for_o his_o sin_n shall_v refuse_v friendship_n with_o the_o prince_n of_o life_n who_o alone_o can_v save_v he_o what_o be_v thou_o a_o poor_a starve_a sinner_n and_o yet_o refuse_v the_o bread_n of_o life_n yea_o do_v thou_o trample_v on_o the_o lord_n of_o life_n who_o make_v such_o provision_n of_o suitable_a abundant_a soul-strengthening_a soul-fattening_a soul-satisfying_a and_o delicious_a food_n for_o thou_o oh_o what_o a_o monstrous_a piece_n of_o ingratitude_n be_v this_o so_o psal_n 81.10_o 11._o 11._o psal_n 81.10_o 11._o christ_n make_v a_o solemn_a invitation_n open_v thy_o mouth_n wide_a and_o i_o will_v fill_v it_o and_o what_o follow_v but_o my_o people_n will_v not_o hearken_v to_o my_o voice_n and_o israel_n will_v none_o of_o i_o oh_o there_o lie_v the_o sting_n of_o their_o sin_n israel_n will_v have_v none_o of_o i_o this_o me_n be_v the_o great_a word_n that_o ever_o be_v speak_v it_o lie_v as_o a_o mountain_n of_o lead_n on_o israel_n sin_n o_o what_o a_o 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and_o self_n we_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o extern_a corrival_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o world_n and_o the_o law_n these_o be_v not_o formal_o and_o in_o themselves_o enemy_n to_o christ_n but_o only_o objective_o and_o indirect_o as_o they_o by_o their_o frown_n or_o smile_n inveigle_v and_o entice_v the_o heart_n away_o from_o christ_n we_o shall_v therefore_o examine_v they_o more_o cursory_o and_o begin_v with_o the_o world_n which_o be_v so_o far_o to_o be_v reject_v as_o it_o stand_v in_o opposition_n to_o or_o competition_n with_o christ_n the_o world_n have_v a_o double_a face_n the_o one_o smile_v and_o the_o other_o frown_v by_o the_o former_a it_o endeavour_v to_o allure_v by_o the_o latter_a it_o strive_v to_o terrify_v the_o soul_n from_o christ_n in_o both_o these_o respect_v the_o world_n must_v be_v deny_v though_o principal_o as_o to_o the_o former_a for_o generous_a spirit_n be_v soon_o overcome_v by_o the_o smile_n than_o by_o the_o frown_n of_o the_o world_n world_n 1._o the_o allurement_n of_o the_o world_n as_o for_o the_o allurement_n and_o blandissement_n of_o the_o world_n they_o be_v very_a bewitch_a and_o heart-inveigling_a thing_n all_o thing_n in_o excess_n be_v hurtful_a but_o the_o intemperance_n of_o prosperity_n be_v most_o dangerous_a seneca_n dangerous_a magnam_fw-la so_o turam_fw-la magnus_fw-la animus_n decet_fw-la qui_fw-la risi_fw-la se_fw-la ad_fw-la illam_fw-la extulit_fw-la &_o altior_fw-la stetiâ—_n illam_fw-la quoquâ—_n infra_fw-la terram_fw-la deduâ—it_fw-la seneca_n he_o need_v have_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n who_o have_v great_a worldly_a enjoyment_n for_o if_o his_o heart_n be_v not_o much_o above_o they_o with_o god_n he_o will_v be_v soon_o bring_v under_o and_o make_v a_o slave_n by_o they_o the_o world_n albeit_o it_o promise_v fair_a be_v very_o faithless_a and_o deceitful_a it_o usual_o then_o deceive_v we_o most_o when_o we_o most_o love_n or_o trust_v it_o nothing_o
christ_n than_o they_o who_o elect_v and_o adhere_v to_o he_o for_o himself_o oh_o what_o a_o quick_a and_o deep_a sense_n have_v such_o of_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o christ_n departure_n how_o do_v their_o wound_n of_o conscience_n bleed_v under_o the_o fresh_a and_o lively_a sense_n of_o small_a miscarriage_n against_o christ_n such_o be_v their_o spiritual_a sense_n one_o of_o the_o philosopher_n 〈◊〉_d philosopher_n protagoras_n dixit_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d diog._n laert_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hold_v