o with_o their_o best_a deserve_a friend_n why_o may_v not_o you_o as_o well_o as_o job_n have_v occasion_n to_o complain_v he_o have_v put_v my_o brethren_n far_o from_o i_o and_o my_o acquaintance_n be_v very_o estrange_v from_o i_o my_o 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same_o sin_n and_o so_o your_o friend_n may_v be_v in_o effect_v your_o most_o deadly_a enemy_n deceiver_n and_o destroyer_n 15._o and_o if_o you_o have_v friend_n that_o be_v never_o so_o firm_a and_o constant_a they_o may_v prove_v not_o only_o unable_a to_o relieve_v you_o but_o very_o increase_v to_o your_o grief_n if_o they_o be_v afflict_v in_o the_o participation_n of_o your_o suffering_n as_o your_o trouble_n be_v become_v they_o without_o your_o ease_n so_o their_o trouble_n for_o you_o will_v become_v you_o and_o so_o your_o stock_n of_o sorrow_n will_v be_v increase_v and_o they_o be_v mortal_n and_o liable_a to_o distress_n as_o well_o as_o you_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v like_a to_o bear_v their_o share_n in_o several_a sort_n of_o suffering_n and_o so_o friendship_n will_v make_v their_o suffering_n to_o be_v you_o their_o sickness_n and_o pain_n their_o fear_n and_o grief_n their_o want_n and_o danger_n will_v all_o be_v you_o and_o the_o more_o they_o be_v your_o 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the_o high_a expectation_n be_v you_o better_o than_o job_n or_o david_n or_o christ_n and_o be_v your_o friend_n more_o firm_a and_o unchangeable_a than_o they_o consider_v 1._o that_o creature_n must_v be_v set_v at_o a_o sufficient_a distance_n from_o their_o creator_n all-sufficiency_n immutability_n and_o indefectible_a fidelity_n be_v proper_a to_o jehovah_n as_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n for_o the_o sun_n to_o set_v or_o be_v eclipse_v as_o glorious_a a_o body_n as_o it_o be_v so_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n for_o a_o friend_n a_o pious_a friend_n to_o fail_v we_o for_o a_o time_n in_o the_o hour_n of_o our_o distress_n there_o be_v some_o that_o will_v not_o but_o there_o be_v none_o but_o may_v if_o god_n shall_v leave_v they_o to_o their_o weakness_n man_n be_v not_o
to_o draw_v the_o most_o guilty_a miserable_a sinner_n to_o seek_v to_o god_n and_o sue_v for_o mercy_n but_o yet_o the_o sweet_a converse_n be_v for_o child_n &_o for_o those_o that_o have_v some_o assurance_n that_o they_o be_v child_n but_o perhaps_o you_o will_v say_v that_o this_o be_v not_o easy_o attain_v how_o shall_v we_o know_v that_o he_o be_v our_o friend_n in_o brief_a i_o answer_v if_o you_o be_v unfeigned_o friend_n to_o god_n it_o be_v because_o he_o first_o love_v you_o prefer_v he_o before_o all_o other_o friend_n and_o all_o the_o wealth_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n provoke_v he_o not_o by_o wilfulness_n or_o neglect_n use_v he_o as_o your_o best_a friend_n and_o abuse_v he_o not_o by_o disobedience_n or_o ingratitude_n own_v he_o before_o all_o at_o the_o dear_a rate_n whenever_o you_o be_v call_v to_o it_o desire_v his_o presence_n lament_v his_o absence_n love_v he_o from_o the_o bottom_n of_o your_o heart_n think_v not_o hardly_o of_o he_o suspect_v he_o 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commit_v yourself_o and_o cause_n to_o christ_n and_o desire_v he_o to_o answer_v for_o you_o when_o the_o