that_o a_o good_a name_n be_v by_o universal_a consent_n but_o the_o shadow_n or_o reflection_n of_o virtue_n and_o what_o great_a virtue_n can_v there_o be_v than_o the_o election_n of_o christ_n for_o your_o friend_n what_o be_v a_o thousand_o name_n or_o title_n of_o honour_n without_o christ_n but_o as_o so_o many_o cipher_n without_o a_o figure_n you_o know_v that_o ten_o or_o twenty_o cipher_n if_o they_o stand_v alone_o without_o a_o figure_n precedent_n signify_v nothing_o but_o prefix_v a_o figure_n before_o they_o and_o then_o each_o cipher_n be_v very_o significant_a and_o be_v it_o not_o just_a so_o with_o all_o name_n and_o title_n of_o honour_n be_v they_o any_o more_o in_o themselves_o than_o mere_a cipher_n but_o place_n christ_n before_o they_o and_o then_o o_o how_o significant_a be_v every_o name_n or_o title_n of_o honour_n how_o many_o 10000_o or_o 100000_o of_o honour_n follow_v yea_o 3._o can_v there_o be_v a_o great_a piece_n of_o honour_n and_o renown_n than_o this_o to_o let_v your_o name_n and_o honour_n rot_v in_o the_o dust_n for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n sure_o the_o best_a way_n to_o preserve_v your_o name_n be_v to_o sacrifice_v it_o to_o christ_n and_o his_o service_n o_o that_o you_o have_v 100000_o name_n and_o dignity_n to_o part_v with_o for_o christ_n and_o his_o service_n what_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n friend_n be_v you_o will_v see_v p._n 163._o of_o this_o discourse_n or_o be_v it_o riches_n pleasure_n beauty_n or_o liberty_n you_o aim_v at_o sure_o these_o you_o will_v find_v no_o where_o so_o pure_a so_o sweet_a so_o satisfy_v as_o in_o friendship_n with_o christ_n as_o chap._n 6._o and_o if_o these_o take_n allure_a argument_n will_v not_o prevail_v with_o you_o to_o make_v christ_n your_o friend_n then_o read_v i_o beseech_v you_o the_o black_a marquis_n and_o curse_n which_o remain_v on_o open_v or_o secret_a enemy_n of_o christ_n chap._n 8._o but_o if_o you_o be_v in_o any_o measure_n incline_v to_o make_v christ_n your_o friend_n then_o for_o far_a inducement_n and_o direction_n view_v chap._n 9_o as_o for_o you_o my_o friend_n contract_n for_o my_o friend_n by_o civil_a contract_n who_o be_v such_o on_o any_o civil_a account_n or_o relation_n contract_v by_o education_n or_o conversation_n if_o you_o yet_o remain_v stranger_n to_o christ_n my_o desire_n and_o advice_n to_o you_o be_v the_o same_o with_o what_o precede_v to_o my_o friend_n and_o relation_n by_o blood_n but_o as_o for_o you_o my_o friend_n both_o for_o my_o friend_n in_o christ_n or_o by_o nature_n and_o in_o christ_n both_o who_o be_v so_o by_o grace_n though_o not_o by_o nature_n or_o by_o grace_n and_o nature_n both_o i_o shall_v because_o i_o know_v i_o may_v use_v much_o freedom_n with_o you_o i_o have_v ever_o have_v since_o i_o understand_v what_o friendship_n mean_v great_a estime_fw-fr of_o it_o though_o i_o be_o sensible_a of_o great_a defect_n therein_o both_o towards_o christ_n and_o you_o and_o that_o which_o make_v i_o the_o more_o to_o value_v your_o friendship_n be_v many_o spiritual_a advantage_n especial_o the_o benefit_n of_o your_o prayer_n which_o i_o be_o very_o apt_a to_o persuade_v myself_o i_o receive_v thereby_o and_o the_o reflection_n on_o or_o contemplation_n of_o those_o many_o weighty_a obligation_n and_o engagement_n i_o lie_v under_o in_o reference_n to_o you_o be_v a_o great_a motive_n to_o engage_v my_o pen_n in_o this_o vndertakement_n before_o you_o i_o must_v confess_v i_o have_v be_v former_o and_o still_o be_o in_o part_n much_o dissatify_v in_o the_o commun_n humour_n or_o itch_n of_o write_v book_n especial_o unless_o there_o be_v something_o more_o than_o ordinary_a to_o be_v find_v in_o they_o but_o yet_o consider_v that_o book_n be_v value_v and_o read_v by_o friend_n not_o only_o for_o their_o own_o intrinseck_n value_n but_o also_o according_a to_o the_o estime_fw-fr and_o affection_n we_o have_v of_o the_o author_n this_o give_v i_o some_o hope_n that_o these_o my_o desire_n and_o labour_n though_o never_o so_o mean_a and_o contemptible_a in_o themselves_o as_o also_o in_o the_o estime_fw-fr of_o athenian_a wit_n may_v be_v of_o some_o use_n to_o you_o for_o your_o soul_n be_v good_a and_o i_o be_o far_a to_o inform_v you_o my_o dear_a friend_n that_o when_o i_o enter_v on_o this_o vndertakement_n my_o first_o intention_n be_v only_o to_o give_v you_o some_o familiar_a and_o brief_a manual_n or_o directory_n for_o your_o instruction_n in_o what_o christ_n expect_v from_o his_o friend_n in_o a_o way_n of_o duty_n and_o what_o they_o may_v expect_v from_o he_o in_o a_o way_n of_o gracious_a privilege_n and_o vouchsafement_n what_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o posture_n of_o your_o heart_n towards_o christ_n and_o what_o be_v the_o posture_n of_o christ_n heart_n towards_o you_o how_o you_o may_v walk_v with_o christ_n and_o how_o christ_n will_v walk_v with_o you_o in_o all_o way_n of_o friendship_n and_o communion_n this_o i_o say_v be_v my_o first_o intention_n when_o i_o first_o undertake_v this_o discourse_n which_o indeed_o take_v in_o the_o sum_n of_o my_o practic_a divinity_n and_o which_o i_o intend_v to_o give_v you_o with_o as_o much_o perspicuity_n brevity_n and_o familiarity_n as_o i_o may_v but_o lo_o i_o have_v no_o soon_o enter_v into_o that_o spacious_a field_n of_o emmanuel_n land_n and_o there_o receive_v some_o glimmer_a prospect_n of_o those_o heart-ravishing_a beauty_n and_o incomparable_a perfection_n which_o render_v he_o so_o much_o eligible_a and_o amiable_a for_o himself_o but_o i_o soon_o lose_v myself_o and_o my_o first_o intention_n in_o those_o thicket_n i_o be_v as_o the_o wander_a bee_n so_o take_v with_o the_o fragrant_a flour_n that_o grow_v in_o this_o emmanuel_n garden_n as_o that_o i_o can_v not_o refrain_v wander_v from_o flour_n to_o flour_v till_o i_o have_v gather_v some_o sweet_a honey_n from_o each_o and_o this_o my_o friend_n gives_z you_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o explicatorie_a part_n of_o this_o first_o book_n which_o i_o intend_v to_o comprise_v in_o one_o section_n or_o chapter_n at_o most_o be_v run_v up_o to_o such_o a_o bulk_n and_o take_v not_o in_o as_o i_o guess_v the_o four_o part_n of_o the_o first_o fundamental_a law_n of_o friendship_n with_o christ_n and_o albeit_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o some_o too_o offensive_a to_o other_o too_o uncouth_a and_o difficult_a to_o other_o too_o digressive_a to_o other_o too_o artificial_a yet_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o that_o i_o repent_v not_o of_o my_o labour_n herein_o o_o happy_a digression_n that_o meet_v with_o so_o good_a a_o friend_n o_o bless_a art_n that_o serve_v to_o adorn_v the_o lord_n of_o glory_n first_o i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o this_o discourse_n will_v seem_v offensive_a to_o many_o curious_a athenian_a wit_n who_o may_v peradventure_o out_o of_o curiosity_n look_v into_o it_o but_o after_o a_o taste_n of_o my_o design_n will_v treat_v it_o as_o the_o athenian_n do_v paul_n discourse_n act._n 17.18_o what_o will_v this_o babbler_n say_v etc._n etc._n to_o talk_v of_o christ_n be_v eligible_a for_o himself_o and_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v elect_v as_o such_o by_o his_o friend_n be_v a_o mystery_n too_o great_a for_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n to_o comprehend_v and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o many_o lascivious_a wit_n snarl_v and_o carp_v at_o such_o discourse_n but_o i_o neither_o regard_n nor_o fear_v their_o cavil_n i_o bless_v the_o lord_n i_o have_v this_o witness_n in_o myself_o that_o what_o i_o write_v be_v truth_n yea_o a_o truth_n necessary_a to_o be_v inculcate_v in_o these_o wanton_n backslide_a day_n and_o though_o i_o shall_v not_o undertake_v to_o vindicate_v every_o expression_n yet_o i_o no_o way_n doubt_v but_o with_o the_o lord_n assistance_n to_o maintain_v the_o substance_n of_o this_o discourse_n and_o each_o part_n thereof_o and_o that_o both_o by_o scriptural_a and_o rational_a argument_n i_o have_v studious_o avoid_v controversy_n because_o my_o subject_n be_v love_n and_o friendship_n neither_o will_v i_o have_v a_o controversy_n with_o any_o but_o such_o as_o have_v some_o fundamental_a controversy_n with_o my_o lord_n you_o will_v find_v here_o nothing_o dissonant_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o state_v by_o our_o first_o reformer_n and_o seal_v by_o many_o of_o they_o with_o their_o blood_n yet_o i_o pretend_v not_o to_o be_v infallible_a and_o therefore_o if_o any_o serious_a person_n shall_v declare_v his_o dissent_n against_o any_o thing_n drop_v from_o my_o pen_n i_o hope_v i_o shall_v be_v willing_a to_o be_v better_o inform_v and_o though_o he_o may_v find_v i_o in_o a_o error_n he_o shall_v not_o leave_v i_o in_o obstinacy_n but_o to_o return_v to_o you_o my_o christian_a friend_n for_o who_o i_o be_o more_o near_o
infirm_a then_o must_v they_o go_v to_o this_o spirit_n to_o corroborate_v and_o confirm_v their_o spirit_n do_v they_o labour_v under_o great_a deadness_n spiritual_a stupidity_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n who_o then_o can_v soften_v quicken_v and_o mollisie_n their_o heart_n if_o not_o this_o quicken_a head_n this_o fire_n or_o flame_n of_o god_n with_o which_o christ_n friend_n be_v baptize_v matth._n 3.11_o he_o shall_v haptize_v you_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n again_o be_v their_o soul_n straighten_a bind_v up_o and_o as_o it_o be_v fetter_v by_o many_o tentation_n and_o difficulty_n who_o then_o can_v enlarge_v their_o soul_n and_o set_v they_o at_o liberty_n but_o this_o their_o friend_n who_o where_o ever_o he_o come_v bring_v liberty_n as_o 2_o cor._n 3.17_o be_v it_o not_o this_o free_a spirit_n that_o widen_v and_o enlarge_v the_o heart_n to_o pour_v out_o itself_o before_o god_n in_o prayer_n rom._n 8.15_o 27._o far_o be_v the_o friend_n of_o christ_n wound_v by_o tentation_n or_o lust_n who_o then_o can_v heal_v their_o wound_a heart_n if_o not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o he_o the_o heal_a virtue_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n mal._n 4.2_o do_v they_o find_v spiritual_a languissement_n sensible_a consumtion_n abatement_n and_o decay_v in_o their_o affection_n to_o and_o communion_n with_o christ_n whence_o then_o may_v they_o expect_v nourishment_n growth_n and_o thrive_a herein_o if_o not_o from_o this_o live_a head_n col._n 2.19_o be_v their_o heart_n wither_v barren_a parch_a like_o a_o desert_n place_n and_o who_o can_v make_v they_o revive_v and_o spread_v forth_o their_o branch_n and_o make_v their_o beauty_n as_o that_o of_o the_o olive_n tree_n or_o lily_n if_o not_o this_o fructify_a spirit_n be_v not_o he_o as_o dew_n to_o israel_n etc._n etc._n hos_fw-la 14.5_o 6_o 7._o esa_n 26.19_o last_o be_v the_o friend_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o wildernes-condition_n under_o many_o desertion_n trouble_n fear_n hurry_v disquietment_n of_o spirit_n about_o their_o spiritual_a state_n who_o then_o can_v speak_v comfort_n if_o not_o this_o divine_a comforter_n where_o may_v they_o expect_v a_o door_n of_o hope_n if_o not_o in_o this_o valley_n of_o anchor_n hos_n 2.14_o 15._o who_o can_v advise_v direct_v conduct_v and_o encourage_v they_o in_o their_o bewilder_v condition_n if_o not_o this_o their_o tutor_n advocate_n and_o friend_n these_o and_o such_o like_a consideration_n do_v deep_o oblige_v and_o strong_o engage_v those_o who_o contract_n friendship_n with_o christ_n to_o elect_v and_o espouse_v his_o spirit_n as_o their_o advocate_n guide_n protector_n and_o tutor_n while_o absent_a from_o christ_n sect_n 7._o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n must_v elect_v his_o yoke_n member_n and_o cross_n 6._o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n must_v elect_v ordinance_n 6._o election_n of_o christ_n way_n and_o ordinance_n not_o only_o his_o person_n and_o spirit_n but_o also_o his_o yoke_n i._n e._n ordinance_n way_n of_o worship_n and_o service_n so_o psal_n 84.10_o for_o a_o day_n in_o thy_o court_n be_v better_a than_o a_o thousand_o 84.10_o psal_n 84.10_o elegi_fw-la 84.10_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d lxx_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d elegi_fw-la i_o have_v rather_o be_v a_o door_n keeper_n in_o the_o house_n of_o my_o god_n than_o to_o dwell_v in_o the_o tent_n of_o wickedness_n i_o have_v rather_o heb._n i_o have_v elect_v or_o choose_v rather_o and_o so_o the_o lxx_o render_v it_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v this_o be_v my_o great_a option_n or_o choice_n i_o have_v what_o i_o will_v have_v may_v i_o but_o enjoy_v this_o why_o what_o be_v it_o that_o he_o so_o elective_o desire_v it_o be_v to_o be_v but_o a_o doorkeeper_n in_o the_o house_n of_o his_o god_n the_o mean_a office_n in_o the_o church_n be_v more_o eligible_a and_o desirable_a in_o his_o eye_n than_o the_o high_a preferment_n at_o court_n a_o learned_a 297._o learned_a gatakâ—r_n cinnus_n cap._n 11._o p._n 297._o divine_a interpret_v it_o thus_o i_o have_v rather_o have_v my_o ear_n bore_v at_o the_o door_n of_o thy_o house_n and_o so_o he_o understand_v it_o as_o a_o allusion_n to_o that_o ceremonial_a institute_n or_o rite_n of_o bore_v servant_n in_o the_o ear_n at_o the_o post_n of_o the_o door_n when_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o become_v perpetual_a servant_n and_o the_o targum_fw-la seem_v to_o incline_v to_o this_o sense_n in_o render_v it_o by_o a_o adharere_fw-la a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d adharere_fw-la word_n that_o signify_v to_o adhere_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v i_o choose_v rather_o to_o be_v a_o bondslave_n and_o perpetual_a servant_n in_o thy_o house_n then_o to_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n in_o the_o world_n such_o be_v his_o option_n and_o election_n of_o god_n service_n they_o who_o pretend_v to_o elect_v christ_n for_o their_o friend_n and_o yet_o reject_v his_o ordinance_n worship_n service_n and_o way_n be_v guilty_a of_o a_o flat_a contradiction_n and_o solecism_n in_o christianity_n this_o be_v israel_n crime_n 4.16_o hos_fw-la 4.16_o hos_fw-la 4.16_o for_o israel_n slide_v back_o as_o a_o backslide_n heifer_n i_o e._n as_o a_o heifer_n impatiens_fw-la heifer_n lori_n impatiens_fw-la impatient_a of_o the_o yoke_n israel_n can_v be_v content_a with_o the_o privilege_n but_o not_o with_o the_o duty_n of_o friendship_n with_o god_n the_o crown_n be_v beautiful_a