that_o the_o soul_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o sense_n be_v not_o this_o in_o a_o sense_n true_a of_o the_o renew_a soul_n so_o far_o as_o it_o adhere_v to_o christ_n for_o himself_o have_v it_o not_o then_o all_o its_o spiritual_a sense_n exercise_v as_o heb._n 5.14_o do_v not_o paul_n pray_v for_o the_o philippian_n that_o they_o may_v abound_v in_o all_o sense_n phil._n 1.9_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o how_o may_v this_o be_v attain_v unto_o but_o by_o adhere_v unto_o christ_n that_o quicken_a head_n 5._o motion_n 5._o motion_n the_o last_o great_a issue_n of_o life_n be_v motion_n and_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o noble_a and_o raise_v the_o life_n be_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o active_a and_o perfect_a will_v the_o motion_n be_v for_o the_o manner_n of_o act_v be_v according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o exist_v by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o perfect_a the_o form_n be_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o perfect_a be_v the_o life_n and_o thence_o according_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o life_n we_o may_v measure_n the_o perfection_n of_o the_o operation_n spring_v thence_o and_o can_v there_o be_v a_o more_o noble_a and_o perfect_a life_n than_o continue_a election_n of_o and_o adhesion_n unto_o christ_n for_o himself_o do_v not_o the_o timaeo_n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n plato_n timaeo_n philosopher_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n be_v the_o proper_a motion_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o who_o may_v expect_v the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n if_o not_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n who_o elect_v he_o for_o himself_o what_o be_v there_o more_o efficacious_a to_o draw_v forth_o every_o grace_n in_o its_o exercise_v than_o transform_v sight_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o who_o be_v there_o that_o enjoy_v more_o of_o such_o transform_a sight_n than_o such_o as_o most_o firm_o and_o constant_o elect_v and_o adhere_v unto_o christ_n for_o himself_o o_o what_o uniform_a harmonious_a beautiful_a yea_o glorious_a exercice_n of_o grace_n do_v such_o friend_n of_o christ_n live_v under_o be_v not_o these_o the_o pure_a in_o heart_n to_o who_o the_o bless_a vision_n and_o fruition_n of_o god_n be_v promise_v mat._n 5.8_o do_v not_o these_o behold_v in_o christ_n that_o divine_a miroir_n or_o glass_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n 2_o cor._n 3.18_o in_o short_a what_o spiritual_a motion_n can_v the_o saint_n exert_v without_o adherence_n to_o and_o dependence_n on_o christ_n their_o head_n joh._n 15.5_o without_o i_o or_o separate_v from_o i_o you_o can_v do_v nothing_o thus_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n by_o continue_a election_n of_o and_o adhesion_n to_o he_o for_o himself_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n and_o all_o the_o issue_n thereof_o sect_n 5._o divine_a honour_n order_n beauty_n pleasure_n and_o riches_n from_o the_o election_n of_o christ_n for_o himself_o 4._o honor._n 4._o effect_n be_v divine_a honor._n another_o great_a effect_n of_o elect_v christ_n for_o himself_o be_v divine_a dignity_n honour_n and_o advancement_n what_o be_v honour_n even_o in_o the_o estime_fw-fr of_o the_o poor_a philosop_n but_o 4._o but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d arist_n eth._n l._n 4._o the_o reward_n of_o virtue_n give_v to_o good_a man_n and_o what_o great_a virtue_n can_v