door_n of_o mercy_n seem_v to_o be_v shut_v up_o against_o you_o fly_v to_o he_o that_o bear_v the_o key_n and_o can_v at_o any_o time_n open_a to_o you_o and_o let_v you_o in_o desire_v he_o to_o answer_v for_o you_o to_o god_n to_o your_o conscience_n and_o against_o all_o accuser_n by_o he_o alone_o you_o may_v bold_o and_o comfortable_o converse_v with_o god_n but_o god_n will_v not_o know_v you_o out_o of_o he_o direct_v 3._o take_v heed_n of_o bring_v particular_a gild_n into_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n if_o you_o will_v have_v sweet_a communion_n with_o he_o christ_n himself_o never_o reconcile_v god_n to_o sin_n and_o the_o sinner_n and_o sin_n be_v so_o near_o relate_v that_o for_o all_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n you_o shall_v feel_v that_o iniquity_n dwell_v not_o with_o god_n but_o he_o hate_v the_o work_n of_o it_o and_o the_o foolish_a shall_v not_o stand_v in_o his_o sight_n and_o that_o if_o you_o will_v presume_v to_o sin_n because_o you_o be_v his_o child_n be_v sure_a your_o sin_n will_v find_v you_o out_o o_o what_o fear_n what_o shame_n what_o self-abhorrence_a and_o self-revenge_n will_v guilt_n raise_v in_o a_o penitent_a soul_n when_o it_o come_v into_o the_o light_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o will_v unavoidable_a abate_v your_o boldness_n and_o your_o comfort_n when_o you_o shall_v be_v sweet_o delight_v in_o his_o please_a face_n and_o promise_a glory_n you_o will_v be_v be_v fool_n yourselves_o for_o your_o former_a sin_n and_o ready_a even_o to_o tear_v your_o flesh_n to_o think_v that_o ever_o you_o shall_v do_v as_o you_o have_v do_v and_o use_v he_o as_o you_o will_v not_o have_v use_v a_o common_a friend_n and_o cast_v yourselves_o upon_o his_o wrath_n but_o a_o innocent_a soul_n or_o pacify_v conscience_n do_v walk_v with_o god_n in_o quietness_n and_o delight_n without_o those_o frown_n and_o fear_n which_o be_v a_o taste_n of_o hell_n to_o other_o direct_v 4._o if_o you_o will_v comfortable_o converse_v with_o god_n be_v sure_a that_o you_o bring_v not_o idol_n in_o your_o heart_n take_v heed_n of_o inordinate_a affection_n to_o any_o creature_n let_v all_o thing_n else_o be_v nothing_o to_o you_o that_o you_o may_v have_v none_o to_o take_v up_o your_o thought_n but_o god_n let_v your_o mind_n be_v further_o separate_v from_o they_o than_o your_o body_n bring_v not_o into_o solitude_n or_o to_o contemplation_n a_o proud_a or_o lustful_a or_o covetous_a mind_n it_o much_o more_o concern_v thou_o what_o heart_n thou_o bring_v that_o what_o place_n thou_o be_v in_o or_o what_o work_n thou_o be_v upon_o a_o mind_n that_o be_v drown_v in_o ambition_n sensuality_n or_o passion_n will_v scarce_o find_v god_n any_o soon_o in_o any_o wilderness_n than_o in_o a_o crowd_n unless_o he_o be_v there_o return_v from_o those_o sin_n to_o god_n wherever_o he_o see_v he_o god_n will_v not_o own_o and_o be_v familiar_a with_o so_o foul_a a_o soul._n seneca_n can_v say_v quid_fw-la prodest_fw-la totious_a regionis_fw-la silentium_fw-la si_fw-la affectus_fw-la fremunt_fw-la what_o good_a do_v the_o silence_n of_o all_o the_o country_n do_v thou_o if_o thou_o have_v the_o noise_n of_o rage_a affection_n within_o and_o gregory_n say_v qui_fw-la corpore_fw-la remotus_fw-la vivit_fw-la etc._n etc._n he_o that_o in_o body_n be_v far_o enough_o