and_o eligible_a but_o the_o yoke_n burdensome_a christ_n will_v have_v all_o his_o friend_n espouse_v his_o yoke_n as_o well_o as_o his_o crown_n mat._n 11.29_o take_v my_o yoke_n etc._n etc._n hence_o we_o find_v a_o sad_a complaint_n of_o christ_n against_o ephraim_n for_o her_o false_a pretension_n of_o friendship_n towards_o he_o 10.11_o hos_fw-la 10.11_o hos_fw-la 10.11_o and_o ephraim_n be_v a_o heifer_n that_o be_v teach_v and_o love_v to_o tread_v out_o the_o corn_n but_o i_o pass_v over_o upon_o her_o fair_a neck_n here_o be_v a_o tacit_n comparation_n between_o plough_v and_o tread_v out_o the_o corn_n the_o latter_a ephraim_n can_v cheerful_o submit_v unto_o but_o not_o the_o former_a and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o 1._o plough_v work_n carry_v more_o restraint_n in_o it_o the_o bullock_n be_v to_o submit_v its_o neck_n unto_o the_o yoke_n whereas_o in_o tread_v out_o of_o the_o corn_n it_o be_v loose_a and_o free_a 2._o in_o tread_v out_o the_o corn_n there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o toil_n and_o labour_v as_o in_o plough_v 3._o in_o tread_v out_o of_o the_o corn_n there_o be_v not_o only_a liberty_n and_o ease_n but_o also_o profit_n and_o advantage_n for_o according_a to_o the_o law_n it_o be_v say_v 1_o cor._n 9.9_o thou_o shall_v not_o muzzle_n the_o mouth_n of_o the_o ox_n that_o tread_v out_o the_o corn_n so_o that_o here_o be_v advantage_n as_o well_o as_o labour_v whereas_o in_o plough_v work_n there_o be_v not_o only_a restraint_n and_o toil_n but_o also_o no_o profit_n no_o wonder_n therefore_o that_o ephraim_n prefer_v tread_v out_o the_o corn_n before_o plough_v be_v not_o this_o the_o case_n of_o a_o world_n of_o false_a friend_n who_o elect_v such_o service_n for_o christ_n as_o carry_v liberty_n ease_n and_o profit_n in_o it_o but_o can_v submit_v to_o the_o yoke_n 7._o friend_n election_n of_o christ_n member_n for_o our_o friend_n the_o friend_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o espouse_v his_o member_n and_o friend_n as_o well_o as_o himself_o christ_n member_n be_v part_n of_o himself_o they_o be_v mystical_o christ_n and_o therefore_o such_o as_o reject_v they_o do_v not_o can_v true_o elect_v christ_n as_o their_o friend_n but_o of_o this_o more_o in_o the_o perfective_a law_n of_o friendship_n 8._o last_o they_o who_o will_v elect_v christ_n cross_n election_n of_o christ_n cross_n as_o their_o friend_n must_v in_o like_a manner_n elect_v and_o espouse_v his_o cross_n they_o can_v be_v no_o friend_n to_o christ_n who_o be_v enemy_n to_o his_o cross_n phil._n 3.18_o to_o renounce_v our_o cross_n and_o suffering_n for_o christ_n be_v to_o renounce_v our_o interest_n in_o christ_n his_o cross_n and_o suffering_n for_o we_o we_o be_v never_o more_o like_a christ_n then_o on_o the_o cross_n and_o therefore_o never_o better_a friend_n to_o he_o then_o there_o none_o that_o be_v please_v with_o christ_n will_v be_v displease_v with_o his_o cross_n by_o renounce_v christ_n cross_n we_o renounce_v friendship_n with_o he_o heb._n 10.25_o of_o this_o also_o in_o its_o proper_a place_n when_o we_o come_v to_o treat_v of_o that_o passive_a obedience_n which_o be_v due_a to_o christ_n thus_o we_o have_v show_v how_o whole_a christ_n be_v to_o be_v elect_v his_o sceptre_n as_o well_o as_o his_o crown_n his_o person_n as_o well_o as_o his_o righteousness_n not_o only_o his_o privilege_n but_o also_o his_o duty_n his_o yoke_n as_o well_o as_o his_o benefit_n his_o cross_n
style_v prudence_n which_o be_v define_v plat._n define_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d def._n plat._n a_o faculty_n or_o power_n of_o itself_o productive_a of_o human_a happiness_n this_o prudence_n contain_v in_o it_o these_o part_n 1._o a_o sagacity_n or_o a_o spirit_n of_o discretion_n for_o the_o find_v out_o the_o right_a end_n and_o object_n 2._o a_o universal_a providence_n or_o provision_n of_o all_o such_o mean_n as_o conduce_v to_o the_o attainment_n of_o our_o desire_a end_n 3._o a_o facility_n and_o dexterity_n for_o the_o dispose_n of_o these_o mean_n in_o the_o best_a manner_n and_o method_n in_o order_n to_o the_o prosecution_n of_o our_o end_n friendship_n prudence_n necessary_a 1._o to_o discover_v the_o right_a end_n and_o object_n of_o our_o friendship_n all_o these_o part_n of_o prudence_n be_v very_o requisite_a to_o all_o friendship_n but_o especial_o to_o the_o choice_n of_o christ_n as_o our_o friend_n 1._o there_o must_v be_v a_o spiritual_a sagacity_n or_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n to_o find_v out_o the_o right_a end_n and_o object_n of_o our_o friendship_n this_o be_v indeed_o of_o huge_a concernment_n in_o order_n to_o the_o right_a constitution_n of_o friendship_n for_o the_o last_o end_n in_o moral_n have_v the_o same_o place_n with_o the_o first_o principle_n in_o speculatives_n and_o with_o the_o form_n in_o natural_n the_o last_o end_n infuse_v sweetness_n goodness_n force_n and_o life_n into_o all_o the_o mean_n therefore_o if_o this_o be_v naught_o our_o friendship_n can_v never_o be_v good_a seneca_n good_a tu_fw-la verò_fw-la omnia_fw-la cum_fw-la amico_fw-la delibera_fw-la sed_fw-la de_fw-la ipso_fw-la prius_fw-la post_fw-la amicitiam_fw-la credendum_fw-la est_fw-la ante_fw-la amicitiam_fw-la judicandum_fw-la seneca_n in_o our_o amity_n with_o christ_n the_o last_o end_n and_o ultimate_a object_n of_o our_o choice_n must_v be_v no_o other_o than_o christ_n himself_n there_o be_v therefore_o require_v a_o spiritual_a sagacity_n to_o discover_v the_o excellence_n of_o christ_n sagacity_n be_v say_v to_o be_v 412._o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d plat._n def._n fol._n 412._o a_o acumen_fw-la or_o sharpness_n of_o understanding_n whereby_o we_o easy_o and_o speedy_o penetrate_v or_o dive_v into_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o thing_n among_o irrational_a creature_n the_o dog_n be_v think_v to_o partake_v of_o a_o very_a great_a shadow_n hereof_o 60._o hereof_o plato_n make_v the_o dog_n to_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o very_a great_a natural_a sagacity_n for_o the_o difference_v his_o friend_n from_o his_o enemy_n plato_n rep._n 2._o fol._n 376._o life_n of_o padre_n paul_n pag._n 60._o in_o that_o he_o can_v at_o the_o first_o glance_n discover_v his_o friend_n and_o it_o be_v say_v of_o padâ—e_n paul_n the_o venetian_a that_o great_a master_n of_o prudence_n '_o that_o he_o can_v immediate_o penetrate_v the_o nature_n inclination_n and_o design_n of_o man_n and_o like_o a_o perfect_a musician_n make_v his_o judgement_n of_o the_o instrument_n by_o the_o first_o touch_n so_o by_o make_v man_n speak_v he_o know_v their_o end_n their_o interest_n their_o drift_n their_o resolution_n upon_o business_n and_o with_o most_o admirable_a quickness_n the_o very_a answer_n they_o can_v make_v and_o so_o he_o regulate_v himself_o in_o all_o proceeding_n '_o such_o a_o sugacitie_n or_o sharp-sightednes_n be_v extreme_o useful_a in_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o friend_n especial_o of_o christ_n who_o be_v imcomparable_o the_o best_a of_o friend_n oh_o be_v man_n so_o quick-sighted_a and_o sage_a as_o to_o discern_v those_o infinite_a beauty_n and_o ravish_a glory_n of_o christ_n person_n that_o divine_a suavitie_n and_o good-nature_n of_o his_o disposition_n those_o warm_a compassion_n and_o sweet_a tenderness_n of_o his_o bowel_n those_o wonder_n and_o condescension_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o brief_a have_v man_n eye_n to_o see_v what_o a_o ancient_a laborious_a industrious_a bleed_a burn_a rich_a free_a unwearied_a invincible_a love_n christ_n bear_v towards_o sinner_n they_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o choose_v he_o for_o their_o friend_n but_o ah_o alas_o here_o lie_v the_o sinner_n hell_n he_o be_v quicksight_v towards_o idol-lover_n but_o he_o have_v no_o eye_n to_o see_v christ_n the_o mystery_n and_o wonder_n of_o his_o beauty_n grace_n and_o glory_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o christ_n have_v so_o few_o friend_n in_o the_o world_n will_v the_o blind_a world_n but_o take_v philip_n advice_n and_o nathaniel_n practice_n john_n 1.47_o 1.47_o joh._n 1.47_o come_v and_o see_v what_o transcendent_a perfection_n what_o imcomparable_a excellence_n sweetness_n and_o heart-conquering_a mystery_n of_o grace_n and_o love_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o christ_n what_o a_o crowd_n of_o friend_n may_v he_o have_v come_v and_o see_v will_v speak_v more_o for_o christ_n to_o set_v forth_o his_o excellence_n than_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n or_o angel_n can_v do_v but_o alas_o man_n will_v not_o come_v man_n will_v not_o see_v and_o dive_v into_o the_o glorious_a mystery_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o marvel_n that_o amity_n or_o friendship_n with_o he_o be_v so_o rare_a the_o philosopher_n tell_v we_o 206._o we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d plato_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d fol._n 206._o that_o a_o wise_a man_n do_v not_o praise_v his_o belove_a '_o till_o after_o some_o familiarity_n he_o know_v he_o well_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o world_n commend_v not_o christ_n as_o the_o best_a friend_n because_o they_o know_v he_o not_o and_o they_o know_v he_o not_o because_o they_o have_v no_o familiarity_n or_o acquaintance_n with_o he_o all_o man_n that_o have_v inward_a feel_v experimental_a familiarity_n with_o christ_n commend_v and_o extol_v he_o as_o the_o best_a friend_n no_o man_n that_o ever_o come_v to_o he_o and_o taste_v how_o good_a and_o gracious_a he_o be_v go_v away_o with_o repent_v and_o hard_a thought_n of_o he_o david_n as_o a_o figure_n of_o christ_n bless_v the_o lord_n for_o this_o spiritual_a sagacity_n as_o psal_n 16.7_o 16.7_o psal_n 16.7_o i_o bless_v the_o lord_n who_o have_v give_v i_o counsel_n what_o counsel_n do_v he_o mean_a why_o counsel_n or_o sagacity_n to_o choose_v god_n for_o his_o friend_n and_o portion_n as_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o v._o 5_o 6._o the_o lord_n be_v the_o portion_n of_o my_o inheritance_n etc._n etc._n he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o envy_v of_o the_o wicked_a their_o portion_n and_o friend_n or_o from_o repent_v of_o his_o choice_n that_o he_o bless_v god_n all_o his_o day_n for_o this_o spiritual_a sagacity_n or_o counsel_n which_o he_o give_v he_o to_o choose_v god_n himself_o and_o none_o but_o god_n for_o his_o friend_n yea_o he_o be_v so_o much_o take_v and_o satisfy_v in_o his_o choice_n as_o that_o he_o cry_v out_o to_o all_o the_o world_n 34.8_o psal_n 34.8_o psal_n 34.8_o o_o taste_n and_o see_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a this_o spiritual_a sagacity_n be_v a_o divine_a instinct_n wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n whereby_o the_o soul_n first_o taste_v and_o then_o see_v the_o excellence_n of_o christ_n so_o tyndal_n on_o john_n 10.4_o 5._o fol._n 265._o '_o if_o they_o ask_v how_o we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o scripture_n of_o god_n ask_v they_o who_o teach_v the_o eagle_n to_o spy_v out_o their_o prey_n even_o so_o the_o child_n of_o god_n spy_v out_o their_o father_n '_o divine_a instinct_n back_v with_o inward_a sense_n and_o spiritual_a reason_n give_v the_o soul_n a_o clear_a spiritual_a affective_a sight_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o engage_v the_o heart_n to_o move_v strong_o towards_o he_o for_o no_o knowledge_n work_v more_o powerful_o than_o instinct_n of_o nature_n strengthen_v by_o reason_n those_o who_o have_v a_o inward_a feel_a taste_n of_o christ_n admirable_a sweetness_n will_v see_v and_o know_v what_o a_o excellent_a friend_n he_o be_v the_o philosopher_n define_v 413._o define_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d platon_n def._n fol._n 413._o election_n a_o right_a experimental_a probation_n such_o as_o the_o goldsmith_n have_v of_o metal_n this_o be_v most_o true_a here_o the_o more_o inward_a experimental_a and_o familiar_a probation_n or_o trial_n we_o have_v of_o christ_n the_o more_o cheerful_a firm_a and_o inviolable_a will_v our_o election_n of_o and_o amity_n towards_o he_o be_v it_o be_v true_a every_o friend_n of_o christ_n have_v not_o a_o feel_a sense_n of_o his_o interest_n in_o christ_n yet_o he_o have_v deep_a sense_n of_o the_o superlative_a excellence_n of_o christ_n some_o good_a friend_n of_o christ_n have_v not_o the_o sweet_a joyous_a sense_n of_o christ_n presence_n yet_o they_o have_v the_o bitter_a bemoan_v sense_n of_o his_o absence_n which_o argue_v some_o forego_v taste_n how_o sweet_a friendship_n with_o christ_n be_v thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o spouse_n even_o when_o she_o have_v lose_v his_o sweet_a