there_o be_v than_o a_o intimate_a adherence_n to_o christ_n for_o himself_o again_o be_v not_o the_o king_n the_o fountain_n of_o honour_n and_o be_v not_o they_o estimed_a most_o honourable_a who_o stand_v in_o his_o presence_n and_o receive_v marquess_n of_o honour_n and_o favour_n from_o he_o seneca_n he_o nemo_fw-la altero_fw-la nobilior_fw-la nisi_fw-la cvi_fw-la rectius_fw-la ingenium_fw-la qui_n imagine_v in_o atrio_fw-la exponâ—nt_fw-la noti_fw-la magis_fw-la quà m_fw-la nobiles_fw-la sunt_fw-la seneca_n sure_o this_o make_v much_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n friend_n who_o elect_v he_o for_o himself_o for_o such_o be_v heaven_n courtier_n they_o stand_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o king_n yea_o they_o be_v his_o assessor_n who_o set_v with_o he_o upon_o the_o throne_n luk._n 22.30_o that_o you_o may_v eat_v and_o drink_v at_o my_o table_n in_o my_o kingdom_n and_o sit_v on_o throne_n etc._n etc._n what_o high_a mark_n of_o honour_n can_v there_o be_v than_o to_o have_v christ_n and_o his_o father_n name_n write_v on_o their_o forehead_n as_o ezech._n 9.4_o rev._n 14.1_o seneca_n 14.1_o altum_fw-la quiddam_fw-la est_fw-la virtus_fw-la excelsum_fw-la regale_n invictum_fw-la in_o regno_fw-la nati_fw-la sumus_fw-la deo_fw-la parere_fw-la libertas_fw-la est_fw-la seneca_n be_v it_o not_o a_o singular_a favour_n that_o such_o have_v christ_n ear_n and_o heart_n to_o command_v can_v there_o be_v a_o great_a dignity_n than_o to_o be_v of_o christ_n cabinet-counsel_n psal_n 25.14_o be_v it_o not_o a_o high_a mark_n of_o honour_n to_o receive_v friendly_a visit_n and_o manifestation_n of_o love_n from_o christ_n as_o joh._n 14.21_o &_o 15.15_o far_o what_o great_a nobility_n among_o man_n than_o to_o be_v of_o the_o bloud-royal_a and_o be_v not_o those_o who_o elect_v and_o adhere_v to_o christ_n for_o himself_o most_o ally_v and_o akin_a to_o he_o as_o mat._n 12.49_o 50._o behold_v my_o mother_n etc._n etc._n the_o philosopher_n define_v 〈◊〉_d define_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d plat._n definit_a 1_o chron._n 4.9_o heb._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nobility_n a_o virtue_n of_o noble_a manner_n and_o what_o more_o noble_a manner_n can_v there_o be_v than_o to_o adhere_v to_o christ_n for_o himself_o what_o be_v it_o that_o make_v jabez_n 1_o chron._n 4.9_o more_o honourable_a or_o weighty_a or_o glorious_a than_o his_o brethren_n why_o we_o be_v tell_v v._o 10._o jabez_n call_v on_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n etc._n etc._n jabez_n elect_a god_n and_o cleave_v unto_o he_o for_o himself_o etc._n etc._n such_o honour_n have_v they_o who_o cleave_v to_o christ_n 5._o order_n 5._o effect_n be_v divine_a harmony_n and_o order_n the_o election_n of_o christ_n for_o himself_o be_v that_o which_o produce_v conserve_n and_o promote_v the_o most_o that_o may_v be_v a_o divine_a harmony_n and_o good_a order_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o its_o operation_n the_o philosopher_n see_v so_o much_o beauty_n and_o excellence_n in_o harmony_n and_o order_n as_o that_o one_o plato_n one_o plato_n make_v it_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o world_n laert_n world_n pythagoras_n hold_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d diog._n laert_n another_o hold_v that_o virtue_n and_o all_o thing_n else_o that_o be_v desirable_a consist_v in_o harmony_n whence_o plato_n call_v virtue_n the_o music_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o justice_n the_o symphony_n or_o consent_n of_o virtue_n and_o what_o put_v the_o soul_n into_o a_o better_a