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according_a unto_o godliness_n but_o do_v subserve_v our_o carnal_a end_n 6._o in_o the_o next_o form_n we_o grow_v to_o study_v more_o the_o pure_a and_o wonderful_a love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o to_o relish_v and_o admire_v that_o love_n and_o to_o be_v take_v up_o with_o the_o goodness_n and_o tender_a mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o be_v kindle_v the_o flame_n of_o holy_a love_n to_o he_o that_o have_v thus_o love_v we_o and_o to_o keep_v our_o soul_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o love_n and_o withal_o to_o live_v in_o joy_n and_o thanks_o and_o praise_v to_o he_o that_o have_v redeem_v we_o and_o love_v we_o and_o also_o by_o faith_n to_o converse_v in_o heaven_n and_o to_o live_v in_o holy_a contemplation_n behold_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o redeemer_n in_o the_o glass_n which_o be_v fit_v to_o our_o present_a use_n till_o we_o come_v to_o see_v he_o face_n to_o face_n those_o that_o be_v the_o high_a in_o this_o form_n do_v so_o walk_v with_o 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whoever_o forsake_v not_o all_o that_o he_o have_v for_o christ_n can_v be_v his_o disciple_n luke_n 14._o 33._o but_o to_o suffer_v with_o that_o faith_n and_o love_n foremention_v and_o in_o that_o manner_n be_v proper_a to_o the_o strong_a and_o usual_o god_n do_v not_o try_v and_o exercise_v his_o young_a and_o weak_a one_o with_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o strong_a nor_o set_v his_o infant_n on_o so_o hard_a a_o service_n nor_o put_v they_o in_o the_o front_n or_o hot_a of_o the_o battle_n as_o he_o do_v the_o ripe_a confirm_a christian_n the_o suffering_n of_o their_o inward_a doubt_n and_o fear_n do_v take_v up_o such_o it_o be_v the_o strong_a that_o ordinary_o be_v call_v to_o suffering_n for_o christ_n at_o least_o in_o any_o high_a degree_n i_o have_v digress_v thus_o far_o to_o make_v it_o plain_a to_o you_o that_o our_o conformity_n to_o christ_n and_o fellowship_n with_o he_o in_o his_o suffering_n in_o any_o notable_a degree_n be_v the_o lot_n of_o his_o best_a confirm_a 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enemy_n and_o so_o little_a suffering_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n though_o i_o have_v much_o of_o other_o sort_n and_o now_o that_o doubt_n be_v remove_v by_o the_o multitude_n of_o fury_n which_o god_n have_v let_v lose_v against_o i_o but_o yet_o methinks_v while_o my_o friend_n themselves_o be_v so_o friendly_a to_o i_o i_o be_o much_o short_a of_o what_o i_o think_v i_o must_v at_o last_o attain_v to_o but_o let_v we_o look_v further_o into_o the_o text_n and_o see_v what_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o fail_n and_o forsake_v christ_n in_o the_o disciple_n and_o what_o it_o be_v that_o they_o betake_v themselves_o to_o when_o they_o leave_v he_o ye_o shall_v be_v scatter_v every_o man_n to_o his_o own_o self-denial_n be_v not_o perfect_a in_o they_o selfishness_n therefore_o in_o this_o hour_n of_o temptation_n do_v prevail_v they_o have_v before_o forsake_v all_o to_o follow_v christ_n they_o have_v leave_v their_o parent_n their_o family_n their_o estate_n their_o trade_n to_o be_v his_o disciple_n but_o though_o they_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o christ_n yet_o they_o dream_v of_o a_o visible_a kingdom_n and_o do_v all_o this_o with_o too_o carnal_a expectation_n of_o be_v great_a man_n on_o earth_n when_o christ_n shall_v begin_v his_o reign_n and_o therefore_o when_o they_o see_v his_o apprehension_n and_o ignominious_a suffering_n and_o think_v now_o they_o be_v frustrate_v of_o their_o hope_n they_o seem_v to_o repent_v that_o they_o have_v follow_v he_o though_o not_o by_o apostasy_n and_o a_o habitual_a or_o plenary_a change_n of_o mind_n yet_o by_o a_o sudden_a passionate_a frightful_a apprehension_n which_o vanish_v when_o grace_n perform_v its_o part_n they_o now_o begin_v to_o think_v that_o they_o have_v life_n of_o their_o own_o to_o save_v and_o family_n of_o their_o own_o to_o mind_n and_o business_n of_o their_o own_o to_o do_v they_o have_v before_o forsake_v their_o private_a interest_n and_o affair_n and_o gather_v themselves_o to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o he_o and_o one_o another_o but_o now_o they_o return_v to_o their_o trade_n and_o calling_n and_o be_v scatter_v every_o man_n to_o his_o own_o selfishness_n be_v the_o great_a enemy_n of_o all_o society_n of_o all_o fidelity_n and_o friendship_n there_o be_v no_o trust_v that_o person_n in_o who_o it_o be_v predominant_a and_o the_o remnant_n of_o it_o where_o it_o do_v not_o reign_n do_v make_v man_n walk_v uneven_o and_o unsteadfast_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n they_o will_v certain_o deny_v both_o god_n and_o their_o friend_n in_o a_o time_n of_o trial_n who_o be_v not_o able_a to_o deny_v themselves_o or_o rather_o he_o never_o be_v a_o real_a friend_n to_o any_o that_o be_v predominant_o selfish_a they_o have_v always_o some_o interest_n of_o their_o own_o which_o their_o friend_n must_v needs_o contradict_v or_o be_v insufficient_a to_o satisfy_v their_o house_n their_o land_n their_o money_n their_o child_n their_o honour_n or_o something_o which_o they_o call_v their_o own_o will_v be_v frequent_o the_o matter_n of_o contention_n and_o be_v so_o near_o they_o that_o they_o can_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o these_o cast_v off_o the_o near_a friend_n contract_v no_o special_a friendship_n with_o a_o selfish_a man_n nor_o put_v no_o confidence_n in_o he_o whatever_o friendship_n he_o may_v profess_v he_o be_v so_o confine_v to_o himself_o that_o he_o have_v no_o true_a love_n to_o spare_v for_o other_o if_o he_o seem_v to_o love_v a_o friend_n it_o