from_o the_o tumult_n of_o human_a conversation_n be_v not_o in_o solitude_n if_o he_o busy_a himself_o with_o earthly_a cogitation_n and_o desire_n and_o he_o be_v not_o in_o the_o city_n that_o be_v not_o trouble_v with_o the_o tumult_n of_o worldly_a care_n or_o fear_n though_o he_o be_v press_v with_o the_o popular_a crowd_n bring_v not_o thy_o house_n or_o land_n or_o credit_n or_o carnal_a friend_n along_o with_o thou_o in_o thy_o heart_n if_o thou_o desire_v and_o expect_v to_o walk_v in_o heaven_n and_o to_o converse_v with_o god_n direct_v 5._o live_v still_o by_o faith_n let_v faith_n lay_v heaven_n and_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v together_o look_v not_o at_o god_n as_o if_o he_o be_v far_o off_o set_v he_o aways_o as_o before_o you_o even_o as_o at_o your_o right_a hand_n psal._n 16.8_o be_v still_o with_o he_o when_o you_o awake_v psal._n 139.18_o in_o the_o morning_n thank_v he_o for_o your_o rest_n and_o deliver_v up_o yourself_o to_o his_o conduct_n and_o service_n for_o that_o day_n go_v forth_o as_o with_o he_o and_o to_o do_v his_o work_n do_v every_o action_n with_o the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o heaven_n before_o your_o eye_n and_o upon_o your_o heart_n live_v as_o those_o that_o have_v incomparable_o more_o to_o do_v with_o god_n and_o heaven_n than_o all_o this_o world_n that_o you_o may_v say_v with_o david_n psal._n 37.25_o 26._o as_o aforecited_a who_o have_v i_o in_o heaven_n but_o thou_o and_o there_o be_v none_o on_o earth_n that_o i_o desire_v beside_o thou_o and_o with_o paul_n phil._n 1.21_o to_o i_o to_o live_v be_v christ_n and_o to_o dye_n be_v gain_v you_o must_v shut_v up_o the_o eye_n of_o sense_n save_v as_o subordinate_a to_o faith_n and_o live_v by_o faith_n upon_o a_o god_n a_o christ_n and_o a_o world_n that_o be_v unseen_a if_o you_o will_v know_v by_o experience_n what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v above_o the_o brutish_a life_n of_o sensualist_n and_o to_o converse_v with_o god_n o_o christian_n if_o thou_o have_v right_o learn_v this_o bless_a life_n what_o a_o high_a and_o noble_a soul-conversation_n will_v thou_o have_v how_o easy_o will_v thou_o spare_v and_o how_o little_o will_v thou_o miss_v the_o favour_n of_o the_o great_a the_o presence_n of_o any_o worldly_a comfort_n city_n or_o solitude_n will_v be_v much_o alike_o to_o thou_o save_v that_o the_o place_n and_o state_n will_v be_v best_a to_o thou_o where_o thou_o have_v the_o great_a help_n and_o freedom_n to_o converse_v with_o god_n thou_o will_v say_v of_o human_a society_n as_o seneca_n vnus_fw-la pro_fw-la populo_fw-la mihi_fw-la est_fw-la &_o populus_fw-la pro_fw-la uno_fw-la mihi_fw-la satis_fw-la est_fw-la unus_fw-la satis_fw-la est_fw-la nullus_fw-la one_o be_v instead_o of_o all_o the_o people_n to_o i_o and_o the_o people_n as_o one_o one_o be_v enough_o for_o i_o and_o none_o be_v enough_o thus_o be_v take_v up_o with_o god_n thou_o may_v live_v in_o prison_n as_o at_o liberty_n and_o in_o a_o wilderness_n as_o in_o a_o city_n and_o in_o a_o place_n of_o banishment_n as_o in_o thy_o native_a land_n for_o the_o earth_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o fullness_n thereof_o and_o everywhere_o thou_o may_v find_v he_o and_o converse_v with_o he_o and_o lift_v up_o pure_a hand_n unto_o he_o in_o every_o place_n thou_o