order_n harmony_n and_o uniformity_n than_o adherence_n to_o christ_n for_o himself_o paul_n himself_o it_o be_v say_v of_o padre_n paul_n the_o venetian_a that_o that_o which_o make_v he_o most_o admire_a be_v the_o couple_v together_o of_o virtue_n that_o be_v seem_o opposite_a as_o knowledge_n and_o humility_n etc._n etc._n life_n of_o father_n paul_n oh_o how_o uniform_a and_o harmonious_a be_v all_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n so_o far_o and_o so_o long_o as_o they_o adhere_v to_o he_o what_o a_o sweet_a composure_n and_o consent_n be_v there_o of_o contemplative_n and_o active_n of_o prudence_n with_o meekness_n of_o wisdom_n with_o humility_n of_o seriousness_n with_o chearfulnes_n of_o affability_n with_o severity_n of_o solitude_n with_o service_n and_o activity_n thus_o grace_n seem_o opposite_a do_v sweet_o conspire_v and_o meet_v together_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o divine_a harmony_n which_o attend_v the_o soul_n adhere_v to_o christ_n for_o himself_o 2_o pet._n 1.5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o 6._o glory_n 6._o effect_n be_v divine_a beauty_n and_o glory_n the_o election_n of_o and_o adhesion_n unto_o christ_n for_o himself_o infuse_v a_o divine_a beauty_n and_o glory_n into_o the_o soul_n as_o also_o into_o its_o act_n so_o far_o as_o they_o spring_v from_o this_o root_n beautè_fw-la root_n see_v les_fw-fr beaux_fw-fr esprits_fw-fr tom._n 1._o confer_v 26._o de_fw-fr la_fw-fr beautè_fw-la plato_n make_v beauty_n to_o arise_v from_o the_o form_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v predominant_a over_o the_o matter_n which_o be_v of_o itself_o without_o form_n and_o beauty_n other_o
single_o complete_o and_o for_o himself_o we_o now_o come_v to_o make_v some_o general_a improvement_n both_o doctrinal_a and_o practic_a of_o this_o first_o part_n of_o the_o first_o great_a and_o fundamental_a law_n of_o friendship_n with_o christ_n the_o doctrinal_a improvement_n of_o this_o head_n we_o shall_v reduce_v to_o certain_a useful_a corollary_n or_o inference_n which_o natural_o flow_v from_o what_o have_v be_v lay_v down_o and_o follow_v in_o their_o order_n 1._o freegrace_n 1._o the_o infinite_a condescension_n of_o freegrace_n do_v christ_n assume_v sinner_n into_o such_o a_o bless_a state_n of_o friendship_n with_o himself_o hence_o than_o we_o may_v infer_v what_o the_o infinite_a condescension_n and_o sovereign_n dominion_n of_o freegrace_n towards_o lapse_v undo_v man_n be_v what_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o the_o great_a jehovah_n shall_v stoop_v so_o low_a as_o to_o engage_v in_o such_o a_o intimate_a friendship_n with_o his_o poor_a creature_n yea_o that_o the_o most_o glorious_a pure_a and_o spotless_a be_v shall_v be_v content_a to_o mingle_v with_o impure_a dirty_a sinful_a flesh_n and_o blood_n yea_o far_o that_o the_o everblessed_n god_n shall_v court_v and_o beseech_v his_o deform_a creature_n to_o enter_v into_o a_o strict_a bond_n of_o friendship_n with_o himself_o what_o transcendent_a condescendence_n be_v this_o be_v it_o ever_o know_v that_o beauty_n court_v deformity_n that_o riches_n beg_v friendship_n of_o poverty_n that_o honour_n bend_v the_o knee_n to_o reproach_n and_o disgrace_n that_o the_o king_n beseech_v the_o malefactor_n to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o that_o happiness_n woo_v misery_n to_o be_v its_o spouse_n yet_o lo_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o this_o business_n of_o friendship_n with_o christ_n the_o first_o and_o supreme_a beauty_n court_v the_o most_o deform_a sinner_n the_o infinite_o