be_v not_o as_o a_o friend_n but_o as_o a_o servant_n or_o at_o best_a as_o a_o benefactor_n he_o love_v you_o for_o himself_o as_o he_o love_v his_o money_n or_o horse_n or_o house_n because_o you_o may_v be_v serviceable_a to_o he_o or_o as_o a_o horse_n or_o dog_n do_v love_v his_o keeper_n for_o feed_v he_o and_o therefore_o when_o your_o provender_n be_v go_v his_o love_n be_v go_v when_o you_o have_v do_v feed_v he_o he_o have_v do_v love_v you_o when_o you_o have_v no_o more_o for_o he_o he_o have_v no_o more_o for_o you_o object_n but_o some_o will_v say_v it_o be_v not_o the_o falseness_n of_o my_o friend_n that_o i_o lament_v but_o the_o separation_n or_o the_o loss_n of_o one_o that_o be_v most_o faithful_a i_o have_v find_v the_o deceitfulness_n of_o ordinary_a friend_n and_o therefore_o the_o more_o high_o prize_v those_o few_o that_o be_v sincere_a i_o have_v but_o one_o true_a friend_n among_o abundance_n of_o self-seekers_a and_o that_o one_o be_v dead_a or_o take_v from_o i_o and_o i_o be_o leave_v as_o in_o a_o wilderness_n have_v no_o mortal_a man_n that_o i_o can_v trust_v or_o take_v much_o comfort_n in_o answ._n
will_v have_v be_v grieve_v for_o their_o grief_n and_o for_o aught_o they_o know_v may_v have_v fall_v into_o as_o sad_a a_o state_n as_o they_o themselves_o be_v now_o lament_v 6._o do_v you_o think_v it_o be_v for_o the_o hurt_a or_o the_o good_a of_o your_o friend_n that_o he_o be_v remove_v hence_o it_o can_v be_v for_o his_o hurt_a unless_o he_o be_v in_o hell_n at_o least_o it_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o to_o live_v will_v have_v be_v for_o his_o good_a by_o a_o increase_n of_o grace_n and_o so_o for_o great_a glory_n and_o if_o he_o be_v in_o hell_n he_o be_v no_o fit_a person_n for_o you_o to_o take_v much_o pleasure_n in_o upon_o earth_n he_o may_v be_v indeed_o a_o fit_a object_n for_o your_o compassion_n but_o not_o for_o your_o complacency_n sure_o you_o be_v not_o undo_v for_o want_v of_o such_o company_n as_o god_n will_v not_o endure_v in_o his_o sight_n and_o you_o must_v be_v separate_v from_o for_o ever_o but_o if_o they_o be_v in_o heaven_n you_o be_v scarce_o their_o friend_n if_o you_o will_v wish_v they_o thence_o friendship_n have_v as_o great_a respect_n to_o the_o good_a of_o our_o friend_n as_o of_o ourselves_o and_o do_v you_o pretend_v to_o friendship_n and_o yet_o lament_v the_o removal_n of_o your_o friend_n to_o his_o great_a happiness_n do_v you_o set_v more_o by_o your_o own_o enjoy_n his_o company_n then_o by_o his_o enjoy_n god_n in_o perfect_a blessedness_n this_o show_v a_o very_a culpable_a defect_n either_o in_o faith_n or_o friendship_n and_o therefore_o beseem_v not_o christian_n and_o friend_n if_o love_n teach_v we_o to_o mourn_v with_o they_o that_o mourn_v and_o to_o rejoice_v with_o they_o that_o rejoice_v can_v it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o rational_a love_n to_o mourn_v for_o they_o that_o be_v possess_v of_o the_o high_a everlasting_a joy_n 7._o god_n will_v not_o honour_v himself_o by_o one_o only_o but_o by_o many_o he_o know_v best_o when_o his_o work_n be_v do_v when_o our_o friend_n have_v finish_v all_o that_o god_n intend_v they_o for_o when_o he_o put_v they_o into_o the_o world_n be_v it_o not_o time_n for_o they_o to_o be_v go_v and_o for_o other_o to_o take_v their_o place_n and_o finish_v their_o work_n also_o in_o their_o time_n god_n will_v have_v a_o succession_n of_o his_o servant_n in_o the_o world_n will_v you_o not_o come_v down_o and_o give_v place_n to_o he_o that_o be_v to_o follow_v you_o when_o your_o part_n be_v play_v and_o his_o be_v to_o begin_v if_o david_n have_v not_o die_v there_o have_v be_v no_o solomon_n no_o jehoshaphat_n no_o hezekiah_n no_o josiah_n to_o succeed_v he_o and_o honour_n god_n in_o the_o same_o throne_n you_o may_v as_o wise_o grudge_v that_o one_o day_n only_o take_v not_o up_o all_o the_o week_n and_o that_o the_o clock_n strike_v not_o the_o same_o hour_n still_o but_o proceed_v from_o one_o to_o two_o from_o two_o to_o three_o etc._n etc._n as_o to_o murmur_v that_o one_o man_n only_o continu_v not_o to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o his_o place_n exclude_v his_o successor_n 8._o you_o must_v not_o have_v all_o your_o mercy_n by_o one_o messenger_n or_o hand_n god_n will_v not_o have_v you_o consine_n your_o love_n to_o one_o only_a of_o his_o servant_n and_o therefore_o he_o will_v not_o make_v one_o only_o useful_a to_o you_o but_o when_o one_o have_v deliver_v his_o message_n and_o do_v his_o part_n perhaps_o god_n will_v send_v you_o other_o mercy_n by_o another_o hand_n and_o it_o belong_v to_o he_o to_o choose_v the_o messenger_n who_o give_v the_o gift_n and_o if_o you_o will_v childish_o dote_v upon_o the_o first_o messenger_n and_o say_v you_o will_v have_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o your_o mercy_n by_o his_o hand_n or_o you_o will_v have_v no_o more_o your_o frowardness_n more_o deserve_v correction_n than_o compassion_n and_o if_o you_o be_v keep_v fast_v till_o 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 value_v and_o love_v they_o but_o for_o yourselves_o only_o it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n to_o take_v they_o from_o you_o to_o teach_v you_o to_o value_v man_n to_o right_a end_n and_o upon_o better_a consideration_n and_o both_o to_o prefer_v god_n before_o yourselves_o and_o better_a to_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o true_a friendship_n and_o better_a to_o know_v that_o your_o own_o felicity_n be_v not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o any_o creature_n but_o of_o god_n alone_o 10._o do_v you_o improve_v your_o friend_n while_o you_o have_v they_o or_o do_v you_o only_o love_v they_o while_o you_o make_v but_o little_a use_n of_o they_o for_o your_o soul_n if_o