i_o call_v my_o friend_n christ_n seem_v to_o marvel_v at_o their_o stupid_a sottish_a ignorance_n but_o than_o he_o resolve_v all_o into_o this_o even_o because_o you_o can_v hear_v my_o word_n they_o have_v no_o spiritual_a judgement_n of_o discretion_n because_o they_o want_v a_o divine_a faculty_n of_o hear_v his_o word_n and_o thence_o no_o wonder_n that_o they_o elect_v he_o not_o as_o their_o prophet_n and_o shepherd_n yea_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o elect_v christ_n as_o their_o prophet_n that_o they_o choose_v darkness_n before_o light_n yea_o hate_v his_o prophetic_a light_n because_o it_o discover_v their_o sin_n 20._o john_n 3.19_o 20._o so_o john_n 3.19_o this_o 〈◊〉_d the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v 〈◊〉_d the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v for_o their_o work_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 20._o for_o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v 〈◊〉_d light_n and_o come_v not_o to_o the_o light_n lest_o 〈◊〉_d deed_n be_v reprove_v no_o wonder_n that_o suâ—â—_n elect_v not_o christ_n as_o their_o prophet_n sect_n 5._o the_o election_n of_o christ_n person_n a_o fundamental_a part_n of_o our_o friendship_n with_o he_o 4._o how_o 4._o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n elect_v his_o person_n and_o how_o the_o real_a friend_n of_o christ_n elect_v his_o person_n as_o well_o as_o his_o benefit_n this_o be_v a_o essential_a and_o fundamental_a condition_n of_o all_o amity_n both_o human_a and_o divine_a to_o elect_v the_o person_n of_o our_o friend_n he_o that_o choose_v a_o friend_n only_o to_o receive_v good_a thing_n from_o he_o without_o regard_n or_o love_n to_o his_o person_n be_v not_o a_o friend_n to_o he_o who_o he_o have_v choose_v but_o to_o himself_o only_o and_o this_o have_v a_o more_o peculiar_a consideration_n in_o conjugal_a friendship_n which_o if_o it_o terminate_v or_o fix_v not_o on_o the_o person_n of_o he_o who_o it_o espouse_v it_o be_v but_o a_o adulterous_a and_o whorish_a love_n now_o the_o amity_n betwixt_o a_o believer_n and_o christ_n be_v as_o we_o have_v at_o large_a demonstrate_v in_o the_o forego_n chap._n conjugal_a and_o therefore_o the_o election_n of_o christ_n person_n be_v the_o most_o essential_a ingredient_n thereof_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o spouse_n cant._n 1.2_o 1.2_o cant._n 1.2_o the_o first_o thing_n she_o breathe_v forth_o be_v this_o let_v he_o kiss_v i_o with_o the_o kiss_v of_o his_o mouth_n etc._n etc._n the_o kiss_n in_o those_o ancient_a and_o simple_a time_n imply_v nothing_o lascivious_a impure_a or_o indecent_a but_o it_o be_v use_v as_o a_o symbol_n of_o intimate_a friendship_n and_o union_n of_o spirit_n for_o by_o the_o kiss_v there_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o mutual_a transfusion_n and_o transpiration_n or_o breathe_v forth_o of_o soul_n each_o into_o other_o as_o plato_n observe_v whence_o friend_n be_v wont_v in_o ancient_a time_n out_o of_o a_o superstitious_a kind_n of_o piety_n to_o receive_v with_o their_o mouth_n the_o last_o breath_n or_o soul_n of_o their_o die_a friend_n that_o so_o they_o who_o be_v dead_a in_o themselves_o may_v as_o they_o fancy_v live_v in_o they_o so_o that_o by_o the_o kiss_v here_o which_o the_o spouse_n breathe_v after_o we_o must_v understand_v the_o spiritual_a transfusion_n and_o inhabitation_n of_o christ_n in_o her_o soul_n and_o the_o firm_a adhesion_n of_o her_o soul_n to_o christ_n as_o her_o husband_n thence_o it_o follow_v for_o thy_o love_n be_v better_a than_o wine_n o_o it_o be_v the_o belove_a himself_o that_o be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o the_o spouse_n book_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o what_o she_o mention_n v._o 2._o of_o the_o savour_n of_o his_o ointment_n and_o afterward_o of_o his_o apple_n wine_n myrrh_n spiknard_n perfume_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v all_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o christ_n himself_o duty_n grace_n comfort_n yea_o heaven_n itself_o be_v all_o nothing_o without_o christ_n in_o the_o estime_fw-fr of_o his_o spouse_n 16._o cant._n 2_o 16._o so_o the_o spouse_n cant._n 2.16_o i_o be_o my_o belove_n and_o my_o belove_a be_v i_o i._n e._n as_o he_o have_v choose_v i_o for_o himself_o so_o i_o have_v choose_v he_o for_o myself_o he_o abide_v in_o i_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o i_o abide_v in_o he_o by_o faith_n and_o love_n he_o be_v whole_o for_o i_o and_o i_o be_o whole_o for_o he_o he_o make_v a_o free_a invitation_n and_o render_v of_o himself_o to_o i_o and_o therefore_o i_o make_v a_o cheerful_a acceptation_n of_o he_o and_o resignation_n of_o myself_o unto_o he_o he_o mind_v regard_n and_o affect_v nothing_o so_o much_o as_o myself_o my_o heart_n and_o person_n and_o therefore_o i_o must_v count_v what_o be_v not_o himself_o as_o nothing_o it_o be_v true_a to_o enjoy_v the_o bracelet_n and_o love-token_n of_o my_o belove_a be_v sweet_a ay_o but_o to_o enjoy_v himself_o be_v much_o sweet_a it_o be_v a_o very_a please_a thing_n to_o see_v and_o embrace_v the_o divine_a favour_n of_o my_o lord_n but_o oh_o how_o please_v be_v it_o to_o see_v and_o embrace_v the_o lord_n of_o those_o favour_n in_o what_o precede_v we_o have_v the_o mention_n of_o many_o divine_a benediction_n which_o the_o spouse_n do_v participate_v of_o in_o and_o from_o her_o belove_a the_o text_n cite_v be_v a_o reflection_n on_o her_o belove_a himself_n as_o the_o fountain_n and_o original_a idea_n of_o all_o her_o benediction_n some_o conceive_v this_o divine_a aphorism_n which_o be_v oft_o repete_v to_o be_v the_o burden_n of_o this_o sacred_a nuptial_a song_n because_o it_o be_v most_o accommodate_v to_o express_v that_o mutual_a conjugal_a affection_n which_o be_v betwixt_o christ_n and_o his_o spouse_n so_o among_o the_o roman_n they_o have_v their_o solemn_a formulae_fw-la whereby_o those_o who_o enter_v into_o conjugal_a relation_n express_v their_o mutual_a resignation_n of_o themselves_o and_o all_o that_o be_v they_o each_o to_o other_o as_o that_o where_o thou_o caius_z art_n there_o be_o i_o caia_n pagan_n account_v it_o unworthy_a of_o conjugal_a relation_n to_o espouse_v any_o thing_n so_o much_o as_o the_o person_n of_o their_o belove_a what_o may_v the_o friend_n of_o christ_n regard_n desire_v or_o seek_v more_o than_o christ_n himself_o do_v not_o he_o suffice_v for_o christ_n and_o shall_v not_o christ_n alone_o suffice_v for_o he_o do_v not_o christ_n take_v complacence_n in_o his_o friend_n alone_o as_o his_o spouse_n and_o shall_v not_o they_o take_v complacence_n in_o he_o alone_o as_o their_o husband_n conjugal_a relation_n albeit_o it_o may_v find_v its_o relate_v different_a and_o dislike_n yet_o it_o make_v they_o one_o and_o alike_o therefore_o as_o christ_n condescend_v so_o low_a as_o to_o espouse_v the_o person_n of_o his_o spouse_n so_o her_o heart_n must_v ascend_v so_o high_a as_o to_o espouse_v his_o person_n for_o himself_o christ_n self_n the_o first_o motive_n that_o draw_v sinner_n to_o christ_n it_o be_v true_a the_o first_o motive_n that_o draw_v the_o friend_n of_o christ_n unto_o a_o close_n with_o he_o be_v to_o gain_v life_n from_o he_o it_o be_v a_o sense_n of_o need_n that_o drive_v they_o first_o to_o christ_n ay_o but_o when_o they_o consider_v and_o understand_v that_o there_o be_v no_o life_n to_o be_v gain_v by_o he_o but_o by_o espouse_v of_o he_o for_o their_o husband_n yea_o upon_o a_o serious_a and_o deep_a contemplation_n of_o christ_n be_v convince_v that_o their_o life_n and_o happiness_n consist_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o this_o engage_v they_o speedy_o and_o cheerful_o to_o elect_v and_o choose_v his_o person_n as_o the_o fit_a object_n for_o conjugal_a amity_n as_o in_o civil_a conjugal_a contract_n and_o friendship_n oft_o time_n that_o which_o first_o move_v the_o attention_n and_o allure_v the_o person_n to_o hearken_v to_o a_o motion_n or_o offer_n of_o marriage_n be_v some_o extern_a good_a perhaps_o the_o man_n offer_v a_o great_a dowry_n or_o the_o woman_n have_v a_o good_a portion_n these_o or_o such_o like_a consideration_n frequent_o open_v the_o door_n to_o conjugal_a amity_n but_o after_o frequent_a visit_n and_o familiar_a conversation_n together_o the_o person_n begin_v to_o be_v more_o take_v with_o the_o personal_a worth_n if_o there_o be_v any_o each_o of_o other_o and_o peradventure_o at_o last_o affection_n grow_v so_o pure_a and_o disinteressed_n as_o that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o dowry_n no_o portion_n to_o be_v have_v yet_o they_o will_v not_o break_v just_o such_o be_v the_o conjugal_a amity_n betwixt_o believer_n and_o christ_n that_o which_o first_o awaken_v the_o soul_n and_o make_v it_o attentive_a to_o the_o offer_v of_o christ_n it_o be_v sense_n of_o need_n the_o conscience_n be_v sting_v with_o divine_a wrath_n and_o find_v no_o physician_n that_o can_v cure_v its_o wound_n but_o christ_n the_o sinner_n be_v under_o a_o arrest_n of_o
as_o well_o as_o his_o reward_n chap._n v._o that_o grand_a case_n how_o far_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n may_v regard_v themselves_o state_v both_o in_o the_o negative_a and_o affirmative_a sect_n 1._o christ_n must_v be_v elect_v for_o himself_o to_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a constitution_n of_o christ_n himself_o christ_n must_v be_v choose_v for_o himself_o as_o the_o object_n of_o the_o saint_n amity_n it_o be_v requisite_a not_o only_o that_o whole_a christ_n be_v elect_v but_o also_o that_o he_o be_v elect_v for_o himself_o this_o indeed_o seem_v the_o most_o essential_a and_o fundamental_a part_n or_o the_o formal_a idea_n and_o constitutive_a reason_n of_o all_o true_a friendship_n that_o our_o friend_n be_v choose_v 4._o choose_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d arist_n rhet._n l._n 2._o c._n 4._o for_o himself_o without_o this_o qualification_n all_o friendship_n even_o among_o man_n as_o man_n be_v repute_v by_o the_o wise_a heathen_n but_o as_o spurious_a and_o bastard_n that_o which_o will_v soon_o when_o occasion_n serve_v degenerate_a into_o secret_a dislike_n if_o not_o open_a enmity_n thence_o the_o philosopher_n give_v this_o idea_n or_o definition_n of_o a_o true_a friend_n 27._o friend_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d arist_n rhet._n pag._n 27._o that_o he_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o serious_o wish_v and_o studious_o endeavour_v the_o good_a of_o his_o friend_n for_o his_o friend_n sake_n though_o this_o idea_n of_o friendship_n may_v possible_o prove_v too_o narrow_a for_o the_o saint_n amity_n with_o christ_n yet_o thus_o far_o it_o hold_v good_a that_o christ_n must_v be_v desire_v for_o himself_o for_o friendship_n with_o christ_n must_v be_v take_v up_o not_o upon_o contingent_a occasion_n or_o commun_v ground_n but_o upon_o immediate_a reason_n and_o proper_a motive_n arise_v from_o a_o apprehension_n of_o christ_n special_a excellence_n a_o heathen_a can_v say_v to_o his_o friend_n alcib_n friend_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d socrates_n ad_fw-la alcibiad_n plat._n alcib_n i_o be_o only_o a_o lover_n of_o thyself_o other_o be_v lover_n of_o thy_o good_a thing_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v the_o friend_n of_o christ_n bespeak_v he_o their_o best_a friend_n in_o such_o language_n certain_o that_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o most_o pure_a and_o noble_a amity_n which_o be_v leave_v interest_v and_o most_o pure_o carry_v out_o to_o christ_n for_o himself_o the_o less_o mixture_n of_o self_n and_o carnal_a respect_n there_o be_v in_o any_o friendship_n he_o the_o more_o pure_a respect_n we_o have_v to_o christ_n for_o himself_o the_o more_o perfect_a be_v our_o friendship_n to_o he_o whether_o human_a or_o divine_a the_o more_o it_o terminate_v and_o centre_n on_o our_o friend_n for_o himself_o and_o the_o more_o the_o heart_n terminate_v and_o centre_n on_o its_o friend_n for_o himself_o the_o more_o it_o correspond_v or_o answer_v unto_o the_o universal_a and_o most_o perfect_a idea_n of_o human_a and_o divine_a amity_n this_o the_o poor_a heathen_n see_v so_o much_o beauty_n and_o glory_n in_o as_o that_o they_o affect_v nothing_o more_o than_o to_o seem_v thus_o generous_a in_o elect_v and_o love_v their_o friend_n for_o himself_o so_o luc._n so_o attalus_n philosophus_fw-la diâ—ere_fw-la olâ—bat_fw-la jucundius_fw-la esse_fw-la amicum_fw-la sacere_fw-la quà m_fw-la habere_fw-la sen._n ad_fw-la luc._n attalus_n the_o philosopher_n say_v that_o it_o be_v more_o pleasant_a to_o make_v a_o friend_n i._n e._n by_o love_n and_o kindness_n express_v to_o he_o than_o to_o have_v one_o i.e._n for_o our_o use_n and_o benefit_n and_o the_o moralist_n give_v we_o this_o general_a character_n of_o his_o wise_a man_n 9_o man_n seneca_n ad_fw-la luc._n epist_n 9_o that_o albeit_o he_o be_v content_a with_o himself_o yet_o be_v desire_n to_o have_v a_o friend_n be_v it_o only_o for_o this_o that_o he_o may_v exercise_v friendship_n that_o so_o a_o virtue_n of_o such_o excellent_a use_n may_v not_o lie_v useless_a why_o add_v he_o do_v i_o elect_v a_o friend_n that_o i_o may_v have_v one_o for_o who_o i_o can_v die_v such_o pure_a and_o disinteressed_n strain_v of_o divine_a amity_n the_o friend_n of_o christ_n shall_v aim_v at_o and_o endeavour_v after_o towards_o christ_n for_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o they_o intend_v love_n himself_o what_o it_o be_v to_o elect_v christ_n for_o himself_o desire_v hope_v for_o and_o delight_n in_o christ_n for_o himself_o by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o pure_a noble_a generous_a divine_a and_o inviolable_a be_v their_o friendship_n towards_o he_o now_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v say_v to_o elect_v he_o for_o himself_o when_o he_o himself_o give_v rest_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o their_o soul_n in_o the_o want_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o all_o thing_n for_o the_o first_o principle_n or_o element_n of_o elect_v christ_n for_o himself_o consist_v in_o see_v all_o our_o satisfaction_n and_o rest_n lay_v up_o in_o he_o and_o not_o in_o ourselves_o or_o any_o thing_n else_o where_o ever_o the_o heart_n find_v complete_a rest_n that_o it_o live_v on_o love_n and_o enjoy_v for_o itself_o and_o the_o deprivement_n of_o that_o be_v death_n and_o hell_n unto_o it_o again_o what_o we_o elect_v for_o itself_o that_o we_o make_v our_o last_o end_n and_o best_a good_a now_o the_o last_o end_n and_o choice_a good_a be_v the_o first_o priaciple_n in_o moral_n and_o so_o the_o most_o universal_a idea_n and_o perfect_a measure_n of_o all_o good_a and_o thence_o the_o spring_n of_o all_o rest_n and_o satisfaction_n so_o that_o none_o elect_v christ_n for_o himself_o but_o such_o as_o can_v content_v and_o satisfy_v themselves_o in_o christ_n not_o in_o themselves_o and_o the_o more_o pure_a and_o disinterest_v our_o regard_n to_o christ_n for_o himself_o be_v the_o better_a friend_n we_o be_v in_o heaven_n all_o these_o poor_a low_a interest_v selfish_a respect_n which_o draw_v sinner_n to_o friendship_n with_o christ_n while_o in_o this_o low_a region_n of_o clay-tabernacle_n will_v there_o be_v perfect_o swallow_v up_o and_o drown_v in_o the_o beatific_a vision_n and_o fruition_n of_o christ_n for_o himself_o and_o for_o himself_o alone_o but_o yet_o while_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o this_o their_o nonage_n and_o child-bood_a he_o do_v indulge_v they_o in_o many_o childish_a selfish_a humour_n they_o be_v now_o in_o a_o wildernes-condition_n absent_a from_o the_o celestial_a canaan_n where_o christ_n their_o friend_n reside_v and_o therefore_o much_o stranger_n to_o those_o transcendent_a excellence_n and_o ravish_a beauty_n which_o shine_v in_o his_o person_n no_o wonder_n then_o if_o they_o have_v many_o oblique_a and_o squint_a regard_v many_o private_a and_o interest_v affection_n mix_v with_o their_o amity_n towards_o christ_n yea_o all_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n at_o their_o first_o contract_n with_o he_o be_v allure_v and_o draw_v to_o he_o by_o what_o good_a they_o hope_v to_o receive_v from_o he_o rather_o than_o by_o what_o good_a they_o see_v in_o he_o and_o many_o good_a friend_n of_o christ_n under_o desertion_n or_o tentation_n be_v more_o intent_n on_o what_o grace_n and_o comfort_n they_o may_v receive_v from_o christ_n than_o on_o what_o they_o may_v enjoy_v in_o himself_o upon_o these_o and_o such_o like_a consideration_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a that_o we_o state_n and_o determine_v that_o great_a case_n of_o conscience_n how_o far_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n may_v regard_v themselves_o their_o own_o spiritual_a interest_n life_n and_o happiness_n in_o their_o election_n of_o and_o affection_n to_o christ_n as_o their_o friend_n this_o case_n be_v due_o state_v and_o limit_v we_o shall_v the_o more_o clear_o and_o satisfactory_o proceed_v in_o determine_v the_o christian_n duty_n in_o elect_v and_o affect_v christ_n their_o friend_n for_o himself_o sect_n 2._o how_o far_o christ_n friend_n may_v in_o the_o election_n of_o he_o regard_v themselves_o as_o for_o that_o case_n christ_n how_o far_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n may_v regard_v themselves_o in_o the_o election_n of_o christ_n how_o far_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n may_v regard_v themselves_o in_o the_o election_n of_o christ_n it_o may_v be_v resolve_v by_o these_o follow_a proposition_n some_o of_o which_o be_v exclusive_a or_o negative_a other_o inclusive_a or_o positive_a 1._o the_o exclusive_a or_o negative_a proposition_n be_v such_o as_o follow_v 1._o prop._n the_o friend_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o election_n of_o he_o may_v not_o regard_v sinful_a carnal_a or_o legal_a self_n this_o be_v evident_a because_o so_o far_o as_o they_o regard_v either_o of_o these_o self_n so_o far_o they_o compound_v christ_n and_o so_o elect_v only_o a_o false_a christ_n a_o idol_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n to_o have_v a_o squint_a eye_n on_o some_o belove_a lust_n or_o the_o world_n or_o the_o law_n in_o our_o election_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o black_a