rich_a and_o self-sufficient_a be_v beg_v his_o poor_a nothing-creature_n to_o be_v friend_n with_o he_o the_o most_o honourable_a lord_n of_o glory_n woo_v his_o wretched_a reproach_v and_o captive_a rebel_n to_o be_v not_o only_o reconcile_v to_o he_o but_o his_o spouse_n o_o the_o unparalleled_a and_o admirable_a soveraintie_n of_o this_o divine_a condescendent_fw-la grace_n who_o will_v ever_o have_v think_v or_o imagine_v that_o such_o al-sufficient_a and_o omnipotent_a grace_n shall_v have_v stoop_v so_o low_a to_o proud_a self-conceited_a and_o rebellious_a sinner_n what_o a_o wonder_n of_o wonder_n be_v this_o that_o freegrace_n shall_v pursue_v sinner_n with_o continue_a offer_n yea_o importunate_a desire_n of_o friendship_n when_o they_o pursue_v it_o with_o repeted_a effront_n and_o act_n of_o rebellion_n o_o how_o shall_v the_o friend_n of_o christ_n admire_v and_o adore_v the_o length_n breadth_n depth_n and_o height_n of_o this_o transcendent_a condescension_n of_o god_n 2._o religion_n 2._o the_o dignity_n of_o religion_n hence_o also_o we_o may_v infer_v what_o a_o noble_a generous_n 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 to_o make_v christ_n our_o friend_n hence_o learn_v far_o that_o none_o be_v true_o wise_a judicious_a and_o intelligent_a but_o such_o as_o elect_v christ_n for_o their_o friend_n the_o choice_n of_o a_o agreeable_a and_o good_a friend_n have_v always_o be_v account_v by_o the_o wise_a of_o man_n of_o great_a moment_n and_o concernment_n for_o friendship_n although_o it_o be_v but_o a_o relative_n be_v yet_o it_o be_v mighty_a efficacious_a and_o influential_a in_o that_o it_o secret_o insinuate_v and_o wind_n itself_o into_o the_o heart_n and_o by_z i_o know_v not_o what_o kind_n of_o charm_n captivate_v and_o transform_v it_o into_o the_o idea_n and_o quality_n of_o its_o friend_n be_v it_o not_o then_o a_o point_n of_o high_a interest_n and_o consequence_n to_o see_v that_o we_o make_v choice_n of_o the_o best_a friend_n and_o can_v there_o be_v a_o more_o suitable_a or_o better_a friend_n than_o christ_n be_v not_o all_o other_o friend_n of_o no_o value_n if_o compare_v with_o christ_n have_v not_o the_o best_a of_o creature-friend_n their_o cross_a humour_n their_o self-interest_n their_o morose_n and_o disagreable_a action_n but_o oh_o what_o a_o sweet-humored_n self-denying_a condescendent_fw-la affectionate_a judicious_a and_o faithful_a friend_n be_v christ_n sure_o then_o they_o be_v no_o fool_n who_o elect_v he_o for_o their_o friend_n albeit_o they_o thereby_o shall_v disoblige_v all_o the_o world_n beside_o and_o incur_v its_o frown_n the_o friend_n of_o christ_n know_v full_o well_o what_o they_o get_v in_o make_v christ_n their_o friend_n although_o thereby_o they_o lose_v all_o other_o friend_n yea_o make_v they_o their_o enemy_n time_n will_v be_v and_o that_o not_o long_o hence_o when_o it_o will_v more_o full_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o moment_n but_o real_a friendship_n with_o christ_n and_o therefore_o certain_o they_o who_o elect_v christ_n for_o their_o friend_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o wise_a of_o man_n yea_o the_o only_a wise_a man_n albeit_o they_o be_v not_o such_o now_o in_o the_o world_n eye_n and_o estime_fw-fr 4._o christ_n 4._o al_n by_o nature_n enemy_n to_o god_n in_o christ_n this_o idea_n of_o amity_n with_o christ_n as_o before_o state_v instruct_v we_o also_o that_o all_o man_n by_o nature_n be_v enemy_n to_o god_n in_o christ_n friendship_n among_o man_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v come_v not_o from_o nature_n but_o by_o choice_n man_n be_v