you_o use_v they_o not_o it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n for_o all_o your_o love_n to_o take_v they_o from_o you_o they_o be_v give_v you_o as_o your_o candle_n not_o only_o to_o love_v it_o but_o to_o work_v by_o the_o light_n of_o it_o and_o as_o your_o garment_n not_o only_o to_o love_v they_o but_o to_o wear_v they_o and_o as_o your_o meat_n not_o only_o to_o love_v it_o but_o to_o feed_v upon_o it_o do_v you_o receive_v their_o counsel_n and_o hearken_v to_o their_o reproof_n and_o 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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 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continuation_n of_o their_o friendship_n 3._o you_o must_v not_o causeless_o withdraw_v from_o humane_a society_n into_o solitude_n a_o weariness_n of_o converse_n with_o man_n be_v oft_o conjunct_a with_o a_o weariness_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o a_o retire_n voluntary_o into_o solitude_n when_o god_n do_v not_o call_v or_o drive_v we_o thither_o be_v oft_o but_o a_o retire_n from_o the_o place_n and_o work_v which_o god_n have_v appoint_v we_o and_o consequent_o a_o retire_n rather_o from_o god_n than_o to_o god_n like_o some_o idle_a servant_n that_o think_v they_o shall_v not_o work_v so_o hard_o because_o it_o be_v but_o worldly_a business_n and_o think_v their_o master_n deal_v not_o religious_o by_o they_o unless_o they_o let_v they_o neglect_v their_o labour_n that_o they_o may_v spend_v more_o time_n in_o serve_v god_n as_o if_o it_o be_v no_o serve_v god_n to_o be_v faithful_a in_o their_o master_n service_n i_o deny_v not_o but_o very_o holy_a person_n have_v live_v in_o a_o state_n of_o retirement_n from_o humane_a converse_n in_o such_o case_n as_o these_o iâ—_n may_v become_v a_o duty_n 1._o in_o case_n of_o such_o persecution_n as_o at_o present_a leave_v we_o no_o opportunity_n of_o serve_v or_o honour_v god_n so_o much_o in_o any_o other_o place_n or_o state_n 2._o in_o case_n that_o natural_a infirmity_n or_o disability_n or_o any_o other_o accident_n shall_v make_v one_o less_o serviceable_a to_o god_n and_o his_o church_n in_o society_n than_o he_o be_v in_o solitude_n 3._o in_o case_n he_o have_v commit_v a_o sin_n so_o heinous_a and_o of_o indelible_a scandal_n and_o reproach_n as_o that_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n any_o more_o to_o receive_v he_o into_o their_o local_a communion_n though_o he_o repent_v for_o as_o to_o local_a communion_n i_o think_v such_o a_o case_n may_v be_v 4._o in_o case_n a_o man_n through_o custom_n and_o ill_a company_n be_v so_o captivate_v to_o some_o fleshly_a lust_n as_o that_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v the_o temptation_n that_o be_v find_v in_o humane_a converse_n but_o fall_v by_o they_o into_o frequent_a heinous_a sin_v in_o this_o case_n the_o right_a hand_n or_o eye_n be_v rather_o to_o be_v part_v with_o than_o their_o salvation_n and_o though_o a_o mere_a restraint_n by_o distance_n of_o temptation_n and_o opportunity_n of_o sin_v will_v not_o prove_v a_o man_n sanctify_v nor_o save_v the_o soul_n that_o love_v the_o sin_n and_o fain_o will_v live_v in_o it_o yet_o 1._o grace_n may_v sometime_o appear_v in_o the_o strength_n and_o self-denial_n which_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o very_o avoid_v of_o temptation_n when_o yet_o perhaps_o the_o person_n have_v not_o strength_n enough_o to_o have_v stand_v against_o the_o temptation_n if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v avoid_v and_o 2._o the_o distance_n of_o temptation_n and_o opportunity_n of_o serious_a and_o frequent_a consideration_n may_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o help_v they_o to_o sincerity_n that_o want_v it_o 5._o in_o case_n a_o man_n by_o age_n or_o sickness_n find_v himself_o so_o near_o to_o death_n as_o that_o he_o have_v now_o a_o more_o special_a call_v to_o look_v after_o his_o present_a actual_a preparation_n than_o to_o endeavour_v any_o more_o the_o good_a of_o other_o and_o find_v withal_o that_o solitude_n will_v help_v he_o in_o his_o preparation_n his_o society_n be_v such_o as_o will_v but_o hinder_v he_o in_o these_o five_o case_n i_o suppose_v it_o lawful_a to_o retire_v from_o humane_a converse_n into_o solitude_n but_o when_o there_o be_v no_o such_o necessity_n or_o call_v it_o usual_o proceed_v from_o one_o of_o these_o vicious_a distemper_n 1._o from_o cowardice_n and_o fear_n of_o suffering_n when_o the_o soldier_n of_o christ_n do_v
world_n his_o god_n so_o do_v it_o savour_n of_o the_o same_o heinous_a sin_n to_o lament_v our_o loss_n of_o creature_n more_o than_o the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n if_o god_n be_v my_o enemy_n or_o i_o be_o fall_v under_o his_o indignation_n i_o have_v then_o so_o much_o great_a matter_n to_o lament_v than_o the_o loss_n or_o absence_n or_o frown_n of_o man_n as_o shall_v almost_o make_v i_o forget_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o man_n to_o be_v regard_v but_o if_o god_n be_v my_o father_n and_o my_o friend_n in_o christ_n i_o have_v then_o so_o much_o to_o think_v of_o with_o delight_n and_o to_o recreate_v and_o content_v my_o soul_n as_o will_v proclaim_v it_o most_o incongruous_a and_o absurd_a to_o lament_v inordinate_o the_o absence_n of_o a_o worm_n while_o i_o have_v his_o love_n and_o presence_n who_o be_v all_o in_o all._n if_o god_n can_v content_v i_o and_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o i_o how_o be_v he_o then_o my_o god_n or_o how_o shall_v he_o be_v my_o heaven_n and_o everlasting_a happiness_n 2._o if_o god_n be_v with_o i_o he_o be_v with_o i_o to_o who_o i_o be_o absolute_o devote_v i_o be_o whole_o he_o and_o have_v acknowledge_v his_o interest_n in_o i_o and_o long_o ago_o disclaim_v all_o usurper_n and_o repent_v