yea_o impossible_a be_v this_o to_o be_v understand_v without_o understand_v some_o thing_n of_o the_o hypostatick_a union_n but_o yet_o that_o thus_o it_o be_v this_o scripture_n make_v it_o clear_a and_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o god_n omnipresence_n which_o be_v one_o of_o his_o incommunicable_a attribute_n must_v be_v in_o like_a manner_n attribute_v to_o our_o emmanuel_n as_o he_o be_v god-man_n though_o not_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o manhood_n the_o like_a luke_n 22.69_o 8._o independence_n christ_n a_o idea_n of_o god_n independence_n our_o emmanuel_n as_o god-man_n be_v a_o glorious_a idea_n and_o miroir_n of_o god_n the_o father_n be_v independence_n this_o be_v another_o of_o god_n incommunicable_a attribute_n which_o yet_o be_v deserve_o give_v to_o and_o assume_v by_o christ_n joh._n 5.26_o 5.26_o joh._n 5.26_o so_o have_v he_o give_v to_o the_o son_n to_o have_v life_n in_o himself_o christ_n human_a nature_n and_o all_o its_o glorious_a accomplishment_n have_v dependence_n on_o none_o but_o christ_n himself_n all_o the_o personal_a and_o mediatorie_a excellence_n of_o our_o emmanuel_n depend_v upon_o no_o other_o than_o his_o very_a person_n 9_o god_n christ_n the_o idea_n of_o all_o the_o other_o incommunicable_a attribute_n of_o god_n the_o same_o may_v be_v affirm_v of_o all_o the_o other_o incommunicable_a attribute_n of_o god_n namely_o of_o his_o alsufficience_a his_o simplicity_n his_o immutabilitie_n his_o eternity_n his_o infinitude_n his_o incomprehensibilitie_n of_o all_o which_o christ_n be_v a_o most_o glorious_a idea_n character_n image_n temple_n and_o glass_n wherein_o they_o shine_v with_o infinite_a glory_n and_o brightness_n and_o whence_o they_o be_v reflect_v on_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n sect_n 8._o several_a particular_a improvement_n of_o this_o first_o character_n of_o christ_n mediatorie_a excellence_n have_v large_o demonstrate_v christ_n the_o application_n of_o all_o the_o forego_n character_n of_o christ_n how_o all_o the_o glorious_a idea_n of_o god_n attribute_n shine_v in_o christ_n as_o god-man_n the_o temple_n theatre_n splendour_n character_n face_n image_n and_o miroir_n or_o glass_n of_o the_o father_n glory_n what_o remain_v but_o that_o we_o now_o contract_v all_o these_o shine_a and_o flame_a ray_n in_o a_o burn_a glass_n of_o some_o useful_a meditation_n thereby_o to_o inflame_v the_o heart_n of_o christ_n friend_n to_o study_v contemplate_v elect_v and_o enjoy_v this_o their_o emmanuel_n for_o himself_o 1._o christ_n 1._o contemplate_v those_o glorious_a idea_n that_o shine_v in_o christ_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n revel_v and_o may_v all_o flesh_n see_v it_o together_o in_o this_o our_o emmanuel_n as_o esa_n 40.5_o o_o then_o come_v hither_o all_o flesh_n come_v and_o behold_v the_o most_o glorious_a idea_n character_n and_o image_n of_o the_o father_n glory_n shine_v so_o bright_o and_o yet_o so_o sweet_o so_o pleas_o so_o agreable_o in_o this_o increated_a eternal_a universal_a infinite_a transform_v miroir_n or_o glass_n of_o christ_n god-man_n the_o old_a say_n under_o the_o law_n be_v that_o no_o man_n can_v see_v god_n and_o live_v this_o hold_v true_a still_o if_o we_o consider_v god_n out_o of_o christ_n calvin_n christ_n pater_fw-la qui_fw-la immâ—nsus_fw-la est_fw-la in_fw-la filio_fw-la finitus_fw-la est_fw-la quia_fw-la sâ—â—aâ—_n modulum_fw-la nostrum_fw-la accommodavit_fw-la ne_fw-la meat_n no_v as_o imm_n â—nsitatâ—_n suae_fw-la gloâ—ae_fw-la absurbeat_fw-la calvin_n ay_o but_o now_o god_n the_o father_n who_o be_v in_o himself_o infinite_a invisible_a &_o unintelligible_a be_v in_o this_o our_o emmanuel_n visible_a and_o intelligible_a he_o have_v in_o this_o his_o son_n accommodate_v himself_o to_o our_o module_n and_o capaeitie_n that_o so_o our_o mind_n may_v not_o be_v swallow_v up_o with_o the_o immensity_n of_o his_o glory_n o_o that_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n will_v set_v he_o who_o be_v the_o divine_a miroir_n and_o lookingglass_n of_o all_o the_o father_n glory_n ever_o before_o their_o eye_n and_o never_o leave_v muse_v pore_a contemplate_v on_o he_o till_o they_o find_v their_o heart_n transform_v into_o a_o flame_n of_o divine_a love_n to_o and_o delight_n in_o this_o their_o emmanuel_n for_o himself_o o_o that_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n will_v come_v and_o poor_a on_o this_o glass_n come_v and_o look_v into_o this_o ark_n come_v and_o worship_n in_o this_o temple_n come_v and_o gaze_v on_o this_o most_o resplendent_a and_o beautiful_a face_n in_o which_o shine_v all_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o deity_n hear_v christ_n himself_o make_v solemn_a proclamation_n to_o his_o friend_n of_o the_o new-jerusalem_n to_o come_v 40.9_o esa_n 40.9_o and_o behold_v his_o glory_n esa_n 40.9_o say_v unto_o the_o city_n of_o judah_n behold_v your_o god_n o_o come_v and_o behold_v what_o wonder_n of_o grace_n beauty_n and_o glory_n dwell_v in_o this_o your_o god_n yea_o he_o invite_v his_o elect_a friend_n among_o the_o gentile_n 65.1_o esa_n 65.1_o to_o come_v and_o behold_v his_o glory_n esa_n 65.1_o i_o be_o seek_v of_o they_o that_o ask_v not_o for_o i_o i_o be_o find_v of_o they_o that_o seek_v i_o not_o i_o say_v behold_v i_o behold_v i_o etc._n etc._n christ_n seek_v they_o that_o seek_v not_o after_o he_o he_o be_v find_v of_o they_o that_o ask_v not_o after_o he_o and_o unto_o such_o he_o cry_v behold_v i_o behold_v i_o the_o doublement_n of_o the_o word_n argue_v how_o desirous_a christ_n be_v to_o exhibit_v his_o most_o beautiful_a and_o glorious_a face_n to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o sinner_n o_o then_o come_v come_v behold_v behold_v this_o so_o glorious_a a_o face_n why_o will_v you_o not_o come_v what_o a_o heart-ravishing_a sight_n be_v here_o the_o fix_v of_o a_o eye_n of_o faith_n on_o christ_n in_o a_o way_n of_o spiritual_a meditation_n and_o contemplation_n what_o a_o mighty_a sovereign_n efficacious_a influence_n have_v it_o to_o ravish_v the_o heart_n into_o a_o 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gloriosior_fw-la omnibus_fw-la creaturis_fw-la etiam_fw-la angelis_n gloriosissimis_fw-la twissus_n vind._n grat._n take_v christ_n in_o his_o low_a humiliation_n even_o when_o he_o hang_v upon_o the_o cross_n yet_o even_o then_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o hypostatick_a union_n he_o be_v infinite_o more_o glorious_a and_o eligible_a for_o himself_o than_o the_o most_o glorious_a creature_n even_o glorify_v angel_n and_o yet_o how_o few_o beholder_n of_o his_o glory_n have_v he_o no_o wonder_n therefore_o that_o so_o few_o elect_v he_o for_o himself_o 2._o christ_n election_n and_o fruition_n of_o those_o glorious_a excellence_n that_o shine_v in_o christ_n do_v all_o the_o plenitude_n of_o the_o deity_n dwell_v bodily_a in_o christ_n as_o in_o a_o temple_n oh_o then_o what_o a_o beautiful_a glorious_a temple_n be_v this_o how_o shall_v we_o admire_v adore_v elect_v serve_v and_o enjoy_v the_o deity_n in_o this_o so_o glorious_a a_o temple_n what_o deserve_v to_o be_v elect_v and_o love_v 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beautiful_a majestic_a and_o yet_o sweet_a heart-charming_a face_n for_o itself_o do_v
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and_o heroic_a thing_n the_o true_a christian_a religion_n be_v in_o that_o it_o put_v lapse_v man_n into_o a_o state_n of_o friendship_n with_o the_o great_a god_n for_o what_o be_v true_a religion_n but_o a_o religation_n or_o bind_v of_o the_o soul_n unto_o god_n and_o how_o can_v the_o soul_n be_v bind_v to_o god_n more_o inviolable_o and_o more_o intimate_o than_o by_o deep_a spiritual_a and_o lively_a act_n of_o contemplation_n election_n and_o fruition_n of_o he_o for_o himself_o as_o our_o friend_n must_v not_o therefore_o that_o religion_n need_v be_v a_o very_a heroick_n and_o generous_a thing_n which_o bind_v the_o heart_n to_o god_n by_o such_o a_o inseparable_a intimate_a and_o strict_a bond_n of_o friendship_n sure_o he_o deserve_v not_o this_o title_n of_o honour_n to_o be_v call_v a_o christian_a who_o estime_n not_o religion_n and_o friendship_n with_o christ_n as_o the_o most_o honourable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n 3._o friend_n 3._o it_o be_v the_o high_a wisdom_n 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leg_n to_o come_v to_o christ_n or_o arm_n to_o embrace_v he_o can_v there_o be_v any_o divine_a amity_n with_o christ_n without_o some_o divine_a conformity_n and_o similitude_n to_o he_o and_o have_v the_o black_a deform_a rebellious_a and_o dead_a soul_n any_o the_o least_o ressemblance_n of_o christ_n by_o nature_n do_v not_o friendship_n with_o christ_n in_o its_o formal_a idea_n import_v a_o complete_a resignation_n and_o subjection_n to_o his_o sovereign_n will_n and_o grace_n and_o be_v not_o the_o will_n of_o man_n natural_o crooked_a perverse_a stubborn_a humorous_a proud_a inflexible_a and_o every_o way_n repugnant_a to_o christ_n will_n yea_o do_v not_o man_n natural_o hate_v christ_n and_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o he_o his_o yoke_n cross_n worship_n word_n way_n and_o people_n it_o be_v true_a some_o natural_a man_n have_v have_v the_o privilege_n of_o a_o good_a education_n or_o the_o infusion_n of_o some_o commun_n grace_n presume_v they_o love_v christ_n well_o but_o have_v they_o be_v bear_v of_o jew_n or_o pagan_n will_v not_o the_o same_o commun_v motive_n which_o now_o induce_v they_o to_o love_n christ_n have_v prove_v as_o powerful_a to_o work_v in_o they_o a_o more_o inveterate_a hatred_n against_o he_o do_v not_o our_o lord_n himself_o assure_v we_o luk._n 11.23_o he_o that_o be_v not_o with_o i_o be_v against_o i_o etc._n etc._n whereby_o he_o strong_o prove_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o middle_a state_n betwixt_o enmity_n against_o and_o friendship_n with_o christ_n such_o as_o be_v not_o friend_n to_o be_v enemy_n against_o he_o 5._o god_n 5._o all_o friendship_n with_o christ_n from_o god_n hence_o it_o follow_v that_o god_n alone_o can_v make_v man_n friend_n of_o christ_n divine_a amity_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o omnipotence_n man_n may_v as_o soon_o give_v himself_o a_o angelic_a be_v as_o make_v himself_o a_o friend_n of_o christ_n thence_o say_v christ_n joh._n 15.16_o you_o have_v not_o choose_v i_o but_o i_o have_v choose_v you_o etc._n etc._n â—oc_fw-la etc._n joh._n