not_o bear_v but_o make_v friend_n and_o that_o by_o long_a conversation_n and_o experience_n ground_v on_o some_o commun_n likeness_n and_o agreablenes_n and_o be_v there_o so_o much_o requisite_a to_o the_o constitution_n of_o friendship_n among_o man_n oh_o how_o much_o more_o than_o be_v there_o require_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o a_o firm_a inviolable_a and_o spiritual_a amity_n with_o christ_n can_v a_o blind_a mind_n by_o nature_n dark_a lantern_n see_v christ_n excellence_n can_v freewill_a by_o her_o most_o potent_a impotence_n find_v 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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 not_o too_o great_a ground_n for_o such_o fear_n 10._o rare_a 10._o true_a friendship_n among_o man_n very_o rare_a from_o the_o general_a idea_n and_o notion_n of_o friendship_n we_o may_v collect_v that_o there_o be_v little_a yea_o very_a little_a real_a and_o solid_a amity_n to_o be_v find_v among_o man_n each_o towards_o other_o it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v nothing_o among_o man_n more_o affect_v and_o commun_v than_o this_o stile_n your_o friend_n and_o yet_o what_o more_o rare_a than_o the_o thing_n the_o notion_n of_o friendship_n be_v sweet_a and_o amiable_a and_o therefore_o all_o lay_a claim_n to_o it_o but_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v very_o difficult_a and_o rare_a especial_o in_o this_o self-seeking_a age_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o the_o most_o of_o man_n even_o among_o those_o who_o assume_v to_o themselves_o the_o name_n be_v so_o much_o stranger_n to_o the_o thing_n alas_o how_o few_o be_v there_o who_o do_v or_o can_v 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
first_o conjugal_a election_n of_o he_o col._n 2.6_o 2._o christ_n 2._o advice_n to_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n to_o repete_fw-la daily_a their_o first_o election_n of_o christ_n another_o piece_n of_o admonition_n and_o advice_n for_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n in_o order_n to_o their_o live_n up_o to_o their_o profess_a amity_n with_o he_o be_v daily_o to_o revive_v and_o repete_fw-la their_o first_o election_n of_o and_o closure_n with_o christ_n and_o o_o that_o i_o have_v affection_n expression_n and_o opportunity_n to_o press_v home_o this_o great_a piece_n of_o sacred_a advice_n on_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n what_o can_v there_o be_v say_v of_o great_a moment_n for_o the_o preservation_n christ_n the_o benefit_n of_o such_o repeted_a election_n of_o christ_n improvement_n and_o perfection_n of_o our_o friendship_n with_o christ_n than_o this_o that_o our_o heart_n be_v frequent_o yea_o daily_a and_o deep_o engage_v in_o this_o great_a fundamental_a and_o vital_a act_n of_o elect_v and_o close_v with_o christ_n 1._o law_n 1._o as_o to_o gradual_a separation_n from_o sin_n self_n the_o world_n and_o law_n do_v not_o this_o solemn_a election_n of_o christ_n at_o first_o make_v that_o happy_a divorce_n between_o the_o heart_n and_o sin_n with_o all_o other_o christ_n enemy_n and_o be_v not_o the_o heart_n daily_o more_o alienate_v from_o sin_n and_o self_n and_o the_o world_n and_o the_o law_n by_o such_o revive_a closure_n with_o christ_n do_v not_o the_o prevalence_n and_o predominance_n of_o spiritual_a pride_n carnal_a confidence_n self-love_n earthly-mindednes_a hypocrisy_n with_o other_o spiritual_a lust_n arise_v from_o our_o defect_n of_o such_o renew_a closure_n with_o christ_n rutherf_n christ_n be_v not_o discourage_v at_o break_a and_o spill_v resolution_n but_o to_o it_o