of_o alienation_n and_o unreserved_o resign_v myself_o to_o he_o and_o where_o shall_v i_o dwell_v but_o with_o he_o that_o be_v my_o owner_n and_o with_o who_o i_o have_v make_v the_o solemne_v covenant_n that_o ever_o i_o make_v â—_o never_o give_v myself_o to_o any_o other_o but_o in_o subordination_n to_o he_o and_o with_o a_o salvo_fw-la for_o his_o high_a inviolable_a right_o where_o shall_v my_o good_n be_v but_o in_o my_o own_o house_n with_o who_o shall_v a_o servant_n dwell_v but_o with_o his_o master_n and_o a_o wife_n but_o with_o her_o husband_n and_o child_n but_o with_o their_o father_n i_o be_o nearly_a relate_v to_o my_o god_n and_o to_o my_o saviour_n than_o i_o be_o to_o any_o of_o my_o relation_n in_o this_o world_n i_o owe_v more_o to_o he_o than_o to_o all_o the_o world_n i_o have_v renounce_v all_o the_o world_n as_o they_o stand_v in_o any_o competition_n or_o comparison_n with_o he_o and_o can_v i_o want_v their_o company_n then_o while_o i_o be_o with_o he_o how_o shall_v i_o hate_v father_n and_o mother_n and_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o brother_n and_o sister_n for_o his_o sake_n if_o i_o can_v spare_v they_o or_o be_v without_o they_o to_o enjoy_v he_o to_o hate_v they_o be_v but_o to_o use_v they_o as_o man_n do_v hate_v thing_n that_o be_v to_o cast_v they_o away_o with_o contempt_n as_o they_o will_v alienate_v i_o from_o christ_n and_o to_o cleave_v to_o he_o and_o be_v satisfy_v in_o he_o alone_o i_o be_o now_o marry_v to_o christ_n and_o therefore_o must_v cheerful_o leave_v father_n and_o mother_n and_o my_o native_a place_n and_o all_o to_o cleave_v to_o he_o and_o with_o who_o shall_v i_o now_o delight_v to_o dwell_v but_o with_o he_o who_o have_v take_v i_o into_o so_o near_a relation_n to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v one_o flesh_n with_o he_o o_o my_o dear_a lord_n hide_v not_o thou_o thy_o face_n from_o a_o unkind_a a_o unworthy_a sinner_n let_v i_o but_o dwell_v with_o thou_o and_o see_v thy_o face_n and_o feel_v the_o gracious_a embracement_n of_o thy_o love_n and_o then_o let_v i_o be_v cast_v off_o by_o all_o the_o world_n if_o thou_o see_v it_o meet_a for_o i_o or_o let_v all_o other_o friend_n be_v where_o they_o will_v so_o that_o my_o soul_n may_v be_v with_o thou_o i_o have_v agree_v for_o thy_o sake_n to_o forsake_v all_o even_o the_o dear_a that_o shall_v stand_v against_o thou_o and_o i_o resolve_v by_o thy_o grace_n to_o stand_v to_o this_o agreement_n 3._o if_o god_n be_v with_o i_o i_o be_o not_o alone_a for_o he_o be_v with_o i_o that_o love_v i_o best_o the_o love_n of_o all_o the_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 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 may_v continue_v with_o thou_o my_o very_a dog_n will_v glad_o for_o sake_n 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 goodness_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 neglect_v by_o a_o unthankful_a heart_n i_o shall_v never_o be_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 for_o ever_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 do_v 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 but_o 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 any_o 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 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 thy_o 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._o 23_o 24_o 25_o 26_o 28._o psal._n 63._o 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
they_o please_v they_o and_o show_v they_o respect_n while_o they_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o god_n at_o all_o as_o if_o they_o believe_v not_o that_o he_o be_v there_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n be_v wont_a to_o speak_v though_o reverent_o yet_o familiar_o of_o god_n as_o child_n of_o their_o father_n with_o who_o they_o dwell_v as_o be_v indeed_o fellow-citizen_n with_o the_o saint_n who_o be_v his_o household_n abraham_n call_v he_o gen._n 24._o 40._o the_o lord_n before_o who_o i_o walk_v and_o jacob_n gen._n 48._o 15._o god_n before_o who_o my_o father_n abraham_n and_o isaac_n walk_v and_o david_n resolve_v psal._n 116._o 9_o i_o will_v walk_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n yea_o god_n himself_o be_v please_v to_o use_v the_o term_n of_o gracious_a condescend_v familiarity_n with_o they_o christ_n dwell_v in_o they_o by_o faith_n eph._n 3._o 17._o his_o spirit_n dwell_v in_o they_o as_o his_o house_n and_o temple_n rom._n 8._o 9_o yea_o the_o father_n himself_o be_v say_v to_o dwell_v in_o they_o and_o they_o in_o he_o 1_o joh._n 3._o 24._o he_o that_o keep_v his_o commandment_n dwell_v in_o he_o and_o he_o in_o he_o and_o 3._o 12._o if_o we_o love_v one_o another_o god_n dwell_v in_o we_o 13._o hereby_o we_o know_v that_o we_o dwell_v in_o he_o and_o he_o in_o we_o because_o he_o have_v give_v we_o of_o his_o spirit_n 15._o whoever_o shall_v confess_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n god_n dwell_v in_o he_o and_o he_o in_o god_n 16._o god_n be_v love_n and_o he_o that_o dwell_v in_o love_n dwell_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o he_o yea_o god_n be_v say_v to_o walk_v in_o they_o as_o they_o be_v say_v to_o walk_v with_o he_o 2_o cor._n 6._o 16._o for_o you_o be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o live_a god_n as_o god_n have_v say_v i_o will_v dwell_v in_o they_o and_o walk_v in_o they_o and_o i_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n our_o walk_n with_o god_n then_o be_v not_o only_o a_o sense_n of_o that_o common_a presence_n which_o he_o must_v needs_o afford_v to_o all_o but_o it_o be_v also_o a_o believe_a apprehension_n of_o his_o gracious_a presence_n as_o our_o god_n and_o reconcile_a father_n with_o who_o we_o dwell_v be_v bring_v near_o unto_o he_o by_o christ_n and_o who_o dwell_v