the_o visible_a church_n on_o earth_n crowd_v with_o many_o secret_a enemy_n to_o who_o seem_v good_a friend_n of_o christ_n yea_o what_o throng_n and_o crowd_n of_o hypocrite_n be_v there_o now_o roar_v in_o hell_n who_o once_o pass_v for_o great_a friend_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o visible_a church_n assure_o real_a friendship_n with_o christ_n be_v very_o rare_a and_o difficult_a it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o be_v a_o friend_n in_o name_n but_o o_o how_o difficult_a be_v it_o to_o be_v so_o indeed_o i_o very_o believe_v that_o one_o great_a design_n of_o all_o god_n providence_n towards_o his_o church_n be_v to_o discover_v the_o rottenness_n and_o hypocrisy_n of_o false_a friend_n of_o christ_n and_o i_o be_o not_o without_o great_a and_z i_o fear_v too_o rational_a fear_n that_o many_o of_o those_o who_o now_o pass_v for_o general_o avow_v friend_n of_o christ_n will_v one_o day_n appear_v to_o be_v but_o hollow-hearted_a and_o mask_v enemy_n of_o he_o o_o that_o there_o be_v 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elect_v their_o friend_n for_o himself_o will_v not_o the_o most_o of_o man_n break_v with_o their_o best_a friend_n when_o they_o cross_v their_o humour_n or_o interest_n do_v not_o the_o philosopher_n teach_v we_o that_o all_o true_a amity_n be_v found_v in_o virtue_n and_o be_v there_o any_o virtue_n beyond_o friendship_n with_o christ_n may_v we_o not_o then_o hence_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v no_o true_a amity_n among_o man_n as_o man_n but_o what_o spring_v from_o amity_n with_o christ_n i_o be_o strong_o persuade_v that_o there_o be_v never_o less_o friendship_n among_o man_n as_o man_n than_o now_o adays_o and_o the_o reason_n to_o i_o be_v evident_a namely_o from_o the_o strength_n of_o man_n private_a passion_n their_o inordinate_a love_n to_o this_o world_n the_o sovereign_n prevalence_n of_o self_n and_o the_o decay_n of_o that_o ancient_a simplicity_n integrity_n and_o publick-spiritednes_a which_o former_o flourish_v among_o man_n these_o i_o say_v seem_v to_o be_v the_o genuine_a reason_n and_o cause_n why_o there_o now_o be_v less_o natural_a or_o civil_a amity_n among_o man_n than_o in_o the_o day_n of_o old_a 11._o friend_n 11._o the_o folly_n of_o such_o as_o refuse_v to_o make_v christ_n their_o friend_n hence_o also_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o such_o as_o refuse_v to_o elect_v christ_n for_o their_o friend_n be_v deserve_o brand_v with_o the_o black_a mark_n of_o fool_n and_o mad_a man_n be_v christ_n indeed_o so_o amiable_a and_o eligible_a for_o himself_o do_v all_o the_o glory_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o bless_a deity_n dwell_v bodily_a in_o he_o be_v it_o man_n supreme_a dignity_n liberty_n and_o perfection_n to_o elect_v and_o adhere_v to_o he_o for_o himself_o oh_o then_o how_o desperate_o foolish_a how_o notorious_o mad_a be_v all_o they_o who_o reject_v or_o neglect_v the_o election_n of_o such_o a_o friend_n alas_o what_o be_v it_o to_o have_v all_o the_o world_n thy_o friend_n if_o christ_n be_v thy_o enemy_n will_v not_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o this_o fade_a world_n at_o the_o last_o conflagration_n be_v burn_v up_o and_o contract_v into_o its_o first_o nothing_o at_o least_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o happiness_n what_o can_v thou_o be_v say_v to_o have_v or_o enjoy_v if_o thou_o want_v christ_n how_o poor_a will_v thy_o gain_n be_v if_o all_o the_o earth_n be_v thou_o and_o christ_n not_o thou_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a what_o a_o bless_a loss_n be_v that_o if_o thou_o shall_v lose_v all_o thing_n to_o gain_v christ_n be_v not_o all_o thing_n without_o christ_n nothing_o and_o nothing_o with_o christ_n as_o good_a as_o all_o thing_n be_v it_o not_o notorious_a folly_n for_o a_o rational_a soul_n to_o hunger_n after_o the_o jejune_n empty_a pleasure_n of_o a_o vexatious_a world_n and_o to_o neglect_v the_o divine_a suavity_n and_o delices_fw-la of_o a_o increated_a eternal_a good_a do_v it_o not_o argue_v a_o sottish_a bewitched_a mind_n to_o stand_v gaze_v on_o a_o blast_a sunburn_a flour_n of_o sensible_a good_a and_o meanwhile_n to_o turn_v the_o back_n on_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n that_o first_o light_n and_o beauty_n alas_o alas_o that_o rational_a creature_n shall_v be_v so_o rave_v mad_a as_o to_o lavish_a their_o affection_n on_o such_o deform_a harlot_n and_o black_a idol_n of_o clay_n and_o yet_o find_v so_o little_a love_n for_o the_o best_a friend_n that_o ever_o be_v o_o the_o monstrous_a folly_n o_o the_o unconceivable_a madness_n of_o blind_a sinner_n that_o beauty_n itself_o shall_v have_v so_o few_o eye_n gaze_v on_o it_o that_o the_o supreme_a eternel_n most_o comprehensive_a most_o diffusive_a most_o permanent_a and_o best_a good_a shall_v have_v so_o few_o heart_n fetter_v and_o chain_v to_o it_o that_o he_o who_o be_v the_o wonder_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o only_o belove_v of_o the_o father_n shall_v have_v so_o little_a share_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n o_o bewitched_a fool_n o_o blind_a soul_n what_o ail_v you_o that_o such_o a_o incomparable_a friend_n be_v despise_v by_o you_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o you_o be_v so_o desperate_o mad_a as_o to_o part_v with_o your_o love_n and_o soul_n for_o mere_a nothing_o when_o will_v man_n â—e_v wise_a sect_n 2._o a_o practic_a improvement_n of_o this_o doctrine_n touch_v amity_n with_o christ_n in_o order_n to_o the_o conviction_n of_o secure_a sinner_n who_o reject_v christ_n use_v 1_o christ_n of_o conviction_n to_o secure_a sinner_n who_o mind_n not_o friendship_n with_o christ_n have_v dispatch_v the_o doctrinal_a corollary_n we_o now_o proceed_v to_o some_o practic_a improvement_n of_o this_o great_a doctrine_n touch_v friendship_n with_o christ_n and_o the_o first_o great_a practic_n use_v i_o will_v make_v of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v of_o convincement_n to_o secure_a sinner_n who_o neither_o mind_n nor_o affect_v this_o great_a concern_n of_o divine_a amity_n with_o christ_n this_o use_v i_o shall_v branch_v forth_o into_o two_o part_n 1._o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o sin_n 2._o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o misery_n of_o such_o as_o neither_o mind_n nor_o affect_v friendship_n with_o christ_n 1._o mesure_v 1._o the_o aggravation_n of_o this_o sin_n not_o to_o mind_n friendship_n with_o christ_n mesure_v to_o convince_v secure_a sinner_n of_o their_o sin_n in_o reject_v or_o neglect_v friendship_n with_o christ_n we_o may_v consider_v its_o aggravation_n both_o in_o regard_n of_o its_o object_n subject_a formal_a nature_n and_o effect_n 1._o object_n 1._o by_o its_o object_n the_o aggravation_n and_o weight_n of_o this_o sin_n will_v great_o appear_v if_o we_o serious_o weigh_v and_o consider_v the_o object_n against_o which_o it_o strike_v for_o it_o be_v a_o maxim_n evident_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o so_o universal_o grant_v by_o all_o considerate_a person_n that_o the_o aggravation_n of_o a_o offence_n be_v to_o be_v mesure_v by_o the_o object_n or_o person_n against_o who_o it_o be_v commit_v now_o then_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o there_o be_v in_o christ_n that_o aggravate_v their_o sin_n who_o refuse_v divine_a amity_n with_o he_o 1._o life_n 1._o it_o be_v against_o christ_n the_o alone_a author_n of_o life_n be_v not_o christ_n the_o alone_a spring_n and_o source_n of_o spiritual_a life_n can_v any_o but_o christ_n give_v life_n to_o dead_a soul_n do_v he_o not_o die_v that_o dead_a sinner_n may_v live_v be_v not_o his_o blood_n a_o sovereign_n balsam_n for_o wound_a bleed_a soul_n o_o then_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o bleed_v die_a sinner_n reject_v he_o who_o be_v the_o alone_a sovereign_n physician_n of_o soul_n be_v it_o ever_o know_v that_o a_o condemn_a rebel_n refuse_v to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o and_o receive_v a_o pardon_n from_o his_o sovereign_n prince_n be_v it_o possible_a that_o a_o wretched_a malefactor_n hang_v up_o in_o chain_n
rom._n 11.9_o 5._o heart_n 5._o christ_n leave_v such_o to_o the_o plague_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n christ_n usual_o leave_v his_o false_a friend_n to_o the_o plague_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o oh_o what_o a_o terrible_a curse_n be_v this_o can_v there_o be_v a_o great_a punishment_n of_o sin_n than_o to_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o swinge_n of_o sin_n be_v not_o sin_n in_o itself_o the_o great_a evil_n need_v we_o then_o fear_v a_o great_a curse_n than_o to_o be_v leave_v by_o christ_n under_o the_o tyranny_n of_o our_o own_o lust_n and_o lo_o this_o be_v the_o curse_n of_o christ_n false_a friend_n 12._o psal_n 81.11_o 12._o psal_n 81.11_o but_o my_o people_n will_v not_o hearken_v unto_o my_o voice_n and_o israel_n will_v none_o of_o i_o i._n e._n they_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o name_n picture_n or_o profession_n of_o i_o but_o yet_o will_v not_o embrace_v my_o person_n they_o be_v friend_n in_o profession_n but_o enemy_n in_o affection_n and_o what_o follow_v v._o 12._o so_o i_o give_v they_o up_o to_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n and_o they_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o counsel_n what_o a_o curse_n of_o curse_n be_v this_o can_v hell_n produce_v a_o more_o terrible_a plague_n than_o this_o to_o be_v leave_v to_o our_o own_o heart_n lust_n sure_o no._n 6._o grace_n 6._o christ_n put_v a_o period_n to_o the_o day_n of_o grace_n when_o professor_n go_v on_o in_o a_o course_n of_o hypocritick_n friendship_n with_o christ_n he_o at_o last_o put_v a_o period_n to_o their_o day_n of_o grace_n thus_o he_o deal_v with_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n luk._n 19.42_o 19.42_o luk._n 19.42_o say_n if_o thou_o have_v know_v even_o thou_o at_o least_o in_o this_o thy_o day_n the_o thing_n which_o belong_v unto_o thy_o peace_n but_o now_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o thy_o eye_n israel_n have_v her_o day_n of_o grace_n but_o now_o it_o be_v go_v now_o her_o sun_n be_v set_v now_o farewell_n to_o all_o gospel_n grace_n and_o offer_n farewell_o to_o all_o woo_n and_o strive_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n with_o she_o oh_o what_o a_o complicate_v twist_v bind_v curse_n be_v here_o for_o all_o christ_n false_a friend_n how_o much_o better_o be_v it_o to_o part_v with_o the_o sun_n out_o of_o the_o firmament_n yea_o with_o life_n itself_o a_o thousand_o time_n over_o than_o to_o bid_v adieu_o to_o the_o day_n of_o grace_n 7._o world_n 7._o christ_n leave_v they_o to_o satan_n the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n yet_o far_o such_o as_o proceed_v in_o a_o continue_a course_n of_o false_a amity_n with_o christ_n he_o at_o length_n deliver_v they_o up_o to_o satan_n the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n thus_o he_o deal_v with_o judas_n that_o false_a friend_n and_o traitor_n luk._n 22.3_o then_o enter_v satan_n into_o judas_n and_o what_o follow_v v._o 4._o and_o he_o go_v his_o way_n and_o commune_v how_o he_o may_v betray_v he_o when_o christ_n after_o long_a woo_n waiting_n and_o strive_n can_v gain_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o false_a friend_n he_o at_o last_o deliver_v they_o up_o to_o satan_n the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n who_o come_v with_o seven_o devil_n and_o possess_v the_o heart_n will_v thou_o not_o say_v christ_n after_o all_o my_o woo_n and_o allurement_n of_o freegrace_n after_o all_o my_o strive_n by_o my_o spirit_n give_v i_o thy_o whole_a heart_n why_o then_o farewell_o take_v he_o satan_n see_v he_o will_v not_o be_v my_o voluntary_n and_o real_a friend_n let_v he_o be_v thy_o captive_a vassal_n and_o slave_n see_v he_o will_v not_o bend_v his_o neck_n to_o my_o easy_a yoke_n let_v he_o feel_v the_o dint_n and_o weight_n of_o thy_o iron_n chain_n what_o a_o hellbred_n curse_v be_v this_o 8._o stumble_v 8._o christ_n self_n become_v a_o stone_n of_o stumble_v again_o christ_n himself_o become_v a_o stone_n of_o stumble_v and_o rock_n of_o offence_n unto_o such_o as_o persevere_v in_o false_a friendship_n with_o he_o when_o awaken_v convince_a sinner_n have_v long_o profess_v much_o friendship_n towards_o christ_n and_o yet_o still_o retain_v some_o secret_n haunt_v for_o belove_a lust_n or_o dare_v not_o venture_v the_o weight_n of_o their_o soul_n upon_o he_o the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n than_o he_o become_v a_o stone_n of_o stumble_v to_o they_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n mat._n 21.43_o 44._o mat._n 21.43_o 44._o therefore_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o you_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n for_o this_o very_a cause_n because_o you_o reject_v i_o the_o head_n cornerstone_n v._n 42._o therefore_o my_o gospel_n and_o my_o grace_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o you_o and_o then_o it_o follow_v v._o 44._o and_o whosoever_o shall_v fall_v on_o this_o stone_n shall_v be_v break_v etc._n etc._n i._n e._n ay_o who_o be_o to_o my_o real_a friend_n the_o chief_a cornerstone_n will_v be_v to_o you_o a_o stone_n of_o confusion_n and_o destruction_n 9_o hardness_n 9_o judicial_a hardness_n hence_o follow_v a_o spirit_n of_o slumber_n judicial_a blindness_n and_o obduration_n or_o hardness_n of_o heart_n which_o christ_n in_o righteous_a judgement_n at_o last_o leave_v such_o false_a friend_n unto_o will_v thou_o not_o say_v christ_n see_v my_o beauty_n hear_v my_o voice_n or_o embrace_v i_o with_o thy_o whole_a heart_n why_o then_o be_v content_a thou_o shall_v not_o see_v or_o hear_v or_o embrace_v i_o as_o thy_o friend_n to_o all_o eternity_n so_o rom._n 11.8_o 9_o 10._o according_a as_o it_o be_v write_v god_n have_v give_v they_o the_o spirit_n of_o slumber_n eye_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o see_v and_o ear_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o hear_v to_o this_o very_a day_n etc._n etc._n hence_o follow_v a_o spiritual_a stupor_n a._n cauterise_v and_o callous_a conscience_n and_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o senseless_a conscience_n be_v by_o so_o much_o the_o deep_a be_v its_o curse_n 10._o gospel_n 10._o a_o liablenes_n to_o all_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o gospel_n hence_o the_o false_a friend_n of_o christ_n fall_v under_o all_o the_o curse_n both_o of_o the_o law_n and_o gospel_n yea_o christ_n swear_v against_o he_o in_o wrath_n so_o psal_n 95.11_o unto_o who_o i_o swear_v in_o my_o wrath_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o my_o rest_n oh_o what_o a_o dreadful_a curse_n be_v this_o that_o come_v from_o the_o mediator_n the_o fountain_n of_o all_o blessing_n 11._o intolerable_a 11._o al_n his_o hope_n pass_v but_o his_o sorrow_n eternal_a and_o intolerable_a whence_o last_o all_o the_o hope_n and_o comfort_n of_o christ_n false_a friend_n be_v momentary_a and_o vain_a but_o all_o his_o woe_n and_o misery_n be_v eternal_a and_o intolerable_a job_n 8.13_o and_o the_o hypocrite_n hope_n shall_v perish_v job_n 20.5_o and_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o hypocrite_n but_o for_o a_o moment_n so_o fleet_v and_o pass_v be_v his_o hope_n and_o joy_n but_o what_o be_v his_o sorrow_n sure_o they_o be_v swift_a unsupportable_a and_o eternal_a 1._o his_o fear_n shall_v surprise_v he_o when_o he_o be_v least_o aware_a of_o it_o esa_n 33.14_o fearfulness_n have_v surprise_v the_o hypocrite_n oh_o what_o panic_n fear_n will_v surprise_v christ_n false_a friend_n one_o day_n 2._o his_o disappointment_n shall_v be_v endless_a and_o without_o remedy_n 3._o and_o then_o the_o hot_a place_n in_o hell_n be_v reserve_v for_o he_o mat._n 14.51_o such_o be_v the_o plague_n and_o curse_n of_o all_o christ_n false_a friend_n and_o that_o which_o be_v sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o christ_n himself_o will_v be_v their_o eternal_a and_o worst_a enemy_n and_o will_v not_o all_o this_o serve_v to_o awaken_v and_o convince_v the_o false_a friend_n of_o christ_n how_o sad_a and_o curse_a their_o state_n be_v oh_o then_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v who_o can_v imagine_v what_o be_v the_o length_n breadth_n depth_n and_o height_n of_o this_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n this_o hypocrisy_n this_o false_a friendship_n towards_o christ_n which_o be_v loged_a in_o the_o heart_n of_o many_o profess_a friend_n yet_o real_a enemy_n of_o christ_n the_o lord_n effectual_o convince_v we_o all_o of_o this_o plague_n chap._n ix_o this_o doctrine_n of_o friendship_n with_o christ_n improve_v in_o order_n to_o heart-examens_a exhortation_n and_o direction_n touch_v sincere_a closure_n with_o a_o christ_n as_o our_o friend_n sect_n 1._o motive_n and_o rule_n for_o the_o examine_n of_o ourselves_o whether_o we_o be_v sincere_a or_o hypocritick_n friend_n of_o christ_n use_v 4._o use_v 4_o 4._o examination_n of_o examination_n this_o subject_n of_o amity_n with_o christ_n as_o before_o explicate_v may_v be_v useful_o improve_v in_o order_n to_o heart-examens_a and_o a_o more_o complete_a judgement_n of_o our_o christian_a state_n be_v there_o so_o much_o require_v to_o the_o