and_o to_o it_o again_o woo_v about_o christ_n '_o till_o you_o get_v your_o soul_n espouse_v as_o a_o chaste_a virgin_n to_o he_o rutherf_n be_v there_o any_o thing_n that_o do_v more_o effective_o quench_v the_o flame_n of_o violent_a passion_n or_o break_v the_o impetuous_a force_n of_o unmortified_a disposition_n and_o irregular_a inclination_n than_o fresh_a adherence_n to_o and_o recumbence_n on_o christ_n what_o more_o efficacious_o shut_v the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n against_o the_o blandissement_n and_o inveiglement_n of_o a_o heart-bewitching_a world_n than_o to_o have_v it_o lay_v open_a for_o christ_n and_o the_o election_n of_o he_o be_v not_o the_o heart_n also_o by_o such_o fresh_a espousement_n of_o christ_n more_o powerful_o rend_v from_o the_o law_n as_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o import_n of_o our_o savior_n exhortation_n mat._n 7.13_o 14._o 14._o mat._n 7.13_o 14._o enter_v you_o in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n etc._n etc._n i._n e._n make_v it_o your_o daily_a work_n to_o bid_v adieu_o to_o all_o belove_a idol-friend_n which_o be_v enemy_n to_o christ_n get_v your_o heart_n every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o strip_v of_o and_o rend_v from_o sin_n self_n the_o world_n and_o the_o law_n as_o a_o covenant_n and_o how_o may_v this_o be_v accomplish_v but_o by_o more_o continue_a election_n of_o and_o adhesion_n to_o christ_n the_o straight_a gate_n take_v in_o not_o only_a aversion_n from_o idol-friend_n but_o also_o conversion_n to_o christ_n our_o best_a friend_n and_o the_o daily_a repetition_n of_o the_o latter_a give_v no_o sinal_a perfection_n to_o the_o former_a the_o heart_n be_v never_o turn_v more_o effectual_o from_o sin_n self_n the_o world_n and_o law_n than_o when_o it_o be_v most_o firm_o and_o frequent_o turn_v to_o christ_n 2._o christ_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o confirmation_n or_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n this_o repeted_a and_o daily_a election_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o which_o corrâ—borates_n and_o confirm_v the_o soul_n bond_n of_o union_n or_o covenant_n of_o amity_n with_o christ_n for_o what_o be_v it_o that_o first_o knit_v the_o heart_n in_o a_o covenant_n of_o friendship_n with_o christ_n be_v it_o not_o the_o believer_n election_n of_o christ_n as_o his_o friend_n and_o do_v not_o the_o repetition_n of_o the_o same_o election_n mighty_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v this_o bond_n of_o union_n 2.16_o cant._n 2.16_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o spouse_n cant._n 2.16_o my_o beloved_n be_v i_o and_o i_o be_o he_o here_o she_o make_v a_o fresh_a and_o solemn_a espousement_n of_o or_o conjugal_a covenant_n with_o christ_n as_o if_o she_o have_v say_v he_o be_v whole_o for_o i_o and_o shall_v not_o i_o be_v whole_o for_o he_o and_o for_o non_fw-la other_o hos_n 3.3_o he_o have_v give_v i_o a_o large_a room_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o shall_v not_o i_o give_v he_o a_o regal_a throne_n in_o my_o heart_n be_v he_o content_a with_o i_o poor_a sinful_a unworthy_a i_o and_o shall_v not_o i_o be_v content_a with_o he_o most_o excellent_a alsufficient_a incomparable_a he_o thus_o by_o repeted_a election_n of_o christ_n she_o strengthen_v her_o union_n with_o he_o be_v not_o the_o heart_n hereby_o keep_v close_o to_o christ_n and_o thence_o christ_n keep_v close_o to_o the_o heart_n do_v not_o such_o repeted_a frequent_a election_n of_o christ_n bring_v the_o soul_n into_o a_o more_o intimate_a and_o firm_a adhesion_n