in_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n 9_o to_o walk_v with_o god_n as_o here_o we_o be_v in_o flesh_n include_v not_o only_o our_o believe_v his_o presence_n but_o also_o that_o we_o see_v he_o as_o the_o chief_a cause_n in_o the_o effect_n in_o his_o creature_n and_o his_o daily_a providence_n that_o we_o look_v not_o on_o creature_n as_o independent_a or_o separate_v from_o god_n but_o see_v they_o as_o the_o glass_n and_o god_n as_o the_o represent_a face_n and_o see_v they_o as_o the_o letter_n and_o word_n and_o god_n as_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n that_o be_v the_o first_o book_n which_o he_o appoint_v man_n to_o read_v we_o must_v behold_v his_o glory_n declare_v by_o the_o heaven_n psal._n 19_o 1._o and_o see_v he_o shine_v in_o the_o sun_n and_o see_v his_o power_n in_o the_o fabric_n of_o the_o world_n and_o his_o wisdom_n in_o the_o admirable_a order_n of_o the_o whole_a we_o must_v taste_v the_o sweetness_n of_o his_o love_n in_o the_o sweetness_n of_o our_o food_n and_o in_o the_o comfort_n of_o our_o friend_n and_o all_o our_o accommodation_n we_o must_v see_v and_o love_v his_o image_n in_o his_o holy_a one_o and_o we_o must_v hear_v his_o voice_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o messenger_n thus_o every_o creature_n must_v become_v a_o preacher_n to_o we_o and_o we_o must_v see_v the_o name_n of_o god_n upon_o it_o and_o thus_o all_o thing_n will_v be_v sanctify_v to_o we_o while_o holiness_n to_o the_o lord_n be_v write_v upon_o all_o though_o we_o must_v not_o therefore_o make_v idol_n of_o the_o creature_n because_o god_n appear_v to_o we_o in_o they_o yet_o must_v we_o hear_v the_o message_n which_o they_o bring_v we_o and_o reverence_n in_o they_o the_o name_n of_o the_o creator_n which_o they_o â—ear_v by_o this_o way_n of_o converse_v with_o they_o they_o will_v not_o ensnare_v we_o or_o deceive_v or_o poison_v we_o as_o they_o do_v the_o carnal_a unbelieve_a world_n but_o as_o the_o fish_n bring_v money_n to_o peter_n to_o pay_v his_o tribute_n so_o every_o creature_n will_v bring_v we_o a_o great_a even_o a_o spiritual_a gain_n when_o we_o behold_v it_o we_o shall_v say_v with_o pleasant_a admiration_n this_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v wonderful_a in_o our_o eye_n this_o be_v the_o true_a divine_a philosophy_n which_o seek_v and_o find_v and_o contemplate_v and_o admire_v the_o great_a creator_n in_o his_o work_n when_o that_o which_o stick_v in_o the_o creature_n itself_o whatever_o discovery_n it_o seem_v to_o make_v be_v but_o a_o childish_a unprofitable_a trifle_a like_o learning_n to_o shape_v all_o the_o letter_n aright_o without_o learning_n to_o know_v their_o signification_n and_o sense_n it_o be_v god_n appear_v in_o the_o creature_n that_o be_v the_o life_n and_o beauty_n and_o use_v and_o excellency_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n without_o he_o they_o be_v but_o carcase_n deform_v useless_a vain_a insignificant_a and_o very_a nothing_o 10._o our_o walk_n with_o god_n do_v contain_v our_o willing_a and_o sincere_a attendance_n on_o he_o in_o the_o use_n of_o those_o holy_a duty_n in_o which_o he_o have_v appoint_v we_o to_o expect_v his_o grace_n he_o be_v everywhere_o in_o his_o essential_a presence_n but_o he_o be_v not_o everywhere_o alike_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o communication_n of_o his_o grace_n the_o assembly_n of_o his_o saint_n that_o worship_v he_o in_o holy_a communion_n be_v place_n where_o he_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v find_v then_o in_o a_o alehouse_n or_o a_o playhouse_n you_o be_v likely_a to_o have_v holy_a converse_n with_o he_o among_o the_o holy_a that_o will_v speak_v of_o holy_a thing_n to_o your_o edification_n then_o among_o the_o senseless_a ignorant_a sensualist_n and_o the_o scornful_a enemy_n of_o holiness_n that_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o he_o use_v in_o his_o daily_a work_n for_o the_o deceive_a and_o perdition_n of_o the_o world_n therefore_o the_o conversation_n of_o the_o wicked_a do_v grieve_v and_o vex_v a_o righteous_a soul_n as_o it_o be_v say_v the_o sodomite_n do_v by_o lot_n 2_o pet._n 2._o 7_o 8._o because_o all_o their_o conversation_n be_v ungodly_a far_o from_o god_n not_o savour_v of_o any_o true_a knowledge_n of_o he_o or_o love_n to_o he_o but_o be_v against_o he_o by_o enmity_n and_o provocation_n if_o god_n himself_o do_v dwell_v and_o walk_v in_o all_o his_o holy_a one_o than_o they_o that_o dwell_v and_o walk_v with_o they_o have_v the_o best_a opportunity_n to_o dwell_v and_o walk_v with_o god_n to_o converse_v with_o those_o in_o who_o god_n dwell_v be_v to_o converse_v with_o he_o in_o his_o image_n and_o to_o attend_v he_o at_o his_o dwell_n and_o wilful_o to_o run_v among_o the_o wicked_a be_v to_o run_v far_o away_o from_o god_n in_o his_o temple_n do_v every_o man_n speak_v of_o his_o glory_n psal._n 29._o 9_o when_o among_o his_o brutish_a enemy_n every_o man_n speak_v to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o he_o in_o his_o word_n and_o way_n he_o be_v otherwise_o present_a with_o those_o that_o be_v congregat_v in_o his_o name_n and_o for_o his_o worship_n than_o he_o be_v with_o those_o that_o be_v assemble_v for_o wickedness_n or_o vanity_n or_o live_v as_o brute_n without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o we_o must_v draw_v as_o near_o he_o as_o we_o can_v if_o we_o will_v be_v such_o as_o walk_v with_o god_n we_o must_v not_o be_v strange_a to_o he_o in_o our_o thought_n but_o make_v he_o the_o object_n of_o our_o most_o serious_a meditation_n it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o wicked_a that_o they_o be_v far_o from_o god_n and_o that_o god_n be_v not_o in_o all_o their_o thought_n ps._n 73._o 27._o ps._n 10._o 4._o the_o thought_n be_v the_o mind_n employment_n it_o dwell_v on_o that_o which_o it_o frequent_o think_v of_o it_o be_v a_o walk_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o not_o of_o the_o body_n which_o we_o be_v treat_v of_o to_o mind_v the_o world_n and_o fleshly_a thing_n be_v contrary_a to_o this_o walk_n with_o god_n we_o be_v far_o from_o he_o when_o our_o thought_n be_v ordinary_o far_o from_o he_o i_o know_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o meet_a to_o think_v of_o the_o business_n of_o our_o calling_n so_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o prudent_a successful_a management_n of_o they_o and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o requisite_a that_o our_o thought_n