therefore_o his_o due_n a_o entire_a complete_a heart_n be_v whole_o for_o he_o and_o then_o expect_v that_o he_o be_v whole_o for_o thou_o let_v all_o other_o suitor_n stand_v by_o and_o christ_n alone_o possess_v the_o conjugal_a bend_v of_o thy_o heart_n know_v that_o christ_n jealousy_n will_v not_o admit_v a_o division_n of_o thy_o heart_n a_o little_a love_n for_o other_o friend_n may_v be_v too_o much_o but_o much_o love_n for_o christ_n be_v too_o little_a in_o a_o soul_n espouse_v to_o christ_n if_o thou_o will_v be_v a_o loyal_a friend_n of_o christ_n thou_o must_v get_v a_o determine_v resolute_a peremptory_a will_n for_o he_o thou_o must_v contend_v and_o wrestle_v with_o a_o holy_a violence_n for_o christ_n and_o resolve_v not_o to_o be_v put_v off_o with_o any_o thing_n but_o christ_n yea_o though_o christ_n seem_v to_o turn_v his_o back_n on_o thou_o yet_o follow_v he_o still_o even_o to_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n and_o then_o thou_o shall_v with_o the_o syrophenician_a woman_n find_v a_o heaven_n of_o friendship_n with_o he_o christ_n love_v such_o holy_a importunity_n and_o contention_n love-violence_n be_v very_o please_v unto_o christ_n he_o that_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v shall_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v christ_n 4._o heart_n 4._o get_v a_o flexible_a heart_n a_o sound_a heart_n be_v a_o flexible_a heart_n a_o dead_a heart_n be_v very_o stiff_a and_o inflexible_a but_o a_o live_a sound_n heart_n be_v very_o flexible_a and_o yield_v to_o christ_n it_o be_v so_o in_o nature_n dead_a carcase_n be_v very_o stiff_a and_o unpliable_a but_o a_o live_a body_n have_v its_o part_n very_o pliable_a if_o then_o thou_o will_v have_v a_o sound_a heart_n towards_o christ_n be_v sure_a that_o thy_o heart_n be_v very_o flexible_a towards_o he_o flexibility_n be_v essential_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o amity_n among_o man_n if_o both_o or_o each_o be_v of_o inflexible_a cross_a stiff_a humour_n there_o will_v never_o be_v a_o last_a friendship_n stouthearted_n sinner_n be_v in_o divine_a estimation_n far_o from_o christ_n and_o friendship_n with_o he_o esa_n 46.12_o if_o thou_o be_v ambitious_a of_o be_v a_o loyal_a friend_n of_o christ_n thy_o heart_n must_v be_v flexible_a and_o pliable_a 1._o to_o the_o term_n of_o his_o covenant_n and_o his_o evangelic_n offer_v of_o grace_n 2._o to_o his_o royal_a law_n especial_o such_o as_o relate_v to_o friendship_n with_o he_o 3._o to_o the_o working_n and_o operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n of_o grace_n 4._o to_o his_o providential_a occurrence_n in_o a_o way_n of_o passive_a subjection_n and_o submission_n thus_o thy_o heart_n must_v be_v flexible_a towards_o christ_n albeit_o inflexible_a and_o resolute_a against_o sin_n and_o all_o idol-friend_n 5._o heart_n 5._o get_v a_o honest_a sincere_a heart_n a_o sound_a heart_n be_v a_o honest_a sincere_a heart_n such_o as_o real_o intend_v what_o it_o pretend_v unto_o such_o a_o heart_n be_v essential_a to_o true_a amity_n with_o christ_n so_o luke_n 8.15_o a_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n be_v join_v together_o this_o honest_a heart_n be_v oppose_v to_o a_o guileful_a deceitful_a lie_v heart_n which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o friendship_n with_o christ_n so_o esa_n 63.8_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n be_v call_v child_n that_o will_v not_o lie_v i._n e._n they_o real_o intend_v what_o they_o pretend_v unto_o there_o be_v a_o harmony_n and_o conformity_n betwixt_o their_o affection_n and_o profession_n they_o will_v real_o be_v what_o they_o profess_v they_o be_v there_o be_v no_o guile_n find_v in_o their_o mouth_n or_o profession_n rev._n 14.5_o such_o a_o friend_n be_v nathaniel_n joh._n 1.47_o a_o israelite_n indeed_o in_o who_o be_v no_o guile_n if_o thou_o have_v any_o prevalent_a degree_n of_o hypocrisy_n or_o guile_n in_o thy_o heart_n thy_o friendship_n with_o christ_n will_v never_o be_v good_a or_o sound_v it_o be_v true_a the_o friend_n of_o christ_n find_v and_o feel_v too_o many_o relic_n and_o spice_n of_o guile_n and_o hypocrisy_n in_o their_o heart_n ay_o but_o this_o be_v their_o burden_n which_o they_o groan_v under_o and_o hate_v and_o conflict_n against_o neither_o have_v these_o remain_v of_o hypocrisy_n any_o prevalent_a dominion_n in_o the_o soul_n neither_o do_v the_o bend_v of_o the_o heart_n mingle_v with_o loc_fw-la eph._n 6.24_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d vox_fw-la ad_fw-la animun_fw-la relata_fw-la legitur_fw-la &_o i_o it_o 2.7_o in_o â—lossarâ—o_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d incortuâ—tus_fw-la utuntur_fw-la plato_n &_o demosthenes_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sensu_fw-la â—odem_fw-la grot._n in_o loc_fw-la or_o approve_v of_o they_o look_v well_o then_o to_o this_o that_o thy_o heart_n be_v honest_a and_o sincere_a with_o christ_n ephes_n 6.24_o grace_n he_o with_o all_o they_o that_o love_v our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o sincerite_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n with_o a_o pure_a virgin_n incorrupt_a love_n such_o as_o have_v no_o prevail_a mixture_n of_o guile_n or_o adulterous_a affection_n such_o as_o by_o no_o blandissement_n of_o this_o heart-hewitching_a world_n by_o no_o solicitation_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n can_v be_v inveigle_v or_o entice_v from_o christ_n o_o study_n labour_n contend_v pray_v wait_v and_o seek_v for_o such_o a_o honest_a sincere_a heart_n such_o and_o such_o alone_a make_v a_o sound-hearted_n friend_n of_o christ_n chap._n x._o admonition_n and_o advice_n to_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o live_n up_o to_o the_o dignity_n of_o this_o their_o relation_n sect_n 1._o to_o study_n and_o admire_v the_o excellence_n of_o christ_n person_n love_n and_o grace_n use_v 5._o use_v 5_o 5._o christ_n of_o admonition_n and_o advice_n to_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n this_o doctrine_n of_o amity_n with_o christ_n furnish_v we_o also_o with_o much_o matter_n of_o admonition_n and_o advice_n to_o such_o as_o be_v indeed_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o will_v make_v it_o their_o main_a study_n and_o endeavour_v to_o act_n walk_v and_o live_v up_o to_o the_o dignity_n of_o their_o relation_n and_o state_n this_o use_n may_v be_v branch_v forth_o into_o many_o particular_n 1._o excellence_n 1._o to_o study_n and_o admire_v christ_n excellence_n be_v christ_n so_o good_a a_o friend_n so_o much_o eligible_a for_o himself_o o_o then_o how_o much_o be_v the_o friend_n of_o christ_n oblige_v hereby_o to_o study_n admire_v and_o adore_v the_o superlative_a transcendent_a excellence_n of_o this_o their_o friend_n what_o be_v there_o more_o efficacious_a to_o improve_v friendship_n among_o man_n than_o familiar_a and_o fresh_a contemplation_n of_o the_o excellence_n that_o be_v loged_a in_o our_o friend_n be_v not_o this_o ingenious_o express_v by_o the_o moralist_n 〈◊〉_d moralist_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o make_v all_o love_n to_o come_v from_o contemplation_n who_o be_v they_o that_o sleight_n christ_n but_o those_o blind_a sinner_n who_o say_v 10._o cant._n 5.9_o 10._o cant._n 5.9_o what_o be_v thy_o belove_a more_o than_o another_o belove_v they_o want_v eye_n to_o contemplate_v his_o beauty_n and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o they_o want_v heart_n to_o love_n and_o embrace_v he_o as_o their_o friend_n but_o as_o for_o the_o spouse_n who_o well_o understand_v his_o excellence_n oh_o how_o do_v she_o cry_v he_o up_o what_o a_o great_a friend_n be_v he_o in_o her_o eye_n and_o heart_n what_o a_o admirable_a character_n do_v she_o give_v of_o he_o v._o 10._o my_o beloved_n be_v white_a and_o ruddy_a etc._n etc._n she_o have_v well_o study_v the_o incomparable_a excellence_n of_o christ_n her_o friend_n and_o therefore_o her_o heart_n be_v inflame_v with_o affection_n towards_o he_o oh_o what_o infinite_a attractive_n be_v there_o in_o christ_n to_o draw_v forth_o the_o attention_n intention_n admiration_n and_o adoration_n of_o his_o friend_n be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o may_v be_v compare_v with_o christ_n take_v the_o most_o excellent_a and_o glorious_a piece_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o what_o be_v they_o but_o mere_a vanity_n and_o poor_a wither_a shadow_n if_o compare_v with_o christ_n what_o be_v the_o world_n be_v all_o but_o pure_a nothing_o if_o compare_v with_o the_o transcendent_a glory_n of_o christ_n the_o great_a all_o o_o ponder_v muse_v on_o the_o attractive_a excellence_n of_o christ_n what_o a_o sovereign_a influence_n have_v muse_v ponder_a thought_n or_o spiritual_a deep_a contemplation_n of_o christ_n excellence_n on_o our_o friendship_n with_o he_o be_v it_o not_o thus_o among_o man_n do_v not_o lively_a and_o fresh_a thought_n of_o our_o friend_n though_o absent_a mighty_o inflame_v the_o heart_n with_o love_n unto_o he_o what_o be_v it_o that_o make_v many_o impotent_a effeminate_a amorous_a lover_n so_o much_o to_o dote_v on_o their_o belove_a idol_n but_o frequent_a eye-pleasing_a view_n and_o poring_n on_o their_o skin-deep_a fade_a beauty_n
and_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o the_o spiritual_a fix_a contemplation_n of_o christ_n ravish_a beauty_n and_o glory_n by_o a_o eye_n of_o faith_n will_v not_o have_v a_o more_o efficacious_a influence_n on_o his_o friend_n to_o inflame_v their_o heart_n with_o friendship_n towards_o he_o o_o will_v man_n but_o study_n poor_a on_o and_o admire_v the_o incomparable_a excellence_n and_o perfection_n of_o christ_n what_o admirable_a friend_n will_v they_o be_v how_o will_v their_o heart_n be_v ravish_v with_o love_n unto_o he_o what_o infinite_a complacence_n and_o satisfaction_n will_v they_o find_v in_o communion_n with_o he_o 1._o person_n 1._o study_v the_o beauty_n of_o christ_n person_n what_o more_o attractive_a than_o amiable_a beauty_n and_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n imaginable_a so_o beautiful_a as_o christ_n what_o be_v beauty_n but_o a_o connatural_a amenitie_n or_o sweet_a amiableness_n of_o form_n and_o figure_n arise_v from_o a_o natural_a weltempered_n complexion_n situation_n and_o proportion_n of_o all_o part_n and_o be_v these_o ingredient_n of_o beauty_n any_o where_n to_o be_v find_v in_o such_o a_o supereminent_a degree_n as_o in_o christ_n be_v he_o not_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o complexion_n style_v white_a and_o ruddy_a cant._n 5.10_o which_o be_v estimed_a colour_n most_o predominant_a in_o beauty_n do_v not_o the_o spouse_n give_v he_o this_o character_n cant._n 1.16_o behold_v thou_o be_v fair_a my_o belove_a yea_o pleasant_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i.e._n amiable_a beautiful_a acceptable_a every_o way_n heart-ravishing_a be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n more_o beautiful_a than_o the_o sun_n and_o its_o light_n shine_v in_o its_o meridian_n glory_n and_o be_v not_o christ_n beauty_n set_v forth_o by_o that_o of_o the_o sun_n shine_v in_o its_o strength_n rev._n 1.16_o oh_o what_o a_o infinite_a glorious_a sun_n of_o righteousness_n be_v christ_n how_o beautiful_a be_v the_o beam_n of_o his_o glorious_a light_n o_o 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with_o causeless_a cross_a humour_n and_o vexatious_a carrige_n from_o christ_n be_v not_o his_o nature_n make_v up_o of_o unparalled_a sweetness_n o_o study_n and_o dive_v deep_a into_o christ_n good-nature_n and_o sweet_a humour_n what_o divine_a suavity_n possess_v his_o nature_n how_o weltempered_n his_o spirit_n be_v how_o free_a from_o all_o morose_n sour_a ill_a humour_n his_o nature_n be_v there_o be_v many_o eminent_a quality_n in_o christ_n which_o render_v he_o of_o a_o incomparable_o sweet_a nature_n 1._o his_o nature_n as_o curious_o frame_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v of_o a_o surpass_a fine_a make_v than_o all_o other_o human_a yea_o angelic_a nature_n 2._o his_o human_a nature_n be_v grace_v in_o and_o from_o the_o womb._n it_o be_v sin_n that_o make_v our_o human_a nature_n so_o morose_n so_o sour_a so_o il-conditioned_n but_o christ_n nature_n be_v clothe_v with_o pure_a grace_n and_o therefore_o most_o sweet_a most_o benign_a most_o weltempered_n 2._o love_n christ_n love_n study_v also_o and_o admire_v the_o wonder_n of_o christ_n love_n to_o his_o friend_n o_o that_o ever_o such_o a_o infinite_a mass_n of_o pure_a spotless_a love_n shall_v mingle_v with_o sinful_a dust_n and_o ash_n oh_o what_o a_o free_a undeserved_a love_n be_v this_o who_o can_v ever_o have_v imagine_v that_o poor_a deform_a bankrupt_a rebel_n shall_v obtain_v a_o share_n in_o such_o love_n and_o that_o without_o hire_n what_o be_v our_o emmanuel_n content_a to_o espouse_v human_a clay_n and_o assume_v it_o into_o such_o a_o substantial_a marriage_n or_o hypostatick_a union_n with_o the_o deity_n thereby_o to_o reconcile_v heaven_n and_o earth_n do_v he_o borrow_v a_o human_a heart_n and_o affection_n to_o embrace_v we_o human_a bowel_n and_o compassion_n to_o sympathize_v with_o we_o human_a eye_n to_o weep_v for_o we_o human_a breath_n to_o groan_v for_o we_o a_o human_a tongue_n to_o plead_v for_o we_o human_a flesh_n to_o sweat_v drop_n of_o blood_n for_o we_o a_o human_a head_n to_o be_v crown_v with_o thorn_n for_o we_o human_a arm_n and_o leg_n to_o be_v pierce_v for_o we_o a_o human_a body_n to_o bleed_v for_o we_o a_o human_a soul_n and_o life_n to_o die_v for_o we_o o_o the_o altitude_n the_o profundity_n the_o latitude_n and_o longitude_n of_o this_o love_n that_o the_o sovereign_n lord_n of_o glory_n shall_v breathe_v