unto_o he_o so_o that_o the_o heart_n can_v be_v long_o absent_a from_o christ_n nor_o christ_n long_o absent_a from_o the_o heart_n 3._o grace_n 3._o as_o to_o the_o radication_n of_o grace_n such_o reiterated_a and_o frequent_a election_n of_o christ_n do_v great_o radicate_v and_o strengthen_v the_o root_n of_o habitual_a grace_n in_o the_o heart_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o actual_a dependence_n on_o christ_n and_o his_o impartment_n of_o grace_n to_o we_o such_o be_v the_o vigour_n and_o strength_n of_o habitual_a grace_n now_o this_o reiterated_a election_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o which_o bring_v the_o soul_n into_o the_o most_o absolute_a dependence_n on_o christ_n and_o engage_v he_o to_o give_v forth_o the_o most_o efficacious_a influence_n of_o his_o grace_n the_o more_o we_o elect_a christ_n the_o more_o we_o depend_v on_o he_o and_o the_o more_o we_o depend_v on_o he_o the_o more_o we_o receive_v from_o he_o in_o point_n of_o grace_n so_o col_n 2.6_o 7._o col._n 2_o 6_o 7._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 i._n e._n keep_v up_o the_o same_o frame_n of_o spirit_n towards_o christ_n wherewith_o you_o first_o receive_v he_o be_v much_o in_o the_o repetition_n of_o your_o first_o election_n of_o he_o a_o christian_n coversion-work_n be_v never_o at_o a_o end_n '_o till_o his_o life_n be_v at_o a_o end_n his_o new-birth_n be_v never_o perfect_o over_o so_o long_o as_o he_o continue_v in_o this_o imperfect_a life_n he_o ought_v daily_o to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n that_o so_o he_o may_v walk_v in_o the_o narrow_a way_n mat._n 7.13_o 14._o peter_n have_v a_o second_o conversion_n after_o his_o great_a relapse_n into_o that_o sin_n of_o deny_v his_o lord_n and_o so_o the_o friend_n of_o christ_n have_v their_o second_o third_z four_o &c._n &c._n conversion_n as_o to_o fresh_a turn_n from_o sin_n unto_o god_n can_v thou_o remember_v with_o what_o frame_n of_o spirit_n thou_o first_o receive_v christ_n what_o deep_a conviction_n and_o feel_a sense_n of_o sin_n thou_o have_v what_o breach_n for_o and_o from_o sin_n be_v make_v on_o thy_o soul_n what_o solemn_a closure_n with_o christ_n thy_o soul_n make_v why_o then_o as_o thou_o at_o first_o do_v receive_v christ_n so_o walk_v in_o he_o keep_v up_o the_o same_o frame_n and_o posture_n of_o spirit_n towards_o sin_n and_o christ_n and_o what_o follow_v v._o 7._o root_v and_o build_v up_o in_o he_o and_o establish_v in_o the_o faith_n the_o radication_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o faith_n depend_v on_o our_o walk_n in_o christ_n as_o we_o first_o receive_v he_o i._n e._n on_o the_o fresh_a election_n of_o he_o 4._o affection_n 4_o as_o to_o the_o enlargement_n of_o affection_n this_o repeted_a espousement_n of_o christ_n be_v that_o which_o give_v we_o a_o huge_a enlargement_n of_o affection_n towards_o christ_n oh_o what_o strong_a and_o raise_v desire_n after_o christ_n what_o intimate_v and_o inviolable_a embracement_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o arm_n of_o love_n what_o infinite_a satisfaction_n and_o complacence_n in_o his_o presence_n what_o bitter_a lamentation_n and_o mourning_n after_o he_o in_o his_o absence_n what_o infinite_a thirst_v and_o long_n for_o as_o also_o lively_a hope_n of_o his_o return_n and_o what_o implacable_a zele_n against_o whatever_o may_v oppose_v christ_n will_v his_o friend_n have_v be_v they_o much_o in_o this_o repeted_a election_n of_o christ_n the_o love_n of_o espousal_n and_o kindness_n of_o youth_n which_o young_a convert_v give_v unto_o christ_n be_v usual_o most_o