talent_n and_o must_v make_v it_o our_o daily_a study_v and_o business_n to_o do_v he_o the_o great_a service_n we_o be_v able_a whatever_o it_o may_v cost_v we_o through_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o enemy_n be_v sure_a our_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a and_o that_o we_o can_v serve_v he_o at_o too_o dear_a a_o rate_n it_o be_v not_o as_o idle_a companion_n but_o as_o servant_n as_o soldier_n as_o those_o that_o put_v forth_o all_o their_o strength_n to_o do_v his_o work_n and_o reach_v the_o crown_n that_o we_o be_v call_v to_o walk_v with_o god_n and_o all_o this_o be_v do_v though_o not_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n by_o all_o yet_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o holiness_n by_o every_o one_o that_o live_v by_o faith_n have_v tell_v you_o what_o it_o be_v to_o walk_v with_o god_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v more_o brief_o tell_v you_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n the_o nature_n of_o god_n of_o man_n and_o of_o the_o work_n will_v tell_v it_o you_o 1._o that_o our_o walk_n with_o god_n must_v be_v with_o the_o great_a reverence_n be_v we_o never_o so_o much_o assure_v of_o his_o special_a love_n to_o we_o and_o never_o so_o full_a of_o faith_n and_o joy_n our_o reverence_n must_v be_v never_o the_o less_o for_o this_o though_o love_n cast_v out_o that_o guilty_a fear_n which_o discourage_v the_o sinner_n from_o hope_v and_o seek_v for_o the_o mercy_n which_o will_v save_v he_o and_o which_o dispose_v he_o to_o hate_v and_o fly_v from_o god_n yet_o do_v it_o not_o cast_v out_o that_o reverence_n of_o god_n which_o we_o owe_v he_o as_o his_o creature_n so_o infinite_o below_o he_o as_o we_o be_v it_o can_v be_v that_o god_n shall_v be_v know_v and_o remember_v as_o god_n without_o some_o admire_a and_o awful_a apprehension_n of_o he_o infiniteness_n omnipotency_n and_o inaccessible_a majesty_n and_o glory_n must_v needs_o affect_v the_o soul_n that_o know_v they_o with_o reverence_n and_o selfe-abasement_n though_o we_o receive_v a_o kingdom_n that_o can_v be_v move_v yet_o if_o we_o will_v serve_v god_n acceptable_o we_o must_v serve_v he_o with_o reverence_n and_o godly_a fear_n as_o know_v that_o as_o he_o be_v our_o god_n so_o he_o be_v also_o a_o consume_a fire_n heb._n 12._o 28_o 29._o we_o must_v so_o worship_v he_o as_o those_o that_o remember_v that_o we_o be_v worm_n and_o guilty_a sinner_n and_o that_o he_o be_v most_o high_a and_o holy_a and_o will_v be_v sanctify_v in_o they_o that_o come_v nigh_o he_o and_o before_o all_o the_o people_n he_o will_v be_v glorify_v leu._n 10._o 3._o unreverence_n show_v a_o kind_n of_o atheistical_a contempt_n of_o god_n or_o else_o a_o sleepiness_n and_o inconsiderateness_n of_o the_o soul._n the_o sense_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o love_n of_o god_n must_v consist_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o holiness_n and_o omnipotency_n it_o be_v presumption_n pride_n or_o blockish_a stupidity_n which_o exclude_v reverence_n which_o faith_n do_v cause_n and_o not_o oppose_v 2._o our_o walk_n with_o god_n must_v be_v a_o work_n of_o humble_a boldness_n and_o familiarity_n the_o reverence_n of_o his_o holiness_n and_o greatness_n must_v not_o overcome_v or_o exclude_v the_o sense_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o compassion_n nor_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n and_o hope_n though_o by_o sin_n we_o be_v enemy_n and_o strange_a to_o god_n and_o stand_v a_o far_o off_o yet_o in_o christ_n we_o be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o and_o bring_v near_o eph._n 2._o 13._o for_o he_o be_v our_o peace_n who_o have_v take_v down_o the_o partition_n and_o abolish_v the_o enmity_n and_o reconcile_v jew_n and_o gentile_n unto_o god_n ver._n 14_o 15_o 16._o and_o through_o he_o we_o have_v all_o a_o access_n to_o the_o father_n by_o one_o spirit_n we_o be_v now_o no_o more_o stranger_n and_o foreigner_n but_o fellow-citizen_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o of_o the_o household_n of_o god_n ver_fw-la 18_o 19_o in_o he_o we_o have_v boldness_n and_o access_n with_o confidence_n by_o the_o belief_n of_o he_o eph._n 3._o 12._o though_o of_o ourselves_o we_o be_v unworthy_a to_o be_v call_v his_o child_n and_o may_v well_o stand_v a_o far_o off_o with_o the_o publican_n and_o not_o dare_v to_o lift_v up_o our_o face_n towards_o heaven_n but_o smite_v our_o breast_n and_o say_v o_o lord_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o a_o sinner_n yet_o have_v we_o boldness_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o holy_a by_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n by_o a_o new_a and_o live_a way_n which_o he_o have_v consecrate_v for_o we_o through_o the_o vail_n that_o be_v to_o say_v his_o flesh_n and_o have_v a_o high_a priest_n over_o the_o house_n of_o god_n we_o may_v draw_v near_o with_o a_o true_a heart_n in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n heb._n 10._o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o therefore_o whensoever_o