forth_o such_o flame_n of_o insinite_a love_n in_o human_a flesh_n and_o blood_n o_o the_o infinite_a condescension_n of_o this_o love_n what_o do_v the_o lord_n of_o glory_n stoop_v so_o low_a as_o to_o embrace_v poor_a worm_n crawl_v on_o the_o dunghill_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o king_n of_o king_n content_a to_o enter_v into_o a_o league_n of_o amity_n with_o miserable_a captive_n do_v the_o great_a god_n woo_v and_o beseech_v his_o sinful_a ercature_n to_o become_v his_o friend_n oh_o what_o a_o boundless_a bottomless_a love_n be_v here_o what_o vigour_n and_o force_n be_v there_o in_o this_o love_n how_o heart-charming_a and_o soul-conquering_a be_v it_o what_o delight_n do_v it_o take_v in_o gain_v and_o triumph_v over_o stout_a rebellious_a heart_n how_o much_o do_v love_n in_o christ_n outrun_v sin_n in_o we_o do_v not_o christ_n begin_v with_o love_n to_o we_o albeit_o we_o begin_v with_o hatred_n to_o he_o be_v not_o our_o heaven_n first_o frame_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o his_o love_n contrive_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n for_o we_o long_o before_o we_o have_v be_v much_o less_o love_n for_o he_o do_v not_o he_o love_v such_o as_o other_o hate_v even_o enemy_n and_o do_v not_o his_o love_n out-work_n devil_n and_o hell_n be_v there_o any_o power_n so_o strong_a and_o efficacious_a as_o christ_n love_n how_o industrious_a laborious_a and_o unwearied_a be_v it_o how_o ineffable_a how_o unsearchable_a be_v it_o o_o study_n study_v what_o be_v the_o length_n breadth_n height_n and_o depth_n of_o this_o love_n believe_v it_o this_o be_v the_o sweet_a and_o best_a yea_o only_a study_n for_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n the_o more_o we_o study_v this_o love_n of_o christ_n the_o more_o we_o may_v study_v it_o there_o be_v fresh_a vein_n of_o excellence_n new_a treasure_n and_o riches_n to_o be_v find_v in_o it_o every_o day_n this_o will_v be_v the_o wonder_n of_o glorify_a saint_n and_o angel_n to_o all_o eternity_n alas_o why_o be_v it_o that_o our_o heart_n sink_v and_o despond_v under_o our_o discouragement_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o our_o heart_n be_v no_o more_o inflame_v with_o love_n to_o christ_n be_v not_o this_o one_o main_a reason_n because_o we_o do_v not_o study_n and_o admire_v this_o love_n of_o christ_n as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v what_o vigour_n and_o strength_n do_v the_o study_n of_o this_o love_n infuse_v into_o all_o the_o iniâ—uragements_n of_o faith_n how_o much_o do_v it_o raise_v up_o the_o soul_n under_o all_o its_o discouragement_n what_o a_o veil_n of_o disgrace_n and_o contemt_a do_v it_o cast_v on_o all_o the_o goodlines_n of_o the_o creature_n how_o great_o be_v the_o soul_n raise_v to_o communion_n with_o christ_n by_o the_o study_n of_o his_o love_n 3._o ness_n christ_n compassion_n and_o tender_a ness_n study_v also_o the_o tenderness_n of_o christ_n care_n and_o compassion_n towards_o his_o friend_n be_v he_o not_o mindful_a of_o they_o when_o they_o be_v forgetful_a of_o he_o do_v he_o not_o think_v much_o good_a for_o they_o oft_o when_o they_o think_v ill_a of_o he_o though_o he_o may_v be_v sometime_o out_o of_o sight_n yet_o be_v not_o even_o then_o his_o heart_n with_o they_o do_v he_o not_o long_o for_o and_o bleed_v over_o they_o when_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v depart_v from_o they_o it_o be_v true_a he_o sometime_o suspend_v the_o token_n of_o his_o love_n and_o marquess_n of_o divine_a favour_n ay_o but_o be_v not_o these_o his_o suspension_n wrap_v up_o in_o many_o secret_a
invifible_a influence_n and_o gracious_a assistance_n or_o if_o at_o time_n he_o may_v suspend_v the_o sensible_a quickening_n and_o enlargement_n of_o his_o grace_n yet_o do_v he_o not_o than_o most_o intend_v grace_n when_o he_o seem_v to_o suspend_v the_o same_o do_v he_o not_o thereby_o humble_a the_o soul_n and_o bring_v it_o to_o a_o life_n of_o faith_n and_o dependence_n be_v not_o his_o withdrawment_n of_o himself_o oft_o a_o high_a act_n of_o grace_n do_v not_o peter_n receive_v the_o more_o grace_n in_o that_o grace_n be_v suspend_v for_o a_o season_n do_v christ_n upbraid_v his_o friend_n with_o old_a debt_n or_o reckon_v with_o they_o in_o a_o legal_a way_n for_o infirmity_n have_v he_o not_o drink_v hell_n dry_a and_o leave_v none_o of_o that_o salt_n dead_a sea_n for_o they_o to_o drink_v o_o study_n the_o tenderness_n of_o christ_n towards_o his_o friend_n how_o much_o it_o grieve_v he_o to_o see_v they_o grieve_v what_o a_o bleed_a sense_n he_o have_v of_o all_o their_o wound_n how_o cheerful_o he_o burden_v himself_o with_o all_o their_o burden_n heb._n 4.15_o how_o patient_o he_o bear_v with_o all_o their_o froward_a humour_n morose_a condition_n peevish_a pettish_a and_o murmur_a frame_n even_o as_o a_o nurse_n do_v with_o her_o child_n act._n 13.18_o how_o much_o he_o consider_v and_o condescend_v to_o their_o infirmity_n by_o lay_v no_o more_o upon_o they_o than_o he_o inable_v they_o to_o bear_v by_o uphold_v they_o when_o they_o fall_v by_o perform_v all_o manner_n of_o servile_a office_n for_o they_o even_o to_o the_o make_v their_o bed_n for_o they_o in_o their_o sickness_n etc._n etc._n oh_o what_o delicious_a and_o rich_a matter_n be_v here_o for_o the_o study_n and_o contemplation_n of_o christ_n friend_n 3._o christ_n 3._o study_v the_o riches_n of_o grace_n in_o christ_n the_o friend_n of_o christ_n shall_v also_o much_o study_v admire_v and_o adore_v the_o plenitude_n and_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n have_v he_o not_o infinite_a treasure_n of_o grace_n loged_a in_o he_o as_o mediator_n and_o be_v it_o not_o for_o his_o friend_n that_o he_o receive_v all_o these_o immense_a treasure_n of_o grace_n do_v he_o not_o also_o give_v forth_o and_o impart_v these_o his_o riches_n of_o grace_n free_o abundant_o universal_o constant_o and_o unwearied_o unto_o all_o that_o come_v unto_o he_o can_v the_o friend_n of_o christ_n be_v more_o willing_a to_o have_v than_o he_o be_v to_o give_v grace_n oh_o what_o a_o increated_a sun_n of_o righteousness_n be_v here_o to_o illuminate_v dark_a soul_n what_o a_o eternal_a fire_n be_v here_o to_o heat_n and_o melt_v freeze_a affection_n what_o a_o infinite_a ocean_n be_v here_o to_o water_n refresh_v mollify_v fructify_v and_o satisfy_v dry_a parch_a hard_a wither_a and_o pant_a soul_n what_o strange_a miracle_n can_v and_o do_v his_o efficacious_a grace_n continual_o work_v oh_o what_o a_o felicity_n have_v the_o friend_n of_o christ_n in_o that_o their_o salvation_n be_v not_o 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shall_v all_o fullness_n dwell_v here_o be_v 1._o fullness_n 2._o all_o fullness_n 1.19_o col._n 1.19_o 3._o all_o fullness_n dwell_v in_o christ_n which_o denote_v the_o everlasting_a permanence_n of_o all_o grace_n in_o christ_n as_o in_o its_o fountain_n and_o that_o which_o add_v a_o far_a excellence_n to_o this_o grace_n be_v that_o it_o dwell_v in_o christ_n as_o clothe_v with_o our_o nature_n and_o so_o flow_v from_o he_o as_o such_o become_v more_o connatural_a and_o agreeable_a to_o we_o so_o that_o the_o grace_n we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o flow_v not_o immediate_o from_o god_n simple_o consider_v but_o from_o christ_n as_o god-man_n one_o that_o be_v near_o akin_a and_o ally_v to_o we_o and_o oh_o what_o a_o admirable_a tincture_n what_o a_o excellent_a perfume_n have_v this_o grace_n as_o it_o issue_v from_o the_o heart_n of_o christ_n as_o water_n that_o pass_v through_o mineral_n receive_v some_o tincture_n and_o relish_v of_o the_o mine_n they_o pass_v through_o so_o 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for_o want_n of_o a_o sufficience_n in_o christ_n to_o save_v he_o o_o study_n muse_v on_o yea_o let_v your_o thought_n be_v quite_o swallow_v up_o and_o confound_v in_o the_o contemplation_n and_o admiration_n of_o these_o inexhaustible_a treasure_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n o_fw-fr prie_fw-fr into_o this_o curious_a golden_a ark_n in_o which_o the_o plenitude_n of_o the_o deity_n dwell_v bodily_a or_o personal_o what_o pen_n though_o dip_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o lamb_n can_v write_v what_o tongue_n though_o bedew_v with_o the_o water_n of_o life_n can_v express_v what_o heart_n though_o of_o never_o so_o vast_a and_o angelic_a make_v can_v conceive_v the_o ineffable_a incomprehensible_a riches_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o this_o incomparable_a mediator_n o_o what_o vast_a create_a emanation_n of_o grace_n have_v for_o almost_o six_o thousand_o year_n flow_v from_o christ_n unto_o his_o friend_n and_o yet_o he_o still_o be_v as_o full_a of_o grace_n as_o ever_o joh._n 1.16_o what_o evangelic_n matter_n of_o contemplation_n and_o admiration_n be_v here_o for_o all_o eternity_n be_v not_o this_o the_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n to_o employ_v a_o eternity_n in_o the_o beatific_a vision_n fruition_n and_o adoration_n of_o this_o wonder_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o lord_n of_o glory_n to_o view_v and_o never_o out-view_n to_o admire_v and_o never_o over-admire_a this_o wonder_n of_o wonder_n our_o dear_a lord_n and_o shall_v not_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n be_v much_o conversant_a in_o dig_v into_o this_o golden_a mine_n in_o survey_v this_o celestial_a canaan_n alas_o how_o little_o do_v we_o yet_o understand_v of_o emmanuel_n name_n and_o land_n what_o a_o shame_n be_v it_o for_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o admirable_a excellence_n in_o christ_n and_o they_o want_v eye_n to_o view_v they_o o_o that_o all_o other_o vain_a beauty_n fond_a love_n and_o idol-friend_n may_v wither_v and_o die_v away_o that_o so_o the_o vigour_n intention_n and_o force_v of_o our_o meditation_n admiration_n and_o adoration_n may_v be_v expend_v on_o this_o most_o beautiful_a affectionate_a and_o gracious_a lord_n what_o a_o heaven_n will_v this_o be_v on_o earth_n what_o life_n in_o death_n how_o far_o short_a do_v they_o come_v of_o live_v up_o to_o that_o friendship_n they_o profess_v towards_o christ_n who_o content_n themselves_o with_o commun_n loose_a feeble_a cheap_a mean_a low_a and_o vulgar_a contemplation_n and_o estime_n of_o he_o how_o much_o do_v the_o claritie_n and_o spirituality_n of_o our_o light_n the_o fervour_n and_o heat_n of_o our_o affection_n the_o vigour_n beauty_n growth_n perfection_n exercise_v and_o glory_n of_o our_o grace_n depend_v on_o our_o study_n contemplation_n admiration_n and_o adoration_n of_o christ_n sect_n 2._o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n shall_v daily_o repete_fw-la their_o
strong_a and_o vehement_a as_o jer._n 2.2_o i_o remember_v thou_o the_o kindness_n of_o thy_o youth_n the_o love_n of_o thy_o espousal_n when_o thou_o wente_v after_o i_o in_o the_o wilderness_n in_o a_o land_n that_o be_v not_o sow_v oh_o what_o pure_a virgin_n passionate_a tenacious_a violent_a warm_a melt_v efficacious_a affection_n have_v israel_n towards_o christ_n after_o her_o wildernes-condition_n when_o she_o first_o make_v a_o solemn_a contract_n with_o and_o espousement_n of_o he_o at_o the_o valley_n of_o anchor_n be_v she_o not_o then_o holiness_n to_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n as_o v._o 3._o and_o what_o more_o effectual_o preserve_v such_o conjugal_a affection_n towards_o christ_n than_o the_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o this_o first_o conjugal_a contract_n 5._o backslide_v 5._o as_o to_o recovery_n out_o of_o backslide_v nothing_o be_v more_o effectual_a to_o recover_v the_o friend_n of_o christ_n out_o of_o their_o spiritual_a relapse_n and_o backslide_n of_o heart_n and_o way_n than_o such_o fresh_a espousement_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v the_o main_a of_o christ_n advice_n to_o the_o backslide_a church_n of_o ephesus_n revel_v 2.4_o 5._o 5._o rev._n 2.4_o 5._o nevertheless_o i_o have_v somewhat_o against_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v leave_v thy_o first_o love_n remember_v therefore_o from_o whence_o thou_o be_v fall_v and_o repent_v and_o do_v thy_o first_o work_n what_o be_v those_o first_o work_n but_o the_o great_a vital_a fundamental_a act_n of_o elect_v christ_n and_o recumbence_n on_o he_o and_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n more_o effectual_a for_o the_o reduction_n of_o the_o backslide_a soul_n to_o its_o first-love_n than_o this_o repeted_a election_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o this_o the_o main_a essential_a act_n whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v at_o first_o implant_v into_o christ_n and_o can_v there_o be_v any_o thing_n more_o soverain_o efficacious_a for_o the_o reducement_n of_o the_o soul_n under_o its_o departure_n from_o christ_n than_o the_o like_v revive_v repeted_a choice_n of_o he_o 6._o christ_n 6._o as_o to_o communion_n with_o christ_n a_o main_a part_n of_o our_o communion_n with_o christ_n consist_v in_o such_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o our_o first_o choice_n of_o he_o certain_o none_o enjoy_v more_o of_o christ_n than_o they_o who_o most_o firm_o adhere_v to_o he_o now_o wherein_o consnis_n the_o soul_n adhesion_n to_o christ_n if_o not_o in_o such_o revive_a election_n of_o he_o thus_o in_o that_o forenamed_a text_n col._n 2.6_o as_o you_o have_v therefore_o receive_v christ_n jesus_n so_o walk_v you_o in_o he_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v do_v you_o remember_v what_o glorious_a idea_n what_o lively_a and_o precious_a thought_n what_o firm_a adherence_n of_o will_n what_o a_o torrent_n of_o melt_a affection_n you_o have_v for_o and_o towards_o christ_n at_o first_o conversion_n why_o then_o walk_v in_o the_o same_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v up_o and_o maintain_v the_o same_o in_o daily_a communion_n with_o christ_n 7._o faith_n 7._o as_o to_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n the_o choicesi_n part_n of_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o soul_n be_v daily_a expectation_n of_o its_o absent_a lord_n consist_v in_o frequent_a repeted_a election_n of_o christ_n the_o life_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o life_n of_o our_o friendship_n with_o christ_n we_o never_o be_v better_a friend_n to_o he_o than_o when_o we_o believe_v most_o on_o he_o and_o be_v daily_o under_o lively_a expectation_n of_o his_o second_o come_v and_o 〈◊〉_d not_o this_o wrought_v by_o fresh_a election_n of_o he_o no_o wonder_n indeed_o that_o many_o profess_a friend_n of_o christ_n live_v so_o much_o by_o sense_n on_o present_a sensible_a good_n see_v their_o heart_n be_v so_o much_o stranger_n to_o these_o great_a vital_a act_n of_o faith_n have_v not_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n very_o frequent_a deep_a and_o lively_a apprehension_n of_o and_o affection_n for_o christ_n second_o come_v and_o come_v glory_n at_o first_o conversion_n yea_o be_v not_o their_o faith_n in_o this_o particular_a sometime_o clear_a and_o strong_a at_o first_o conversion_n than_o in_o some_o follow_a part_n of_o their_o life_n have_v not_o many_o young_a convert_v more_o contemptible_a cheap_a and_o vile_a estime_fw-fr of_o sensible_a good_a with_o more_o raise_v and_o sublime_a conception_n of_o future_a enjoyment_n at_o first_o turn_v to_o christ_n than_o afterward_o be_v not_o visible_a present_a good_n and_o ill_n make_v real_o invisible_a and_o absent_a as_o also_o invisible_a and_o absent_a good_n and_o ill_n make_v real_o visible_a and_o present_a to_o their_o eye_n of_o faith_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o those_o young_a convert_v the_o thessalonian_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o their_o friendship_n with_o christ_n 1_o thes_n 1.9_o 10._o where_o he_o comprehend_v their_o first_o conversion_n under_o these_o two_o head_n you_o turn_v to_o god_n from_o idol_n 1._o to_o serve_v the_o live_n and_o true_a god_n 2._o and_o to_o wait_v for_o his_o son_n from_o heaven_n so_o that_o this_o wait_v for_o the_o second_o come_v of_o christ_n which_o be_v else_o where_o make_v one_o of_o the_o high_a part_n of_o the_o life_n of_o faith_n these_o thessalonian_o even_o in_o their_o first_o conversion_n arrive_v unto_o and_o whence_o come_v this_o to_o pass_v but_o from_o the_o reality_n â—â—â—idence_n and_o efficacy_n of_o their_o assent_n conjunct_a with_o the_o force_n and_o firmitude_n of_o their_o consent_n and_o adherence_n to_o christ_n and_o o_o what_o firm_a deep_a expectation_n of_o christ_n second_o come_v what_o lively_a view_n yea_o prelilabition_n of_o his_o come_v invisible_a glory_n may_v the_o friend_n of_o christ_n arrive_v unto_o be_v they_o but_o much_o in_o the_o exercice_n of_o these_o vital_a act_n of_o faith_n 8._o assurance_n 8._o as_o to_o assurance_n reiterated_a and_o daily-fresh_a election_n of_o christ_n have_v a_o mighty_a sovereign_a influence_n for_o the_o production_n and_o conservation_n of_o assurance_n the_o assurance_n of_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n have_v a_o efficacious_a influence_n for_o the_o improvement_n of_o our_o friendship_n with_o he_o for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o christ_n give_v he_o a_o great_a interest_n in_o our_o heart_n we_o love_v christ_n most_o when_o we_o be_v most_o assure_v of_o his_o love_n to_o we_o and_o this_o be_v most_o get_v by_o fresh_a election_n of_o he_o what_o a_o vast_a quantity_n of_o sincere_a christian_n be_v there_o who_o labour_n under_o panic_n fear_n and_o vexatious_a doubt_n touch_v their_o eternel_n state_n oh_o what_o will_v they_o give_v for_o a_o wel-grounded_n firm_a assurance_n of_o a_o sincere_a friendship_n with_o christ_n how_o welcome_n will_v pale-faced_a death_n be_v to_o they_o the_o next_o moment_n after_o their_o arrive_n unto_o such_o a_o assurance_n what_o irksome_a toil_n and_o labour_n do_v they_o undergo_v in_o corporal_a severity_n how_o much_o do_v they_o pore_v on_o their_o heart_n to_o find_v out_o any_o glimmer_a marquess_n or_o sign_n of_o their_o sincerity_n all_o this_o be_v good_a in_o its_o kind_n and_o season_n but_o yet_o let_v i_o say_v it_o next_o to_o the_o broad_a seal_n and_o actual_a inspiration_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n who_o be_v the_o principal_a agent_n there_o be_v as_o i_o conceive_v nothing_o more_o efficacious_a either_o for_o the_o procurement_n or_o preservation_n of_o a_o ground_a stable_a assurance_n than_o repete_v and_o frequent_a election_n of_o and_o recumbence_n on_o christ_n and_o i_o very_o believe_v will_v the_o dout_a friend_n of_o christ_n spend_v but_o half_a that_o time_n which_o they_o usual_o spend_v in_o unbelieving_a complaint_n and_o poring_n on_o their_o heart_n for_o sign_n of_o grace_n in_o such_o fresh_a and_o vigorous_a election_n of_o and_o adherence_n unto_o christ_n they_o will_v far_o soon_o arrive_n to_o their_o desire_a haven_n of_o assurance_n than_o otherwise_o they_o be_v like_a to_o do_v for_o albeit_o sanctification_n be_v in_o itself_o always_o a_o infallible_a mark_n of_o justification_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o always_o such_o as_o to_o our_o sense_n spiritual_n argue_v from_o the_o effect_n to_o the_o cause_n be_v orthodox_n and_o sound_a logic_n in_o christ_n school_n but_o yet_o how_o oft_o do_v the_o mist_n and_o cloud_n of_o a_o unbelieving_a scrupulous_a heart_n interpose_v and_o hinder_v the_o conclusion_n from_o follow_v though_o the_o premise_n be_v good_a so_o great_a a_o darkness_n be_v there_o oft_o upon_o gracious_a sign_n and_o evidence_n of_o our_o sincerity_n but_o now_o by_o repeted_a election_n of_o and_o recumbence_n on_o christ_n he_o be_v engage_v to_o give_v forth_o fresh_a light_n and_o influence_n for_o the_o discovery_n of_o our_o grace_n direct_v act_n of_o adherence_n to_o christ_n make_v way_n for_o the_o reflex_n act_v of_o assurance_n touch_v our_o interest_n in_o christ_n repeted_a faith_n of_o recumbence_n at_o
the_o friend_n of_o christ_n shall_v obey_v the_o gracious_a inspiration_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o god_n himself_o devote_n himself_o fr._n de_fw-fr sales_n introduct_n a_fw-fr la_fw-fr vie_fw-fr devote_n '_o these_o inspiration_n be_v say_v a_o devote_n papist_n those_o attraction_n movement_n reproach_n interior_n remorse_n and_o illumination_n which_o god_n work_v in_o we_o prevent_v our_o heart_n by_o his_o benediction_n to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o may_v awaken_v excite_v and_o draw_v we_o unto_o virtue_n and_o good_a resolution_n '_o now_o these_o the_o heart_n of_o christ_n friend_n must_v be_v very_o flexible_a unto_o if_o they_o will_v content_v christ_n to_o resist_v christ_n spirit_n provoke_v he_o much_o 5._o christ_n 5._o fidelity_n towards_o christ_n such_o as_o will_v content_v christ_n must_v study_v and_o endeavour_v after_o the_o great_a fidelity_n and_o loyalty_n towards_o he_o especial_o in_o difficult_a time_n fidelity_n be_v a_o essential_a part_n yea_o the_o spirit_n and_o soul_n of_o amity_n we_o ought_v say_v the_o serious_a jansenist_n to_o study_v fidelity_n in_o the_o least_o occurrence_n 422._o occurrence_n s._n cyraâ—_n lett._n chrest_n p._n 422._o as_o a_o veritable_a friend_n who_o be_v more_o wound_v in_o his_o own_o heart_n by_o the_o least_o infidelity_n which_o he_o commit_v than_o his_o friend_n against_o home_o he_o commit_v it_o be_v wound_v '_o a_o unfaithful_a friend_n give_v christ_n no_o better_a content_n than_o a_o open_a enemy_n 6._o christ_n 6._o frequent_a address_n to_o christ_n frequent_a address_n and_o application_n to_o christ_n for_o grace_n and_o conduct_v give_v much_o content_n to_o he_o as_o absence_n distance_n and_o estrangements_n from_o christ_n great_o displease_v he_o so_o daily_a supplication_n to_o dependence_n on_o and_o converse_v with_o he_o be_v huge_o please_v to_o he_o none_o please_v he_o better_o than_o they_o who_o be_v most_o humble_o confident_a and_o bold_a with_o he_o for_o grace_n prov._n grace_n absenciae_fw-la enemiga_fw-la de_fw-la amor._n spanish_a prov._n absence_n be_v a_o great_a enemy_n to_o amity_n and_o therefore_o very_o disgustful_a to_o christ_n 7._o christ_n 7._o civility_n and_o respect_n due_a to_o christ_n the_o friend_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v very_o civil_a and_o respective_a towards_o he_o they_o must_v perform_v all_o acknowlgement_n respect_n and_o ceremony_n of_o friendship_n which_o be_v due_a to_o christ_n civility_n be_v the_o performance_n of_o those_o ceremony_n and_o respect_n which_o be_v due_a and_o certain_o if_o rudeness_n and_o incivility_n be_v a_o sin_n in_o any_o it_o be_v in_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n who_o give_v not_o their_o best_a respect_n to_o christ_n who_o most_o deserve_v and_o therefore_o may_v well_o expect_v they_o without_o doubt_n the_o best_a breed_n be_v to_o be_v civil_a and_o respective_a to_o christ_n our_o best_a friend_n and_o the_o more_o friendly_a christ_n be_v to_o any_o the_o more_o unkind_o he_o take_v all_o incivility_n and_o disrespect_n towards_o himself_o and_o this_o be_v to_o i_o a_o great_a observation_n that_o the_o least_o disrespect_n or_o unkindness_n which_o christ_n receive_v from_o his_o peculiar_a confident_n and_o friend_n especial_o such_o as_o have_v receive_v great_a marquess_n of_o favour_n from_o he_o be_v more_o displease_v to_o he_o than_o great_a provocation_n of_o other_o professor_n who_o never_o receive_v so_o great_a kindness_n from_o christ_n o_o will_v the_o friend_n of_o christ_n but_o walk_v in_o way_n wel-pleasing_a to_o he_o how_o please_a will_v all_o his_o way_n be_v unto_o they_o will_v they_o but_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o content_v and_o please_v he_o what_o can_v discontent_a and_o displease_v they_o will_v not_o all_o duty_n mercy_n affliction_n yea_o the_o whole_a creation_n be_v please_v and_o serviceable_a to_o they_o if_o our_o lord_n be_v please_v what_o need_v we_o care_v who_o be_v displease_v if_o he_o be_v a_o friend_n what_o matter_n be_v it_o who_o be_v our_o enemy_n if_o he_o smile_v let_v the_o whole_a world_n frown_n it_o matter_n not_o oh_o be_v our_o way_n but_o obedient_a and_o complacential_a unto_o christ_n how_o gracious_a how_o sweet_a how_o influential_a how_o complacential_a will_v his_o way_n towards_o we_o be_v can_v we_o but_o keep_v close_o to_o he_o in_o his_o way_n of_o duty_n how_o close_o will_v he_o keep_v to_o we_o in_o all_o our_o way_n of_o suffering_n but_o alas_o alas_o here_o lie_v the_o worm_n of_o all_o our_o comfort_n the_o sting_n of_o all_o our_o suffering_n we_o give_v not_o christ_n our_o best_a friend_n that_o content_n which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n we_o find_v no_o more_o content_a in_o duty_n or_o suffering_n for_o he_o sect_n 8._o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n must_v take_v all_o their_o content_n in_o christ_n both_o as_o the_o first_o spring_n of_o grace_n and_o also_o as_o the_o adequate_a object_n of_o their_o beatitude_n 8._o thereto_o 8._o advice_n the_o friend_n of_o christ_n must_v take_v all_o content_n in_o he_o motive_n thereto_o our_o next_o admonition_n and_o advice_n to_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n in_o order_n to_o their_o live_n up_o to_o the_o dignity_n of_o their_o relation_n be_v that_o they_o take_v all_o their_o content_n in_o christ_n this_o indeed_o be_v the_o top_n of_o amity_n with_o christ_n and_o that_o which_o have_v a_o essential_a connexion_n with_o yea_o seem_v a_o main_a branch_n of_o the_o forego_v advice_n for_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o content_n we_o take_v in_o christ_n such_o a_o measure_n of_o content_n we_o give_v unto_o he_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n never_o give_v more_o contentement_n to_o christ_n than_o when_o they_o take_v all_o contentement_n in_o he_o they_o must_v be_v content_a with_o christ_n alone_o yea_o in_o point_n of_o beatitude_n make_v he_o their_o great_a al_n or_o else_o they_o will_v not_o give_v content_a to_o he_o no_o nor_o yet_o unto_o themselves_o for_o this_o divine_a art_n of_o find_v all_o contentement_n in_o christ_n be_v not_o more_o the_o duty_n than_o the_o privilege_n dignity_n perfection_n and_o felicity_n of_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v the_o supreme_a interest_n of_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n to_o make_v he_o their_o alone_a wisdom_n force_n riches_n dignity_n pleasure_n peace_n liberty_n life_n self_n and_o al._n yea_o may_v we_o not_o say_v that_o christ_n be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o main_a of_o his_o friend_n heaven_n a_o little_a weight_n of_o amity_n and_o confidence_n lay_v upon_o creature-friend_n will_v soon_o break_v their_o back_n and_o turn_v they_o into_o idol_n and_o break_a reed_n none_o can_v bear_v and_o therefore_o none_o ought_v to_o have_v the_o main_fw-fr pondus_fw-la or_o weight_n of_o our_o friendship_n and_o confidence_n but_o christ_n our_o main_a errand_n into_o this_o world_n be_v but_o this_o in_o sum_n to_o give_v all_o content_n to_o christ_n and_o take_v all_o content_n in_o he_o as_o our_o best_a friend_n if_o our_o affection_n be_v more_o extensive_a than_o all_o the_o affection_n of_o all_o the_o angel_n unite_v in_o one_o yet_o be_v they_o all_o yea_o infinite_o more_o than_o all_o these_o due_a to_o christ_n other_o friend_n in_o themselves_o deserve_v if_o compare_v with_o christ_n deserve_v nothing_o of_o our_o spiritual_o conjugal_a amity_n this_o make_v the_o psalmist_n cry_v out_o 25._o psal_n 73_o 25._o psal_n 73.25_o who_o have_v i_o in_o heaven_n but_o thou_o and_o there_o be_v none_o upon_o earth_n that_o i_o desire_v beside_o thou_o this_o good_a man_n have_v many_o friend_n in_o heaven_n who_o he_o love_v well_o there_o be_v his_o father_n abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n etc._n etc._n who_o he_o can_v not_o but_o great_o estime_fw-fr and_o love_n yet_o all_o these_o if_o compare_v with_o christ_n be_v nothing_o he_o have_v some_o regard_n for_o they_o yet_o take_v not_o his_o main_a content_n in_o they_o in_o this_o regard_n he_o cry_v out_o who_o have_v i_o in_o heaven_n but_o thou_o so_o also_o for_o his_o friend_n on_o earth_n he_o have_v without_o doubt_n many_o who_o he_o much_o value_v perhaps_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o parent_n who_o be_v dear_a to_o he_o ay_o but_o if_o they_o come_v into_o compare_n with_o christ_n he_o count_v they_o not_o worth_a the_o name_n he_o bid_v adieu_o to_o all_o earthly_a friend_n cry_v out_o and_o there_o be_v none_o upon_o earth_n that_o i_o desire_v beside_o thou_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v lord_n i_o profess_v i_o can_v take_v my_o main_a content_n in_o none_o but_o thyself_o if_o thou_o take_v away_o all_o my_o other_o friend_n from_o i_o and_o give_v thyself_o to_o i_o i_o count_v i_o lose_v nothing_o of_o my_o essential_a felicity_n if_o i_o lose_v all_o other_o friend_n and_o gain_v thy_o self_n i_o adjudge_v it_o a_o happy_a loss_n