we_o be_v afraid_a at_o the_o sight_n of_o sin_n and_o justice_n let_v we_o remember_v that_o we_o have_v a_o great_a high_a priest_n that_o be_v pass_v into_o the_o heaven_n even_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o come_v bold_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v obtain_v mercy_n and_o find_v grace_n to_o help_v in_o time_n of_o need_n heb._n 4._o 14_o 15_o 16._o he_o that_o allow_v we_o to_o walk_v with_o he_o do_v allow_v we_o such_o humble_a familiarity_n as_o beseem_v those_o that_o walk_v together_o with_o he_o 3._o our_o walk_n with_o god_n must_v be_v a_o work_n of_o some_o holy_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n we_o may_v unwilling_o be_v drag_v into_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o enemy_n and_o serve_v as_o drudge_n upon_o mere_a necessity_n or_o fear_n but_o walk_v together_o be_v the_o love_a and_o delightful_a converse_n of_o friend_n when_o we_o take_v sweet_a counsel_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o set_v he_o always_o as_o at_o our_o right_a hand_n and_o be_v glad_a to_o hear_v from_o he_o and_o glad_a to_o speak_v to_o he_o and_o glad_a to_o withdraw_v our_o thought_n from_o all_o the_o thing_n and_o person_n in_o the_o world_n that_o we_o may_v solace_v ourselves_o in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o his_o excellency_n and_o the_o admiration_n of_o his_o love_n and_o glory_n this_o be_v indeed_o to_o walk_v with_o god_n you_o converse_v with_o he_o as_o with_o a_o stranger_n a_o enemy_n or_o your_o destroyer_n and_o not_o as_o with_o god_n while_o you_o have_v rather_o be_v far_o from_o he_o and_o only_o tremble_v in_o his_o presence_n and_o be_v glad_a when_o you_o have_v do_v and_o be_v get_v away_o but_o have_v no_o delight_n or_o pleasure_n in_o he_o if_o we_o can_v take_v delight_n in_o our_o walk_n with_o a_o friend_n a_o friend_n that_o be_v true_o love_v and_o constant_a a_o friend_n that_o be_v learned_a wise_a and_o holy_a if_o their_o wise_a and_o heavenly_a discourse_n be_v better_a to_o we_o than_o our_o recreation_n meat_n or_o drink_v or_o clothes_n what_o delight_n then_o shall_v we_o find_v in_o our_o secret_a converse_n with_o the_o most_o high_a most_o wise_a and_o gracious_a god_n how_o glad_a shall_v we_o be_v to_o find_v he_o willing_a and_o ready_a to_o entertain_v we_o how_o glad_a shall_v we_o be_v that_o we_o may_v employ_v our_o thought_n on_o so_o high_a and_o excellent_a a_o object_n what_o cause_n have_v we_o to_o say_v my_o meditation_n of_o he_o shall_v be_v sweet_a and_o i_o will_v be_v glad_a in_o the_o lord_n ps._n 104._o 34._o in_o the_o multitude_n of_o my_o thought_n within_o i_o my_o sorrowful_a troublesome_a weary_a thought_n thy_o comfort_n do_v delight_v my_o soul_n ps._n 94._o 19_o let_v other_o take_v pleasure_n in_o childish_a vanity_n or_o sensuality_n but_o say_v thou_o as_o david_n ps._n 119._o 14_o 15_o 16._o i_o have_v rejoice_v in_o the_o way_n of_o thy_o commandment_n as_o much_o as_o in_o all_o riches_n i_o will_v meditate_v in_o thy_o precept_n and_o have_v respect_n unto_o thy_o way_n i_o will_v delight_v myself_o in_o thy_o statute_n and_o will_v not_o forget_v thy_o word_n ver._n 47._o i_o will_v delight_v myself_o in_o thy_o commandment_n which_o i_o have_v love_v letoy_n scorner_n delight_v in_o scorn_v and_o fool_n hate_v knowledge_n prov._n 1._o 22._o but_o make_v i_o to_o go_v in_o the_o path_n of_o thy_o commandment_n for_o therein_o do_v i_o delight_v psal._n 119._o 35._o if_o thou_o will_v experimental_o know_v the_o safety_n and_o glory_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n delight_v thyself_o in_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o shall_v give_v thou_o the_o desire_n of_o thy_o heart_n ps._n 37._o 4._o especial_o when_o we_o draw_v near_o he_o in_o his_o solemn_a worship_n and_o when_o we_o separate_v ourselves_o on_o his_o holy_a day_n from_o all_o our_o common_a worldly_a thought_n to_o be_v conversant_a as_o in_o
he_o by_o the_o motion_n of_o his_o love_n to_o they_o and_o destroy_v the_o love_n that_o turn_v they_o from_o he_o and_o then_o the_o same_o man_n that_o dishonourable_o fail_v christ_n and_o we_o and_o begin_v to_o shrink_v will_v turn_v back_o and_o reassume_v their_o arm_n and_o by_o patient_a suffer_v overcome_v and_o win_v the_o crown_n as_o we_o have_v do_v before_o they_o use._n christian_n expect_v to_o be_v conform_v to_o your_o lord_n in_o this_o part_n of_o his_o humiliation_n also_o be_v your_o friend_n yet_o fast_o and_o friendly_a to_o you_o for_o all_o that_o expect_v that_o many_o of_o they_o at_o least_o shall_v prove_v less_o friendly_a and_o promise_v not_o yourselves_o a_o unchanged_a constancy_n in_o they_o be_v they_o yet_o useful_a to_o you_o expect_v the_o time_n when_o they_o can_v help_v you_o be_v they_o your_o comforter_n and_o delight_n and_o be_v their_o company_n much_o of_o your_o solace_n upon_o earth_n be_v ready_a for_o the_o time_n when_o they_o 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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._o 12._o where_o pride_n and_o vainglory_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 kinsfolk_n have_v fail_v and_o my_o familiar_a friend_n have_v forget_v i_o they_o that_o dwell_v in_o my_o house_n and_o my_o maiden_n count_v i_o for_o a_o stranger_n i_o be_o a_o alien_n in_o their_o sight_n i_o call_v my_o servant_n and_o he_o give_v i_o no_o answer_n i_o entreat_v he_o with_o my_o mouth_n my_o breath_n be_v strange_a to_o my_o wife_n though_o i_o entreat_v for_o the_o child_n sake_n of_o my_o own_o body_n yea_o young_a child_n despise_v i_o i_o arise_v and_o they_o speak_v against_o i_o all_o my_o inward_a friend_n abhor_v i_o and_o they_o who_o i_o love_v be_v turn_v against_o i_o job_n 19_o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o why_o may_v not_o you_o as_o well_o as_o david_n be_v put_v to_o say_v yea_o i_o own_o familiar_a friend_n in_o who_o i_o trust_v which_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 psal._n 41._o 9_o those_o that_o have_v be_v most_o acquaint_v with_o the_o secret_n of_o your_o soul_n and_o privy_a to_o your_o very_a thought_n may_v be_v the_o person_n that_o shall_v betray_v you_o or_o grow_v strange_a to_o you_o those_o that_o you_o have_v most_o oblige_v by_o benefit_n may_v prove_v your_o great_a enemy_n you_o may_v find_v some_o of_o your_o friend_n like_o bird_n of_o prey_n that_o hover_v about_o you_o for_o what_o they_o can_v get_v and_o when_o they_o 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sincere_a and_o who_o heart_n be_v with_o you_o may_v yet_o be_v draw_v by_o temptation_n to_o disow_v you_o when_o malice_n be_v slander_v you_o timorous_a friendship_n may_v perhaps_o be_v silent_a and_o afraid_a to_o justify_v you_o or_o take_v your_o part_n when_o a_o peter_n in_o such_o imbecility_n and_o fear_n can_v disow_v and_o deny_v his_o suffer_a lord_n what_o wonder_v if_o saint-hearted_n friend_n disow_v you_o or_o i_o that_o may_v give_v they_o too_o much_o occasion_n or_o pretence_n why_o may_v not_o you_o and_o i_o be_v put_v to_o say_v as_o david_n do_v psal._n 38._o 11_o 12._o my_o lover_n and_o my_o friend_n stand_v aloof_o from_o my_o sore_n and_o my_o kisnman_n stand_v afar_o off_o they_o that_o seek_v after_o my_o life_n lie_v snare_n for_o i_o and_o they_o that_o seek_v my_o hurt_n speak_v mischievous_a thing_n and_o imagine_v deceit_n all_o the_o day_n long_o they_o that_o in_o fearfulness_n will_v fail_v their_o maker_n and_o redeemer_n and_o hazard_v their_o 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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 ignorance_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 shall_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 matth._n 16._o 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 sword_n against_o the_o officer_n love_n and_o good_a meaning_n will_v not_o prevent_v the_o mischief_n of_o ignorance_n and_o mistake_n if_o your_o friend_n â—ut_v your_o throat_n while_o he_o think_v to_o cut_v but_o a_o vein_n to_o cure_v your_o disease_n it_o be_v not_o his_o friendly_a meaning_n that_o will_v save_v your_o life_n many_o a_o thousand_o sick_a people_n be_v kill_v by_o their_o friend_n that_o attend_v they_o with_o a_o earnest_a desire_n of_o their_o life_n while_o they_o ignorant_o give_v they_o that_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o disease_n and_o will_v not_o be_v the_o less_o pernicious_a for_o the_o good_a meaning_n of_o the_o giver_n who_o have_v more_o tender_a affection_n than_o mother_n to_o their_o child_n and_o yet_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o calamity_n of_o the_o world_n of_o sickness_n and_o the_o misery_n of_o man_n life_n proceed_v from_o the_o ignorant_a and_o erroneous_a indulgence_n of_o mother_n to_o their_o child_n who_o to_o please_v they_o let_v they_o eat_v and_o drink_v what_o they_o will_v and_o use_v they_o to_o excess_n and_o gluttony_n in_o their_o childhood_n till_o nature_n be_v abuse_v and_o master_v and_o clog_v with_o those_o superfluity_n and_o crudity_n which_o be_v the_o dunghill_n matter_n of_o most_o of_o the_o follow_a disease_n of_o their_o life_n i_o may_v here_o also_o remember_v you_o how_o your_o friend_n may_v themselves_o be_v overcome_v with_o a_o temptation_n and_o then_o become_v the_o more_o dangerous_a tempter_n of_o you_o by_o how_o much_o the_o great_a their_o interest_n be_v in_o your_o affection_n if_o they_o be_v infect_v with_o error_n they_o be_v the_o like_a person_n to_o ensnare_v you_o if_o they_o be_v taint_v with_o covetousness_n or_o pride_n there_o be_v none_o so_o likely_a to_o draw_v you_o to_o the_o 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 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communicate_v his_o mercy_n and_o if_o any_o creature_n in_o the_o world_n may_v be_v blessing_n to_o we_o it_o be_v holy_a person_n that_o have_v most_o of_o god_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n 3._o and_o it_o be_v a_o aggravation_n of_o the_o cross_n that_o they_o often_o fail_v we_o when_o we_o be_v most_o faithful_a in_o our_o duty_n and_o stumble_v most_o upon_o the_o most_o excellent_a act_n of_o our_o obedience_n 4._o and_o those_o be_v the_o person_n that_o ofttimes_o fail_v we_o of_o who_o we_o have_v deserve_v best_a and_o from_o who_o we_o may_v have_v expect_v most_o review_n the_o experience_n of_o the_o choice_a servant_n that_o christ_n have_v have_v in_o the_o world_n and_o you_o shall_v find_v enough_o to_o confirm_v you_o of_o the_o vanity_n of_o
righteous_a judgement_n be_v remember_v and_o all_o be_v terminate_v in_o the_o glorious_a everlasting_a kingdom_n be_v it_o not_o much_o better_a thus_o to_o converse_v with_o he_o that_o i_o must_v be_v with_o for_o ever_o about_o the_o place_n and_o the_o company_n and_o work_v and_o concernment_n of_o my_o perpetual_a abode_n then_o to_o be_v take_v up_o with_o stranger_n in_o my_o way_n and_o detain_v by_o their_o impertinency_n i_o have_v form_v myself_o so_o long_o in_o these_o meditation_n that_o i_o will_v but_o name_v the_o rest_n and_o tell_v you_o what_o i_o have_v further_a to_o have_v treat_v on_o and_o leave_v the_o enlargement_n to_o your_o own_o meditation_n 8._o i_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v weary_a of_o converse_n with_o god_n see_v it_o be_v that_o for_o which_o all_o humane_a converse_n be_v regardable_a converse_v with_o man_n be_v only_o so_o far_o desirable_a as_o it_o tend_v to_o our_o converse_n with_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o end_n must_v be_v 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